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'The Accidental Prime Minister' ran into controversy since the time its trailer was released. The Congress has said that the film, which is based on former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh's tenure as PM, distorts facts and has demanded its screening before the film is released.

The film's lead actor Anupam Kher, who has portrayed Dr Singh on the screen, speaks to WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary about the film, the challenging role and the controversy around it.

Here's the full transcript of the interview:

WION: Dr Manmohan Singh was called a 'Silent PM'. He never spoke. So how challenging it was to give voice to the 'Silent PM'?

Anupam Kher: It took me 7-8 months to get into the skin of his character and portray it on screen. It was very difficult because he expresses a lot of emotions with his blank face - whether it's joy, sorrow, or&nbsp;he is hurt - and you still had to convey how he is feeling. I have done more than 500 films in my 35-year-long career, but I have never played a more difficult character on screen than this one. Dr Singh was not the leader of a foregone era, he is very much alive in the consciousness of current generation. People have seen him, they know how he behaves, so it became a big challenge for me to portray Dr Mamohan Singh on screen, especially his voice. I went back to my training days in National School of Drama (NSD) - how we used to do the voice training. I also watched his hours-long footage on YouTube and different channels. But he was not always a 'Silent PM'. I think he was hurt during his second stint - from 2009 - and that's why he became quiet. But he used to speak a lot earlier - he gave interviews to many people, spoke at various forums. I think he was hurt during the 2009-2014 stint, he was upset, so he became a 'Silent PM'.

It was a lot like what happens in our homes - sometimes the elders like our grandparents stop talking to us because they get upset. He had a great sense of humour, which comes across in the film. You will see his resilient character, a certain degree of stubbornness.

WION: At a personal level, are you a fan of Dr Manmohan Singh?

Anupam Kher: I became his fan after doing the film. I think he is a very charming man. There is a lot of charisma about him in a very different manner. He is not an extrovert, but I like his poetry and other interesting things that I learned about him during my research. When people will watch the film, they will see a very differnt character of Dr Manmohan Singh. When you will see a film of two hours, you will come across small nuances - his loneliness, his dejection, his joy and how hurt he was, his triumph and the way he used to think. He is very human, and that is what the film's character has portrayed him. He was also weak in some ways, to let other people dictate him. The reason for this is because he was not a politician, he was a bureaucrat.

WION: But did you feel he was helpless?

Anupam Kher: There was no need to do a film to show this. This was felt across the country by its citizens. We did feel that what's stopping him from taking certain decisions? Nobody questioned his honesty, his integrity, but sometimes we&nbsp;used to feel frustrated 'ki yaar ye kuchh bolte kyun nahi? Ye kuchh karte kyun nahi? (Why doesn't he speak? Why doesn't he do something?)'. From whatever I've read, his wife also used to feel the same. He will be proud of my portrayal of his character.

WION: Do you believe he will be happy after watching the film?

Anupam Kher: I have a feeling that if he does not feel hesitant after watching the film, he will definitely hug me and might even ask me to have a cup of tea with him. And I am saying this with sincerity.

WION: And what about Sonia and Rahul Gandhi? What will they think about you after watching the film?

Anupam Kher: Well, I can't give a reaction on that. They will perhaps say 'Don't have tea with him'.

WION: This film was controversial, now it has turned political after the BJP tweeted the trailer from its official handle. So there is an impression that the BJP is promoting this film and wants to gain political mileage out of it just before elections. What do you have to say?

Anupam Kher: I personally feel that a film can't decide voting pattern. Indian voter is very smart, otherwise there wouldn't have been surprises in election results. A political parties always use some things for their advantage - it has happened in the past too, with Congress. I remember reading tweets from politicians when 'Udta Punjab' was released. I think that's a personal opinion. And a political party will use any means to promote their point of view and whatever benefits them. This is a well-established fact that Mrs Gandhi did go to the President to become the Prime Minister as far as the research I have done is concerned. And then Subramanian Swamy told President Kalam that technically it cannot happen. So she had to choose from senior leaders like Pranab da, and she chose a person who was non-controversial, whose honesty was unquestionable and whom she could tell that this is what you have to do. All this is in public domain. And you don't have to wait for a film - things go viral even from television. Recently, the footage of Congress leaders telling Rahul Gandhi what to speak during an address went viral. Now if a filmmaker uses reproduces that in his/her film, how can there be objection on that? The opposition to this film is coming from a certain section of people, and it's unfortunate. But I've heard that some senior leaders in the Congress are saying that the film should not be opposed. It's a great thing and I'm thankful for that reaction.

WION: You would have known from Day 1 that if you do this film, Congress will be upset. Then what was the reason? Did you find the role challenging as an actor?

Anupam Kher: It was a lifetime opportunity for me to get a role as brilliant as that of Dr Manmohan Singh. It is the highlight of my career. And I have portrayed it as an actor. If I have to put across my political view, I don't need to make a film, I can record a video on mobile and post it on social media and millions can see it. Everyone has political leanings, but whenever I've spoken, I've spoken for my country. People think I am a political person; if I want to be a politician, I will join a political party and let you know that I've taken the political plunge.

WION: You often seem to back the BJP ideology and your wife is a BJP MP. It is being alleged that you did this film to please the BJP and that you want a ticket to Rajya Sabha from the BJP. What do you have to say about this?

Anupam Kher: No, no. I am an Indian actor trying to make India proud abroad. I don't want to come into politics, or a Rajya Sabha seat. My wife Kirron Kher has won Lok Sabha election, the seat was not offered to her on a platter. She fought the election and won it. I am an admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, people are free to interpret. I have spent enough time in this industry to understand 'suno sabki, karo apni (listen to everyone, but do your own thing).'

WION: You say this is the best role of your life. But people are saying you are simply mimicking Dr Manmohan Singh, so is this acting or mimicry?

Anupam Kher: People who don't know acting are making such comments and I don't have time to react to these things.

WION: Had you thought while signing the film that it will run you into a controversy? And that this argument will reach this stage?

Anupam Kher: We've followed a process, the film was cleared by the Censor Board. The audience is mature enough, we can't fool them. If my audience likes my role, that's enough for me. I am not performing to please certain people, and that is what's important.

'The Accidental Prime Minister' ran into controversy since the time its trailer was released. The Congress has said that the film, which is based on former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh's tenure as PM, distorts facts and has demanded its screening before the film is released.

'The Accidental Prime Minister' ran into controversy since the time its trailer was released. The Congress has said that the film, which is based on former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh's tenure as PM, distorts facts and has demanded its screening before the film is released. The film's lead actor Anupam Kher, who has portrayed Dr Singh on the screen, speaks to WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary about the film, the challenging role and the controversy around it. Here's the full transcript of the interview: WION: Dr Manmohan Singh was called a 'Silent PM'. He never spoke. So how challenging it was to give voice to the 'Silent PM'? Anupam Kher: It took me 7-8 months to get into the skin of his character and portray it on screen. It was very difficult because he expresses a lot of emotions with his blank face - whether it's joy, sorrow, or he is hurt - and you still had to convey how he is feeling. I have done more than 500 films in my 35-year-long career, but I have never played a more difficult character on screen than this one. Dr Singh was not the leader of a foregone era, he is very much alive in the consciousness of current generation. People have seen him, they know how he behaves, so it became a big challenge for me to portray Dr Mamohan Singh on screen, especially his voice. I went back to my training days in National School of Drama (NSD) - how we used to do the voice training. I also watched his hours-long footage on YouTube and different channels. But he was not always a 'Silent PM'. I think he was hurt during his second stint - from 2009 - and that's why he became quiet. But he used to speak a lot earlier - he gave interviews to many people, spoke at various forums. I think he was hurt during the 2009-2014 stint, he was upset, so he became a 'Silent PM'. It was a lot like what happens in our homes - sometimes the elders like our grandparents stop talking to us because they get upset. He had a great sense of humour, which comes across in the film. You will see his resilient character, a certain degree of stubbornness. WION: At a personal level, are you a fan of Dr Manmohan Singh? Anupam Kher: I became his fan after doing the film. I think he is a very charming man. There is a lot of charisma about him in a very different manner. He is not an extrovert, but I like his poetry and other interesting things that I learned about him during my research. When people will watch the film, they will see a very differnt character of Dr Manmohan Singh. When you will see a film of two hours, you will come across small nuances - his loneliness, his dejection, his joy and how hurt he was, his triumph and the way he used to think. He is very human, and that is what the film's character has portrayed him. He was also weak in some ways, to let other people dictate him. The reason for this is because he was not a politician, he was a bureaucrat. WION: But did you feel he was helpless? Anupam Kher: There was no need to do a film to show this. This was felt across the country by its citizens. We did feel that what's stopping him from taking certain decisions? Nobody questioned his honesty, his integrity, but sometimes we used to feel frustrated 'ki yaar ye kuchh bolte kyun nahi? Ye kuchh karte kyun nahi? (Why doesn't he speak? Why doesn't he do something?)'. From whatever I've read, his wife also used to feel the same. He will be proud of my portrayal of his character. WION: Do you believe he will be happy after watching the film? Anupam Kher: I have a feeling that if he does not feel hesitant after watching the film, he will definitely hug me and might even ask me to have a cup of tea with him. And I am saying this with sincerity. WION: And what about Sonia and Rahul Gandhi? What will they think about you after watching the film? Anupam Kher: Well, I can't give a reaction on that. They will perhaps say 'Don't have tea with him'. WION: This film was controversial, now it has turned political after the BJP tweeted the trailer from its official handle. So there is an impression that the BJP is promoting this film and wants to gain political mileage out of it just before elections. What do you have to say? Anupam Kher: I personally feel that a film can't decide voting pattern. Indian voter is very smart, otherwise there wouldn't have been surprises in election results. A political parties always use some things for their advantage - it has happened in the past too, with Congress. I remember reading tweets from politicians when 'Udta Punjab' was released. I think that's a personal opinion. And a political party will use any means to promote their point of view and whatever benefits them. This is a well-established fact that Mrs Gandhi did go to the President to become the Prime Minister as far as the research I have done is concerned. And then Subramanian Swamy told President Kalam that technically it cannot happen. So she had to choose from senior leaders like Pranab da, and she chose a person who was non-controversial, whose honesty was unquestionable and whom she could tell that this is what you have to do. All this is in public domain. And you don't have to wait for a film - things go viral even from television. Recently, the footage of Congress leaders telling Rahul Gandhi what to speak during an address went viral. Now if a filmmaker uses reproduces that in his/her film, how can there be objection on that? The opposition to this film is coming from a certain section of people, and it's unfortunate. But I've heard that some senior leaders in the Congress are saying that the film should not be opposed. It's a great thing and I'm thankful for that reaction. WION: You would have known from Day 1 that if you do this film, Congress will be upset. Then what was the reason? Did you find the role challenging as an actor? Anupam Kher: It was a lifetime opportunity for me to get a role as brilliant as that of Dr Manmohan Singh. It is the highlight of my career. And I have portrayed it as an actor. If I have to put across my political view, I don't need to make a film, I can record a video on mobile and post it on social media and millions can see it. Everyone has political leanings, but whenever I've spoken, I've spoken for my country. People think I am a political person; if I want to be a politician, I will join a political party and let you know that I've taken the political plunge. WION: You often seem to back the BJP ideology and your wife is a BJP MP. It is being alleged that you did this film to please the BJP and that you want a ticket to Rajya Sabha from the BJP. What do you have to say about this? Anupam Kher: No, no. I am an Indian actor trying to make India proud abroad. I don't want to come into politics, or a Rajya Sabha seat. My wife Kirron Kher has won Lok Sabha election, the seat was not offered to her on a platter. She fought the election and won it. I am an admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, people are free to interpret. I have spent enough time in this industry to understand 'suno sabki, karo apni (listen to everyone, but do your own thing).' WION: You say this is the best role of your life. But people are saying you are simply mimicking Dr Manmohan Singh, so is this acting or mimicry? Anupam Kher: People who don't know acting are making such comments and I don't have time to react to these things. WION: Had you thought while signing the film that it will run you into a controversy? And that this argument will reach this stage? Anupam Kher: We've followed a process, the film was cleared by the Censor Board. The audience is mature enough, we can't fool them. If my audience likes my role, that's enough for me. I am not performing to please certain people, and that is what's important.

Don't think people's vote depends on a film: Anupam Kher to WION on controversy around 'The Accidental Prime Minister'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">AgustaWestland scam: Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', 'son of Italian lady' in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">probe</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">, ED tells </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">court</a>

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore &nbsp;AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-indian-navy-divers-arrive-at-site-join-operations-187204">Meghalaya miners rescue: Indian Navy divers arrive at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-indian-navy-divers-arrive-at-site-join-operations-187204">site</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-indian-navy-divers-arrive-at-site-join-operations-187204">, join operations</a>

A group of Indian Navy divers arrived from Vishakhapatnam Saturday to join operations underway to rescue 15 miners trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya since December 13, a senior official said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-security-forces-kill-40-suspected-militants-after-giza-bus-attack-187168">Egypt security forces kill 40 suspected militants after Giza bus attack</a>

Egyptian police killed 40 "terrorists" in separate raids early Saturday, a day after a roadside bomb near the Giza pyramids killed three Vietnamese tourists and their guide, the interior ministry said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-one-of-the-best-indian-bowling-attacks-that-i-have-ever-seen-says-nathan-lyon-187213">India vs Australia: One of the best Indian bowling attacks that I have ever seen, says Nathan Lyon</a>

Australia were at 258 for eight at stumps on the fourth day of the third Test against India in Melbourne. India set a target of 399 after the visitors declared their second innings at 106 for eight.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-deploys-600000-security-forces-ahead-of-elections-187152">Bangladesh polls: Around 600,000 security personnel deployed ahead of Sunday elections</a>

Bangladesh stepped up security Saturday in a bid to contain violence during a general election expected to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina win a record fourth term.

