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Special Officer, Law and Order in Pampa on Sunday stated that 11 women devotees, who had come to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, have returned now, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"We can't use force. It might create a law and order problem," Shaji Sugunan told media.&nbsp;

Tension prevailed at Pamba, the foothills of the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, on Sunday morning as a group of 11 women, below the age of 50 years, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-women-try-to-trek-sabarimala-tension-prevails-in-pamba-185911">tried to trek the hilltop shrine</a>, even as devotees protested against the move.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Shaji Sugunan, Special Officer, Law and Order, Pampa: 11 women devotees had come to offer prayers at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> but they were stopped by other pilgrims. The women devotees have returned now. We can't use force. It might create a law and order problem. <a href="https://t.co/n4niymysY2">pic.twitter.com/n4niymysY2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076751496451108865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Though they attempted to trek through the traditional forest path, about five kilometres from the temple complex, they could not go forward as devotees started a "namajapa" (chanting of hymns of the lord) protest against them.

The women, members of the Chennai-based "Manithi" outfit, were seen squatting on the road. Police had thrown a security ring around them.

Kerala Police was forced to take over 20 protesters into custody after protests turned violent.

The police and the women devotees were forced to flee to safety after more protestors came rushing down the pathway.

The delegation of women devotees then agreed to return stating that the police had forced them to leave, adding that they will return and seek legal help.&nbsp;

Anxiety had loomed large in and around Sabarimala Temple for some days as 'Manithi' had declared last week that a group of 50 women, all below the traditionally barred age of 50 years, would visit the shrine.

Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the Sabarimala Temple since the Kerala government decided to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court permitting women of all age groups there.

Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills.

Four transgenders, who were earlier stopped from proceeding towards the Lord Ayyappa temple citing security reasons, offered prayers at the hill shrine under heavy police security earlier this week.

The Kerala High Court earlier this month appointed a three-member committee, vesting them with powers to oversee law and order and other problems faced by pilgrims during the ongoing annual season.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Special Officer, Law and Order in Pampa on Sunday stated that 11 women devotees, who had come to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, have returned now, news agency ANI reported.

Special Officer, Law and Order in Pampa on Sunday stated that 11 women devotees, who had come to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, have returned now, news agency ANI reported. "We can't use force. It might create a law and order problem," Shaji Sugunan told media. Tension prevailed at Pamba, the foothills of the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, on Sunday morning as a group of 11 women, below the age of 50 years, tried to trek the hilltop shrine, even as devotees protested against the move. Shaji Sugunan, Special Officer, Law and Order, Pampa: 11 women devotees had come to offer prayers at #SabarimalaTemple but they were stopped by other pilgrims. The women devotees have returned now. We can't use force. It might create a law and order problem. pic.twitter.com/n4niymysY2 — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2018 × Though they attempted to trek through the traditional forest path, about five kilometres from the temple complex, they could not go forward as devotees started a "namajapa" (chanting of hymns of the lord) protest against them. The women, members of the Chennai-based "Manithi" outfit, were seen squatting on the road. Police had thrown a security ring around them. Kerala Police was forced to take over 20 protesters into custody after protests turned violent. The police and the women devotees were forced to flee to safety after more protestors came rushing down the pathway. The delegation of women devotees then agreed to return stating that the police had forced them to leave, adding that they will return and seek legal help. Anxiety had loomed large in and around Sabarimala Temple for some days as 'Manithi' had declared last week that a group of 50 women, all below the traditionally barred age of 50 years, would visit the shrine. Kerala had witnessed massive protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women in the 10-50 age group into the Sabarimala Temple since the Kerala government decided to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court permitting women of all age groups there. Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills. Four transgenders, who were earlier stopped from proceeding towards the Lord Ayyappa temple citing security reasons, offered prayers at the hill shrine under heavy police security earlier this week. The Kerala High Court earlier this month appointed a three-member committee, vesting them with powers to oversee law and order and other problems faced by pilgrims during the ongoing annual season. (With inputs from agencies)

Group of 11 women devotees return from Sabarimala amid intensifying protests 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival".

People will see through the "incoherent alliance of rich dynasties," Modi said during his interaction with booth workers from Chennai Central, Chennai North, Madurai, Tiruchirappally and Tiruvallur constituencies in Tamil Nadu through video conference.

The prime minister recalled that the key constituent of the mega alliance - the Telugu Desam Party-- was formed against the very "high-handedness" of the Congress by the veteran, late chief minister N T Rama Rao but said the party was now keen to join hands with the Congress.

Some parties in the Mahagatbandhan claimed to be inspired by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, but the veteran himself opposed the Congress and its ideologies, Modi said.

"Today several leaders are talking about a grand alliance or Mahagathbandhan. This alliance is for personal survival, and is not ideology-based support. This alliance is for power, not for the people. This alliance for personal ambitions, not people's aspirations," he said.

While several parties and leaders in the coalition claimed to be deeply inspired by Lohia, he said "was deeply opposed to the Congress," Modi said.

Many leaders in the coalition were "arrested and tortured" during the Emergency, he said without referring to anyone.

The Congress "ecosytem" spared none, he said and pointed out at the dismissal of the AIADMK government of late chief minister MG Ramachandran in 1980 though he had people's support.&nbsp;

Mahagathbandhan is a grand alliance of opposition parties against the BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival". People will see through the "incoherent alliance of rich dynasties," Modi said during his interaction with booth workers from Chennai Central, Chennai North, Madurai, Tiruchirappally and Tiruvallur constituencies in Tamil Nadu through video conference. The prime minister recalled that the key constituent of the mega alliance - the Telugu Desam Party-- was formed against the very "high-handedness" of the Congress by the veteran, late chief minister N T Rama Rao but said the party was now keen to join hands with the Congress. Some parties in the Mahagatbandhan claimed to be inspired by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, but the veteran himself opposed the Congress and its ideologies, Modi said. "Today several leaders are talking about a grand alliance or Mahagathbandhan. This alliance is for personal survival, and is not ideology-based support. This alliance is for power, not for the people. This alliance for personal ambitions, not people's aspirations," he said. While several parties and leaders in the coalition claimed to be deeply inspired by Lohia, he said "was deeply opposed to the Congress," Modi said. Many leaders in the coalition were "arrested and tortured" during the Emergency, he said without referring to anyone. The Congress "ecosytem" spared none, he said and pointed out at the dismissal of the AIADMK government of late chief minister MG Ramachandran in 1980 though he had people's support. Mahagathbandhan is a grand alliance of opposition parties against the BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

PM Modi says Mahagathbandhan incoherent alliance of rich dynasties

BJP president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-ruthless-pm-modi-amit-shah-lost-the-numbers-game-in-karnataka-137369">Amit Shah</a> announced on Sunday that his party would contest 17 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, while the Janata Dal (United) would fight from an equal number of seats.&nbsp;

The Lok Jantantrik Party (LJP), led by union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, meanwhile will fight from six seats.

Talking to media persons, Shah said that the alliance would contest the coming Lok Sabha polls under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also said that there was no difference of any kind within the NDA in Bihar.

The BJP president further said seat allocation would be decided in the coming days.

Growing discontentment among the NDA allies in Bihar came out in the open when LJP’s Chirag Paswan told the media that the BJP had digressed to ‘non-issues’ like the Ram temple and had demanded urgent steps to return to the ‘real issue’ of development.

Chirag had also expressed unhappiness over the sharing of seats in the state.

Meanwhile, RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha, after pulling out of the NDA on December 10 over the issue of seat allocation for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, joined the UPA on December 20 to be a part of the grand alliance.

JD-U had contested the last Assembly elections in alliance with the RJD against the BJP and even formed the government, but later defected to the NDA and formed the government with the BJP’s support in the state.

BJP president Amit Shah announced on Sunday that his party would contest 17 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, while the Janata Dal (United) would fight from an equal number of seats.

BJP president Amit Shah announced on Sunday that his party would contest 17 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, while the Janata Dal (United) would fight from an equal number of seats. The Lok Jantantrik Party (LJP), led by union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, meanwhile will fight from six seats. Talking to media persons, Shah said that the alliance would contest the coming Lok Sabha polls under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also said that there was no difference of any kind within the NDA in Bihar. The BJP president further said seat allocation would be decided in the coming days. Growing discontentment among the NDA allies in Bihar came out in the open when LJP’s Chirag Paswan told the media that the BJP had digressed to ‘non-issues’ like the Ram temple and had demanded urgent steps to return to the ‘real issue’ of development. Chirag had also expressed unhappiness over the sharing of seats in the state. Meanwhile, RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha, after pulling out of the NDA on December 10 over the issue of seat allocation for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, joined the UPA on December 20 to be a part of the grand alliance. JD-U had contested the last Assembly elections in alliance with the RJD against the BJP and even formed the government, but later defected to the NDA and formed the government with the BJP’s support in the state.

