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The Union Cabinet Monday cleared the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-against-citizenship-bill-rock-assam-cm-asks-the-public-to-keep-calm-188444"> redrafted Citizenship Amendment Bill</a>, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, officials said.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said.

The move came within hours of the presentation in Lok Sabha of a report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the bill that was first introduced in Parliament in 2016.

Large sections of people in Assam and other northeastern states have been protesting against the bill, saying it would nullify the 1985 Assam Accord under which any foreign national, irrespective of religion, who had entered the state after 1971 should be deported.

The fresh bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 1955 to grant Indian nationality to people from minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 even if they don't possess any proper documentation.

This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014.

Eight influential students' bodies of the Northeast, besides more than 40 socio-cultural organisations of Assam, have called an 11-hour 'bandh' Tuesday in protest against the central government's move to amend the Citizenship Act.

The JPC report was prepared with a majority vote as opposition members have opposed the move to grant citizenship on the basis of religion saying it is against the Constitution.

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI-M, and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on the basis of religion as India is a secular nation.

Some opposition members have even given dissent notes in the report.

Interestingly, BJP's ally Shiv Sena and JD-U have announced that they would oppose the bill in Parliament.

Speaking in Silchar in Assam on Friday, the prime minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

"The Citizenship Bill is an atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. I hope this bill is passed soon in Parliament. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition," he said.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said.

The Union Cabinet Monday cleared the redrafted Citizenship Amendment Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, officials said. A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said. The move came within hours of the presentation in Lok Sabha of a report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the bill that was first introduced in Parliament in 2016. Large sections of people in Assam and other northeastern states have been protesting against the bill, saying it would nullify the 1985 Assam Accord under which any foreign national, irrespective of religion, who had entered the state after 1971 should be deported. The fresh bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 1955 to grant Indian nationality to people from minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 even if they don't possess any proper documentation. This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014. Eight influential students' bodies of the Northeast, besides more than 40 socio-cultural organisations of Assam, have called an 11-hour 'bandh' Tuesday in protest against the central government's move to amend the Citizenship Act. The JPC report was prepared with a majority vote as opposition members have opposed the move to grant citizenship on the basis of religion saying it is against the Constitution. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI-M, and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on the basis of religion as India is a secular nation. Some opposition members have even given dissent notes in the report. Interestingly, BJP's ally Shiv Sena and JD-U have announced that they would oppose the bill in Parliament. Speaking in Silchar in Assam on Friday, the prime minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill. "The Citizenship Bill is an atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. I hope this bill is passed soon in Parliament. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition," he said.

Union Cabinet clears Citizenship Amendment Bill, to be introduced in Lok Sabha Tuesday

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday raised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-violence-peaceful-sunday-in-kerala-over-5700-people-arrested-188589">the issue of violence in Kerala</a>, alleging that the ruling CPI(M) was practising "politics of murder" and many BJP workers were its victim.

Speaking during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, Dubey referred to the incident of a crude bomb thrown at the residence of BJP Rajya Sabha member V Muraleedharan and sought dismissal of the state government.

He also demanded a probe by a judicial commission.

The Left fears that the BJP would replace it to form government in the state like it did in Tripura, he said.

He alleged that the CPI(M) in Kerala was practising "politics of murder and goondaism" in the state.

Jithendra Reddy of the TRS batted for giving maximum autonomy to states, saying that Union laws presently have an overriding power over state laws on issues in the concurrent list of the Constitution.

The present rules go against "cooperative federalism", an issue Prime Minister Narendra Modi often speaks about, he said.

BJP's Chintamani Malviya said a Commission to look after the interests of poor people belonging to general castes should be set up.

It is necessary that these weaker sections get reservation, he said.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey referred to the incident of a crude bomb thrown at the residence of BJP Rajya Sabha member V Muraleedharan and sought dismissal of the state government.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday raised the issue of violence in Kerala, alleging that the ruling CPI(M) was practising "politics of murder" and many BJP workers were its victim. Speaking during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, Dubey referred to the incident of a crude bomb thrown at the residence of BJP Rajya Sabha member V Muraleedharan and sought dismissal of the state government. He also demanded a probe by a judicial commission. The Left fears that the BJP would replace it to form government in the state like it did in Tripura, he said. He alleged that the CPI(M) in Kerala was practising "politics of murder and goondaism" in the state. Jithendra Reddy of the TRS batted for giving maximum autonomy to states, saying that Union laws presently have an overriding power over state laws on issues in the concurrent list of the Constitution. The present rules go against "cooperative federalism", an issue Prime Minister Narendra Modi often speaks about, he said. BJP's Chintamani Malviya said a Commission to look after the interests of poor people belonging to general castes should be set up. It is necessary that these weaker sections get reservation, he said.

BJP raises Kerala violence,TRS demands maximum autonomy for states

India and Norway will sign an agreement on Tuesday to facilitate dialogue to boost bilateral trade, which currently stands at USD 1.2 billion.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg is currently on a 3-day visit here.

Addressing the India-Norway business summit, Solberg said Norway sees great scope for partnerships with India in business, trade, and investments and the country's new strategy for engagement with India reflects its significance.

"The aim of the new strategy is to strengthen Norway's bilateral relations and economic ties with India. Private sector engagement, research and technical cooperation are key components of the strategy," she said.

Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said while addressing summit said, "we should try to think about how can we increase it (bilateral trade) substantially in the next few years time and therefore, tomorrow we will be signing (an agreement to facilitate) a dialogue between India and Norway, between my ministry and my counterpart ministry to actually take it to a new level".

"I am sure the dialogue will ensure that we look at all possible solutions to take it (trade) forward and make it better," he added.

"We also look forward to signing an FTA, there are several rounds (of negotiations) which have taken place, you are a part of the grouping (EFTA) and we really look forward to that concluding soon which will provide a framework for bilateral trade to grow," Prabhu said.

India and the EFTA countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) are working on the nuts and bolts of the pact, officially dubbed as the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

Observing that Norway and India are both ocean states and closer cooperation in this field will benefit both countries, Solberg said the Ocean Dialogue between Norway and India will be an important tool to bring this cooperation forward.

Business entities from the two nations signed 15 MoUs across various sectors including finance, ICT, health-care, energy and aquaculture, among others, in the presence of the prime minister.

She observed that "big possibilities" exist for Norwegian companies in India, especially in the energy sector.

Stressing that open and free trade is crucial for economic growth, Solberg said, predictable and stable framework conditions are vital for attracting foreign investment to any market.

The Norwegian prime minister, further said efforts are on to ensure that the trade and economic partnership agreement between EFTA (European Free Trade Association) and India is finalised soon as it will contribute to increased trade and a better environment for businesses from the two nations.

"We also support a rule-based multilateral trading system, open markets and lower trade barriers. A stable global framework for trade and investment is vital for both our countries, especially in times like today where we are seeing increased protectionism in certain markets," she said.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, the Norwegian prime minister said she is pleased to meet her Indian counterpart during the visit.

"I think he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) has done a tremendous job on a lot of social issues in India and he keeps a high knowledge of sustainability in the international political discussions. I hope that we also would have a platform for political cooperation in the years to come," Solberg said.

India and Norway will sign an agreement on Tuesday to facilitate dialogue to boost bilateral trade, which currently stands at USD 1.2 billion. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg is currently on a 3-day visit here.

India and Norway will sign an agreement on Tuesday to facilitate dialogue to boost bilateral trade, which currently stands at USD 1.2 billion. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg is currently on a 3-day visit here. Addressing the India-Norway business summit, Solberg said Norway sees great scope for partnerships with India in business, trade, and investments and the country's new strategy for engagement with India reflects its significance. "The aim of the new strategy is to strengthen Norway's bilateral relations and economic ties with India. Private sector engagement, research and technical cooperation are key components of the strategy," she said. Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said while addressing summit said, "we should try to think about how can we increase it (bilateral trade) substantially in the next few years time and therefore, tomorrow we will be signing (an agreement to facilitate) a dialogue between India and Norway, between my ministry and my counterpart ministry to actually take it to a new level". "I am sure the dialogue will ensure that we look at all possible solutions to take it (trade) forward and make it better," he added. "We also look forward to signing an FTA, there are several rounds (of negotiations) which have taken place, you are a part of the grouping (EFTA) and we really look forward to that concluding soon which will provide a framework for bilateral trade to grow," Prabhu said. India and the EFTA countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) are working on the nuts and bolts of the pact, officially dubbed as the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). Observing that Norway and India are both ocean states and closer cooperation in this field will benefit both countries, Solberg said the Ocean Dialogue between Norway and India will be an important tool to bring this cooperation forward. Business entities from the two nations signed 15 MoUs across various sectors including finance, ICT, health-care, energy and aquaculture, among others, in the presence of the prime minister. She observed that "big possibilities" exist for Norwegian companies in India, especially in the energy sector. Stressing that open and free trade is crucial for economic growth, Solberg said, predictable and stable framework conditions are vital for attracting foreign investment to any market. The Norwegian prime minister, further said efforts are on to ensure that the trade and economic partnership agreement between EFTA (European Free Trade Association) and India is finalised soon as it will contribute to increased trade and a better environment for businesses from the two nations. "We also support a rule-based multilateral trading system, open markets and lower trade barriers. A stable global framework for trade and investment is vital for both our countries, especially in times like today where we are seeing increased protectionism in certain markets," she said. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, the Norwegian prime minister said she is pleased to meet her Indian counterpart during the visit. "I think he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) has done a tremendous job on a lot of social issues in India and he keeps a high knowledge of sustainability in the international political discussions. I hope that we also would have a platform for political cooperation in the years to come," Solberg said.

India, Norway to ink pact Tuesday to facilitate dialogue to boost bilateral trade

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday told Lok Sabha that "doubts raised" over her statement on HAL contracts are "incorrect and misleading."

The Union Minister added that she had received a&nbsp;confirmation from HAL on contracts signed worth Rs 26,570.80 crore during 2014-18 and other orders in the pipeline worth Rs 73,000 crore.

"I have received confirmation from HAL that contracts during 2014-18 worth Rs 26,570.80 crore have already been signed with HAL. Orders worth Rs 73,000 crore approx are in the pipeline," she noted.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Congress chief took to Twitter on Monday stating that it isn't surprising that HAL doesn't have enough money to pay its own employees.

<img alt="rahul gandhi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="013a7172-1a7a-414f-ab93-9ce5a1fa3e78" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rahul%20gandhi%20tweet.JPG" />

Sitharaman's comments came a day after Congress president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-nirmala-sitharaman-hits-back-at-congress-president-says-rahul-gandhi-misleading-nation-188560">Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused her</a> of lying in Parliament about procurement orders worth Rs 1 lakh crore for state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Defence Minister in Lok Sabha: I have received confirmation from HAL that contracts during 2014-18 worth Rs 26,570.80 crore have already been signed with HAL. Orders worth Rs 73,000 Cr approx are in the pipeline <a href="https://t.co/UeWFQ2Gc37">pic.twitter.com/UeWFQ2Gc37</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082166483139076096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In her counteroffensive, Sitharaman said it was a matter of “shame” that the Congress president was misleading the country on the issue. She also tweeted details of the contract awarded to HAL since 2014 when the BJP came to power.