&nbsp;

AgustaWestland scam: Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', 'son of Italian lady' in probe, ED tells court In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.

AgustaWestland scam: Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', 'son of Italian lady' in probe, ED tells court In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear. Meghalaya miners rescue: Indian Navy divers arrive at site, join operations A group of Indian Navy divers arrived from Vishakhapatnam Saturday to join operations underway to rescue 15 miners trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya since December 13, a senior official said. Egypt security forces kill 40 suspected militants after Giza bus attack Egyptian police killed 40 "terrorists" in separate raids early Saturday, a day after a roadside bomb near the Giza pyramids killed three Vietnamese tourists and their guide, the interior ministry said. India vs Australia: One of the best Indian bowling attacks that I have ever seen, says Nathan Lyon Australia were at 258 for eight at stumps on the fourth day of the third Test against India in Melbourne. India set a target of 399 after the visitors declared their second innings at 106 for eight. Bangladesh polls: Around 600,000 security personnel deployed ahead of Sunday elections Bangladesh stepped up security Saturday in a bid to contain violence during a general election expected to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina win a record fourth term.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/16-fugitive-extradited-back-to-india-in-last-4-years-5-in-2018-187061">Christian Michel the man who was the key </a>middleman in the Rs 3600 crore&nbsp; AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.&nbsp;

The ED counsel had shared the information at Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody. He has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" &nbsp;and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

Other than that he said, "Big man R" which ED still has to decipher and will be confronting him on that.&nbsp;

The ED highlighted how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was removed from the deal and it was offered to Tata.&nbsp;

ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside after they found that he was giving chits to them.

Reacting to it, Michel’s lawyer Aljo K Joseph said, "We don’t dispute that he (Christian Michel) had handed us the papers, but it’s the fault of the ED that they allowed it to happen."

ED has got 7-day custody of Michel.&nbsp;

The revelations by Michel is considered as a big political bombshell with Congress facing the heat. Congress's RPN Singh said, "there is pressure on Michel to name a particular family".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
RPN Singh Congress on ED says Christian Michel has taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi": There is pressure on Michel to name a particular family, why is the chowkidaar trying to pressurize the govt agencies to name a family? BJP script writers are working over time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Agustawestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Agustawestland</a> <a href="https://t.co/qCxYeObJYN">pic.twitter.com/qCxYeObJYN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078951959976206337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) disclosed that Christian Michel took the name of “Mrs Gandhi” during interrogation, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar alleged that the Congress regime was a government of corruption that compromised with national security.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Union Min Prakash Javadekar on ED says Christian Michel spoke about 'son of Italian lady': Revelations by ED show that there is ‘son of Italian lady’,‘big man’&amp;‘R’ involved. It points towards a family. Congress govt was a govt of corruption that compromised with national security <a href="https://t.co/LqGRuSGoDv">pic.twitter.com/LqGRuSGoDv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078980179425320960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Christian Michel, a British national, was extradited from UAE early this month. UK has been seeking consular access which CBI has in principle approved but still not given the day.&nbsp;

Reacting to extradition of Michel, PM Modi speaking at a rally had said, "Under the regime of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power, an investigation was conducted into it and one person from Dubai was found (allegedly) guilty for his involvement in the case. Now this 'raazdaar' (custodian of secrets) will reveal all the secrets".

Clearly, it might be cold in Delhi, but political temperatures are rising.

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear. The ED counsel had shared the information at Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody. He has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country. Other than that he said, "Big man R" which ED still has to decipher and will be confronting him on that. The ED highlighted how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was removed from the deal and it was offered to Tata. ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside after they found that he was giving chits to them. Reacting to it, Michel’s lawyer Aljo K Joseph said, "We don’t dispute that he (Christian Michel) had handed us the papers, but it’s the fault of the ED that they allowed it to happen." ED has got 7-day custody of Michel. The revelations by Michel is considered as a big political bombshell with Congress facing the heat. Congress's RPN Singh said, "there is pressure on Michel to name a particular family". RPN Singh Congress on ED says Christian Michel has taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi": There is pressure on Michel to name a particular family, why is the chowkidaar trying to pressurize the govt agencies to name a family? BJP script writers are working over time. #Agustawestland pic.twitter.com/qCxYeObJYN — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) disclosed that Christian Michel took the name of “Mrs Gandhi” during interrogation, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar alleged that the Congress regime was a government of corruption that compromised with national security. Union Min Prakash Javadekar on ED says Christian Michel spoke about 'son of Italian lady': Revelations by ED show that there is ‘son of Italian lady’,‘big man’&‘R’ involved. It points towards a family. Congress govt was a govt of corruption that compromised with national security pic.twitter.com/LqGRuSGoDv — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × Christian Michel, a British national, was extradited from UAE early this month. UK has been seeking consular access which CBI has in principle approved but still not given the day. Reacting to extradition of Michel, PM Modi speaking at a rally had said, "Under the regime of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power, an investigation was conducted into it and one person from Dubai was found (allegedly) guilty for his involvement in the case. Now this 'raazdaar' (custodian of secrets) will reveal all the secrets". Clearly, it might be cold in Delhi, but political temperatures are rising.

AgustaWestland scam: Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', 'son of Italian lady' in probe, ED tells court

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/puducherry-cm-lashes-out-at-pm-for-delay-in-forming-cmb-134794">Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy </a>Saturday said his cabinet colleagues, legislators of the ruling Congress and its ally the DMK would participate in the demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on January 4 to urge the Centre grant statehood to the Union Territory.

Speaking to newsmen, the Chief Minister said leaders of Left parties, the VCK, MDMK, Pattali Makkal Katchi and other political outfits too would participate in the demonstration which is also aimed at asking the Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi to leave the Union Territory in view of her 'confrontation' with the elected government.

He said he has written to the leaders of the AINRC and AIADMK to participate in the agitation and that he was yet to get a reply from them.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK legislature wing leader A Anbalagan told newsmen that whenever Narayanasamy found the going unsmooth, he was taking up the statehood issue.

Anbalagan said the Chief Minister had already headed a delegation of MLAs to Delhi in July to urge the Centre to grant statehood and a memorandum was also submitted to Union Ministers.

''Nothing has happened so far, so how an agitation can be effective to get statehood,'' the AIADMK MLA wondered and recalled that during the UPA regime at the Centre statehood could have been granted to Puducherry.

Puducherry government had passed resolutions on more than 15 occasions in the Assembly persuading the Centre to grant Statehood and nothing had come about, Anbalagan said.

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Saturday said his cabinet colleagues, legislators of the ruling Congress and its ally the DMK would participate in the demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on January 4 to urge the Centre grant statehood to the Union Territory.

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Saturday said his cabinet colleagues, legislators of the ruling Congress and its ally the DMK would participate in the demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on January 4 to urge the Centre grant statehood to the Union Territory. Speaking to newsmen, the Chief Minister said leaders of Left parties, the VCK, MDMK, Pattali Makkal Katchi and other political outfits too would participate in the demonstration which is also aimed at asking the Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi to leave the Union Territory in view of her 'confrontation' with the elected government. He said he has written to the leaders of the AINRC and AIADMK to participate in the agitation and that he was yet to get a reply from them. Meanwhile, the AIADMK legislature wing leader A Anbalagan told newsmen that whenever Narayanasamy found the going unsmooth, he was taking up the statehood issue. Anbalagan said the Chief Minister had already headed a delegation of MLAs to Delhi in July to urge the Centre to grant statehood and a memorandum was also submitted to Union Ministers. ''Nothing has happened so far, so how an agitation can be effective to get statehood,'' the AIADMK MLA wondered and recalled that during the UPA regime at the Centre statehood could have been granted to Puducherry. Puducherry government had passed resolutions on more than 15 occasions in the Assembly persuading the Centre to grant Statehood and nothing had come about, Anbalagan said.

Demonstration to seek statehood for Puducherry on January 4: CM V Narayanasamy

To avoid repeat of the violence witnessed near the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhima-koregaon-violence-case-varavara-rao-taken-into-custody-by-pune-police-177916">Koregaon Bhima</a> war memorial in Pune district on January 1, 2018 one year later, police have taken preventive action against over 1,200 people.

The action includes barring some persons from entering the area and 'externment' (eviction from the district) of some others, senior police officials said here Saturday.

Those who have been prohibited from visiting Koregaon Bhima and the surrounding area, 40 km from here, include right-wing Hindu leader Milind Ekbote and members of the left-leaning cultural group Kabir Kala Manch (KKM).

Clashes had broken out on January 1, 2018 when Dalits visited Koregaon Bhima to commemorate 200th anniversary of the victory of the East India Company's forces -- which included Dalit Mahar soldiers -- over the Brahmin Peshwa's army. One person lost life in the violence.

Dalits, who look upon the defeat of Peshwa's army as a symbol of their emancipation, visit the Jay Stambh (victory pillar) at the site on January 1 every year. Right-wing organisations had opposed the celebration of the British victory on its bicentennial anniversary last time.

Addressing a joint press conference here, Pune rural Superintendent of Police Sandip Patil said "preventive action" has been taken against 1,211 people under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

It includes action against 64 people who have been barred from visiting the surrounding area, he said.

Some of these people are facing serious cases in connection with the January 1 violence and "such people will be kept away from the event" this time, said the SP.

Special Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur range) Vishwas Nangare-Patil and Pune district collector Naval Kishore Ram also addressed the press conference.

When asked if a notice has been served to another rightwing leader Sambhaji Bhide, who along with Ekbote is accused of instigating the violence of January 1, 2018, the police officials did not give any specific reply.

A senior police officer said later that Ekbote and members of the KKM have been barred from visiting the area.

Some members of the KKM are accused in the Elgar Parishad case.&nbsp;

According to the police, provocative speeches at the Parishad (conclave), funded by Maoists, on December 31, 2017 triggered violence at Koregaon Bhima the next day.

Six persons have been "externed" from the district, the officials said. The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act has been invoked against a gang operating in the district.

District collector Ram said that seven to ten lakh people are expected to visit the war memorial on January 1.

The administration has held several meetings with local people and taken measures to create a "positive environment", he said.

Nangare-Patil appealed people not to believe or spread rumours. Two months ago, several hate messages were making rounds on social media, following which the police took action against 45 people for spreading rumours, he said.

Asked if Internet services will be suspended on January 1, he said it will depend on the situation.

Police check posts have been set up along the border of Pune district, he said.

Besides large-scale police deployment, 500 CCTV cameras, 11 drone cameras and 40 video cameras will monitor the area, he said.

To avoid repeat of the violence witnessed near the Koregaon Bhima war memorial in Pune district on January 1, 2018 one year later, police have taken preventive action against over 1,200 people.

To avoid repeat of the violence witnessed near the Koregaon Bhima war memorial in Pune district on January 1, 2018 one year later, police have taken preventive action against over 1,200 people. The action includes barring some persons from entering the area and 'externment' (eviction from the district) of some others, senior police officials said here Saturday. Those who have been prohibited from visiting Koregaon Bhima and the surrounding area, 40 km from here, include right-wing Hindu leader Milind Ekbote and members of the left-leaning cultural group Kabir Kala Manch (KKM). Clashes had broken out on January 1, 2018 when Dalits visited Koregaon Bhima to commemorate 200th anniversary of the victory of the East India Company's forces -- which included Dalit Mahar soldiers -- over the Brahmin Peshwa's army. One person lost life in the violence. Dalits, who look upon the defeat of Peshwa's army as a symbol of their emancipation, visit the Jay Stambh (victory pillar) at the site on January 1 every year. Right-wing organisations had opposed the celebration of the British victory on its bicentennial anniversary last time. Addressing a joint press conference here, Pune rural Superintendent of Police Sandip Patil said "preventive action" has been taken against 1,211 people under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). It includes action against 64 people who have been barred from visiting the surrounding area, he said. Some of these people are facing serious cases in connection with the January 1 violence and "such people will be kept away from the event" this time, said the SP. Special Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur range) Vishwas Nangare-Patil and Pune district collector Naval Kishore Ram also addressed the press conference. When asked if a notice has been served to another rightwing leader Sambhaji Bhide, who along with Ekbote is accused of instigating the violence of January 1, 2018, the police officials did not give any specific reply. A senior police officer said later that Ekbote and members of the KKM have been barred from visiting the area. Some members of the KKM are accused in the Elgar Parishad case. According to the police, provocative speeches at the Parishad (conclave), funded by Maoists, on December 31, 2017 triggered violence at Koregaon Bhima the next day. Six persons have been "externed" from the district, the officials said. The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act has been invoked against a gang operating in the district. District collector Ram said that seven to ten lakh people are expected to visit the war memorial on January 1. The administration has held several meetings with local people and taken measures to create a "positive environment", he said. Nangare-Patil appealed people not to believe or spread rumours. Two months ago, several hate messages were making rounds on social media, following which the police took action against 45 people for spreading rumours, he said. Asked if Internet services will be suspended on January 1, he said it will depend on the situation. Police check posts have been set up along the border of Pune district, he said. Besides large-scale police deployment, 500 CCTV cameras, 11 drone cameras and 40 video cameras will monitor the area, he said.

Bhima Koregaon: Police take preventive action against over 1,200 people

A group of Indian Navy divers arrived from Vishakhapatnam Saturday to join operations underway to rescue 15 miners trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-three-helmets-have-been-recovered-says-ndrf-187110">mine in Meghalaya</a> since December 13, a senior official said.

The 15-member team, equipped with specialised diving equipment including a re-compression chamber and remotely operated vehicles capable of searching underwater, went straightway to the mine site in the&nbsp;remote Lumthari village in East Jaintia Hills district.