2019 polls: BJP, JD(U) to contest 17 seats each in Bihar, LJP to fight from remaining 6

At least, three persons were killed and eight others sustained injuries after an under-construction building near Azad Maidan in Mumbai's Goregaon collapsed on Sunday.

The incident took place in the morning when three-storey Mhada Chawl located in Motilal Nagar suddenly came crashing down. One of the deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Ramu. He was rushed to a local hospital where the doctor declared him brought dead. 
 
A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached the spot, and the rescue operation has been launched. The injured have been admitted Siddharth Hospital for treatment. The condition of those injured is said to be stable.

The reason for the collapse of the building is yet to be ascertained.

At least, three persons were killed and eight others sustained injuries after an under-construction building near Azad Maidan in Mumbai's Goregaon collapsed on Sunday.

At least, three persons were killed and eight others sustained injuries after an under-construction building near Azad Maidan in Mumbai's Goregaon collapsed on Sunday. The incident took place in the morning when three-storey Mhada Chawl located in Motilal Nagar suddenly came crashing down. One of the deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Ramu. He was rushed to a local hospital where the doctor declared him brought dead. A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached the spot, and the rescue operation has been launched. The injured have been admitted Siddharth Hospital for treatment. The condition of those injured is said to be stable. The reason for the collapse of the building is yet to be ascertained.

3 dead, 8 injured in Mumbai's under-construction building collapse

The BJP Sunday lashed out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his barb at India on the treatment of minorities, terming his country "a land of atrocities against minorities" who have been "persecuted" there since its birth in 1947.

Minorities Affairs Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/naseeruddin-shahs-children-need-not-feel-scared-union-minister-mukhtar-abbas-naqvi-185913">Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi</a> used a Hindi proverb and described Khan's comments as a case of a cat going on a pilgrimage after eating 100 mice (Sau chuhe khake bill Haj ko chali).

In hard-hitting remarks against Pakistan, Naqvi said that number of minorities like Hindus, Sikhs and Christians have fallen by almost 90 per cent in that country since its birth in 1947 as they were hounded by Islamic fundamentalists in collusion with its government.

Unlike Pakistan, where minorities were killed, forced to convert or persecuted out of the country, in India, they have grown and are an equal partner in development, Naqvi asserted. In the neighbouring country, minorities are barely two to three per cent of its population, he said.

Targeting Khan, Naqvi named a number of popular Indian artists, including Yusuf Khan better known as Dilip Kumar, and Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, and noted that generations of Indians have admired them.

"Can Imran Khan name a single Pakistani artiste who has come from a minority community and been liked as much as these actors are in India," Naqvi said.

The Union minister also had a word of advice for veteran Indian actor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/naseeruddin-shahs-cows-death-comment-takes-political-turn-bjp-calls-it-pr-stunt-185590">Naseeruddin Shah</a>, whose comments expressing concern over mob violence in the country were seized upon by Imran Khan to claim on Saturday that he will show the Indian government how to treat minorities.

"Naseeruddin Shah should also consider that such a sweeping statement that is also factually incorrect causes a lot of harm and is used by anti-India forces to target our country," Naqvi said.

Shah had cited the murder of a police inspector in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr by a mob protesting the alleged slaughter of cow to express his concern.

Slamming Pakistan, Naqvi said, "It is a land of atrocities against minorities. It is a land where the blood of minorities has been spilt over the decades. For it to lecture us on minority rights is a case of a cat going on a pilgrimage after eating 100 mice."

Minorities' constitutional, social and democratic rights in India have always been secure, he said, adding that Pakistan's ill-treatment of its minorities has been recorded by various global bodies, including the United Nations.

The BJP Sunday lashed out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his barb at India on the treatment of minorities, terming his country "a land of atrocities against minorities" who have been "persecuted" there since its birth in 1947.

The BJP Sunday lashed out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his barb at India on the treatment of minorities, terming his country "a land of atrocities against minorities" who have been "persecuted" there since its birth in 1947. Minorities Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi used a Hindi proverb and described Khan's comments as a case of a cat going on a pilgrimage after eating 100 mice (Sau chuhe khake bill Haj ko chali). In hard-hitting remarks against Pakistan, Naqvi said that number of minorities like Hindus, Sikhs and Christians have fallen by almost 90 per cent in that country since its birth in 1947 as they were hounded by Islamic fundamentalists in collusion with its government. Unlike Pakistan, where minorities were killed, forced to convert or persecuted out of the country, in India, they have grown and are an equal partner in development, Naqvi asserted. In the neighbouring country, minorities are barely two to three per cent of its population, he said. Targeting Khan, Naqvi named a number of popular Indian artists, including Yusuf Khan better known as Dilip Kumar, and Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, and noted that generations of Indians have admired them. "Can Imran Khan name a single Pakistani artiste who has come from a minority community and been liked as much as these actors are in India," Naqvi said. The Union minister also had a word of advice for veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah, whose comments expressing concern over mob violence in the country were seized upon by Imran Khan to claim on Saturday that he will show the Indian government how to treat minorities. "Naseeruddin Shah should also consider that such a sweeping statement that is also factually incorrect causes a lot of harm and is used by anti-India forces to target our country," Naqvi said. Shah had cited the murder of a police inspector in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr by a mob protesting the alleged slaughter of cow to express his concern. Slamming Pakistan, Naqvi said, "It is a land of atrocities against minorities. It is a land where the blood of minorities has been spilt over the decades. For it to lecture us on minority rights is a case of a cat going on a pilgrimage after eating 100 mice." Minorities' constitutional, social and democratic rights in India have always been secure, he said, adding that Pakistan's ill-treatment of its minorities has been recorded by various global bodies, including the United Nations.

Pakistan a land of atrocities against minorities: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scholarships-awarded-to-17-crore-minority-students-in-west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-184968">West Bengal Chief Minister</a> <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengals-doors-open-for-migrant-and-homeless-people-mamata-banerjee-184999">Mamata Banerjee</a> Sunday paid homage to former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary and said the income of farmers in her state has tripled during the past seven years of the Trinamool Congress rule.

"Respectful homage to Chaudhary Charan Singh, former prime minister, on his birth anniversary. This day is also observed as #KisanDiwas. My best wishes to all the farmers in the country on the occasion," she tweeted.

"In #Bangla the average annual income of farmers has tripled from Rs 91,000 (in 2010-11) to Rs 2.91 lakh (in 2017-18). We have also waived the tax and mutation fee on agricultural land. We are committed to the welfare of farmers #KisanDiwas," she said in a second tweet.

The 'Kisan Diwas' or National Farmers Day is observed across the country on this day to celebrate the birthday of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday paid homage to former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary and said the income of farmers in her state has tripled during the past seven years of the Trinamool Congress rule.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday paid homage to former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary and said the income of farmers in her state has tripled during the past seven years of the Trinamool Congress rule. "Respectful homage to Chaudhary Charan Singh, former prime minister, on his birth anniversary. This day is also observed as #KisanDiwas. My best wishes to all the farmers in the country on the occasion," she tweeted. "In #Bangla the average annual income of farmers has tripled from Rs 91,000 (in 2010-11) to Rs 2.91 lakh (in 2017-18). We have also waived the tax and mutation fee on agricultural land. We are committed to the welfare of farmers #KisanDiwas," she said in a second tweet. The 'Kisan Diwas' or National Farmers Day is observed across the country on this day to celebrate the birthday of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India.

Farmers' incomes tripled in West Bengal during TMC rule, says CM Mamata Banerjee

India will receive a loan to the tune of Rs 6668.46 crore from Japan for various development projects.

The loan will be used to develop phase two of the Chennai metro project, a dairy development project and a programme for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-can-provide-talented-people-for-our-development-japan-ambassador-on-wions-the-diplomacy-show-183858">Japan-India</a> cooperative actions towards Sustainable Development Goals in India.

Ambassador of Japan to India Kenji Hiramatsu and Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India Dr.C.S. Mohapatra on Friday signed and exchanged notes here concerning the provision of three yen loan projects (total loan provision of up to JPY 105.497 billion, approximately INR 6,668.465 crore).

