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The Supreme Court of India has expressed dissatisfaction with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mining-tragedy-no-change-in-water-level-even-after-using-high-pressure-pumps-187811">Meghalaya government's measures</a>&nbsp;to rescue 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in East Jaintia Hills.

The apex court has asked what steps the state government has taken to rescue the miners.

Meghalaya government had submitted before the top court stating, "the state is taking steps to rescue the trapped miners. 72 NDRF personnel, 14 Navy personnel and Coal India personnel are working since December 14," news agency ANI reported.

The Supreme Court asked "why are they not successful?"&nbsp;in rescuing the trapped miners after all the effort that is being undertaken.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalayaminers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalayaminers</a>: Meghalaya govt submits before SC, "the state is taking steps to rescue the trapped miners. 72 NDRF personnel, 14 Navy personnel&amp;Coal India personnel are working since Dec 14.". SC asks, “Then, why are they not successful?”, asks SC.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1080711645788282880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Fifteen miners are trapped inside a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13 after water from a nearby river gushed in, puncturing the mine wall.&nbsp;

The divers from the Indian Navy and the NDRF on Wednesday could not go down the 370 foot-deep mine, in which 15 miners are trapped for nearly three weeks, even as draining out of a nearby abandoned mine they believe may be connected to it continued, officials said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalayaminers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalayaminers</a>: Supreme Court tells Meghalaya government that we are not satisfied with the rescue operations. 15 miners are trapped in an illegal flooded coal mine in East Jaintia Hills since December 13 last year. <a href="https://t.co/DvXuAawxrc">pic.twitter.com/DvXuAawxrc</a>
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A high-powered submersible pump from Coal India Ltd will be put into operation Thursday in the abandoned mine, while more pumps from Odisha Fire and Disaster service are to be pressed into services in more abandoned mines, they said.

The divers from the Indian navy and the NDRF did not go down the main shaft to rescue the trapped miners because 'de-watering' was going on in the nearby mines and there was no significant decrease in water level there, operation spokesperson R Susngi told PTI, giving details of the operation on the 21st day of the disaster.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalayaminers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalayaminers</a>: Supreme Court says it’s a very serious situation and it’s a question of life and death of 15 coal miners who are trapped. <a href="https://t.co/DKJjSg8j1m">https://t.co/DKJjSg8j1m</a>
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The spokesperson said the services of the Navy and NDRF divers will be used once the water level at the main shaft decreases to about 100 feet from its current level of over 160 feet.

A high powered submersible pump from Coal India Ltd, which arrived here Tuesday night, is expected to be fully operational and begin pumping Thursday, Susngi said.

Susngi also said the Odisha team is expected to operate more pumps on Thursday in the nearby abandoned mine shafts in East Jaintia Hills district. District Authorities said there are at least 90 such abandoned mine shafts in the area and at present, they are all full of water.

The rescue officials believe that the nearby mines may be connected with the main shaft due to which water level is not going down there.

Five more pumps with similar power and functions from Coal India Ltd are on the way by road from their various centres across the country.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of India has expressed dissatisfaction with Meghalaya government's measures to rescue 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in East Jaintia Hills.

The Supreme Court of India has expressed dissatisfaction with Meghalaya government's measures to rescue 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in East Jaintia Hills. The apex court has asked what steps the state government has taken to rescue the miners. Meghalaya government had submitted before the top court stating, "the state is taking steps to rescue the trapped miners. 72 NDRF personnel, 14 Navy personnel and Coal India personnel are working since December 14," news agency ANI reported. The Supreme Court asked "why are they not successful?" in rescuing the trapped miners after all the effort that is being undertaken. #Meghalayaminers: Meghalaya govt submits before SC, "the state is taking steps to rescue the trapped miners. 72 NDRF personnel, 14 Navy personnel&Coal India personnel are working since Dec 14.". SC asks, “Then, why are they not successful?”, asks SC. — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2019 × Fifteen miners are trapped inside a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13 after water from a nearby river gushed in, puncturing the mine wall. The divers from the Indian Navy and the NDRF on Wednesday could not go down the 370 foot-deep mine, in which 15 miners are trapped for nearly three weeks, even as draining out of a nearby abandoned mine they believe may be connected to it continued, officials said. #Meghalayaminers: Supreme Court tells Meghalaya government that we are not satisfied with the rescue operations. 15 miners are trapped in an illegal flooded coal mine in East Jaintia Hills since December 13 last year. pic.twitter.com/DvXuAawxrc — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2019 × A high-powered submersible pump from Coal India Ltd will be put into operation Thursday in the abandoned mine, while more pumps from Odisha Fire and Disaster service are to be pressed into services in more abandoned mines, they said. The divers from the Indian navy and the NDRF did not go down the main shaft to rescue the trapped miners because 'de-watering' was going on in the nearby mines and there was no significant decrease in water level there, operation spokesperson R Susngi told PTI, giving details of the operation on the 21st day of the disaster. #Meghalayaminers: Supreme Court says it’s a very serious situation and it’s a question of life and death of 15 coal miners who are trapped. https://t.co/DKJjSg8j1m — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2019 × The spokesperson said the services of the Navy and NDRF divers will be used once the water level at the main shaft decreases to about 100 feet from its current level of over 160 feet. A high powered submersible pump from Coal India Ltd, which arrived here Tuesday night, is expected to be fully operational and begin pumping Thursday, Susngi said. Susngi also said the Odisha team is expected to operate more pumps on Thursday in the nearby abandoned mine shafts in East Jaintia Hills district. District Authorities said there are at least 90 such abandoned mine shafts in the area and at present, they are all full of water. The rescue officials believe that the nearby mines may be connected with the main shaft due to which water level is not going down there. Five more pumps with similar power and functions from Coal India Ltd are on the way by road from their various centres across the country. (With inputs from PTI)

Not satisfied with steps taken for Meghalaya miners' rescue: Supreme Court slams state government 

Indian police on Thursday took a Rohingya Muslim family of five to the border by bus, readying to deport them to neighbouring Myanmar as the second such group expelled in four months during a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

The government regards the Rohingya as illegal and a security risk. It has ordered that tens of thousands of the community, who live in small settlements and slums, be identified and repatriated.

The husband, wife and three children comprising the family set to be expelled on Thursday had been arrested and jailed in Assam in 2014 for entering India without valid documents, police said.

"These five people are now at the border gate in the adjoining Manipur state and we are waiting for Myanmar officials to hand them over formally," Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Assam`s additional director general of police, told Reuters.

Jails in Assam held 20 more Myanmar nationals, all arrested for illegal entry, he added. But it was not immediately clear if all were Rohingya, a largely stateless Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

"We shall send them back to Myanmar once we get their travel permits from that country," Mahanta said. "Most of them sneaked into India in search of a livelihood."

India's first deportation of seven Rohingya men to Myanmar in October sparked fears of further repatriations among those sheltering in its refugee camps, and concern that those returned faced the risk of abuse at the hands of Myanmar authorities.

There has been no word on the fate of the deported men.

The government estimates that 40,000 Rohingya live in India in camps across the country, including the capital, New Delhi, having arrived over the years after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, which denies them citizenship.

In August, a United Nations report accused the Myanmar military of committing mass killings and rapes on the Rohingya with "genocidal intent" in 2017 in an operation that drove more than 700,000 of them to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.

Myanmar has denied the charges, saying its military launched a counter-insurgency operation after attacks on security posts by Muslim militants in August last year.

Indian police on Thursday took a Rohingya Muslim family of five to the border by bus, readying to deport them to neighbouring Myanmar as the second such group expelled in four months during a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Indian police on Thursday took a Rohingya Muslim family of five to the border by bus, readying to deport them to neighbouring Myanmar as the second such group expelled in four months during a crackdown on illegal immigrants. The government regards the Rohingya as illegal and a security risk. It has ordered that tens of thousands of the community, who live in small settlements and slums, be identified and repatriated. The husband, wife and three children comprising the family set to be expelled on Thursday had been arrested and jailed in Assam in 2014 for entering India without valid documents, police said. "These five people are now at the border gate in the adjoining Manipur state and we are waiting for Myanmar officials to hand them over formally," Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Assam`s additional director general of police, told Reuters. Jails in Assam held 20 more Myanmar nationals, all arrested for illegal entry, he added. But it was not immediately clear if all were Rohingya, a largely stateless Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. "We shall send them back to Myanmar once we get their travel permits from that country," Mahanta said. "Most of them sneaked into India in search of a livelihood." India's first deportation of seven Rohingya men to Myanmar in October sparked fears of further repatriations among those sheltering in its refugee camps, and concern that those returned faced the risk of abuse at the hands of Myanmar authorities. There has been no word on the fate of the deported men. The government estimates that 40,000 Rohingya live in India in camps across the country, including the capital, New Delhi, having arrived over the years after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, which denies them citizenship. In August, a United Nations report accused the Myanmar military of committing mass killings and rapes on the Rohingya with "genocidal intent" in 2017 in an operation that drove more than 700,000 of them to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. Myanmar has denied the charges, saying its military launched a counter-insurgency operation after attacks on security posts by Muslim militants in August last year.

India to deport second Rohingya group to Myanmar on Thursday

In pics: War of words over Rafale jet deal - who said what

Russia will start delivering the first of India's five S-400 missile regiments from 2020 with complete deliveries in the next three years by 2023 and will provide security to vulnerable areas and points from aerial threats, says Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre."A contract was signed on October 5, 2018, for delivery of S-400 system from Russia.

The deliveries will commence from October 2020 and will be completed by April 2023," adds the Minister.

"The system will provide very capable air defence coverage to vulnerable areas (Vas) and vulnerable points (VPs)," Minister Bhamre informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday in a written reply.

India and Russia had signed a deal worth around Rs 40,000 crore for acquiring five regiments of the S-400 air defence missile systems from Russian Almaz Antey.

The Russian missile system can track and destroy multiple targets at a distance between 100 to 380 km. India would be the second user of the missile system in Asia after China.

However, the Chinese system is believed to be less capable than the Indian system as Russia has not provided the longest-range missile system to China with 380 km strike range.

The Indian system has four tiers of strike range with the lowest being around 100 km.&nbsp;

India and Russia had signed a deal worth around Rs 40,000 crore for acquiring five regiments of the S-400 air defence missile systems from Russian Almaz Antey.

Russia will start delivering the first of India's five S-400 missile regiments from 2020 with complete deliveries in the next three years by 2023 and will provide security to vulnerable areas and points from aerial threats, says Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre."A contract was signed on October 5, 2018, for delivery of S-400 system from Russia. The deliveries will commence from October 2020 and will be completed by April 2023," adds the Minister. "The system will provide very capable air defence coverage to vulnerable areas (Vas) and vulnerable points (VPs)," Minister Bhamre informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday in a written reply. India and Russia had signed a deal worth around Rs 40,000 crore for acquiring five regiments of the S-400 air defence missile systems from Russian Almaz Antey. The Russian missile system can track and destroy multiple targets at a distance between 100 to 380 km. India would be the second user of the missile system in Asia after China. However, the Chinese system is believed to be less capable than the Indian system as Russia has not provided the longest-range missile system to China with 380 km strike range. The Indian system has four tiers of strike range with the lowest being around 100 km.

Russia to supply all five S-400 missile regiments by 2023

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri will be visiting India from February 17. The visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Argentina for the G20 Summit and met the Argentine&nbsp;president.&nbsp;

During the visit, PM Modi addressed a Yoga event stating, "There is a distance of 15 thousand kilometres between India and Argentina. We have two vast oceans and continents between the two countries. The time difference between the two countries is 8 hours and 30 minutes. But your Yoga practice has shown that both India and Argentina have respect for each other’s culture and the distance of thousands of kilometres between both countries is nothing but just a figure."

PM Modi first met Macri on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China in 2016. There are around 2,400 Indians living in Argentina, most of them are Non-Resident Indians living in the capital city, Buenos Aires.

The majority of Indians belong to the Sindhi community while others are professionals working with Indian companies and multinational corporations such as TCS, Cognizant Technologies.&nbsp;

It is interesting to note that about 300 Sikhs from Punjab had settled down in 7 Salta province of Argentina in the course of the early and mid-twentieth century. Over time, they have assimilated in the local population and become Argentine citizens.

Most of them are in retail and wholesale trade. A Gurudwara has been established in the Argentine town of Rosario de la Frontera, where Guru Nanak Day is celebrated every year. 
&nbsp;

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri will be visiting India from February 17. The visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Argentina for the G20 Summit and met the Argentine president.