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Rahul Gandhi: Today Nirmala Sitharaman lied in parliament.I'm again requesting the Defence minister and PM Modi to answer "did Air Force and Defence ministry senior officers object to your interference in Rafale deal?" Please answer in a "Yes or No." <a href="https://t.co/BcbPCucPeS">pic.twitter.com/BcbPCucPeS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082189673445748736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“It’s a shame that the president of @INCIndia is misleading the nation. HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. Will @RahulGandhi apologise to the country from the floor of the house?” the defence minister tweeted out.

Earlier, Gandhi alleged that she “lied” in Parliament that government orders worth Rs one lakh crore were provided to HAL while demanding that she should either place the documents in support of her statement in the House or resign, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Gandhi’s attack came after a media report claimed that “not a single rupee of the said Rs 1 lakh crore has come to HAL, since not a single order, as claimed, has been signed till now”.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday told Lok Sabha that "doubts raised" over her statement on HAL contracts are "incorrect and misleading." The Union Minister added that she had received a confirmation from HAL on contracts signed worth Rs 26,570.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday told Lok Sabha that "doubts raised" over her statement on HAL contracts are "incorrect and misleading." The Union Minister added that she had received a confirmation from HAL on contracts signed worth Rs 26,570.80 crore during 2014-18 and other orders in the pipeline worth Rs 73,000 crore. "I have received confirmation from HAL that contracts during 2014-18 worth Rs 26,570.80 crore have already been signed with HAL. Orders worth Rs 73,000 crore approx are in the pipeline," she noted. Meanwhile, the Congress chief took to Twitter on Monday stating that it isn't surprising that HAL doesn't have enough money to pay its own employees. Sitharaman's comments came a day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused her of lying in Parliament about procurement orders worth Rs 1 lakh crore for state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Defence Minister in Lok Sabha: I have received confirmation from HAL that contracts during 2014-18 worth Rs 26,570.80 crore have already been signed with HAL. Orders worth Rs 73,000 Cr approx are in the pipeline pic.twitter.com/UeWFQ2Gc37 — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × In her counteroffensive, Sitharaman said it was a matter of “shame” that the Congress president was misleading the country on the issue. She also tweeted details of the contract awarded to HAL since 2014 when the BJP came to power. Rahul Gandhi: Today Nirmala Sitharaman lied in parliament.I'm again requesting the Defence minister and PM Modi to answer "did Air Force and Defence ministry senior officers object to your interference in Rafale deal?" Please answer in a "Yes or No." pic.twitter.com/BcbPCucPeS — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × “It’s a shame that the president of @INCIndia is misleading the nation. HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. Will @RahulGandhi apologise to the country from the floor of the house?” the defence minister tweeted out. Earlier, Gandhi alleged that she “lied” in Parliament that government orders worth Rs one lakh crore were provided to HAL while demanding that she should either place the documents in support of her statement in the House or resign, news agency PTI reported. Gandhi’s attack came after a media report claimed that “not a single rupee of the said Rs 1 lakh crore has come to HAL, since not a single order, as claimed, has been signed till now”. (With inputs from PTI)

Doubts raised incorrect and misleading: Sitharaman over HAL statement in Parliament 

Opposition parties Sunday accused the BJP of using probe agencies for "executing its political strategy" after it emerged that the CBI may quiz SP president Akhilesh Yadav in a case of illegal mining, even as the ruling party asserted he must explain the "loot" during his tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

Yadav may face a CBI probe, according to the agency FIR made public Saturday, the day Samajwadi Party and Mayawati-led BSP indicated their intent to join hands in Uttar Pradesh to fight the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. The agency had also carried out searches at 14 locations.

UP government minister and BJP leader Sidharth Nath Singh asserted that instead of questioning the timing of the raids, Yadav should answer why so much "loot" had happened under his government.

The BJP demands that the CBI investigate him and call him for probe, he told reporters at a press conference.

"If you loot public money, then law will take its own course," he said, adding that the CBI is reporting to the Allahabad high court, which had ordered a probe in 2016.

In Lucknow, Yadav put up a brave front, saying he is ready to face the CBI and attacked the BJP, claiming that people will answer it in the Lok Sabha polls.

Suggesting that the CBI action is linked to his talks with the BSP, he said he may have to tell the probe agency details of his alliance with Mayawati.

"Now, we have to tell the CBI how many seats we have distributed in the gathbandhan (alliance). 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," he said.

In the national capital, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari accused the BJP of practising a politics of "fear" against its rivals and said the country will rid itself of this in the polls.

"Those who are carrying out their political strategy through probe agencies do not last long," he said, adding that even a nursery child can comprehend the political motive behind the CBI's move.

The BJP said the Akhilesh Yadav government during its tenure between 2012-17 was "hand-in-glove" with the accused in the case of alleged mining scam.'

Rejecting the charge that the CBI's searches Saturday in connection with the alleged scam was politically motivated because of the alliance talks between the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, UP government minister Sidharth Nath Singh also told reporters that the BJP has no threat from them.

The two opposition parties are fighting for survival, he said, adding that those who are "langde-lulhe" (physically handicapped) need "baisakhi" (crutches).

The Samajwadi Party chief said the BJP is leaving a "culture", which may be used against it in the future.

"The Samajwadi Party is making efforts to win maximum Lok Sabha seats. Those who want to stop us, have the CBI with them. Once the Congress did the CBI probe, and I was questioned.

If the BJP is doing all this, the CBI will question me, I will answer (them). But, the people are ready to give an answer to the BJP," Yadav told reporters in Lucknow.

Opposition parties Sunday accused the BJP of using probe agencies for "executing its political strategy" after it emerged that the CBI may quiz SP president Akhilesh Yadav in a case of illegal mining, even as the ruling party asserted he must explain the "loot" during his tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

Opposition parties Sunday accused the BJP of using probe agencies for "executing its political strategy" after it emerged that the CBI may quiz SP president Akhilesh Yadav in a case of illegal mining, even as the ruling party asserted he must explain the "loot" during his tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Yadav may face a CBI probe, according to the agency FIR made public Saturday, the day Samajwadi Party and Mayawati-led BSP indicated their intent to join hands in Uttar Pradesh to fight the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. The agency had also carried out searches at 14 locations. UP government minister and BJP leader Sidharth Nath Singh asserted that instead of questioning the timing of the raids, Yadav should answer why so much "loot" had happened under his government. The BJP demands that the CBI investigate him and call him for probe, he told reporters at a press conference. "If you loot public money, then law will take its own course," he said, adding that the CBI is reporting to the Allahabad high court, which had ordered a probe in 2016. In Lucknow, Yadav put up a brave front, saying he is ready to face the CBI and attacked the BJP, claiming that people will answer it in the Lok Sabha polls. Suggesting that the CBI action is linked to his talks with the BSP, he said he may have to tell the probe agency details of his alliance with Mayawati. "Now, we have to tell the CBI how many seats we have distributed in the gathbandhan (alliance). 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," he said. In the national capital, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari accused the BJP of practising a politics of "fear" against its rivals and said the country will rid itself of this in the polls. "Those who are carrying out their political strategy through probe agencies do not last long," he said, adding that even a nursery child can comprehend the political motive behind the CBI's move. The BJP said the Akhilesh Yadav government during its tenure between 2012-17 was "hand-in-glove" with the accused in the case of alleged mining scam.' Rejecting the charge that the CBI's searches Saturday in connection with the alleged scam was politically motivated because of the alliance talks between the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, UP government minister Sidharth Nath Singh also told reporters that the BJP has no threat from them. The two opposition parties are fighting for survival, he said, adding that those who are "langde-lulhe" (physically handicapped) need "baisakhi" (crutches). The Samajwadi Party chief said the BJP is leaving a "culture", which may be used against it in the future. "The Samajwadi Party is making efforts to win maximum Lok Sabha seats. Those who want to stop us, have the CBI with them. Once the Congress did the CBI probe, and I was questioned. If the BJP is doing all this, the CBI will question me, I will answer (them). But, the people are ready to give an answer to the BJP," Yadav told reporters in Lucknow.

After being attacked by opposition over mining case, BJP asks Akhilesh to explain 'loot'

Several students' bodies of the north-eastern region have decided to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-bandh-against-citizenship-bill-evokes-widespread-response-173026">observe a "bandh" on Tuesday</a> in support of the call given by an influential students' union to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-against-citizenship-bill-rock-assam-cm-asks-the-public-to-keep-calm-188444">protest the proposed Citizens Amendment Bill, 2016.</a>

The Mizo Zirlai Pawal (MZP), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and the All Assam Students Union (AASU) have extended their support to the 11-hour "bandh" called by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO).

The "bandh" has also been called to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament soon, a NESO leader said.

"Despite staging various dharnas even in New Delhi by students' bodies from the north-east, the Centre is hell-bent to pass the controversial bill, undermining the sentiments of the indigenous people of the region," NESO coordinator Pritambai Sonam told reporters at Itanagar on Sunday.

Modi had said at a rally near Silchar in Assam's Barak Valley on Friday that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would soon be passed in Parliament as a "penance against the injustice and many wrongs done in the past".

MZP general secretary Lalnunmawia Pautu said the 11-hour bandh would begin from 5 am in Aizawl on Tuesday.

He added that the people of the north-east were against the proposed amendment as it would grant citizenship to people on religious grounds.

In Mizoram, it would mean legalising thousands of Buddhist Chakmas who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh, Pautu said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.

Demanding immediate scrapping of the bill, AAPSU president Hawa Bagang said, "If the bill is passed, we will be left with no option but to take up arms to protect our indigenous population."

The NSF, in a press release, said as a constituent of the NESO, it had apprised the Centre of the detrimental effects of the bill if it was passed in Parliament.

Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya, the chief advisor of the NESO and AASU, had told a press conference in Guwahati on Saturday that the "bandh" was called by the two organisations, along with 30 allied ethnic organisations in Assam, to oppose the bill and condemn the prime minister's statement.

The 'bandh' has also been called to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament soon, a NESO leader said.