The first loan is for construction of a subway system in Chennai. It is expected that approximately 330 thousand people will use the 3rd line between Madhavaram Milk Colony Station and Sholinganallur Station (about 36.0 km) and it will reduce the travelling time between the two stations from the current two hours and fourteen minutes by automobile, to one hour and 8 minutes by 2029 (in 2 years after completion). 
 
It is also expected that approximately 760 thousand people will use the 5th line between Madhavaram Milk Colony Station and Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus Station (about 16.0 km) and it will reduce the travelling time between the two stations from the current 46 minutes by automobile, to 30 minutes. 
 
This project is thus expected to contribute to the development of the regional economy and the improvement of the urban environment by easing traffic congestion. 
 
The second loan is for the improvement of income levels of dairy farmers in India. This project is to provide a loan to the Government of India for the enhancement of farmers' access to the modern distribution network, improvement of dairy machinery and distribution infrastructure, capacity building of dairy cooperatives in the several eligible states under the agreement between JICA, National Dairy Development Board, and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. 
 
It is expected that 150 thousand dairy farmers will newly join dairy cooperatives, and the farmers' market will expand with modernized dairy product value chain. This project is thus expected to improve the income levels of dairy farmers by increasing the sales of milk and dairy products. 
 
The third loan is for the institution building and policy development related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India This program is to contribute to achieving SDGs by 2030 through providing a loan for strengthening the implementation system and the policy framework related to SDGs in India, with a view to promoting SDGs in social development sector. 
 
For example, this program supports social sector development such as the enhancement of the ratio of pregnant women who have access to safe medical check-up from 64 per cent in 2016 to 75 per cent in 2019, and the ratio of population who are provided with enough amount of safe drinking water from 82 percent in 2016 to 90 percent in 2019 in least developed regions. 
 
Japanese ODA Loan commitment to India reached JPY 421.955 billion, approximately INR 26,671.776 crore and the all-time-high in FY2018.

India is the largest recipient country of Japanese ODA Loan in FY2018 as well as in FY2017 on the commission basis.

India will receive a loan to the tune of Rs 6668.46 crore from Japan for various development projects. The loan will be used to develop phase two of the Chennai metro project, a dairy development project and a programme for Japan-India cooperative actions towards Sustainable Development Goals in India.

India will receive a loan to the tune of Rs 6668.46 crore from Japan for various development projects. The loan will be used to develop phase two of the Chennai metro project, a dairy development project and a programme for Japan-India cooperative actions towards Sustainable Development Goals in India. Ambassador of Japan to India Kenji Hiramatsu and Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India Dr.C.S. Mohapatra on Friday signed and exchanged notes here concerning the provision of three yen loan projects (total loan provision of up to JPY 105.497 billion, approximately INR 6,668.465 crore). The first loan is for construction of a subway system in Chennai. It is expected that approximately 330 thousand people will use the 3rd line between Madhavaram Milk Colony Station and Sholinganallur Station (about 36.0 km) and it will reduce the travelling time between the two stations from the current two hours and fourteen minutes by automobile, to one hour and 8 minutes by 2029 (in 2 years after completion). It is also expected that approximately 760 thousand people will use the 5th line between Madhavaram Milk Colony Station and Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus Station (about 16.0 km) and it will reduce the travelling time between the two stations from the current 46 minutes by automobile, to 30 minutes. This project is thus expected to contribute to the development of the regional economy and the improvement of the urban environment by easing traffic congestion. The second loan is for the improvement of income levels of dairy farmers in India. This project is to provide a loan to the Government of India for the enhancement of farmers' access to the modern distribution network, improvement of dairy machinery and distribution infrastructure, capacity building of dairy cooperatives in the several eligible states under the agreement between JICA, National Dairy Development Board, and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. It is expected that 150 thousand dairy farmers will newly join dairy cooperatives, and the farmers' market will expand with modernized dairy product value chain. This project is thus expected to improve the income levels of dairy farmers by increasing the sales of milk and dairy products. The third loan is for the institution building and policy development related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India This program is to contribute to achieving SDGs by 2030 through providing a loan for strengthening the implementation system and the policy framework related to SDGs in India, with a view to promoting SDGs in social development sector. For example, this program supports social sector development such as the enhancement of the ratio of pregnant women who have access to safe medical check-up from 64 per cent in 2016 to 75 per cent in 2019, and the ratio of population who are provided with enough amount of safe drinking water from 82 percent in 2016 to 90 percent in 2019 in least developed regions. Japanese ODA Loan commitment to India reached JPY 421.955 billion, approximately INR 26,671.776 crore and the all-time-high in FY2018. India is the largest recipient country of Japanese ODA Loan in FY2018 as well as in FY2017 on the commission basis.

Japan gives Rs 6668.46 crore loan for developing projects in India

The BJP on Friday hit out at <a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/rahul-no-longer-a-pappu-after-poll-win-in-three-states-farooq-abdullah-185769">National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah</a> over his remarks to grant autonomy to Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir regions if his party comes to power in the state. 
 
Mr Abdullah had on Thursday promised regional autonomy if his party comes to power in Jammu and Kashmir after next year's assembly election. 
 
"I want to make a promise that God willing if we form the next government, we will bring a resolution to grant autonomy to the three regions (within 30 days)," Mr Abdullah said, as he welcomed expelled BJP leader and former MLA Gagan Bhagat into the National Conference. 
 
"Farooq Abdullah has tried to mislead Jammuites and create confusion and discord in peace-loving people of Jammu belonging to different religious and ethnic groups by promising greater autonomy to Jammu in case National Conference comes to power in next elections," State Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Spokesperson Sunil Sethi told reporters in Jammu. 
 
"By making such a statement the real face of the communal approach of the National Conference has come in open", he said. 
 
Mr Sethi said that National Conference wants to divide the people of Jammu Province into regional subgroups to create subregions of a Muslim majority by creating mistrust and hatred between people who have always lived in complete harmony. 
 
"Jammu is a shining example of all religious and linguistic groups living in complete harmony unlike the intolerant Kashmiri population who forced minority Kashmiri Pandits to migrate," he said. 
 
National Conference has no political agenda for the state except for blindly falling in line with separatists, including Hurriyat Conference, for petty political gains, he added. 
 
On Gagan Bhagat joining National Conference, he said that it exposes the real face of National Conference. "It is very clear that Gagan Bhagat had filed a petition against assembly dissolution at the asking of National Conference only which is his new master", he added. 
 
"Gagan Bhagat had been expelled from the BJP, not because of his matrimonial dispute, but because he had kept a young girl belonging to a poor family in his house with whom his objectionable pictures and videos came in the media," Mr Sethi claimed. 
 
"By misusing his position as an MLA, he had created a situation of fear and helplessness for the poor family which was a heinous act as a political worker. In the coming elections National Conference will have to give an answer to the voters for having such a person in the party," he added.

The BJP on Friday hit out at National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah over his remarks to grant autonomy to Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir regions if his party comes to power in the state.

The BJP on Friday hit out at National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah over his remarks to grant autonomy to Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir regions if his party comes to power in the state. Mr Abdullah had on Thursday promised regional autonomy if his party comes to power in Jammu and Kashmir after next year's assembly election. "I want to make a promise that God willing if we form the next government, we will bring a resolution to grant autonomy to the three regions (within 30 days)," Mr Abdullah said, as he welcomed expelled BJP leader and former MLA Gagan Bhagat into the National Conference. "Farooq Abdullah has tried to mislead Jammuites and create confusion and discord in peace-loving people of Jammu belonging to different religious and ethnic groups by promising greater autonomy to Jammu in case National Conference comes to power in next elections," State Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Spokesperson Sunil Sethi told reporters in Jammu. "By making such a statement the real face of the communal approach of the National Conference has come in open", he said. Mr Sethi said that National Conference wants to divide the people of Jammu Province into regional subgroups to create subregions of a Muslim majority by creating mistrust and hatred between people who have always lived in complete harmony. "Jammu is a shining example of all religious and linguistic groups living in complete harmony unlike the intolerant Kashmiri population who forced minority Kashmiri Pandits to migrate," he said. National Conference has no political agenda for the state except for blindly falling in line with separatists, including Hurriyat Conference, for petty political gains, he added. On Gagan Bhagat joining National Conference, he said that it exposes the real face of National Conference. "It is very clear that Gagan Bhagat had filed a petition against assembly dissolution at the asking of National Conference only which is his new master", he added. "Gagan Bhagat had been expelled from the BJP, not because of his matrimonial dispute, but because he had kept a young girl belonging to a poor family in his house with whom his objectionable pictures and videos came in the media," Mr Sethi claimed. "By misusing his position as an MLA, he had created a situation of fear and helplessness for the poor family which was a heinous act as a political worker. In the coming elections National Conference will have to give an answer to the voters for having such a person in the party," he added.