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri will be visiting India from February 17. The visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Argentina for the G20 Summit and met the Argentine president. During the visit, PM Modi addressed a Yoga event stating, "There is a distance of 15 thousand kilometres between India and Argentina. We have two vast oceans and continents between the two countries. The time difference between the two countries is 8 hours and 30 minutes. But your Yoga practice has shown that both India and Argentina have respect for each other’s culture and the distance of thousands of kilometres between both countries is nothing but just a figure." PM Modi first met Macri on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China in 2016. There are around 2,400 Indians living in Argentina, most of them are Non-Resident Indians living in the capital city, Buenos Aires. The majority of Indians belong to the Sindhi community while others are professionals working with Indian companies and multinational corporations such as TCS, Cognizant Technologies. It is interesting to note that about 300 Sikhs from Punjab had settled down in 7 Salta province of Argentina in the course of the early and mid-twentieth century. Over time, they have assimilated in the local population and become Argentine citizens. Most of them are in retail and wholesale trade. A Gurudwara has been established in the Argentine town of Rosario de la Frontera, where Guru Nanak Day is celebrated every year.

Argentine President Mauricio Macri to visit India in February

Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday arrested Yogesh Raj, the main accused in Bulandshahr violence case. Raj, the convener of the district unit of Bajrang Dal, had claimed innocence and was absconding.&nbsp;

Earlier <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bulandshahr-violence-up-police-arrests-man-who-attacked-inspector-kumar-with-axe-187680">this week, the police arrested the man</a> who allegedly attacked Inspector Subodh Kumar, the cop who was allegedly killed in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr violence, with an axe, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Additional SP Bulandshahr Atul Kumar Srivastava told media that during the interrogation it was revealed that the man arrested today was the one who attacked inspector Kumar with an axe.&nbsp;

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Police arrests Yogesh Raj, the main accused in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bulandshahr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bulandshahr</a> violence case <a href="https://t.co/mUKBAKk25v">pic.twitter.com/mUKBAKk25v</a>
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"During interrogation, it was revealed that he was the person who attacked Inspector Subodh Kumar with an axe. The axe has been recovered from his possession; other accused persons will be arrested shortly," Srivastava told the media.&nbsp;

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SSP P Chaudhary on arrest of Yogesh Raj, main accused in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bulandshahr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bulandshahr</a> violence case: Inputs from intelligence was being collected. He has been arrested on basis of all the information we have. Questioning underway. His statements are being recorded,it'll be presented before court <a href="https://t.co/P753jkl6xx">pic.twitter.com/P753jkl6xx</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1080727303485677568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On December 27, police arrested Prashant Natt, the man who allegedly shot inspector Singh. As per police, Natt has confessed to having shot at Singh.&nbsp;

"He has accepted during interrogation that he was the one who fired at Subodh Kumar. Further investigation is underway," the SP noted.&nbsp;

Another key accused, an army man called Jitu Fauji, was detained by Uttar Pradesh Police earlier this month and was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a local court.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday arrested Yogesh Raj, the main accused in Bulandshahr violence case. Raj, the convener of the district unit of Bajrang Dal, had claimed innocence and was absconding.

Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday arrested Yogesh Raj, the main accused in Bulandshahr violence case. Raj, the convener of the district unit of Bajrang Dal, had claimed innocence and was absconding. Earlier this week, the police arrested the man who allegedly attacked Inspector Subodh Kumar, the cop who was allegedly killed in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr violence, with an axe, news agency ANI reported. Additional SP Bulandshahr Atul Kumar Srivastava told media that during the interrogation it was revealed that the man arrested today was the one who attacked inspector Kumar with an axe. Police arrests Yogesh Raj, the main accused in #Bulandshahr violence case pic.twitter.com/mUKBAKk25v — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 3, 2019 × "During interrogation, it was revealed that he was the person who attacked Inspector Subodh Kumar with an axe. The axe has been recovered from his possession; other accused persons will be arrested shortly," Srivastava told the media. SSP P Chaudhary on arrest of Yogesh Raj, main accused in #Bulandshahr violence case: Inputs from intelligence was being collected. He has been arrested on basis of all the information we have. Questioning underway. His statements are being recorded,it'll be presented before court pic.twitter.com/P753jkl6xx — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 3, 2019 × On December 27, police arrested Prashant Natt, the man who allegedly shot inspector Singh. As per police, Natt has confessed to having shot at Singh. "He has accepted during interrogation that he was the one who fired at Subodh Kumar. Further investigation is underway," the SP noted. Another key accused, an army man called Jitu Fauji, was detained by Uttar Pradesh Police earlier this month and was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a local court.

Bulandshahr violence case: UP Police arrests key accused Yogesh Raj 

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear Tamil Nadu's appeal against the NGT order to reopen Vedanta Ltd's Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin on&nbsp;January 8.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice SK Kaul said the case will be heard next week.

Senior advocate CA Sundaram, appearing for Vedanta, said Tamil Nadu has filed an appeal against the NGT order so the case be heard on priority as they are facing problems with storage of sulphuric acid in the plant.

On December 15, 2018, the green tribunal had set aside Tamil Nadu government's order for closing Sterlite plant.

The NGT had directed the state government to roll-out fresh orders for the renewal of consent for Vedanta's copper smelter plant within a span of three weeks.

It also directed the firm to spend Rs 100 crore in a period of three long years for the welfare of the people residing in nearby areas.

In May last year, 13 people were killed and several injured in the alleged police firing during the violent protest against Sterlite plant in Tuticorin.

The people were protesting against the construction of the Sterlite copper plant, claiming that it was polluting groundwater, and was hazardous for the environment.

Taking note of the people`s demand, the Tamil Nadu government on May 28 ordered the closure of the plant.&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice SK Kaul said the case will be heard next week.

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear Tamil Nadu's appeal against the NGT order to reopen Vedanta Ltd's Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin on January 8. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice SK Kaul said the case will be heard next week. Senior advocate CA Sundaram, appearing for Vedanta, said Tamil Nadu has filed an appeal against the NGT order so the case be heard on priority as they are facing problems with storage of sulphuric acid in the plant. On December 15, 2018, the green tribunal had set aside Tamil Nadu government's order for closing Sterlite plant. The NGT had directed the state government to roll-out fresh orders for the renewal of consent for Vedanta's copper smelter plant within a span of three weeks. It also directed the firm to spend Rs 100 crore in a period of three long years for the welfare of the people residing in nearby areas. In May last year, 13 people were killed and several injured in the alleged police firing during the violent protest against Sterlite plant in Tuticorin. The people were protesting against the construction of the Sterlite copper plant, claiming that it was polluting groundwater, and was hazardous for the environment. Taking note of the people`s demand, the Tamil Nadu government on May 28 ordered the closure of the plant.

Vedanta Sterlite plant: SC to hear Tamil Nadu's appeal against NGT order on Jan 8

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday reacted over a 12-hour dawn-to-dusk shutdown called by Hindu outfits in various parts of the state.

Speaking to media in Trivandrum, Vijayan said, "Conducting hartal (shutdown) in name of women's entry into Sabarimala temple is like calling hartal (shutdown) against Supreme Court order".

He added that "It is the government's responsibility to give protection to women. The government has fulfilled this constitutional responsibility."&nbsp;

Vijayan then hit out at those calling the shutdown saying that "Sangh Parivar is trying to make Sabarimala into a clash zone."

He also said that the "Violence unleashed by them will be dealt with&nbsp;strongly."

A 12-hour shutdown has been called by Hindu outfits today to mark protest against the entry of two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa on Wednesday.

The demonstrators today blocked roads,&nbsp;vandalised vehicles and burned&nbsp;tyres in the morning.

BJP workers and Sabarimala Karma Samiti along with other protestors also organised a march in various cities of Kerala.

Following the shutdown today, seven police vehicles and 79 KSRTC buses have been destroyed till now, Vijayan informed media.

"Thirty-nine police personnel have also been attacked out of which most were women,"&nbsp;Vijayan said.

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Kerala CM on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> issue: It's government's responsibility to give protection to women. The government has fulfilled this constitutional responsibility. Sangh Parivar is trying to make Sabarimala into a clash zone. <a href="https://t.co/W5CaVQsnu7">pic.twitter.com/W5CaVQsnu7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1080704292338757632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The police, meanwhile, arrested two people and detained two others for attacking a Special Branch Women Police personnel on duty in the rural area of Ernakulam district last night, news agency ANI reported.

On Wednesday, two women, Bindu and Kanakdurga, both in their late 40s, entered Sabarimala temple to offer prayers following which the state witnessed a string of violent protests. Protestors pelted stones, raised slogans and hurled abuses against each other. Following the women's entry, the Lord Ayyappa temple was also shut down for an hour for ''purification" rituals.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court refused to accord urgent hearing on a contempt petition moved by a lawyers' group against Sabarimala temple authorities for closing the shrine following the women's entry into the temple.

Speaking to media in Trivandrum, Vijayan said, 'Conducting hartal (shutdown) in name of women's entry into Sabarimala temple is like calling hartal (shutdown) against Supreme Court order'.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday reacted over a 12-hour dawn-to-dusk shutdown called by Hindu outfits in various parts of the state. Speaking to media in Trivandrum, Vijayan said, "Conducting hartal (shutdown) in name of women's entry into Sabarimala temple is like calling hartal (shutdown) against Supreme Court order". He added that "It is the government's responsibility to give protection to women. The government has fulfilled this constitutional responsibility." Vijayan then hit out at those calling the shutdown saying that "Sangh Parivar is trying to make Sabarimala into a clash zone." He also said that the "Violence unleashed by them will be dealt with strongly." A 12-hour shutdown has been called by Hindu outfits today to mark protest against the entry of two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa on Wednesday. The demonstrators today blocked roads, vandalised vehicles and burned tyres in the morning. BJP workers and Sabarimala Karma Samiti along with other protestors also organised a march in various cities of Kerala. Following the shutdown today, seven police vehicles and 79 KSRTC buses have been destroyed till now, Vijayan informed media. "Thirty-nine police personnel have also been attacked out of which most were women," Vijayan said. Kerala CM on #SabarimalaTemple issue: It's government's responsibility to give protection to women. The government has fulfilled this constitutional responsibility. Sangh Parivar is trying to make Sabarimala into a clash zone. pic.twitter.com/W5CaVQsnu7 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2019 × The police, meanwhile, arrested two people and detained two others for attacking a Special Branch Women Police personnel on duty in the rural area of Ernakulam district last night, news agency ANI reported. On Wednesday, two women, Bindu and Kanakdurga, both in their late 40s, entered Sabarimala temple to offer prayers following which the state witnessed a string of violent protests. Protestors pelted stones, raised slogans and hurled abuses against each other. Following the women's entry, the Lord Ayyappa temple was also shut down for an hour for ''purification" rituals. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court refused to accord urgent hearing on a contempt petition moved by a lawyers' group against Sabarimala temple authorities for closing the shrine following the women's entry into the temple.

We have fulfilled our responsibility, others are trying to make Sabarimala a clash zone: Kerala CM

Former union ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, along with advocate Prashant Bhushan moved&nbsp;the Supreme Court on Wednesday for review of Rafale judgement.

Bhushan is seeking review of December 14 judgement on Rafale. Bhushan along with two other petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal - Shourie and Sinha are asking for recalling of Rafale judgement.

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Petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal - Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and Prashant Bhushan move Supreme Court for review of Rafale judgment. <a href="https://t.co/SZk2zmwnmd">pic.twitter.com/SZk2zmwnmd</a>
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They are also asking to grant an oral hearing in the open court for their review plea.

The petition stated that the recent judgement contains several errors and also the judgement relies upon patently incorrect claims made by the Government in an unsigned note given in a sealed cover to the court, which is a violation of principle of natural justice.

This petition also mentioned that several new facts have come to the light after the judgement was reserved in the matter, which needs to go to the root of the matter.

Petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal - Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and Prashant Bhushan had expressed their disappointment over the December 14 judgement of the top court on Rafale fighter jet deal.

Reacting to the Rafale verdict by the apex court, the trio, who has sought a court-monitored CBI probe into the 36-aircraft Rafale deal, issued a press statement and said, "The judgment of the Supreme Court dismissing our petition seeking an independent court-monitored investigation into the Rafale deal is as shocking as it is disappointing. We had gone to court after making a detailed complaint to the CBI."The three petitioners said, "No Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on Rafale has been submitted or examined."

"Disappointed that the court has taken a conservative view of judicial review in cases of Defence deal corruption involving high functionaries. Shocked that the judgment is based on completely false information about the CAG report. No CAG report on Rafale has been submitted or examined. Shocked that court accepts Mukesh Ambani`s RIL as 'parent company'&nbsp;of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence. The scandal will continue to agitate the public mind - new disclosures are expected soon," the statement read.

In their detailed statement, they also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had signed an agreement for 36 Rafale jets on April 10, 2015, without any such requirement of 36 jets being given by the Airforce Headquarters and without the approval of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which are the mandated first steps for any Defence procurement.