Several students' bodies of the north-eastern region have decided to observe a "bandh" on Tuesday in support of the call given by an influential students' union to protest the proposed Citizens Amendment Bill, 2016. The Mizo Zirlai Pawal (MZP), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and the All Assam Students Union (AASU) have extended their support to the 11-hour "bandh" called by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO). The "bandh" has also been called to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament soon, a NESO leader said. "Despite staging various dharnas even in New Delhi by students' bodies from the north-east, the Centre is hell-bent to pass the controversial bill, undermining the sentiments of the indigenous people of the region," NESO coordinator Pritambai Sonam told reporters at Itanagar on Sunday. Modi had said at a rally near Silchar in Assam's Barak Valley on Friday that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would soon be passed in Parliament as a "penance against the injustice and many wrongs done in the past". MZP general secretary Lalnunmawia Pautu said the 11-hour bandh would begin from 5 am in Aizawl on Tuesday. He added that the people of the north-east were against the proposed amendment as it would grant citizenship to people on religious grounds. In Mizoram, it would mean legalising thousands of Buddhist Chakmas who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh, Pautu said. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. Demanding immediate scrapping of the bill, AAPSU president Hawa Bagang said, "If the bill is passed, we will be left with no option but to take up arms to protect our indigenous population." The NSF, in a press release, said as a constituent of the NESO, it had apprised the Centre of the detrimental effects of the bill if it was passed in Parliament. Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya, the chief advisor of the NESO and AASU, had told a press conference in Guwahati on Saturday that the "bandh" was called by the two organisations, along with 30 allied ethnic organisations in Assam, to oppose the bill and condemn the prime minister's statement.

Students across North East support 'bandh' against Citizenship Amendment Bill

Jawahar Lal University (JNU) professor and the winner of Infosys Prize 2018 Kavita Singh landed here, only to get to know that her leave application to attend the award ceremony was rejected by the JNU vice-chancellor.

Reacting to the development, she said things at the university were "comically bad".

Singh got to know about the rejection of her leave application only after she landed in Bengaluru to attend the event organised by the Infosys Science Foundation (ISF). She received the award on Saturday night.

Speaking after receiving the award, Singh thanked the JNU, where she has been teaching for 17 years, and said until recently, it was "a very congenial and supportive place".

"We never had much money or facilities, but we had excellent colleagues and academic freedom. Today, things are bad; things are comically bad in my institutional home."

"How bad you may ask? After I came to Bengaluru, I checked my e-mail and found that the leave application I had put in to come here and receive the award had been rejected by my vice-chancellor. So please be warned that my presence on this stage today is illegitimate," she said.

Singh is a professor and the Dean of the School of Arts and Aesthetics at the JNU in New Delhi.

She received the Infosys Science Prize for her study of Mughal, Rajput and Deccan art.

Singh's work shows the significance of museums in highlighting the social impact of art and thereby, relates visual culture to large contemporary questions of secularity, modernity and political conflict.

The ISF honoured six eminent professors for winning the Infosys Prize 2018 across different categories of science and research at an awards ceremony here on Saturday night, while also celebrating its 10th-year milestone.

The annual award includes a pure gold medal, a citation and a prize purse worth $100,000 (or its equivalent in Indian rupees).

A six-member jury of renowned scientists and professors selected the winners from 244 nominations received in six categories.

Jawahar Lal University (JNU) professor and the winner of Infosys Prize 2018 Kavita Singh landed here, only to get to know that her leave application to attend the award ceremony was rejected by the JNU vice-chancellor.

Jawahar Lal University (JNU) professor and the winner of Infosys Prize 2018 Kavita Singh landed here, only to get to know that her leave application to attend the award ceremony was rejected by the JNU vice-chancellor. Reacting to the development, she said things at the university were "comically bad". Singh got to know about the rejection of her leave application only after she landed in Bengaluru to attend the event organised by the Infosys Science Foundation (ISF). She received the award on Saturday night. Speaking after receiving the award, Singh thanked the JNU, where she has been teaching for 17 years, and said until recently, it was "a very congenial and supportive place". "We never had much money or facilities, but we had excellent colleagues and academic freedom. Today, things are bad; things are comically bad in my institutional home." "How bad you may ask? After I came to Bengaluru, I checked my e-mail and found that the leave application I had put in to come here and receive the award had been rejected by my vice-chancellor. So please be warned that my presence on this stage today is illegitimate," she said. Singh is a professor and the Dean of the School of Arts and Aesthetics at the JNU in New Delhi. She received the Infosys Science Prize for her study of Mughal, Rajput and Deccan art. Singh's work shows the significance of museums in highlighting the social impact of art and thereby, relates visual culture to large contemporary questions of secularity, modernity and political conflict. The ISF honoured six eminent professors for winning the Infosys Prize 2018 across different categories of science and research at an awards ceremony here on Saturday night, while also celebrating its 10th-year milestone. The annual award includes a pure gold medal, a citation and a prize purse worth $100,000 (or its equivalent in Indian rupees). A six-member jury of renowned scientists and professors selected the winners from 244 nominations received in six categories.

Things at university comically bad: JNU professor

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be cooking over 3,000 kilogram&nbsp;of khichdi at its Dalit rally in Delhi on Sunday.

Aiming to create a world record, the dish will be cooked with rice and lentils collected from Dalit households at Ramlila Maidan.

It will be distributed among the party workers and supporters at 'Bhim Mahasangam Vijay Sankalp'&nbsp;rally under the leadership of BJP president Amit Shah.

In November 2017, renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor cooked 918 kg of khichdi, which currently holds the record for the world's largest khichdi, at 'World Food India'&nbsp;festival organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in Delhi.

Shah will also address the rally recounting the work done by the party for the Dalit community in Delhi. Interestingly, this comes amidst the continuous allegations levelled by the Congress against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he has failed to address the needs of marginalised sections of the society and not making enough efforts to uplift the Dalits in the country.

Earlier, Congress president Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Modi of overlooking the weaker sections of the society.

Addressing a gathering at the Jantar Mantar, Gandhi scion had said, "The things start with "neeyat" (intentions), whatever will be there in Prime Minister Modi's heart, the things will work according to that. Prime Minister Modi wants Dalits to remain marginalised. If Prime Minister Modi had a place for Dalits in his heart, his policies would have shown it by now. Prime Minister Modi had written in one of his books that it feels good when the house has been cleaned by a Dalit."&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be cooking over 3,000 kilogram of khichdi at its Dalit rally in Delhi on Sunday. Aiming to create a world record, the dish will be cooked with rice and lentils collected from Dalit households at Ramlila Maidan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be cooking over 3,000 kilogram of khichdi at its Dalit rally in Delhi on Sunday. Aiming to create a world record, the dish will be cooked with rice and lentils collected from Dalit households at Ramlila Maidan. It will be distributed among the party workers and supporters at 'Bhim Mahasangam Vijay Sankalp' rally under the leadership of BJP president Amit Shah. In November 2017, renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor cooked 918 kg of khichdi, which currently holds the record for the world's largest khichdi, at 'World Food India' festival organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in Delhi. Shah will also address the rally recounting the work done by the party for the Dalit community in Delhi. Interestingly, this comes amidst the continuous allegations levelled by the Congress against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he has failed to address the needs of marginalised sections of the society and not making enough efforts to uplift the Dalits in the country. Earlier, Congress president Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Modi of overlooking the weaker sections of the society. Addressing a gathering at the Jantar Mantar, Gandhi scion had said, "The things start with "neeyat" (intentions), whatever will be there in Prime Minister Modi's heart, the things will work according to that. Prime Minister Modi wants Dalits to remain marginalised. If Prime Minister Modi had a place for Dalits in his heart, his policies would have shown it by now. Prime Minister Modi had written in one of his books that it feels good when the house has been cleaned by a Dalit."

In world record attempt, 3,000 kilogram khichdi to be cooked at BJP rally today

The Centre has sounded an "Orange" alert for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is facing a cyclonic storm, officials said Sunday.

Cyclonic storm "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-pabuk-meteorological-department-warns-fishermen-against-going-to-sea-188427">Pabuk</a>" is approaching the archipelago and currently hovering over the Andaman sea and the neighbourhood, they added.

An "Orange" warning had been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a home ministry official said, quoting from a weather bulletin.

An "orange" weather warning means people should "be prepared" and there is an increased likelihood of bad or extreme weather, which may disrupt road and air travel and threaten life and property.

"Pabuk" is now over the Andaman sea and its neighbourhood and it has moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 20 kmph in the last six hours.

It lays centred near latitude 11.0&nbsp;North and longitude 95.5&nbsp;East, about 310 km east-southeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The cyclonic storm is very likely to continue to move north-northwestwards and cross the Andaman islands by Sunday night with a wind speed of 65-75 kmph, gusting to 85 kmph, the official said.

Thereafter, it is very likely to move north-northwestwards and then recurve north-eastwards, towards the Myanmar coast, and weaken gradually thereafter, he added, quoting from the bulletin.

The Centre has sounded an "Orange" alert for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is facing a cyclonic storm, officials said Sunday. Cyclonic storm "Pabuk" is approaching the archipelago and currently hovering over the Andaman sea and the neighbourhood, they added.

The Centre has sounded an "Orange" alert for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is facing a cyclonic storm, officials said Sunday. Cyclonic storm "Pabuk" is approaching the archipelago and currently hovering over the Andaman sea and the neighbourhood, they added. An "Orange" warning had been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a home ministry official said, quoting from a weather bulletin. An "orange" weather warning means people should "be prepared" and there is an increased likelihood of bad or extreme weather, which may disrupt road and air travel and threaten life and property. "Pabuk" is now over the Andaman sea and its neighbourhood and it has moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 20 kmph in the last six hours. It lays centred near latitude 11.0 North and longitude 95.5 East, about 310 km east-southeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The cyclonic storm is very likely to continue to move north-northwestwards and cross the Andaman islands by Sunday night with a wind speed of 65-75 kmph, gusting to 85 kmph, the official said. Thereafter, it is very likely to move north-northwestwards and then recurve north-eastwards, towards the Myanmar coast, and weaken gradually thereafter, he added, quoting from the bulletin.

'Orange' alert for Andaman due to cyclone 'Pabuk'

West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh ruffled a few feathers within his party on Saturday when he said TMC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has the best chance to become the first Bengali prime minister of the country.

Extending birthday wishes to her, Ghosh said he prayed for her good health and success in life "because the fate of our state depends on her success".&nbsp;

"We want her to be fit so that she can work well. She needs to remain fit because if there is any Bengali who has the chance to be the PM from this Bengal, then she is the one," he said.

Asked if anyone from his own party's Bengal unit had the chance to be the PM, Ghosh said that Mamata Banerjee was ahead in the race among Bengalis who can become Prime Minister.

"We can surely have one from Bengal after her. But she has the first chance. We couldn't have Jyoti Basu as the first Bengali prime minister as his party did not allow him to be," Ghosh said.

"We had Pranab Mukherjee from the state as the first Bengali to become President so now it's time to have a Bengali as PM," he added.&nbsp;

The statement came as a shocker for the state BJP as it is engaged in a bitter fight against the TMC in the state.

West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh ruffled a few feathers within his party on Saturday when he said TMC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has the best chance to become the first Bengali prime minister of the country.

West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh ruffled a few feathers within his party on Saturday when he said TMC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has the best chance to become the first Bengali prime minister of the country. Extending birthday wishes to her, Ghosh said he prayed for her good health and success in life "because the fate of our state depends on her success". "We want her to be fit so that she can work well. She needs to remain fit because if there is any Bengali who has the chance to be the PM from this Bengal, then she is the one," he said. Asked if anyone from his own party's Bengal unit had the chance to be the PM, Ghosh said that Mamata Banerjee was ahead in the race among Bengalis who can become Prime Minister. "We can surely have one from Bengal after her. But she has the first chance. We couldn't have Jyoti Basu as the first Bengali prime minister as his party did not allow him to be," Ghosh said. "We had Pranab Mukherjee from the state as the first Bengali to become President so now it's time to have a Bengali as PM," he added. The statement came as a shocker for the state BJP as it is engaged in a bitter fight against the TMC in the state.