BJP slams Farooq Abdullah over promising regional autonomy in J&K if his party comes to power

Punjab Chief Minister Captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarinder-singh-hails-sajjan-kumars-conviction-in-1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-184802">Amarinder Singh</a> said that Badals, who lead Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), were running around like "scared rabbits with no hole to hide", fearing defeat in the Lok Sabha polls next year. 
 
"Faced by imminent defeat in 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Badals were running around like scared rabbits, with no hole to hide," said the Punjab Chief Minister on Friday, adding that if they continued with their desperate efforts to cheat people, they would be thrown into political oblivion forever by the electorate. 
 
Amarinder's remark came a day after SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the recent loan waivers announced by Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh were "farce". 
 
The Punjab Chief Minister, in response, also urged the Akali leader to give up such theatrics if he wanted his party to remain a serious contender in the political arena. 
 
Lashing out at the SAD president for his continued efforts to exploit the sentiments of farmers, to whom, he claimed, the former regime failed to deliver even an iota of benefits, Amarinder said the former deputy chief minister was trying to mislead the farming community in a desperate bid to wean it away from the Congress. 
 
He pointed out that Congress president Rahul Gandhi had already promised waiver of loans for the beleaguered farmers across the country if the party was elected to power in the forthcoming elections. "It was evident that the SAD-BJP combine was scared out of their wits by the Congress leadership's promise and their track record of delivering on their poll promises in all the states in which the party had been elected to power," he claimed. 
 
The Punjab Chief Minister ridiculed Sukhbir's blatant attempts to divert public attention from the erstwhile Akali-BJP regime's failure on all counts. "For 10 years, the Badals did not take cognisance of the plight of the farmers and were now shedding crocodile tears for them, he added. Having gone through extreme pain and suffering under the SAD-BJP government for a decade, neither the farmers nor any other section of Punjab's populace was now willing to be deceived by the SAD leadership," he said. 
 
Countering Badal's baseless allegation with facts and figures, Amarinder pointed out that his government had delivered on its promise of loan waiver despite the severe financial constraints and fiscal mess it had inherited from the Badal regime. "Not just the farmers of Punjab but those of the entire nation had appreciated his government's initiative, which had been replicated now by the newly installed Congress regime in three other states," he added. 
 
The Chief Minister pointed out that his government had so far disbursed Rs. 3595.04 crore to 428246 farmers against their debts, with the process for loan waiver to 159632 small farmers also initiated. Of this, Rs. 1815.78 crore had been disbursed to 317965 marginal farmers against loans taken from cooperative banks and Rs. 1779.26 crore to 110281 marginal farmers towards loans from commercial banks. 
 
"These are hard facts that no amount of fabrications by Sukhbir or anyone else can negate," said Amarinder, challenging the SAD president to cite even one example of any benefit provided by their government to the farmers. 
 
"Sukhbir's brazen attempts to lie his way out of the current mess in which his party and leadership are caught at present were nothing more than a sign of frustration and desperation. With SAD completely marginalised in Punjab, and their ally, the BJP, also clearly losing political ground, the Akali chief was looking for a way out of the political alienation which the coalition was facing ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," Amarinder claimed.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that Badals, who lead Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), were running around like "scared rabbits with no hole to hide", fearing defeat in the Lok Sabha polls next year.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that Badals, who lead Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), were running around like "scared rabbits with no hole to hide", fearing defeat in the Lok Sabha polls next year. "Faced by imminent defeat in 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Badals were running around like scared rabbits, with no hole to hide," said the Punjab Chief Minister on Friday, adding that if they continued with their desperate efforts to cheat people, they would be thrown into political oblivion forever by the electorate. Amarinder's remark came a day after SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the recent loan waivers announced by Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh were "farce". The Punjab Chief Minister, in response, also urged the Akali leader to give up such theatrics if he wanted his party to remain a serious contender in the political arena. Lashing out at the SAD president for his continued efforts to exploit the sentiments of farmers, to whom, he claimed, the former regime failed to deliver even an iota of benefits, Amarinder said the former deputy chief minister was trying to mislead the farming community in a desperate bid to wean it away from the Congress. He pointed out that Congress president Rahul Gandhi had already promised waiver of loans for the beleaguered farmers across the country if the party was elected to power in the forthcoming elections. "It was evident that the SAD-BJP combine was scared out of their wits by the Congress leadership's promise and their track record of delivering on their poll promises in all the states in which the party had been elected to power," he claimed. The Punjab Chief Minister ridiculed Sukhbir's blatant attempts to divert public attention from the erstwhile Akali-BJP regime's failure on all counts. "For 10 years, the Badals did not take cognisance of the plight of the farmers and were now shedding crocodile tears for them, he added. Having gone through extreme pain and suffering under the SAD-BJP government for a decade, neither the farmers nor any other section of Punjab's populace was now willing to be deceived by the SAD leadership," he said. Countering Badal's baseless allegation with facts and figures, Amarinder pointed out that his government had delivered on its promise of loan waiver despite the severe financial constraints and fiscal mess it had inherited from the Badal regime. "Not just the farmers of Punjab but those of the entire nation had appreciated his government's initiative, which had been replicated now by the newly installed Congress regime in three other states," he added. The Chief Minister pointed out that his government had so far disbursed Rs. 3595.04 crore to 428246 farmers against their debts, with the process for loan waiver to 159632 small farmers also initiated. Of this, Rs. 1815.78 crore had been disbursed to 317965 marginal farmers against loans taken from cooperative banks and Rs. 1779.26 crore to 110281 marginal farmers towards loans from commercial banks. "These are hard facts that no amount of fabrications by Sukhbir or anyone else can negate," said Amarinder, challenging the SAD president to cite even one example of any benefit provided by their government to the farmers. "Sukhbir's brazen attempts to lie his way out of the current mess in which his party and leadership are caught at present were nothing more than a sign of frustration and desperation. With SAD completely marginalised in Punjab, and their ally, the BJP, also clearly losing political ground, the Akali chief was looking for a way out of the political alienation which the coalition was facing ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," Amarinder claimed.

2019 polls: Badals running around like 'scared rabbits with no hole to hide', says Amarinder

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Pakistan</a> Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/harassment-of-indian-diplomats-returns-in-islamabad-185684">Imran Khan telephoned</a> UN chief Antonio Guterres and raised the issue of Kashmir, a UN spokesman has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary General, did not give further details about the conversation between Khan and Guterres. 
 
When asked by PTI to comment on India’s strong retort to Khan that Pakistan should mind its own business and that Kashmir is an integral part of India, Dujarric said, “Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated. There is an observer group as mandated by the Security Council,” He was referring to the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). 
 
Dujarric added that the Pakistani Prime Minister wanted to speak to the Secretary-General. “It’s only normal that the Secretary-General speaks to Heads of Governments and Heads of State and, as I said, I can confirm that the call took place and that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Kashmir,” Dujarric said. 
 
In a set of recent tweets, Khan said that “Kashmiris must be allowed to decide their future”. He also tweeted that Pakistan would raise the issue of India’s alleged human rights violations at the United Nations.&nbsp; External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in response said that “the statements coming out from their side demonstrates the insincerity and duplicity”. 
 
The UNMOGIP was established in January 1949 and currently has a total of 118 UN and civilian staff. Following the India-Pakistan war in 1971 and a subsequent ceasefire agreement of December 17 of that year, the tasks of UNMOGIP have been to observe, to the extent possible, developments pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire and to report thereon to the Secretary-General. 
 