"The Air Force had in fact been asking for at least 126 fighter jets which had been approved by the DAC, tenders had been issued, 6 companies had applied, two were shortlisted and finally Dassault was selected as the lowest tender. The tender was on the basis that 126 fighters would be procured out of which only 18 would be bought in a ready to fly condition and the remaining would be manufactured in India by HAL with the transfer of technology by HAL," it said.

"All facts were documented in the complaint to the CBI and we sought a court-monitored investigation (when the CBI did not register an FIR on our complaint which is mandatory as per law)," the petitioners had claimed.

Expressing further dismay over the apex court`s verdict on the Defence deal, the petitioners said, "The court's judgement today does not even address the documented facts stated in our petition or even deal with our main prayer seeking an investigation."

It added, "On the contrary, it proceeds on the basis that we were challenging the contract itself and uses the facts stated by the government either in the short open affidavit filed or perhaps facts claimed in the sealed cover handed only to the court which was never shared with us. In fact, some of the facts mentioned in the court judgement are not only not on record but are patently incorrect."

The Rafale jet deal controversy has been on the boil over the last few months. The Congress and other opposition parties have been alleging irregularities in the high-profile deal. The fighter jet is a twin-engine Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, which security analysts believe can be a 'game-changer'&nbsp;for India's defence system.

On December 14, the Supreme Court had dismissed all petitions seeking court-monitored probe into the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, saying that there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the deal.

The top court said it was not its job to go into the issue of pricing.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, said that there is no need to conduct an investigation into details of Rafale pricing."We are satisfied that there is no occasion to doubt the process. Joint exercises have taken place and there is no element of financial benefits. Detailed scrutiny of Rafale Deal deal is not required," said CJI Gogoi.

Bhushan along with two other petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal- Shourie and Sinha are asking for recalling of Rafale judgement.

Former union ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, along with advocate Prashant Bhushan moved the Supreme Court on Wednesday for review of Rafale judgement. Bhushan is seeking review of December 14 judgement on Rafale. Bhushan along with two other petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal - Shourie and Sinha are asking for recalling of Rafale judgement. Petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal - Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and Prashant Bhushan move Supreme Court for review of Rafale judgment. pic.twitter.com/SZk2zmwnmd — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2019 × They are also asking to grant an oral hearing in the open court for their review plea. The petition stated that the recent judgement contains several errors and also the judgement relies upon patently incorrect claims made by the Government in an unsigned note given in a sealed cover to the court, which is a violation of principle of natural justice. This petition also mentioned that several new facts have come to the light after the judgement was reserved in the matter, which needs to go to the root of the matter. Petitioners in Rafale fighter jet deal - Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and Prashant Bhushan had expressed their disappointment over the December 14 judgement of the top court on Rafale fighter jet deal. Reacting to the Rafale verdict by the apex court, the trio, who has sought a court-monitored CBI probe into the 36-aircraft Rafale deal, issued a press statement and said, "The judgment of the Supreme Court dismissing our petition seeking an independent court-monitored investigation into the Rafale deal is as shocking as it is disappointing. We had gone to court after making a detailed complaint to the CBI."The three petitioners said, "No Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on Rafale has been submitted or examined." "Disappointed that the court has taken a conservative view of judicial review in cases of Defence deal corruption involving high functionaries. Shocked that the judgment is based on completely false information about the CAG report. No CAG report on Rafale has been submitted or examined. Shocked that court accepts Mukesh Ambani`s RIL as 'parent company' of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence. The scandal will continue to agitate the public mind - new disclosures are expected soon," the statement read. In their detailed statement, they also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had signed an agreement for 36 Rafale jets on April 10, 2015, without any such requirement of 36 jets being given by the Airforce Headquarters and without the approval of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which are the mandated first steps for any Defence procurement. "The Air Force had in fact been asking for at least 126 fighter jets which had been approved by the DAC, tenders had been issued, 6 companies had applied, two were shortlisted and finally Dassault was selected as the lowest tender. The tender was on the basis that 126 fighters would be procured out of which only 18 would be bought in a ready to fly condition and the remaining would be manufactured in India by HAL with the transfer of technology by HAL," it said. "All facts were documented in the complaint to the CBI and we sought a court-monitored investigation (when the CBI did not register an FIR on our complaint which is mandatory as per law)," the petitioners had claimed. Expressing further dismay over the apex court`s verdict on the Defence deal, the petitioners said, "The court's judgement today does not even address the documented facts stated in our petition or even deal with our main prayer seeking an investigation." It added, "On the contrary, it proceeds on the basis that we were challenging the contract itself and uses the facts stated by the government either in the short open affidavit filed or perhaps facts claimed in the sealed cover handed only to the court which was never shared with us. In fact, some of the facts mentioned in the court judgement are not only not on record but are patently incorrect." The Rafale jet deal controversy has been on the boil over the last few months. The Congress and other opposition parties have been alleging irregularities in the high-profile deal. The fighter jet is a twin-engine Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, which security analysts believe can be a 'game-changer' for India's defence system. On December 14, the Supreme Court had dismissed all petitions seeking court-monitored probe into the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, saying that there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the deal. The top court said it was not its job to go into the issue of pricing. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, said that there is no need to conduct an investigation into details of Rafale pricing."We are satisfied that there is no occasion to doubt the process. Joint exercises have taken place and there is no element of financial benefits. Detailed scrutiny of Rafale Deal deal is not required," said CJI Gogoi.

Rafale verdict: Arun Shourie, Yashwant Sinha, Prashant Bhushan move Supreme Court for review

Two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-first-after-supreme-court-verdict-2-women-below-50-enter-sabarimala-temple-187812">women in their 40s entered Sabarimala temple</a> on Wednesday and offered prayers at the main shrine. The incident has been confirmed by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Speaking to media CM Vijayan said,&nbsp;"Today, two women entered Sabarimala temple. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple."

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan: Today, two women entered <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple. <a href="https://t.co/GdfS2BEi6i">pic.twitter.com/GdfS2BEi6i</a>
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According to reports, the women -- identified as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-women-pilgrims-made-to-return-from-lord-ayyappa-shrine-186126">Bindu and Kanakdurga</a> -- trekked to the hill shrine early Wednesday. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am.

The video posted by news agency ANI showed them entering the shrine, wearing black clothes, with their heads covered.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Two women devotees Bindu and Kanakdurga entered &amp; offered prayers at Kerala's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> at 3.45am today <a href="https://t.co/hXDWcUTVXA">pic.twitter.com/hXDWcUTVXA</a>
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Meanwhile, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar said he had no information about the women offering prayers at the temple.

TDB officials have been asked to view CCTV footage to verify their claim.

The temple authorities have shut the temple following the entry of both women, purification rituals have been called for.

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Kerala's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> shut for purification rituals. Two women devotees in their 40's had entered the temple in the early morning hours today. <a href="https://t.co/jMefTpCsCE">pic.twitter.com/jMefTpCsCE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1080329192355627008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras.

The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims.

On Tuesday, lakhs of women from various walks of life -- writers, athletes, actors, politicians and techies, government officials and homemakers -- formed a 620km <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-kerala-women-form-620-km-long-human-wall-to-uphold-gender-equality-187767">human wall </a>as they stood across the highways crisscrossing through the 14 districts in the state&nbsp;as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality.

Expressing solidarity, thousands of men also lined up parallel forming a second human 'wall'.

The temple had witnessed protests from frenzied devotees over the entry of women in the 10-50 age group in the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement a Supreme Court order allowing women of all age to offer prayers there.

The main opposition Congress-led UDF and the BJP has been opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Following the entry of both women, the temple has been shut for purification rituals.

Two women in their 40s entered Sabarimala temple on Wednesday and offered prayers at the main shrine. The incident has been confirmed by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Speaking to media CM Vijayan said, "Today, two women entered Sabarimala temple. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple." Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan: Today, two women entered #SabarimalaTemple. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple. pic.twitter.com/GdfS2BEi6i — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2019 × According to reports, the women -- identified as Bindu and Kanakdurga -- trekked to the hill shrine early Wednesday. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am. The video posted by news agency ANI showed them entering the shrine, wearing black clothes, with their heads covered. #WATCH Two women devotees Bindu and Kanakdurga entered & offered prayers at Kerala's #SabarimalaTemple at 3.45am today pic.twitter.com/hXDWcUTVXA — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2019 × Meanwhile, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar said he had no information about the women offering prayers at the temple. TDB officials have been asked to view CCTV footage to verify their claim. The temple authorities have shut the temple following the entry of both women, purification rituals have been called for. Kerala's #SabarimalaTemple shut for purification rituals. Two women devotees in their 40's had entered the temple in the early morning hours today. pic.twitter.com/jMefTpCsCE — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2019 × Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras. The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims. On Tuesday, lakhs of women from various walks of life -- writers, athletes, actors, politicians and techies, government officials and homemakers -- formed a 620km human wall as they stood across the highways crisscrossing through the 14 districts in the state as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality. Expressing solidarity, thousands of men also lined up parallel forming a second human 'wall'. The temple had witnessed protests from frenzied devotees over the entry of women in the 10-50 age group in the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement a Supreme Court order allowing women of all age to offer prayers there. The main opposition Congress-led UDF and the BJP has been opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees. (With inputs from agencies)

Sabarimala: Kerala CM confirms entry of 2 women, TDP board denies; temple shut for purification

Dense fog on Wednesday blanketed the national capital and affected railway operations here, with around 12 trains being affected due to low visibility conditions.

The list of the delayed trains included Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express, Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar Garib Rath Express, Varanasi-New Delhi Kashi Vishwanath Express and New Jalpaiguri-New Delhi Express.

Most of the trains were running late between two to three hours.

With Delhi already being shrouded in a blanket of fog, the city's air quality is also on the poor side, with the index touching the 'severe'&nbsp;category.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 402 till 8 am, which fall in the 'hazardous'&nbsp;or 'severe'&nbsp;category.

The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. 300-400 is considered as 'very poor'&nbsp;and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous'.

Within the national capital, the AQI of most places clocked in the 'severe category'.

At Dhirpur, Delhi University, Pitampura, Chandni Chowk and Mathura Road, the index clocked at 425, 539, 482, 442, and 433, respectively.

The AQI at IGI Airport, Pusa Road and Lodhi Road clocked in the 'very poor category'&nbsp;with the index at 363, 319 and 308, respectively.

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature on Tuesday was recorded at 23 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 4 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal, as per the India Meterological Department (IMD).

The cold wave is expected to grip the national in the next few days with the maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast at 24 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, respectively.

As temperatures dipped in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the homeless people, who are the worst sufferers in the chilly weather season, continued to turn towards crowded night shelters in different parts of the city to escape the icy cold winds.

Meanwhile, the IMD said that an active western disturbance is very likely to cause fairly widespread rain and snow over western Himalayan region and isolated rainfall over Punjab and northern parts of Haryana during the next 24 hours.

"Likely cloud cover and enhanced humidity could lead to further gradual increase in night minimum temperatures over parts of northwest India, thereby reducing the severity of cold wave conditions during next 24 hours. However, dense fog conditions are likely to occur during late night to morning hours over these regions, especially on January 2 and 3," the weather agency said in a bulletin.

The IMD further said that another active western disturbance is likely to cause widespread rain and snow with isolated heavy falls over western Himalayan region and scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with isolated hailstorms over parts of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on January 4 and 5.&nbsp;

Most of the trains were running late between two to three hours.

Dense fog on Wednesday blanketed the national capital and affected railway operations here, with around 12 trains being affected due to low visibility conditions. The list of the delayed trains included Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express, Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar Garib Rath Express, Varanasi-New Delhi Kashi Vishwanath Express and New Jalpaiguri-New Delhi Express. Most of the trains were running late between two to three hours. With Delhi already being shrouded in a blanket of fog, the city's air quality is also on the poor side, with the index touching the 'severe' category. According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 402 till 8 am, which fall in the 'hazardous' or 'severe' category. The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. 300-400 is considered as 'very poor' and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous'. Within the national capital, the AQI of most places clocked in the 'severe category'. At Dhirpur, Delhi University, Pitampura, Chandni Chowk and Mathura Road, the index clocked at 425, 539, 482, 442, and 433, respectively. The AQI at IGI Airport, Pusa Road and Lodhi Road clocked in the 'very poor category' with the index at 363, 319 and 308, respectively. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature on Tuesday was recorded at 23 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 4 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal, as per the India Meterological Department (IMD). The cold wave is expected to grip the national in the next few days with the maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast at 24 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, respectively. As temperatures dipped in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the homeless people, who are the worst sufferers in the chilly weather season, continued to turn towards crowded night shelters in different parts of the city to escape the icy cold winds. Meanwhile, the IMD said that an active western disturbance is very likely to cause fairly widespread rain and snow over western Himalayan region and isolated rainfall over Punjab and northern parts of Haryana during the next 24 hours. "Likely cloud cover and enhanced humidity could lead to further gradual increase in night minimum temperatures over parts of northwest India, thereby reducing the severity of cold wave conditions during next 24 hours. However, dense fog conditions are likely to occur during late night to morning hours over these regions, especially on January 2 and 3," the weather agency said in a bulletin. The IMD further said that another active western disturbance is likely to cause widespread rain and snow with isolated heavy falls over western Himalayan region and scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with isolated hailstorms over parts of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on January 4 and 5.

