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Shutting the door on Congress for an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in May, &nbsp;Bahujan Samaj Party &nbsp;(BSP) supremo Mayawati on Saturday said Congress will not be a part of SP-BSP alliance.&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati were addressing a joint press conference in Lucknow on Saturday.&nbsp;

''We won't gain anything by including Congress in our alliance. Both BSP and SP have experienced in the past that Congress's vote is not transferable,'' she said.

To defeat the arrogance of BJP, it was necessary for BSP and SP to come together, she said and added BJP can go to any extent to ''create differences in our workers we must be united and counter any such tactic''.

Accusing both Congress and the BJP of indulging in corruption, she said be it BJP or Congress, whoever rules, their policies are mostly the same. For example, we are seeing how both indulged in corruption in defence deals. Congress imposed declared emergency, today there is undeclared emergency, she said.

Attacking the BJP government at the Centre, she said SP-BSP alliance will give sleepless nights to Modi-Shah. &nbsp;

''SP-BSP have buried the hatchet and come together. BJP fears this alliance and this press briefing will give sleepless nights to Modi and Amit Shah,'' she said.&nbsp;

The alliance will herald a new political revolution, she said and added that grand alliance will trouble guru-chela, referring Modi and Amit Shah.&nbsp;

BSP-SP will leave no stone unturned to oust BJP, she added.&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to contest 38 each of Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats leaving two seats for other parties in the alliance.&nbsp;

SP-BSP alliance will not field any candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli and will leave both the seats for the Congress, Mayawati said.&nbsp;

Shutting the door on Congress for an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in May, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Saturday said Congress will not be a part of SP-BSP alliance.

Shutting the door on Congress for an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in May, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Saturday said Congress will not be a part of SP-BSP alliance. Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati were addressing a joint press conference in Lucknow on Saturday. ''We won't gain anything by including Congress in our alliance. Both BSP and SP have experienced in the past that Congress's vote is not transferable,'' she said. To defeat the arrogance of BJP, it was necessary for BSP and SP to come together, she said and added BJP can go to any extent to ''create differences in our workers we must be united and counter any such tactic''. Accusing both Congress and the BJP of indulging in corruption, she said be it BJP or Congress, whoever rules, their policies are mostly the same. For example, we are seeing how both indulged in corruption in defence deals. Congress imposed declared emergency, today there is undeclared emergency, she said. Attacking the BJP government at the Centre, she said SP-BSP alliance will give sleepless nights to Modi-Shah. ''SP-BSP have buried the hatchet and come together. BJP fears this alliance and this press briefing will give sleepless nights to Modi and Amit Shah,'' she said. The alliance will herald a new political revolution, she said and added that grand alliance will trouble guru-chela, referring Modi and Amit Shah. BSP-SP will leave no stone unturned to oust BJP, she added. Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to contest 38 each of Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats leaving two seats for other parties in the alliance. SP-BSP alliance will not field any candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli and will leave both the seats for the Congress, Mayawati said.

BSP, SP to contest 38 seats each in Uttar Pradesh, Congress left out in cold

Over 15 lakh litres of water was pumped out of the 370-foot deep coal mine in Meghalaya on Friday where 15 miners are trapped since December 13.

However, despite the pump out there was no significant drop in the level of the water.

A day before the rescuers had extracted over 28 lakh litres of water.

The Kirloskar Brothers Ltd pump is engaged in dewatering the main shaft where the miners are trapped. They carried out the work for 17.5 hours and managed to pump out 15.75 lakh litres, operations spokesperson R Susngi said.

The Centre told the Supreme Court Friday that it has to "believe in miracles" and see if the 15 miners, who have been trapped for almost a month inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine come out alive.

It said the authorities were making all efforts to save the lives of these persons and the Indian Navy and planes and helicopters of the Indian Air Force have been deployed in the rescue operation.

The authorities have arrested the person running the illegal mine where the incident took.

(With inputs from PTI)

Over 15 lakh litres of water was pumped out of the 370-foot deep coal mine in Meghalaya on Friday where 15 miners are trapped since December 13. However, despite the pump out there was no significant drop in the level of the water.

Over 15 lakh litres of water was pumped out of the 370-foot deep coal mine in Meghalaya on Friday where 15 miners are trapped since December 13. However, despite the pump out there was no significant drop in the level of the water. A day before the rescuers had extracted over 28 lakh litres of water. The Kirloskar Brothers Ltd pump is engaged in dewatering the main shaft where the miners are trapped. They carried out the work for 17.5 hours and managed to pump out 15.75 lakh litres, operations spokesperson R Susngi said. The Centre told the Supreme Court Friday that it has to "believe in miracles" and see if the 15 miners, who have been trapped for almost a month inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine come out alive. It said the authorities were making all efforts to save the lives of these persons and the Indian Navy and planes and helicopters of the Indian Air Force have been deployed in the rescue operation. The authorities have arrested the person running the illegal mine where the incident took. (With inputs from PTI)

Over 15 lakh litre more water pumped out of Meghalaya mine, but still no significant drop in water level

Indian space research organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan said the space agency will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-gsat-7a-satellite-will-aid-army-air-force-communications-185316">launch the Chandrayaan-2 mission</a> in mid-April while adding that it has targeted two unmanned missions to space in December 2020 and July 2021.

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Addressing the media at Bengaluru, the ISRO chief said: "Preparations for Gaganyaan mission are underway. It has been a major turning point for ISRO." The ISRO chief informed that the space agency carried out 17 missions last year with seven being launch missions.

"The target for two unmanned missions to space is December 2020 and July 2021. The target for a manned mission to space is December 2021," Sivan said.

"In 2018, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-indias-heaviest-satellite-the-gsat-11-181542">ISRO launched the heaviest satellite</a> into space," he said, adding,"Rs 10,000 crore approved for has been approved for Gaganyan."

"The inital training for Gaganyaan will be done in India and advanced training maybe in Russia. Women astronauts will be there on the team. That's our aim," the ISRO chief said.

Sivan said the agency had created a science centre in Jammu and Kashmir while informing that human space programme will be a turning point for the space organization.

"We will set up six incubation and research centres across the country. We will bring the Indian students to ISRO. Why do the Indian students need to go to NASA?"

The objective of the Chandrayaan-2 mission is to carry a three-member crew to low Earth orbit and return them safely to a predefined destination on Earth. PM Modi had on Independence Day announced that the mission would be undertaken by 2022.

The Chandrayaan-2 consists of a lunar orbiter, lander and rover developed by ISRO. The mission was delayed after Russia's Roscosmos failed to provide the lander, later the Russian space agency pulled out of the project leading the space body to develop it indigenously.&nbsp;

This year is the birth centenary of the founding father of Indian Space programme, Vikram A Sarabhai, and year-long celebrations, consisting of a host of national and international events would commence August 12, 2019.

Indian space research organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan said the space agency will launch the Chandrayaan-2 mission in mid-April while adding that it has targeted two unmanned missions to space in December 2020 and July 2021.

Indian space research organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan said the space agency will launch the Chandrayaan-2 mission in mid-April while adding that it has targeted two unmanned missions to space in December 2020 and July 2021. #WATCH ISRO Chief K Sivan addresses the media in Bengaluru https://t.co/uVlxoZaJpk — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2019 × Addressing the media at Bengaluru, the ISRO chief said: "Preparations for Gaganyaan mission are underway. It has been a major turning point for ISRO." The ISRO chief informed that the space agency carried out 17 missions last year with seven being launch missions. "The target for two unmanned missions to space is December 2020 and July 2021. The target for a manned mission to space is December 2021," Sivan said. "In 2018, ISRO launched the heaviest satellite into space," he said, adding,"Rs 10,000 crore approved for has been approved for Gaganyan." "The inital training for Gaganyaan will be done in India and advanced training maybe in Russia. Women astronauts will be there on the team. That's our aim," the ISRO chief said. Sivan said the agency had created a science centre in Jammu and Kashmir while informing that human space programme will be a turning point for the space organization. "We will set up six incubation and research centres across the country. We will bring the Indian students to ISRO. Why do the Indian students need to go to NASA?" The objective of the Chandrayaan-2 mission is to carry a three-member crew to low Earth orbit and return them safely to a predefined destination on Earth. PM Modi had on Independence Day announced that the mission would be undertaken by 2022. The Chandrayaan-2 consists of a lunar orbiter, lander and rover developed by ISRO. The mission was delayed after Russia's Roscosmos failed to provide the lander, later the Russian space agency pulled out of the project leading the space body to develop it indigenously. This year is the birth centenary of the founding father of Indian Space programme, Vikram A Sarabhai, and year-long celebrations, consisting of a host of national and international events would commence August 12, 2019.

Chandrayaan-2 mission in mid-April; targeting manned mission to space in 2021: ISRO

At a time massive protests are being organised across Assam against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, tribal organisations have called a 24-hour strike on Friday across the state.&nbsp;

The Coordination Committee of the Tribal Organisations, Assam has given a call for a 24-hour bandh from 5 am today to protest against the Constitution Amendment Bill, which accorded ST status to the six ethnic groups of the state.

Tribal organisations are of the opinion that tribals are being cornered by not granting them ST status.&nbsp;

“This strike has been called to protest against the Constitution Amendment Bill granting ST status to six ethnic groups of Assam. We are not just being cornered but it is an attempt by both the state and the central government to eliminate genuine tribals from the state,” said a leader of the Coordination Committee of the Tribal organisations.&nbsp;

The six ethnic groups which have been considered for ST status by the central government are - Ahoms, Marans, Muttocks, Chutiyas, Koch-Rajbongshis and Tea Communities.

Meanwhile, the Guwahati administration has clamped section 144 CrPC in Guwahati until further orders to prevent any deterioration in law and order situation amidst protests and a 24-hour strike. &nbsp;

The prohibitory order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Police, East Police District read, “In exercise of powers conferred upon me, under section 144 CrPC, I, Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, DCP, East Police District, Guwahati, do hereby prohibit assembly of more than five persons, agitation, demonstration, procession and shouting slogans in the entire East Police district, Guwahati covering Dispur, Bhangagarh, Basistha, Hatigaon, Sonapur and Khetri Police station areas under it without prior permission from competent authority.”

At a time massive protests are being organised across Assam against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, tribal organisations have called a 24-hour strike on Friday across the state.

At a time massive protests are being organised across Assam against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, tribal organisations have called a 24-hour strike on Friday across the state. The Coordination Committee of the Tribal Organisations, Assam has given a call for a 24-hour bandh from 5 am today to protest against the Constitution Amendment Bill, which accorded ST status to the six ethnic groups of the state. Tribal organisations are of the opinion that tribals are being cornered by not granting them ST status. “This strike has been called to protest against the Constitution Amendment Bill granting ST status to six ethnic groups of Assam. We are not just being cornered but it is an attempt by both the state and the central government to eliminate genuine tribals from the state,” said a leader of the Coordination Committee of the Tribal organisations. The six ethnic groups which have been considered for ST status by the central government are - Ahoms, Marans, Muttocks, Chutiyas, Koch-Rajbongshis and Tea Communities. Meanwhile, the Guwahati administration has clamped section 144 CrPC in Guwahati until further orders to prevent any deterioration in law and order situation amidst protests and a 24-hour strike. The prohibitory order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Police, East Police District read, “In exercise of powers conferred upon me, under section 144 CrPC, I, Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, DCP, East Police District, Guwahati, do hereby prohibit assembly of more than five persons, agitation, demonstration, procession and shouting slogans in the entire East Police district, Guwahati covering Dispur, Bhangagarh, Basistha, Hatigaon, Sonapur and Khetri Police station areas under it without prior permission from competent authority.”