India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan telephoned UN chief Antonio Guterres and raised the issue of Kashmir, a UN spokesman has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary General, did not give further details about the conversation between Khan and Guterres.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan telephoned UN chief Antonio Guterres and raised the issue of Kashmir, a UN spokesman has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary General, did not give further details about the conversation between Khan and Guterres. When asked by PTI to comment on India’s strong retort to Khan that Pakistan should mind its own business and that Kashmir is an integral part of India, Dujarric said, “Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated. There is an observer group as mandated by the Security Council,” He was referring to the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). Dujarric added that the Pakistani Prime Minister wanted to speak to the Secretary-General. “It’s only normal that the Secretary-General speaks to Heads of Governments and Heads of State and, as I said, I can confirm that the call took place and that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Kashmir,” Dujarric said. In a set of recent tweets, Khan said that “Kashmiris must be allowed to decide their future”. He also tweeted that Pakistan would raise the issue of India’s alleged human rights violations at the United Nations. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in response said that “the statements coming out from their side demonstrates the insincerity and duplicity”. The UNMOGIP was established in January 1949 and currently has a total of 118 UN and civilian staff. Following the India-Pakistan war in 1971 and a subsequent ceasefire agreement of December 17 of that year, the tasks of UNMOGIP have been to observe, to the extent possible, developments pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire and to report thereon to the Secretary-General. India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan PM Imran Khan raised Kashmir issue with UN chief, says UN spokesman

A local court on Friday awarded life sentence to suspended RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav and two others convicted in a case related to raping a minor girl over two years ago. 
 
Three others were sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment in the case. 
 
The court had convicted Yadav and the five others, including four women, on December 15 for the rape of the minor girl at his residence in Bihar Sharif on February 6, 2016. 
 
Special MP and MLA court Judge-cum-Additional District and Sessions Judge Parshuram Singh Yadav awarded life imprisonment to Raj Ballabh Yadav under sections 376 (rape) and 120(B) (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act. 
 
Yadav, who is an MLA from Nawada, now stands to lose his membership of the Bihar Assembly. 
 
According to section 8(3) of Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release. 
 
The court also slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 on Yadav. 
 
The two others who were also awarded life imprisonment were ordered to pay a fine of Rs 20,000 each. A fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed on the remaining three. 
 
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) suspended Yadav from the party on February 14, 2016, after he was named as accused in the rape case. 
 
In its charge sheet, the Bihar police had also named a woman and her relatives as accused on the ground that they were supplying women and girls to the MLA. 
 
Yadav had evaded arrest for a considerable time and finally surrendered after a local court issued a proclamation notice and an order to attach his properties. 
 
He had later secured bail from Patna High Court, which was cancelled by the Supreme Court on November 24, 2016.

A local court on Friday awarded life sentence to suspended RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav and two others convicted in a case related to raping a minor girl over two years ago.

A local court on Friday awarded life sentence to suspended RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav and two others convicted in a case related to raping a minor girl over two years ago. Three others were sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment in the case. The court had convicted Yadav and the five others, including four women, on December 15 for the rape of the minor girl at his residence in Bihar Sharif on February 6, 2016. Special MP and MLA court Judge-cum-Additional District and Sessions Judge Parshuram Singh Yadav awarded life imprisonment to Raj Ballabh Yadav under sections 376 (rape) and 120(B) (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act. Yadav, who is an MLA from Nawada, now stands to lose his membership of the Bihar Assembly. According to section 8(3) of Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release. The court also slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 on Yadav. The two others who were also awarded life imprisonment were ordered to pay a fine of Rs 20,000 each. A fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed on the remaining three. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) suspended Yadav from the party on February 14, 2016, after he was named as accused in the rape case. In its charge sheet, the Bihar police had also named a woman and her relatives as accused on the ground that they were supplying women and girls to the MLA. Yadav had evaded arrest for a considerable time and finally surrendered after a local court issued a proclamation notice and an order to attach his properties. He had later secured bail from Patna High Court, which was cancelled by the Supreme Court on November 24, 2016.

Bihar RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav sentenced to life for raping a minor girl

National Conference chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sajjad-lones-father-brought-gun-to-valley-farooq-abdullah-181099">Farooq Abdullah</a> Friday said Congress president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Rahul Gandhi</a> is no longer a "Pappu" and has proved his mettle as a leader by winning elections in three Hindi heartland states. 
 
Speaking at an event here, he also questioned the need for the BJP's proposed Rath Yatra in West Bengal and wondered whether the party wants to project itself as a saviour of the Hindus. 
 
"Rahul Gandhi is no longer a Pappu. He has proved his mettle by winning three states," Abdullah said during an interactive session. 
 
Gandhi has often been mocked by the BJP and his opposition as "Pappu", a colloquial sneer. 
 
Abdullah took on the government saying institutions like the RBI are being polluted under the present regime. He alleged that efforts are being made to divide the country on religious lines. 
 
"It is wrong the way they are trying to divide the nation on the basis of religion. The way there has been interference in Muslim religion and its practices is unfortunate," the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah Friday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi is no longer a "Pappu" and has proved his mettle as a leader by winning elections in three Hindi heartland states.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah Friday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi is no longer a "Pappu" and has proved his mettle as a leader by winning elections in three Hindi heartland states. Speaking at an event here, he also questioned the need for the BJP's proposed Rath Yatra in West Bengal and wondered whether the party wants to project itself as a saviour of the Hindus. "Rahul Gandhi is no longer a Pappu. He has proved his mettle by winning three states," Abdullah said during an interactive session. Gandhi has often been mocked by the BJP and his opposition as "Pappu", a colloquial sneer. Abdullah took on the government saying institutions like the RBI are being polluted under the present regime. He alleged that efforts are being made to divide the country on religious lines. "It is wrong the way they are trying to divide the nation on the basis of religion. The way there has been interference in Muslim religion and its practices is unfortunate," the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said.

Rahul no longer a 'Pappu' after poll win in three states: Farooq Abdullah

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a> on Friday gave the go-ahead for induction of six new faces and replacement of two ministers in the JD(S)-led coalition government in Karnataka, party sources said. 
 
MTB Nagaraj, Raheem Khan, E Tukaram and P T Parameshwara Naik are among the six leaders whose names are understood to have been finalised after discussions with state leaders in a meeting held here, they added.

Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah, Pradesh Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao, Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, and Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal were present in the meeting. 
 
Besides inducting six new faces, the sources said the Congress chief is understood to have approved dropping two ministers Municipal Administration Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi and Forest Minister R Shankar from the cabinet. 
 
Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has been allegedly hobnobbing with BJP leaders, will be replaced by his brother Satish Jarkiholi, whereas Shankar by C S Shivalli from Kuruba community, the sources said. 
 
In the meeting, the Congress chief has given a green signal for appointing Congress leaders V Muniappa as political secretary and Ajay Singh as the state representative in the national capital. 
 
The sources said the swearing-in ceremony of new members will take place depending on the availability of state Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala. 
 
According to the pact reached between the two partners at the time of formation of the coalition government in May, there are at present six vacant ministerial positions left for the Congress and two for the JD(S). 
 
The cabinet expansion is expected to pacify members of the Congress camp who have become restless following its repeated postponement.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday gave the go-ahead for induction of six new faces and replacement of two ministers in the JD(S)-led coalition government in Karnataka, party sources said.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday gave the go-ahead for induction of six new faces and replacement of two ministers in the JD(S)-led coalition government in Karnataka, party sources said. MTB Nagaraj, Raheem Khan, E Tukaram and P T Parameshwara Naik are among the six leaders whose names are understood to have been finalised after discussions with state leaders in a meeting held here, they added. Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah, Pradesh Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao, Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, and Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal were present in the meeting. Besides inducting six new faces, the sources said the Congress chief is understood to have approved dropping two ministers Municipal Administration Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi and Forest Minister R Shankar from the cabinet. Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has been allegedly hobnobbing with BJP leaders, will be replaced by his brother Satish Jarkiholi, whereas Shankar by C S Shivalli from Kuruba community, the sources said. In the meeting, the Congress chief has given a green signal for appointing Congress leaders V Muniappa as political secretary and Ajay Singh as the state representative in the national capital. The sources said the swearing-in ceremony of new members will take place depending on the availability of state Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala. According to the pact reached between the two partners at the time of formation of the coalition government in May, there are at present six vacant ministerial positions left for the Congress and two for the JD(S). The cabinet expansion is expected to pacify members of the Congress camp who have become restless following its repeated postponement.

Rahul Gandhi gives nod for Karnataka cabinet expansion

The Bhartiya Janata Party will move vacation bench in the Supreme court challenging the order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/calcutta-high-court-quashes-single-bench-order-that-allowed-bjps-rath-yatra-in-west-bengal-185687">quashed the BJP's 'Rath Yatra'</a> in West Bengal on Friday.

The division bench of the Calcutta High Court yesterday quashed the approval granted to the BJP for carrying out a Rath Yatra in the state.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/high-court-allows-bjp-rath-yatra-in-west-bengal-185502">Rath yatra&nbsp;was earlier allowed by a single bench order</a> of the Calcutta High Court.