Delhi: 12 trains delayed due to fog, air quality in 'severe' category

China is building the first of four "most advanced" naval warships for its "all-weather ally" Pakistan as part of a major bilateral arms deal to ensure among other things "balance of power" in the strategic Indian Ocean, state media reported.

Equipped with modern detection and weapon systems, it will be capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine and air-defence operations, China Daily quoted state-owned defence contractor China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) as saying.

The under-construction ship is a version of the Chinese Navy's most advanced guided missile frigate, it said.

The CSSC did not specify the ship's type but said it is being constructed at its Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai.

China, an "all-weather ally" of Islamabad, is the largest supplier of weapon system to Pakistan. Both the countries also jointly manufacture JF-Thunder a single engine multi-role combat aircraft.

The ship's class is Type 054AP, which means it is based on the Type 054A of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the report quoted the Pakistani Navy as saying.

The Pakistani Navy previously said four such ships had been ordered, according to the report.

Once constructed, the warship "will be one of the largest and technologically advanced platforms of the Pakistani Navy and strengthen the country's capability to respond to future challenges, maintain peace and stability and the balance of power in the Indian Ocean region," the report said.

It will also support the Pakistani Navy's initiative of securing sea lanes for international shipping by patrolling distant waters, the daily quoted the CSSC as saying.

The mention of the Indian Ocean is regarded as significant as China, which has already taken over Pakistan's strategic Gwadar port under the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), looks to assist the Pakistani navy to restore the balance of power in India's backyard.

China has acquired the logistical military base in Djibouti and taken over the Hambantota port of Sri Lanka under a 99-year debt swap deal.

China recently denied a New York Times report that it finalised a plan to build advanced fighter aircraft under the CPEC in Pakistan, adding a military dimension to it.

India protested to China over the CPEC as it is being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Pakistan became the first country to hook on to China's BeiDou Satellite Navigation System, a rival to the US Global Positioning System (GPS) which went global recently.

The system was expected to be used for military applications.

The report said Type 054A is the best frigate in service with the PLA Navy. Military sources said the ship has a fully loaded displacement of about 4,000 metric tonnes and is equipped with advanced radars and missiles. About 30 Type 054As are in service with the PLA Navy.

An insider in China's shipbuilding sector with knowledge of the Type 054AP programme told the Daily that the ship is the largest and most powerful combat vessel China has ever exported.

"Based on pictures circulating on the internet, the ship will have vertical launch cells that can fire Chinese HQ-16 air-defence missiles and other kinds of missiles. Vertical launch cells will bring flexibility to the user in terms of weapons portfolio, thus giving it a stronger fighting capability," he said, adding that the Type 054AP is the best frigate Pakistan can access in the international market.

"The service of Type 054APs will double the combat power of the Pakistani Navy's surface fleet," he said.

Commenting on the ship's construction, Cao Weidong, a senior researcher at the PLA's Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said in the past, the Pakistani Navy would ask its Chinese contractors to use Western radars or weapons on ships constructed by the Chinese shipbuilders because it believed the Western naval technologies were better than Chinese ones.

"But it seems that all weapons and radars on the new ship will be Chinese products, which reflects our progress in the industry and the Pakistani Navy's confidence in our technology and capability," he said.

Cao said there are many nations selling frigates in the market, so Pakistan must have made thorough comparisons in terms of combat capability and costs.

"I believe the reason they chose our type is that ours is one of the few that can carry out all of the air-defence, anti-ship and anti-submarine tasks," he said, expecting the service of the Chinese frigate to substantially boost Pakistan's defence capability.&nbsp;

Equipped with modern detection and weapon systems, it will be capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine and air-defence operations, China Daily quoted state-owned defence contractor China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) as saying.

China is building the first of four "most advanced" naval warships for its "all-weather ally" Pakistan as part of a major bilateral arms deal to ensure among other things "balance of power" in the strategic Indian Ocean, state media reported. Equipped with modern detection and weapon systems, it will be capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine and air-defence operations, China Daily quoted state-owned defence contractor China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) as saying. The under-construction ship is a version of the Chinese Navy's most advanced guided missile frigate, it said. The CSSC did not specify the ship's type but said it is being constructed at its Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. China, an "all-weather ally" of Islamabad, is the largest supplier of weapon system to Pakistan. Both the countries also jointly manufacture JF-Thunder a single engine multi-role combat aircraft. The ship's class is Type 054AP, which means it is based on the Type 054A of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the report quoted the Pakistani Navy as saying. The Pakistani Navy previously said four such ships had been ordered, according to the report. Once constructed, the warship "will be one of the largest and technologically advanced platforms of the Pakistani Navy and strengthen the country's capability to respond to future challenges, maintain peace and stability and the balance of power in the Indian Ocean region," the report said. It will also support the Pakistani Navy's initiative of securing sea lanes for international shipping by patrolling distant waters, the daily quoted the CSSC as saying. The mention of the Indian Ocean is regarded as significant as China, which has already taken over Pakistan's strategic Gwadar port under the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), looks to assist the Pakistani navy to restore the balance of power in India's backyard. China has acquired the logistical military base in Djibouti and taken over the Hambantota port of Sri Lanka under a 99-year debt swap deal. China recently denied a New York Times report that it finalised a plan to build advanced fighter aircraft under the CPEC in Pakistan, adding a military dimension to it. India protested to China over the CPEC as it is being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan became the first country to hook on to China's BeiDou Satellite Navigation System, a rival to the US Global Positioning System (GPS) which went global recently. The system was expected to be used for military applications. The report said Type 054A is the best frigate in service with the PLA Navy. Military sources said the ship has a fully loaded displacement of about 4,000 metric tonnes and is equipped with advanced radars and missiles. About 30 Type 054As are in service with the PLA Navy. An insider in China's shipbuilding sector with knowledge of the Type 054AP programme told the Daily that the ship is the largest and most powerful combat vessel China has ever exported. "Based on pictures circulating on the internet, the ship will have vertical launch cells that can fire Chinese HQ-16 air-defence missiles and other kinds of missiles. Vertical launch cells will bring flexibility to the user in terms of weapons portfolio, thus giving it a stronger fighting capability," he said, adding that the Type 054AP is the best frigate Pakistan can access in the international market. "The service of Type 054APs will double the combat power of the Pakistani Navy's surface fleet," he said. Commenting on the ship's construction, Cao Weidong, a senior researcher at the PLA's Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said in the past, the Pakistani Navy would ask its Chinese contractors to use Western radars or weapons on ships constructed by the Chinese shipbuilders because it believed the Western naval technologies were better than Chinese ones. "But it seems that all weapons and radars on the new ship will be Chinese products, which reflects our progress in the industry and the Pakistani Navy's confidence in our technology and capability," he said. Cao said there are many nations selling frigates in the market, so Pakistan must have made thorough comparisons in terms of combat capability and costs. "I believe the reason they chose our type is that ours is one of the few that can carry out all of the air-defence, anti-ship and anti-submarine tasks," he said, expecting the service of the Chinese frigate to substantially boost Pakistan's defence capability.

China building 'most advanced' naval warships for Pakistan: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-polls-will-be-janta-versus-gathbandhan-pm-modi-187752">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday said that the Congress is trying to throw muck on him even though the party has nothing to prove him wrong.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loan-waivers-do-not-benefit-majority-of-farmers-pm-modi-187761">Prime Minister Modi</a> said that those levelling allegations on him are actually weakening the Indian security forces.&nbsp;

He added that in spite of allegations from the Congress in the Rafale deal, he will continue to expedite the procurement process in defence so that country`s security is not compromised.

"Those people who want to weaken the Army are levelling allegations. Should I worry that they are making personal attacks on me, or whether my country`s needs should be met? I decided that whatever abuses are hurled at me, whatever allegations are levelled against me, I will continue on the path of honesty and give primacy to the country`s security. I won`t leave my Army jawans merely to their fate. Whatever be their requirement, I will expedite the procurement processes. I will do it even if allegations are levelled me," Mr Modi said in response to allegations of corruption in the Rafale jet purchase deal.

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When asked why he was silent on the Congress accusation of crony capitalism and alleged favouring of Anil Ambani in the Rafale deal, Mr Modi replied, "This is not an allegation against me personally, but an allegation against my government. If there is any allegation against me personally, let them dig who gave what, when and where and to whom."

"In Parliament, I have spoken elaborately on this and whichever public forum I got, I spoke about this. The matter has been cleared even by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court scrutinised it threadbare. The French President has spoken. ..Media should have the courage to ask (the Congress) where is the evidence for these allegations? Don't throw muck and run away.... They (Congress) are not able to give any real evidence, just keep talking. Unko yeh bolne ki beemari hai toh mujhe kya baar baar ussi me ulajhna chahiye kya (If they have this problem of talking about it then should I too get entangled in it)," he added.

The Prime Minister said that there should be debate in the country on why controversies have been created over defence deals since Independence and on need for middlemen in defence purchases.

"Why controversies have been created over defence deals since Independence and our forces weakened. Who is doing it? What is the reason? Also, what is the need for middlemen in the defence deals? Can`t defence deal not be done without middlemen? Had Make in India been initiated 70 years back, the malai khane wala raasta from outside would have been closed. My crime is that I am trying to Make In India. My crime is that whatever our defence forces need, that should be made in India, so that dealings outside the country end. I am trying to get technology transfer," Prime Minister said.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister sought to dispel the Congress allegation that the purchase would harm his Make in India initiative.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Modi of favouring Anil Ambani's Reliance group in the Rafale deal by pushing Dassault Aviation to have a tie up with it through an offset clause, an allegation denied vehemently by both the Indian government and Dassault.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Congress is trying to throw muck on him even though the party has nothing to prove him wrong. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Prime Minister Modi said that those levelling allegations on him are actually weakening the Indian security forces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Congress is trying to throw muck on him even though the party has nothing to prove him wrong. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Prime Minister Modi said that those levelling allegations on him are actually weakening the Indian security forces. He added that in spite of allegations from the Congress in the Rafale deal, he will continue to expedite the procurement process in defence so that country`s security is not compromised. "Those people who want to weaken the Army are levelling allegations. Should I worry that they are making personal attacks on me, or whether my country`s needs should be met? I decided that whatever abuses are hurled at me, whatever allegations are levelled against me, I will continue on the path of honesty and give primacy to the country`s security. I won`t leave my Army jawans merely to their fate. Whatever be their requirement, I will expedite the procurement processes. I will do it even if allegations are levelled me," Mr Modi said in response to allegations of corruption in the Rafale jet purchase deal. × When asked why he was silent on the Congress accusation of crony capitalism and alleged favouring of Anil Ambani in the Rafale deal, Mr Modi replied, "This is not an allegation against me personally, but an allegation against my government. If there is any allegation against me personally, let them dig who gave what, when and where and to whom." "In Parliament, I have spoken elaborately on this and whichever public forum I got, I spoke about this. The matter has been cleared even by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court scrutinised it threadbare. The French President has spoken. ..Media should have the courage to ask (the Congress) where is the evidence for these allegations? Don't throw muck and run away.... They (Congress) are not able to give any real evidence, just keep talking. Unko yeh bolne ki beemari hai toh mujhe kya baar baar ussi me ulajhna chahiye kya (If they have this problem of talking about it then should I too get entangled in it)," he added. The Prime Minister said that there should be debate in the country on why controversies have been created over defence deals since Independence and on need for middlemen in defence purchases. "Why controversies have been created over defence deals since Independence and our forces weakened. Who is doing it? What is the reason? Also, what is the need for middlemen in the defence deals? Can`t defence deal not be done without middlemen? Had Make in India been initiated 70 years back, the malai khane wala raasta from outside would have been closed. My crime is that I am trying to Make In India. My crime is that whatever our defence forces need, that should be made in India, so that dealings outside the country end. I am trying to get technology transfer," Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister sought to dispel the Congress allegation that the purchase would harm his Make in India initiative. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Modi of favouring Anil Ambani's Reliance group in the Rafale deal by pushing Dassault Aviation to have a tie up with it through an offset clause, an allegation denied vehemently by both the Indian government and Dassault.