If any Bengali has chance to become PM, it's Mamata: West Bengal BJP chief

A scattered spell of rain was witnessed in parts of New Delhi on the first Sunday of the New Year, as a blanket of fog descended over the national capital.

Mild drizzle was witnessed in various parts of Delhi in the early hours of Sunday, including Rajpath and the area around Press Club of India, with the temperature hovering around 9 degrees Celcius.

As per the MET office, the minimum temperature during the day is expected to dip to 6 degrees Celcius, while the maximum temperature will be 19 degrees Celcius.

As chilly winds engulf the national capital, it has become an ordeal for the homeless. Scores of people have taken refuge at night shelters as the cold wave is set to intensify in the coming days.

Apart from the onset of severe winter, the national capital is also reeling under poor air quality levels. According to Skymet, pollution levels are in 'severely poor'&nbsp;category at present.

However, after the spell of rain and thundershower, the situation is expected to improve marginally, with pollution levels in the 'moderate'&nbsp;to 'poor'&nbsp;category. Last week, several trains arriving and departing from Delhi were delayed owing to the dense fog blanketing northern India. As many as 15 trains were delayed by over three hours.

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) has advised individuals to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

"Go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. Stop any activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue. If the room has windows, close them. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed. Avoid burning of wood, candles or incense. Keep the room clean - don't vacuum. Do wet mopping to reduce dust," read an advisory from the state-run agency.

A scattered spell of rain was witnessed in parts of New Delhi on the first Sunday of the New Year, as a blanket of fog descended over the national capital. Mild drizzle was witnessed in various parts of Delhi in the early hours of Sunday, including Rajpath and the area around Press Club of India, with the temperature hovering around 9 degrees Celcius.

A scattered spell of rain was witnessed in parts of New Delhi on the first Sunday of the New Year, as a blanket of fog descended over the national capital. Mild drizzle was witnessed in various parts of Delhi in the early hours of Sunday, including Rajpath and the area around Press Club of India, with the temperature hovering around 9 degrees Celcius. As per the MET office, the minimum temperature during the day is expected to dip to 6 degrees Celcius, while the maximum temperature will be 19 degrees Celcius. As chilly winds engulf the national capital, it has become an ordeal for the homeless. Scores of people have taken refuge at night shelters as the cold wave is set to intensify in the coming days. Apart from the onset of severe winter, the national capital is also reeling under poor air quality levels. According to Skymet, pollution levels are in 'severely poor' category at present. However, after the spell of rain and thundershower, the situation is expected to improve marginally, with pollution levels in the 'moderate' to 'poor' category. Last week, several trains arriving and departing from Delhi were delayed owing to the dense fog blanketing northern India. As many as 15 trains were delayed by over three hours. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) has advised individuals to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. "Go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. Stop any activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue. If the room has windows, close them. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed. Avoid burning of wood, candles or incense. Keep the room clean - don't vacuum. Do wet mopping to reduce dust," read an advisory from the state-run agency.

Delhi witnesses scattered spell of rain, air quality remains 'poor'

Kerala was mostly peaceful Sunday after four days of widespread violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) workers following the entry of two women of child-bearing age into the Sabarimala temple, with 1,869 cases being registered so far and 5,769 people arrested. Asserting that the state government had a constitutional duty to implement the September 28 Supreme Court order allowing women of all ages into the shrine to offer prayers, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said they would not be cowed down by threats of “constitutional consequences” for Sabarimala violence.

Vijayan asked the BJP national leadership to instruct its cadre in Kerala to stop creating violence in the state. “The state has a constitutional duty to implement the Supreme Court order. There is no violence other than the ones created by the RSS, BJP and the Sangh Parivar. And now they are threatening the state with constitutional consequences,” Vijayan said in a Facebook post. The chief minister’s post came on a day Union minister Smriti Irani alleged that the CPI(M)-led LDF government was arresting BJP workers for raising their voice against the state.

BJP national spokesperson Narasimha Rao had warned the state government Saturday, saying it would have to face constitutional consequences. Vijayan also alleged that the Sangh Parivar was trying to implement the same methods that they tried in northern India. “Sangh Parivar was trying to implement the same methods which they have tried on northern India. It’s not going to succeed in Kerala. The state will deal with all kinds of attempts to create violence and communal riots with iron hands,” Vijayan said.

So far, 1,869 cases have been registered and 5,769 persons arrested in connection with the violence. At least 4,980 persons have been granted bail, a statement from the State Police chief Loknath Behara said. While in Palakkad, 283 cases have been registered so far and 764 persons arrested, in Kannur district, where crude bombs were hurled at the house of Thalassery MLA A M Shamseer and BJP leader and MP V Muraleedharan, 225 cases have been booked and 394 arrested so far. In Pathanamthitta district, where the Sabarimala temple is located, 267 cases have been registered and 677 people arrested so far. Meanwhile, the Nair Service Society (NSS), an organisation of the forward Nair community, attacked the state government over the entry of young women into the Sabarimala temple, saying it was making planned move to impose atheism on the people.

However, some state ministers came down heavily on the NSS saying it was voicing the RSS agenda. UDF convenor Benny Behanan, however, protested the attack against the NSS by the ministers. After a meeting on Sunday, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Sabarimala temple, directed Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru to provide his explanation within 15 days for performing the purification ceremony after the two women — Bindu and Kanakadurga — entered the temple on January 2. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Devaswom Commissioner N Vasu lashed out at the tantri for not taking permission from the TDB.

“The temple is controlled by the TDB. Tantri should have discussed with the board before conducting the purification ritual,” Surendran said. The purification ritual is against the Untouchability Offences Act. “Any action against the tantri will be taken after getting his explanation which the board has sought,” the minister said. The entry of two women in their forties to the hill shrine, the first time since the Supreme Court in September last year lifted the age-linked ban on the entry of women devotees, had triggered massive protests in Kerala.

Kerala was mostly peaceful Sunday after four days of widespread violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) workers following the entry of two women of child-bearing age into the Sabarimala temple, with 1,869 cases being registered so far and 5,769 people arrested.

Kerala was mostly peaceful Sunday after four days of widespread violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) workers following the entry of two women of child-bearing age into the Sabarimala temple, with 1,869 cases being registered so far and 5,769 people arrested. Asserting that the state government had a constitutional duty to implement the September 28 Supreme Court order allowing women of all ages into the shrine to offer prayers, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said they would not be cowed down by threats of “constitutional consequences” for Sabarimala violence. Vijayan asked the BJP national leadership to instruct its cadre in Kerala to stop creating violence in the state. “The state has a constitutional duty to implement the Supreme Court order. There is no violence other than the ones created by the RSS, BJP and the Sangh Parivar. And now they are threatening the state with constitutional consequences,” Vijayan said in a Facebook post. The chief minister’s post came on a day Union minister Smriti Irani alleged that the CPI(M)-led LDF government was arresting BJP workers for raising their voice against the state. BJP national spokesperson Narasimha Rao had warned the state government Saturday, saying it would have to face constitutional consequences. Vijayan also alleged that the Sangh Parivar was trying to implement the same methods that they tried in northern India. “Sangh Parivar was trying to implement the same methods which they have tried on northern India. It’s not going to succeed in Kerala. The state will deal with all kinds of attempts to create violence and communal riots with iron hands,” Vijayan said. So far, 1,869 cases have been registered and 5,769 persons arrested in connection with the violence. At least 4,980 persons have been granted bail, a statement from the State Police chief Loknath Behara said. While in Palakkad, 283 cases have been registered so far and 764 persons arrested, in Kannur district, where crude bombs were hurled at the house of Thalassery MLA A M Shamseer and BJP leader and MP V Muraleedharan, 225 cases have been booked and 394 arrested so far. In Pathanamthitta district, where the Sabarimala temple is located, 267 cases have been registered and 677 people arrested so far. Meanwhile, the Nair Service Society (NSS), an organisation of the forward Nair community, attacked the state government over the entry of young women into the Sabarimala temple, saying it was making planned move to impose atheism on the people. However, some state ministers came down heavily on the NSS saying it was voicing the RSS agenda. UDF convenor Benny Behanan, however, protested the attack against the NSS by the ministers. After a meeting on Sunday, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Sabarimala temple, directed Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru to provide his explanation within 15 days for performing the purification ceremony after the two women — Bindu and Kanakadurga — entered the temple on January 2. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Devaswom Commissioner N Vasu lashed out at the tantri for not taking permission from the TDB. “The temple is controlled by the TDB. Tantri should have discussed with the board before conducting the purification ritual,” Surendran said. The purification ritual is against the Untouchability Offences Act. “Any action against the tantri will be taken after getting his explanation which the board has sought,” the minister said. The entry of two women in their forties to the hill shrine, the first time since the Supreme Court in September last year lifted the age-linked ban on the entry of women devotees, had triggered massive protests in Kerala.

Sabarimala violence: Peaceful Sunday in Kerala, over 5,700 people arrested

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement. She will leave on Wednesday.

"Business cooperation, sustainable use of the oceans and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will feature high on the Prime Minister’s agenda," a statement from the Norwegian embassy said.

Solberg's other engagements include an address at the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit, the opening of Norway's "green" embassy compound, and a visit to a school in Ghaziabad with a special emphasis on efforts to further education for girls.&nbsp;

Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue.

"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 multifaceted partnership in areas of common interest," a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said.&nbsp;

The new Norwegian embassy building — it will be inaugurated by Solberg, Modi and Minister of State for External affairs Gen VK Singh will attend — will be one of the few building in India to make use of geothermal wells to regulate temperature. The solar panels installed at the building will produce 200 kwh of energy a day.&nbsp;

Modi has met Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi a football. The football had SDG — sustainable development goals — inscribed on it. Last year, Modi met Solberg during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17, 2018.

