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<p>A light downpour that hit some areas of the national capital and its adjoining regions failed to improve the overall air quality index on Monday.</p>

<p>Delhi breathed uneasily as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Mathura Road was docking at 340 in the morning with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At Dhirpur, the AQI was 372 while in Pitampura area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 385.</p>

<p>The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor.&nbsp;300-400 is considered as `very poor` and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous'.</p>

<p>Furthermore, AQI near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Chandni Chowk stood at 304, 319 and 307 respectively. The haze and fog will continue to persist during the early mornings and late evenings for the next couple of days.</p>

<p>Due to the foggy weather, at least <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-flights-delayed-due-to-fog-at-delhi-airport-over-10-trains-running-late-188684">13 trains were rescheduled</a> after getting delayed by at least 2 hours.</p>

<p>The trains — Kaifiyat Express, Poorva Express, Magadh Express, and Rewa-Anand Vihar Superfast Express were delayed by 2 hours each.</p>

<p>Owing to low visibility, the railways delayed Gaya Anand Vihar Garib Rath Express, Brahmaputra Mail Express, Swatantra Senani Superfast Express and Purushottam Express by 3 hours, 5 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours and 4.30 hours respectively.</p>

<p>Today, the minimum and maximum temperatures recorded in Delhi was 8 degree Celsius and 19 degree Celsius. The humidity in the region throughout the day will oscillate between 95 per cent to 97 per cent, said India Meteorological Department.</p>

<p>As per the Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting agency, from today onwards dense to very dense fog is expected to make an appearance over Northern Plains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The intensity of fog during that time will be much more and visibility may drop down to zero. The reason for foggy mornings will be attributed to the scattered rainfall in the region.</p>


Delhi breathed uneasily as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Mathura Road was docking at 340 in the morning with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5.

A light downpour that hit some areas of the national capital and its adjoining regions failed to improve the overall air quality index on Monday. Delhi breathed uneasily as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Mathura Road was docking at 340 in the morning with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 372 while in Pitampura area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 385. The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. 300-400 is considered as `very poor` and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous'. Furthermore, AQI near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Chandni Chowk stood at 304, 319 and 307 respectively. The haze and fog will continue to persist during the early mornings and late evenings for the next couple of days. Due to the foggy weather, at least 13 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed by at least 2 hours. The trains — Kaifiyat Express, Poorva Express, Magadh Express, and Rewa-Anand Vihar Superfast Express were delayed by 2 hours each. Owing to low visibility, the railways delayed Gaya Anand Vihar Garib Rath Express, Brahmaputra Mail Express, Swatantra Senani Superfast Express and Purushottam Express by 3 hours, 5 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours and 4.30 hours respectively. Today, the minimum and maximum temperatures recorded in Delhi was 8 degree Celsius and 19 degree Celsius. The humidity in the region throughout the day will oscillate between 95 per cent to 97 per cent, said India Meteorological Department. As per the Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting agency, from today onwards dense to very dense fog is expected to make an appearance over Northern Plains. The intensity of fog during that time will be much more and visibility may drop down to zero. The reason for foggy mornings will be attributed to the scattered rainfall in the region.

Delhi: Air quality nosedives to 'very poor', no respite even after rain

<p>In a significant decision ahead of Lok Sabha polls the Narendra Modi cabinet on Monday has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes.</p>

<p>The decision has received a mixed response from common people but has invoked strong reactions from opposition parties.</p>

<p>Within minutes of the Union Cabinet's decision, the Congress has raised questions over the move terming it as a poll gimmick.</p>

<p>Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the government did not think about this for four years and eight months and brought this just months before the model code of conduct coming into effect.</p>

<p>He also asked whether the government has the majority to bring about a Constitution amendment in Parliament.</p>

<p>"Why did you not think of this for four years and eight months? So obviously thought of as election gimmick three months before the model code. You know that you cannot exceed 50 per cent maxima so it is done only to posture that you tried," he said in a tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">See last two tweets re reservation 4forwards? Qs—did u nt think of this for 4 yrs 8 mths? so obviously thought of as election gimmick 3mths b4 model code! (3) u know u cannot exceed 50% maxima so it is done only to posture tht u tried unctal thing (4) do u hv majority 4ctal am?</p>
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrAMSinghvi/status/1082199007353393153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader <strong>Arvind Kejriwal </strong>challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government to get the Constitutional amendments passed before the elections this summer. “If they do so, the Aam Aadmi Party will support the government, else it will be clear it is just an election gimmick,” Kejriwal tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, ruling party BJP has welcomed the decision.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MoS for Social Justice &amp; Empowerment Vijay Sampla: It's a historic step by Modi govt. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs. 8 lakhs and who possess less than 5 acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories. <a href="https://t.co/4YQt97sXhW">pic.twitter.com/4YQt97sXhW</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082243923265777664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. Constitution doesn't permit reservations on economic grounds," says <strong>Asaduddin Owaisi.</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice.<br />
<br />
Constitution doesn’t permit reservations on economic grounds<a href="https://t.co/KrHNruMXse">https://t.co/KrHNruMXse</a></p>
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadowaisi/status/1082218613858156544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Minister of Finance Yashwant Sinha has termed this decision as nothing more than a jumla.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed.</p>
— Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/YashwantSinha/status/1082210355089043456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Harish Rawat,Congress on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes: 'Bohot der kar di meherbaan aate aate', that also when elections are around the corner. No matter what they do, what 'jumlas' they give, nothing is going to save this Govt <a href="https://t.co/PXBwWvNKTY">pic.twitter.com/PXBwWvNKTY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082209245716717568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Is it like all the previous 'jumlas'? There are just two days left for the Winter Session of Parliament to over and now they are coming with a bill… it is possible that this is just another lollipop from this government. They just want to attract upper caste votes and people who had diverted towards the Congress in the recent elections. I can say that it is just a jumla before the Lok Sabha elections," says Patidar leader <strong>Hardik Patel</strong>.</p>


In a significant decision ahead of Lok Sabha polls the Narendra Modi cabinet on Monday has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The decision has received a mixed response from common people but has invoked strong reactions from opposition parties.

In a significant decision ahead of Lok Sabha polls the Narendra Modi cabinet on Monday has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The decision has received a mixed response from common people but has invoked strong reactions from opposition parties. Within minutes of the Union Cabinet's decision, the Congress has raised questions over the move terming it as a poll gimmick. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the government did not think about this for four years and eight months and brought this just months before the model code of conduct coming into effect. He also asked whether the government has the majority to bring about a Constitution amendment in Parliament. "Why did you not think of this for four years and eight months? So obviously thought of as election gimmick three months before the model code. You know that you cannot exceed 50 per cent maxima so it is done only to posture that you tried," he said in a tweet. See last two tweets re reservation 4forwards? Qs—did u nt think of this for 4 yrs 8 mths? so obviously thought of as election gimmick 3mths b4 model code! (3) u know u cannot exceed 50% maxima so it is done only to posture tht u tried unctal thing (4) do u hv majority 4ctal am? — Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) January 7, 2019 × Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government to get the Constitutional amendments passed before the elections this summer. “If they do so, the Aam Aadmi Party will support the government, else it will be clear it is just an election gimmick,” Kejriwal tweeted. Meanwhile, ruling party BJP has welcomed the decision. MoS for Social Justice & Empowerment Vijay Sampla: It's a historic step by Modi govt. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs. 8 lakhs and who possess less than 5 acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories. pic.twitter.com/4YQt97sXhW — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × "Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. Constitution doesn't permit reservations on economic grounds," says Asaduddin Owaisi. Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. Constitution doesn’t permit reservations on economic groundshttps://t.co/KrHNruMXse — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) January 7, 2019 × Former Minister of Finance Yashwant Sinha has termed this decision as nothing more than a jumla. The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed. — Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) January 7, 2019 × Harish Rawat,Congress on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes: 'Bohot der kar di meherbaan aate aate', that also when elections are around the corner. No matter what they do, what 'jumlas' they give, nothing is going to save this Govt pic.twitter.com/PXBwWvNKTY — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × "Is it like all the previous 'jumlas'? There are just two days left for the Winter Session of Parliament to over and now they are coming with a bill… it is possible that this is just another lollipop from this government. They just want to attract upper caste votes and people who had diverted towards the Congress in the recent elections. I can say that it is just a jumla before the Lok Sabha elections," says Patidar leader Hardik Patel.

10% quota for poor among upper castes: Who said what

<p>The Supreme Court on Tuesday will give its verdict on petitions filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma and NGO Common Cause challenging the Central government's decision to send him on leave and divesting him of all responsibilities.</p>

<p>A Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will deliver the verdict on January 8 on the petitions.</p>

<p>The bench had reserved the verdict on December 6 last year after hearing arguments of Verma, Union Government, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), NGO Common Cause, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and others who were the party in the case.</p>

<p>During the hearing, while confronting questions over the Centre's sudden decision to send CBI Director Verma on leave, the CVC had told the apex court that "extraordinary situations sometimes need extraordinary remedies."</p>

<p>The CJI Ranjan Gogoi had raised questions over the timing of the order and asked why the government took immediate steps to divest Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee.</p>

<p>Attorney General KK Venugopal appearing for the DoPT had told the bench that the government was well within its jurisdiction to send both officers (Verma and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana) on leave by divesting them of their powers.</p>

<p>Venugopal had defended the Centre's decision over sending Verma on leave and said that the dispute between Verma and Asthana was tarnishing the reputation of the institution. He had added that both the top officials of the investigating agency were "fighting like Kilkenny cats."</p>

<p>Senior advocate Fali Nariman, appearing for Verma, had contended that in all circumstances the CVC and the Centre should have consulted the Selection Committee.</p>

<p>Verma had registered an FIR against Asthana and this was the reason for the Central government (DoPT) to divest him of his powers and functions, Nariman had contended.</p>

<p>Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Mallikarjun Kharge, who had filed a plea against the Centre's and CVC decision of sending Verma on leave, had argued that the government does not have the power to remove or transfer the CBI Director.</p>

<p>The top court was hearing a petition filed by Verma against the Central government's order to send him on leave in view of the corruption allegations levelled against him. The Central government had sent Verma and his deputy Asthana on leave after both levelled allegations of accepting bribes against each other.</p>

<p>However, the CBI on October 25 informed that Verma and Asthana would continue to retain their posts as CBI Director and Special Director, respectively.</p>


The Supreme Court on Tuesday will give its verdict on petitions filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma and NGO Common Cause challenging the Central government's decision to send him on leave and divesting him of all responsibilities.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday will give its verdict on petitions filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma and NGO Common Cause challenging the Central government's decision to send him on leave and divesting him of all responsibilities. A Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will deliver the verdict on January 8 on the petitions. The bench had reserved the verdict on December 6 last year after hearing arguments of Verma, Union Government, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), NGO Common Cause, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and others who were the party in the case. During the hearing, while confronting questions over the Centre's sudden decision to send CBI Director Verma on leave, the CVC had told the apex court that "extraordinary situations sometimes need extraordinary remedies." The CJI Ranjan Gogoi had raised questions over the timing of the order and asked why the government took immediate steps to divest Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee. Attorney General KK Venugopal appearing for the DoPT had told the bench that the government was well within its jurisdiction to send both officers (Verma and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana) on leave by divesting them of their powers. Venugopal had defended the Centre's decision over sending Verma on leave and said that the dispute between Verma and Asthana was tarnishing the reputation of the institution. He had added that both the top officials of the investigating agency were "fighting like Kilkenny cats." Senior advocate Fali Nariman, appearing for Verma, had contended that in all circumstances the CVC and the Centre should have consulted the Selection Committee. Verma had registered an FIR against Asthana and this was the reason for the Central government (DoPT) to divest him of his powers and functions, Nariman had contended. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Mallikarjun Kharge, who had filed a plea against the Centre's and CVC decision of sending Verma on leave, had argued that the government does not have the power to remove or transfer the CBI Director. The top court was hearing a petition filed by Verma against the Central government's order to send him on leave in view of the corruption allegations levelled against him. The Central government had sent Verma and his deputy Asthana on leave after both levelled allegations of accepting bribes against each other. However, the CBI on October 25 informed that Verma and Asthana would continue to retain their posts as CBI Director and Special Director, respectively.