Those accusing me in Rafale deal are weakening Indian security forces: PM Modi

Dubbing the loan waivers announced by the Congress governments as "political stunts", <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-polls-will-be-janta-versus-gathbandhan-pm-modi-187752">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday asserted that a majority of farmers do not benefit from these "misleading" announcements as only a few of them take loans from banks.

In an interview to ANI, he said the solution to the farmers` problems is to empower them and his government is committed to this."These are political stunts," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">Modi asserted</a>.

He recently described the loan waivers announced by the Congress governments in states like Madhya Pradesh as "lollipops".

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Asked why he described the announcements as "lollipops", the Prime Minister said: "To say a lie and mislead, that is what I called lollipop. Like saying that we have waived all farm loans. The truth is that nothing like that has happened... They should not mislead... And particularly a responsible political party should never do it."

Explaining further, he said there is a very small segment of farmers who take loans from banks while a majority of them take loans from money lenders." (So) when governments make such announcements (of loan waivers), those farmers ( who take loans from money lenders) do not become beneficiaries of the waivers. The farmers who are dying are out of the purview of such schemes," Modi elaborated.

Responding to criticism that his government has been insensitive to the farmers` woes, he said, "If loan waiver helps, it should be definitely done.&nbsp; 
But it has been done by earlier governments also. Since (former Deputy Prime Minister) Devi Lal`s time (in 1989-1991), loan waiver was done."

He said the Congress-led UPA government also announced farm loan waiver in 2009 to "win (the Lok Sabha) elections".

"Still, if state governments are doing it (announcing loan waivers), we are not stopping them. We have not stopped any state government. We are committed to addressing farmers` problems and empowering farmers," Modi added.

At the same time, the Prime Minister wanted it to be pondered over as to why farmers fall in debt trap. "What is lacking in our system that a farmer becomes debt-ridden and the governments have to repeat this vicious cycle of elections and loan waivers?.. We should have a situation so that a farmer does not need loan," he said.

"The solution is to empower the farmers. From seed to market, give all facilities to the farmers," Modi said.

He said if the Swaminathan Commission report had been implemented in 2007, there would have been no need for loans."Instead of doing that, they found avenues to win elections," Modi said, targeting the Congress.&nbsp;

Dubbing the loan waivers announced by the Congress governments as "political stunts", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that a majority of farmers do not benefit from these "misleading" announcements as only a few of them take loans from banks.

Dubbing the loan waivers announced by the Congress governments as "political stunts", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that a majority of farmers do not benefit from these "misleading" announcements as only a few of them take loans from banks. In an interview to ANI, he said the solution to the farmers` problems is to empower them and his government is committed to this."These are political stunts," Modi asserted. He recently described the loan waivers announced by the Congress governments in states like Madhya Pradesh as "lollipops". × Asked why he described the announcements as "lollipops", the Prime Minister said: "To say a lie and mislead, that is what I called lollipop. Like saying that we have waived all farm loans. The truth is that nothing like that has happened... They should not mislead... And particularly a responsible political party should never do it." Explaining further, he said there is a very small segment of farmers who take loans from banks while a majority of them take loans from money lenders." (So) when governments make such announcements (of loan waivers), those farmers ( who take loans from money lenders) do not become beneficiaries of the waivers. The farmers who are dying are out of the purview of such schemes," Modi elaborated. Responding to criticism that his government has been insensitive to the farmers` woes, he said, "If loan waiver helps, it should be definitely done. But it has been done by earlier governments also. Since (former Deputy Prime Minister) Devi Lal`s time (in 1989-1991), loan waiver was done." He said the Congress-led UPA government also announced farm loan waiver in 2009 to "win (the Lok Sabha) elections". "Still, if state governments are doing it (announcing loan waivers), we are not stopping them. We have not stopped any state government. We are committed to addressing farmers` problems and empowering farmers," Modi added. At the same time, the Prime Minister wanted it to be pondered over as to why farmers fall in debt trap. "What is lacking in our system that a farmer becomes debt-ridden and the governments have to repeat this vicious cycle of elections and loan waivers?.. We should have a situation so that a farmer does not need loan," he said. "The solution is to empower the farmers. From seed to market, give all facilities to the farmers," Modi said. He said if the Swaminathan Commission report had been implemented in 2007, there would have been no need for loans."Instead of doing that, they found avenues to win elections," Modi said, targeting the Congress.

Loan waivers do not benefit majority of farmers: PM Modi

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">"public versus coalition"</a> contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

In an interview to ANI, he dismissed claims by some political pundits that the BJP might not get more than 180 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, saying there were a similar "set of persons" who echoed a similar narrative even in 2014.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister was responding to a question whether people had now considered the 'Mahagathbandhan' to be an alternative to Modi.

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He expressed confidence that the people will again repose faith in the BJP considering the work done by his government over the last four and a half years.

"I believe, this election is going to be a contest between those who fulfil and take forward the aspirations of the people and those who stop these aspirations. There is experience of 70 years. The public is the decider," the Prime Minister said when asked if the 2019 elections were heading towards a US Presidential style of elections between Modi vs Rahul.

Asked whether the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be "anybody but Modi'' contest as projected by the opposition parties, he said, "It is going to be janata (public) versus gathbandhan (coalition). Modi is just a manifestation of public love and blessings," he added.

Reposing faith in the "intelligence" of the voters, Modi said, "The Indian public will decide the course of elections. The public will decide the agenda, who is for the aspirations of the people, who is against the aspirations of the people. This is going to the yardstick for the elections."

Ridiculing the coalition sought to be formed by some anti-BJP parties, he said, "the public knows that earlier it was decentralised corruption, those who sat in the states, looted the states, those who were in the Centre, looted at the centre... The people will decide whether or not they should ally with these forces of corruption who are coming together."

The Prime Minister's attention was drawn to the "180 club" claim by some sections, inferring that the BJP might not get more than 180 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.

In his response, he said, "Is there any scientific study? In 2013 too, the same set of persons used to talk the same thing about BJP getting less than 180 seats. That narrative continues."

He went on to add, "If they do not spread such things, how will people join their 'gathbandhan'? They will have to talk big to attract people."

Asserting that BJP has no reason to "mistrust the intelligence of the common man", Modi said, "I keep telling all political pundits let us trust the common man`s intelligence. After all, what did the common people experience from this government that they will go away from us? I have faith in the public, their intelligence."

Attacking the anti-BJP parties who are trying to firm up an alliance, he said there is no unity among them in any way, nor any joint articulation about what they would do for the country.

To press his point, he said if media reports of last five years are analysed, there is nothing concrete that the 'gathbandhan' has said or done unitedly.

"They still speak in different voices. Who are these people? They are looking for each other`s support to save themselves... They hold each other`s hand, so that they are saved. That is the game," Modi said.

"Their single point agenda is Modi, do this to Modi, do that to Modi...There is no articulation on what they would do for the nation and why they will do it," the Prime Minister said.

He said the anti-BJP coalition had failed already during its experiment in Telangana Assembly elections and local polls in states like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir." At the top, these (coalition) leaders may get together for their safety but that does not mean that public is joining them," Modi said.

PM Modi's attention was drawn to allegation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu that the efforts being made by Telangana Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao to form an alliance has the blessings of Modi.

"I am not aware that some coalition is being made by KCR," Modi replied.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister was also asked about the unhappiness expressed by some of the BJP allies, like Shiv Sena, from time to time and whether they were indulging in "muscle flexing".

His attention was particularly drawn to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's apparent attack on him when he said that `chowkidar chor hai (guard is the thief), echoing Rahul Gandhi's oft repeated line of attack on Narendra Modi.

In his response, he said, "Sometimes, some expectations are not met" and some allies feel that they "could benefit by putting pressure" on the BJP.

"Some (allies) feel that such issues could be resolved through discussions.... But our effort is to take everyone along and listen to everyone," Modi added.

He emphasised that he was "committed to give importance to regional aspirations" as he believes that the country cannot be run by ignoring regional aspirations. "That is why BJP is more successful."

The Prime Minister noted that the BJP, despite getting full majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, took every ally along, adhering to the coalition dharma.

"Even today when we run the government, there is consensus in decision-making," he said. "It is true that states have their own level of politics. Our allies wish to grow and we too want them to grow. We do not want that we should grow at the cost of allies," Modi added.

Making a comparison with the Congress, he said "it is speciality of Congress-led alliance that all allies are those who have come out of the Congress after raising their voice against the Congress or emerged because of Congress-opposition. So when they approach the Congress, Congress usurps them. We are different. Those who associate with us, they prosper. So our effort remains that our allies blossom."

Asked whether he expected more parties to join the NDA, Modi said that process has been continuing since 2014 and referred to the small parties of North East which had joined the BJP-led coalition.

Queried whether BSP would be joining the NDA, he said, "I don`t think any sensible person will spell out such things on TV, as to who will join and who cannot."

Asked whether there was any move of film stars-turned-politicians Rajnikanth and Kamala Hassan to join the NDA and improve the NDA'S footprint in South India, he said, "We are continuously striving to expand our base. We are ready to take everyone along, those who want to come with us, those with whom we can walk. It is linked to our strengthening the regional aspirations."&nbsp;

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties. In an interview to ANI, he dismissed claims by some political pundits that the BJP might not get more than 180 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, saying there were a similar "set of persons" who echoed a similar narrative even in 2014. The Prime Minister was responding to a question whether people had now considered the 'Mahagathbandhan' to be an alternative to Modi. × He expressed confidence that the people will again repose faith in the BJP considering the work done by his government over the last four and a half years. "I believe, this election is going to be a contest between those who fulfil and take forward the aspirations of the people and those who stop these aspirations. There is experience of 70 years. The public is the decider," the Prime Minister said when asked if the 2019 elections were heading towards a US Presidential style of elections between Modi vs Rahul. Asked whether the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be "anybody but Modi'' contest as projected by the opposition parties, he said, "It is going to be janata (public) versus gathbandhan (coalition). Modi is just a manifestation of public love and blessings," he added. Reposing faith in the "intelligence" of the voters, Modi said, "The Indian public will decide the course of elections. The public will decide the agenda, who is for the aspirations of the people, who is against the aspirations of the people. This is going to the yardstick for the elections." Ridiculing the coalition sought to be formed by some anti-BJP parties, he said, "the public knows that earlier it was decentralised corruption, those who sat in the states, looted the states, those who were in the Centre, looted at the centre... The people will decide whether or not they should ally with these forces of corruption who are coming together." The Prime Minister's attention was drawn to the "180 club" claim by some sections, inferring that the BJP might not get more than 180 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. In his response, he said, "Is there any scientific study? In 2013 too, the same set of persons used to talk the same thing about BJP getting less than 180 seats. That narrative continues." He went on to add, "If they do not spread such things, how will people join their 'gathbandhan'? They will have to talk big to attract people." Asserting that BJP has no reason to "mistrust the intelligence of the common man", Modi said, "I keep telling all political pundits let us trust the common man`s intelligence. After all, what did the common people experience from this government that they will go away from us? I have faith in the public, their intelligence." Attacking the anti-BJP parties who are trying to firm up an alliance, he said there is no unity among them in any way, nor any joint articulation about what they would do for the country. To press his point, he said if media reports of last five years are analysed, there is nothing concrete that the 'gathbandhan' has said or done unitedly. "They still speak in different voices. Who are these people? They are looking for each other`s support to save themselves... They hold each other`s hand, so that they are saved. That is the game," Modi said. "Their single point agenda is Modi, do this to Modi, do that to Modi...There is no articulation on what they would do for the nation and why they will do it," the Prime Minister said. He said the anti-BJP coalition had failed already during its experiment in Telangana Assembly elections and local polls in states like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir." At the top, these (coalition) leaders may get together for their safety but that does not mean that public is joining them," Modi said. PM Modi's attention was drawn to allegation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu that the efforts being made by Telangana Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao to form an alliance has the blessings of Modi. "I am not aware that some coalition is being made by KCR," Modi replied. The Prime Minister was also asked about the unhappiness expressed by some of the BJP allies, like Shiv Sena, from time to time and whether they were indulging in "muscle flexing". His attention was particularly drawn to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's apparent attack on him when he said that `chowkidar chor hai (guard is the thief), echoing Rahul Gandhi's oft repeated line of attack on Narendra Modi. In his response, he said, "Sometimes, some expectations are not met" and some allies feel that they "could benefit by putting pressure" on the BJP. "Some (allies) feel that such issues could be resolved through discussions.... But our effort is to take everyone along and listen to everyone," Modi added. He emphasised that he was "committed to give importance to regional aspirations" as he believes that the country cannot be run by ignoring regional aspirations. "That is why BJP is more successful." The Prime Minister noted that the BJP, despite getting full majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, took every ally along, adhering to the coalition dharma. "Even today when we run the government, there is consensus in decision-making," he said. "It is true that states have their own level of politics. Our allies wish to grow and we too want them to grow. We do not want that we should grow at the cost of allies," Modi added. Making a comparison with the Congress, he said "it is speciality of Congress-led alliance that all allies are those who have come out of the Congress after raising their voice against the Congress or emerged because of Congress-opposition. So when they approach the Congress, Congress usurps them. We are different. Those who associate with us, they prosper. So our effort remains that our allies blossom." Asked whether he expected more parties to join the NDA, Modi said that process has been continuing since 2014 and referred to the small parties of North East which had joined the BJP-led coalition. Queried whether BSP would be joining the NDA, he said, "I don`t think any sensible person will spell out such things on TV, as to who will join and who cannot." Asked whether there was any move of film stars-turned-politicians Rajnikanth and Kamala Hassan to join the NDA and improve the NDA'S footprint in South India, he said, "We are continuously striving to expand our base. We are ready to take everyone along, those who want to come with us, those with whom we can walk. It is linked to our strengthening the regional aspirations."