Assam: Tribal organisations observe 24-hour strike today 

As protests continued unabated against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Assam, a group of protesters vandalised a BJP office, police said on Friday.

The protestors belonging to Oikya Sena Asom on Thursday night vandalised the office in Palashbari area, a report said.

The protesters also set fire to the effigies of Prime Minister Modi, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and also blocked the national highway shouting slogans against the BJP-led NDA government.

Later, the police took the agitators into custody.

Assam has witness protests since the Union Cabinet on Monday approved the Bill that aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to make illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan eligible for citizenship of India, after a Joint Parliamentary Committee submitted its recommendations to the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

While the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has snapped its ties with the BJP over the Bill and it`s three ministers resigned, four members of the Central government nominated a high powered committee to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord have also declined to participate.

On Tuesday, the northeastern states observed a total shutdown in protest.

As protests continued unabated against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Assam, a group of protesters vandalised a BJP office, police said on Friday. The protestors belonging to Oikya Sena Asom on Thursday night vandalised the office in Palashbari area, a report said.

As protests continued unabated against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Assam, a group of protesters vandalised a BJP office, police said on Friday. The protestors belonging to Oikya Sena Asom on Thursday night vandalised the office in Palashbari area, a report said. The protesters also set fire to the effigies of Prime Minister Modi, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and also blocked the national highway shouting slogans against the BJP-led NDA government. Later, the police took the agitators into custody. Assam has witness protests since the Union Cabinet on Monday approved the Bill that aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to make illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan eligible for citizenship of India, after a Joint Parliamentary Committee submitted its recommendations to the Lok Sabha. While the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has snapped its ties with the BJP over the Bill and it`s three ministers resigned, four members of the Central government nominated a high powered committee to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord have also declined to participate. On Tuesday, the northeastern states observed a total shutdown in protest.

BJP office vandalised in Assam over Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 

US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders.&nbsp;

Trump hinted at changes "that are soon coming" which will bring "both simplicity and certainty" to the stay of H1-B holders, "including a potential path to citizenship."

"We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the US," the tweet read.&nbsp;

Last month, the Trump administration proposed major changes to the H-1B application process with the aim of awarding the visa to the most skilled and highest paid foreign workers, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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H1-B holders in the United States can rest assured that changes are soon coming which will bring both simplicity and certainty to your stay, including a potential path to citizenship. We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the U.S.
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Under a new proposed merit-based rule companies employing foreign workers on the H-1B visa - under the Congressional mandated annual caps -- would have to electronically register with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during a designated registration period.

The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 visas each fiscal year as mandated by the US Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap.&nbsp;

The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 each fiscal year as mandated by the Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap.

According to the USCIS, between 2007 and 2017, it received the maximum number of 2.2 million H-1B petitions from high-skilled Indians, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

India was followed by China with 301,000 H-1B petitions during the same period.

(With inputs from PTI)

US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders. Trump hinted at changes "that are soon coming" which will bring "both simplicity and certainty" to the stay of H1-B holders, "including a potential path to citizenship.

US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders. Trump hinted at changes "that are soon coming" which will bring "both simplicity and certainty" to the stay of H1-B holders, "including a potential path to citizenship." "We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the US," the tweet read. Last month, the Trump administration proposed major changes to the H-1B application process with the aim of awarding the visa to the most skilled and highest paid foreign workers, news agency PTI reported. H1-B holders in the United States can rest assured that changes are soon coming which will bring both simplicity and certainty to your stay, including a potential path to citizenship. We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the U.S. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2019 × Under a new proposed merit-based rule companies employing foreign workers on the H-1B visa - under the Congressional mandated annual caps -- would have to electronically register with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during a designated registration period. The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 visas each fiscal year as mandated by the US Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap. The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 each fiscal year as mandated by the Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap. According to the USCIS, between 2007 and 2017, it received the maximum number of 2.2 million H-1B petitions from high-skilled Indians, news agency PTI reported. India was followed by China with 301,000 H-1B petitions during the same period. (With inputs from PTI)

Want to encourage highly skilled people to pursue career in US: Trump tweets good news for H1-B holders

Asserting that it would never strike an electoral pact with the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the DMK Friday mocked at him for "comparing" himself with late leader A B Vajpayee.

A day after the Prime Minister said his party cherished its old friends, seeking to rope in outfits for the NDA, DMK chief M K Stalin said people would not forget that it was under Modi's rule that Tamil Nadu's rights were "snatched away," something unseen before.

"I would like to make it categorical again that DMK will never forge an alliance with the BJP-led by Narendra Modi," he said and hit out at Modi for not doing anything to strengthen India's integrity.

Flaying the Prime Minister for allegedly treating with disdain values like secularism, social justice and federalism in his rule, Stalin said, "Modi is not Vajpayee."

Crediting Vajpayee with stitching together a "healthy alliance," during his times, the DMK leader said, however, the NDA under the incumbent Prime Minister is not so.

Accusing the Prime Minister of not guarding "pluralism," Stalin said it was "strange and comical that Modi was comparing himself with Vajpayee."

Stalin recalled that Vajpayee was described as "the right person in the wrong party," by late party patriarch M Karunanidhi.

Under Vajpayee the agenda for governance was "not divisive," he said adding his party had joined the NDA (in 1999) under the late leader only for a stable government to ensure growth.

Reacting to Stalin, BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan said she does not understand why the DMK leader was interpreting Modi's remarks as an invite to his party.

Speaking to reporters at Delhi, she wondered why the DMK, which has a tie-up with Congress and having proposed Rahul Gandhi as their pick for the Prime Minister's post should feel that their party was invited.

The Prime Minister had only said that Vajpayee had shown the party the way for building successful coalitions.

Also, Modi had said that the strongest alliance is one with the people and more than "alliances we have to focus on remaining connected with people," she pointed out.

Like the celebrated leader Vajpayee, "Modi is a strong leader," she said adding "I don't know why DMK is reacting as if they were invited.. We know with whom we will go in for an alliance and we have already said we will forge ties with like-minded parties...There is enough time."

While the Prime Minister showed civility in his remarks on the coalition, she said she doubted if Stalin had it since he had reacted to the interaction her party leader had with their party workers.

In an interaction with the party's booth-level workers from five districts in Tamil Nadu on Thursday Modi spoke about Vajpayee's successful bids at building strong coalitions.

"20 years ago the visionary leader Atalji brought in a new culture in Indian politics...He gave utmost importance to regional aspirations. BJP has followed the way Atalji has shown us," Modi had said.

Asserting that it would never strike an electoral pact with the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the DMK Friday mocked at him for "comparing" himself with late leader A B Vajpayee.

Asserting that it would never strike an electoral pact with the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the DMK Friday mocked at him for "comparing" himself with late leader A B Vajpayee. A day after the Prime Minister said his party cherished its old friends, seeking to rope in outfits for the NDA, DMK chief M K Stalin said people would not forget that it was under Modi's rule that Tamil Nadu's rights were "snatched away," something unseen before. "I would like to make it categorical again that DMK will never forge an alliance with the BJP-led by Narendra Modi," he said and hit out at Modi for not doing anything to strengthen India's integrity. Flaying the Prime Minister for allegedly treating with disdain values like secularism, social justice and federalism in his rule, Stalin said, "Modi is not Vajpayee." Crediting Vajpayee with stitching together a "healthy alliance," during his times, the DMK leader said, however, the NDA under the incumbent Prime Minister is not so. Accusing the Prime Minister of not guarding "pluralism," Stalin said it was "strange and comical that Modi was comparing himself with Vajpayee." Stalin recalled that Vajpayee was described as "the right person in the wrong party," by late party patriarch M Karunanidhi. Under Vajpayee the agenda for governance was "not divisive," he said adding his party had joined the NDA (in 1999) under the late leader only for a stable government to ensure growth. Reacting to Stalin, BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan said she does not understand why the DMK leader was interpreting Modi's remarks as an invite to his party. Speaking to reporters at Delhi, she wondered why the DMK, which has a tie-up with Congress and having proposed Rahul Gandhi as their pick for the Prime Minister's post should feel that their party was invited. The Prime Minister had only said that Vajpayee had shown the party the way for building successful coalitions. Also, Modi had said that the strongest alliance is one with the people and more than "alliances we have to focus on remaining connected with people," she pointed out. Like the celebrated leader Vajpayee, "Modi is a strong leader," she said adding "I don't know why DMK is reacting as if they were invited.. We know with whom we will go in for an alliance and we have already said we will forge ties with like-minded parties...There is enough time." While the Prime Minister showed civility in his remarks on the coalition, she said she doubted if Stalin had it since he had reacted to the interaction her party leader had with their party workers. In an interaction with the party's booth-level workers from five districts in Tamil Nadu on Thursday Modi spoke about Vajpayee's successful bids at building strong coalitions. "20 years ago the visionary leader Atalji brought in a new culture in Indian politics...He gave utmost importance to regional aspirations. BJP has followed the way Atalji has shown us," Modi had said.

DMK rules out poll deal with BJP in Tamil Nadu

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category Friday due to reduced wind speed even as authorities have forecast rainfall in the next couple of days which they said might lower the pollution level.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 364, which falls in the 'very poor' category.

An AQI between 100 and 200 comes under the 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 is 'severe'.

Anand Vihar, Bawana, Dwarka Sector 8, ITO and Mundka recorded 'severe' air quality, while 28 areas recorded 'very poor' air quality and three areas 'poor' air quality, the CPCB said.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality, while Gurgaon recorded 'poor' air quality, it said.

The overall PM2.5 level - fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers - in Delhi was recorded at 246, while the PM10 level was at 396, it said.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the air quality may improve in the next two days under the influence of light rains which is expected thereafter.

"The overall air quality over Delhi slipped to very poor range as predicted by SAFAR owing to slowing down of surface winds speed significantly. It will deteriorate further, but to remain in the 'very poor' category with small fluctuations in the next three days if it does not rain. Other meteorological conditions are not favourable although foggy conditions are likely to reduce now," the SAFAR said.

Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category Wednesday and Thursday with increased wind speed which helps in cleansing the air.&nbsp;

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category Friday due to reduced wind speed even as authorities have forecast rainfall in the next couple of days which they said might lower the pollution level.