CBI director sent on leave: SC expected to pronounce verdict on plea Tuesday

<p>India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on a three-day visit to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last round of the dialogue was held in Tokyo in March 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The focus during the strategic dialogue was also on the Indo-Pacific region with a ministry of external affairs release saying "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi enunciated India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2018. India has been calling for a "free, open and inclusive region, which embraces all stakeholders in this region".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two foreign ministers — Kono and Sushma Swaraj — held discussions on follow-up actions on decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Japan for the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit in October 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kono also called on PM Modi and briefed the prime minister about the follow-up action taken in recent months after the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in October 2018. Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen "the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan."</p>

<p>Modi had also visited Yamanashi prefecture and the FANUC corporation during his visit to Japan in 2018. In a special gesture, he had been hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.</p>

<p>Modi had hosted Abe in Ahmedabad in 2017. During the visit, the two prime ministers oversaw the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The next round of the annual India-Japan summit will take place in India this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japan will be hosting this year's G20 summit in Osaka in June and to which India has extended full support.</p>


India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests.

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on a three-day visit to India. The last round of the dialogue was held in Tokyo in March 2018. The focus during the strategic dialogue was also on the Indo-Pacific region with a ministry of external affairs release saying "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." Prime Minister Modi enunciated India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2018. India has been calling for a "free, open and inclusive region, which embraces all stakeholders in this region". The two foreign ministers — Kono and Sushma Swaraj — held discussions on follow-up actions on decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Japan for the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit in October 2018. Kono also called on PM Modi and briefed the prime minister about the follow-up action taken in recent months after the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in October 2018. Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen "the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan." Modi had also visited Yamanashi prefecture and the FANUC corporation during his visit to Japan in 2018. In a special gesture, he had been hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader. Modi had hosted Abe in Ahmedabad in 2017. During the visit, the two prime ministers oversaw the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project. The next round of the annual India-Japan summit will take place in India this year. Japan will be hosting this year's G20 summit in Osaka in June and to which India has extended full support.

India-Japan relationship a factor of stability in Indo-Pacific region: India

<p>Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit. During the visit she will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi on a host of issues with an aim to expand the multi-faceted bilateral partnership.</p>

<p>Solberg will deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue and address India-Norway Business Summit during her visit.</p>

<p>She will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, besides holding talks with Prime Minister Modi.</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also call on Solberg during her India visit.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg arrived in Delhi earlier tonight. She is on a three-day state visit to India. <a href="https://t.co/z6pnUksTp7">pic.twitter.com/z6pnUksTp7</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082022232346509312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multi-faceted partnership in areas of common interest, the MEA had said in a statement.</p>

<p>Ahead of the visit, Ambassador of Norway to India Nils Ragnar Kamsvag said this is the first visit to India by a Norwegian prime minister in a decade.</p>

<p>"The visit has the potential of boosting bilateral trade between the two countries and further strengthen the already good relationship," he said.</p>

<p>Norway is a leading ocean country, a key producer of maritime and sub sea technology and a major exporter of seafood, oil and gas, he said.</p>

<p>"We thus think that Norway has a lot to offer and we are hopeful that the bilateral talks during the visit will focus on sustainable use of the oceans that benefits both countries in the long run," the envoy said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit. During the visit she will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi on a host of issues with an aim to expand the multi-faceted bilateral partnership.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit. During the visit she will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi on a host of issues with an aim to expand the multi-faceted bilateral partnership. Solberg will deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue and address India-Norway Business Summit during her visit. She will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, besides holding talks with Prime Minister Modi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also call on Solberg during her India visit. Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg arrived in Delhi earlier tonight. She is on a three-day state visit to India. pic.twitter.com/z6pnUksTp7 — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2019 × The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multi-faceted partnership in areas of common interest, the MEA had said in a statement. Ahead of the visit, Ambassador of Norway to India Nils Ragnar Kamsvag said this is the first visit to India by a Norwegian prime minister in a decade. "The visit has the potential of boosting bilateral trade between the two countries and further strengthen the already good relationship," he said. Norway is a leading ocean country, a key producer of maritime and sub sea technology and a major exporter of seafood, oil and gas, he said. "We thus think that Norway has a lot to offer and we are hopeful that the bilateral talks during the visit will focus on sustainable use of the oceans that benefits both countries in the long run," the envoy said.

Norwegian PM Erna Solberg arrives in Delhi on 3-day visit

<p>All flights to and from the Delhi airport were delayed on Monday morning owing to dense fog.</p>

<p>Delhi-NCR has been reeling under the effects of cold wave and chilling weather this season with temperatures dipping as low as 3 degrees last month. Poor visibility early in the morning has caused much inconvenience to the public.</p>

<p>As many as 13 Delhi-bound trains were also reported to have been running late this morning, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dense fog engulfs parts of Delhi; Visuals from Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment. <a href="https://t.co/gRL62Hk00L">pic.twitter.com/gRL62Hk00L</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082117199857356805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Delhi witnessed light showers on Sunday with minimum temperature touching 8.6 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average.</p>

<p>The national capital recorded 1.6mm rainfall, while maximum temperature remained at 19.6 degrees Celsius.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All flights to and from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> delayed due to fog conditions; Visuals (pic 1 &amp;2) from the area around Indira Gandhi International airport <a href="https://t.co/CPkOb2hA6x">pic.twitter.com/CPkOb2hA6x</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082113669067083777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>They said the mercury may drop on Monday with minimum temperature going down to 7 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>"It will be mainly clear sky with moderate to dense fog in the morning. Haze or smoke will be thereafter with maximum temperature touching 18 degrees Celsius and minimum remaining at 7 degrees Celsius," the weather office said in its forecast.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">13 trains to Delhi running late due to fog conditions/poor visibility. <a href="https://t.co/JBkBBVmDRL">pic.twitter.com/JBkBBVmDRL</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082107373592952833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, &nbsp;the national capital recorded its lowest pollution level of this year on Sunday after a spell of rain, but the air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, authorities said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All flights to and from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> delayed due to fog conditions; Visuals (pic 1 &amp;2) from the area around Indira Gandhi International airport <a href="https://t.co/CPkOb2hA6x">pic.twitter.com/CPkOb2hA6x</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082113669067083777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city was 338, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi's air quality has been oscillating between the upper range of 'very poor' and 'severe' category for the past two weeks.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>


All flights to and from the Delhi airport were delayed on Monday morning owing to dense fog. Delhi-NCR has been reeling under the effects of cold wave and chilling weather this season with temperatures dipping as low as 3 degrees last month.

All flights to and from the Delhi airport were delayed on Monday morning owing to dense fog. Delhi-NCR has been reeling under the effects of cold wave and chilling weather this season with temperatures dipping as low as 3 degrees last month. Poor visibility early in the morning has caused much inconvenience to the public. As many as 13 Delhi-bound trains were also reported to have been running late this morning, news agency ANI reported. Dense fog engulfs parts of Delhi; Visuals from Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment. pic.twitter.com/gRL62Hk00L — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × Delhi witnessed light showers on Sunday with minimum temperature touching 8.6 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average. The national capital recorded 1.6mm rainfall, while maximum temperature remained at 19.6 degrees Celsius. All flights to and from #Delhi delayed due to fog conditions; Visuals (pic 1 &2) from the area around Indira Gandhi International airport pic.twitter.com/CPkOb2hA6x — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × They said the mercury may drop on Monday with minimum temperature going down to 7 degrees Celsius. "It will be mainly clear sky with moderate to dense fog in the morning. Haze or smoke will be thereafter with maximum temperature touching 18 degrees Celsius and minimum remaining at 7 degrees Celsius," the weather office said in its forecast. 13 trains to Delhi running late due to fog conditions/poor visibility. pic.twitter.com/JBkBBVmDRL — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × Meanwhile, the national capital recorded its lowest pollution level of this year on Sunday after a spell of rain, but the air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, authorities said. All flights to and from #Delhi delayed due to fog conditions; Visuals (pic 1 &2) from the area around Indira Gandhi International airport pic.twitter.com/CPkOb2hA6x — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city was 338, news agency PTI reported. Delhi's air quality has been oscillating between the upper range of 'very poor' and 'severe' category for the past two weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

All flights delayed due to fog at Delhi airport, over 10 trains running late 

<p>The opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar is likely to hold its first formal deliberation on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls during a meeting on Monday at the residence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.</p>

<p>The meeting is likely to be attended by all constituents of the '<em>Mahagathbandhan</em>' that comprises the RJD, the Congress, former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav's LJD.</p>

<p>Tejashwi Yadav is the leader of the opposition in the state assembly.</p>

<p>According to sources in the Grand Alliance, the meeting will be marked by "broad discussions on the respective number of seats to be fought by each constituent, and identifying constituencies best suited for each alliance partner".</p>

<p>They, however, added that a final agreement may be deferred till the release of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad serving sentences in fodder scam cases judgement on whose bail application has been reserved by the Jharkhand High Court.</p>

<p>Moreover, leaders of the Grand Alliance have also been stating that a public announcement about the seat-sharing arrangements will be made only after January 14, when the inauspicious month of 'Kharmaas' comes to an end.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Jitan Ram Manjhi rubbished reports that have appeared in a section of the media, claiming that he was toying with the idea of a possible return to the NDA, as he was not getting his due in the Grand Alliance.</p>

<p>"This is nonsense. Only on Saturday I was in Ranchi to meet Lalu Prasad. It is another thing that because of his poor health, I avoided getting into any detailed discussions on political matters," he told reporters.</p>

<p>In an alliance, all constituents have to be ready to make some sacrifices, the former chief minister said.</p>

<p>"We are not at all insistent on a particular number of seats in Lok Sabha polls, and though we maintain that we are in a good position in at least 20 out of 40 in the state, we will work for the 'Mahagathbandhan's' victory even if we end up fighting not a single seat," Manjhi asserted.</p>


The opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar is likely to hold its first formal deliberation on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls during a meeting on Monday at the residence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

The opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar is likely to hold its first formal deliberation on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls during a meeting on Monday at the residence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The meeting is likely to be attended by all constituents of the 'Mahagathbandhan' that comprises the RJD, the Congress, former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav's LJD. Tejashwi Yadav is the leader of the opposition in the state assembly. According to sources in the Grand Alliance, the meeting will be marked by "broad discussions on the respective number of seats to be fought by each constituent, and identifying constituencies best suited for each alliance partner". They, however, added that a final agreement may be deferred till the release of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad serving sentences in fodder scam cases judgement on whose bail application has been reserved by the Jharkhand High Court. Moreover, leaders of the Grand Alliance have also been stating that a public announcement about the seat-sharing arrangements will be made only after January 14, when the inauspicious month of 'Kharmaas' comes to an end. Meanwhile, Jitan Ram Manjhi rubbished reports that have appeared in a section of the media, claiming that he was toying with the idea of a possible return to the NDA, as he was not getting his due in the Grand Alliance. "This is nonsense. Only on Saturday I was in Ranchi to meet Lalu Prasad. It is another thing that because of his poor health, I avoided getting into any detailed discussions on political matters," he told reporters. In an alliance, all constituents have to be ready to make some sacrifices, the former chief minister said. "We are not at all insistent on a particular number of seats in Lok Sabha polls, and though we maintain that we are in a good position in at least 20 out of 40 in the state, we will work for the 'Mahagathbandhan's' victory even if we end up fighting not a single seat," Manjhi asserted.