More than 100 Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas such as ship building, petroleum-related services, hydropower, clean energy and IT services. Several major Indian companies are also present in Norway.&nbsp;

A total of 12,924 Indians (9,485 PIOs and 3,439 NRIs) live in Norway.&nbsp;

According to figures from Norway's Immigration Department, India has become the leading source of skilled foreign professionals working in Norway. Between 2005 and 2014, the number of skilled professionals from India working in Norway went up from 100 to about 2,000.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement. She will leave on Wednesday. "Business cooperation, sustainable use of the oceans and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will feature high on the Prime Minister’s agenda," a statement from the Norwegian embassy said. Solberg's other engagements include an address at the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit, the opening of Norway's "green" embassy compound, and a visit to a school in Ghaziabad with a special emphasis on efforts to further education for girls. Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue. "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 multifaceted partnership in areas of common interest," a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said. The new Norwegian embassy building — it will be inaugurated by Solberg, Modi and Minister of State for External affairs Gen VK Singh will attend — will be one of the few building in India to make use of geothermal wells to regulate temperature. The solar panels installed at the building will produce 200 kwh of energy a day. Modi has met Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi a football. The football had SDG — sustainable development goals — inscribed on it. Last year, Modi met Solberg during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17, 2018. More than 100 Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas such as ship building, petroleum-related services, hydropower, clean energy and IT services. Several major Indian companies are also present in Norway. A total of 12,924 Indians (9,485 PIOs and 3,439 NRIs) live in Norway. According to figures from Norway's Immigration Department, India has become the leading source of skilled foreign professionals working in Norway. Between 2005 and 2014, the number of skilled professionals from India working in Norway went up from 100 to about 2,000.

Norway PM to land in India on Monday, green solutions will be on her agenda

Taking swipe at the BJP over reports that the CBI may quiz him in the illegal mining case, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav Sunday said that he may have to tell the probe agency details of his alliance with Mayawati.

Talking to reporters in Lucknow, he said he is ready to face the CBI, but people are also ready to answer the BJP.

"Now we have to tell the CBI as to how many seats we have distributed in the gathbandhan (alliance). 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.

"The Samajwadi Party is making efforts to win maximum Lok?Sabha seats. Those who want to stop us, have the CBI with them. Once the Congress did CBI probe, and I was questioned. If the BJP is doing all this, the CBI will question me, I will answer (them). But, the people are ready to give an answer to the BJP," he added.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister may face a probe by the CBI, according to the agency FIR made public Saturday, the day arch rivals Samajwadi Party and BSP indicated their intent to join hands. The agency also raided 14 locations in connection with the FIR against 11 persons to probe alleged illegal mining of minor minerals in Hamirpur district during 2012-16.

"Why is the CBI conducting raids. Whatever they want to ask, they can ask me. However, the BJP should remember that the culture it is leaving behind, it may have to face it in the future," he said.

On formal announcement of seat-sharing with Mayawati's BSP, Yadav said that it is likely to be made within a week. However, he maintained suspense on accommodating the Congress in the alliance, which also includes Ajit Singh's RLD.

The Samajwadi Party and the BSP have decided to fight the upcoming national elections together and have already worked out a seat-sharing arrangement to take on the BJP, which along with its allies won 73 seats from the state in 2014.

"You will come to know about it (alliance) in a week or so," Yadav said. 
On the possibility of the Congress joining the alliance, Yadav said a decision will be taken by him and Mayawati. He declined to elaborate further.

"The BJP has taught us alliances and we are walking on the same path. We are trying to form an alliance with the BSP. The aim of the Samajwadi Party is to bag the maximum number of seats but the ones who wish to stop us, they have the CBI," he said.

Terming the raids politically motivated, Yadav also questioned the credibility of the CBI.

Hitting back, the BJP said Akhilesh Yadav's government was "hand in glove" with the accused in the illegal mining case.

Rejecting Yadav's allegation of vendetta, UP minister Sidharth Nath Singh said, "If you loot public money, then the law will take its own course."

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Singh said instead of questioning the time of the raids, Yadav should answer why so much "loot" had happened under his government.

Congress's Kapil Sibal also attacked the BJP, saying that whoever spoke against it was raided.

The politically crucial Uttar Pradesh sends 80 lawmakers to the Lok Sabha.

By joining hands, the opposition parties had defeated the BJP in three Lok Sabha bypolls in the state last year, the first show of strength after the 2017 Assembly elections which saw the saffron party storm to power in the state after a 14-year hiatus.

The Apna Dal, a significant player in the state politics, is also in talks to be a part of the SP-BSP alliance. It is also talking to the BJP and its chief Krishna Patel said it will tie-up with like-minded parties.

"We will go with like-minded parties, the political parties, which agree with our policies and ideology. At present, we are in talks with senior leaders of different political parties including the SP, BSP, Congress and BJP," she said.

On reports of a rift between the BJP and Anupriya Patel's Apna Dal (Sonelal) and Om Prakash Rajbhar's Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, she said, "I do not want to comment on it. But, as far as OP Rajbhar is concerned, he was once associated with the Apna Dal and headed the youth wing of the party."

The Apna Dal (Sonelal) is a breakaway of the Apna Dal, which was founded in 1995 by Krishna Patel's husband Sone Lal Patel. The Apna Dal (Sonelal) was founded by Jawahar Lal Patel, who was also a founding member of the Apna Dal.&nbsp;

Taking swipe at the BJP over reports that the CBI may quiz him in the illegal mining case, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav Sunday said that he may have to tell the probe agency details of his alliance with Mayawati.

Taking swipe at the BJP over reports that the CBI may quiz him in the illegal mining case, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav Sunday said that he may have to tell the probe agency details of his alliance with Mayawati. Talking to reporters in Lucknow, he said he is ready to face the CBI, but people are also ready to answer the BJP. "Now we have to tell the CBI as to how many seats we have distributed in the gathbandhan (alliance). 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. "The Samajwadi Party is making efforts to win maximum Lok?Sabha seats. Those who want to stop us, have the CBI with them. Once the Congress did CBI probe, and I was questioned. If the BJP is doing all this, the CBI will question me, I will answer (them). But, the people are ready to give an answer to the BJP," he added. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister may face a probe by the CBI, according to the agency FIR made public Saturday, the day arch rivals Samajwadi Party and BSP indicated their intent to join hands. The agency also raided 14 locations in connection with the FIR against 11 persons to probe alleged illegal mining of minor minerals in Hamirpur district during 2012-16. "Why is the CBI conducting raids. Whatever they want to ask, they can ask me. However, the BJP should remember that the culture it is leaving behind, it may have to face it in the future," he said. On formal announcement of seat-sharing with Mayawati's BSP, Yadav said that it is likely to be made within a week. However, he maintained suspense on accommodating the Congress in the alliance, which also includes Ajit Singh's RLD. The Samajwadi Party and the BSP have decided to fight the upcoming national elections together and have already worked out a seat-sharing arrangement to take on the BJP, which along with its allies won 73 seats from the state in 2014. "You will come to know about it (alliance) in a week or so," Yadav said. On the possibility of the Congress joining the alliance, Yadav said a decision will be taken by him and Mayawati. He declined to elaborate further. "The BJP has taught us alliances and we are walking on the same path. We are trying to form an alliance with the BSP. The aim of the Samajwadi Party is to bag the maximum number of seats but the ones who wish to stop us, they have the CBI," he said. Terming the raids politically motivated, Yadav also questioned the credibility of the CBI. Hitting back, the BJP said Akhilesh Yadav's government was "hand in glove" with the accused in the illegal mining case. Rejecting Yadav's allegation of vendetta, UP minister Sidharth Nath Singh said, "If you loot public money, then the law will take its own course." Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Singh said instead of questioning the time of the raids, Yadav should answer why so much "loot" had happened under his government. Congress's Kapil Sibal also attacked the BJP, saying that whoever spoke against it was raided. The politically crucial Uttar Pradesh sends 80 lawmakers to the Lok Sabha. By joining hands, the opposition parties had defeated the BJP in three Lok Sabha bypolls in the state last year, the first show of strength after the 2017 Assembly elections which saw the saffron party storm to power in the state after a 14-year hiatus. The Apna Dal, a significant player in the state politics, is also in talks to be a part of the SP-BSP alliance. It is also talking to the BJP and its chief Krishna Patel said it will tie-up with like-minded parties. "We will go with like-minded parties, the political parties, which agree with our policies and ideology. At present, we are in talks with senior leaders of different political parties including the SP, BSP, Congress and BJP," she said. On reports of a rift between the BJP and Anupriya Patel's Apna Dal (Sonelal) and Om Prakash Rajbhar's Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, she said, "I do not want to comment on it. But, as far as OP Rajbhar is concerned, he was once associated with the Apna Dal and headed the youth wing of the party." The Apna Dal (Sonelal) is a breakaway of the Apna Dal, which was founded in 1995 by Krishna Patel's husband Sone Lal Patel. The Apna Dal (Sonelal) was founded by Jawahar Lal Patel, who was also a founding member of the Apna Dal.

Illegal sand mining case: Will have to tell CBI details of our alliance with Mayawati, says Akhilesh on raids

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Saturday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to constitute a three-member bench for hearing the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case.

She said punishment must be served to those who demolished the mosque.

"Honourable SC's decision to constitute a bench for Babri Masjid/Mandir issue is a welcome step. There is also need to ensure punishment is meted out to those who demolished the Babri Masjid so that such acts are not repeated in the future," Mehbooba wrote on Twitter.

The PDP president also said the country would not have witnessed "massacres" had the culprits responsible for 1984 anti-Sikh riots been punished.

"Had the culprits responsible for 84 Sikh riots been punished, the country wouldn't have witnessed the Bombay, Meerut, Gujarat&nbsp;and other infamous massacres," she said.

The Supreme Court Friday said an "appropriate bench" on January 10 will fix the date of hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case.

"Further orders in the matter will be passed on January 10 by the appropriate Bench, as may be constituted," said a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul.

A three-member bench is to be set up for hearing the matter on a batch of petitions.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Saturday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to constitute a three-member bench for hearing the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Saturday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to constitute a three-member bench for hearing the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case. She said punishment must be served to those who demolished the mosque. "Honourable SC's decision to constitute a bench for Babri Masjid/Mandir issue is a welcome step. There is also need to ensure punishment is meted out to those who demolished the Babri Masjid so that such acts are not repeated in the future," Mehbooba wrote on Twitter. The PDP president also said the country would not have witnessed "massacres" had the culprits responsible for 1984 anti-Sikh riots been punished. "Had the culprits responsible for 84 Sikh riots been punished, the country wouldn't have witnessed the Bombay, Meerut, Gujarat and other infamous massacres," she said. The Supreme Court Friday said an "appropriate bench" on January 10 will fix the date of hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case. "Further orders in the matter will be passed on January 10 by the appropriate Bench, as may be constituted," said a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul. A three-member bench is to be set up for hearing the matter on a batch of petitions.