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category Friday due to reduced wind speed even as authorities have forecast rainfall in the next couple of days which they said might lower the pollution level. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 364, which falls in the 'very poor' category. An AQI between 100 and 200 comes under the 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 is 'severe'. Anand Vihar, Bawana, Dwarka Sector 8, ITO and Mundka recorded 'severe' air quality, while 28 areas recorded 'very poor' air quality and three areas 'poor' air quality, the CPCB said. In the National Capital Region (NCR), Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality, while Gurgaon recorded 'poor' air quality, it said. The overall PM2.5 level - fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers - in Delhi was recorded at 246, while the PM10 level was at 396, it said. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the air quality may improve in the next two days under the influence of light rains which is expected thereafter. "The overall air quality over Delhi slipped to very poor range as predicted by SAFAR owing to slowing down of surface winds speed significantly. It will deteriorate further, but to remain in the 'very poor' category with small fluctuations in the next three days if it does not rain. Other meteorological conditions are not favourable although foggy conditions are likely to reduce now," the SAFAR said. Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category Wednesday and Thursday with increased wind speed which helps in cleansing the air.

Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 'very poor' category

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections in government jobs and educational institutions does not contravene the basic structure of the Constitution and termed the move the single greatest recognition for the poor in the general category.&nbsp;

He also accused the main opposition party Congress of only paying "lip sympathy" and grudgingly supporting the Constitution Amendment Bill, passed by Parliament earlier this week.

Caste in India was considered as a key determinant of either social or historical oppression as in the case of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes or a determinant of social and educational backwardness as in the case of the Other Backward Classes, he said in a Facebook blog.&nbsp;

"Poverty, however, is a secular criteria" and it cuts across communities and religions," he said adding that "poverty as criteria for a carve-out does not in any way contravene the basic structure of the Constitution".

The union minister noted that the original Constitution (unamended) in its Preamble mentions equality of opportunity and justice for all whether political, social or economic to be ensured by the state.&nbsp;

The Preamble expresses the intent of the Constitution framers, he added.&nbsp;

"It is an aid to the interpretation of what constitutes the basic structure. Nor does the carve-out amongst the general non-reserved categories for 10 per cent of their poor in any way get restricted by the 50 per cent reservation embargo placed by the Supreme Court," said the senior BJP leader.&nbsp;

In the Indra Sawhney case, Jaitley said the Supreme Court had categorically mentioned that 50 per cent criteria applies only to the caste-based reservations envisaged in Article 16(4) of the Constitution.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, the Prime Minister's decision to force an agenda for poverty-based reservation is "the single greatest recognition/concern" for poor across the general categories and the need to eliminate poverty.&nbsp;

"The principal opposition party showed only lip sympathy for the measure and grudgingly supported it while poking holes in the same," the minister said.&nbsp;

He also highlighted other government's initiatives like housing for every rural poor, universal health scheme - Ayushman Bharat, and interest subvention, for economic upliftment of the poor.

On relief measures for the middle class, Jaitley said that in the last five years, not a single tax has been increased, GST has been brought down on most commodities, and income tax relief has been provided.

Commodities have been made cheaper, even though the revenue sacrificed now after the rates revision would be close to Rs 1 lakh crore, he said.

"This is the first time that during the five-year tenure of a government a Rs 2 lakh crore annual tax rebate for both direct and indirect taxes is given to the middle-class taxpayer without a single tax being increased," Jaitley said.

The finance minister further listed out measures taken by the present government for the upliftment and economic empowerment of the poor.&nbsp;

"There is a method for economically empowering the poor. Their purchasing power has improved. This helps trade and businesses which impacts positively on the economy.&nbsp;

"This is the first five-year tenure of a government where India has consistently remained the fastest growing economy in the world," he said.&nbsp;

"This indeed helps every Indian&nbsp;the poor, the neo-middle class, the middle class and, of course, the large business community", the minister added.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections in government jobs and educational institutions does not contravene the basic structure of the Constitution and termed the move the single greatest recognition for the poor in the general category.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections in government jobs and educational institutions does not contravene the basic structure of the Constitution and termed the move the single greatest recognition for the poor in the general category. He also accused the main opposition party Congress of only paying "lip sympathy" and grudgingly supporting the Constitution Amendment Bill, passed by Parliament earlier this week. Caste in India was considered as a key determinant of either social or historical oppression as in the case of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes or a determinant of social and educational backwardness as in the case of the Other Backward Classes, he said in a Facebook blog. "Poverty, however, is a secular criteria" and it cuts across communities and religions," he said adding that "poverty as criteria for a carve-out does not in any way contravene the basic structure of the Constitution". The union minister noted that the original Constitution (unamended) in its Preamble mentions equality of opportunity and justice for all whether political, social or economic to be ensured by the state. The Preamble expresses the intent of the Constitution framers, he added. "It is an aid to the interpretation of what constitutes the basic structure. Nor does the carve-out amongst the general non-reserved categories for 10 per cent of their poor in any way get restricted by the 50 per cent reservation embargo placed by the Supreme Court," said the senior BJP leader. In the Indra Sawhney case, Jaitley said the Supreme Court had categorically mentioned that 50 per cent criteria applies only to the caste-based reservations envisaged in Article 16(4) of the Constitution. Nonetheless, the Prime Minister's decision to force an agenda for poverty-based reservation is "the single greatest recognition/concern" for poor across the general categories and the need to eliminate poverty. "The principal opposition party showed only lip sympathy for the measure and grudgingly supported it while poking holes in the same," the minister said. He also highlighted other government's initiatives like housing for every rural poor, universal health scheme - Ayushman Bharat, and interest subvention, for economic upliftment of the poor. On relief measures for the middle class, Jaitley said that in the last five years, not a single tax has been increased, GST has been brought down on most commodities, and income tax relief has been provided. Commodities have been made cheaper, even though the revenue sacrificed now after the rates revision would be close to Rs 1 lakh crore, he said. "This is the first time that during the five-year tenure of a government a Rs 2 lakh crore annual tax rebate for both direct and indirect taxes is given to the middle-class taxpayer without a single tax being increased," Jaitley said. The finance minister further listed out measures taken by the present government for the upliftment and economic empowerment of the poor. "There is a method for economically empowering the poor. Their purchasing power has improved. This helps trade and businesses which impacts positively on the economy. "This is the first five-year tenure of a government where India has consistently remained the fastest growing economy in the world," he said. "This indeed helps every Indian the poor, the neo-middle class, the middle class and, of course, the large business community", the minister added.

10% quota for poorer sections doesn't violate basic structure of Constitution: Jaitley

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-will-skip-davos-meeting-if-us-government-shutdown-continues-189462">Trump cancels </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-will-skip-davos-meeting-if-us-government-shutdown-continues-189462">trip</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-will-skip-davos-meeting-if-us-government-shutdown-continues-189462"> to Davos World Economic Forum as US government shutdown continues</a>

The United States President Donald Trump said on Thursday said that&nbsp;he will skip the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland if a government shutdown over his US-Mexico wall continues.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-test-fire-recently-inducted-long-range-air-defence-weapon-system-189475">Pak Army test-fires </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-test-fire-recently-inducted-long-range-air-defence-weapon-system-189475">long range</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-test-fire-recently-inducted-long-range-air-defence-weapon-system-189475"> air defence weapon system</a>

Pakistan Army on Thursday test-fired the recently inducted long-range air defence weapon system, LY-80. The firing by the air defence weapon system was displayed during the concluding day of the two-week event of Exercise Al Bayza-2019, an army spokesman said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/transferred-on-basis-of-false-unsubstantiated-and-frivolous-allegations-alok-verma-189472">Transferred on basis of false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations: Alok Verma</a>

Alok Verma, who has been removed from the post of&nbsp;CBI director&nbsp;unceremoniously by a high-powered selection committee, has claimed that he was transferred on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations" made by only one person who was inimical to him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/investors-ask-how-the-bezos-divorce-will-affect-amazon-189473">Investors ask how the Bezos divorce will affect Amazon</a>

Amazon.com shares seesawed on Thursday as investors questioned how the impending&nbsp;divorce of company founder Jeff Bezos&nbsp;would affect his control of the most valuable company on Wall Street and its ambitious expansion plans.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/us-police-asks-cristiano-ronaldo-to-submit-dna-sample-in-rape-case-189469">US police asks Cristiano Ronaldo to submit DNA sample in rape case</a>

Las Vegas police have asked soccer star&nbsp;Cristiano Ronaldo to submit a DNA sample&nbsp;as part of their investigation into accusations of rape made against the Juventus forward.

Trump cancels trip to Davos World Economic Forum as US government shutdown continues The United States President Donald Trump said on Thursday said that he will skip the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland if a government shutdown over his US-Mexico wall continues.

Trump cancels trip to Davos World Economic Forum as US government shutdown continues The United States President Donald Trump said on Thursday said that he will skip the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland if a government shutdown over his US-Mexico wall continues. Pak Army test-fires long range air defence weapon system Pakistan Army on Thursday test-fired the recently inducted long-range air defence weapon system, LY-80. The firing by the air defence weapon system was displayed during the concluding day of the two-week event of Exercise Al Bayza-2019, an army spokesman said. Transferred on basis of false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations: Alok Verma Alok Verma, who has been removed from the post of CBI director unceremoniously by a high-powered selection committee, has claimed that he was transferred on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations" made by only one person who was inimical to him. Investors ask how the Bezos divorce will affect Amazon Amazon.com shares seesawed on Thursday as investors questioned how the impending divorce of company founder Jeff Bezos would affect his control of the most valuable company on Wall Street and its ambitious expansion plans. US police asks Cristiano Ronaldo to submit DNA sample in rape case Las Vegas police have asked soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo to submit a DNA sample as part of their investigation into accusations of rape made against the Juventus forward.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Security has been beefed up in Haryana and parts of Punjab in the wake of Special CBI court in Panchkula's likely verdict on Friday in the journalist murder case in which jailed Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is an accused.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Haryana especially in Panchkula, Sirsa (headquarter of Dera) and Rohtak districts with several companies of the state armed police, anti-riot police and commando force being deployed to deal with any law and order situation.

Security has been enhanced in Haryana, said Haryana ADGP (Law and Order) Muhammad Akil.

Directions have been issued to police in all the districts not to allow any unnecessary gathering and maintain extra vigil, said police official adding that police barricade have also been laid at several places.

Additional police force has also been deployed near the headquarters of Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa in Haryana, police said.

Violence had erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana in August 2017 following the conviction of Dera sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leaving over 40 persons dead and scores of people injured.

The 51-year-old sect head is currently serving a 20-year prison term in Rohtak's Sunaria jail for raping two of his women followers.

In Punjab where there are sizeable numbers of Dera followers, elaborate security arrangements have been made in Bathinda and Ferozepur ranges.

We have made elaborate security arrangements in Bathinda range, said Punjab Inspector General (Bathinda Range) M F Farooqui told.

Around 2,000 security personnel have been deployed in Bathinda range, he further said.

In Ferozepur range as well, security has been tightened by Punjab police, police said.

Police have been keeping a close watch in sensitive areas like Faridkot, Moga, Baghapurana, Jaitu, Kotkapura, police said.

10 companies of Punjab police have been deployed in Ferozepur range, said Punjab IG M S Chhina.

The verdict in 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhattrapati is likely to come on January 11.

On Tuesday, the special CBI court in Panchkula had accepted the state's plea and allowed presence of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh through video conferencing for a January 11 hearing in the murder case of a journalist.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim will appear through video conferencing for the hearing in journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati's murder case on Friday, when the court is likely to pronounce its verdict.

He has been named as the main conspirator in the case which dates back to 2002.