They were thoroughly briefed by the NDRF personnel, who were supervising the entire rescue operations since their arrival on December 14, a senior official of the East Jaintia Hills district said.

A team of rescuers with 10 high-powered Kirloskar pumps has also reached the spot from Bhubaneshwar, District Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI.

The mechanical teams are doing the preparatory works and the pumps are expected to begin operations any time now, the SP added.

Another 8 high powered pumps mobilised by Coal India Ltd are on the road and are expected to arrive in another 2 to 3 days, North Eastern Coalfields general manager J Bora said.

Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India were jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to drain water out of the 37-foot-deep mine.&nbsp;

The rat-hole mine located on top of a hillock fully covered with trees had got flooded when water from the nearby Lytein river gushed into it on December 13, trapping the 15 diggers.

Pumping of water from the mine was suspended on Saturday last as there was no visible receding of the water level in it. The district authorities had written to the state government seeking high-powered pumps as the two 25 hp pumps, which were being used, were found to be inadequate, an official of the NDRF, which is involved in the rescue operation, said.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF )on Thursday contradicted media reports which quoted it as saying the trapped minors were suspected to be dead on the basis of the foul odour the force's divers had smelt when they had gone inside the mine.

It said the foul smell could be due to the stagnant water in the mine as pumping had been halted for more than 48 hours.

A PTI reporter who went to the site on Friday reported that the mine is located on top of a hillock fully covered with trees. To reach the mine, a person has to pass the 30-foot wide Lytein river three times.

No habitation was found nearby and 80-90 illegal coal mines dot the area.

The reporter was told by locals that the illegal private mine was closed for a long time and opened for mining 2-3 days before the miners were trapped on December 13.

The mine is owned by Krip Schullet, a local who has been arrested since the incident came to the adminstration's knowledge, state officials said.

Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes" as each just about fits one person.

A group of Indian Navy divers arrived from Vishakhapatnam Saturday to join operations underway to rescue 15 miners trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya since December 13, a senior official said.

A group of Indian Navy divers arrived from Vishakhapatnam Saturday to join operations underway to rescue 15 miners trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya since December 13, a senior official said. The 15-member team, equipped with specialised diving equipment including a re-compression chamber and remotely operated vehicles capable of searching underwater, went straightway to the mine site in the remote Lumthari village in East Jaintia Hills district. They were thoroughly briefed by the NDRF personnel, who were supervising the entire rescue operations since their arrival on December 14, a senior official of the East Jaintia Hills district said. A team of rescuers with 10 high-powered Kirloskar pumps has also reached the spot from Bhubaneshwar, District Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI. The mechanical teams are doing the preparatory works and the pumps are expected to begin operations any time now, the SP added. Another 8 high powered pumps mobilised by Coal India Ltd are on the road and are expected to arrive in another 2 to 3 days, North Eastern Coalfields general manager J Bora said. Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India were jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to drain water out of the 37-foot-deep mine. The rat-hole mine located on top of a hillock fully covered with trees had got flooded when water from the nearby Lytein river gushed into it on December 13, trapping the 15 diggers. Pumping of water from the mine was suspended on Saturday last as there was no visible receding of the water level in it. The district authorities had written to the state government seeking high-powered pumps as the two 25 hp pumps, which were being used, were found to be inadequate, an official of the NDRF, which is involved in the rescue operation, said. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF )on Thursday contradicted media reports which quoted it as saying the trapped minors were suspected to be dead on the basis of the foul odour the force's divers had smelt when they had gone inside the mine. It said the foul smell could be due to the stagnant water in the mine as pumping had been halted for more than 48 hours. A PTI reporter who went to the site on Friday reported that the mine is located on top of a hillock fully covered with trees. To reach the mine, a person has to pass the 30-foot wide Lytein river three times. No habitation was found nearby and 80-90 illegal coal mines dot the area. The reporter was told by locals that the illegal private mine was closed for a long time and opened for mining 2-3 days before the miners were trapped on December 13. The mine is owned by Krip Schullet, a local who has been arrested since the incident came to the adminstration's knowledge, state officials said. Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes" as each just about fits one person.

Meghalaya miners rescue: Indian Navy divers arrive at site, join operations

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Saturday met<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-contribute-rs-4500-crore-in-bhutans-12th-five-year-planpm-modi-186982"> Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering </a>here and the two discussed the political situation in the region.

The meeting took place at a local hotel.

"I had an excellent meeting today with the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering. We discussed the political situation in the region and other matters of common interest. I look forward to continuing our dialogue in the future," Gandhi said on Twitter.

Later, in a Facebook post, he said the India-Bhutan relations has endured the test of time.&nbsp;

"It's a relationship that has endured the test of time. We are joined not only by a pleasant past but also by our hopes to create a better future for the region," Gandhi said in his post.

The Bhutanese prime minister is on a state visit to India and had earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.&nbsp;

Tshering arrived here on Thursday on his first foreign visit after taking charge as PM of the Himalayan nation last month following his party's victory in the general elections.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Saturday met Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering here and the two discussed the political situation in the region. The meeting took place at a local hotel.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Saturday met Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering here and the two discussed the political situation in the region. The meeting took place at a local hotel. "I had an excellent meeting today with the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering. We discussed the political situation in the region and other matters of common interest. I look forward to continuing our dialogue in the future," Gandhi said on Twitter. Later, in a Facebook post, he said the India-Bhutan relations has endured the test of time. "It's a relationship that has endured the test of time. We are joined not only by a pleasant past but also by our hopes to create a better future for the region," Gandhi said in his post. The Bhutanese prime minister is on a state visit to India and had earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Tshering arrived here on Thursday on his first foreign visit after taking charge as PM of the Himalayan nation last month following his party's victory in the general elections.

Rahul Gandhi meets Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering

Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category Saturday, but remained on the brink of turning 'severe' due to drop in temperature and unfavourable meteorological conditions slowing down dispersion of pollutants, authorities said.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data showed the overall air quality index (AQI) in the national capital at 389 and 369, respectively -- both of which fall in the 'very poor' category.

The air quality slipped briefly into the 'severe' category Saturday morning but turned 'very poor' by afternoon. Delhi's air quality has been oscillating between 'very poor' and 'severe' categories for the past 10 days.

According to CPCB data, 15 areas recorded 'severe' pollution, while 21 areas witnessed 'very poor' air quality.

In the national capital region (NCR), Ghaziabad recorded 'severe' air quality, while Faridabad, Gurgaon and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality.

The overall PM2.5 level -- fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres -- was recorded at 234 and the PM10 level at 380 in Delhi, the CPCB said.

The national capital recorded its second highest pollution level of the year Sunday with an AQI of 450. The air quality remained 'severe' Monday and Tuesday. There was a slight drop in the pollution level and the air quality moved to the 'very poor' category Wednesday.

On Thursday, the air quality again worsened and turned 'severe'. 
According to the SAFAR, Delhi's air quality has deteriorated slightly and touched upper side of the 'very poor' category.

"Air quality over Delhi is very poor which may improve slightly as winds are relatively high during day but predicted to deteriorate by tomorrow as winds speed is unlikely to remain the same and other meteorological conditions are already not favourable. Cold wave conditions are likely to persist at least for next 2 days," the SAFAR said.

"The air quality index will continue to fluctuate between 360-380 for the next 3 days which falls under upper side of 'very poor' category," it added.

The SAFAR also pointed out that a consistent "day-night trend" is observed for the past one week.

"During night, combination of calm wind and colder conditions is elevating the pollution level where in many locations, 24hr rolling average (AQI) is touching severe levels for few hours whereas during the day, wind speed is picking up slightly and temperature is increasing to keep level in very poor range," it said.

Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category Saturday, but remained on the brink of turning 'severe' due to drop in temperature and unfavourable meteorological conditions slowing down dispersion of pollutants, authorities said.

Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category Saturday, but remained on the brink of turning 'severe' due to drop in temperature and unfavourable meteorological conditions slowing down dispersion of pollutants, authorities said. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data showed the overall air quality index (AQI) in the national capital at 389 and 369, respectively -- both of which fall in the 'very poor' category. The air quality slipped briefly into the 'severe' category Saturday morning but turned 'very poor' by afternoon. Delhi's air quality has been oscillating between 'very poor' and 'severe' categories for the past 10 days. According to CPCB data, 15 areas recorded 'severe' pollution, while 21 areas witnessed 'very poor' air quality. In the national capital region (NCR), Ghaziabad recorded 'severe' air quality, while Faridabad, Gurgaon and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality. The overall PM2.5 level -- fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres -- was recorded at 234 and the PM10 level at 380 in Delhi, the CPCB said. The national capital recorded its second highest pollution level of the year Sunday with an AQI of 450. The air quality remained 'severe' Monday and Tuesday. There was a slight drop in the pollution level and the air quality moved to the 'very poor' category Wednesday. On Thursday, the air quality again worsened and turned 'severe'. According to the SAFAR, Delhi's air quality has deteriorated slightly and touched upper side of the 'very poor' category. "Air quality over Delhi is very poor which may improve slightly as winds are relatively high during day but predicted to deteriorate by tomorrow as winds speed is unlikely to remain the same and other meteorological conditions are already not favourable. Cold wave conditions are likely to persist at least for next 2 days," the SAFAR said. "The air quality index will continue to fluctuate between 360-380 for the next 3 days which falls under upper side of 'very poor' category," it added. The SAFAR also pointed out that a consistent "day-night trend" is observed for the past one week. "During night, combination of calm wind and colder conditions is elevating the pollution level where in many locations, 24hr rolling average (AQI) is touching severe levels for few hours whereas during the day, wind speed is picking up slightly and temperature is increasing to keep level in very poor range," it said.

Delhi air quality 'very poor', expected to deteriorate on Sunday

The Congress party will not let the passage of the triple talaq bill in its present form in the Rajya Sabha, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said here Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-bjp-lawmakers-fails-to-show-up-at-triple-talaq-bill-discussion-186998">Triple Talaq Bill </a>will be moved by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Rajya Sabha on 31 December.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaq?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaq</a> Bill will be moved by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Rajya Sabha on 31 December
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The party would join hands with those parties with which it can ally with to&nbsp;defeat the bill in the present form, he told reporters here.

He said 10 opposition parties had come out openly against the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 when it was introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Even the parties, including AIADMK which supports the government on various issues and the Trinamool Congress, have come out openly against the bill, said Venugopal who is also a Congress floor strategist.

Condemning the bill, he said stringent provisions like criminalisation of a&nbsp;civil wrong were there in the triple talaq bill and it was not at all acceptable for the opposition parties, including the Congress.

"...The bill will not help empower the women", Venugopal said.

The bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, is expected to be considered by the Rajya Sabha next week.

He claimed there was no confusion in the Congress-led UPA or party-led UDF in Kerala regarding the bill.

Recalling the passage of the bill in another form in the Lok Sabha in 2017, the Alappuzha MP said the then government could not push the bill in the Upper House due to the stringent opposition from the Congress and other opposition parties.

"That is the reason why the government brought the ordinance and re-introduced the bill again in the Lok Sabha. But the Congress will oppose its passage in the present form in the Rajya Sabha," he said.

The Congress had earlier accused the NDA government of getting the triple talaq bill passed in haste in the Lok Sabha keeping in mind the 2019 general elections.

The party has said its provisions were against the Constitution as well as fundamental rights.

The Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill criminalising the practice of instant triple talaq, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community.

The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected by the government.

The bill was passed by the Lower House with 245 voting in favour and 11 opposing the legislation.

It would now go to the Rajya Sabha for passage and if passed would become the law.

Piloting the bill, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said there should be no politics on the bill, stressing that it was not against any particular community.

Describing the passage of the triple talaq bill as a historic step to ensure equality and dignity of Muslim women, BJP chief Amit Shah had demanded apology from the Congress for decades of injustice.

The Congress party will not let the passage of the triple talaq bill in its present form in the Rajya Sabha, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said here Saturday.

The Congress party will not let the passage of the triple talaq bill in its present form in the Rajya Sabha, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said here Saturday. Triple Talaq Bill will be moved by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Rajya Sabha on 31 December. #TripleTalaq Bill will be moved by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Rajya Sabha on 31 December — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × The party would join hands with those parties with which it can ally with to defeat the bill in the present form, he told reporters here. He said 10 opposition parties had come out openly against the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 when it was introduced in the Lok Sabha. Even the parties, including AIADMK which supports the government on various issues and the Trinamool Congress, have come out openly against the bill, said Venugopal who is also a Congress floor strategist. Condemning the bill, he said stringent provisions like criminalisation of a civil wrong were there in the triple talaq bill and it was not at all acceptable for the opposition parties, including the Congress. "...The bill will not help empower the women", Venugopal said. The bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, is expected to be considered by the Rajya Sabha next week. He claimed there was no confusion in the Congress-led UPA or party-led UDF in Kerala regarding the bill. Recalling the passage of the bill in another form in the Lok Sabha in 2017, the Alappuzha MP said the then government could not push the bill in the Upper House due to the stringent opposition from the Congress and other opposition parties. "That is the reason why the government brought the ordinance and re-introduced the bill again in the Lok Sabha. But the Congress will oppose its passage in the present form in the Rajya Sabha," he said. The Congress had earlier accused the NDA government of getting the triple talaq bill passed in haste in the Lok Sabha keeping in mind the 2019 general elections. The party has said its provisions were against the Constitution as well as fundamental rights. The Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill criminalising the practice of instant triple talaq, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community. The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected by the government. The bill was passed by the Lower House with 245 voting in favour and 11 opposing the legislation. It would now go to the Rajya Sabha for passage and if passed would become the law. Piloting the bill, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said there should be no politics on the bill, stressing that it was not against any particular community. Describing the passage of the triple talaq bill as a historic step to ensure equality and dignity of Muslim women, BJP chief Amit Shah had demanded apology from the Congress for decades of injustice.