The court on Thursday set aside Bengal government's denial of permission to the BJP to hold three 'rath yatra'&nbsp;in the state.

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BJP plans to run a "Save Democracy Rally" in the state ahead of the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Bhartiya Janata Party will move vacation bench in the Supreme court challenging the order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court that quashed the BJP's 'Rath Yatra' in West Bengal on Friday.

The Bhartiya Janata Party will move vacation bench in the Supreme court challenging the order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court that quashed the BJP's 'Rath Yatra' in West Bengal on Friday. The division bench of the Calcutta High Court yesterday quashed the approval granted to the BJP for carrying out a Rath Yatra in the state. The Rath yatra was earlier allowed by a single bench order of the Calcutta High Court. The court on Thursday set aside Bengal government's denial of permission to the BJP to hold three 'rath yatra' in the state. BJP to move vacation bench of the Supreme Court challenging the order of the division bench of Calcutta High Court on BJP's Yatra in West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/CktrTxraJn — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × BJP plans to run a "Save Democracy Rally" in the state ahead of the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

BJP to move SC bench challenging High Court's quashing of 'Rath Yatra' in West Bengal 

Twelve of the 13 protesters killed when police opened fire on a demonstration against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sterlite-case-national-green-tribunal-allows-access-to-administrative-unit-158077">Vedanta's copper smelter</a> in Tamil Nadu in May were hit by bullets in the head or chest, and half of those were shot from behind, autopsy reports show.

Two others died after bullets pierced the sides of their heads, according to the reports produced by forensic medicine experts from several government hospitals and reviewed by Reuters. They have not been previously published.

In the case of the youngest to be killed, a bullet entered the back of 17-year-old J. Snowlin's head and exited through her mouth, the autopsy found.

"The deceased would appear to have died of cardio-pulmonary arrest due to firearm bullet injury to the back of the neck," forensic medicine experts who examined Snowlin's body wrote.

When Reuters visited her family, they said they had not collected the teenager's autopsy report. "We are continuing to exist, that's it," said her mother.

Indian police rules allow the use of live ammunition to quell civil unrest, but stipulate the response should be proportionate and officers should not shoot to kill. Police Standing Orders for Tamil Nadu, the state where the shootings took place, say that, when using firearms, "aim should be kept low, preferably well below the waist level, and directed against the most threatening part of the mob".

The incident was the deadliest at an environmental protest in India in a decade. A working group of United Nations' human rights experts in May condemned the "apparent excessive and disproportionate use of lethal force by police".

Federal police are investigating the shootings, which took place as protesters were marching to the local government headquarters in the port city of Thoothukudi, demanding that a copper smelter controlled by London-headquartered Vedanta Resources be shut for allegedly polluting the environment.

No police officers have been arrested or charged in connection with the killings. In a statement following the incident the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-will-challenge-ngt-order-for-reopening-sterlite-plant-in-sc-palaniswami-184325">Tamil Nadu state government</a>, which is responsible for the police, said: "Due to unavoidable circumstances, we had to take action to bring the situation under control."

The Thoothukudi district administration and state police officials did not respond to emails seeking comments on the autopsy reports. Federal police investigating the deaths did not respond to requests for comment on the autopsy findings.

Vedanta did not respond to a request for comment. The company, which had no involvement in the shootings, has previously expressed regret over the deaths at the protest, which it call "absolutely unfortunate".

Four senior police and two government officials who were present on the day told Reuters in June they were forced to fire live ammunition as the crowd turned violent and threatened a neighbouring Vedanta employees' apartment building.

Detail of deaths

Among the eight <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/9-killed-in-tamil-nadu-protests-seeking-closure-of-vedantas-sterlite-copper-unit-138947">people killed from bullets</a> entering their head or body from behind or the side, 40-year-old Jansi, who like many people in Tamil Nadu goes by just one name, was shot a few hundred metres away from her house in a narrow street close to Thoothukudi's seafront. She was shot through the ear, the report into her death showed.

A bullet went through the forehead of 34-year-old Mani Rajan. "The deceased would appear to have died of penetrating injury to the brain due to the firearm bullet injury to the right side of forehead," Mani's autopsy report said.

The dead also included a man in his 50s, six men in their 40s, and three men in their early 20s.

The head of the forensic science department at the Thoothukudi Medical College, where the autopsies were conducted, declined to comment, as did two of the principal examiners.

Reuters contacted 11 of the 13 families or friends of those killed, 10 of whom said they were not pursuing any legal action. One of the 11 said he was in touch with a lawyer and wanted justice, but did not elaborate further. Two of the families could not be reached for comment.

Authorities in Tamil Nadu ordered the permanent closure of the Vedanta smelter on environmental grounds immediately after the shootings at the May 22 protest. That order was overturned by a ruling from India's green court on Dec. 15. Vedanta, controlled by billionaire Anil Agarwal, has always denied damaging the environment.

On Friday, the state high court asked the firm not to reopen the plant for another month, until it had heard an appeal from activists challenging the green court decision.

Minimum force

The shootings are being investigated by a court-mandated commission as well as the federal police. Officials familiar with the investigations said they were not likely to conclude "any time soon".

Fifteen police weapons were discharged in total, including three self-loading rifles (SLR), according to a state government documents submitted to the investigation commission and reviewed by Reuters.

Of 69 live bullets used, 30 were fired from the three SLRs, according to the documents. Police fired an additional four rounds from .303 rifles and 12 shots from .410 weapons.

The Police Standing Orders, an exhaustive manual on police action, recommends the use of .303 and .410 rifles as a last resort against violent crowds.

Unlike the colonial-era .303 and .410, the SLR is modern rifle capable of continuous fire, said Jacob Punnose, former police chief of the neighbouring Kerala state.

"There is no illegality per se," he said, referring to the use of SLRs in such circumstances. "But it definitely goes against principle of minimum force."

Twelve of the 13 protesters killed when police opened fire on a demonstration against Vedanta's copper smelter in Tamil Nadu in May were hit by bullets in the head or chest, and half of those were shot from behind, autopsy reports show.

Twelve of the 13 protesters killed when police opened fire on a demonstration against Vedanta's copper smelter in Tamil Nadu in May were hit by bullets in the head or chest, and half of those were shot from behind, autopsy reports show. Two others died after bullets pierced the sides of their heads, according to the reports produced by forensic medicine experts from several government hospitals and reviewed by Reuters. They have not been previously published. In the case of the youngest to be killed, a bullet entered the back of 17-year-old J. Snowlin's head and exited through her mouth, the autopsy found. "The deceased would appear to have died of cardio-pulmonary arrest due to firearm bullet injury to the back of the neck," forensic medicine experts who examined Snowlin's body wrote. When Reuters visited her family, they said they had not collected the teenager's autopsy report. "We are continuing to exist, that's it," said her mother. Indian police rules allow the use of live ammunition to quell civil unrest, but stipulate the response should be proportionate and officers should not shoot to kill. Police Standing Orders for Tamil Nadu, the state where the shootings took place, say that, when using firearms, "aim should be kept low, preferably well below the waist level, and directed against the most threatening part of the mob". The incident was the deadliest at an environmental protest in India in a decade. A working group of United Nations' human rights experts in May condemned the "apparent excessive and disproportionate use of lethal force by police". Federal police are investigating the shootings, which took place as protesters were marching to the local government headquarters in the port city of Thoothukudi, demanding that a copper smelter controlled by London-headquartered Vedanta Resources be shut for allegedly polluting the environment. No police officers have been arrested or charged in connection with the killings. In a statement following the incident the Tamil Nadu state government, which is responsible for the police, said: "Due to unavoidable circumstances, we had to take action to bring the situation under control." The Thoothukudi district administration and state police officials did not respond to emails seeking comments on the autopsy reports. Federal police investigating the deaths did not respond to requests for comment on the autopsy findings. Vedanta did not respond to a request for comment. The company, which had no involvement in the shootings, has previously expressed regret over the deaths at the protest, which it call "absolutely unfortunate". Four senior police and two government officials who were present on the day told Reuters in June they were forced to fire live ammunition as the crowd turned violent and threatened a neighbouring Vedanta employees' apartment building. Detail of deaths Among the eight people killed from bullets entering their head or body from behind or the side, 40-year-old Jansi, who like many people in Tamil Nadu goes by just one name, was shot a few hundred metres away from her house in a narrow street close to Thoothukudi's seafront. She was shot through the ear, the report into her death showed. A bullet went through the forehead of 34-year-old Mani Rajan. "The deceased would appear to have died of penetrating injury to the brain due to the firearm bullet injury to the right side of forehead," Mani's autopsy report said. The dead also included a man in his 50s, six men in their 40s, and three men in their early 20s. The head of the forensic science department at the Thoothukudi Medical College, where the autopsies were conducted, declined to comment, as did two of the principal examiners. Reuters contacted 11 of the 13 families or friends of those killed, 10 of whom said they were not pursuing any legal action. One of the 11 said he was in touch with a lawyer and wanted justice, but did not elaborate further. Two of the families could not be reached for comment. Authorities in Tamil Nadu ordered the permanent closure of the Vedanta smelter on environmental grounds immediately after the shootings at the May 22 protest. That order was overturned by a ruling from India's green court on Dec. 15. Vedanta, controlled by billionaire Anil Agarwal, has always denied damaging the environment. On Friday, the state high court asked the firm not to reopen the plant for another month, until it had heard an appeal from activists challenging the green court decision. Minimum force The shootings are being investigated by a court-mandated commission as well as the federal police. Officials familiar with the investigations said they were not likely to conclude "any time soon". Fifteen police weapons were discharged in total, including three self-loading rifles (SLR), according to a state government documents submitted to the investigation commission and reviewed by Reuters. Of 69 live bullets used, 30 were fired from the three SLRs, according to the documents. Police fired an additional four rounds from .303 rifles and 12 shots from .410 weapons. The Police Standing Orders, an exhaustive manual on police action, recommends the use of .303 and .410 rifles as a last resort against violent crowds. Unlike the colonial-era .303 and .410, the SLR is modern rifle capable of continuous fire, said Jacob Punnose, former police chief of the neighbouring Kerala state. "There is no illegality per se," he said, referring to the use of SLRs in such circumstances. "But it definitely goes against principle of minimum force."