2019 Lok Sabha polls will be 'Janata versus Gathbandhan': PM Modi

India will start receiving information <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-300-crore-but-no-claimants-six-india-linked-swiss-bank-accounts-lie-dormant-151910">relating to financial accounts of Indians </a>in Swiss banks from Switzerland, government said on Wednesday. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Minister of state for external affairs V K Singh, replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, said such information may include details about persons allegedly involved in corruption. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Switzerland has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&amp;-economy/indians-with-illegal-swiss-bank-deposits-to-face-harsh-penal-proceedings-says-arun-jaitley-147959?src=fb">long perceived as one of the safest</a> havens for illicit wealth allegedly stashed abroad by some Indians. Singh said the India-Switzerland tax treaty facilitates receipt of information on request basis for cases under investigation. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
"In addition, from 2019, India will receive on automatic basis, information in respect of financial accounts held by Indian residents in Switzerland. The information received on request or on automatic basis may include information about persons allegedly involved in corruption," he said. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
At the same time, Singh added that the information received is governed by the confidentiality provisions of the tax treaty between the two countries. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
In 2016, India and Switzerland had signed a joint declaration relating to automatic exchange of information relating to tax.&nbsp;

Piyush Goyal who had taken temporary charge of the finance portfolio had said earlier in Parliament that after PM Narendra Modi's government came to power in 2014, the amount deposited in Swiss National Bank has reduced by 80 per cent.

Switzerland has already begun sharing foreign client details on evidence of wrongdoing provided by India and some other countries, it has agreed to further expand its cooperation on India's fight against black money with a new pact for automatic information exchange.

In July last year, as per the latest data released by the Swiss National Bank (SNB), funds parked by Indians with Swiss banks rose 50 per cent to CHF 1.01 billion (about Rs 7,000 crore) in 2017.

The funds, described by SNB as ‘liabilities’ of Swiss banks or ‘amounts due to’ their clients, are official figures disclosed by Swiss authorities and do not indicate to the exact quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held in the famed safe havens of Switzerland.

The official figures, disclosed annually by Switzerland’s central bank, also do not include the money that Indians, NRIs or others might have in Swiss banks in the names of entities from different countries.

It has been often alleged that Indians and other nationals seeking to stash their illicit wealth abroad use multiple layers of various jurisdictions, including tax, havens, to shift the money in Swiss banks.

India will start receiving information relating to financial accounts of Indians in Swiss banks from Switzerland, government said on Wednesday. Minister of state for external affairs V K Singh, replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, said such information may include details about persons allegedly involved in corruption.

India will start receiving information relating to financial accounts of Indians in Swiss banks from Switzerland, government said on Wednesday. Minister of state for external affairs V K Singh, replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, said such information may include details about persons allegedly involved in corruption. Switzerland has been long perceived as one of the safest havens for illicit wealth allegedly stashed abroad by some Indians. Singh said the India-Switzerland tax treaty facilitates receipt of information on request basis for cases under investigation. "In addition, from 2019, India will receive on automatic basis, information in respect of financial accounts held by Indian residents in Switzerland. The information received on request or on automatic basis may include information about persons allegedly involved in corruption," he said. At the same time, Singh added that the information received is governed by the confidentiality provisions of the tax treaty between the two countries. In 2016, India and Switzerland had signed a joint declaration relating to automatic exchange of information relating to tax. Piyush Goyal who had taken temporary charge of the finance portfolio had said earlier in Parliament that after PM Narendra Modi's government came to power in 2014, the amount deposited in Swiss National Bank has reduced by 80 per cent. Switzerland has already begun sharing foreign client details on evidence of wrongdoing provided by India and some other countries, it has agreed to further expand its cooperation on India's fight against black money with a new pact for automatic information exchange. In July last year, as per the latest data released by the Swiss National Bank (SNB), funds parked by Indians with Swiss banks rose 50 per cent to CHF 1.01 billion (about Rs 7,000 crore) in 2017. The funds, described by SNB as ‘liabilities’ of Swiss banks or ‘amounts due to’ their clients, are official figures disclosed by Swiss authorities and do not indicate to the exact quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held in the famed safe havens of Switzerland. The official figures, disclosed annually by Switzerland’s central bank, also do not include the money that Indians, NRIs or others might have in Swiss banks in the names of entities from different countries. It has been often alleged that Indians and other nationals seeking to stash their illicit wealth abroad use multiple layers of various jurisdictions, including tax, havens, to shift the money in Swiss banks.

India to get information on account holders in Swiss banks from this year: Government

Two women devotees in their 40s created history on Wednesday after they entered <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-kerala-women-form-620-km-long-human-wall-to-uphold-gender-equality-187767">Sabarimala temple </a>in Kerala&nbsp;and offered prayers to the Lord Ayyappa.

The women identified as --Bindu and Kanakdurga -- started trekking for the shrine at midnight and reached the temple early in the morning. They offered prayers at 3:45 am.

According to a report by ANI, they were accompanied by police personnel.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Two women devotees Bindu and Kanakdurga entered &amp; offered prayers at Kerala's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> at 3.45am today <a href="https://t.co/hXDWcUTVXA">pic.twitter.com/hXDWcUTVXA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1080307598216384519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Both women had also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-women-pilgrims-made-to-return-from-lord-ayyappa-shrine-186126">tried to enter&nbsp;the temple</a>&nbsp;earlier but failed after they faced massive protests from devotees.

However, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President A Padmakumar has said that he had no information about the two women offering prayers at the temple, PTI reported.

According to a report by PTI, TDB officials have been asked to view CCTV footage to verify their claim, he said.

Bindu is a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga is a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram. They had come to Sabarimala on December 24.

Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the top court verdict allowing all women to offer prayers at the temple.

The main opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP is opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees.

Four transgenders recently offered prayers at the temple while the attempt by over a dozen young women has been foiled by protesting devotees so far. 
The two-month long pilgrim season at the Sabarimala Temple began on November 16 and the first phase will end on December 27.

The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims.

Both women had also tried to enter the temple on December 18 but failed after they faced massive protests from devotees.

Two women devotees in their 40s created history on Wednesday after they entered Sabarimala temple in Kerala and offered prayers to the Lord Ayyappa. The women identified as --Bindu and Kanakdurga -- started trekking for the shrine at midnight and reached the temple early in the morning. They offered prayers at 3:45 am. According to a report by ANI, they were accompanied by police personnel. #WATCH Two women devotees Bindu and Kanakdurga entered & offered prayers at Kerala's #SabarimalaTemple at 3.45am today pic.twitter.com/hXDWcUTVXA — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2019 × Both women had also tried to enter the temple earlier but failed after they faced massive protests from devotees. However, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President A Padmakumar has said that he had no information about the two women offering prayers at the temple, PTI reported. According to a report by PTI, TDB officials have been asked to view CCTV footage to verify their claim, he said. Bindu is a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga is a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram. They had come to Sabarimala on December 24. Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the top court verdict allowing all women to offer prayers at the temple. The main opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP is opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees. Four transgenders recently offered prayers at the temple while the attempt by over a dozen young women has been foiled by protesting devotees so far. The two-month long pilgrim season at the Sabarimala Temple began on November 16 and the first phase will end on December 27. The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims.

In a first after Supreme Court verdict, 2 women enter Sabarimala temple; TDB board denies

Urjit Patel stepped down as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor because of personal reasons and had been telling the Prime Minister for some time about his decision to resign, said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-polls-will-be-janta-versus-gathbandhan-pm-modi-187752">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday.

"I am revealing for the first time, he (Urjit Patel) was telling me about this for the past 6-7 months before his resignation. He gave it even in writing. He wrote to me personally," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-accusing-me-in-rafale-deal-are-weakening-indian-security-forces-pm-modi-187774">Prime Minister Modi revealed</a>.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">Also read:&nbsp;Surgical strikes decision was a 'big risk' but I was more concerned about </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">safety</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741"> of soldiers: PM Modi</a>

Patel resigned in December from his post citing "personal reasons" amidst reports of a rift between the RBI and the government. Prime Minister Modi, after Patel`s resignation, tweeted that the RBI Governor left behind a "great legacy."

The Prime Minister further dispelled the opposition`s criticism that Patel was made to leave.

"No such question arises. I acknowledge that Patel did a good job as RBI Governor," Prime Minister Modi added.

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Stressing that institutions like CBI and judiciary are paramount to his government, the Prime Minister stressed that the opposition Congress party has no right to criticise the BJP by saying that the government weakened such institutions in the country.

"Congress has no right to speak on this issue. Against the PM and PMO, the NAC (National Advisory Council) was formed. What kind of empowerment of the PMO was this? Cabinet takes such a big decision and a big leader tears that Cabinet decision at a press conference. What kind of respect is for an institution?", questioned PM Modi.

"Coming to judiciary, they openly said that we will decide judiciary on the basis of ideology and senior judges were shown the door and junior judges were promoted. And you are talking about institutions? In the same RBI, several times Governors were forced to leave before their term expired. You called Planning Commission people a bunch of jokers," the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister Modi cleared the air over the government removing the two men at the top of CBI.

In October, CBI Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana, were relieved of their duties pending an inquiry, after each accused the other of corruption, following which the government sent them on leave, calling it an "extraordinary and unprecedented" situation.

''When CBI internal personal matter came to light, they were both asked to go on leave legally. Because institution is paramount for us," stressed the PM while speaking to ANI.

Opposition parties, especially the Congress, have in recent times, criticised the BJP-led Narendra Modi government of misusing the Enforcement Directorate for political vendetta, often dubbing it as Embarrassment Directorate. Prime Minister, however, allayed the criticism.

"How are these people saying this? Recently, Sohrabuddin judgement came. Just read that judgement. See how institutions were misused. Accusations on us is that Modi is not taking action against these people. And you are saying this is vendetta. ED is doing is job professionally. From a foreign country, a razdaar (confidante) has been brought in custody of India. Should not every Indian be proud of it?", said the Prime Minister, while referring to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

Michel, a UK citizen, was extradited to India from the UAE last month in connection with the case and was respresented by lawyer Aljo K Joseph, who happened to be a Congress party leader but was shunted after controversy over his affiliation erupted.