Won't let triple talaq bill pass in Rajya Sabha: Congress general secretary KC Venugopal 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the Congress of misleading farmers on loan waiver promises, calling them lollipops.

On a day's visit to the Purvanchal region, his second trip to Uttar Pradesh this month, Modi claimed the JD(S)-Congress coalition government which came to power in Karnataka recently had waived only 800 farm loans.

"Be wary of the Congress and its lies,"&nbsp;he said at a public meeting here after laying the foundation stone for a medical college and releasing a postal stamp on legendary king Suheldev.

"Will you trust the lollypop company"&nbsp;he said.

Modi's remarks on farm loans&nbsp;"made at other recent meetings as well"&nbsp;follow the waivers announced by the Congress governments in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh after the recent assembly polls.

Modi has been saying that the Congress had promised much more than its governments have delivered on loan waivers, a charge denied in the past by that party.

The prime minister described himself again as a "chowkidar' (watchman) of the people, a term ridiculed by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

"This chowkidar of yours is toiling very hard day and night, and with honesty, to brighten your future and that of your children,"&nbsp;he said.

"Because of this chowkidar, some thieves are having sleepless nights. It is your faith and blessings on me that will take the thieves to their rightful place one day," he said. 
He described Maharaja Suheldev as a brave warrior.

"Maharaja Suheldev is among those bravehearts who had struggled for the honour of 'Maa Bharti',"&nbsp;he said.

"All people hailing from the deprived and the exploited sections of society seek inspiration from him. Remembering him strengthens the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas (inclusive development)," he said.

The PM's rally here is also being seen as an effort by the Bharatiya Janata Party to woo the Rajbhar community, which reveres Maharaja Suheldev.

However, BJP ally Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party has distanced itself from the event. SBSP chief and Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has claimed he was not invited in time.

Modi said his government will not let the memory of those who defended the country and worked for society to fade away.

"There are bravehearts of the country who have not been given the due respect by the previous governments. Our government is paying tribute to them,"&nbsp;he said.

"Several important steps have being taken to transform Purvanchal into a big medical hub and to strengthen small industries in UP," Modi said.

He said when a government works with transparency and public interest is put above self-interest, big tasks are accomplished effectively.

"Today even the poorest of the poor are heard. The government has been able to lay the foundation of a strong monument," he said.

Modi mentioned Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana and said for the first time healthcare had been given so much emphasis.

The prime minister listed several agriculture-related projects for the region.

These include the International Rice Research Institute in Varanasi, cargo centres in Varanasi and Ghazipur, a fertilizer plant in Gorakhpur and the Bansagar irrigation project.

He said the Union government has fixed the minimum support price of 22 crops at one and a half times the cost of production.

Mentioning connectivity projects, Modi said work is in full swing for the Purvanchal Expressway.

The recently opened waterway between Varanasi and Kolkata would also benefit Ghazipur, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the Congress of misleading farmers on loan waiver promises, calling them lollipops. On a day's visit to the Purvanchal region, his second trip to Uttar Pradesh this month, Modi claimed the JD(S)-Congress coalition government which came to power in Karnataka recently had waived only 800 farm loans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the Congress of misleading farmers on loan waiver promises, calling them lollipops. On a day's visit to the Purvanchal region, his second trip to Uttar Pradesh this month, Modi claimed the JD(S)-Congress coalition government which came to power in Karnataka recently had waived only 800 farm loans. "Be wary of the Congress and its lies," he said at a public meeting here after laying the foundation stone for a medical college and releasing a postal stamp on legendary king Suheldev. "Will you trust the lollypop company" he said. Modi's remarks on farm loans "made at other recent meetings as well" follow the waivers announced by the Congress governments in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh after the recent assembly polls. Modi has been saying that the Congress had promised much more than its governments have delivered on loan waivers, a charge denied in the past by that party. The prime minister described himself again as a "chowkidar' (watchman) of the people, a term ridiculed by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. "This chowkidar of yours is toiling very hard day and night, and with honesty, to brighten your future and that of your children," he said. "Because of this chowkidar, some thieves are having sleepless nights. It is your faith and blessings on me that will take the thieves to their rightful place one day," he said. He described Maharaja Suheldev as a brave warrior. "Maharaja Suheldev is among those bravehearts who had struggled for the honour of 'Maa Bharti'," he said. "All people hailing from the deprived and the exploited sections of society seek inspiration from him. Remembering him strengthens the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas (inclusive development)," he said. The PM's rally here is also being seen as an effort by the Bharatiya Janata Party to woo the Rajbhar community, which reveres Maharaja Suheldev. However, BJP ally Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party has distanced itself from the event. SBSP chief and Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has claimed he was not invited in time. Modi said his government will not let the memory of those who defended the country and worked for society to fade away. "There are bravehearts of the country who have not been given the due respect by the previous governments. Our government is paying tribute to them," he said. "Several important steps have being taken to transform Purvanchal into a big medical hub and to strengthen small industries in UP," Modi said. He said when a government works with transparency and public interest is put above self-interest, big tasks are accomplished effectively. "Today even the poorest of the poor are heard. The government has been able to lay the foundation of a strong monument," he said. Modi mentioned Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana and said for the first time healthcare had been given so much emphasis. The prime minister listed several agriculture-related projects for the region. These include the International Rice Research Institute in Varanasi, cargo centres in Varanasi and Ghazipur, a fertilizer plant in Gorakhpur and the Bansagar irrigation project. He said the Union government has fixed the minimum support price of 22 crops at one and a half times the cost of production. Mentioning connectivity projects, Modi said work is in full swing for the Purvanchal Expressway. The recently opened waterway between Varanasi and Kolkata would also benefit Ghazipur, he added.

PM Modi attacks Congress on loan waiver promises

Three international flights, carrying hundreds of passengers, had a narrow escape from a mid-air collision in the Delhi flight information region on Sunday after multiple auto-generated warnings by&nbsp;the Air Traffic Control (ATC), according to reports.

The pilots of the three flights will be summoned by the Aircraft Accident Incident Bureau (AAIB), sources in the bureau told news agency ANI.

The three foreign airlines - Dutch carrier KLM, Taiwan's Eva Air, and US-based National Airlines - were flying at almost the same level which is a clear violation of mandatory separation.

The US National Airlines from Afghanistan to Hong Kong was flying at 31,000 feet, the Amsterdam-Bangkok EVA Air plane at 32,000 feet and Vienna-bound Dutch KLM at 33,000 feet.

As per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules 2017, the AAIB is empowered to summon the pilots of foreign airlines for investigation.

These rules "extend to the whole of India and apply to, and to the persons on, aircraft registered outside India," the DGCA rules say, adding that the rules also apply to an aircraft operated by a person who is not a citizen of India but has his principal place of business or permanent residence of India.

Sources in AAIB said that the bureau has the power to call pilots of any foreign airlines in serious cases through International Civil Aviation Organisation, an international aviation body.

Three international flights, carrying hundreds of passengers, had a narrow escape from a mid-air collision in the Delhi flight information region on Sunday after multiple auto-generated warnings by the Air Traffic Control (ATC), according to reports.

Three international flights, carrying hundreds of passengers, had a narrow escape from a mid-air collision in the Delhi flight information region on Sunday after multiple auto-generated warnings by the Air Traffic Control (ATC), according to reports. The pilots of the three flights will be summoned by the Aircraft Accident Incident Bureau (AAIB), sources in the bureau told news agency ANI. The three foreign airlines - Dutch carrier KLM, Taiwan's Eva Air, and US-based National Airlines - were flying at almost the same level which is a clear violation of mandatory separation. The US National Airlines from Afghanistan to Hong Kong was flying at 31,000 feet, the Amsterdam-Bangkok EVA Air plane at 32,000 feet and Vienna-bound Dutch KLM at 33,000 feet. As per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules 2017, the AAIB is empowered to summon the pilots of foreign airlines for investigation. These rules "extend to the whole of India and apply to, and to the persons on, aircraft registered outside India," the DGCA rules say, adding that the rules also apply to an aircraft operated by a person who is not a citizen of India but has his principal place of business or permanent residence of India. Sources in AAIB said that the bureau has the power to call pilots of any foreign airlines in serious cases through International Civil Aviation Organisation, an international aviation body.

Mid-air collision of 3 international flights averted, AAIB to summon pilots

Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, had named 'Mrs Gandhi', but did not specify in which context the reference was made.

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Agusta Westland case: Enforcement Directorate tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi but in what reference can't be said right now. <a href="https://t.co/9foBKVd3V0">pic.twitter.com/9foBKVd3V0</a>
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The ED also told the special court that Christian Michel had spoken about "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the "next prime minister of the country".

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ED in Delhi's Patiala House court: Christian Michel has also spoken about “the son of the Italian lady” and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a>
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ED's lawyer said that Michel has spelt out how state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal and how it was offered to Tata instead.&nbsp;

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Agusta Westland case: ED tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has identified how HAL was removed from the deal and the deal was offered to Tata instead. ED also seeks to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside <a href="https://t.co/xvQSaJnyxH">https://t.co/xvQSaJnyxH</a>
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ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging that he is being tutored from outside.&nbsp;

Christian Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI.&nbsp;The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;

He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. It was extended by five more days, and later for another four days.

The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million.

The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, had named 'Mrs Gandhi', but did not specify in which context the reference was made.

Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, had named 'Mrs Gandhi', but did not specify in which context the reference was made. Agusta Westland case: Enforcement Directorate tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi but in what reference can't be said right now. pic.twitter.com/9foBKVd3V0 — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × The ED also told the special court that Christian Michel had spoken about "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the "next prime minister of the country". ED in Delhi's Patiala House court: Christian Michel has also spoken about “the son of the Italian lady” and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country. #AgustaWestland — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × ED's lawyer said that Michel has spelt out how state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal and how it was offered to Tata instead. Agusta Westland case: ED tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has identified how HAL was removed from the deal and the deal was offered to Tata instead. ED also seeks to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside https://t.co/xvQSaJnyxH — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging that he is being tutored from outside. Christian Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. It was extended by five more days, and later for another four days. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

Christian Michel names 'Mrs Gandhi', context not specified: ED to Delhi court

A 1000-pound aerial bomb dating back to the World War-II era has been unearthed at a dock here during routine dredging operations.

The area was cordoned off following the discovery of the bomb Friday and the police, Navy and the Army duly informed, Kolkata Port Trust Chairman Vinit Kumar said.

"The 4.5-km-long aerial bomb was located around 2 pm yesterday during dredging operations at Netaji Subhas Dock berth II. Initially, we thought it was a torpedo, but the Navy has confirmed that it is a bomb," he told PTI.

The explosive is likely to be defused with the help of officials from the Ordnance Factory, he added.

Commodore Suprobho K De, naval officer-in-charge, West Bengal, said the bomb does not pose any risk as it has several security locks affixed to it.

"It is a 450-kg aerial bomb fitted with brackets to attach with fighter planes. There seems to be no threat from the bomb as it has locks affixed to it. Also, aerial bombs have to be dropped from a certain height to make an impact," he explained.

De said there is not much that the Navy can do about the device.

"I hope the KoPT will seek help from the Ordinance Factory, which has expertise in making ammunition. If needed, we may contact Vizag naval base for assistance," De said.

Netaji Subhas Dock, on the east bank of Hooghly river, was extensively used by the US Navy during World War II for its operations.&nbsp;

A 1000-pound aerial bomb dating back to the World War-II era has been unearthed at a dock here during routine dredging operations. The area was cordoned off following the discovery of the bomb Friday and the police, Navy and the Army duly informed, Kolkata Port Trust Chairman Vinit Kumar said.

A 1000-pound aerial bomb dating back to the World War-II era has been unearthed at a dock here during routine dredging operations. The area was cordoned off following the discovery of the bomb Friday and the police, Navy and the Army duly informed, Kolkata Port Trust Chairman Vinit Kumar said. "The 4.5-km-long aerial bomb was located around 2 pm yesterday during dredging operations at Netaji Subhas Dock berth II. Initially, we thought it was a torpedo, but the Navy has confirmed that it is a bomb," he told PTI. The explosive is likely to be defused with the help of officials from the Ordnance Factory, he added. Commodore Suprobho K De, naval officer-in-charge, West Bengal, said the bomb does not pose any risk as it has several security locks affixed to it. "It is a 450-kg aerial bomb fitted with brackets to attach with fighter planes. There seems to be no threat from the bomb as it has locks affixed to it. Also, aerial bombs have to be dropped from a certain height to make an impact," he explained. De said there is not much that the Navy can do about the device. "I hope the KoPT will seek help from the Ordinance Factory, which has expertise in making ammunition. If needed, we may contact Vizag naval base for assistance," De said. Netaji Subhas Dock, on the east bank of Hooghly river, was extensively used by the US Navy during World War II for its operations.

World War-II bomb found during dredging operations in Kolkata

Scores of passengers were stranded as nearly 15 trains were delayed due to thick fog across the national capital on Saturday.

According to the official data, most of the trains were rescheduled after getting delayed for at least by two hours.

The trains Purushottam Express, Mahabodhi Express, and Kaifiyat Express were delayed by three hours each. While Vikramshila Express, Jaynagar Anand Vihar Garib Rath Express, Kashi Vishwanath Express were running late by five hours, four hours and three hours respectively due to dense fog in Delhi.

Earlier, the Railways had stated that it has started using Fog Pass Device (Fog Pilot Assistance System) or FSD, which is GPS-enabled and can continuously calculate the distance of the train in relation to the next landmark, enabling drivers to know when exactly a signal is approaching.

It has installed as many as 4,920 such devices in the most fog-affected railway zones - northern, north-central, north-eastern and north-western.

Today, the minimum and maximum temperature of Delhi will hover around three Degree Celsius and 19 Degree Celsius.