Autopsy reports reveal anti-Vedanta protesters killed by shots on head, chest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said the Centre was committed to making a law on triple talaq despite facing "hurdles" from "hardliners" and opposition parties.&nbsp;

He also asserted that women were the biggest beneficiaries of the many schemes launched by his government.

"Nearly all big schemes are anyhow empowering women. The government has framed new schemes and rectified existing ones. Through the schemes and laws, we are moving towards women empowerment today. This has created trust," Modi said.

Speaking at the fifth national convention of BJP Mahila Morcha, he targeted the Congress, saying women's welfare was never a priority of the previous governments.

 
The prime minister also talked about his government's resolve to make the law on triple talaq.&nbsp;

"Despite all hurdles and opposition from hardliners and opposition parties, the government is committed to making a law on triple talaq," Modi said.

The Lok Sabha is expected to take up the triple talaq Bill for discussion on December 27 during the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

The government had issued an ordinance in September pending the passage of the Bill in a revised form.

The current Bill will supersede a previous Bill passed in the Lower House and held up in Rajya Sabha. In view of opposition to the Bill from various parties, the government has cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail for husbands who give instant triple talaq.

"We are committed so that Muslim women can get rid of a big life threat. No just that. In order for Muslim women to go to Haj (pilgrimage), we have removed the clause that men need to accompany them", he said.

The prime minister said the women of the country have given the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the opportunity "with great hope and trust after trying all other options".

"After exploring various options in the last six to seven decades, the people of the country -- our sisters and daughters -- reposed faith in the BJP. Previous governments did not do anything to provide even basic facilities to women and just made promises," Modi said.

Those who ruled India for 60-70 years failed to provide basic things for women's welfare, he said, adding the previous governments just kept waiting for the right time to usher in social reforms and change in attitude towards women.

"The country knows very well the approach and thinking of those who could not even have it as their priority to provide basic facilities to women in all these years. The country knows what their intentions and thoughts were.

"The political party that remained in power since decades only waited for time to come to bring about social changes and thinking regarding women. They were busy making promises", he said, targeting the Congress.

In the last four years, society's view towards girl child and women empowerment has undergone a positive change, the prime minister said.&nbsp;

"For the first time, the government's flagship schemes are focusing on women," he said while referring to programmes like Swachh Bharat programme, Ujjwala scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), wherein 75 per cent owners of the houses are women.

"Eighteen crore of the total Jan Dhan bank accounts belong to women," he said, adding that the male-female sex ratio has also improved, especially in Haryana, which has had a dubious record in the past.

Modi said the cabinet committee on security affairs for the first time included two women. "Besides, women have been inducted as fighter pilots in Air Force. There is a woman officer wing in the Navy. The government passed anti-trafficking bill and capital punishment will be given to rape convicts of minors," he said.

Modi added that the country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had initiated women's empowerment as president of the Ahmedabad Municipality before Independence.

He said the BJP enjoys confidence of the people of the country from panchayat-level to Parliament.

Modi said his government was taking steps to empower women through schemes launched in the last four-and-half years.

"Since the last many decades, you have struggled with women-related issues. This government is working (as it is) guided by the expression of this struggle. This is being expressed in the government's programmes since the last 4.5 years," he said.

He said the women's participation in decision-making process in the country has gone up due to the efforts of his government.

"Schemes such as Swachh Bharat Mission targeted women by providing them toilets or 'ijjat ghars' where they can go freely without fear of being stalked," the prime minister said.

Modi also said that his government brought down inflation, which came as a "relief to women, making it easier for them to manage the households".

The PM praised the BJP government in Haryana for improving the gender ratio, saying it was the result of the success of the 'Beti bachao, Beti padhao' initiative.

He also lauded the erstwhile Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in Madhya Pradesh for ensuring that courts pass orders in two to three months in cases of rape of minor girls.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said the Centre was committed to making a law on triple talaq despite facing "hurdles" from "hardliners" and opposition parties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said the Centre was committed to making a law on triple talaq despite facing "hurdles" from "hardliners" and opposition parties. He also asserted that women were the biggest beneficiaries of the many schemes launched by his government. "Nearly all big schemes are anyhow empowering women. The government has framed new schemes and rectified existing ones. Through the schemes and laws, we are moving towards women empowerment today. This has created trust," Modi said. Speaking at the fifth national convention of BJP Mahila Morcha, he targeted the Congress, saying women's welfare was never a priority of the previous governments. The prime minister also talked about his government's resolve to make the law on triple talaq. "Despite all hurdles and opposition from hardliners and opposition parties, the government is committed to making a law on triple talaq," Modi said. The Lok Sabha is expected to take up the triple talaq Bill for discussion on December 27 during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. The government had issued an ordinance in September pending the passage of the Bill in a revised form. The current Bill will supersede a previous Bill passed in the Lower House and held up in Rajya Sabha. In view of opposition to the Bill from various parties, the government has cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail for husbands who give instant triple talaq. "We are committed so that Muslim women can get rid of a big life threat. No just that. In order for Muslim women to go to Haj (pilgrimage), we have removed the clause that men need to accompany them", he said. The prime minister said the women of the country have given the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the opportunity "with great hope and trust after trying all other options". "After exploring various options in the last six to seven decades, the people of the country -- our sisters and daughters -- reposed faith in the BJP. Previous governments did not do anything to provide even basic facilities to women and just made promises," Modi said. Those who ruled India for 60-70 years failed to provide basic things for women's welfare, he said, adding the previous governments just kept waiting for the right time to usher in social reforms and change in attitude towards women. "The country knows very well the approach and thinking of those who could not even have it as their priority to provide basic facilities to women in all these years. The country knows what their intentions and thoughts were. "The political party that remained in power since decades only waited for time to come to bring about social changes and thinking regarding women. They were busy making promises", he said, targeting the Congress. In the last four years, society's view towards girl child and women empowerment has undergone a positive change, the prime minister said. "For the first time, the government's flagship schemes are focusing on women," he said while referring to programmes like Swachh Bharat programme, Ujjwala scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), wherein 75 per cent owners of the houses are women. "Eighteen crore of the total Jan Dhan bank accounts belong to women," he said, adding that the male-female sex ratio has also improved, especially in Haryana, which has had a dubious record in the past. Modi said the cabinet committee on security affairs for the first time included two women. "Besides, women have been inducted as fighter pilots in Air Force. There is a woman officer wing in the Navy. The government passed anti-trafficking bill and capital punishment will be given to rape convicts of minors," he said. Modi added that the country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had initiated women's empowerment as president of the Ahmedabad Municipality before Independence. He said the BJP enjoys confidence of the people of the country from panchayat-level to Parliament. Modi said his government was taking steps to empower women through schemes launched in the last four-and-half years. "Since the last many decades, you have struggled with women-related issues. This government is working (as it is) guided by the expression of this struggle. This is being expressed in the government's programmes since the last 4.5 years," he said. He said the women's participation in decision-making process in the country has gone up due to the efforts of his government. "Schemes such as Swachh Bharat Mission targeted women by providing them toilets or 'ijjat ghars' where they can go freely without fear of being stalked," the prime minister said. Modi also said that his government brought down inflation, which came as a "relief to women, making it easier for them to manage the households". The PM praised the BJP government in Haryana for improving the gender ratio, saying it was the result of the success of the 'Beti bachao, Beti padhao' initiative. He also lauded the erstwhile Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in Madhya Pradesh for ensuring that courts pass orders in two to three months in cases of rape of minor girls.