Mehbooba hails Supreme Court's decision to constitute 3-member bench for hearing Ayodhya land dispute case

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-in-paris-as-yellow-vests-protest-at-unrepentant-macron-188487">Clashes erupt in Paris as 'yellow vests' protest at unrepentant Macron</a>

The latest "yellow vest" marches began peacefully but degenerated in the afternoon as protesters threw missiles at riot police blocking bridges over the Seine.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-little-progress-as-govt-shutdown-in-third-week-188467">Trump says little progress as govt shutdown in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-little-progress-as-govt-shutdown-in-third-week-188467">third</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-little-progress-as-govt-shutdown-in-third-week-188467"> week</a>

Talks aimed at ending a partial US government shutdown which entered its third week on Saturday made little progress but were to continue on Sunday, President Donald Trump said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-mike-pence-meets-with-democratic-aides-to-discuss-shutdown-impasse-188469">US Vice President Mike Pence meets with Democratic aides to discuss shutdown impasse</a>

US Vice President Mike Pence and other senior Trump administration officials met on Saturday with Democratic congressional staffers to try to break a deadlock over a proposed border wall and end a two-week-old partial government shutdown.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-could-seek-more-time-before-final-brexit-vote-report-188481">UK's May could seek more time before final Brexit vote: Report</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May might again push back a final vote in parliament on her Brexit deal, less than three months before the country is due to leave the European Union, a newspaper reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-morning-session-on-day-4-lost-due-to-rain-and-bad-light-188477">ND vs AUS: Australia lose three wickets after rain delay</a>

Indian bowlers dismissed three Australian batsmen in quick succession after rain delay, on day 4 of the fourth test match.&nbsp;

Clashes erupt in Paris as 'yellow vests' protest at unrepentant Macron The latest "yellow vest" marches began peacefully but degenerated in the afternoon as protesters threw missiles at riot police blocking bridges over the Seine.

Clashes erupt in Paris as 'yellow vests' protest at unrepentant Macron The latest "yellow vest" marches began peacefully but degenerated in the afternoon as protesters threw missiles at riot police blocking bridges over the Seine. Trump says little progress as govt shutdown in third week Talks aimed at ending a partial US government shutdown which entered its third week on Saturday made little progress but were to continue on Sunday, President Donald Trump said. US Vice President Mike Pence meets with Democratic aides to discuss shutdown impasse US Vice President Mike Pence and other senior Trump administration officials met on Saturday with Democratic congressional staffers to try to break a deadlock over a proposed border wall and end a two-week-old partial government shutdown. UK's May could seek more time before final Brexit vote: Report British Prime Minister Theresa May might again push back a final vote in parliament on her Brexit deal, less than three months before the country is due to leave the European Union, a newspaper reported. ND vs AUS: Australia lose three wickets after rain delay Indian bowlers dismissed three Australian batsmen in quick succession after rain delay, on day 4 of the fourth test match.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday hit back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi after he accused her of lying in Parliament about procurement orders worth Rs 1 lakh crore for state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).&nbsp;

In her counteroffensive, Sitharaman said it was a matter of “shame” that the Congress president was misleading the country on the issue. She also tweeted details of the contract awarded to HAL since 2014 when the BJP came to power.

“It’s a shame that the president of @INCIndia is misleading the nation. HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. Will @RahulGandhi apologise to the country from the floor of the house?” the defence minister tweeted.

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It's a shame that the president of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> is misleading the nation. 
 
HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. 
 
Will <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> apologise to the country from the floor of the house? <a href="https://t.co/KIQsWikByG">pic.twitter.com/KIQsWikByG</a>
— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1081866784289026048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Gandhi alleged that she “lied” in Parliament that government orders worth Rs one lakh crore were provided to HAL while demanding that she should either place the documents in support of her statement in the House or resign.

Gandhi’s attack came after a media report claimed that “not a single rupee of the said Rs 1 lakh crore has come to HAL, since not a single order, as claimed, has been signed till now”.

The media report cited senior HAL management officials in order to back its claim. The Congress has been targeting the government, alleging that it denied the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) an offset contract under the Rafale fighter jets deal with France, a charge the government has denied.

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When you tell one lie, you need to keep spinning out more lies, to cover up the first one. 
 
In her eagerness to defend the PM's Rafale lie, the RM lied to Parliament. 
 
Tomorrow, RM must place before Parliament documents showing 1 Lakh crore of Govt orders to HAL. 
 
Or resign. <a href="https://t.co/dYafyklH9o">pic.twitter.com/dYafyklH9o</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1081828418805813248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has accused the Congress of not supporting HAL during its rule and asserted that the government is now strengthening the defence public sector undertaking.

“When you tell one lie, you need to keep spinning out more lies, to cover up the first one. In her eagerness to defend the PM’s Rafale lie, the RM lied to Parliament,” Gandhi tweeted.

“Tomorrow, RM must place before Parliament documents showing 1 Lakh crore of Govt orders to HAL. Or resign,” he said.

Gandhi had on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “weakening” HAL to help his “suit-boot” friend.

His criticism followed a media report which claimed that HAL, grappling with low finances, was forced to borrow Rs 1,000 crore to pay salaries to its employees for the first time in years.

Congress’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted on Sunday: “The Lying Defence Minister’s Lies Get Exposed! Defence Minister claimed that procurement orders worth Rs 1 Lakh Crore provided to HAL! HAL says Not a SINGLE PAISA has come, as Not a SINGLE ORDER has been signed!”

“For the first time, HAL forced to take a loan of Rs1000 Cr to pay salaries!,” he added.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday hit back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi after he accused her of lying in Parliament about procurement orders worth Rs 1 lakh crore for state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday hit back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi after he accused her of lying in Parliament about procurement orders worth Rs 1 lakh crore for state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). In her counteroffensive, Sitharaman said it was a matter of “shame” that the Congress president was misleading the country on the issue. She also tweeted details of the contract awarded to HAL since 2014 when the BJP came to power. “It’s a shame that the president of @INCIndia is misleading the nation. HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. Will @RahulGandhi apologise to the country from the floor of the house?” the defence minister tweeted. It's a shame that the president of @INCIndia is misleading the nation. HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. Will @RahulGandhi apologise to the country from the floor of the house? pic.twitter.com/KIQsWikByG — Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) January 6, 2019 × Earlier, Gandhi alleged that she “lied” in Parliament that government orders worth Rs one lakh crore were provided to HAL while demanding that she should either place the documents in support of her statement in the House or resign. Gandhi’s attack came after a media report claimed that “not a single rupee of the said Rs 1 lakh crore has come to HAL, since not a single order, as claimed, has been signed till now”. The media report cited senior HAL management officials in order to back its claim. The Congress has been targeting the government, alleging that it denied the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) an offset contract under the Rafale fighter jets deal with France, a charge the government has denied. When you tell one lie, you need to keep spinning out more lies, to cover up the first one. In her eagerness to defend the PM's Rafale lie, the RM lied to Parliament. Tomorrow, RM must place before Parliament documents showing 1 Lakh crore of Govt orders to HAL. Or resign. pic.twitter.com/dYafyklH9o — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 6, 2019 × The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has accused the Congress of not supporting HAL during its rule and asserted that the government is now strengthening the defence public sector undertaking. “When you tell one lie, you need to keep spinning out more lies, to cover up the first one. In her eagerness to defend the PM’s Rafale lie, the RM lied to Parliament,” Gandhi tweeted. “Tomorrow, RM must place before Parliament documents showing 1 Lakh crore of Govt orders to HAL. Or resign,” he said. Gandhi had on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “weakening” HAL to help his “suit-boot” friend. His criticism followed a media report which claimed that HAL, grappling with low finances, was forced to borrow Rs 1,000 crore to pay salaries to its employees for the first time in years. Congress’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted on Sunday: “The Lying Defence Minister’s Lies Get Exposed! Defence Minister claimed that procurement orders worth Rs 1 Lakh Crore provided to HAL! HAL says Not a SINGLE PAISA has come, as Not a SINGLE ORDER has been signed!” “For the first time, HAL forced to take a loan of Rs1000 Cr to pay salaries!,” he added.

Rafale deal: Nirmala Sitharaman hits back at Rahul Gandhi after his dare, says he is 'misleading the nation'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019.&nbsp;

He said, "Exports to India and Latin America have risen by 27%. These are all new markets that we are opening. This has increased exports and the GNP, brings money into state coffers, creates jobs and raises Israeli citizens' wages."

He was talking about the overall increase in Israeli exports which he said: "broke a record in 2018 and they are expected to reach $110 billion." He talked about his strategy of "opening new markets", increasing Israeli exports. With China he said, Israeli exports have risen by 56%, while export of goods and services to Japan has risen by 50%.

He started the cabinet meeting by discussing his recently concluded Brazil visit. He said, "We have a new ally here and whoever needs additional proof of Israel's rising status in the world simply needs to look at what is happening in Brazil. One needs to understand that the Brazilian people, the masses in Brazil, admire Israel and want to be close to us. Therefore, we have opened a very large market here and there is much more work that needs to be done."

Recent years have seen a number of high-level visits between India and Israel. Netanyahu was in India in January of 2018 while Prime minister Modi visited Israel in 2017.

President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015, while the Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India in November 2016.&nbsp;

Bilateral trade between the 2 countries stood at US$ 5.02 billion (excluding defence) in 2016- 2017. Trade in diamonds constitutes more than 53% of bilateral trade. India is Israel's third largest trade partner in Asia after China and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

During PM Modi’s visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place, while its second meeting took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India in January 2018.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019. He said, "Exports to India and Latin America have risen by 27%. These are all new markets that we are opening. This has increased exports and the GNP, brings money into state coffers, creates jobs and raises Israeli citizens' wages." He was talking about the overall increase in Israeli exports which he said: "broke a record in 2018 and they are expected to reach $110 billion." He talked about his strategy of "opening new markets", increasing Israeli exports. With China he said, Israeli exports have risen by 56%, while export of goods and services to Japan has risen by 50%. He started the cabinet meeting by discussing his recently concluded Brazil visit. He said, "We have a new ally here and whoever needs additional proof of Israel's rising status in the world simply needs to look at what is happening in Brazil. One needs to understand that the Brazilian people, the masses in Brazil, admire Israel and want to be close to us. Therefore, we have opened a very large market here and there is much more work that needs to be done." Recent years have seen a number of high-level visits between India and Israel. Netanyahu was in India in January of 2018 while Prime minister Modi visited Israel in 2017. President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015, while the Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India in November 2016. Bilateral trade between the 2 countries stood at US$ 5.02 billion (excluding defence) in 2016- 2017. Trade in diamonds constitutes more than 53% of bilateral trade. India is Israel's third largest trade partner in Asia after China and Hong Kong. During PM Modi’s visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place, while its second meeting took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India in January 2018.

Exports to India increased by 27% in 2018, says Israeli PM in year's first cabinet meeting

The BJP, in order to connect with Dalits, hosted a grand khichdi feast at the Ramlila Maidan on Sunday where 5,000 kg of "samrasta khichdi" was cooked and served as part of its "Bhim Mahasangam" programme, party leaders said.

The event was a gathering of people from backward classes and was organised by the Delhi BJP.

BJP MP and Dalit leader Udit Raj, however, was conspicuous by his absence at the event, but the party leaders said not too much should be read into his absence.

The party leaders claimed that almost 5000 kilogram of khichdi was prepared and served on the occasion.

The khichdi was prepared with 400 kg rice, 100 kg lentils, 350 kg vegetables, 100 kg desi ghee, 100 litres of oil, 2,500 litres of water and 250 kg spices, one of the cooks said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#भीम_महासंगम</a>, रामलीला मैदान दिल्ली !! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SamrastaKhichdi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SamrastaKhichdi</a> <a href="https://t.co/UVRvyjf4EK">pic.twitter.com/UVRvyjf4EK</a>
— Dushyant Kumar Gautam (@dushyanttgautam) <a href="https://twitter.com/dushyanttgautam/status/1081852618186592257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The 5,000-kg "samrasta khichdi" was cooked in one utensil, with rice and lentils collected from around three lakh Dalit households in the national capital with an aim to set a world record.