Chhatrapati was shot at in October 2002 after his newspaper, 'Poora Sach', published an anonymous letter narrating how women were being sexually exploited by Gurmeet Ram Rahim at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa.

The journalist later succumbed to injuries and a case was registered in 2003. The case was handed over to the CBI in 2006.&nbsp;

Security has been beefed up in Haryana and parts of Punjab in the wake of Special CBI court in Panchkula's likely verdict on Friday in the journalist murder case in which jailed Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is an accused.

Security has been beefed up in Haryana and parts of Punjab in the wake of Special CBI court in Panchkula's likely verdict on Friday in the journalist murder case in which jailed Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is an accused. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Haryana especially in Panchkula, Sirsa (headquarter of Dera) and Rohtak districts with several companies of the state armed police, anti-riot police and commando force being deployed to deal with any law and order situation. Security has been enhanced in Haryana, said Haryana ADGP (Law and Order) Muhammad Akil. Directions have been issued to police in all the districts not to allow any unnecessary gathering and maintain extra vigil, said police official adding that police barricade have also been laid at several places. Additional police force has also been deployed near the headquarters of Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa in Haryana, police said. Violence had erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana in August 2017 following the conviction of Dera sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leaving over 40 persons dead and scores of people injured. The 51-year-old sect head is currently serving a 20-year prison term in Rohtak's Sunaria jail for raping two of his women followers. In Punjab where there are sizeable numbers of Dera followers, elaborate security arrangements have been made in Bathinda and Ferozepur ranges. We have made elaborate security arrangements in Bathinda range, said Punjab Inspector General (Bathinda Range) M F Farooqui told. Around 2,000 security personnel have been deployed in Bathinda range, he further said. In Ferozepur range as well, security has been tightened by Punjab police, police said. Police have been keeping a close watch in sensitive areas like Faridkot, Moga, Baghapurana, Jaitu, Kotkapura, police said. 10 companies of Punjab police have been deployed in Ferozepur range, said Punjab IG M S Chhina. The verdict in 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhattrapati is likely to come on January 11. On Tuesday, the special CBI court in Panchkula had accepted the state's plea and allowed presence of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh through video conferencing for a January 11 hearing in the murder case of a journalist. Gurmeet Ram Rahim will appear through video conferencing for the hearing in journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati's murder case on Friday, when the court is likely to pronounce its verdict. He has been named as the main conspirator in the case which dates back to 2002. Chhatrapati was shot at in October 2002 after his newspaper, 'Poora Sach', published an anonymous letter narrating how women were being sexually exploited by Gurmeet Ram Rahim at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. The journalist later succumbed to injuries and a case was registered in 2003. The case was handed over to the CBI in 2006.

Security beefed up ahead of verdict in scribe murder case in which Gurmeet Ram Rahim an accused

A Delhi court Friday granted interim protection from arrest in a money laundering case to Manoj Arora, close aide of Robert Vadra, who alleged that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government as a result of "political vendetta."

Arora told the court that since the 2019 general elections were approaching, the NDA government was "unnerved" by the recent assembly election results in which Congress emerged victorious. Vadra is son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has expressed apprehension that Arora might have fled the country, said that if he was in the country, he should come forward and join the investigation.

ED said Arora has not answered the notice served to him and his places have been raided in his absence.

The allegations by Arora's counsel were made before Special Judge Arvind Kumar who provided relief to him and directed him to appear before the ED on Saturday at 3pm.

Senior advocate and Congress leader K T S Tulsi, appearing for Arora, was responding to ED's allegations that the accused might have fled from the country.

He submitted that Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was willing to appear before the agency if he was protected from any coercive action and "torture" as such actions may lead him to make a "false confession".

"There is nothing that I (Arora) have acquired anything... They already have entire record in the case. Further I am willing to give all information I have."

"I am willing to appear before ED but I do not want to be be tortured or coerced to make a false confession. They do not to proceed against anybody else because they want to create and falsify evidence. It cannot be said that I am concealing myself. I am appearing before court through my lawyer," the counsel for Arora said.

However, the ED refuted the allegations, by asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?"

"For one month they were aware about the notice, raids. But since an application on NBW was filed by ED, he rushed to the court. We are afraid that you (Arora) have gone out of the country. If you are here, come forward," ED's counsel, D P Singh, said, referring to the application moved by the probe agency which sought an open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW).

An open-ended NBW does not carry a time limit for its execution.

According to ED's special public prosecutor Nitesh Rana, the case relates to allegations of money laundering in purchase of a London-based property -- 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pound, which was allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The ED had told the court that it has lodged a money laundering case against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly-enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It said the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," ED said through advocate A R Aditya.

It claimed that NBW against Arora was needed for getting a Red Corner Notice issued against him through Interpol since there were apprehensions that he might have fled the country.

Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of overseas undeclared assets of Vadra and was instrumental in arranging funds, it said.

In his application seeking anticipatory bail, Arora has claimed that his wife had appeared before the agency for interrogation in the case and through her, ED officials threatened him to implicate Vadra.

"Some ED officials visited petitioner's wife and threatened her that unless Arora deposes to the desires of the ED officials, specially to the extent of falsely implicating Robert Vadra, the petitioner would be taken to task and would be treated with their degree methods and the officials would ensure that his future and his family's future is doomed in perpetuity," the accused alleged in the application.

He further alleged that his wife was told by the ED officials that if the accused agrees to agency's demands, "then they would also ensure tender of pardon to the petitioner, otherwise the case of the petitioner is already been botched up to an extent that he will never come out of custody".

The ED officials had also sought "confessional statement against his employers, including Vadra, to the suitability of the investigation", he alleged.

ED had on January 5 urged the court to issue open-ended NBW against Arora, saying he failed to appear for questioning despite repeated summonses in the case.

The ED submitted that Arora has been absconding since the search of his premises by the agency.

"It is apprehended that the accused might have crossed the boundaries of the country," the agency argued.

A Delhi court Friday granted interim protection from arrest in a money laundering case to Manoj Arora, close aide of Robert Vadra, who alleged that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government as a result of "political vendetta.

A Delhi court Friday granted interim protection from arrest in a money laundering case to Manoj Arora, close aide of Robert Vadra, who alleged that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government as a result of "political vendetta." Arora told the court that since the 2019 general elections were approaching, the NDA government was "unnerved" by the recent assembly election results in which Congress emerged victorious. Vadra is son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has expressed apprehension that Arora might have fled the country, said that if he was in the country, he should come forward and join the investigation. ED said Arora has not answered the notice served to him and his places have been raided in his absence. The allegations by Arora's counsel were made before Special Judge Arvind Kumar who provided relief to him and directed him to appear before the ED on Saturday at 3pm. Senior advocate and Congress leader K T S Tulsi, appearing for Arora, was responding to ED's allegations that the accused might have fled from the country. He submitted that Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was willing to appear before the agency if he was protected from any coercive action and "torture" as such actions may lead him to make a "false confession". "There is nothing that I (Arora) have acquired anything... They already have entire record in the case. Further I am willing to give all information I have." "I am willing to appear before ED but I do not want to be be tortured or coerced to make a false confession. They do not to proceed against anybody else because they want to create and falsify evidence. It cannot be said that I am concealing myself. I am appearing before court through my lawyer," the counsel for Arora said. However, the ED refuted the allegations, by asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?" "For one month they were aware about the notice, raids. But since an application on NBW was filed by ED, he rushed to the court. We are afraid that you (Arora) have gone out of the country. If you are here, come forward," ED's counsel, D P Singh, said, referring to the application moved by the probe agency which sought an open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW). An open-ended NBW does not carry a time limit for its execution. According to ED's special public prosecutor Nitesh Rana, the case relates to allegations of money laundering in purchase of a London-based property -- 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pound, which was allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The ED had told the court that it has lodged a money laundering case against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly-enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It said the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation. "This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," ED said through advocate A R Aditya. It claimed that NBW against Arora was needed for getting a Red Corner Notice issued against him through Interpol since there were apprehensions that he might have fled the country. Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of overseas undeclared assets of Vadra and was instrumental in arranging funds, it said. In his application seeking anticipatory bail, Arora has claimed that his wife had appeared before the agency for interrogation in the case and through her, ED officials threatened him to implicate Vadra. "Some ED officials visited petitioner's wife and threatened her that unless Arora deposes to the desires of the ED officials, specially to the extent of falsely implicating Robert Vadra, the petitioner would be taken to task and would be treated with their degree methods and the officials would ensure that his future and his family's future is doomed in perpetuity," the accused alleged in the application. He further alleged that his wife was told by the ED officials that if the accused agrees to agency's demands, "then they would also ensure tender of pardon to the petitioner, otherwise the case of the petitioner is already been botched up to an extent that he will never come out of custody". The ED officials had also sought "confessional statement against his employers, including Vadra, to the suitability of the investigation", he alleged. ED had on January 5 urged the court to issue open-ended NBW against Arora, saying he failed to appear for questioning despite repeated summonses in the case. The ED submitted that Arora has been absconding since the search of his premises by the agency. "It is apprehended that the accused might have crossed the boundaries of the country," the agency argued.

Court grants protection from arrest to Vadra's aide, directs him to appear before ED 

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel told the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Thursday that his government will address the issues of Naxal menace and imposition of liquor ban by taking people into confidence.

Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks on the Governor's address, Baghel said his government was working to bring about a change, and not for exacting revenge.

"The state government will work to add colour to the lives of people from every section of society. We are working to bring change, not for revenge.

"Our government will work for solving the Naxal problem and (imposing) liquor ban while taking people into confidence," Baghel said.

To eliminate the Naxal problem, the Congress government will hold talks with affected people including villagers alongwith intellectuals and journalists, he said.

Liquor is a social evil, but to get rid of it, society too has to come forward alongwith the government, Baghel said.

"We will not take any step on both anti-Naxal action and liquor ban without taking people into confidence," he added.

Within 20-25 days of coming to power, the Congress government has taken several decisions to fulfil its poll promises, he asserted.

The government waived loans worth Rs 6,100 crore of 16,50,000 farmers, decided to purchase paddy at Rs 2,500 per quintal and increased the stipend of tendu leaves collectors from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per sack, he said.

It also decided to form a new committee to study prospects for a liquor ban in the state, he added.

The working of district mineral funds (DMF) will be reviewed while over 300 cases against chit fund company agents will be withdrawn, the chief minister assured.

At the same time, the investors who lost money to chit fund scams will get their hard-earned money back, Baghel stressed.

The state government ordered return of 4,400 acres of land, acquired for a Tata Steel Plant project, to 1,700 farmers in Lohandiguda area of Bastar district, he said.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik said the Congress government won the election by making false promises. 
Its stand on Naxal menace, which the BJP government had successfully&nbsp; 
contained, is not clear, Kaushik alleged.