The humidity in the region will be oscillating between 60 per cent and 65 per cent with wind speed of 10 km/hr.

According to Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the average temperature for the month of December so far has been 7.1-degree Celsius against the normal of 8.3-degree Celsius.

In the coming days as well, the same trend will continue and as per the experts, the minimum temperature can even go below 5-degree Celsius.

Besides national capital, cold wave conditions are also prevailing in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and chilly winds from north and northwest directions are blowing over these two states.

With the onset of Chillai Kalan, Jammu and Kashmir`s Srinagar recorded minus 7.7 degrees on Friday which was the lowest minimum in a span of 28 years.

The Dal Lake has already frozen and so are other small lakes and several other water bodies.

Chilly winds have also engulfed southern state such as Telangana where the temperature is expected to fall in the single digit in the first week of January.

"As these winds were travelling from the Bay of Bengal, minimums increased over Telangana. However, reversal of winds occurred on December 27 and warm and humid winds from southeast directions got replaced by cold and dry winds from north direction. As a result, minimums dropped to a great extent leading to commencement of cold wave condition in some parts of the state," Skymet stated.&nbsp;

Scores of passengers were stranded as nearly 15 trains were delayed due to thick fog across the national capital on Saturday. According to the official data, most of the trains were rescheduled after getting delayed for at least by two hours.

Scores of passengers were stranded as nearly 15 trains were delayed due to thick fog across the national capital on Saturday. According to the official data, most of the trains were rescheduled after getting delayed for at least by two hours. The trains Purushottam Express, Mahabodhi Express, and Kaifiyat Express were delayed by three hours each. While Vikramshila Express, Jaynagar Anand Vihar Garib Rath Express, Kashi Vishwanath Express were running late by five hours, four hours and three hours respectively due to dense fog in Delhi. Earlier, the Railways had stated that it has started using Fog Pass Device (Fog Pilot Assistance System) or FSD, which is GPS-enabled and can continuously calculate the distance of the train in relation to the next landmark, enabling drivers to know when exactly a signal is approaching. It has installed as many as 4,920 such devices in the most fog-affected railway zones - northern, north-central, north-eastern and north-western. Today, the minimum and maximum temperature of Delhi will hover around three Degree Celsius and 19 Degree Celsius. The humidity in the region will be oscillating between 60 per cent and 65 per cent with wind speed of 10 km/hr. According to Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the average temperature for the month of December so far has been 7.1-degree Celsius against the normal of 8.3-degree Celsius. In the coming days as well, the same trend will continue and as per the experts, the minimum temperature can even go below 5-degree Celsius. Besides national capital, cold wave conditions are also prevailing in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and chilly winds from north and northwest directions are blowing over these two states. With the onset of Chillai Kalan, Jammu and Kashmir`s Srinagar recorded minus 7.7 degrees on Friday which was the lowest minimum in a span of 28 years. The Dal Lake has already frozen and so are other small lakes and several other water bodies. Chilly winds have also engulfed southern state such as Telangana where the temperature is expected to fall in the single digit in the first week of January. "As these winds were travelling from the Bay of Bengal, minimums increased over Telangana. However, reversal of winds occurred on December 27 and warm and humid winds from southeast directions got replaced by cold and dry winds from north direction. As a result, minimums dropped to a great extent leading to commencement of cold wave condition in some parts of the state," Skymet stated.

Foggy weather disrupts rail service in Delhi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/conversion-to-christianity-remains-a-sensitive-issue-in-nepal-and-india-185608">Nepal-India relations</a> saw an upward trend in 2018 as high-level bilateral visits gradually helped remove the mistrust, with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pm-modi-has-changed-tack-cooperated-closely-with-nepal-178364"> Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> saying New Delhi was ready to be the 'Sherpa' in the land-locked Himalayan nation's quest to scale the mountain of success.

India was able to recover its lost ground in Nepal in recent months after a period of unease in bilateral ties following the violent agitation in 2015 by Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, who blocked Indo-Nepal border demanding more representation in Parliament and redrawing of provincial boundaries.

The economic blockade severely affected Nepal, its economy and its ties with India.

India's bilateral engagement with Nepal in 2018 began with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in February meeting Left alliance leader K P Sharma Oli days before his swearing in as prime minister.

After Nepal witnessed political instability for several years, the Left alliance came to power in the historic polls in December 2017.

Known for his pro-China stance, Oli became Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time in February. His first term as the premier from 2015 to 2016 saw straining of ties with New Delhi over the 2015 blockade.

Oli, who publicly criticised New Delhi for allegedly interfering in Nepal's internal matters and accused it of toppling his government, however, changed his tone after his sweeping poll victory and said he wants to "update" relations with India "in keeping with the times".

Oli said he favours a review of all special provisions of the Indo-Nepal relations. He also vowed to deepen Nepal's ties with China to explore more options and get more leverage in his dealings with India.

The prime ministers of Nepal and India agreed to review, adjust and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and other bilateral agreements.

China, which has been investing heavily in Nepal blunting India's influence in the country, was quick to congratulate the new Nepalese government and said that India, China and Nepal should step up "sound interaction for win-win outcomes".

The highest level of visit between India and Nepal came in April when Prime Minister Oli, leading a 53-member jumbo delegation, visited India for a three-day visit which, he said, helped in clearing misunderstanding and mistrust and strengthening mutual trust between the two neighbours.

During talks between Oli and Modi, the two countries agreed to conduct feasibility studies <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-help-nepal-build-rail-link-to-kathmandu-162857">regarding construction of Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line </a>and operating Nepalese steamers to transport goods and people from Nepal to other countries.

In May, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Nepal for a two-day state visit, his third visit to the country in four years.

Modi visited the famed 20th century Janaki temple in Janakpur, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. He and his Nepalese counterpart jointly inaugurated a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya - the two sacred cities for Hindus - to promote religious tourism in Nepal and India.

Describing his trip to Nepal as a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy, Modi said Nepal has entered a new era and India would continue to support it.

He said India supports a "united, prosperous and strong" Nepal as he called for transforming the land-locked Himalayan nation into land- and water-linked country.

Oli said Nepal is sensitive to India's interests and would not allow its territory to be used against it.

Modi said India was ready to be the 'Sherpa' — a member of the Himalayan community renowned for mountaineering skills — to help Nepal scale the mountain of success, hailing the Himalayan nation's successful journey from bullets to ballots.

Oli, briefing Nepal's Parliament on Modi's state visit, said the visit has elevated bilateral ties to new heights.

In August, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-attends-inaugural-session-of-4th-bimstec-summit-in-kathmandu-162519">Modi visited Nepal for BIMSTEC conference</a> and held talks with Oli during which India and Nepal exchanged a memorandum of understanding to build a strategic railway line connecting Bihar's Raxual city to Kathmandu.

This was the third meeting between Modi and Oli in 2018.

China made inroads into Nepal as Kathmandu started accessing the internet through a Chinese optical fibre link laid across the Himalayan mountains, ending its sole dependency on India for connecting to the cyberspace.

Nepal and China signed the protocol of Transit and Transport Agreement in September according to which the Communist giant agreed to allow Nepal to use four of its seaports and three land ports for third-country trade, reducing its dependence on India to conduct international commerce.

The Madhesi agitation in 2015 forced Nepal to explore trade links with China and reduce its long-term dependence on India.

In September, Nepal decided not to participate in the first-ever joint military exercise of BIMSTEC nations in Pune, amid reports that Nepal's political parties had expressed concern over the drill.

In December, Nepal banned the use of Indian currency notes of Rs 2,000, Rs 500 and Rs 200 denominations, a move that could affect Indian tourists visiting the Himalayan nation where Indian currency is widely used.

Notwithstanding differences in India-Nepal ties and the growing Chinese influence in the Himalayan nation, the frequent high-level visits by the leaders of the two countries have helped promote goodwill, trust, understanding and cooperation and have injected fresh momentum to further consolidate age-old and multi-faceted relations.

Nepal-India relations saw an upward trend in 2018 as high-level bilateral visits gradually helped remove the mistrust, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying New Delhi was ready to be the 'Sherpa' in the land-locked Himalayan nation's quest to scale the mountain of success.

Nepal-India relations saw an upward trend in 2018 as high-level bilateral visits gradually helped remove the mistrust, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying New Delhi was ready to be the 'Sherpa' in the land-locked Himalayan nation's quest to scale the mountain of success. India was able to recover its lost ground in Nepal in recent months after a period of unease in bilateral ties following the violent agitation in 2015 by Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, who blocked Indo-Nepal border demanding more representation in Parliament and redrawing of provincial boundaries. The economic blockade severely affected Nepal, its economy and its ties with India. India's bilateral engagement with Nepal in 2018 began with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in February meeting Left alliance leader K P Sharma Oli days before his swearing in as prime minister. After Nepal witnessed political instability for several years, the Left alliance came to power in the historic polls in December 2017. Known for his pro-China stance, Oli became Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time in February. His first term as the premier from 2015 to 2016 saw straining of ties with New Delhi over the 2015 blockade. Oli, who publicly criticised New Delhi for allegedly interfering in Nepal's internal matters and accused it of toppling his government, however, changed his tone after his sweeping poll victory and said he wants to "update" relations with India "in keeping with the times". Oli said he favours a review of all special provisions of the Indo-Nepal relations. He also vowed to deepen Nepal's ties with China to explore more options and get more leverage in his dealings with India. The prime ministers of Nepal and India agreed to review, adjust and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and other bilateral agreements. China, which has been investing heavily in Nepal blunting India's influence in the country, was quick to congratulate the new Nepalese government and said that India, China and Nepal should step up "sound interaction for win-win outcomes". The highest level of visit between India and Nepal came in April when Prime Minister Oli, leading a 53-member jumbo delegation, visited India for a three-day visit which, he said, helped in clearing misunderstanding and mistrust and strengthening mutual trust between the two neighbours. During talks between Oli and Modi, the two countries agreed to conduct feasibility studies regarding construction of Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line and operating Nepalese steamers to transport goods and people from Nepal to other countries. In May, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Nepal for a two-day state visit, his third visit to the country in four years. Modi visited the famed 20th century Janaki temple in Janakpur, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. He and his Nepalese counterpart jointly inaugurated a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya - the two sacred cities for Hindus - to promote religious tourism in Nepal and India. Describing his trip to Nepal as a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy, Modi said Nepal has entered a new era and India would continue to support it. He said India supports a "united, prosperous and strong" Nepal as he called for transforming the land-locked Himalayan nation into land- and water-linked country. Oli said Nepal is sensitive to India's interests and would not allow its territory to be used against it. Modi said India was ready to be the 'Sherpa' — a member of the Himalayan community renowned for mountaineering skills — to help Nepal scale the mountain of success, hailing the Himalayan nation's successful journey from bullets to ballots. Oli, briefing Nepal's Parliament on Modi's state visit, said the visit has elevated bilateral ties to new heights. In August, Modi visited Nepal for BIMSTEC conference and held talks with Oli during which India and Nepal exchanged a memorandum of understanding to build a strategic railway line connecting Bihar's Raxual city to Kathmandu. This was the third meeting between Modi and Oli in 2018. China made inroads into Nepal as Kathmandu started accessing the internet through a Chinese optical fibre link laid across the Himalayan mountains, ending its sole dependency on India for connecting to the cyberspace. Nepal and China signed the protocol of Transit and Transport Agreement in September according to which the Communist giant agreed to allow Nepal to use four of its seaports and three land ports for third-country trade, reducing its dependence on India to conduct international commerce. The Madhesi agitation in 2015 forced Nepal to explore trade links with China and reduce its long-term dependence on India. In September, Nepal decided not to participate in the first-ever joint military exercise of BIMSTEC nations in Pune, amid reports that Nepal's political parties had expressed concern over the drill. In December, Nepal banned the use of Indian currency notes of Rs 2,000, Rs 500 and Rs 200 denominations, a move that could affect Indian tourists visiting the Himalayan nation where Indian currency is widely used. Notwithstanding differences in India-Nepal ties and the growing Chinese influence in the Himalayan nation, the frequent high-level visits by the leaders of the two countries have helped promote goodwill, trust, understanding and cooperation and have injected fresh momentum to further consolidate age-old and multi-faceted relations.

Nepal, India ties strengthened with high-level bilateral visits in 2018

If Indian Railways were to attempt a tagline for its achievements over this year, it would probably be - '2018, a year of many firsts', says <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/honest-reporting-efforts-of-employees-improved-punctuality-of-trains-piyush-goyal-165206">Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.</a>&nbsp;

While train delays, bad quality of food, overcharging by caterers remained the pet peeves of passengers through the year, 2018 marked the coming of age of railways - it manufactured India's fastest train, commissioned its longest bridge, converted a diesel loco into an electric one for the first time, built its first transport university, its first air-conditioned local train and perhaps its biggest first in the last three decades - lowest accident figures.

However, the role of the railways came under the scanner after the Amritsar train mishap on Dussehra in which 58 people were killed. Questions were raised as to how railways gave the green signal to a fast train despite the presence of a huge crowd on the tracks.

According to Goyal, "safety has been given the highest priority and this year saw the lowest ever rail accidents".

"Over the last four and a half years we have inculcated a new culture of implementing transformative reforms, setting ambitious targets and pushing the boundaries to give a green signal to growth. As a result, the past year has emerged as a year of many firsts' for Indian Railways," Goyal told PTI.

While in 2017-2018 till March, there were 73 accidents, since April there were 45 such cases till December 15. During April-December last year, there were 54 such cases.&nbsp;

While the fastest train - Train 18 - manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, Rae Bareilly at a cost of around Rs 97 crore has touched a maximum speed of 180 kmph, its actual date of commissioning is yet to be finalised. Touted to be India's fastest to replace the Shatabdi trains, T18 will run from Delhi to Varanasi.