Chef Vishnu Manohar from Nagpur, who had earlier attempted a world record by preparing 3000 kilogram of khichdi in Nagpur, prepared the khichdi in a single vessel.

"I want khichdi to be declared the national food of India. Every country has its dish - sushi is of China, pizza of Italy, but India does not have its own dish.

"I have come to Delhi so that the central government here hears me out. Khichdi is something that is eaten in 80 per cent of the households in the evening. The rich also eat it because they do not want to eat oily stuff while the poor also eat it," Manohar said.

Delhi BJP SC Morcha president, Mohan Lal Gihara said khichdi was served to close to 25,000 people who thronged the Ramlila Maidan.

"The representatives from the Guiness Book of World Records were here and 5,000 kilogram of khichdi was prepared which was eaten by 25,000 persons," he said.

Cries of Jai Bhim, Jai Hind, Bharat Mata ki Jai resonated at the Ramlila Maidan where party leaders said the event was more of a "harmony-building" exercise rather than a political event to garner votes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Delhi BJP unit chief Manoj Tiwari said the event sent a message to political parties not to indulge in divisive politics, but spread unity.

"The dal and rice for this event has been collected from three lakh households and if they were not happy with us they would not have contributed. This khichdi has the message that Narendra Modi will again become the Prime Minister," he said.

Taking a dig at the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, he said, "Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi, are you upset about the event? We had even invited every political party to be a part of the event."

"If they were concerned about harmony, Mamata Banerjee, Kejriwal, and others would have come," he said.

Union Minister Thawarchand Gehlot said BR Ambedkar was a patriot who returned to his country to work towards removing disparity.

"He spent his entire life on creating an atmosphere of harmony. He was a patriot. If he was not a patriot, he would not have come back to India despite being educated abroad where he also had the option of getting high-paying jobs.

"He came back to India but did not opt for a highly-paid job, instead he chose to work towards removing disparities," Gehlot said.

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said by collecting a handful of rice and half a handful of lentils, the Delhi BJP is sending out a strong message of 'unity in diversity'.

He said it was a befitting reply to those who divide the country on the basis of caste, region and religion.

When asked about Udit Raj's absence and whether it is a sign of disharmony in the party, he said, "Can't you see many Dalit leaders here? If someone has come or not come, I would not know."

"There are many Dalit leaders and workers. Senior Cabinet Minister Thawarchand Gehlot is here. You draw meanings at your own convenience, " Vardhan said.&nbsp;

The BJP, in order to connect with Dalits, hosted a grand khichdi feast at the Ramlila Maidan on Sunday where 5,000 kg of "samrasta khichdi" was cooked and served as part of its "Bhim Mahasangam" programme, party leaders said.

The BJP, in order to connect with Dalits, hosted a grand khichdi feast at the Ramlila Maidan on Sunday where 5,000 kg of "samrasta khichdi" was cooked and served as part of its "Bhim Mahasangam" programme, party leaders said. The event was a gathering of people from backward classes and was organised by the Delhi BJP. BJP MP and Dalit leader Udit Raj, however, was conspicuous by his absence at the event, but the party leaders said not too much should be read into his absence. The party leaders claimed that almost 5000 kilogram of khichdi was prepared and served on the occasion. The khichdi was prepared with 400 kg rice, 100 kg lentils, 350 kg vegetables, 100 kg desi ghee, 100 litres of oil, 2,500 litres of water and 250 kg spices, one of the cooks said. #भीम_महासंगम, रामलीला मैदान दिल्ली !! #SamrastaKhichdi pic.twitter.com/UVRvyjf4EK — Dushyant Kumar Gautam (@dushyanttgautam) January 6, 2019 × The 5,000-kg "samrasta khichdi" was cooked in one utensil, with rice and lentils collected from around three lakh Dalit households in the national capital with an aim to set a world record. Chef Vishnu Manohar from Nagpur, who had earlier attempted a world record by preparing 3000 kilogram of khichdi in Nagpur, prepared the khichdi in a single vessel. "I want khichdi to be declared the national food of India. Every country has its dish - sushi is of China, pizza of Italy, but India does not have its own dish. "I have come to Delhi so that the central government here hears me out. Khichdi is something that is eaten in 80 per cent of the households in the evening. The rich also eat it because they do not want to eat oily stuff while the poor also eat it," Manohar said. Delhi BJP SC Morcha president, Mohan Lal Gihara said khichdi was served to close to 25,000 people who thronged the Ramlila Maidan. "The representatives from the Guiness Book of World Records were here and 5,000 kilogram of khichdi was prepared which was eaten by 25,000 persons," he said. Cries of Jai Bhim, Jai Hind, Bharat Mata ki Jai resonated at the Ramlila Maidan where party leaders said the event was more of a "harmony-building" exercise rather than a political event to garner votes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Delhi BJP unit chief Manoj Tiwari said the event sent a message to political parties not to indulge in divisive politics, but spread unity. "The dal and rice for this event has been collected from three lakh households and if they were not happy with us they would not have contributed. This khichdi has the message that Narendra Modi will again become the Prime Minister," he said. Taking a dig at the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, he said, "Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi, are you upset about the event? We had even invited every political party to be a part of the event." "If they were concerned about harmony, Mamata Banerjee, Kejriwal, and others would have come," he said. Union Minister Thawarchand Gehlot said BR Ambedkar was a patriot who returned to his country to work towards removing disparity. "He spent his entire life on creating an atmosphere of harmony. He was a patriot. If he was not a patriot, he would not have come back to India despite being educated abroad where he also had the option of getting high-paying jobs. "He came back to India but did not opt for a highly-paid job, instead he chose to work towards removing disparities," Gehlot said. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said by collecting a handful of rice and half a handful of lentils, the Delhi BJP is sending out a strong message of 'unity in diversity'. He said it was a befitting reply to those who divide the country on the basis of caste, region and religion. When asked about Udit Raj's absence and whether it is a sign of disharmony in the party, he said, "Can't you see many Dalit leaders here? If someone has come or not come, I would not know." "There are many Dalit leaders and workers. Senior Cabinet Minister Thawarchand Gehlot is here. You draw meanings at your own convenience, " Vardhan said.

BJP makes 5,000 kg khichdi at Dalit gathering in Delhi, now waits for world record

The BJP Saturday claimed that it was in possession of a letter allegedly written by middleman Christian Michel in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, which reveals the "saga of Rome and RaGa".

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra in a press conference read out the "letter" from Michel to AgustaWestland in which he wrote that "all the hurdles in the way of the deal have been dealt with".

"Christian Michel had written thousands of letters in the form of dispatches that were sent despite he living in India. When he was in India as a 'dalal' and middleman, he used to write letters to AgustaWestland's CEO.

"Our agencies have managed to procure some of these letters. We have accessed one such letter through the media. The letter will reveal the story behind the saga of Rome and RaGa," he said.

Patra said Michel stressed that no publicity about the deal is done in Italy.

"Can Rome be asked to cooperate? By any cost, by any cost, pressure must be built on Rome's government to not create any publicity in Italy with regard to this. Not many people in Italy should be aware of this deal. Hurdles in the way of clearing the files have been removed," the BJP spokesperson quoted Michel saying in the letter, dated July 31, 2009.

Patra wondered why Michel did not want to publicise the deal in Italy after it was finalised.

"So that the bribe givers are not harassed in Italy," he reasoned.

Patra alleged that Michel had even access to cabinet meetings.

"Cabinet meetings on security are closed-door meetings and this man knew exactly what was going on in there," he alleged.&nbsp;

He also alleged that in the letter Michel had written that a Congress leader would talk to the then Finance minister if he created any further issues with the clearance of the deal.

The BJP Saturday claimed that it was in possession of a letter allegedly written by middleman Christian Michel in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, which reveals the "saga of Rome and RaGa".

The BJP Saturday claimed that it was in possession of a letter allegedly written by middleman Christian Michel in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, which reveals the "saga of Rome and RaGa". BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra in a press conference read out the "letter" from Michel to AgustaWestland in which he wrote that "all the hurdles in the way of the deal have been dealt with". "Christian Michel had written thousands of letters in the form of dispatches that were sent despite he living in India. When he was in India as a 'dalal' and middleman, he used to write letters to AgustaWestland's CEO. "Our agencies have managed to procure some of these letters. We have accessed one such letter through the media. The letter will reveal the story behind the saga of Rome and RaGa," he said. Patra said Michel stressed that no publicity about the deal is done in Italy. "Can Rome be asked to cooperate? By any cost, by any cost, pressure must be built on Rome's government to not create any publicity in Italy with regard to this. Not many people in Italy should be aware of this deal. Hurdles in the way of clearing the files have been removed," the BJP spokesperson quoted Michel saying in the letter, dated July 31, 2009. Patra wondered why Michel did not want to publicise the deal in Italy after it was finalised. "So that the bribe givers are not harassed in Italy," he reasoned. Patra alleged that Michel had even access to cabinet meetings. "Cabinet meetings on security are closed-door meetings and this man knew exactly what was going on in there," he alleged. He also alleged that in the letter Michel had written that a Congress leader would talk to the then Finance minister if he created any further issues with the clearance of the deal.

Have letter which reveals 'saga of Rome and RaGa' in AgustaWestland deal: BJP

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said Saturday that `non-contact warfare' is "important" and it is getting serious consideration in the restructuring of the armed forces.

Rawat was speaking to the media on the sidelines of an annual function at Bhosla Military School here.

Asked whether a special "vertical" is being created in the Army for non-contact warfare, Rawat said, "I have spoken about it number of times, non-contact warfare is important."

"We are preparing for non-contact warfare. It is a serious issue. We are considering it seriously in our restructuring," he said.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said Saturday that `non-contact warfare' is "important" and it is getting serious consideration in the restructuring of the armed forces.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said Saturday that `non-contact warfare' is "important" and it is getting serious consideration in the restructuring of the armed forces. Rawat was speaking to the media on the sidelines of an annual function at Bhosla Military School here. Asked whether a special "vertical" is being created in the Army for non-contact warfare, Rawat said, "I have spoken about it number of times, non-contact warfare is important." "We are preparing for non-contact warfare. It is a serious issue. We are considering it seriously in our restructuring," he said.

Non-contact warfare is 'serious issue': General Rawat

The Himachal Pradesh capital witnessed snowfall on Sunday, the second time this season, while the state’s higher reaches received snow overnight intensifying cold wave conditions in the region, the meteorological department said.

Manali in Kullu district received 9 cm snow from 5.30 pm on Saturday to 8.30 am on Sunday, whereas tribal districts Lahaul-Spiti’s administrative centre Keylong and Kinnaur’s Kalpa received 13 cm snowfall each during the period, MeT Centre Director Manmohan Singh said.