After the discussion, the motion was passed with a voice vote. After the completion of the listed business, the House was adjourned till February 8.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel told the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Thursday that his government will address the issues of Naxal menace and imposition of liquor ban by taking people into confidence.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel told the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Thursday that his government will address the issues of Naxal menace and imposition of liquor ban by taking people into confidence. Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks on the Governor's address, Baghel said his government was working to bring about a change, and not for exacting revenge. "The state government will work to add colour to the lives of people from every section of society. We are working to bring change, not for revenge. "Our government will work for solving the Naxal problem and (imposing) liquor ban while taking people into confidence," Baghel said. To eliminate the Naxal problem, the Congress government will hold talks with affected people including villagers alongwith intellectuals and journalists, he said. Liquor is a social evil, but to get rid of it, society too has to come forward alongwith the government, Baghel said. "We will not take any step on both anti-Naxal action and liquor ban without taking people into confidence," he added. Within 20-25 days of coming to power, the Congress government has taken several decisions to fulfil its poll promises, he asserted. The government waived loans worth Rs 6,100 crore of 16,50,000 farmers, decided to purchase paddy at Rs 2,500 per quintal and increased the stipend of tendu leaves collectors from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per sack, he said. It also decided to form a new committee to study prospects for a liquor ban in the state, he added. The working of district mineral funds (DMF) will be reviewed while over 300 cases against chit fund company agents will be withdrawn, the chief minister assured. At the same time, the investors who lost money to chit fund scams will get their hard-earned money back, Baghel stressed. The state government ordered return of 4,400 acres of land, acquired for a Tata Steel Plant project, to 1,700 farmers in Lohandiguda area of Bastar district, he said. Earlier, Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik said the Congress government won the election by making false promises. Its stand on Naxal menace, which the BJP government had successfully contained, is not clear, Kaushik alleged. After the discussion, the motion was passed with a voice vote. After the completion of the listed business, the House was adjourned till February 8.

Will deal with Naxals by taking locals in confidence: Bhupesh Baghel

Just two days after Supreme Court reinstated him as CBI director, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alok-verma-resumes-office-after-77-day-forced-leave-189139">Alok Verma</a> was today removed as chief of the investigative agency by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-director-alok-verma-case-pm-led-panel-scheduled-wednesday-night-to-meet-and-decide-189233">PM Modi-led panel</a>.

Alok Verma, a 1979-batch AGMUT-cadre IPS officer, has been removed from the high-profile post on the charges of corruption and dereliction of duty, making him the first chief in the history of the agency to face such action, officials said.

The charge of the CBI has been given to Additional Director M Nageshwar Rao, a government order issued on Thursday evening said.

There were eight counts of charges against him in the CVC report presented before the Committee also comprising Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Justice A K Sikri, appointed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as his nominee.

The decision was taken by a majority with Kharge opposing the move, officials said.

Kharge has expressed his dissent to the decision which was taken by a majority of 2:1.

The court on Tuesday while reinstating Verma, however, had made it clear that he will desist from taking any major policy decision till a high-powered committee considers the issue of "divestment of power and authority".&nbsp;

Verma's two-year tenure as CBI director is scheduled to end&nbsp;on January 31.

The CBI chief and his deputy Special Director Rakesh Asthana were sent on the forced leave over two months ago to stop the "kilkenny cat fight" between them. They had accused each other of corruption.

Verma, who resumed office on Wednesday, had revoked most of the transfers done by M Nageshwar Rao, who was appointed as the interim CBI chief in his absence.

(With inputs from PTI)

Just two days after Supreme Court reinstated him as CBI director, Alok Verma was today removed as chief of the investigative agency by PM Modi-led panel. Alok Verma, a 1979-batch AGMUT-cadre IPS officer, has been removed from the high-profile post on the charges of corruption and dereliction of duty, making him the first chief in the history of the agency to face such action, officials said.

Just two days after Supreme Court reinstated him as CBI director, Alok Verma was today removed as chief of the investigative agency by PM Modi-led panel. Alok Verma, a 1979-batch AGMUT-cadre IPS officer, has been removed from the high-profile post on the charges of corruption and dereliction of duty, making him the first chief in the history of the agency to face such action, officials said. The charge of the CBI has been given to Additional Director M Nageshwar Rao, a government order issued on Thursday evening said. There were eight counts of charges against him in the CVC report presented before the Committee also comprising Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Justice A K Sikri, appointed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as his nominee. The decision was taken by a majority with Kharge opposing the move, officials said. Kharge has expressed his dissent to the decision which was taken by a majority of 2:1. The court on Tuesday while reinstating Verma, however, had made it clear that he will desist from taking any major policy decision till a high-powered committee considers the issue of "divestment of power and authority". Verma's two-year tenure as CBI director is scheduled to end on January 31. The CBI chief and his deputy Special Director Rakesh Asthana were sent on the forced leave over two months ago to stop the "kilkenny cat fight" between them. They had accused each other of corruption. Verma, who resumed office on Wednesday, had revoked most of the transfers done by M Nageshwar Rao, who was appointed as the interim CBI chief in his absence. (With inputs from PTI)

CBI chief Alok Verma removed by PM Narendra Modi-led panel on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty

Finally, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee broke her silence on the movie, ‘<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-accidental-prime-minister-review-a-fictional-account-of-real-people-in-power-189571">The Accidental Prime Minister</a>’ saying, “Ahead of elections, they have come up with a movie. I do not endorse the kind of politics Congress does hence we parted ways several years back and then I formed the Trinamool Congress. But, I will say that it is not in a good taste,” Banerjee said.&nbsp;

She attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called him a ‘disastrous’ Prime Minister without naming him directly, “If they talk of Accidental Prime Minister we should not forget we have a disastrous Prime Minister. Have you seen the way he (PM Modi) looks at people? He scares people and they say look ‘gabbar’ has arrived.”

Banerjee was speaking at the inauguration of the Jatra Utsav in Barasat, West Bengal today.&nbsp;

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Banerjee launched a full scathing attack on the Central government for reportedly sending letters through the post office highlighting the achievements of the central government.&nbsp;

“Letters from the BJP and the government reaching people’s houses highlighting the government’s achievements. This is nothing but cheating. They have looted people through demonetisation, GST and left two crore youth jobless and are shamelessly sharing their achievements. I want to tell everyone, do not be fooled by these letters. Whatever little schemes you are getting is solely because of the state government,” she said.&nbsp;

Finally, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee broke her silence on the movie, ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ saying, “Ahead of elections, they have come up with a movie.

Finally, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee broke her silence on the movie, ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ saying, “Ahead of elections, they have come up with a movie. I do not endorse the kind of politics Congress does hence we parted ways several years back and then I formed the Trinamool Congress. But, I will say that it is not in a good taste,” Banerjee said. She attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called him a ‘disastrous’ Prime Minister without naming him directly, “If they talk of Accidental Prime Minister we should not forget we have a disastrous Prime Minister. Have you seen the way he (PM Modi) looks at people? He scares people and they say look ‘gabbar’ has arrived.” Banerjee was speaking at the inauguration of the Jatra Utsav in Barasat, West Bengal today. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Barasat: : If there is a movie on Accidental Prime Minister then there should be a movie titled as Disastrous Prime Minister.This will be made in future. No one will be spared. pic.twitter.com/4niA6e8lrw — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2019 × Banerjee launched a full scathing attack on the Central government for reportedly sending letters through the post office highlighting the achievements of the central government. “Letters from the BJP and the government reaching people’s houses highlighting the government’s achievements. This is nothing but cheating. They have looted people through demonetisation, GST and left two crore youth jobless and are shamelessly sharing their achievements. I want to tell everyone, do not be fooled by these letters. Whatever little schemes you are getting is solely because of the state government,” she said.

Don't endorse this kind of politics: Mamata Banerjee breaks silence on 'The Accidental Prime Minister' 

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet against former Union Minister P Chidambaram’s wife Nalini Chidambaram in connection to the Saradha chit fund scam in a Kolkata court on Friday.

The 50-page-long sixth supplementary charge sheet accuses Chidambaram of entering into a criminal conspiracy with Sudipta Sen, proprietor of Saradha Group of Companies.

The charge sheet mentions that Chidambaram received an amount of Rs.1.4 crores between 2010 and 2014 to manage probes by various agencies like SEBI, ROC against Sen.

She was the counsel for Saradha Group who received a fee of Rs.1.2 crores for appearing on behalf of a TV channel deal and the Company Law Board.

Besides Chidambaram, Anubhuti Printers and Publications Private Limited and Sudipta Sen have also been mentioned in the charge sheet.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating Chidambaram’s role in the Saradha chit fund scam.

The ED has summoned Chidambaram on several occasions to Kolkata for her involvement in the scam.

The scam is a multi-crore fraud, agencies say it would include around 2,000 crores. However, the ED and the CBI are yet to reach a conclusion on the exact amount of the fraud.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet against former Union Minister P Chidambaram’s wife Nalini Chidambaram in connection to the Saradha chit fund scam in a Kolkata court on Friday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet against former Union Minister P Chidambaram’s wife Nalini Chidambaram in connection to the Saradha chit fund scam in a Kolkata court on Friday. The 50-page-long sixth supplementary charge sheet accuses Chidambaram of entering into a criminal conspiracy with Sudipta Sen, proprietor of Saradha Group of Companies. The charge sheet mentions that Chidambaram received an amount of Rs.1.4 crores between 2010 and 2014 to manage probes by various agencies like SEBI, ROC against Sen. She was the counsel for Saradha Group who received a fee of Rs.1.2 crores for appearing on behalf of a TV channel deal and the Company Law Board. Besides Chidambaram, Anubhuti Printers and Publications Private Limited and Sudipta Sen have also been mentioned in the charge sheet. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating Chidambaram’s role in the Saradha chit fund scam. The ED has summoned Chidambaram on several occasions to Kolkata for her involvement in the scam. The scam is a multi-crore fraud, agencies say it would include around 2,000 crores. However, the ED and the CBI are yet to reach a conclusion on the exact amount of the fraud.

Saradha chit fund scam: CBI files charge sheet against Nalini Chidambaram

Alok Verma, who has been removed from the post of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-chief-alok-verma-removed-by-pm-narendra-modi-led-panel-on-corruption-charges-189425">CBI director</a> unceremoniously by a high-powered selection committee, has claimed that he was transferred on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations" made by only one person who was inimical to him.

The high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Verma from the post on Thursday on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty.

Breaking his silence over the issue, Verma, in a statement on Thursday night, said the CBI being a prime investigating agency dealing in corruption in high public places is an institution whose independence should be preserved and protected.

"It must function without external influences. I have tried to uphold the integrity of the institution while attempts were being made to destroy it. The same can be seen from the orders of the central government and the CVC dated October 23, 2018, which were without jurisdiction and were set aside," he said.

Verma termed it "sad" that he was transferred to another post pursuant to the orders of the committee on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations made by only one person, who was inimical to him".

The 1979-batch IPS officer has been posted as the Director-General Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, under the Union Home Ministry.&nbsp;

The charge of the CBI has been given to Additional Director M Nageshwar Rao, said a government order issued on Thursday evening.

Headed by the prime minister, the high-powered committee comprised Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Justice A K Sikri, appointed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as his nominee. 
Verma said the committee was assigned the task of deciding his future course of action as the director of the CBI.

"I have stood up for the integrity of the institution, and if asked will do it again in order to uphold the rule of law," he said.