"If a Congress worker turns up to be Christian Michel`s lawyer, then it is a cause for worry. The countrymen should be proud that razdaar has come, now there will be proper inquiry under legal scrutiny and the truth will come out. Instead of that, you are sending lawyers from your party to support him Michel. This is a matter of concern," Prime Minister added.&nbsp;

Urjit Patel stepped down as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor because of personal reasons and had been telling the Prime Minister for some time about his decision to resign, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Urjit Patel stepped down as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor because of personal reasons and had been telling the Prime Minister for some time about his decision to resign, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. "I am revealing for the first time, he (Urjit Patel) was telling me about this for the past 6-7 months before his resignation. He gave it even in writing. He wrote to me personally," Prime Minister Modi revealed. Also read: Surgical strikes decision was a 'big risk' but I was more concerned about safety of soldiers: PM Modi Patel resigned in December from his post citing "personal reasons" amidst reports of a rift between the RBI and the government. Prime Minister Modi, after Patel`s resignation, tweeted that the RBI Governor left behind a "great legacy." The Prime Minister further dispelled the opposition`s criticism that Patel was made to leave. "No such question arises. I acknowledge that Patel did a good job as RBI Governor," Prime Minister Modi added. × Stressing that institutions like CBI and judiciary are paramount to his government, the Prime Minister stressed that the opposition Congress party has no right to criticise the BJP by saying that the government weakened such institutions in the country. "Congress has no right to speak on this issue. Against the PM and PMO, the NAC (National Advisory Council) was formed. What kind of empowerment of the PMO was this? Cabinet takes such a big decision and a big leader tears that Cabinet decision at a press conference. What kind of respect is for an institution?", questioned PM Modi. "Coming to judiciary, they openly said that we will decide judiciary on the basis of ideology and senior judges were shown the door and junior judges were promoted. And you are talking about institutions? In the same RBI, several times Governors were forced to leave before their term expired. You called Planning Commission people a bunch of jokers," the Prime Minister added. Prime Minister Modi cleared the air over the government removing the two men at the top of CBI. In October, CBI Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana, were relieved of their duties pending an inquiry, after each accused the other of corruption, following which the government sent them on leave, calling it an "extraordinary and unprecedented" situation. ''When CBI internal personal matter came to light, they were both asked to go on leave legally. Because institution is paramount for us," stressed the PM while speaking to ANI. Opposition parties, especially the Congress, have in recent times, criticised the BJP-led Narendra Modi government of misusing the Enforcement Directorate for political vendetta, often dubbing it as Embarrassment Directorate. Prime Minister, however, allayed the criticism. "How are these people saying this? Recently, Sohrabuddin judgement came. Just read that judgement. See how institutions were misused. Accusations on us is that Modi is not taking action against these people. And you are saying this is vendetta. ED is doing is job professionally. From a foreign country, a razdaar (confidante) has been brought in custody of India. Should not every Indian be proud of it?", said the Prime Minister, while referring to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. Michel, a UK citizen, was extradited to India from the UAE last month in connection with the case and was respresented by lawyer Aljo K Joseph, who happened to be a Congress party leader but was shunted after controversy over his affiliation erupted. "If a Congress worker turns up to be Christian Michel`s lawyer, then it is a cause for worry. The countrymen should be proud that razdaar has come, now there will be proper inquiry under legal scrutiny and the truth will come out. Instead of that, you are sending lawyers from your party to support him Michel. This is a matter of concern," Prime Minister added.

Urjit Patel was telling me about resignation for the past 6-7 months: PM Modi

The consensual physical relationship between live-in partners does not amount to rape in case the man fails to marry the woman due to circumstances beyond his control, the Supreme Court has held.

The top court said this while quashing an FIR lodged by a Maharashtra-based nurse against a doctor, who was in a live-in relationship "for quite some time".

"Thus, there is a clear distinction between rape and consensual sex. The court, in such cases, must very carefully examine whether the complainant had actually wanted to marry the victim or had mala fide motives and had made a false promise to this effect only to satisfy his lust, as the later falls within the ambit of cheating or deception," a bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer said in a recent verdict.

The bench also said that if "the accused has not made the promise with the sole intention to seduce the prosecutrix (woman) to indulge in sexual acts, such an act would not amount to rape".

According to the FIR, the woman, a widow, had fallen in love with the doctor and they started living together.

"There may be a case where the prosecutrix agrees to have sexual intercourse on account of her love and passion for the accused and not solely on account of the misconception created by accused, or where an accused, on account of circumstances which he could not have foreseen or which were beyond his control, was unable to marry her despite having every intention to do. Such cases must be treated differently," the bench said.

It said if the man had any mala fide intention or clandestine motives, then it was a clear case of rape.

"The acknowledged consensual physical relationship between the parties would not constitute an offence under section 376 (rape) of the IPC," the bench said.

Referring to the facts of the case, the court said they were living together for quite some time and when the woman came to know that the man had married someone else, she lodged the complaint.

"We are of the view that, even if the allegations made in the complaint are taken at their face value and accepted in their entirety, they do not make out a case against the appellant (doctor)," the bench said.

The man had approached the top court against the verdict of the Bombay High Court which had dismissed his plea seeking quashing of the FIR lodged against him.

The consensual physical relationship between live-in partners does not amount to rape in case the man fails to marry the woman due to circumstances beyond his control, the Supreme Court has held.

The consensual physical relationship between live-in partners does not amount to rape in case the man fails to marry the woman due to circumstances beyond his control, the Supreme Court has held. The top court said this while quashing an FIR lodged by a Maharashtra-based nurse against a doctor, who was in a live-in relationship "for quite some time". "Thus, there is a clear distinction between rape and consensual sex. The court, in such cases, must very carefully examine whether the complainant had actually wanted to marry the victim or had mala fide motives and had made a false promise to this effect only to satisfy his lust, as the later falls within the ambit of cheating or deception," a bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer said in a recent verdict. The bench also said that if "the accused has not made the promise with the sole intention to seduce the prosecutrix (woman) to indulge in sexual acts, such an act would not amount to rape". According to the FIR, the woman, a widow, had fallen in love with the doctor and they started living together. "There may be a case where the prosecutrix agrees to have sexual intercourse on account of her love and passion for the accused and not solely on account of the misconception created by accused, or where an accused, on account of circumstances which he could not have foreseen or which were beyond his control, was unable to marry her despite having every intention to do. Such cases must be treated differently," the bench said. It said if the man had any mala fide intention or clandestine motives, then it was a clear case of rape. "The acknowledged consensual physical relationship between the parties would not constitute an offence under section 376 (rape) of the IPC," the bench said. Referring to the facts of the case, the court said they were living together for quite some time and when the woman came to know that the man had married someone else, she lodged the complaint. "We are of the view that, even if the allegations made in the complaint are taken at their face value and accepted in their entirety, they do not make out a case against the appellant (doctor)," the bench said. The man had approached the top court against the verdict of the Bombay High Court which had dismissed his plea seeking quashing of the FIR lodged against him.

Consensual physical relationship between live-in partners, not rape, says Supreme Court

Even as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-technical-snag-in-pumps-hinder-rescue-operations-187708">high-pressure pumps </a>were deployed to drain out water from the inundated illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills for almost three hours on Monday afternoon there is no change in the water level.

More than a fortnight has passed since 15 miners get trapped inside an illegal coal mine here rescuers are struggling hard to pump out water from the inundated mine.

"The Indian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-navy-divers-want-water-level-reduced-to-facilitate-operation-187641">Navy Divers</a> along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel went down inside the main shaft at 4.30 pm to check the water level under the main shaft and reported that the water level has not changed," an Odisha Fire Service official said.

The Odisha Fire services have stopped pumping the water from the nearby old shaft located about 500 meters from the main shaft.

"After three hours of pumping the water out from the old shaft located nearby it was found that the water level in the old Shaft descended only by 6 inches," said the Odisha Fire Service official.

The official told that only after 8 hours of pumping the water level can be determined.

On Sunday the divers of Indian Navy who went inside the inundated mine in search of the 15 trapped miners returned disappointed after diving up to 70 feet deep.

Along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 20-member team of Odisha Fire Service is engaged in rescue operations.

The Odisha Fire Service team is equipped with 15 high-pressure pumps to drain out water from the mine in which the miners are trapped.

As many as 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village since December 13, when the water from the nearby river Lytein flooded the mine.&nbsp;

Even as high-pressure pumps were deployed to drain out water from the inundated illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills for almost three hours on Monday afternoon there is no change in the water level.

Even as high-pressure pumps were deployed to drain out water from the inundated illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills for almost three hours on Monday afternoon there is no change in the water level. More than a fortnight has passed since 15 miners get trapped inside an illegal coal mine here rescuers are struggling hard to pump out water from the inundated mine. "The Indian Navy Divers along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel went down inside the main shaft at 4.30 pm to check the water level under the main shaft and reported that the water level has not changed," an Odisha Fire Service official said. The Odisha Fire services have stopped pumping the water from the nearby old shaft located about 500 meters from the main shaft. "After three hours of pumping the water out from the old shaft located nearby it was found that the water level in the old Shaft descended only by 6 inches," said the Odisha Fire Service official. The official told that only after 8 hours of pumping the water level can be determined. On Sunday the divers of Indian Navy who went inside the inundated mine in search of the 15 trapped miners returned disappointed after diving up to 70 feet deep. Along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 20-member team of Odisha Fire Service is engaged in rescue operations. The Odisha Fire Service team is equipped with 15 high-pressure pumps to drain out water from the mine in which the miners are trapped. As many as 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village since December 13, when the water from the nearby river Lytein flooded the mine.

Meghalaya miners rescue: No change in water level even after using high-pressure pumps

The Indian Army has dismissed the claims of the Pakistan Army that it had shot down an Indian quadcopter in the Bagh sector along the Line of Control.

"They keep lying on these issues. No such incident has taken place," Army sources said here.

The claim was made by Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations in-charge Major General Asif Ghafoor from his official Twitter handle.

"Pakistan army troops shot down Indian spy quadcopter in Bagh sector area along the line of control. Not even a quadcopter will be allowed to cross LOC, in Sha Allah," he tweeted on Tuesday.

Interestingly, the Pakistan side has been stressing that it did not even allow a quadcopter to cross over the LoC on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the first time, discussed in detail about the surgical strike operations of September 2016 when Indian troops launched multiple attacks on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan has been denying that surgical strikes ever took place but it is believed that around 50 terrorists along with Pakistan Army regular troops were killed in these operations.&nbsp;

The Indian Army has dismissed the claims of the Pakistan Army that it had shot down an Indian quadcopter in the Bagh sector along the Line of Control. "They keep lying on these issues.

The Indian Army has dismissed the claims of the Pakistan Army that it had shot down an Indian quadcopter in the Bagh sector along the Line of Control. "They keep lying on these issues. No such incident has taken place," Army sources said here. The claim was made by Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations in-charge Major General Asif Ghafoor from his official Twitter handle. "Pakistan army troops shot down Indian spy quadcopter in Bagh sector area along the line of control. Not even a quadcopter will be allowed to cross LOC, in Sha Allah," he tweeted on Tuesday. Interestingly, the Pakistan side has been stressing that it did not even allow a quadcopter to cross over the LoC on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the first time, discussed in detail about the surgical strike operations of September 2016 when Indian troops launched multiple attacks on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan has been denying that surgical strikes ever took place but it is believed that around 50 terrorists along with Pakistan Army regular troops were killed in these operations.

Indian Army dismisses Pakistan's claim of shooting down its quadcopter

Pakistan on Wednesday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian troops retaliated to the ceasefire violation.&nbsp;

The latest ceasefire violation&nbsp;comes just a day after Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Poonch as they targeted forward positions.

No casualty or injury was reported.

On December 26, one civilian was killed in the ceasefire violations incident by Pakistan.

On December 21, two Army personnel lost their lives during a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector of Kupwara.

The deceased soldiers were identified as Subedar Gamar Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa.&nbsp;

More details awaited.

The latest ceasefire violation comes just a day after Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Poonch as they targeted forward positions.

Pakistan on Wednesday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian troops retaliated to the ceasefire violation. The latest ceasefire violation comes just a day after Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Poonch as they targeted forward positions. No casualty or injury was reported. On December 26, one civilian was killed in the ceasefire violations incident by Pakistan. On December 21, two Army personnel lost their lives during a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector of Kupwara. The deceased soldiers were identified as Subedar Gamar Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa. More details awaited.

J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Poonch

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-end-government-shutdown-calls-for-meeting-with-us-congress-187796">Trump seeks to end </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-end-government-shutdown-calls-for-meeting-with-us-congress-187796">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-end-government-shutdown-calls-for-meeting-with-us-congress-187796"> shutdown, calls for meeting with US Congress</a>

President Donald Trump on Tuesday invited Republican and Democratic leaders from Congress for a meeting to seek an end to the federal government shutdown now in its second week.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-sanctions-loom-as-wada-confirm-russia-misses-doping-deadline-187798">New sanctions loom as WADA confirm Russia misses doping deadline</a>

Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-turns-21-projects-party-chief-mamata-banerjee-as-possible-pm-candidate-of-grand-opposition-alliance-187803">TMC turns 21, projects Mamata Banerjee as possible PM candidate of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-turns-21-projects-party-chief-mamata-banerjee-as-possible-pm-candidate-of-grand-opposition-alliance-187803">grand</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-turns-21-projects-party-chief-mamata-banerjee-as-possible-pm-candidate-of-grand-opposition-alliance-187803"> opposition alliance</a>

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned 21 on Tuesday and used the occasion to project party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible prime ministerial candidate of any grand opposition alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/words-of-outgoing-prime-minister-will-have-no-effect-aap-on-pm-modi-interview-187800">Words of 'outgoing' prime minister will have no effect: AAP on PM Modi interview</a>

The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-president-raul-castro-urges-cubans-to-prepare-for-worst-with-us-187806">Former president Raul Castro urges Cubans to prepare for worst with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-president-raul-castro-urges-cubans-to-prepare-for-worst-with-us-187806">US</a>

Former Cuban president and leader of the island's Communist Party Raul Castro on Tuesday urged the nation to strengthen its defenses and prepare "for the worst scenarios" vis-a-vis the US, the government of which he accused of having resumed the policy of "confrontation."