Tejashwi Yadav to host Grand Alliance meet today

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday warned people against voting for the Congress even as speculations are rife that AAP is in touch with the grand old party for a tie-up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Addressing a function in Kakrola, he also asked people not to vote for the BJP, alleging that all the seven sitting MPs of the party did nothing for Delhi's development.</p>

<p>"Don't vote for the Congress at all, if you vote for the Congress it will strengthen Narendra Modi. Let not your vote split and give all seven MPs to the AAP," the Aam Aadmi Party chief said.</p>

<p>His remarks assume significance as speculations are making rounds that a pre-poll alliance is possible in Delhi between the AAP and the Congress to stop the BJP in 2019 parliamentary elections.</p>

<p>Both the parties have so far avoided denying such speculations.</p>

<p>Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said recently said that political affairs committee of the party will take a call on alliance considering views of leaders and workers from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, after January 15.</p>

<p>Ajay Maken, who was critical of his party's alliance in Delhi with the AAP has resigned as the Delhi Congress president, while senior party leader and former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit maintained that national leadership will take decision about a tie up for 2019 and she will abide by it.</p>

<p>Taken on face value, Kejriwal's appeal to voters not to vote for the Congress means that the AAP is ultimately ready to take an independent plunge in the coming parliamentary polls.</p>

<p>The national executive of the AAP in its recent meeting decided to contest all the seats in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Chandigarh, totalling 33, in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>


Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday warned people against voting for the Congress even as speculations are rife that AAP is in touch with the grand old party for a tie-up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday warned people against voting for the Congress even as speculations are rife that AAP is in touch with the grand old party for a tie-up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a function in Kakrola, he also asked people not to vote for the BJP, alleging that all the seven sitting MPs of the party did nothing for Delhi's development. "Don't vote for the Congress at all, if you vote for the Congress it will strengthen Narendra Modi. Let not your vote split and give all seven MPs to the AAP," the Aam Aadmi Party chief said. His remarks assume significance as speculations are making rounds that a pre-poll alliance is possible in Delhi between the AAP and the Congress to stop the BJP in 2019 parliamentary elections. Both the parties have so far avoided denying such speculations. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said recently said that political affairs committee of the party will take a call on alliance considering views of leaders and workers from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, after January 15. Ajay Maken, who was critical of his party's alliance in Delhi with the AAP has resigned as the Delhi Congress president, while senior party leader and former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit maintained that national leadership will take decision about a tie up for 2019 and she will abide by it. Taken on face value, Kejriwal's appeal to voters not to vote for the Congress means that the AAP is ultimately ready to take an independent plunge in the coming parliamentary polls. The national executive of the AAP in its recent meeting decided to contest all the seats in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Chandigarh, totalling 33, in the Lok Sabha elections.

Kejriwal warns people against voting for Congress in Lok Sabha polls

<p>A viral video, which surfaced on Sunday evening, left the Bengal government officials in a tizzy. The video shows a Bengal cadre IAS officer Nikhil Nirmal, who is the current district magistrate of Alipurduar, beating up a young man mercilessly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, Nirmal and his wife both take turns and beat up a local youth inside the Falakata police station in presence of inspector-in-charge Soumyajit Ray.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to sources in the police, the youth had made some lewd comments on Nirmal’s wife’s Facebook profile. Soon, he was summoned to the police station where he was beaten up by Nirmal and his wife.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Surprisingly, Nirmal is heard saying in the video, “I will not let you do anything against me in my district. I will enter your house and kill you.”&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">See how Bengal IAS officer, Nikhil Nirmal, district magistrate of Alipurduar district take law in his own hands. He &amp; his wife beat up a youth for making lewd comments on his wife’s Facebook profile. Incident unfolds inside the police station &amp; infront IC of Police <a href="https://twitter.com/dna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dna</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ZeeNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZeeNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/iRCO7SnRa6">pic.twitter.com/iRCO7SnRa6</a></p>
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<p>The husband and wife took turns to beat him. Nirmal’s wife is heard asking the man, “At who’s behest did you make such comments?”&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the youth pleaded for mercy, the duo continued beating him up.</p>

<p>The entire episode unfolded at the police station without the district magistrate or his wife filing any official complaint against the man.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the correspondent tried reaching Nirmal, he neither answered nor returned calls. The inspector-in-charge too did not answer calls despite several attempts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nirmal, is a 2011 Bengal cadre IAS officer and hails from Kerala.&nbsp;</p>


A viral video, which surfaced on Sunday evening, left the Bengal government officials in a tizzy. The video shows a Bengal cadre IAS officer Nikhil Nirmal, who is the current district magistrate of Alipurduar, beating up a young man mercilessly.

A viral video, which surfaced on Sunday evening, left the Bengal government officials in a tizzy. The video shows a Bengal cadre IAS officer Nikhil Nirmal, who is the current district magistrate of Alipurduar, beating up a young man mercilessly. In the video, Nirmal and his wife both take turns and beat up a local youth inside the Falakata police station in presence of inspector-in-charge Soumyajit Ray. According to sources in the police, the youth had made some lewd comments on Nirmal’s wife’s Facebook profile. Soon, he was summoned to the police station where he was beaten up by Nirmal and his wife. Surprisingly, Nirmal is heard saying in the video, “I will not let you do anything against me in my district. I will enter your house and kill you.” See how Bengal IAS officer, Nikhil Nirmal, district magistrate of Alipurduar district take law in his own hands. He & his wife beat up a youth for making lewd comments on his wife’s Facebook profile. Incident unfolds inside the police station & infront IC of Police @dna @ZeeNews pic.twitter.com/iRCO7SnRa6 — Pooja Mehta (@pooja_zeenews) January 6, 2019 × The husband and wife took turns to beat him. Nirmal’s wife is heard asking the man, “At who’s behest did you make such comments?” While the youth pleaded for mercy, the duo continued beating him up. The entire episode unfolded at the police station without the district magistrate or his wife filing any official complaint against the man. When the correspondent tried reaching Nirmal, he neither answered nor returned calls. The inspector-in-charge too did not answer calls despite several attempts. Nirmal, is a 2011 Bengal cadre IAS officer and hails from Kerala.

Watch: Bengal IAS officer beats up youth for making lewd comments on wife’s social profile 

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated in Russia on January 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vladimir Putin wished Narendra Modi success in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin also invited PM to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest.</p>

<p>According to the ministry of external affairs release, "the two leaders appreciated the major milestones achieved in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the past year".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the leaders recalled the "successful wide-ranging discussions" during the informal summit in Sochi in May of 2018 and during President Putin's visit to New Delhi in October for the Annual Summit with both agreeing "to maintain the momentum in the bilateral relations". This year, Russia will host the annual summit.</p>

<p>The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the key areas including defence and counter-terrorism and agreed that India-Russia cooperation "plays an important role in the global multilateral order." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Remember roughly 70% of India's defence equipment is Russian in origin. During the 17th Annual Summit, the sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia and India have been engaging in various forums such as SCO, BRICS and G20. On the sidelines of G20 in 2018, Russia, India and China met for the RIC meet which happened after a gap of 12 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Russian Federal Customs Service data, bilateral trade during in 2016 amounted to US$ 7.71 billion, with Indian exports amounting to US$ 2.39 billion and imports from Russia amounting to US$ 5.32 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both are also focusing on connectivity via the International North-South Transport Corridor that will connect Mumbai to Moscow.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated in Russia on January 7. Vladimir Putin wished Narendra Modi success in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections in India. Putin also invited PM to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest. According to the ministry of external affairs release, "the two leaders appreciated the major milestones achieved in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the past year". Both the leaders recalled the "successful wide-ranging discussions" during the informal summit in Sochi in May of 2018 and during President Putin's visit to New Delhi in October for the Annual Summit with both agreeing "to maintain the momentum in the bilateral relations". This year, Russia will host the annual summit. The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the key areas including defence and counter-terrorism and agreed that India-Russia cooperation "plays an important role in the global multilateral order." Remember roughly 70% of India's defence equipment is Russian in origin. During the 17th Annual Summit, the sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually. Russia and India have been engaging in various forums such as SCO, BRICS and G20. On the sidelines of G20 in 2018, Russia, India and China met for the RIC meet which happened after a gap of 12 years. According to Russian Federal Customs Service data, bilateral trade during in 2016 amounted to US$ 7.71 billion, with Indian exports amounting to US$ 2.39 billion and imports from Russia amounting to US$ 5.32 billion. Both are also focusing on connectivity via the International North-South Transport Corridor that will connect Mumbai to Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin calls PM Modi, discusses key strategic issues wishes success in Lok Sabha polls

<p>The Centre informed the Supreme Court Monday that all appropriate steps were being taken to rescue 15 miners trapped since December 13 in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya and Indian Navy has deployed remotely operated underwater vehicle in the operation there.</p>

<p>A bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that 71 members of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 20 from 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.</p>

<p>The Meghalaya government meanwhile 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.</p>

<p>The apex court is hearing public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Aditya N Prasad who has sought urgent steps to rescue 15 miners trapped in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district.</p>

<p>Senior lawyer Anand Grover, representing the petitioner, told the bench that he would make a note based on the status report filed in the court and give suggestions which could be considered.</p>

<p>The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on January 11.</p>

<p>During the brief hearing, Mehta told the bench that the Navy was using a remotely operated underwater vehicle in the rescue operation and soon three more such vehicles would be sent there.</p>

<p>The state government, in its status report, said there was no blueprint of the illegal coal mine as it was being run "clandestinely" and rescue operation was extremely challenging as the site was in a difficult terrain where public services, infrastructure and material required were not easily available.</p>

<p>It said the site is located at Ksan near river Letein and is more than 30 km away from the headquarters and from the road, it was about 3.7 kilometre into the jungle and can be accessed after crossing three streams.</p>

<p>The state said water was rushing into the mine from the nearby river and it was interlinked with at least 20 other mines there.</p>

<p>It said the site can be accessed only by 4X4 vehicles and there was a complete lack of availability of electricity in the nearby areas.</p>

<p>It informed the court that fuel required to run generator sets, pumps and vehicles there have to be brought from a distance of one hour and high powered generator sets have to be brought in there for the rescue operation.</p>

<p>"All efforts to rescue the trapped miners are being made with all earnestness and with the hope that the miners are surviving and shall be released from the ordeal," it said.</p>

<p>On the issue of funds, the state said, "Advance fund for meeting any emergency arising from natural calamities is placed with the Deputy Commissioner (DC).</p>

<p>At the start of the rescue operation, DC had more than Rs 30 lakh at his disposal.</p>

<p>On January 3, the government took a decision to place an additional Rs 20 lakh with the DC to meet the requirements.</p>

<p>" It said the state was getting requisite support from the Centre, the Indian Navy, Odisha Fire Department and other concerned agencies to expedite the rescue operation.</p>

<p>"The NDRF team also used the SONAR system for detection of the trapped victims but were not successful," it said.</p>

<p>SONAR system uses sound propagation to navigate or detect objects on or under the surface of the water.</p>

<p>Meghalaya government said that on December 13 last year, the district administration had received information at around 2 PM that some miners are trapped and the NDRF, SDRF and civil defence services were immediately requisitioned for the rescue operation.</p>

<p>It said that on December 28-29, Indian Navy divers reached the spot and high powered water pumps were also being used there to flush out the water from the mine.</p>

<p>On January 4, the Centre had told the apex court that they were facing difficulties in rescuing the 15 miners as there was no blueprint of the 355-feet well which has "maze of rat holes" and seepage of water from the river was hindering the operation.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually three-four feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal.</p>

<p>The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat holes" as each just about fits one person.</p>

<p>The apex court had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the steps taken by the Meghalaya government to rescue 15 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.</p>


The Centre informed the Supreme Court Monday that all appropriate steps were being taken to rescue 15 miners trapped since December 13 in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya and Indian Navy has deployed remotely operated underwater vehicle in the operation there.