Verma had resumed duty as CBI director on Wednesday, a day after the apex court paved his return with some riders and asked the three-member panel that selects the CBI chief to decide on his continuance in a week in the light of charges against him in the report of the Central Vigilance Commission(CVC).

Verma's two-year tenure as director of Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) was due to end on January 31.

According to officials, there were eight charges against Verma in the CVC report presented before the panel which included alleged attempts to induct tainted officers, compromising probe in the case related to controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi, IRCTC scam among others.

Special Director Rakesh Asthana, with whom Verma had a public feud, had given a complaint against him to the Cabinet Secretary in August which was referred to the CVC.

The CVC report spoke about the controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi's case and claimed that the CBI team looking into it wanted to make Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana an accused but Verma never gave clearance, officials said.

The probe, in this case, was led by Asthana.

Asthana was later booked by the CBI on the basis of a magisterial statement recorded by Sana who had claimed that two businessman brothers had sought bribe of Rs 5 crore from him to get relief to him in a case against him using their contacts with the special director.&nbsp;

Alok Verma, who has been removed from the post of CBI director unceremoniously by a high-powered selection committee, has claimed that he was transferred on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations" made by only one person who was inimical to him.

Alok Verma, who has been removed from the post of CBI director unceremoniously by a high-powered selection committee, has claimed that he was transferred on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations" made by only one person who was inimical to him. The high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Verma from the post on Thursday on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty. Breaking his silence over the issue, Verma, in a statement on Thursday night, said the CBI being a prime investigating agency dealing in corruption in high public places is an institution whose independence should be preserved and protected. "It must function without external influences. I have tried to uphold the integrity of the institution while attempts were being made to destroy it. The same can be seen from the orders of the central government and the CVC dated October 23, 2018, which were without jurisdiction and were set aside," he said. Verma termed it "sad" that he was transferred to another post pursuant to the orders of the committee on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations made by only one person, who was inimical to him". The 1979-batch IPS officer has been posted as the Director-General Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, under the Union Home Ministry. The charge of the CBI has been given to Additional Director M Nageshwar Rao, said a government order issued on Thursday evening. Headed by the prime minister, the high-powered committee comprised Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Justice A K Sikri, appointed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as his nominee. Verma said the committee was assigned the task of deciding his future course of action as the director of the CBI. "I have stood up for the integrity of the institution, and if asked will do it again in order to uphold the rule of law," he said. Verma had resumed duty as CBI director on Wednesday, a day after the apex court paved his return with some riders and asked the three-member panel that selects the CBI chief to decide on his continuance in a week in the light of charges against him in the report of the Central Vigilance Commission(CVC). Verma's two-year tenure as director of Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) was due to end on January 31. According to officials, there were eight charges against Verma in the CVC report presented before the panel which included alleged attempts to induct tainted officers, compromising probe in the case related to controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi, IRCTC scam among others. Special Director Rakesh Asthana, with whom Verma had a public feud, had given a complaint against him to the Cabinet Secretary in August which was referred to the CVC. The CVC report spoke about the controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi's case and claimed that the CBI team looking into it wanted to make Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana an accused but Verma never gave clearance, officials said. The probe, in this case, was led by Asthana. Asthana was later booked by the CBI on the basis of a magisterial statement recorded by Sana who had claimed that two businessman brothers had sought bribe of Rs 5 crore from him to get relief to him in a case against him using their contacts with the special director.

Transferred on basis of false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations: Alok Verma

The Centre told the Supreme Court Friday that it has to "believe in miracles" and see if the 15 miners, who have been trapped for almost a month inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine filled with water in Meghalaya, come out alive.

It said the authorities were making all efforts to save the lives of these persons and the Indian Navy and planes and helicopters of the Indian Air Force have been deployed in the rescue operation.

"We have to believe in miracles," Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta told a bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer, which observed that it was not known if they were still alive.

"There is no dispute that you are making efforts. Whether they (miners) are alive today, we do not know. Maybe somebody is alive there. You have to take them out," the bench told Mehta, adding, "You have to continue making efforts".

The apex court is hearing public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Aditya N Prasad, who sought urgent steps to rescue the 15 miners.

The Centre and the Meghalaya government apprised the bench about the steps taken in the operation to rescue the 15 miners who are trapped there since December 13 last year.

The bench sought to know from the state government as to whether any action has been taken against those indulging in illegal mining activities in Meghalaya.

The state's counsel said the person running the illegal mine where the incident took place has been arrested.

He apprised the bench that the Indian Navy has deployed five remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) in the operation and one crore litres of water had been pumped out from the illegal mine, but seepage from nearby rivers was creating hurdles in the rescue operation.

Senior lawyer Anand Grover, appearing for the petitioner, said they were happy with the steps taken by the authorities but there was a problem of coordination among the agencies.

He said there was no mapping of the mine as it was illegal but the equipment was available in India which can go deep inside the water and help in ascertaining the topography of the site.

He gave some suggestions to assist in the rescue operation and said the main hurdles were the remote location and difficult terrain, no blueprint of mines, water seeping into the mines from an unknown source and no knowledge of connection with nearby mines.

Grover said the petitioner was in touch with Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Roorkee-based National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) and some other private research institutes including Planys Technology, Chennai, which can assist in the rescue operation.

He said these institutes are capable of mapping the mines and through underwater rovers were available, the equipment has to be airlifted and the Air Force can do the needful.

Mehta said the government has already contacted these institutes and requested them for help.

He assured the top court that suggestions given by Grover would be taken into consideration and would be acted upon in whatever manner possible.

The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on January 18.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

During the hearing, Grover told the court that the Navy has deployed ROVs in the rescue operation but the desired result was not coming out as smaller equipments were required there.

He said smaller ROVs were available in India which can go deep inside the mine and take pictures even in muddy waters.

Regarding Grover's submission that there was a problem of coordination among the authorities, Mehta said additional chief secretary of Meghalaya was coordinating with every agency involved in the rescue operation.

"No stone is left unturned to rescue these persons," Mehta said.

The state's counsel said that though one crore litres of water has been pumped out from the mine, the decrease in water level was only about eight inches as seepage from the nearby river has increased.

Mehta had earlier told the apex court that 71 members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 20 from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 16 Navy personnel and others, including those from Odisha fire service and Coal India Ltd., were working in the rescue operation.

The Meghalaya government had filed a status report on the rescue operation and said there were problems like difficult terrain and lack of proper infrastructure at the site which was creating hurdles.

It had said that the site was located at Ksan near the river Letein. It was about 3.7 kilometres deep inside a jungle and can be accessed after crossing three streams.

The rat-hole mine, atop a hillock fully covered with trees in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, was flooded when water from the nearby Letein river gushed into it, trapping 15 miners.

Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually three-four-foot high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat holes" as each just about fits one person.

The apex court had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the steps taken by the Meghalaya government to rescue the miners trapped in the illegal coal mine and had said "prompt, immediate and effective" operation was needed to rescue them as it was a matter of life and death.

The Centre told the Supreme Court Friday that it has to "believe in miracles" and see if the 15 miners, who have been trapped for almost a month inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine filled with water in Meghalaya, come out alive.

The Centre told the Supreme Court Friday that it has to "believe in miracles" and see if the 15 miners, who have been trapped for almost a month inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine filled with water in Meghalaya, come out alive. It said the authorities were making all efforts to save the lives of these persons and the Indian Navy and planes and helicopters of the Indian Air Force have been deployed in the rescue operation. "We have to believe in miracles," Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta told a bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer, which observed that it was not known if they were still alive. "There is no dispute that you are making efforts. Whether they (miners) are alive today, we do not know. Maybe somebody is alive there. You have to take them out," the bench told Mehta, adding, "You have to continue making efforts". The apex court is hearing public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Aditya N Prasad, who sought urgent steps to rescue the 15 miners. The Centre and the Meghalaya government apprised the bench about the steps taken in the operation to rescue the 15 miners who are trapped there since December 13 last year. The bench sought to know from the state government as to whether any action has been taken against those indulging in illegal mining activities in Meghalaya. The state's counsel said the person running the illegal mine where the incident took place has been arrested. He apprised the bench that the Indian Navy has deployed five remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) in the operation and one crore litres of water had been pumped out from the illegal mine, but seepage from nearby rivers was creating hurdles in the rescue operation. Senior lawyer Anand Grover, appearing for the petitioner, said they were happy with the steps taken by the authorities but there was a problem of coordination among the agencies. He said there was no mapping of the mine as it was illegal but the equipment was available in India which can go deep inside the water and help in ascertaining the topography of the site. He gave some suggestions to assist in the rescue operation and said the main hurdles were the remote location and difficult terrain, no blueprint of mines, water seeping into the mines from an unknown source and no knowledge of connection with nearby mines. Grover said the petitioner was in touch with Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Roorkee-based National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) and some other private research institutes including Planys Technology, Chennai, which can assist in the rescue operation. He said these institutes are capable of mapping the mines and through underwater rovers were available, the equipment has to be airlifted and the Air Force can do the needful. Mehta said the government has already contacted these institutes and requested them for help. He assured the top court that suggestions given by Grover would be taken into consideration and would be acted upon in whatever manner possible. The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on January 18. During the hearing, Grover told the court that the Navy has deployed ROVs in the rescue operation but the desired result was not coming out as smaller equipments were required there. He said smaller ROVs were available in India which can go deep inside the mine and take pictures even in muddy waters. Regarding Grover's submission that there was a problem of coordination among the authorities, Mehta said additional chief secretary of Meghalaya was coordinating with every agency involved in the rescue operation. "No stone is left unturned to rescue these persons," Mehta said. The state's counsel said that though one crore litres of water has been pumped out from the mine, the decrease in water level was only about eight inches as seepage from the nearby river has increased. Mehta had earlier told the apex court that 71 members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 20 from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 16 Navy personnel and others, including those from Odisha fire service and Coal India Ltd., were working in the rescue operation. The Meghalaya government had filed a status report on the rescue operation and said there were problems like difficult terrain and lack of proper infrastructure at the site which was creating hurdles. It had said that the site was located at Ksan near the river Letein. It was about 3.7 kilometres deep inside a jungle and can be accessed after crossing three streams. The rat-hole mine, atop a hillock fully covered with trees in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, was flooded when water from the nearby Letein river gushed into it, trapping 15 miners. Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually three-four-foot high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat holes" as each just about fits one person. The apex court had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the steps taken by the Meghalaya government to rescue the miners trapped in the illegal coal mine and had said "prompt, immediate and effective" operation was needed to rescue them as it was a matter of life and death.

Meghalaya miners: Have to believe in miracles, Centre to Supreme Court

A day before his joint press conference with Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the alliance will get the math right in the upcoming Lok Sabha election and the BJP will face defeat.

The two parties have agreed to an in-principle alliance ahead of the parliamentary elections, SP's national spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary had said last week.

"Last time we had come together in the Lok Sabha by-elections and BJP had lost the seats (earlier held by) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. This time too our math will be right and the BJP will face defeat," Yadav said at a chaupal here.

A formal announcement on the alliance between the two Uttar Pradesh-based parties will be made at Saturday's joint press conference with BSP, he said.

Responding to a question, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the BJP had strengthened because it joined hands with regional parties and his party was also gaining strength by forming a coalition.