However, with just 0.3 per cent of India's railway tracks spread over 60,000 km fit to handle trains running at the speed of up to 160 km per hour, according to an official assessment, only time will tell if such modern trains can actually run on full blast in the present network.

The railways, in another first, is set to come up with an elliptical 40-km track between Jaipur and Phulera at an investment of around Rs 4 billion for the trail of its semi-high speed, and high-speed trains. Once this is complete, India will enter a league of countries including the US, Germany, China and Australia that have dedicated tracks for train trials.

"This year also saw the commissioning of the first state-of-the-art 12,000 HP electric locomotive to help power green and clean railways. The world's first ever conversion of a diesel locomotive into electric will further our aim to become the world's largest electrified rail network.

"There has been unprecedented thrust on infrastructure creation, with the completion of the long-delayed Bogibeel Bridge, India's longest road-cum-rail bridge connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh," Goyal said.

Asia's second longest bridge was commissioned in Assam by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Christmas Day, 16 years after it had been inaugurated.

The operationalisation of the bridge has cut down travel time between Tinsukia in Assam and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh by around 10 hours.

In yet another first, railways converted a diesel locomotive into an electric one - a feat delivered for the first time in the world - as part of its efforts to completely electrify the broad gauge network.

What was important was that the conversion enhanced the power of the locomotive from 2600 horsepower (hp) to 5000 horsepower and also saved railways money.

2018 will also be remembered as a year in which railways set up its first transport university - the National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI), a university in Vadodara, Gujarat. This is the third in the world after Russia&nbsp;and China.

The university opened its doors to the first batch of 103 students from 20 states in two fully-residential undergraduate courses in September.

"With the establishment of India's first Rail University in Vadodara, we have initiated an era of a skilled and talented New Railways' which places India's youth in the driving seat of progress," said Goyal.

He also highlighted how railways this year conducted one of the largest recruitment drives to fill over 1.3 lakh positions to improve safety and services.

Another feather in railways' cap was the first air-conditioned local trains for the Mumbai suburban railways - with automatic doors, thus cutting down on possibilities of commuters falling off trains. More such trains are on the anvil for local travel.

This was also the year in which all grievances were not just expressed online, but with prompt replies and ready help, railways managed to even mitigate some of the anger.&nbsp;

In fact, for the first time, railways came up with apps for almost every aspect of its public interface - ticketing, grievance redressal, food menu, tracking trains among others.

"From a revamped website to an app for booking unreserved tickets, ticketing was also modernised. Indian Railways is again becoming a symbol of modernity, which it had exemplified when the first steam engine chugged out of Boribunder. This year is just the start of many firsts," said Goyal.&nbsp;

If Indian Railways were to attempt a tagline for its achievements over this year, it would probably be - '2018, a year of many firsts', says Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.

If Indian Railways were to attempt a tagline for its achievements over this year, it would probably be - '2018, a year of many firsts', says Railway Minister Piyush Goyal. While train delays, bad quality of food, overcharging by caterers remained the pet peeves of passengers through the year, 2018 marked the coming of age of railways - it manufactured India's fastest train, commissioned its longest bridge, converted a diesel loco into an electric one for the first time, built its first transport university, its first air-conditioned local train and perhaps its biggest first in the last three decades - lowest accident figures. However, the role of the railways came under the scanner after the Amritsar train mishap on Dussehra in which 58 people were killed. Questions were raised as to how railways gave the green signal to a fast train despite the presence of a huge crowd on the tracks. According to Goyal, "safety has been given the highest priority and this year saw the lowest ever rail accidents". "Over the last four and a half years we have inculcated a new culture of implementing transformative reforms, setting ambitious targets and pushing the boundaries to give a green signal to growth. As a result, the past year has emerged as a year of many firsts' for Indian Railways," Goyal told PTI. While in 2017-2018 till March, there were 73 accidents, since April there were 45 such cases till December 15. During April-December last year, there were 54 such cases. While the fastest train - Train 18 - manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, Rae Bareilly at a cost of around Rs 97 crore has touched a maximum speed of 180 kmph, its actual date of commissioning is yet to be finalised. Touted to be India's fastest to replace the Shatabdi trains, T18 will run from Delhi to Varanasi. However, with just 0.3 per cent of India's railway tracks spread over 60,000 km fit to handle trains running at the speed of up to 160 km per hour, according to an official assessment, only time will tell if such modern trains can actually run on full blast in the present network. The railways, in another first, is set to come up with an elliptical 40-km track between Jaipur and Phulera at an investment of around Rs 4 billion for the trail of its semi-high speed, and high-speed trains. Once this is complete, India will enter a league of countries including the US, Germany, China and Australia that have dedicated tracks for train trials. "This year also saw the commissioning of the first state-of-the-art 12,000 HP electric locomotive to help power green and clean railways. The world's first ever conversion of a diesel locomotive into electric will further our aim to become the world's largest electrified rail network. "There has been unprecedented thrust on infrastructure creation, with the completion of the long-delayed Bogibeel Bridge, India's longest road-cum-rail bridge connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh," Goyal said. Asia's second longest bridge was commissioned in Assam by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Christmas Day, 16 years after it had been inaugurated. The operationalisation of the bridge has cut down travel time between Tinsukia in Assam and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh by around 10 hours. In yet another first, railways converted a diesel locomotive into an electric one - a feat delivered for the first time in the world - as part of its efforts to completely electrify the broad gauge network. What was important was that the conversion enhanced the power of the locomotive from 2600 horsepower (hp) to 5000 horsepower and also saved railways money. 2018 will also be remembered as a year in which railways set up its first transport university - the National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI), a university in Vadodara, Gujarat. This is the third in the world after Russia and China. The university opened its doors to the first batch of 103 students from 20 states in two fully-residential undergraduate courses in September. "With the establishment of India's first Rail University in Vadodara, we have initiated an era of a skilled and talented New Railways' which places India's youth in the driving seat of progress," said Goyal. He also highlighted how railways this year conducted one of the largest recruitment drives to fill over 1.3 lakh positions to improve safety and services. Another feather in railways' cap was the first air-conditioned local trains for the Mumbai suburban railways - with automatic doors, thus cutting down on possibilities of commuters falling off trains. More such trains are on the anvil for local travel. This was also the year in which all grievances were not just expressed online, but with prompt replies and ready help, railways managed to even mitigate some of the anger. In fact, for the first time, railways came up with apps for almost every aspect of its public interface - ticketing, grievance redressal, food menu, tracking trains among others. "From a revamped website to an app for booking unreserved tickets, ticketing was also modernised. Indian Railways is again becoming a symbol of modernity, which it had exemplified when the first steam engine chugged out of Boribunder. This year is just the start of many firsts," said Goyal.

2018, a year of 'many firsts' for Indian Railways

Cases involving political bigwigs like P Chidambaram, Lalu Prasad and Shashi Tharoor made headlines in 2018 from Delhi courts which drew global attention while dealing with the case of extradited alleged middleman Christian Michel in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-enforcement-directorate-arrests-christian-michel-185835"> the VVIP chopper scam</a>.

The eventful year in courts saw British national Michel, who was brought to India on December 4 after his extradition from the UAE in connection with the AgustaWestland chopper deal, spending 14 days in CBI custody and now in jail.

While Michel's case drew eyeballs, fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, who is currently in London and has been declared a proclaimed offender here for evading summons in a money laundering case related to alleged FERA violation, also faced the heat when a court ordered attachment of his properties.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-mj-akbar-a-thorough-gentleman-woman-journalist-says-in-court-176880">The #MeToo movement </a>gathered momentum in India and forced veteran journalist and former union minister M J Akbar to approach a Delhi court with a private criminal defamation complaint against a scribe, who accused him of sexual misconduct nearly two decades ago.

Akbar, who had to resign as a minister following the uproar, has denied all the allegations.

Cases involving political heavyweights dominated court proceedings here and the year saw both the CBI and the ED tightening the noose around Congress leader P Chidambaram and his son Karti in the Aircel-Maxis case by filing charge sheets against them.

His party colleague Shashi Tharoor was also named in a charge sheet by Delhi Police for allegedly abetting the suicide of his wife Sunanda Pushkar. Police in its nearly 3,000-page charge sheet also accused the former union minister of subjecting his wife to cruelty.

The Congress further suffered an embarrassment when ED filed a charge sheet against former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh, accusing him of projecting around Rs 7 crore proceeds of crime as agricultural income in connivance with others and investing these in purchasing LIC policies.

The trial courts also dealt with some of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-anti-sikh-riot-allegations-kamal-nath-says-no-case-fir-against-me-184867"> the 1984 anti-Sikh riots</a> cases and in one case, the death sentence was awarded to a man and life imprisonment to another for killing two persons in south Delhi's Mahipalpur area.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-no-ground-for-granting-relief-to-sajjan-kumar-says-high-court-185604">Even Sajjan Kumar</a>, who after his conviction and a life term in one such case resigned from the Congress, was attending the trial court in connection with another anti-Sikh riots case.

So was the case of another senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, who is finding it hard to get discharged from his alleged involvement in the riots even after the CBI gave him a clean chit and sought closure of the case against him.

The criminal case filed by BJP leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-herald-case-subramanian-swamy-submits-it-order-against-rahul-sonia-gandhi-30158">Subramanian Swamy against Congress leaders</a> including Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case also made news from the trial court.

The RJD, an ally of the Congress in Bihar, also had a bad time as its top leadership including jailed chief Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi and son Tejaswi Yadav had to face legal proceedings in the IRCTC scam.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/enforcement-directorate-summons-lalu-yadavs-son-in-law-in-money-laundring-case-17844?amp">Lalu's daughter </a>Misa Bharti and her husband Shailesh Kumar were summoned as accused and granted bail in a separate money laundering case in which the ED had earlier attached their Delhi farmhouse.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-to-be-charged-in-delhis-chief-secretary-assault-case-reports-158876">Aam Aadmi Party and its leadership</a> continued to hog the limelight from trial courts which summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as accused in Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash assault case along with his deputy and others.

Kejriwal had a sigh of relief when he settled various defamation cases against himself by apologising to Union ministers Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari and ex-Union minister Kapil Sibal's son Amit Sibal.

While politicians were facing the heat in the trial courts here, bureaucrats also had a tough time, particularly in cases arising out of the alleged coal block allocation scam during Congress-led UPA regime with former coal secretary H C Gupta getting three-year imprisonment in one such case.

Gupta, the coal secretary from December 31, 2005, to November 2008, has already been convicted in two other cases of coal block allocation in which he has been sentenced for two and three years respectively. He is out on bail in all the cases. Two other bureaucrats also were convicted in Coalgate cases.

The CBI vs CBI case also had its imprint on the courts as the agency arrested one of its own Deputy Superintendents of Police and an alleged middleman.

While DySP Devender Kumar was released after the CBI preferred not to oppose his bail, alleged Dubai-based middleman Manoj Prasad secured relief after the agency failed to file its charge sheet within the stipulated time.

A trial court also framed molestation charges against former TERI chief R K Pachauri in a case of alleged sexual harassment.

The year witnessed anti-terror agencies tightening the noose against terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir with NIA filing charge sheet against separatists and naming Hafiz Saeed, the head of banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, for allegedly conspiring to wage a war against the country.

The NIA also arrested and charged Syed Shahid Yusuf, son Salahuddin, with indulging in unlawful activities and raising funds for terror operations in a separate case of 2011.&nbsp;

Cases involving political bigwigs like P Chidambaram, Lalu Prasad and Shashi Tharoor made headlines in 2018 from Delhi courts which drew global attention while dealing with the case of extradited alleged middleman Christian Michel in the VVIP chopper scam.

Cases involving political bigwigs like P Chidambaram, Lalu Prasad and Shashi Tharoor made headlines in 2018 from Delhi courts which drew global attention while dealing with the case of extradited alleged middleman Christian Michel in the VVIP chopper scam. The eventful year in courts saw British national Michel, who was brought to India on December 4 after his extradition from the UAE in connection with the AgustaWestland chopper deal, spending 14 days in CBI custody and now in jail. While Michel's case drew eyeballs, fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, who is currently in London and has been declared a proclaimed offender here for evading summons in a money laundering case related to alleged FERA violation, also faced the heat when a court ordered attachment of his properties. The #MeToo movement gathered momentum in India and forced veteran journalist and former union minister M J Akbar to approach a Delhi court with a private criminal defamation complaint against a scribe, who accused him of sexual misconduct nearly two decades ago. Akbar, who had to resign as a minister following the uproar, has denied all the allegations. Cases involving political heavyweights dominated court proceedings here and the year saw both the CBI and the ED tightening the noose around Congress leader P Chidambaram and his son Karti in the Aircel-Maxis case by filing charge sheets against them. His party colleague Shashi Tharoor was also named in a charge sheet by Delhi Police for allegedly abetting the suicide of his wife Sunanda Pushkar. Police in its nearly 3,000-page charge sheet also accused the former union minister of subjecting his wife to cruelty. The Congress further suffered an embarrassment when ED filed a charge sheet against former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh, accusing him of projecting around Rs 7 crore proceeds of crime as agricultural income in connivance with others and investing these in purchasing LIC policies. The trial courts also dealt with some of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases and in one case, the death sentence was awarded to a man and life imprisonment to another for killing two persons in south Delhi's Mahipalpur area. Even Sajjan Kumar, who after his conviction and a life term in one such case resigned from the Congress, was attending the trial court in connection with another anti-Sikh riots case. So was the case of another senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, who is finding it hard to get discharged from his alleged involvement in the riots even after the CBI gave him a clean chit and sought closure of the case against him. The criminal case filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy against Congress leaders including Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case also made news from the trial court. The RJD, an ally of the Congress in Bihar, also had a bad time as its top leadership including jailed chief Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi and son Tejaswi Yadav had to face legal proceedings in the IRCTC scam. Lalu's daughter Misa Bharti and her husband Shailesh Kumar were summoned as accused and granted bail in a separate money laundering case in which the ED had earlier attached their Delhi farmhouse. Aam Aadmi Party and its leadership continued to hog the limelight from trial courts which summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as accused in Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash assault case along with his deputy and others. Kejriwal had a sigh of relief when he settled various defamation cases against himself by apologising to Union ministers Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari and ex-Union minister Kapil Sibal's son Amit Sibal. While politicians were facing the heat in the trial courts here, bureaucrats also had a tough time, particularly in cases arising out of the alleged coal block allocation scam during Congress-led UPA regime with former coal secretary H C Gupta getting three-year imprisonment in one such case. Gupta, the coal secretary from December 31, 2005, to November 2008, has already been convicted in two other cases of coal block allocation in which he has been sentenced for two and three years respectively. He is out on bail in all the cases. Two other bureaucrats also were convicted in Coalgate cases. The CBI vs CBI case also had its imprint on the courts as the agency arrested one of its own Deputy Superintendents of Police and an alleged middleman. While DySP Devender Kumar was released after the CBI preferred not to oppose his bail, alleged Dubai-based middleman Manoj Prasad secured relief after the agency failed to file its charge sheet within the stipulated time. A trial court also framed molestation charges against former TERI chief R K Pachauri in a case of alleged sexual harassment. The year witnessed anti-terror agencies tightening the noose against terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir with NIA filing charge sheet against separatists and naming Hafiz Saeed, the head of banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, for allegedly conspiring to wage a war against the country. The NIA also arrested and charged Syed Shahid Yusuf, son Salahuddin, with indulging in unlawful activities and raising funds for terror operations in a separate case of 2011.