The Centre informed the Supreme Court Monday that all appropriate steps were being taken to rescue 15 miners trapped since December 13 in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya and Indian Navy has deployed remotely operated underwater vehicle in the operation there. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that 71 members of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 20 from 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 meanwhile 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. The apex court is hearing public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Aditya N Prasad who has sought urgent steps to rescue 15 miners trapped in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. Senior lawyer Anand Grover, representing the petitioner, told the bench that he would make a note based on the status report filed in the court and give suggestions which could be considered. The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on January 11. During the brief hearing, Mehta told the bench that the Navy was using a remotely operated underwater vehicle in the rescue operation and soon three more such vehicles would be sent there. The state government, in its status report, said there was no blueprint of the illegal coal mine as it was being run "clandestinely" and rescue operation was extremely challenging as the site was in a difficult terrain where public services, infrastructure and material required were not easily available. It said the site is located at Ksan near river Letein and is more than 30 km away from the headquarters and from the road, it was about 3.7 kilometre into the jungle and can be accessed after crossing three streams. The state said water was rushing into the mine from the nearby river and it was interlinked with at least 20 other mines there. It said the site can be accessed only by 4X4 vehicles and there was a complete lack of availability of electricity in the nearby areas. It informed the court that fuel required to run generator sets, pumps and vehicles there have to be brought from a distance of one hour and high powered generator sets have to be brought in there for the rescue operation. "All efforts to rescue the trapped miners are being made with all earnestness and with the hope that the miners are surviving and shall be released from the ordeal," it said. On the issue of funds, the state said, "Advance fund for meeting any emergency arising from natural calamities is placed with the Deputy Commissioner (DC). At the start of the rescue operation, DC had more than Rs 30 lakh at his disposal. On January 3, the government took a decision to place an additional Rs 20 lakh with the DC to meet the requirements. " It said the state was getting requisite support from the Centre, the Indian Navy, Odisha Fire Department and other concerned agencies to expedite the rescue operation. "The NDRF team also used the SONAR system for detection of the trapped victims but were not successful," it said. SONAR system uses sound propagation to navigate or detect objects on or under the surface of the water. Meghalaya government said that on December 13 last year, the district administration had received information at around 2 PM that some miners are trapped and the NDRF, SDRF and civil defence services were immediately requisitioned for the rescue operation. It said that on December 28-29, Indian Navy divers reached the spot and high powered water pumps were also being used there to flush out the water from the mine. On January 4, the Centre had told the apex court that they were facing difficulties in rescuing the 15 miners as there was no blueprint of the 355-feet well which has "maze of rat holes" and seepage of water from the river was hindering the operation. 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 feet 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 15 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.

All appropriate steps being taken to rescue 15 people trapped in illegal mine: Centre to SC

<p>The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised questions on the legal aspect of 10% reservation for economically weaker upper caste sections approved by the Union cabinet on Monday.</p>

<p>“My questions is how can they increase the quota from 50-60%? If they can satisfy in legal terms, I have no problem. I was going through a Supreme Court order, according to which any reservation beyond 50% is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court’s order mentions that the quote should not be exceeding 50%. Any reservation beyond 50% will be struck down,” Banerjee raised a question while quoting a Supreme Court order.</p>

<p>She further added, “The Centre has to clarify whether this can be implemented or not, legally valid or not, constitutional or not and feasible or not. We want the proper implementation of reservation.”</p>

<p>On the other hand, she claimed that this move was approved by the Union cabinet keeping in mind the elections.</p>

<p>“Maybe in the next 15-20 days, the elections will be announced. This is for political purpose and election vendetta. In a real sense, the problem of unemployment is sky high in India. We want the unemployed to get the job. We will happy if the unemployed find jobs,” added Banerjee.</p>

<p>This apart, she alleged that the farmers and youths have been cheated by the Central government. “It is dangerous if you cheat the people. Farmers and youths are being cheated,” she said while leaving the state secretariat – Nabanna in the evening.</p>


The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised questions on the legal aspect of 10% reservation for economically weaker upper caste sections approved by the Union cabinet on Monday.

The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised questions on the legal aspect of 10% reservation for economically weaker upper caste sections approved by the Union cabinet on Monday. “My questions is how can they increase the quota from 50-60%? If they can satisfy in legal terms, I have no problem. I was going through a Supreme Court order, according to which any reservation beyond 50% is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court’s order mentions that the quote should not be exceeding 50%. Any reservation beyond 50% will be struck down,” Banerjee raised a question while quoting a Supreme Court order. She further added, “The Centre has to clarify whether this can be implemented or not, legally valid or not, constitutional or not and feasible or not. We want the proper implementation of reservation.” On the other hand, she claimed that this move was approved by the Union cabinet keeping in mind the elections. “Maybe in the next 15-20 days, the elections will be announced. This is for political purpose and election vendetta. In a real sense, the problem of unemployment is sky high in India. We want the unemployed to get the job. We will happy if the unemployed find jobs,” added Banerjee. This apart, she alleged that the farmers and youths have been cheated by the Central government. “It is dangerous if you cheat the people. Farmers and youths are being cheated,” she said while leaving the state secretariat – Nabanna in the evening.

10% reservation for poor among upper castes: Mamata asks if it is legal

<p>In a veiled warning to the Shiv Sena, BJP president Amit Shah said Sunday that if an alliance happened, the party will ensure victory for its allies, but if it did not, the party will thrash its former allies in the coming Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Shah's statement came immediately after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis set the BJP workers a target of winning 40 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state.</p>

<p>Reacting to the statements, the Shiv Sena said it was ready to take on whoever challenges it.</p>

<p>Shah and Fadnavis addressed BJP workers from Latur, Osmanabad, Hingoli and Nanded districts in Latur city Sunday.</p>

<p>"Party workers should get rid of confusion about (prospects of) alliance (with the Shiv Sena). If the allies join us, we will ensure their win, or else will defeat them too ("patak denge"). Party workers should start preparations at every booth," Shah said.</p>

<p>He compared the coming elections to the third battle of Panipat, in which Maratha forces were defeated by the army of Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah Durrani (Abdali).</p>

<p>The BJP chief said after this battle, the country was "enslaved" for 200 years. "If we win this election, our ideology will continue to rule for next 50 years. We should put in extra efforts to win this election," Shah said.</p>

<p>"In 2014, the BJP won 73 seats (in Uttar Pradesh). This time even if SP and BSP join hands, we will win 74 seats," he said.</p>

<p>Echoing Fadnavis, Shah said, "We should aim to win at least 40 out of 48 seats (in Maharashtra)."</p>

<p>This is for the first time the BJP has taken an assertive stand in the matter of alliance with the Shiv Sena.</p>

<p>The Sena has been regularly hitting out at the BJP despite being part of the government in the state and the Centre. Its leaders have often said they would contest the next polls on their own.</p>

<p>Speaking before Shah, Fadnavis said, "The party president will decide what to do with the Shiv Sena and the proposed alliance. But the BJP should aim to win 40 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state."</p>

<p>"The victory of 2019 will be bigger than 2014. Last time we won 122 seats in (state) Assembly and received 1.50 crore votes. We need two crore votes to attain power on our own. The number of people who have benefited from the state government's policies is more than that."</p>

<p>Shah had reportedly told party MPs from Maharashtra at a meeting in Delhi last Thursday that they should be ready to contest the coming elections without an alliance, though efforts to forge a pre-poll tie-up with the Sena were on.</p>

<p>The Sena and BJP had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in alliance but split up at the time of Assembly elections. The Sena joined the state government later.</p>

<p>Late Sunday evening, the Shiv Sena hit back at the BJP, saying its plan to win 40 seats meant it would rely on manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).</p>

<p>"The Sena is ready to take on opposition. Those who attack us, we will surely defeat them," said an aide of Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.</p>

<p>"The BJP's boast of winning 40 seats is evidence that it is going to form alliance with EVMs. The BJP has been unnerved by the results of assembly elections," he said.</p>

<p>"Amit Shah's arrogant and boastful statements have exposed that party....Shiv Sena talked about Hindutva and Ram temple but it seems our stand did not go down well with the BJP," the leader said.</p>

<p>"The BJP does not want anybody who talks of Hindutva," the Sena leader said.</p>


In a veiled warning to the Shiv Sena, BJP president Amit Shah said Sunday that if an alliance happened, the party will ensure victory for its allies, but if it did not, the party will thrash its former allies in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

In a veiled warning to the Shiv Sena, BJP president Amit Shah said Sunday that if an alliance happened, the party will ensure victory for its allies, but if it did not, the party will thrash its former allies in the coming Lok Sabha polls. Shah's statement came immediately after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis set the BJP workers a target of winning 40 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Reacting to the statements, the Shiv Sena said it was ready to take on whoever challenges it. Shah and Fadnavis addressed BJP workers from Latur, Osmanabad, Hingoli and Nanded districts in Latur city Sunday. "Party workers should get rid of confusion about (prospects of) alliance (with the Shiv Sena). If the allies join us, we will ensure their win, or else will defeat them too ("patak denge"). Party workers should start preparations at every booth," Shah said. He compared the coming elections to the third battle of Panipat, in which Maratha forces were defeated by the army of Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah Durrani (Abdali). The BJP chief said after this battle, the country was "enslaved" for 200 years. "If we win this election, our ideology will continue to rule for next 50 years. We should put in extra efforts to win this election," Shah said. "In 2014, the BJP won 73 seats (in Uttar Pradesh). This time even if SP and BSP join hands, we will win 74 seats," he said. Echoing Fadnavis, Shah said, "We should aim to win at least 40 out of 48 seats (in Maharashtra)." This is for the first time the BJP has taken an assertive stand in the matter of alliance with the Shiv Sena. The Sena has been regularly hitting out at the BJP despite being part of the government in the state and the Centre. Its leaders have often said they would contest the next polls on their own. Speaking before Shah, Fadnavis said, "The party president will decide what to do with the Shiv Sena and the proposed alliance. But the BJP should aim to win 40 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state." "The victory of 2019 will be bigger than 2014. Last time we won 122 seats in (state) Assembly and received 1.50 crore votes. We need two crore votes to attain power on our own. The number of people who have benefited from the state government's policies is more than that." Shah had reportedly told party MPs from Maharashtra at a meeting in Delhi last Thursday that they should be ready to contest the coming elections without an alliance, though efforts to forge a pre-poll tie-up with the Sena were on. The Sena and BJP had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in alliance but split up at the time of Assembly elections. The Sena joined the state government later. Late Sunday evening, the Shiv Sena hit back at the BJP, saying its plan to win 40 seats meant it would rely on manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). "The Sena is ready to take on opposition. Those who attack us, we will surely defeat them," said an aide of Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. "The BJP's boast of winning 40 seats is evidence that it is going to form alliance with EVMs. The BJP has been unnerved by the results of assembly elections," he said. "Amit Shah's arrogant and boastful statements have exposed that party....Shiv Sena talked about Hindutva and Ram temple but it seems our stand did not go down well with the BJP," the leader said. "The BJP does not want anybody who talks of Hindutva," the Sena leader said.

If there is no tie-up, BJP will defeat ex-allies: Amit Shah in Maharashtra 

<p>Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a 3 day India has ruled out any mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. Speaking to reporters at the Norweign embassy, PM said, "nobody from outside can create peace or make changes. It has to come from inside. So if there is a movement in India and Pakistan for greater talks together, of course, other countries can help, if there is a possibility. It has to be partner driven. It has to be those who are part of the conflict."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said India and Pakistan are "big enough country that they can decrease tension between them without help from outside. "</p>

<p>Remember Norway has played a role as a mediator in Colombia and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stating her govt's policy on mediation she said, "our govt policy is clear if we going to help someone, they have to ask for it."</p>

<p>She dismissed any military solution to any conflict saying she "personally don't believe that military solution solves the problem" but in "peaceful solutions", putting the onus on "Pakistan and India together who find the time when they going to start talks about things".</p>

<p>Asked about the former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik visit to Kashmir in November of last year, she said, "he went as a private citizen" and "no (Norway) govt plan to start any negotiation. "</p>

<p>Bondevik visited Jammu &amp; Kashmir on November 23, 2018, and met representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu &amp; Kashmir Youth Development Forum and All Party Hurriyat Conference. He later visited Pakistan occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has always maintained that there is no scope for a third-party role on Kashmir. In a written reply to Parliament, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, &nbsp;"there is no change in government’s consistent and principled position that under the Simla Agreement (1972) and as reiterated in the Lahore Declaration (1999), both India and Pakistan are committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally."</p>

<p>Norway's Ambassador Nils Ragnar Kamsvag elaborating his PM comments on Twitter said, "PM @erna_solberg has not offered to mediate between India and Pakistan as has been erroneously reported. Norway has neither been asked nor offered to mediate."</p>

<p>Solberg is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. Tuesday is the main day of engagement for the Prime Minister and she will call on President Kovind, Vice President Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She will leave on Wednesday.</p>


Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a 3 day India has ruled out any mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. Speaking to reporters at the Norweign embassy, PM said, "nobody from outside can create peace or make changes.