"Our (BSP and SP) coming together has not only created fear in the BJP but also in the Congress," Yadav added.

The BSP and SP alliance has virtually shut its doors to Congress in the state.

However, Chaudhary had said the alliance will not field candidates in Amethi and Raebareli, leaving the two Lok Sabha constituencies for Congress president Rahul Gandhi and United Progress Alliance chief Sonia Gandhi.

Yadav gave a slogan for the upcoming polls,&nbsp;"Humara kaam bolta hai, BJP ka dhokha bolta hai" (Our work speaks for itself, BJP's betrayal speaks).

He also took a dig at the BJP-led state government's decision to levy an additional 0.5 per cent cess on excise items to fund cow shelters, saying people will have to drink more liquor now for cow safety.&nbsp;

A day before his joint press conference with Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the alliance will get the math right in the upcoming Lok Sabha election and the BJP will face defeat.

A day before his joint press conference with Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the alliance will get the math right in the upcoming Lok Sabha election and the BJP will face defeat. The two parties have agreed to an in-principle alliance ahead of the parliamentary elections, SP's national spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary had said last week. "Last time we had come together in the Lok Sabha by-elections and BJP had lost the seats (earlier held by) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. This time too our math will be right and the BJP will face defeat," Yadav said at a chaupal here. A formal announcement on the alliance between the two Uttar Pradesh-based parties will be made at Saturday's joint press conference with BSP, he said. Responding to a question, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the BJP had strengthened because it joined hands with regional parties and his party was also gaining strength by forming a coalition. "Our (BSP and SP) coming together has not only created fear in the BJP but also in the Congress," Yadav added. The BSP and SP alliance has virtually shut its doors to Congress in the state. However, Chaudhary had said the alliance will not field candidates in Amethi and Raebareli, leaving the two Lok Sabha constituencies for Congress president Rahul Gandhi and United Progress Alliance chief Sonia Gandhi. Yadav gave a slogan for the upcoming polls, "Humara kaam bolta hai, BJP ka dhokha bolta hai" (Our work speaks for itself, BJP's betrayal speaks). He also took a dig at the BJP-led state government's decision to levy an additional 0.5 per cent cess on excise items to fund cow shelters, saying people will have to drink more liquor now for cow safety.

SP-BSP alliance will get its math right in Lok Sabha polls: Akhilesh Yadav

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-syria-pullout-spurs-need-for-kurds-and-damascus-to-talk-russia-189639">US Syria pullout spurs need for Kurds and Damascus to talk: Russia&nbsp;</a>

Russia said on Friday it was important for Syrian Kurds and the Syrian government to start talking to each other in light of US plans to withdraw its forces from Syria.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-says-germany-takes-responsibilty-for-nazi-crimes-in-greece-189590">Merkel says Germany takes responsibility for Nazi crimes in Greece</a>

Germany "takes total responsibility for crimes committed" by the Nazis in Greece, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday on a visit to Athens.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-encourage-talented-highly-skilled-people-to-pursue-career-in-us-trump-tweets-good-news-for-h1-b-holders-189645">Want to encourage talented, highly skilled people to pursue </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-encourage-talented-highly-skilled-people-to-pursue-career-in-us-trump-tweets-good-news-for-h1-b-holders-189645">career</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-encourage-talented-highly-skilled-people-to-pursue-career-in-us-trump-tweets-good-news-for-h1-b-holders-189645"> in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-encourage-talented-highly-skilled-people-to-pursue-career-in-us-trump-tweets-good-news-for-h1-b-holders-189645">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-encourage-talented-highly-skilled-people-to-pursue-career-in-us-trump-tweets-good-news-for-h1-b-holders-189645">: Trump tweets good news for H1-B holders</a>

US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders in America.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-kl-rahul-out-from-1st-odi-amid-recommendation-of-suspension-189599">Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul suspended pending inquiry</a>

Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and K L Rahul were Friday suspended pending an inquiry into their comments on women during a TV show, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) chairman Vinod Rai told PTI.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/poland-arrests-chinese-employee-of-huawei-over-spying-allegations-189601">Poland arrests Chinese Huawei employee, polish national over spying allegations</a>

Poland has arrested a Chinese employee of Huawei and a Polish national involved in cyber business on allegations of spying, Polish media reported on Friday, deepening the controversy over Western criticism of the Chinese telecoms equipment maker.

US Syria pullout spurs need for Kurds and Damascus to talk: Russia Russia said on Friday it was important for Syrian Kurds and the Syrian government to start talking to each other in light of US plans to withdraw its forces from Syria.

US Syria pullout spurs need for Kurds and Damascus to talk: Russia Russia said on Friday it was important for Syrian Kurds and the Syrian government to start talking to each other in light of US plans to withdraw its forces from Syria. Merkel says Germany takes responsibility for Nazi crimes in Greece Germany "takes total responsibility for crimes committed" by the Nazis in Greece, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday on a visit to Athens. Want to encourage talented, highly skilled people to pursue career in US: Trump tweets good news for H1-B holders US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders in America. Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul suspended pending inquiry Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and K L Rahul were Friday suspended pending an inquiry into their comments on women during a TV show, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) chairman Vinod Rai told PTI. Poland arrests Chinese Huawei employee, polish national over spying allegations Poland has arrested a Chinese employee of Huawei and a Polish national involved in cyber business on allegations of spying, Polish media reported on Friday, deepening the controversy over Western criticism of the Chinese telecoms equipment maker.

India has hit out at Pakistan on its continued support to terror and said Islamabad is "trying to deflect the attention of the financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists."&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in a weekly media briefing, asked, "Why is Pakistan allowing safe haven to a terrorist group?" and questioned the lack of seriousness by Pakistan to take action against the perpetrators of Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks.&nbsp;

Kumar added, "If Pakistan is ready for dialogue, why hasn't Pakistan taken any action against Mumbai and Pathankot terror attack perpetrators? They continue to provide support to the banned terrorist outfits."

On India-Pak&nbsp;talks, Kumar said, "no seriousness in Pakistan&nbsp;saying it wants dialogue and it (Pakistan) has to back up it up with action."

MEA spokesperson gave examples of how Pak ministers have been sharing the stage with terrorists like Hafiz Saeed. In September 2018, Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony and member of Imran Khan's government shared the stage with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.&nbsp;

In December, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi vowed to protect Hafiz Saeed "as long as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is in the government." A prominent leader from PTI also opened Hafiz Saeed's Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) centres in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

JuD is no longer on the list of banned terrorist groups with the lapse of the ordinance under which they were put on the list earlier.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first interview of 2019 said New Delhi is open to dialogue with Islamabad but "amid the noise of bombs and guns, the dialogue cannot be heard."&nbsp;Last year, on&nbsp;the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, New Delhi had called on Pakistan to give up "double standards and to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice."

The MEA also slammed Pakistan on the issue of raising the so-called bad situation of minorities in India. Raveesh noted, "Pakistan said minorities are not treated well in India, I think Pakistan should be the last country to lecture us on plurality and inclusive society. We and the world are fully aware of the situation of minorities in their country."

Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said, "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities." On the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, Khan tweeted, "Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak and we will ensure that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-ensure-our-minorities-are-treated-as-equals-unlike-what-is-happening-in-india-imran-khan-186352">our minorities are treated as equal citizens</a>, unlike what is happening in India."

India has hit out at Pakistan on its continued support to terror and said Islamabad is "trying to deflect the attention of the financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists.

India has hit out at Pakistan on its continued support to terror and said Islamabad is "trying to deflect the attention of the financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists." Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in a weekly media briefing, asked, "Why is Pakistan allowing safe haven to a terrorist group?" and questioned the lack of seriousness by Pakistan to take action against the perpetrators of Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks. Kumar added, "If Pakistan is ready for dialogue, why hasn't Pakistan taken any action against Mumbai and Pathankot terror attack perpetrators? They continue to provide support to the banned terrorist outfits." On India-Pak talks, Kumar said, "no seriousness in Pakistan saying it wants dialogue and it (Pakistan) has to back up it up with action." MEA spokesperson gave examples of how Pak ministers have been sharing the stage with terrorists like Hafiz Saeed. In September 2018, Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony and member of Imran Khan's government shared the stage with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. In December, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi vowed to protect Hafiz Saeed "as long as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is in the government." A prominent leader from PTI also opened Hafiz Saeed's Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) centres in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. JuD is no longer on the list of banned terrorist groups with the lapse of the ordinance under which they were put on the list earlier. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first interview of 2019 said New Delhi is open to dialogue with Islamabad but "amid the noise of bombs and guns, the dialogue cannot be heard." Last year, on the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, New Delhi had called on Pakistan to give up "double standards and to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice." The MEA also slammed Pakistan on the issue of raising the so-called bad situation of minorities in India. Raveesh noted, "Pakistan said minorities are not treated well in India, I think Pakistan should be the last country to lecture us on plurality and inclusive society. We and the world are fully aware of the situation of minorities in their country." Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said, "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities." On the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, Khan tweeted, "Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak and we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India."

Pakistan trying to deflect attention from financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists: MEA

The Indian government has granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel who is the alleged key middleman in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">AgustaWestland</a> case.&nbsp;

On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said," I can confirm Christian Michel has been granted consular access". A second secretary level officer from the British High Commission met Michel on Thursday.&nbsp;

The British High Commission also confirmed saying, "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare". The High Commission had requested India to grant consular access to Michel last month when he was extradited from the UAE.

Remember Christian Michel, who despite being a British national, was extradited from the UAE on December 2018. The operation to get him back was named operation 'Unicorn' and according to the CBI, it was "carried out under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval" and was "coordinated by interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao."

Michel's extradition is being considered a shot in the arm for the Modi government just before the 2019 polls. Reacting to the extradition, PM Modi had said, "we've caught a 'raazdaar' of chopper scam and brought him here. The entire family (Gandhi family) is now scared of the things which will be revealed. They are scared as to whose name will he take if he opens his mouth."

He has been in the custody of the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) since December. According to the ED, during an interrogation, Michel had taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi," though the reference wasn't clear. He had spoken about the "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country."

The Indian government has granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel who is the alleged key middleman in the AgustaWestland case. On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said," I can confirm Christian Michel has been granted consular access".

The Indian government has granted British officials the consular access to meet Christian Michel who is the alleged key middleman in the AgustaWestland case. On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said," I can confirm Christian Michel has been granted consular access". A second secretary level officer from the British High Commission met Michel on Thursday. The British High Commission also confirmed saying, "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare". The High Commission had requested India to grant consular access to Michel last month when he was extradited from the UAE. Remember Christian Michel, who despite being a British national, was extradited from the UAE on December 2018. The operation to get him back was named operation 'Unicorn' and according to the CBI, it was "carried out under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval" and was "coordinated by interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao." Michel's extradition is being considered a shot in the arm for the Modi government just before the 2019 polls. Reacting to the extradition, PM Modi had said, "we've caught a 'raazdaar' of chopper scam and brought him here. The entire family (Gandhi family) is now scared of the things which will be revealed. They are scared as to whose name will he take if he opens his mouth." He has been in the custody of the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) since December. According to the ED, during an interrogation, Michel had taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi," though the reference wasn't clear. He had spoken about the "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country."