Cases of high and mighty, VVIP chopper scam kept trial courts busy in 2018

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath distributed portfolios to his cabinet Friday evening, keeping Public Relations, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Department and Employment Department among others with himself, an official said.

Tribal MLA Bala Bachchan, who was minister in the previous Digvijay Singh-led Congress government, was given Home and Jail, while another senior MLA, Tulsi Silawat, got Health, the Public Relations department official said.

Govind Rajput was allocated Revenue and Transport department, while Tarun Bhanot was given the Finance department.

Nath also kept Public Service Management department and the Technical Education with him, he said.

MLA Prabhuram Choudhary, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, was given School Education, he said.

Another Digvijay Singh cabinet member, Vijaylaxmi Sadho, got Culture and Medical Education Department.

Hukum Singh Karada, also a minister in the previous Congress government, got Water Resources Development.

Another former senior minister Dr Govind Singh was given Cooperatives and Parliamentary Affairs.

Sajjan Singh Verma, who was Urban Administration Minister in Digvijay Singh government, has got the Public Works Department in Kamal Nath's cabinet, the official said.

Arif Aqueel, the lone Muslim minister, got Minorities and Other Backward Class Welfare, besides Bhopal Gas Relief and Rehabilitation.

Jaivardhan Singh, Digvijay Singh's son, was given Urban Administration Department.

Jaivardhan, 32, is the youngest minister in the cabinet.

Sachin Yadav, 36, younger brother of former state Congress chief and ex-Union minister Arun Yadav, was given Agriculture and Food Processing Department.&nbsp;

Woman minister Imarati Devi was given Women and Child Department.

Pradeep Jaiswal, lone independent MLA in the cabinet, was given Mining, he said.

Umang Singhar was given Forest Department, while Jitu Patwari was allocated Sports and Youth Affairs besides Higher Education Department.

Brijendra Singh Rathore got Commercial Tax, Lakhan Singh Yadav Animal Husbandry, Omkar Markam Scheduled Tribes Welfare, Sukhdeo Panse Public Health Engineering, Harsh Yadav New and Renewable Energy and Cottage and Village Industries, Kamleshwar Patel Panchayat and Rural Development, Lakhan Ghanghoriya Social Justice and SC Welfare.

P C Sharma was given Law and Legislative Affairs, Surendra Singh Baghel Narmada Valley Development and Tourism Department, Pradyumn Singh Tomar Food and Civil Supplies, Mahendra Singh Sisodiya Labour Department and Priyavrat Singh Energy Department, the official said.

Nath, who took oath as the 18th chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17, had expanded his cabinet on December 25 by inducting 28 ministers.&nbsp;

The Congress returned to power in the state after a hiatus of 15 years by ousting the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Though the Congress, with 114 seats, depends on the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party, which have won two seats and one, respectively, no MLA from these two smaller parties has got a berth in the cabinet.

A five-day session of the newly-elected Assembly is slated to begin from January 7.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath distributed portfolios to his cabinet Friday evening, keeping Public Relations, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Department and Employment Department among others with himself, an official said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath distributed portfolios to his cabinet Friday evening, keeping Public Relations, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Department and Employment Department among others with himself, an official said. Tribal MLA Bala Bachchan, who was minister in the previous Digvijay Singh-led Congress government, was given Home and Jail, while another senior MLA, Tulsi Silawat, got Health, the Public Relations department official said. Govind Rajput was allocated Revenue and Transport department, while Tarun Bhanot was given the Finance department. Nath also kept Public Service Management department and the Technical Education with him, he said. MLA Prabhuram Choudhary, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, was given School Education, he said. Another Digvijay Singh cabinet member, Vijaylaxmi Sadho, got Culture and Medical Education Department. Hukum Singh Karada, also a minister in the previous Congress government, got Water Resources Development. Another former senior minister Dr Govind Singh was given Cooperatives and Parliamentary Affairs. Sajjan Singh Verma, who was Urban Administration Minister in Digvijay Singh government, has got the Public Works Department in Kamal Nath's cabinet, the official said. Arif Aqueel, the lone Muslim minister, got Minorities and Other Backward Class Welfare, besides Bhopal Gas Relief and Rehabilitation. Jaivardhan Singh, Digvijay Singh's son, was given Urban Administration Department. Jaivardhan, 32, is the youngest minister in the cabinet. Sachin Yadav, 36, younger brother of former state Congress chief and ex-Union minister Arun Yadav, was given Agriculture and Food Processing Department. Woman minister Imarati Devi was given Women and Child Department. Pradeep Jaiswal, lone independent MLA in the cabinet, was given Mining, he said. Umang Singhar was given Forest Department, while Jitu Patwari was allocated Sports and Youth Affairs besides Higher Education Department. Brijendra Singh Rathore got Commercial Tax, Lakhan Singh Yadav Animal Husbandry, Omkar Markam Scheduled Tribes Welfare, Sukhdeo Panse Public Health Engineering, Harsh Yadav New and Renewable Energy and Cottage and Village Industries, Kamleshwar Patel Panchayat and Rural Development, Lakhan Ghanghoriya Social Justice and SC Welfare. P C Sharma was given Law and Legislative Affairs, Surendra Singh Baghel Narmada Valley Development and Tourism Department, Pradyumn Singh Tomar Food and Civil Supplies, Mahendra Singh Sisodiya Labour Department and Priyavrat Singh Energy Department, the official said. Nath, who took oath as the 18th chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17, had expanded his cabinet on December 25 by inducting 28 ministers. The Congress returned to power in the state after a hiatus of 15 years by ousting the Bharatiya Janata Party. Though the Congress, with 114 seats, depends on the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party, which have won two seats and one, respectively, no MLA from these two smaller parties has got a berth in the cabinet. A five-day session of the newly-elected Assembly is slated to begin from January 7.

Madhya Pradesh CM distributes portfolios; Tarun Bhanot gets finance department

Amid growing pressure from partners in the ruling alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will visit Varanasi and Ghazipur, the areas where two NDA allies have considerable influence.

The prime minister's trip to his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi will be his second visit there in the last two months.

He will inaugurate the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) on the campus of National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC) in Varanasi.

The centre will serve as a hub for rice research and training in South Asia and the SAARC region.

Modi will also attend the 'One District, One Product' Regional Summit at Deendayal Hastakala Sankul (Trade Facilitation Centre &amp; Crafts Museum) in Varanasi.

A commemorative postal stamp on the Maharaja Suheldeo will be released by the prime minister in Ghazipur, where he will also address a public rally at the RTI ground there.

However, senior minister in the Yogi Adityanath government and SBSP president Om Prakash Rajbhar, an MLA from Zahoorabad assembly constituency in Ghazipur district, announced that he will not attend the prime minister's programme.

"I will not attend the December 29 programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ghazipur," Rajbhar had told reporters a few days back.

Rajbhar is sore over the commemorative postal stamp on backward caste leader Maharaja Suheldev Rajbhar not carrying his full name.

A problem has arisen with the Apna Dal (S), which is represented in the Union government by Anupriya Patel, an MP from Mirzapur, adjacent to Varanasi.

Reflecting the "friction" with the BJP, Anupriya Patel said she stands by the remarks of her husband and party president Ashish Patel, who had voiced frustration with the saffron party over its "treatment" of smaller NDA allies.

Ashish Patel had recently alleged at a press conference in Mirzapur that smaller parties were feeling "ignored" by the bigger NDA partner -- the BJP.

The Apna Dal (S) has presence in over 15 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, with its core voter base of Kurmi Patel, and nearly one lakh of them only in the prime minister's constituency.

Amid growing pressure from partners in the ruling alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will visit Varanasi and Ghazipur, the areas where two NDA allies have considerable influence.

Amid growing pressure from partners in the ruling alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will visit Varanasi and Ghazipur, the areas where two NDA allies have considerable influence. The prime minister's trip to his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi will be his second visit there in the last two months. He will inaugurate the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) on the campus of National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC) in Varanasi. The centre will serve as a hub for rice research and training in South Asia and the SAARC region. Modi will also attend the 'One District, One Product' Regional Summit at Deendayal Hastakala Sankul (Trade Facilitation Centre & Crafts Museum) in Varanasi. A commemorative postal stamp on the Maharaja Suheldeo will be released by the prime minister in Ghazipur, where he will also address a public rally at the RTI ground there. However, senior minister in the Yogi Adityanath government and SBSP president Om Prakash Rajbhar, an MLA from Zahoorabad assembly constituency in Ghazipur district, announced that he will not attend the prime minister's programme. "I will not attend the December 29 programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ghazipur," Rajbhar had told reporters a few days back. Rajbhar is sore over the commemorative postal stamp on backward caste leader Maharaja Suheldev Rajbhar not carrying his full name. A problem has arisen with the Apna Dal (S), which is represented in the Union government by Anupriya Patel, an MP from Mirzapur, adjacent to Varanasi. Reflecting the "friction" with the BJP, Anupriya Patel said she stands by the remarks of her husband and party president Ashish Patel, who had voiced frustration with the saffron party over its "treatment" of smaller NDA allies. Ashish Patel had recently alleged at a press conference in Mirzapur that smaller parties were feeling "ignored" by the bigger NDA partner -- the BJP. The Apna Dal (S) has presence in over 15 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, with its core voter base of Kurmi Patel, and nearly one lakh of them only in the prime minister's constituency.

PM Modi to visit Varanasi, Ghazipur today

A terrorist&nbsp;was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday morning.

The&nbsp;encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists at Renzipora in Pulwama area of South Kashmir.

The police had launched a search operation to track down the terrorists after the gun battle.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> One terrorist has been gunned down by security forces <a href="https://t.co/htxTi7MYLx">https://t.co/htxTi7MYLx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078510234572869632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mobile internet services were also snapped in the area.

(With inputs from ANI)

A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday morning. The encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists at Renzipora in Pulwama area of South Kashmir.

A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday morning. The encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists at Renzipora in Pulwama area of South Kashmir. The police had launched a search operation to track down the terrorists after the gun battle. #UPDATE One terrorist has been gunned down by security forces https://t.co/htxTi7MYLx — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × Mobile internet services were also snapped in the area. (With inputs from ANI)

J&K: 1 terrorist killed in encounter in Pulwama

British authorities have informed India that bank fraud fugitive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/efforts-on-to-bring-back-29-economic-offenders-including-vijay-mallya-nirav-modi-mehul-choksi-government-185383">Nirav Modi</a> is living in the UK, the government has said.

Replying to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told Rajya Sabha that National Central Bureau of Manchester conveyed to Indian agencies that their investigations have led to the location of Nirav Modi in the UK.

"In August 2018, the government sent two requests, one from the CBI and the other from the Enforcement Directorate, to the authorities of the UK seeking the extradition of Nirav Modi to India," he said.

He said the requests are presently under the consideration of the authorities concerned of the UK.

In June, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had written to several European countries seeking help in tracing Nirav Modi.

Nirav Modi is wanted in connection with Punjab National Bank fraud case.

British authorities have informed India that bank fraud fugitive Nirav Modi is living in the UK, the government has said. Replying to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told Rajya Sabha that National Central Bureau of Manchester conveyed to Indian agencies that their investigations have led to the location of Nirav Modi in the UK.

British authorities have informed India that bank fraud fugitive Nirav Modi is living in the UK, the government has said. Replying to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told Rajya Sabha that National Central Bureau of Manchester conveyed to Indian agencies that their investigations have led to the location of Nirav Modi in the UK. "In August 2018, the government sent two requests, one from the CBI and the other from the Enforcement Directorate, to the authorities of the UK seeking the extradition of Nirav Modi to India," he said. He said the requests are presently under the consideration of the authorities concerned of the UK. In June, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had written to several European countries seeking help in tracing Nirav Modi. Nirav Modi is wanted in connection with Punjab National Bank fraud case.