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a 3 day India has ruled out any mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. Speaking to reporters at the Norweign embassy, PM said, "nobody from outside can create peace or make changes. It has to come from inside. So if there is a movement in India and Pakistan for greater talks together, of course, other countries can help, if there is a possibility. It has to be partner driven. It has to be those who are part of the conflict." She said India and Pakistan are "big enough country that they can decrease tension between them without help from outside. " Remember Norway has played a role as a mediator in Colombia and Sri Lanka. Stating her govt's policy on mediation she said, "our govt policy is clear if we going to help someone, they have to ask for it." She dismissed any military solution to any conflict saying she "personally don't believe that military solution solves the problem" but in "peaceful solutions", putting the onus on "Pakistan and India together who find the time when they going to start talks about things". Asked about the former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik visit to Kashmir in November of last year, she said, "he went as a private citizen" and "no (Norway) govt plan to start any negotiation. " Bondevik visited Jammu & Kashmir on November 23, 2018, and met representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu & Kashmir Youth Development Forum and All Party Hurriyat Conference. He later visited Pakistan occupied Kashmir. India has always maintained that there is no scope for a third-party role on Kashmir. In a written reply to Parliament, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "there is no change in government’s consistent and principled position that under the Simla Agreement (1972) and as reiterated in the Lahore Declaration (1999), both India and Pakistan are committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally." Norway's Ambassador Nils Ragnar Kamsvag elaborating his PM comments on Twitter said, "PM @erna_solberg has not offered to mediate between India and Pakistan as has been erroneously reported. Norway has neither been asked nor offered to mediate." Solberg is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. Tuesday is the main day of engagement for the Prime Minister and she will call on President Kovind, Vice President Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She will leave on Wednesday.

Norway PM rules out mediation on Kashmir, says nobody from outside can create peace

<p>The government has sent the district magistrate of Alipurduar, Bengal on leave. A video had surfaced on Sunday showing Nikhil Nirmal and his wife beating up a youth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video had gone viral.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">See how Bengal IAS officer, Nikhil Nirmal, district magistrate of Alipurduar district take law in his own hands. He &amp; his wife beat up a youth for making lewd comments on his wife’s Facebook profile. Incident unfolds inside the police station &amp; infront IC of Police <a href="https://twitter.com/dna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dna</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ZeeNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZeeNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/iRCO7SnRa6">pic.twitter.com/iRCO7SnRa6</a></p>
— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_zeenews) <a href="https://twitter.com/pooja_zeenews/status/1081974285210546176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nirmal has been sent on leave till January 16. Additional District Magistrate (Dev) Chiranjb Ghosh will take additional charge of the DM's post till Nirmal returns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video had shown Nirmal and his wife beating up the local youth inside the Falakata police station and in the presence of the station's inspector-in-charge Soumyajit Ray.</p>

<p>According to sources in the police, the youth had made some lewd comments on Nirmal’s wife’s Facebook profile. He was then reportedly summoned to the police station, after which Nirmal and his wife were seen beating him up. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Nirmal is heard saying in the video: “I will not let you do anything against me in my district. I will enter your house and kill you.”</p>

<p>Nirmal’s wife is heard asking the youth, “At whose behest did you make such comments?”</p>

<p>While the youth can be heard pleading for mercy, the duo continue&nbsp;to beat him.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the entire episode unfolded at the police station without the district magistrate or his wife filing any official complaint against the youth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the youth, identified as Vinod Sarkar, who was arrested later, was granted bail by the local court on a personal bond of Rs 1,000.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The government has sent the district magistrate of Alipurduar, Bengal on leave. A video had surfaced on Sunday showing Nikhil Nirmal and his wife beating up a youth.

The government has sent the district magistrate of Alipurduar, Bengal on leave. A video had surfaced on Sunday showing Nikhil Nirmal and his wife beating up a youth. The video had gone viral. See how Bengal IAS officer, Nikhil Nirmal, district magistrate of Alipurduar district take law in his own hands. He & his wife beat up a youth for making lewd comments on his wife’s Facebook profile. Incident unfolds inside the police station & infront IC of Police @dna @ZeeNews pic.twitter.com/iRCO7SnRa6 — Pooja Mehta (@pooja_zeenews) January 6, 2019 × Nirmal has been sent on leave till January 16. Additional District Magistrate (Dev) Chiranjb Ghosh will take additional charge of the DM's post till Nirmal returns. The video had shown Nirmal and his wife beating up the local youth inside the Falakata police station and in the presence of the station's inspector-in-charge Soumyajit Ray. According to sources in the police, the youth had made some lewd comments on Nirmal’s wife’s Facebook profile. He was then reportedly summoned to the police station, after which Nirmal and his wife were seen beating him up. Nirmal is heard saying in the video: “I will not let you do anything against me in my district. I will enter your house and kill you.” Nirmal’s wife is heard asking the youth, “At whose behest did you make such comments?” While the youth can be heard pleading for mercy, the duo continue to beat him. Interestingly, the entire episode unfolded at the police station without the district magistrate or his wife filing any official complaint against the youth. On the other hand, the youth, identified as Vinod Sarkar, who was arrested later, was granted bail by the local court on a personal bond of Rs 1,000.

Bengal: IAS officer who beat up youth sent on leave; video had gone viral

<p>Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Sunday came out in support of Naseeruddin Shah, who recently stoked a controversy with his remark on mob violence and appeared in a video for the Amnesty India against alleged government crackdown on NGOs, and said attempts were being made to "disturb" the actor.</p>

<p>In a 2-minute solidarity video for the human rights watchdog Amnesty, Shah had said on Friday that those who demand rights are being locked up.</p>

<p>Asked by reporters on the veteran actor's comments, Sen said, "We must protest against such attempts to disturb the actor... What has been happening (in the country) is objectionable. It should stop."</p>

<p>The 85-year-old economist said many institutions in the country are under attack, and their freedom is being encroached. "Even journalists are facing harassment".</p>

<p>About troll attacks against personalities like Shah, he said, "Losing the ability to tolerate others is a serious cause for concern, it points to the losing of ability to think and analyse."</p>

<p>Under the hashtag #AbkiBaarManavAdhikaar, the Amnesty had claimed that India has witnessed a massive crackdown on freedom of expression and human rights defenders.</p>

<p>In his solidarity message in Urdu, Shah had said, "Artistes, actors, scholars, poets are all being stifled. Journalists too are being silenced.</p>

<p>"In the name of religion, walls of hatred are being erected. Innocents are being killed. The country is awash with horrific hatred and cruelty."</p>

<p>Last month, the 68-year-old had said the death of a cow had acquired more significance than that of a police officer in the country.</p>

<p>He was speaking in the wake of a mob violence that broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr on December 3 over alleged cow slaughter in the Mahaw village. The violence led to the death of two men, including a police inspector.</p>

<p>The National Award-winning actor's visit to a literary fest in December was also cancelled following protests by Hindu outfits over his comments on mob violence.</p>


Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Sunday came out in support of Naseeruddin Shah, who recently stoked a controversy with his remark on mob violence and appeared in a video for the Amnesty India against alleged government crackdown on NGOs, and said attempts were being made to "disturb" the actor.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Sunday came out in support of Naseeruddin Shah, who recently stoked a controversy with his remark on mob violence and appeared in a video for the Amnesty India against alleged government crackdown on NGOs, and said attempts were being made to "disturb" the actor. In a 2-minute solidarity video for the human rights watchdog Amnesty, Shah had said on Friday that those who demand rights are being locked up. Asked by reporters on the veteran actor's comments, Sen said, "We must protest against such attempts to disturb the actor... What has been happening (in the country) is objectionable. It should stop." The 85-year-old economist said many institutions in the country are under attack, and their freedom is being encroached. "Even journalists are facing harassment". About troll attacks against personalities like Shah, he said, "Losing the ability to tolerate others is a serious cause for concern, it points to the losing of ability to think and analyse." Under the hashtag #AbkiBaarManavAdhikaar, the Amnesty had claimed that India has witnessed a massive crackdown on freedom of expression and human rights defenders. In his solidarity message in Urdu, Shah had said, "Artistes, actors, scholars, poets are all being stifled. Journalists too are being silenced. "In the name of religion, walls of hatred are being erected. Innocents are being killed. The country is awash with horrific hatred and cruelty." Last month, the 68-year-old had said the death of a cow had acquired more significance than that of a police officer in the country. He was speaking in the wake of a mob violence that broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr on December 3 over alleged cow slaughter in the Mahaw village. The violence led to the death of two men, including a police inspector. The National Award-winning actor's visit to a literary fest in December was also cancelled following protests by Hindu outfits over his comments on mob violence.

Amartya Sen backs Naseeruddin Shah, says actor being disturbed

<p>The Narendra Modi cabinet has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The reservation — if it is cleared by parliament and if gets past the courts — will be given to the economically weak among the upper castes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI reported that the government is likely to bring a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The reservation for the upper castes will be in government jobs and educational&nbsp;institutions.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> 10 percent reservation approved by Union Cabinet for economically weaker upper caste sections. Reservation approved in Govt jobs and education <a href="https://t.co/fu82M2xfoc">https://t.co/fu82M2xfoc</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082205224754917376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 10% quota is over and above the 50% reservation already given to the scheduled castes, tribes, and other backward castes (OBCs). The Supreme Court however has repeatedly struck down any further reservations over the 50% mark.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The upper castes have never before been given the benefit of a quota.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move to give the upper castes a quota comes just before the 2019 general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI quoted sources as saying the reservation is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision, the sources added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former attorney general Soli Sorabjee told the Zee Network that&nbsp;"since in its present form constitution doesn't allow such reservation, it would need a constitutional amendment. Which will be a time-taking process which would need numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There have been changes in reservation structure from time to time, horizontal as well as vertical.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As reservation is not considered to be a basic structure of the constitution so amendment can be made. Though the Government has to prove that there is a need for such amendment."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/10-quota-for-poor-among-upper-caste-who-said-what-188829">reaction to the news of the new quota</a> was swift:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice.<br />
<br />
Constitution doesn’t permit reservations on economic grounds<a href="https://t.co/KrHNruMXse">https://t.co/KrHNruMXse</a></p>
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadowaisi/status/1082218613858156544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WB CM on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes:My question is,in the name of elections can a govt cheat people or ditch unemployed youth?They've to clarify whether it will be implemented or not and if it is constitutionally&amp;legally valid or not <a href="https://t.co/l2XnYbhd4s">pic.twitter.com/l2XnYbhd4s</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082290560528830465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Randeep Surjewala, Congress on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes: 100 days are left for elections and Mr Modi now remembers the economically weaker sections of the society. <a href="https://t.co/NelzKLWnFJ">pic.twitter.com/NelzKLWnFJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082266250015842305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MoS for Social Justice &amp; Empowerment Vijay Sampla: It's a historic step by Modi govt. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs. 8 lakhs and who possess less than 5 acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories. <a href="https://t.co/4YQt97sXhW">pic.twitter.com/4YQt97sXhW</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082243923265777664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>On social media however, it looked like large sections of the twitterati approved of the move:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiOnceMore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiOnceMore</a><br />
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1st time in 70yrs , A upper caste Hindus will get 10% <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reservation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reservation</a> who are financially-weak .<br />
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Till today no one showed courtesy for Upper Caste ppl.<br />
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MODI - "The Baap of all Politicians" <a href="https://t.co/PeKTsxif5H">pic.twitter.com/PeKTsxif5H</a></p>
— 🇮🇳 Pradeep Kumar 🇮🇳 (@pradeepksm2272) <a href="https://twitter.com/pradeepksm2272/status/1082219149072449536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He ruled Gujarat for 15 years as a chief minister and he is ruling India from 2014 as PM ;the opposition underestimated his political brilliance. He is Narendra Modi. Welcome move by govt. to grant 10% <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reservation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reservation</a> to economically deprived Upper Caste . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabkaSaathSabkaVikas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabkaSaathSabkaVikas</a></p>
— Rahul Jha (@JhaRahul_Bihar) <a href="https://twitter.com/JhaRahul_Bihar/status/1082212472730382338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This 10% quota is for general cast people who earn less than 8 lakh PA (66k PM). So almost all of middle class too is included! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reservation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reservation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SavarnoKoSamman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SavarnoKoSamman</a></p>
— Vikas Pandey (@MODIfiedVikas) <a href="https://twitter.com/MODIfiedVikas/status/1082208759483637760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian constitution saw reservations as a means of righting the historical discrimination against the lower castes and uplifting the socially backward. And they have helped create a burgeoning middle class among the lower castes, the Dalits for example.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There has however been resentment against the reservations among the&nbsp;upper castes.</p>

<p>The general refrain from the upper castes has been that reservations should be based on incomes, and not merely on caste. Basically, that&nbsp;only the poor should be given them.</p>

<p>The new 10% reservations, since they are in one sense based on income — they can only be availed by people with incomes less than Rs 8 lakh per annum and who own less than 5 acres of land — fit in with that idea.&nbsp;</p>


The Narendra Modi cabinet has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The reservation — if it is cleared by parliament and if gets past the courts — will be given to the economically weak among the upper castes.