 
&nbsp;

Trump seeks to end government shutdown, calls for meeting with US Congress President Donald Trump on Tuesday invited Republican and Democratic leaders from Congress for a meeting to seek an end to the federal government shutdown now in its second week. New sanctions loom as WADA confirm Russia misses doping deadline Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow. TMC turns 21, projects Mamata Banerjee as possible PM candidate of grand opposition alliance The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned 21 on Tuesday and used the occasion to project party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible prime ministerial candidate of any grand opposition alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Words of 'outgoing' prime minister will have no effect: AAP on PM Modi interview The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed. Former president Raul Castro urges Cubans to prepare for worst with US Former Cuban president and leader of the island's Communist Party Raul Castro on Tuesday urged the nation to strengthen its defenses and prepare "for the worst scenarios" vis-a-vis the US, the government of which he accused of having resumed the policy of "confrontation."

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Railways is likely to begin the commercial run of the much awaited <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/countrys-fastest-rail-train-18-pelted-with-stones-during-trial-run-185532">Train 18</a> between Delhi and Varanasi next week, just ahead of the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad which begins on January 14, sources said Wednesday.

It is also likely to be one of the four special trains to ferry delegates of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 24 from the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad to the national capital in time for the Republic Day event.

The train which will run at a speed of 130 kmph will reduce the journey time between the two cities from the present 11 hours and 30 minutes to 8 hours, the Railways said.

"The train is 45 per cent faster than the fastest train on this route. It will be flagged off by the prime minister ahead of the Kumbh Mela," said the source.

While Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who inspected the Train 18 rake, on Wednesday refused to give a date for the train's first run, he said it will "begin service soon".

Sources said a date will be finalised once the Railways gets a go-ahead from the PMO. While the train fare is not finalised yet, it is expected to include the cover of food. On its journey to Varanasi on its first run, it will have two stoppages - one at Kanpur and the other at Allahabad.

The Railways is likely to begin the commercial run of the much awaited Train 18 between Delhi and Varanasi next week, just ahead of the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad which begins on January 14, sources said Wednesday.

The Railways is likely to begin the commercial run of the much awaited Train 18 between Delhi and Varanasi next week, just ahead of the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad which begins on January 14, sources said Wednesday. It is also likely to be one of the four special trains to ferry delegates of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 24 from the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad to the national capital in time for the Republic Day event. The train which will run at a speed of 130 kmph will reduce the journey time between the two cities from the present 11 hours and 30 minutes to 8 hours, the Railways said. "The train is 45 per cent faster than the fastest train on this route. It will be flagged off by the prime minister ahead of the Kumbh Mela," said the source. While Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who inspected the Train 18 rake, on Wednesday refused to give a date for the train's first run, he said it will "begin service soon". Sources said a date will be finalised once the Railways gets a go-ahead from the PMO. While the train fare is not finalised yet, it is expected to include the cover of food. On its journey to Varanasi on its first run, it will have two stoppages - one at Kanpur and the other at Allahabad.

Railways to begin Train 18 services ahead of Kumbh Mela next week

The BJP on Tuesday accused the Congress leadership of using the CBI to manufacture evidence in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh case to "politically destroy" its president Amit Shah who, it said, has come out of this "trial by fire" unscathed.

The ruling party fielded Smriti Irani to attack Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, whom the Union minister accused of supporting terrorists in his tweet that said "nobody killed" Shaikh and he "just died".

Rahul Gandhi had tweeted this after a special CBI court in Mumbai on December 21 acquitted all 22 accused in the case of the killing of Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and his aide Tulsi Prajapati in alleged fake encounters by Gujarat police between 2005 and 2006 citing insufficient evidence.

Shah, who was the minister of state for home in Gujarat at that time, was also arrested briefly in 2010 in the case before being discharged in December 2014.

"It is now clear that the CBI had arrested Amit Shah in 2010 at the prodding of the Congress leadership," Irani said.

She alleged Shah was targeted by the CBI as a part of a "political conspiracy" of the Congress and its then-president because Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister, and Shah were seen as political rivals by the party.

"The Congress and its president used the CBI to manufacture evidence to politically destroy Shah. It is one of the finest examples of the length to which the Congress will go to destroy its political opponents," she said.

She described the case as a trial by fire for Shah and said he came out unscathed, as the country's verdict had shown that "truth cannot be destroyed".

There was no immediate response from the Congress to her allegations.

The Congress is always willing to trample upon justice and the Constitution to finish off its political rivals, Irani alleged.&nbsp;

Targeting Rahul Gandhi, she said his tweet was an expression of frustration that Shah came out of the case unscathed despite eight years of harassment.

Following the court's order acquitting the accused, Gandhi had tweeted, "No one killed Haren Pandya. Tulsiram Prajapati. Justice Loya. Prakash Thombre. Shrikant Khandalkar. Kauser Bi. Sohrabuddin Shiekh. They just died."&nbsp;

Irani alleged that the Congress will not spare anybody who comes in the way of its pursuit of power which it uses not to serve people but "one family".

She noted that activist Harsh Mander, who she claimed was a member of Sonia Gandhi's "kitchen cabinet", had moved the Supreme Court against Shah's discharge.

Irani read from the Mumbai court's order that criticised the CBI probe and said the agency created evidence to suit its "preconceived and premeditated" theory to implicate political leaders.

The BJP leader alleged that Shah was arrested in 2010 on the "order" of the Congress leadership and left to "rot" in jail before he was granted bail by the court.

"The court has admitted that these cases were slapped against Shah for purely political reasons. Not only in the Mumbai High Court but also in the Supreme Court, the Congress' conspiracy got defeated, " Irani told reporters.&nbsp;

To a question about AgustaWestland case accused Christian Michel's speaking of "Mrs Gandhi" and making other references which the BJP has linked to the Gandhi family, Irani said sarcastically that she was not in a position to explain it as she is neither Italian and nor her son's name begins with 'R'.

She alleged that the Congress had dispatched its lawyers to help Michel whose "historical relations" with the Gandhi family are established.

The BJP on Tuesday accused the Congress leadership of using the CBI to manufacture evidence in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh case to "politically destroy" its president Amit Shah who, it said, has come out of this "trial by fire" unscathed.

The BJP on Tuesday accused the Congress leadership of using the CBI to manufacture evidence in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh case to "politically destroy" its president Amit Shah who, it said, has come out of this "trial by fire" unscathed. The ruling party fielded Smriti Irani to attack Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, whom the Union minister accused of supporting terrorists in his tweet that said "nobody killed" Shaikh and he "just died". Rahul Gandhi had tweeted this after a special CBI court in Mumbai on December 21 acquitted all 22 accused in the case of the killing of Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and his aide Tulsi Prajapati in alleged fake encounters by Gujarat police between 2005 and 2006 citing insufficient evidence. Shah, who was the minister of state for home in Gujarat at that time, was also arrested briefly in 2010 in the case before being discharged in December 2014. "It is now clear that the CBI had arrested Amit Shah in 2010 at the prodding of the Congress leadership," Irani said. She alleged Shah was targeted by the CBI as a part of a "political conspiracy" of the Congress and its then-president because Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister, and Shah were seen as political rivals by the party. "The Congress and its president used the CBI to manufacture evidence to politically destroy Shah. It is one of the finest examples of the length to which the Congress will go to destroy its political opponents," she said. She described the case as a trial by fire for Shah and said he came out unscathed, as the country's verdict had shown that "truth cannot be destroyed". There was no immediate response from the Congress to her allegations. The Congress is always willing to trample upon justice and the Constitution to finish off its political rivals, Irani alleged. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, she said his tweet was an expression of frustration that Shah came out of the case unscathed despite eight years of harassment. Following the court's order acquitting the accused, Gandhi had tweeted, "No one killed Haren Pandya. Tulsiram Prajapati. Justice Loya. Prakash Thombre. Shrikant Khandalkar. Kauser Bi. Sohrabuddin Shiekh. They just died." Irani alleged that the Congress will not spare anybody who comes in the way of its pursuit of power which it uses not to serve people but "one family". She noted that activist Harsh Mander, who she claimed was a member of Sonia Gandhi's "kitchen cabinet", had moved the Supreme Court against Shah's discharge. Irani read from the Mumbai court's order that criticised the CBI probe and said the agency created evidence to suit its "preconceived and premeditated" theory to implicate political leaders. The BJP leader alleged that Shah was arrested in 2010 on the "order" of the Congress leadership and left to "rot" in jail before he was granted bail by the court. "The court has admitted that these cases were slapped against Shah for purely political reasons. Not only in the Mumbai High Court but also in the Supreme Court, the Congress' conspiracy got defeated, " Irani told reporters. To a question about AgustaWestland case accused Christian Michel's speaking of "Mrs Gandhi" and making other references which the BJP has linked to the Gandhi family, Irani said sarcastically that she was not in a position to explain it as she is neither Italian and nor her son's name begins with 'R'. She alleged that the Congress had dispatched its lawyers to help Michel whose "historical relations" with the Gandhi family are established.

Congress used Sohrabuddin case to 'politically destroy' Amit Shah: BJP

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned 21 on Tuesday and used the occasion to project party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible prime ministerial candidate of any grand opposition alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The party also vowed to work to ensure a secular and progressive India under the leadership of 63-year-old Banerjee.

Describing 2019 as the "year of change", senior TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee said the party is "standing at a historic juncture where it wants to play a vital role in New Delhi in favour of the working class".

Abhishek, who is the nephew of the TMC supremo, said the year will bring good days (achche din) in the country.

"The year of 2019 is a year of change and struggle. We should fight hard in order to ensure that we are able to gift the people of this country a secular and progressive India in New Delhi under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee," he said in a video message on TMC's 21st foundation day.

"Our party has turned 21 today. The number 21 assumes immense significance as it signifies struggle, youthfulness and change," he added.

TMC was founded on January 1, 1998 by Mamata Banerjee, who was herself baptized into politics by the Congress. At present, the TMC has 34 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal.

Banerjee congratulated party workers on the occasion.

"The journey which began on January 1, 1998 has been full of struggles, but we have been steadfast in our resolve to fight for the people #Trinamool21 ...

We are thankful to Maa-Mati-Manush for their constant support. And the workers who work hard 365 days a year for the people. A big salute to you," she said.

The TMC, which has been eyeing a wider political space for the last few years, has been at the forefront of forming an anti-BJP opposition alliance and convened a rally of opposition parties in Kolkata on January 19.

Banerjee has been touring the country and met leaders of several opposition parties in a bid to forge opposition unity to take on the BJP.

The TMC observed the day in the state in every block and subdivision and also at the panchayat level. The party flag was hoisted at Trinamool Bhavan by party general secretary Subrata Bakshi.

Blood donation camps, blanket distribution and cultural events were also held across the state.

The party also vowed to work to ensure a secular and progressive India under the leadership of 63-year-old Banerjee.

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned 21 on Tuesday and used the occasion to project party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible prime ministerial candidate of any grand opposition alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The party also vowed to work to ensure a secular and progressive India under the leadership of 63-year-old Banerjee. Describing 2019 as the "year of change", senior TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee said the party is "standing at a historic juncture where it wants to play a vital role in New Delhi in favour of the working class". Abhishek, who is the nephew of the TMC supremo, said the year will bring good days (achche din) in the country. "The year of 2019 is a year of change and struggle. We should fight hard in order to ensure that we are able to gift the people of this country a secular and progressive India in New Delhi under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee," he said in a video message on TMC's 21st foundation day. "Our party has turned 21 today. The number 21 assumes immense significance as it signifies struggle, youthfulness and change," he added. TMC was founded on January 1, 1998 by Mamata Banerjee, who was herself baptized into politics by the Congress. At present, the TMC has 34 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal. Banerjee congratulated party workers on the occasion. "The journey which began on January 1, 1998 has been full of struggles, but we have been steadfast in our resolve to fight for the people #Trinamool21 ... We are thankful to Maa-Mati-Manush for their constant support. And the workers who work hard 365 days a year for the people. A big salute to you," she said. The TMC, which has been eyeing a wider political space for the last few years, has been at the forefront of forming an anti-BJP opposition alliance and convened a rally of opposition parties in Kolkata on January 19. Banerjee has been touring the country and met leaders of several opposition parties in a bid to forge opposition unity to take on the BJP. The TMC observed the day in the state in every block and subdivision and also at the panchayat level. The party flag was hoisted at Trinamool Bhavan by party general secretary Subrata Bakshi. Blood donation camps, blanket distribution and cultural events were also held across the state.

TMC turns 21, projects Mamata Banerjee as possible PM candidate of grand opposition alliance

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