Nirav Modi located in UK, British authorities inform India: Government

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-meets-briefly-takes-no-action-on-shutdown-186889">US Congress meets briefly, takes no action on shutdown</a>

Both chambers of the US&nbsp;Congress convened for only a few minutes late on Thursday, but took no steps to end a partial federal government shutdown before adjourning until next week.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uae-reopens-damascus-embassy-after-seven-years-186907">UAE reopens Damascus embassy after seven years</a>

The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold.The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-yellow-vest-protests-planned-for-saturday-new-years-eve-186909">French 'yellow vest' protests planned for Saturday, New Year's Eve</a>

The "yellow vest" anti-government protests that have rocked France will be held on Saturday and New Year's Eve, and continue into 2019, several sources in the movement said Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-un-raise-concerns-over-violence-ahead-of-bangladesh-election-186920">US, UN raise concerns over violence ahead of Bangladesh election</a>

The United States and the United Nations on Thursday raised concerns over the&nbsp;looming general election in Bangladesh&nbsp;as the opposition said hundreds more activists had been arrested and attacked.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-killed-as-major-fire-breaks-out-in-mumbai-high-rise-building-186897">Mumbai: Major fire breaks out in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-killed-as-major-fire-breaks-out-in-mumbai-high-rise-building-186897">high-rise</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-killed-as-major-fire-breaks-out-in-mumbai-high-rise-building-186897"> building, 5 killed</a>

The 16-storey building is located in suburban Tilak Nagar, where search and rescue operation by the Mumbai Fire Brigade is underway, said the official from the Disaster Management Unit of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

US Congress meets briefly, takes no action on shutdown Both chambers of the US Congress convened for only a few minutes late on Thursday, but took no steps to end a partial federal government shutdown before adjourning until next week.

US Congress meets briefly, takes no action on shutdown Both chambers of the US Congress convened for only a few minutes late on Thursday, but took no steps to end a partial federal government shutdown before adjourning until next week. UAE reopens Damascus embassy after seven years The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold.The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war. French 'yellow vest' protests planned for Saturday, New Year's Eve The "yellow vest" anti-government protests that have rocked France will be held on Saturday and New Year's Eve, and continue into 2019, several sources in the movement said Thursday. US, UN raise concerns over violence ahead of Bangladesh election The United States and the United Nations on Thursday raised concerns over the looming general election in Bangladesh as the opposition said hundreds more activists had been arrested and attacked. Mumbai: Major fire breaks out in high-rise building, 5 killed The 16-storey building is located in suburban Tilak Nagar, where search and rescue operation by the Mumbai Fire Brigade is underway, said the official from the Disaster Management Unit of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

In the last four years, 16 &nbsp;fugitive criminals have been extradited back to India with 2018 being the year in which New Delhi brought back 5 fugitives. Out of these 5 fugitives, 3 were Indian, one was Romanian, one British—Christian Michel James.

The details were shared by Minister of state for external affairs General V K Singh in Lok Sabha. 2015 was the year in which India brought back a maximum number of fugitives — 6 in number — in the last 4 years. This includes getting General Secretary of the banned United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), Anup Chetia from Bangladesh.

In 2016, India brought back 4 fugitives while only one in 2017 -Sultan Abubakr Kadir from Singapore for his involvement in Job scam racket.

Overall, In the last four years, India received 43 extradition requests from foreign countries while New Delhi forwarded 132 extradition requests to foreign governments. India also signed Extradition Treaties with 4 countries --Afghanistan, Lithuania, Malawi and Morocco-- in last 4 years.

India has been pressing the United Kingdom on extradition of Nirav Modi. India in August of 2018 sent 2 extradition request to London-- one from CBI and the other from the Enforcement Directorate on Nirav Modi. According to the Ministry of external affairs, the "requests are presently under the consideration of the concerned UK authorities."

The investigator of National Central Bureau Manchester had found out the locations of Nirav Modi in the UK and conveyed the information to National Central Bureau India.

India has got positive news on extradition of Vijay Mallya with British court giving go-ahead to it, but it waits for a legal battle and a nod from Sajid Javid, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom.

India was able to get Christian Michael James, a British national and key middleman in the AgustaWestland back from United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 4th of December. Interestingly, Christian Michael wasn't the only foreign national India got back in the last 4 years. Out of 16 people brought back to India, 3 were foreign nationals—Christian Michael (British), Ionut Alexandru Marinoiu (Romanian) and Wily Naruenartwani ch (Thai).

A comprehensive, specialised central legislation- Extradition Act, 1962 exists which regulates the extradition of fugitive offenders as well as the implementation of Extradition Treaties entered into by India, with various foreign States. The Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal Ministry for extradition matters.

In the last four years, 16 fugitive criminals have been extradited back to India with 2018 being the year in which New Delhi brought back 5 fugitives. Out of these 5 fugitives, 3 were Indian, one was Romanian, one British—Christian Michel James.

In the last four years, 16 fugitive criminals have been extradited back to India with 2018 being the year in which New Delhi brought back 5 fugitives. Out of these 5 fugitives, 3 were Indian, one was Romanian, one British—Christian Michel James. The details were shared by Minister of state for external affairs General V K Singh in Lok Sabha. 2015 was the year in which India brought back a maximum number of fugitives — 6 in number — in the last 4 years. This includes getting General Secretary of the banned United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), Anup Chetia from Bangladesh. In 2016, India brought back 4 fugitives while only one in 2017 -Sultan Abubakr Kadir from Singapore for his involvement in Job scam racket. Overall, In the last four years, India received 43 extradition requests from foreign countries while New Delhi forwarded 132 extradition requests to foreign governments. India also signed Extradition Treaties with 4 countries --Afghanistan, Lithuania, Malawi and Morocco-- in last 4 years. India has been pressing the United Kingdom on extradition of Nirav Modi. India in August of 2018 sent 2 extradition request to London-- one from CBI and the other from the Enforcement Directorate on Nirav Modi. According to the Ministry of external affairs, the "requests are presently under the consideration of the concerned UK authorities." The investigator of National Central Bureau Manchester had found out the locations of Nirav Modi in the UK and conveyed the information to National Central Bureau India. India has got positive news on extradition of Vijay Mallya with British court giving go-ahead to it, but it waits for a legal battle and a nod from Sajid Javid, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom. India was able to get Christian Michael James, a British national and key middleman in the AgustaWestland back from United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 4th of December. Interestingly, Christian Michael wasn't the only foreign national India got back in the last 4 years. Out of 16 people brought back to India, 3 were foreign nationals—Christian Michael (British), Ionut Alexandru Marinoiu (Romanian) and Wily Naruenartwani ch (Thai). A comprehensive, specialised central legislation- Extradition Act, 1962 exists which regulates the extradition of fugitive offenders as well as the implementation of Extradition Treaties entered into by India, with various foreign States. The Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal Ministry for extradition matters.

16 fugitives extradited back to India in last 4 years, 5 in 2018

The Union Cabinet Friday approved the Gaganyaan project under which a three-member crew will be sent to space for at least seven days, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-become-trillion-dollar-digital-economy-in-two-to-three-years-ravi-shankar-prasad-184431">Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad</a> said.

The project will cost Rs 10,000 crore, he said at a press conference here.

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Cabinet approves indigenous human spaceflight programme; Gaganyaan programme to carry 3 member crew for minimum 7 days in space at a total cost of Rs 10k crores.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078594488233222144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Gaganyaan project was announced by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-contribute-rs-4500-crore-in-bhutans-12th-five-year-planpm-modi-186982">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> in his Independence Day speech.&nbsp;

He had said the mission will be undertaken by 2022.&nbsp;

India has already inked agreements with Russia and France for assistance in the ambitious project.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet Friday approved the Gaganyaan project under which a three-member crew will be sent to space for at least seven days, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

The Union Cabinet Friday approved the Gaganyaan project under which a three-member crew will be sent to space for at least seven days, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. The project will cost Rs 10,000 crore, he said at a press conference here. Cabinet approves indigenous human spaceflight programme; Gaganyaan programme to carry 3 member crew for minimum 7 days in space at a total cost of Rs 10k crores. — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × The Gaganyaan project was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech. He had said the mission will be undertaken by 2022. India has already inked agreements with Russia and France for assistance in the ambitious project.

Gaganyaan project: Govt allocates Rs 10,000 crore to send 3 Indians into space by 2022

India will soon negotiate a logistics sharing deal that would allow their armed forces to share military facilities, sources said in Delhi on Thursday.

The logistics pact, called Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, is expected to enhance the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

The deal is also seen as a way to counter China's expanding presence in the India Ocean.

Negotiations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the logistics agreement took place during the former's visit to Japan in October.

While the deal will not only allow the navies of the two nations to cooperate with greater interoperability, it will also allow them to have access to their respective ports and bases.

In November, India and Japan conducted their first land-based joint military exercise.&nbsp;

India will soon negotiate a logistics sharing deal that would allow their armed forces to share military facilities, sources said in Delhi on Thursday. The logistics pact, called Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, is expected to enhance the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two countries.

India will soon negotiate a logistics sharing deal that would allow their armed forces to share military facilities, sources said in Delhi on Thursday. The logistics pact, called Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, is expected to enhance the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two countries. The deal is also seen as a way to counter China's expanding presence in the India Ocean. Negotiations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the logistics agreement took place during the former's visit to Japan in October. While the deal will not only allow the navies of the two nations to cooperate with greater interoperability, it will also allow them to have access to their respective ports and bases. In November, India and Japan conducted their first land-based joint military exercise.

India, Japan to begin talks on logistics agreement soon

Five people, including four senior citizens, were killed and two others injured in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-killed-as-major-fire-breaks-out-in-mumbai-building-186880">major fire that broke out </a>in a high-rise residential building in Mumbai Thursday evening, a civic official said.

The 16-storey building is located in suburban Tilak Nagar, where search and rescue operation by the Mumbai Fire Brigade is underway, said the official from the Disaster Management Unit of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

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V N Panigrahi, Deputy CFO Mumbai on fire that broke out in Sargam Society in Chembur yesterday night: We received a call on 7:46pm. 8 fire engine,1 water tanker &amp; several ambulances were rushed to the spot. The fire has been doused completely, cooling down operation underway." <a href="https://t.co/TnRGCkKLW4">pic.twitter.com/TnRGCkKLW4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078378396193865728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Our fire brigade control room got information about the incident at 7.51 pm after which our fire-fighting team along with an ambulance rushed to the spot," he added.

"The blaze started on the 10th floor of the building, Sargam Society (G+16), located near Ganesh Garden in Tilak Nagar," he said.

The fire brigade team rescued six people from the floor and admitted them to the nearby Rajawadi Hospital, he said.

According to a senior doctor at the civic-run hospital, five of them succumbed to burn injuries.

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Maharashtra: Visuals of rescue operation from Sargam Society in Chembur, Mumbai where a fire broke out today. Firefighting operation still underway. <a href="https://t.co/A5aWTVAgVA">pic.twitter.com/A5aWTVAgVA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078351570952056832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The two injured, including a fireman, were admitted to a hospital, where their condition is stable, the doctor said.

The civic official identified the deceased as Sunita Joshi, 72, Bhalchandra Joshi, 72, Suman Shrinivas Joshi, 83, Sarla Suresh Gangar, 52, and Lakshmiben Premji Gangar, 83.

Sunita Joshi is the mother of Sanjay Joshi, in-charge of the Vikhroli police station, he said.

The injured were identified as Shrinivas Joshi, 86, and Chagan Singh, 28, the fireman, the official said.

The fire has been brought under control, but its cause will be known only after an inquiry, he added.

Fire brigade personnel are searching the building to ascertain if there are more casualties, he said.

Local residents said indiscriminate parking of vehicles in the area delayed the arrival of fire brigade tankers and equipment.

Five people, including four senior citizens, were killed and two others injured in a major fire that broke out in a high-rise residential building in Mumbai Thursday evening, a civic official said.

Five people, including four senior citizens, were killed and two others injured in a major fire that broke out in a high-rise residential building in Mumbai Thursday evening, a civic official said. The 16-storey building is located in suburban Tilak Nagar, where search and rescue operation by the Mumbai Fire Brigade is underway, said the official from the Disaster Management Unit of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). V N Panigrahi, Deputy CFO Mumbai on fire that broke out in Sargam Society in Chembur yesterday night: We received a call on 7:46pm. 8 fire engine,1 water tanker & several ambulances were rushed to the spot. The fire has been doused completely, cooling down operation underway." pic.twitter.com/TnRGCkKLW4 — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × "Our fire brigade control room got information about the incident at 7.51 pm after which our fire-fighting team along with an ambulance rushed to the spot," he added. "The blaze started on the 10th floor of the building, Sargam Society (G+16), located near Ganesh Garden in Tilak Nagar," he said. The fire brigade team rescued six people from the floor and admitted them to the nearby Rajawadi Hospital, he said. According to a senior doctor at the civic-run hospital, five of them succumbed to burn injuries. Maharashtra: Visuals of rescue operation from Sargam Society in Chembur, Mumbai where a fire broke out today. Firefighting operation still underway. pic.twitter.com/A5aWTVAgVA — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × The two injured, including a fireman, were admitted to a hospital, where their condition is stable, the doctor said. The civic official identified the deceased as Sunita Joshi, 72, Bhalchandra Joshi, 72, Suman Shrinivas Joshi, 83, Sarla Suresh Gangar, 52, and Lakshmiben Premji Gangar, 83. Sunita Joshi is the mother of Sanjay Joshi, in-charge of the Vikhroli police station, he said. The injured were identified as Shrinivas Joshi, 86, and Chagan Singh, 28, the fireman, the official said. The fire has been brought under control, but its cause will be known only after an inquiry, he added. Fire brigade personnel are searching the building to ascertain if there are more casualties, he said. Local residents said indiscriminate parking of vehicles in the area delayed the arrival of fire brigade tankers and equipment.

Mumbai: Major fire breaks out in high-rise building, 5 killed

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Mumbai: Major fire breaks out in high-rise building, 5 killed