The Narendra Modi cabinet has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The reservation — if it is cleared by parliament and if gets past the courts — will be given to the economically weak among the upper castes. PTI reported that the government is likely to bring a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament on Tuesday. The reservation for the upper castes will be in government jobs and educational institutions. #UPDATE 10 percent reservation approved by Union Cabinet for economically weaker upper caste sections. Reservation approved in Govt jobs and education https://t.co/fu82M2xfoc — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × The 10% quota is over and above the 50% reservation already given to the scheduled castes, tribes, and other backward castes (OBCs). The Supreme Court however has repeatedly struck down any further reservations over the 50% mark. The upper castes have never before been given the benefit of a quota. The move to give the upper castes a quota comes just before the 2019 general elections. PTI quoted sources as saying the reservation is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, he said. Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision, the sources added. Former attorney general Soli Sorabjee told the Zee Network that "since in its present form constitution doesn't allow such reservation, it would need a constitutional amendment. Which will be a time-taking process which would need numbers. "There have been changes in reservation structure from time to time, horizontal as well as vertical. "As reservation is not considered to be a basic structure of the constitution so amendment can be made. Though the Government has to prove that there is a need for such amendment." The reaction to the news of the new quota was swift: Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. Constitution doesn’t permit reservations on economic groundshttps://t.co/KrHNruMXse — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) January 7, 2019 × WB CM on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes:My question is,in the name of elections can a govt cheat people or ditch unemployed youth?They've to clarify whether it will be implemented or not and if it is constitutionally&legally valid or not pic.twitter.com/l2XnYbhd4s — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × Randeep Surjewala, Congress on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes: 100 days are left for elections and Mr Modi now remembers the economically weaker sections of the society. pic.twitter.com/NelzKLWnFJ — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × MoS for Social Justice & Empowerment Vijay Sampla: It's a historic step by Modi govt. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs. 8 lakhs and who possess less than 5 acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories. pic.twitter.com/4YQt97sXhW — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × On social media however, it looked like large sections of the twitterati approved of the move: #ModiOnceMore 1st time in 70yrs , A upper caste Hindus will get 10% #Reservation who are financially-weak . Till today no one showed courtesy for Upper Caste ppl. MODI - "The Baap of all Politicians" pic.twitter.com/PeKTsxif5H — 🇮🇳 Pradeep Kumar 🇮🇳 (@pradeepksm2272) January 7, 2019 × He ruled Gujarat for 15 years as a chief minister and he is ruling India from 2014 as PM ;the opposition underestimated his political brilliance. He is Narendra Modi. Welcome move by govt. to grant 10% #Reservation to economically deprived Upper Caste . #SabkaSaathSabkaVikas — Rahul Jha (@JhaRahul_Bihar) January 7, 2019 × This 10% quota is for general cast people who earn less than 8 lakh PA (66k PM). So almost all of middle class too is included! #Reservation #SavarnoKoSamman — Vikas Pandey (@MODIfiedVikas) January 7, 2019 × The Indian constitution saw reservations as a means of righting the historical discrimination against the lower castes and uplifting the socially backward. And they have helped create a burgeoning middle class among the lower castes, the Dalits for example. There has however been resentment against the reservations among the upper castes. The general refrain from the upper castes has been that reservations should be based on incomes, and not merely on caste. Basically, that only the poor should be given them. The new 10% reservations, since they are in one sense based on income — they can only be availed by people with incomes less than Rs 8 lakh per annum and who own less than 5 acres of land — fit in with that idea.

Cabinet approves 10% quota for economically weak among upper castes

<p>Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Sunday expressed optimism that the public sector entity's financial condition would improve by the end of the current fiscal.</p>

<p>The state-owned aerospace firm has said to have "taken an overdraft of Rs 962 crore but the situation is expected to improve by end of the financial year" thanks to "anticipated collections."</p>

<p>"In view of the various media along with reports on HAL, following is clarified, HAL has taken overdraft of Rs 962 crore. With anticipated collection up to March, the cash position is expected to improve. Orders for LCA Mk1 A (83) &amp; LCH (15) are in advanced stages," Bangalore-based HAL tweeted.</p>

<p>A political controversy erupted after a media report quoted HAL CMD R Madhavan, saying that after many years, the aerospace company had to borrow close to Rs 1,000 crore as an overdraft.</p>

<p>There were other reports as well, suggesting the HAL was yet to get orders from the Central government.</p>

<p>Earlier on Sunday, the war of words erupted between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, where he accused the Defence Minister of lying in the Parliament about giving orders to HAL and asked her to prove it or resign.</p>

<p>Defence Minister Sitharaman retaliated by showing the documents, which suggested that HAL signed contracts worth Rs 26,570 crore and Rs 73,000 crore worth contracts were in the pipeline for the aerospace firm.&nbsp;</p>


Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Sunday expressed optimism that the public sector entity's financial condition would improve by the end of the current fiscal.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Sunday expressed optimism that the public sector entity's financial condition would improve by the end of the current fiscal. The state-owned aerospace firm has said to have "taken an overdraft of Rs 962 crore but the situation is expected to improve by end of the financial year" thanks to "anticipated collections." "In view of the various media along with reports on HAL, following is clarified, HAL has taken overdraft of Rs 962 crore. With anticipated collection up to March, the cash position is expected to improve. Orders for LCA Mk1 A (83) & LCH (15) are in advanced stages," Bangalore-based HAL tweeted. A political controversy erupted after a media report quoted HAL CMD R Madhavan, saying that after many years, the aerospace company had to borrow close to Rs 1,000 crore as an overdraft. There were other reports as well, suggesting the HAL was yet to get orders from the Central government. Earlier on Sunday, the war of words erupted between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, where he accused the Defence Minister of lying in the Parliament about giving orders to HAL and asked her to prove it or resign. Defence Minister Sitharaman retaliated by showing the documents, which suggested that HAL signed contracts worth Rs 26,570 crore and Rs 73,000 crore worth contracts were in the pipeline for the aerospace firm.

HAL expects 'cash position' to improve by end of current fiscal

<p>Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Sunday said political parties should focus on development instead of doling our freebies during the time of elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing a function organised by the textiles ministry, he said, "Rather than focusing on freebies that too at the time of election, we should focus on long term growth stories, developmental stories so that the people can stand on their own. These temporary things will be temporary lollipops only."</p>

<p>Talking about the functioning of Parliament, particularly Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Winter Session, the Vice President and the Chairman of the Upper House said he is "pained by our inability to ensure convergence of different agendas into a national agenda".</p>

<p>"Parliamentary institutions cannot be held captive to the competitive agenda. The Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha, could not function for 14 days because of competition between two parties," Naidu said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Vice President noted that civility of proceedings in the parliamentary institutions is a parameter of an aspiring nation finding its feet and fulfilling its quest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stressing that before electing their political representatives people should look if "4 Cs" -- character, calibre, capacity and conduct -- are available, Naidu said unfortunately some politicians have brought in four other "Cs".</p>

<p>"Caste, community, cash and criminality. If these things influence the society, it's a gone case. We must bring back the agenda to development," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Observing that discrimination on the basis of gender and social identities is prevalent even now, the Vice President called for a change in the mindset and commitment and go back to "our original roots where we used to give respect to women".</p>

<p>Talking about the role of the agriculture, Naidu said a huge population of the country is engaged in the sector.</p>

<p>He observed that the colonial rule created problems for india and the countrymen must let go of the colonial mindset. The Vice President exhorted people to go back to their roots and practice physical exercise, while promoting Indian heritage through their dressing sense.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our forefathers had so much knowledge. Years of civilisation have taught us so many things. Our dress, our food habits, our lifestyle and so many things. Unfortunately, because of colonial mindset we have abandoned them. Now the time has come to go back to roots," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Observing that Yoga has now become an international attraction and brings unity between the body and the mind, Naidu said, "unfortunately, we have cynics in our country. What is Yoga, they are trying to connect it with religion, Yoga has no connection with any religion at all."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing an example, he said a boy told him Yoga is very good but he has a problem with doing "Surya" Namaskar. Naidu said he told the boy to do "Chandra" Namaskar if he has a problem doing "Surya" Namaskar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have to change attitude. Merely bringing legislations, bringing new schemes alone will not suffice," Naidu said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Naidu said the continued growth of the textiles sector can drive the economy to new heights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he said, the sector has to improve supply chains and internal systems, focus on research and development, cost optimisation and command a higher share in export of top items traded in global markets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I would like the sector to focus on improving quality and then tapping the opportunities in the global market to increase India's share in exports," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He urged the industry to discard outdated technology and focus on creating global brands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I understand that India's export performance has not been up to expectations for a variety of reasons. It cannot be a business as usual and the industry has to rise to the occasion and ensure that the share of India's exports reaches double digits," the Vice President said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He urged the industry to diversify its products and tap newer markets, observing that the Indian textile industry is expected to reach $223 billion by 2021.&nbsp;</p>


Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Sunday said political parties should focus on development instead of doling our freebies during the time of elections. Addressing a function organised by the textiles ministry, he said, "Rather than focusing on freebies that too at the time of election, we should focus on long term growth stories, developmental stories so that the people can stand on their own.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Sunday said political parties should focus on development instead of doling our freebies during the time of elections. Addressing a function organised by the textiles ministry, he said, "Rather than focusing on freebies that too at the time of election, we should focus on long term growth stories, developmental stories so that the people can stand on their own. These temporary things will be temporary lollipops only." Talking about the functioning of Parliament, particularly Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Winter Session, the Vice President and the Chairman of the Upper House said he is "pained by our inability to ensure convergence of different agendas into a national agenda". "Parliamentary institutions cannot be held captive to the competitive agenda. The Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha, could not function for 14 days because of competition between two parties," Naidu said. The Vice President noted that civility of proceedings in the parliamentary institutions is a parameter of an aspiring nation finding its feet and fulfilling its quest. Stressing that before electing their political representatives people should look if "4 Cs" -- character, calibre, capacity and conduct -- are available, Naidu said unfortunately some politicians have brought in four other "Cs". "Caste, community, cash and criminality. If these things influence the society, it's a gone case. We must bring back the agenda to development," he said. Observing that discrimination on the basis of gender and social identities is prevalent even now, the Vice President called for a change in the mindset and commitment and go back to "our original roots where we used to give respect to women". Talking about the role of the agriculture, Naidu said a huge population of the country is engaged in the sector. He observed that the colonial rule created problems for india and the countrymen must let go of the colonial mindset. The Vice President exhorted people to go back to their roots and practice physical exercise, while promoting Indian heritage through their dressing sense. "Our forefathers had so much knowledge. Years of civilisation have taught us so many things. Our dress, our food habits, our lifestyle and so many things. Unfortunately, because of colonial mindset we have abandoned them. Now the time has come to go back to roots," he said. Observing that Yoga has now become an international attraction and brings unity between the body and the mind, Naidu said, "unfortunately, we have cynics in our country. What is Yoga, they are trying to connect it with religion, Yoga has no connection with any religion at all." Citing an example, he said a boy told him Yoga is very good but he has a problem with doing "Surya" Namaskar. Naidu said he told the boy to do "Chandra" Namaskar if he has a problem doing "Surya" Namaskar. "We have to change attitude. Merely bringing legislations, bringing new schemes alone will not suffice," Naidu said. Naidu said the continued growth of the textiles sector can drive the economy to new heights. However, he said, the sector has to improve supply chains and internal systems, focus on research and development, cost optimisation and command a higher share in export of top items traded in global markets. "I would like the sector to focus on improving quality and then tapping the opportunities in the global market to increase India's share in exports," he said. He urged the industry to discard outdated technology and focus on creating global brands. "I understand that India's export performance has not been up to expectations for a variety of reasons. It cannot be a business as usual and the industry has to rise to the occasion and ensure that the share of India's exports reaches double digits," the Vice President said. He urged the industry to diversify its products and tap newer markets, observing that the Indian textile industry is expected to reach $223 billion by 2021.