Narkanda, Kufri and Shimla also received light snow.

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The state capital witnessed snowfall for the first time this year, from 10.45 am till 3 pm, bringing cheers to tourists, hoteliers and horticulturists. The sky is still overcast indicating that it may snow again.

The snowfall caused the mercury to dip, with Keylong, Kalpa, Kufri, Dalhousie and Manali reeling under sub-zero temperatures.

The minimum temperature in Kufri was minus 3 degrees Celsius, it was minus 1.6 degrees Celsius in Dalhousie and minus 1.2 degrees Celsius in Manali during the period, Singh said.

Keylong continued to be the coldest place in the state with a minimum temperature of minus 8.7 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Kalpa was minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, he added.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning of heavy snowfall, rain and hailstorm in Himachal Pradesh till January 6.

It has also predicted snowfall and rain in some places of the state on Tuesday and Wednesday due to western disturbances.

The Himachal Pradesh capital witnessed snowfall on Sunday, the second time this season, while the state’s higher reaches received snow overnight intensifying cold wave conditions in the region, the meteorological department said.

The Himachal Pradesh capital witnessed snowfall on Sunday, the second time this season, while the state’s higher reaches received snow overnight intensifying cold wave conditions in the region, the meteorological department said. Manali in Kullu district received 9 cm snow from 5.30 pm on Saturday to 8.30 am on Sunday, whereas tribal districts Lahaul-Spiti’s administrative centre Keylong and Kinnaur’s Kalpa received 13 cm snowfall each during the period, MeT Centre Director Manmohan Singh said. Narkanda, Kufri and Shimla also received light snow. × The state capital witnessed snowfall for the first time this year, from 10.45 am till 3 pm, bringing cheers to tourists, hoteliers and horticulturists. The sky is still overcast indicating that it may snow again. The snowfall caused the mercury to dip, with Keylong, Kalpa, Kufri, Dalhousie and Manali reeling under sub-zero temperatures. The minimum temperature in Kufri was minus 3 degrees Celsius, it was minus 1.6 degrees Celsius in Dalhousie and minus 1.2 degrees Celsius in Manali during the period, Singh said. Keylong continued to be the coldest place in the state with a minimum temperature of minus 8.7 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Kalpa was minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, he added. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning of heavy snowfall, rain and hailstorm in Himachal Pradesh till January 6. It has also predicted snowfall and rain in some places of the state on Tuesday and Wednesday due to western disturbances.

Watch: Snowfall brings down temperature in Himachal Pradesh

As Kerala continued to witness incidents of violence, Governor Justice P Sathasivam Saturday briefed the Centre about the law and order situation in the southern state.

"Briefed Hon'ble Union Home Minister @HMOIndia Shri. Rajnath Singh about the law and order situation in Kerala in the last two days #kerala," he tweeted.

Raj Bhavan sources told PTI that the Governor, who is now in Chennai, briefed Singh about the situation over phone.

With the state witnessing widespread violence during the 12-hour state-wide shutdown called by Hindu fringe groups on Thursday, Sathasivam had sought an "urgent report" from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

He had also appealed to all sections of people to maintain calm and peace across the state.

The entry of two women of reproductive age into the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala on Wednesday, the first time since the Supreme Court in September last year lifted the age-linked ban on entry of women devotees, has triggered massive protests in Kerala.

Violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) workers rocked parts of Kerala, particularly Kannur, Saturday with a number of houses and shops of rival leaders and workers being attacked over the issue.&nbsp;

As Kerala continued to witness incidents of violence, Governor Justice P Sathasivam Saturday briefed the Centre about the law and order situation in the southern state.

As Kerala continued to witness incidents of violence, Governor Justice P Sathasivam Saturday briefed the Centre about the law and order situation in the southern state. "Briefed Hon'ble Union Home Minister @HMOIndia Shri. Rajnath Singh about the law and order situation in Kerala in the last two days #kerala," he tweeted. Raj Bhavan sources told PTI that the Governor, who is now in Chennai, briefed Singh about the situation over phone. With the state witnessing widespread violence during the 12-hour state-wide shutdown called by Hindu fringe groups on Thursday, Sathasivam had sought an "urgent report" from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He had also appealed to all sections of people to maintain calm and peace across the state. The entry of two women of reproductive age into the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala on Wednesday, the first time since the Supreme Court in September last year lifted the age-linked ban on entry of women devotees, has triggered massive protests in Kerala. Violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) workers rocked parts of Kerala, particularly Kannur, Saturday with a number of houses and shops of rival leaders and workers being attacked over the issue.

Sabarimala: Kerala government briefs Rajnath Singh over law and order situation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed poll in-charges for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Uttar Pradesh, among other states, in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

For Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar islands, BJP chief Amit Shah appointed Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was given charge of Delhi.

Moreover, Health Minister JP Nadda was named the Uttar Pradesh in-charge, while P Murlidhar Rao and Kiran Maheshwari will be responsible for overseeing preparations in Karnataka.

Kalyan Misra and Vishwas Sarang will oversee preparations in Haryana while Avinash Rai Khanna will be responsible for steering campaigning efforts in Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed poll in-charges for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Uttar Pradesh, among other states, in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed poll in-charges for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Uttar Pradesh, among other states, in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. For Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar islands, BJP chief Amit Shah appointed Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was given charge of Delhi. Moreover, Health Minister JP Nadda was named the Uttar Pradesh in-charge, while P Murlidhar Rao and Kiran Maheshwari will be responsible for overseeing preparations in Karnataka. Kalyan Misra and Vishwas Sarang will oversee preparations in Haryana while Avinash Rai Khanna will be responsible for steering campaigning efforts in Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.

Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman appointed BJP TN, Delhi poll in-charges

The new legislative assembly will commence its proceeding on January 17, and will continue till January 20.

A day prior to the commencement of the session, Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, and MLA representing Charminar constituency will take oath as Pro-tem Speaker in Raj Bhavan.

The oath will be administered by Governor ESL Narasimhan. On January 17, the schedule of election for the speaker will be announced and the nomination will take place.

On the next day (January 18), polls are slated to be held, results of which will be declared on the same day. On January 19, the governor will address a Joint Session of the Telangana Legislature and motion of thanks will be introduced on the next day.

On December 16, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi was elected as floor leader of the party in the Telangana Legislative Assembly.

The decision was taken at the AIMIM`s executive committee meeting, which was held under the leadership of party president Asaduddin Owaisi at the party headquarters in Darussalam.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) emerged victorious in the December 7 Assembly elections, bagging 88 seats in the 119-member Assembly.

Second in the race was Congress which achieved 19 seats, followed by the AIMIM, which won seven seats.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win only one seat.TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao took oath as the chief minister of Telangana on December 13 and appointed his son and Siricilla MLA KT Rama Rao as the working president of the party on December 14.&nbsp;

The new legislative assembly will commence its proceeding on January 17, and will continue till January 20. A day prior to the commencement of the session, Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, and MLA representing Charminar constituency will take oath as Pro-tem Speaker in Raj Bhavan.

The new legislative assembly will commence its proceeding on January 17, and will continue till January 20. A day prior to the commencement of the session, Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, and MLA representing Charminar constituency will take oath as Pro-tem Speaker in Raj Bhavan. The oath will be administered by Governor ESL Narasimhan. On January 17, the schedule of election for the speaker will be announced and the nomination will take place. On the next day (January 18), polls are slated to be held, results of which will be declared on the same day. On January 19, the governor will address a Joint Session of the Telangana Legislature and motion of thanks will be introduced on the next day. On December 16, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi was elected as floor leader of the party in the Telangana Legislative Assembly. The decision was taken at the AIMIM`s executive committee meeting, which was held under the leadership of party president Asaduddin Owaisi at the party headquarters in Darussalam. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) emerged victorious in the December 7 Assembly elections, bagging 88 seats in the 119-member Assembly. Second in the race was Congress which achieved 19 seats, followed by the AIMIM, which won seven seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win only one seat.TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao took oath as the chief minister of Telangana on December 13 and appointed his son and Siricilla MLA KT Rama Rao as the working president of the party on December 14.

Telangana Assembly session to commence on January 17

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yellow-vests-storm-french-ministry-as-protests-turn-violent-188552">'Yellow Vests' storm French ministry as protests turn violent</a>

"Yellow vest" protesters returned in force to the streets of France this weekend, clashing with police in several cities and smashing their way into a government ministry in Paris with the help of a forklift truck.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-should-not-attack-kurds-after-us-pulls-out-of-syria-bolton-188546">Turkey should not attack Kurds after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-should-not-attack-kurds-after-us-pulls-out-of-syria-bolton-188546">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-should-not-attack-kurds-after-us-pulls-out-of-syria-bolton-188546"> pulls out of Syria: Bolton</a>

White House national security adviser John Bolton added a new condition on Sunday to the US withdrawal from Syria, saying Turkey must agree to protect the United States' Kurdish allies.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542">Imran Khan picks up Abu Dhabi crown prince at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542">airport</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542">, drives </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542">car</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542"> himself to PM House</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan received Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Islamabad airport on Sunday and then drove him himself to the PM House.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/30-killed-in-gold-mine-collapse-in-afghanistan-officials-188538">30 killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/30-killed-in-gold-mine-collapse-in-afghanistan-officials-188538">gold</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/30-killed-in-gold-mine-collapse-in-afghanistan-officials-188538"> mine collapse in Afghanistan: Officials</a>

At least 30 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed in northeastern Afghanistan on Sunday, officials said, in the latest tragedy to strike the war-torn country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-king-steps-down-palace-statement-188554">Malaysia's king steps down: Palace statement</a>

Malaysia's King Muhammad V resigned on Sunday, the first time a monarch has stepped down from the throne before completing their five-year tenure.

&nbsp;

'Yellow Vests' storm French ministry as protests turn violent "Yellow vest" protesters returned in force to the streets of France this weekend, clashing with police in several cities and smashing their way into a government ministry in Paris with the help of a forklift truck.

'Yellow Vests' storm French ministry as protests turn violent "Yellow vest" protesters returned in force to the streets of France this weekend, clashing with police in several cities and smashing their way into a government ministry in Paris with the help of a forklift truck. Turkey should not attack Kurds after US pulls out of Syria: Bolton White House national security adviser John Bolton added a new condition on Sunday to the US withdrawal from Syria, saying Turkey must agree to protect the United States' Kurdish allies. Imran Khan picks up Abu Dhabi crown prince at airport, drives car himself to PM House Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan received Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Islamabad airport on Sunday and then drove him himself to the PM House. 30 killed in gold mine collapse in Afghanistan: Officials At least 30 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed in northeastern Afghanistan on Sunday, officials said, in the latest tragedy to strike the war-torn country. Malaysia's king steps down: Palace statement Malaysia's King Muhammad V resigned on Sunday, the first time a monarch has stepped down from the throne before completing their five-year tenure.

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News brief: Big stories of the day