India grants British High Commission consular access to Christian Michel

Senior Congress leader and former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday said he would break the prohibitory order and court arrest if the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-bill-sonowal-says-interests-of-indigenous-people-will-be-protected-189460">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a> was not withdrawn by the Centre.

By prohibiting all sorts of protests, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Assam government was curtailing the democratic rights of people and running the state in an autocratic manner, he added.

"I will violate (section) 144 (of the Code of Criminal Procedure) if you (Centre) do not withdraw the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. I will lead people and shout slogans. I will go to jail -- a jail bharo (movement)," Gogoi told reporters here.

In view of protests on a daily basis against the bill, the Guwahati police on Thursday banned all sorts of agitations, demonstrations, processions and slogan-shouting in large parts of Guwahati under section 144 of the CrPC.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader and former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday said he would break the prohibitory order and court arrest if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was not withdrawn by the Centre.

Senior Congress leader and former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday said he would break the prohibitory order and court arrest if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was not withdrawn by the Centre. By prohibiting all sorts of protests, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Assam government was curtailing the democratic rights of people and running the state in an autocratic manner, he added. "I will violate (section) 144 (of the Code of Criminal Procedure) if you (Centre) do not withdraw the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. I will lead people and shout slogans. I will go to jail -- a jail bharo (movement)," Gogoi told reporters here. In view of protests on a daily basis against the bill, the Guwahati police on Thursday banned all sorts of agitations, demonstrations, processions and slogan-shouting in large parts of Guwahati under section 144 of the CrPC.

Citizenship Bill: Ex-Assam CM Tarun Gogoi says he will violate prohibitory order

A special CBI court in Haryana's Panchkula town on Friday convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-beefed-up-ahead-of-verdict-in-scribe-murder-case-in-which-ram-rahim-an-accused-189479">Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh</a> for the murder of Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati in 2002.

Three others, who reportedly were close aides of Gurmeet were also convicted in the case.

The sentence will be pronounced on January 17.&nbsp;

Violence had erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana in August 2017 following the conviction of Dera sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leaving over 40 persons dead and scores of people injured.

The 51-year-old sect head is currently serving a 20-year prison term in Rohtak's Sunaria jail for raping two of his women followers.

Journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati was shot at in October 2002 after his newspaper, 'Poora Sach', published an anonymous letter narrating how women were being sexually exploited by Gurmeet Ram Rahim at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa.

The journalist later succumbed to injuries and a case was registered in 2003. The case was handed over to the CBI in 2006.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A special CBI court in Haryana's Panchkula town on Friday convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for the murder of Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati in 2002.

A special CBI court in Haryana's Panchkula town on Friday convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for the murder of Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati in 2002. Three others, who reportedly were close aides of Gurmeet were also convicted in the case. The sentence will be pronounced on January 17. Violence had erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana in August 2017 following the conviction of Dera sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leaving over 40 persons dead and scores of people injured. The 51-year-old sect head is currently serving a 20-year prison term in Rohtak's Sunaria jail for raping two of his women followers. Journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati was shot at in October 2002 after his newspaper, 'Poora Sach', published an anonymous letter narrating how women were being sexually exploited by Gurmeet Ram Rahim at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. The journalist later succumbed to injuries and a case was registered in 2003. The case was handed over to the CBI in 2006. (With inputs from agencies)

CBI court convicts Ram Rahim, 3 others in 2002 journalist murder case

Former CBI chief Alok Verma submitted his resignation from service on Friday, a day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/transferred-on-basis-of-false-unsubstantiated-and-frivolous-allegations-alok-verma-189472">he was removed from his post</a> by a high powered committee.

Verma said in his resignation letter, accessed by PTI, that it was a moment of "collective introspection".

"Also, it may be noted that the undersigned already superannuated as on January 31, 2017 and was only serving Government as Director, CBI till January 31, 2019, as the same was fixed tenure role. The undersigned is no longer Director, CBI and has already crossed the superannuation age for DG Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards. Accordingly, the undersigned may be deemed as superannuated with effect from today," Verma said in his letter to Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training Friday.

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Former CBI Chief Alok Verma in a letter to Secy Dept of Personnel&amp;Training: The undersigned is no longer Director,CBI&amp;has already crossed his superannuation age for DG Fire Services, Civil Defence&amp;Home Guards.The undersigned may be deemed as superannuated with effect from today. <a href="https://t.co/K0O8wzkGzg">https://t.co/K0O8wzkGzg</a>
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The move came after a high powered selection committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice A K Sikri and leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, in a split verdict, decided to transfer him 21 days ahead of the completion of his tenure.&nbsp;Former CBI chief Alok Verma submitted his resignation from service on Friday, a day after he was removed from his post by a high powered committee.

Verma, a 1979-batch IPS officer from AGMUT cadre, was transferred from the position of CBI Director to Director General, Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards under the home ministry Thursday.

Meanwhile, interim CBI Director M <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/m-nageshwar-rao-undoes-transfers-done-by-verma-situation-restored-to-january-8-189588">Nageshwar Rao has cancelled all transfer</a> decisions taken by his ousted predecessor Alok Verma, reverting to the position of officials as on January 8, officials said.

The fresh order issued by Rao on Friday declared all the orders issued by Verma as "non est".

The government gave the charge of the agency to Additional Director Nageshwar Rao who was also in-charge for 77 days when Verma and his deputy Asthana were on forced leave.

The Supreme Court had earlier stopped Rao from taking any major policy decisions. However, no such condition applies on his present tenure.

Rao had taken charge of the agency at 9 pm Thursday, a CBI spokesperson said in a statement Friday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former CBI chief Alok Verma submitted his resignation from service on Friday, a day after he was removed from his post by a high powered committee. Verma said in his resignation letter, accessed by PTI, that it was a moment of "collective introspection".

Former CBI chief Alok Verma submitted his resignation from service on Friday, a day after he was removed from his post by a high powered committee. Verma said in his resignation letter, accessed by PTI, that it was a moment of "collective introspection". "Also, it may be noted that the undersigned already superannuated as on January 31, 2017 and was only serving Government as Director, CBI till January 31, 2019, as the same was fixed tenure role. The undersigned is no longer Director, CBI and has already crossed the superannuation age for DG Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards. Accordingly, the undersigned may be deemed as superannuated with effect from today," Verma said in his letter to Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training Friday. Former CBI Chief Alok Verma in a letter to Secy Dept of Personnel&Training: The undersigned is no longer Director,CBI&has already crossed his superannuation age for DG Fire Services, Civil Defence&Home Guards.The undersigned may be deemed as superannuated with effect from today. https://t.co/K0O8wzkGzg — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2019 × The move came after a high powered selection committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice A K Sikri and leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, in a split verdict, decided to transfer him 21 days ahead of the completion of his tenure. Former CBI chief Alok Verma submitted his resignation from service on Friday, a day after he was removed from his post by a high powered committee. Verma, a 1979-batch IPS officer from AGMUT cadre, was transferred from the position of CBI Director to Director General, Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards under the home ministry Thursday. Meanwhile, interim CBI Director M Nageshwar Rao has cancelled all transfer decisions taken by his ousted predecessor Alok Verma, reverting to the position of officials as on January 8, officials said. The fresh order issued by Rao on Friday declared all the orders issued by Verma as "non est". The government gave the charge of the agency to Additional Director Nageshwar Rao who was also in-charge for 77 days when Verma and his deputy Asthana were on forced leave. The Supreme Court had earlier stopped Rao from taking any major policy decisions. However, no such condition applies on his present tenure. Rao had taken charge of the agency at 9 pm Thursday, a CBI spokesperson said in a statement Friday.

Former CBI chief Alok Verma resigns from service, says it was 'moment of collective introspection'

The Meghalaya government informed the Supreme Court on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-imposes-rs-100-crore-fine-on-meghalaya-govt-for-failing-to-curb-illegal-mining-188318">that the Indian </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-imposes-rs-100-crore-fine-on-meghalaya-govt-for-failing-to-curb-illegal-mining-188318">navy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-imposes-rs-100-crore-fine-on-meghalaya-govt-for-failing-to-curb-illegal-mining-188318"> has deployed</a> five remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) in the operation to rescue 15 miners trapped inside an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13.

The state government told a bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chances-of-their-survival-very-low-rescue-team-race-against-time-to-save-trapped-meghalay-miners-186691">one crore litre of water has been pumped</a> out so far from the illegal mine but seepage from nearby rivers was creating hurdles in the rescue operation.

The bench sought to know from the state's counsel as to whether any action had been taken against those indulging in illegal mining activities there.

The counsel told the court that the person running the illegal mine where the incident took place had been arrested.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that every possible step has been taken for the rescue operation and the Indian Air Force has deployed planes and helicopters for airlifting requisite equipment and manpower.

The bench has posted the matter to January 18 for further hearing.

The apex court is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Aditya N Prasad who has sought urgent steps to rescue 15 miners trapped in the illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district.&nbsp;

The high-powered pumps of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd installed pumps to pull out water from the main shaft, where the miners are trapped since December 13, however it developed glitches.

Another submersible pump from Coal India Ltd (CIL) also faced a snag, affecting dewatering operations in the nearby abandoned mines in East Jaintia Hills district, they said.

The current water level in the main shaft is about 160 feet, while its total depth is around 370 feet.

The Meghalaya government informed the Supreme Court on Friday that the Indian navy has deployed five remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) in the operation to rescue 15 miners trapped inside an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13.

The Meghalaya government informed the Supreme Court on Friday that the Indian navy has deployed five remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) in the operation to rescue 15 miners trapped inside an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13. The state government told a bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer that one crore litre of water has been pumped out so far from the illegal mine but seepage from nearby rivers was creating hurdles in the rescue operation. The bench sought to know from the state's counsel as to whether any action had been taken against those indulging in illegal mining activities there. The counsel told the court that the person running the illegal mine where the incident took place had been arrested. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that every possible step has been taken for the rescue operation and the Indian Air Force has deployed planes and helicopters for airlifting requisite equipment and manpower. The bench has posted the matter to January 18 for further hearing. The apex court is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Aditya N Prasad who has sought urgent steps to rescue 15 miners trapped in the illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. The high-powered pumps of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd installed pumps to pull out water from the main shaft, where the miners are trapped since December 13, however it developed glitches. Another submersible pump from Coal India Ltd (CIL) also faced a snag, affecting dewatering operations in the nearby abandoned mines in East Jaintia Hills district, they said. The current water level in the main shaft is about 160 feet, while its total depth is around 370 feet.

Navy has deployed 5 remotely-operated vehicles to rescue trapped miners: Meghalaya government to Supreme Court

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Pakistan trying to deflect attention from financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists: MEA

India grants British High Commission consular access to Christian Michel

Citizenship Bill: Ex-Assam CM Tarun Gogoi says he will violate prohibitory order

CBI court convicts Ram Rahim, 3 others in 2002 journalist murder case

Former CBI chief Alok Verma resigns from service, says it was 'moment of collective introspection'

Navy has deployed 5 remotely-operated vehicles to rescue trapped miners: Meghalaya government to Supreme Court