Political parties must focus on development rather than giving freebies: VP Naidu

<p>Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Sunday rejected former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's allegation that the Centre was misusing the CBI.</p>

<p>His reaction came as Yadav attacked the BJP a day after it emerged that the CBI may quiz him in a case of illegal mining.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am happy that at least the BJP has shown its colours. Earlier, the Congress gave us the chance to meet the CBI, and this time it is the BJP, which has given us this opportunity," Yadav said in Lucknow.</p>

<p>"There is lot of difference between the cultures of the BJP and the Congress," Maurya told reporters.</p>

<p>He said both state and the Union governments were working with full impartiality and transparency. "If any political party thinks that there should be no probe prior to elections, it is not possible," Maurya said.&nbsp;</p>


Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Sunday rejected former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's allegation that the Centre was misusing the CBI. His reaction came as Yadav attacked the BJP a day after it emerged that the CBI may quiz him in a case of illegal mining.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Sunday rejected former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's allegation that the Centre was misusing the CBI. His reaction came as Yadav attacked the BJP a day after it emerged that the CBI may quiz him in a case of illegal mining. "I am happy that at least the BJP has shown its colours. Earlier, the Congress gave us the chance to meet the CBI, and this time it is the BJP, which has given us this opportunity," Yadav said in Lucknow. "There is lot of difference between the cultures of the BJP and the Congress," Maurya told reporters. He said both state and the Union governments were working with full impartiality and transparency. "If any political party thinks that there should be no probe prior to elections, it is not possible," Maurya said.

Keshav Maurya rejects Akhilesh's charge on CBI

<p>Rescue operations for the 15 miners trapped in a Meghalaya mine hit a roadblock on Sunday as the two high-powered pumps engaged in de-watering did not operate the whole day after developing technical glitches, and Navy divers could not venture down with no change in the water level, officials said.</p>

<p>The high-powered pumps of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd installed Saturday to pump out water from the main shaft, where the miners are trapped since December 13, developed glitches and could not function the whole day.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"Two pumps from Kirloskar Brothers and the submersible pump from Coal India encountered glitches and the de-watering process in the main shaft was affected," R Susngi, spokesperson for the operation, told PTI.</p>

<p>The two high-powered pumps are undergoing repair work, he said, adding that the CIL pump was replaced with a new one.</p>

<p>The CIL is expected to put into operation at least three more pumps on Monday, Susngi added.</p>

<p>However, no headway could be made in reducing the water levels in the main shaft and the nearby mines due to the malfunctioning of the pumps and fresh seepage, the official said.</p>

<p>Divers from the Indian Navy and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) could not venture down to gauge the water level inside the main shaft as it was beyond the safe diving limit of 100 feet, the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>The current water level in the main shaft is about 160 feet, while its total depth is around 370 feet.</p>

<p>Rescue work is suspended daily at around 5 pm as night falls. The Kirloskar Brothers pumps could be used for just one hour on Saturday, he said.</p>

<p>The owner of the illegal coal mine has been arrested.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress Sunday alleged that the BJP-backed Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government has allowed illegal coal mining within six months of coming to power.</p>

<p>"The BJP and the National People's Party (NPP) had both promised the people of the state to open up coal mining if they were elected to power. Actually, what they did was open up illegal coal mining within six months," Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma told reporters here.&nbsp;</p>


Rescue operations for the 15 miners trapped in a Meghalaya mine hit a roadblock on Sunday as the two high-powered pumps engaged in de-watering did not operate the whole day after developing technical glitches, and Navy divers could not venture down with no change in the water level, officials said.

Rescue operations for the 15 miners trapped in a Meghalaya mine hit a roadblock on Sunday as the two high-powered pumps engaged in de-watering did not operate the whole day after developing technical glitches, and Navy divers could not venture down with no change in the water level, officials said. The high-powered pumps of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd installed Saturday to pump out water from the main shaft, where the miners are trapped since December 13, developed glitches and could not function the whole day. 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. "Two pumps from Kirloskar Brothers and the submersible pump from Coal India encountered glitches and the de-watering process in the main shaft was affected," R Susngi, spokesperson for the operation, told PTI. The two high-powered pumps are undergoing repair work, he said, adding that the CIL pump was replaced with a new one. The CIL is expected to put into operation at least three more pumps on Monday, Susngi added. However, no headway could be made in reducing the water levels in the main shaft and the nearby mines due to the malfunctioning of the pumps and fresh seepage, the official said. Divers from the Indian Navy and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) could not venture down to gauge the water level inside the main shaft as it was beyond the safe diving limit of 100 feet, the spokesperson said. The current water level in the main shaft is about 160 feet, while its total depth is around 370 feet. Rescue work is suspended daily at around 5 pm as night falls. The Kirloskar Brothers pumps could be used for just one hour on Saturday, he said. The owner of the illegal coal mine has been arrested. Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress Sunday alleged that the BJP-backed Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government has allowed illegal coal mining within six months of coming to power. "The BJP and the National People's Party (NPP) had both promised the people of the state to open up coal mining if they were elected to power. Actually, what they did was open up illegal coal mining within six months," Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma told reporters here.

Meghalaya miners rescue: Technical glitches in high-power pumps, operation hit roadblock

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-likely-to-pay-bumper-interim-dividend-to-help-modi-government-sources-188826">RBI likely to give government bumper interim dividend: Sources</a></p>

<p>The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), having changed leadership last month following a clash with the government, is likely to transfer an interim dividend of 300-400 billion rupees ($4.32 billion-$5.8 billion) to the government by March, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-approves-10-quota-for-economically-weak-among-upper-castes-188798">Cabinet approves 10% quota for economically weak among upper castes</a></p>

<p>The Narendra Modi cabinet has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The reservation — if cleared by parliament and the courts — will be given to the economically weak among the upper castes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-us-warship-in-south-china-sea-a-provocation-188818">China says US warship in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-us-warship-in-south-china-sea-a-provocation-188818">South</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-us-warship-in-south-china-sea-a-provocation-188818"> China Sea is a 'provocation'</a></p>

<p>China has lodged "stern representations" with the United States over a US navy vessel sailing near disputed islands in the South China Sea, its foreign ministry said on Monday (January 7) as US officials joined talks in Beijing during a truce in a bitter trade war.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-storm-security-posts-in-west-afghanistan-kill-21-188794">Taliban storm security posts in west Afghanistan, kill 21</a></p>

<p>Taliban insurgents have stormed security posts in west Afghanistan, killing 21 police and pro-government militia members, officials said on Monday, the latest in a surge of attacks that has cast doubt on tentative steps towards talks.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-holds-firm-on-border-wall-offers-steel-option-as-compromise-188851">Trump holds firm on border wall, offers steel option as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-holds-firm-on-border-wall-offers-steel-option-as-compromise-188851">compromise</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump pledged on Sunday not to bend in his demand for a wall along the southern border with Mexico but said the barrier could be made of steel instead of concrete as a potential compromise with Democrats who refuse to fund it.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


RBI likely to give government bumper interim dividend: Sources The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), having changed leadership last month following a clash with the government, is likely to transfer an interim dividend of 300-400 billion rupees ($4.

RBI likely to give government bumper interim dividend: Sources The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), having changed leadership last month following a clash with the government, is likely to transfer an interim dividend of 300-400 billion rupees ($4.32 billion-$5.8 billion) to the government by March, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter. Cabinet approves 10% quota for economically weak among upper castes The Narendra Modi cabinet has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The reservation — if cleared by parliament and the courts — will be given to the economically weak among the upper castes. China says US warship in South China Sea is a 'provocation' China has lodged "stern representations" with the United States over a US navy vessel sailing near disputed islands in the South China Sea, its foreign ministry said on Monday (January 7) as US officials joined talks in Beijing during a truce in a bitter trade war. Taliban storm security posts in west Afghanistan, kill 21 Taliban insurgents have stormed security posts in west Afghanistan, killing 21 police and pro-government militia members, officials said on Monday, the latest in a surge of attacks that has cast doubt on tentative steps towards talks. Trump holds firm on border wall, offers steel option as compromise US President Donald Trump pledged on Sunday not to bend in his demand for a wall along the southern border with Mexico but said the barrier could be made of steel instead of concrete as a potential compromise with Democrats who refuse to fund it.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Ram Janmbhoomi Trust Chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das on Monday said construction of a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-ram-temple-cant-be-built-during-bjp-govt-tenure-when-will-it-be-asks-shiv-sena-188068"> grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya </a>should start at the earliest and hopes of crores of devotees are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get this issue resolved.</p>

<p>He also said seers would take a "concrete decision" on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whenever-ram-temple-is-built-in-ayodhya-it-will-be-by-us-yogi-adityanath-186043">the temple issue</a> at a 'Dharma Sansad' from January 31-February 1 during the 'Kumbh Mela'.</p>

<p>"The grand temple construction should start soon as hopes of crores of Ram bhakts (devotees) still are with Modi. The extension of dates by the Supreme Court is emotionally hurting Hindus, who feel it should be considered (by the court). For past 70 years, the matter is pending in courts. He should get justice now," Mahant said in a statement here.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court on Friday had said an "appropriate bench" on January 10 will fix the date of hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case.</p>

<p>On the same day, the court also dismissed a fresh plea that demanded an urgent hearing on a day-to-day basis in the Ayodhya land dispute matter.</p>

<p>The petition was PIL filed by advocate Harinath Ram, who had submitted that in view of the inordinate delay in the adjudication of the matter and in the prevailing sentiments surrounding, the Ayodhya land dispute matter should be given a hearing on priority.</p>

<p>"Not only us, but the entire Hindu community hopes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will ensure that the matter is resolved and pay real tributes to 'karsewaks' (volunteers) killed by Mulayam Singh Yadav government in 1990," Mahant said.</p>

<p>On a call given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a large number of 'karsewaks' had assembled in Ayodhya near the disputed site and several of them lost lives after Yadav, then the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh ordered police firing on October 30, 1990.</p>

<p>Later, Yadav had said the decision to order police firing was 'painful', but he had no other option to maintain peace in the country.</p>

<p>Attacking the Congress and Babri mosque supporters for creating hurdles in the temple construction, the Mahant said, "I ask them not to waste time and money of Hindu community."</p>


Ram Janmbhoomi Trust Chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das said seers would take a 'concrete decision' on the temple issue at a 'Dharma Sansad' from January 31-February 1 during the 'Kumbh Mela'.

Ram Janmbhoomi Trust Chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das on Monday said construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya should start at the earliest and hopes of crores of devotees are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get this issue resolved. He also said seers would take a "concrete decision" on the temple issue at a 'Dharma Sansad' from January 31-February 1 during the 'Kumbh Mela'. "The grand temple construction should start soon as hopes of crores of Ram bhakts (devotees) still are with Modi. The extension of dates by the Supreme Court is emotionally hurting Hindus, who feel it should be considered (by the court). For past 70 years, the matter is pending in courts. He should get justice now," Mahant said in a statement here. The Supreme Court on Friday had said an "appropriate bench" on January 10 will fix the date of hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case. On the same day, the court also dismissed a fresh plea that demanded an urgent hearing on a day-to-day basis in the Ayodhya land dispute matter. The petition was PIL filed by advocate Harinath Ram, who had submitted that in view of the inordinate delay in the adjudication of the matter and in the prevailing sentiments surrounding, the Ayodhya land dispute matter should be given a hearing on priority. "Not only us, but the entire Hindu community hopes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will ensure that the matter is resolved and pay real tributes to 'karsewaks' (volunteers) killed by Mulayam Singh Yadav government in 1990," Mahant said. On a call given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a large number of 'karsewaks' had assembled in Ayodhya near the disputed site and several of them lost lives after Yadav, then the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh ordered police firing on October 30, 1990. Later, Yadav had said the decision to order police firing was 'painful', but he had no other option to maintain peace in the country. Attacking the Congress and Babri mosque supporters for creating hurdles in the temple construction, the Mahant said, "I ask them not to waste time and money of Hindu community."

Ram temple construction should start at earliest, delay 'emotionally hurting Hindus': Mahant

<p>The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) decided to pull out of an alliance with the BJP in Assam soon after the union cabinet approved the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-cabinet-clears-citizenship-amendment-bill-to-be-introduced-in-lok-sabha-tuesday-188821">Citizenship Amendment Bill </a>on Monday.</p>

<p>The approval came after the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chairman Rajendra Agarwala tabled the bill in Lok Sabha. The bill is likely to be passed tomorrow in the Lok Sabha. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The official announcement of the AGP was made by the party president Atul Bora in New Delhi after meeting the union home minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.</p>

<p>“The bill will make the Assam Accord meaningless. We were against the bill and now that it is being passed, there is no question of being an alliance partner of the BJP. We have been fighting against the bill and will continue to do so to protect the Assamese community. Unfortunately, the Centre approved the bill without even thinking about the people of Assam,” said Bora.</p>

<p>Bora was leading a delegation of AGP members - Keshab Mahanta, Phani Bhushan Choudhury, Ramendra Narayan Kalita and Birendra Prasad Baishya.</p>

<p>The AGP is an electoral ally of the BJP in Assam and also part of the NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance).</p>

<p>On the other hand, Assam Congress MPs including the president Assam Congress President Ripun Bora lead a protest in front of the Parliament today demanding immediate repeal of the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016.</p>

<p>Back in Assam, All Assam Students Union (AASU) and 30 other organisations put up protests against the Central government’s move to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill.</p>

<p>Protestors set alight copies of the bill as a mark of protest across several places in Assam.</p>

<p>The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) members stripped themselves naked in Assam’s Tinsukia to register their protest against the bill.</p>

<p>The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant nationality to people belonging to minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians — in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of their residence in India.</p>


The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) decided to pull out of an alliance with the BJP in Assam soon after the union cabinet approved the Citizenship Amendment Bill on Monday.

The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) decided to pull out of an alliance with the BJP in Assam soon after the union cabinet approved the Citizenship Amendment Bill on Monday. The approval came after the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chairman Rajendra Agarwala tabled the bill in Lok Sabha. The bill is likely to be passed tomorrow in the Lok Sabha. The official announcement of the AGP was made by the party president Atul Bora in New Delhi after meeting the union home minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. “The bill will make the Assam Accord meaningless. We were against the bill and now that it is being passed, there is no question of being an alliance partner of the BJP. We have been fighting against the bill and will continue to do so to protect the Assamese community. Unfortunately, the Centre approved the bill without even thinking about the people of Assam,” said Bora. Bora was leading a delegation of AGP members - Keshab Mahanta, Phani Bhushan Choudhury, Ramendra Narayan Kalita and Birendra Prasad Baishya. The AGP is an electoral ally of the BJP in Assam and also part of the NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance). On the other hand, Assam Congress MPs including the president Assam Congress President Ripun Bora lead a protest in front of the Parliament today demanding immediate repeal of the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. Back in Assam, All Assam Students Union (AASU) and 30 other organisations put up protests against the Central government’s move to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Protestors set alight copies of the bill as a mark of protest across several places in Assam. The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) members stripped themselves naked in Assam’s Tinsukia to register their protest against the bill. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant nationality to people belonging to minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians — in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of their residence in India.

AGP pulls out of alliance with BJP in Assam after Union cabinet approves Citizenship Amendment Bill

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidY3DPqzcdV8Qf" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is currently dealing with an economic crisis before the general elections, is in the news for&nbsp;a private jet he took last year that was apparently&nbsp;funded by an entrepreneur named Akhil Tripath who is also a minor Tory donor.&nbsp;British media was awash with headlines Thursday (Feb 29) about how&nbsp;Sunak attended two Conservative conferences in Wales and Scotland last year and took a private jet to travel there.</p>

<p>The private jet was funded by Tripathi, a report by the Financial Times on Thursday said. Tripathi is the co-founder of Signifier Medical Technologies, a start-up that deals in anti-snoring devices and is&nbsp;facing losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Questions are now being raised about how Tripathi gained access to Prime Minister Sunak and the due diligence done&nbsp;by the Conservative Party before accepting his money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following Sunak's trip in April 2023, he sent a thank-you note to Tripathi for arranging the flight. However, the private jet did not belong to Tripathi and was rented.</p>

<p>So who is Akhil Tripathi?</p>

<h2><strong>Entrepreneur, minor Tony donor&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Tripathi's startup Signifier Medical Technologies focuses on the development and commercialisation of innovative and non-invasive solutions for patients with snoring and sleep disorder-related&nbsp;breathing conditions. The company is hoping to sell its anti-snoring device to the National Health Service (NHS).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-calls-out-threats-to-mps-warns-of-toxic-culture-in-uk-politics-693813">Rishi Sunak calls out threats to MPs, warns of 'toxic' culture in UK politics</a></strong></p>

<p>The Financial Times report said that Tripathi is a minor Tory donor. Months after he arranged the private jet for Prime Minister Sunak, Tripathi was embroiled in a civil fraud case involving his start-up.</p>

<p>He rented the Embraer Legacy 500 to Sunak, which the PM recorded as a $48,619 (around £38,500) gift. Sunak's trips led to questions about the due diligence that he and the Conservative party did on Tripathi,&nbsp;the report added.</p>

<p>Tripathi made his first donation worth $63,142 to the Conservatives in July 2021. In total, he has given nearly $194,000 to the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since developing a relationship with Sunak, Tripathi has been pursued in the courts by investors in his startup. As per the report, one investor said that Tripathi committed a “fraud” in relation to the company.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Rishi Sunak's asylum laws trapping 55,000 people in perma-backlog: Report</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the entrepreneur has held meetings with several politicians, including former health secretary Sajid Javid and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not much is known about Tripathi's early background. As per Companies House, he is an Indian national born in 1985. He has been the co-founder of many other startups apart from Signifier.</p>

<p>&nbsp;At the time Tripathi arranged for the flight for Sunak, Signifier reported losses of $42.3 million on revenue of just $3.1 million for the year to March 31, 2022, the report said. But despite the losses, Tripathi lived a glamorous lifestyle.</p>

<h2><strong>'How did Sunak end up on that plane?'</strong></h2>

<p>The Labour Party demanded that Sunak and the Conservative Party should give an account of how the prime minister ended up on that private jet.</p>

<p>“They must explain on what basis Mr Tripathi gained access to the highest levels of government, and what checks were made on his background before he did so,” Emily Thornberry, Labour’s shadow attorney-general, told the publication.</p>

<p>Tripathi is currently facing two civil actions in the High Court of Justice in London. A Conservative party official said that on reflection, PM Sunak should have “maybe thought twice” before getting on the private jet arranged by the entrepreneur.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is currently dealing with an economic crisis before the general elections, is in the news for a private jet he took last year that was apparently funded by an entrepreneur named Akhil Tripath who is also a minor Tory donor.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is currently dealing with an economic crisis before the general elections, is in the news for a private jet he took last year that was apparently funded by an entrepreneur named Akhil Tripath who is also a minor Tory donor. British media was awash with headlines Thursday (Feb 29) about how Sunak attended two Conservative conferences in Wales and Scotland last year and took a private jet to travel there. The private jet was funded by Tripathi, a report by the Financial Times on Thursday said. Tripathi is the co-founder of Signifier Medical Technologies, a start-up that deals in anti-snoring devices and is facing losses. Questions are now being raised about how Tripathi gained access to Prime Minister Sunak and the due diligence done by the Conservative Party before accepting his money. Following Sunak's trip in April 2023, he sent a thank-you note to Tripathi for arranging the flight. However, the private jet did not belong to Tripathi and was rented. So who is Akhil Tripathi? Entrepreneur, minor Tony donor Tripathi's startup Signifier Medical Technologies focuses on the development and commercialisation of innovative and non-invasive solutions for patients with snoring and sleep disorder-related breathing conditions. The company is hoping to sell its anti-snoring device to the National Health Service (NHS). Also read | Rishi Sunak calls out threats to MPs, warns of 'toxic' culture in UK politics The Financial Times report said that Tripathi is a minor Tory donor. Months after he arranged the private jet for Prime Minister Sunak, Tripathi was embroiled in a civil fraud case involving his start-up. He rented the Embraer Legacy 500 to Sunak, which the PM recorded as a $48,619 (around £38,500) gift. Sunak's trips led to questions about the due diligence that he and the Conservative party did on Tripathi, the report added. Tripathi made his first donation worth $63,142 to the Conservatives in July 2021. In total, he has given nearly $194,000 to the party. Since developing a relationship with Sunak, Tripathi has been pursued in the courts by investors in his startup. As per the report, one investor said that Tripathi committed a “fraud” in relation to the company. Also watch | Rishi Sunak's asylum laws trapping 55,000 people in perma-backlog: Report × Meanwhile, the entrepreneur has held meetings with several politicians, including former health secretary Sajid Javid and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt. Not much is known about Tripathi's early background. As per Companies House, he is an Indian national born in 1985. He has been the co-founder of many other startups apart from Signifier. At the time Tripathi arranged for the flight for Sunak, Signifier reported losses of $42.3 million on revenue of just $3.1 million for the year to March 31, 2022, the report said. But despite the losses, Tripathi lived a glamorous lifestyle. 'How did Sunak end up on that plane?' The Labour Party demanded that Sunak and the Conservative Party should give an account of how the prime minister ended up on that private jet. “They must explain on what basis Mr Tripathi gained access to the highest levels of government, and what checks were made on his background before he did so,” Emily Thornberry, Labour’s shadow attorney-general, told the publication. Tripathi is currently facing two civil actions in the High Court of Justice in London. A Conservative party official said that on reflection, PM Sunak should have “maybe thought twice” before getting on the private jet arranged by the entrepreneur. (With inputs from agencies)

RBI likely to give government bumper interim dividend: Sources

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has said the state is just like any other, and that there is "no massacre going on at this time".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that "the number of murders witnessed in Patna in a single day is equal to deaths in Kashmir in a week".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">J &amp; K Governor. Satya Pal Malik: Jammu &amp; Kashmir is just like others, there’s no massacre going on at this time. The number of murders witnessed in Patna in a single day is equal to deaths in Kashmir in a week. Stone pelting and recruitment to terrorist groups has stopped. <a href="https://t.co/UszzYv5Cqy">pic.twitter.com/UszzYv5Cqy</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082206654412869634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>2018 was one of the bloodiest years in Kashmir in recent times, with terrorist, civilian, and security force casualties all going up. That was a result of the security forces'&nbsp;iron hand approach to militant attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malik also added that "stone pelting and recruitment to terrorist groups has stopped".&nbsp;</p>

<p>It should however be remembered that both stone pelting and terror attacks always drop sharply in the winters because of the plummeting temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>


Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has said the state is just like any other, and that there is "no massacre going on at this time". He added that "the number of murders witnessed in Patna in a single day is equal to deaths in Kashmir in a week".

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has said the state is just like any other, and that there is "no massacre going on at this time". He added that "the number of murders witnessed in Patna in a single day is equal to deaths in Kashmir in a week". J & K Governor. Satya Pal Malik: Jammu & Kashmir is just like others, there’s no massacre going on at this time. The number of murders witnessed in Patna in a single day is equal to deaths in Kashmir in a week. Stone pelting and recruitment to terrorist groups has stopped. pic.twitter.com/UszzYv5Cqy — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × 2018 was one of the bloodiest years in Kashmir in recent times, with terrorist, civilian, and security force casualties all going up. That was a result of the security forces' iron hand approach to militant attacks. Malik also added that "stone pelting and recruitment to terrorist groups has stopped". It should however be remembered that both stone pelting and terror attacks always drop sharply in the winters because of the plummeting temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir.

Murders in Patna in 1 day equal to deaths in Kashmir in one week: J&K governor

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