Government committed to making law on triple talaq: PM Modi

An encounter broke out on Saturday between militants and security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Arampora village in Awantipora area of the south Kashmir district this morning following specific intelligence input about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

He said as the forces were conducting searches, militants fired upon them, triggering the encounter.

The gunfight is underway and further details are awaited, he said.

An encounter broke out on Saturday between militants and security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Arampora village in Awantipora area of the south Kashmir district this morning following specific intelligence input about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

An encounter broke out on Saturday between militants and security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Arampora village in Awantipora area of the south Kashmir district this morning following specific intelligence input about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said as the forces were conducting searches, militants fired upon them, triggering the encounter. The gunfight is underway and further details are awaited, he said.

J&K: Encounter breaks out between terrorists, security forces in Pulwana district

The death toll in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-15-bottles-of-pesticides-were-added-to-the-prasad-that-killed-15-says-police-185397">Karnataka temple</a> where devotees were admitted to hospital after consuming "prasad" in Chamarajanagar district escalated to 17 on Saturday.

The number of deceased in the incident have gone upto seventeen after the death of a 45-year-old man who undergoing treatment in hospital.

On December 14, 15 people had died and more than 100 others were hospitalised after consuming 'prasad' distributed at Maramma temple in Sulavadi village.

The police investigation revealed that a 52 year old seer who was in charge of the temple generating huge money for himself till 2017 directed a woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management.

The seer took the step after he was sidelined from the temple.

Police have arrested four people, including Salur Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeva Swami and his three accomplices, including a woman, on charges of murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy.

On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, the police said.

The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

The death toll in Karnataka temple where devotees were admitted to hospital after consuming "prasad" in Chamarajanagar district escalated to 17 on Saturday. The number of deceased in the incident have gone upto seventeen after the death of a 45-year-old man who undergoing treatment in hospital.

The death toll in Karnataka temple where devotees were admitted to hospital after consuming "prasad" in Chamarajanagar district escalated to 17 on Saturday. The number of deceased in the incident have gone upto seventeen after the death of a 45-year-old man who undergoing treatment in hospital. On December 14, 15 people had died and more than 100 others were hospitalised after consuming 'prasad' distributed at Maramma temple in Sulavadi village. The police investigation revealed that a 52 year old seer who was in charge of the temple generating huge money for himself till 2017 directed a woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management. The seer took the step after he was sidelined from the temple. Police have arrested four people, including Salur Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeva Swami and his three accomplices, including a woman, on charges of murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy. On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, the police said. The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

Death toll after consuming prasad at temple in Karnataka escalates to 17

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-iran-sought-to-influence-us-2018-elections-us-spy-chief-185736">Russia, China, Iran sought to influence midterm elections: US spy chief</a>

Foreign powers, including Russia, China and Iran, sought to influence voters in the US 2018 mid-term elections, but there is no evidence of any penetration into US voting systems, the top US intelligence official said on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-tender-resignation-aap-mla-alka-lamba-over-resolution-to-revoke-rajiv-gandhis-bharat-ratna-185744">'Will tender resignation': AAP MLA Alka Lamba over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-tender-resignation-aap-mla-alka-lamba-over-resolution-to-revoke-rajiv-gandhis-bharat-ratna-185744">resolution</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-tender-resignation-aap-mla-alka-lamba-over-resolution-to-revoke-rajiv-gandhis-bharat-ratna-185744"> to revoke Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna</a>

AAP MLA Alka Lamba said Friday night she will tender her resignation as "demanded" by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not supporting a resolution in the assembly on revoking late PM Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shuts-down-at-midnight-as-house-adjourns-with-no-deal-185738">US government shuts down at midnight as House adjourns with no deal</a>

The US House of Representatives adjourned Friday without Congress passing a spending deal, assuring a partial government shutdown at midnight as President Donald Trump and lawmakers remain at odds over border wall funding.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/london-2-arrested-in-connection-with-gatwick-airport-drone-disruption-185743">London: 2 arrested in connection with Gatwick airport drone disruption</a>

Two persons have been arrested in connection with the drone scare at London' Gatwick airport which caused major disruption for commuters; news agency AFP reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/third-straight-rout-end-worst-weak-for-dow-nasdaq-since-2008-crisis-185739">Third straight rout end worst weak for Dow, Nasdaq since 2008 crisis</a>

Wall Street ended its worst week in a decade with more bruising losses Friday, and with the tech-rich Nasdaq entering a bear market amid worries about trade wars and a possible US government shutdown.

&nbsp;

Russia, China, Iran sought to influence midterm elections: US spy chief Foreign powers, including Russia, China and Iran, sought to influence voters in the US 2018 mid-term elections, but there is no evidence of any penetration into US voting systems, the top US intelligence official said on Friday.

Russia, China, Iran sought to influence midterm elections: US spy chief Foreign powers, including Russia, China and Iran, sought to influence voters in the US 2018 mid-term elections, but there is no evidence of any penetration into US voting systems, the top US intelligence official said on Friday. 'Will tender resignation': AAP MLA Alka Lamba over resolution to revoke Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna AAP MLA Alka Lamba said Friday night she will tender her resignation as "demanded" by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not supporting a resolution in the assembly on revoking late PM Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna. US government shuts down at midnight as House adjourns with no deal The US House of Representatives adjourned Friday without Congress passing a spending deal, assuring a partial government shutdown at midnight as President Donald Trump and lawmakers remain at odds over border wall funding. London: 2 arrested in connection with Gatwick airport drone disruption Two persons have been arrested in connection with the drone scare at London' Gatwick airport which caused major disruption for commuters; news agency AFP reported. Third straight rout end worst weak for Dow, Nasdaq since 2008 crisis Wall Street ended its worst week in a decade with more bruising losses Friday, and with the tech-rich Nasdaq entering a bear market amid worries about trade wars and a possible US government shutdown.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Congress is expected to file an appeal in the Herald House eviction case, news agency ANI reported on Saturday citing sources.

The report has come a day after the Delhi High Court dismissed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-herald-case-delhi-high-court-rejects-ajl-plea-against-centres-order-to-vacate-premises-185721">Associated Journals Ltd's ( </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-herald-case-delhi-high-court-rejects-ajl-plea-against-centres-order-to-vacate-premises-185721">AJL</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-herald-case-delhi-high-court-rejects-ajl-plea-against-centres-order-to-vacate-premises-185721">)&nbsp;petition&nbsp;</a>challenging the Centre's order to vacate its premises.

AJL is the publisher of Congress mouthpiece National Herald.

The Centre and Land and Development Office (L&amp;DO) had said in their order that no press has been functioning in the premises for at least past 10 years and it was being used only for commercial purposes in violation of the lease deed.

AJL had denied the allegations in the petition filed in the high court.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Congress is expected to file an appeal in the Herald House eviction case, news agency ANI reported on Saturday citing sources. The report has come a day after the Delhi High Court dismissed Associated Journals Ltd's ( AJL) petition challenging the Centre's order to vacate its premises.

Congress is expected to file an appeal in the Herald House eviction case, news agency ANI reported on Saturday citing sources. The report has come a day after the Delhi High Court dismissed Associated Journals Ltd's ( AJL) petition challenging the Centre's order to vacate its premises. AJL is the publisher of Congress mouthpiece National Herald. The Centre and Land and Development Office (L&DO) had said in their order that no press has been functioning in the premises for at least past 10 years and it was being used only for commercial purposes in violation of the lease deed. AJL had denied the allegations in the petition filed in the high court.

Congress to file appeal in Herald House eviction case

Indian and Chinese troops on Saturday concluded the seventh round of counter-terrorism military exercises in China's Chengdu city during which over 100-strong contingents from both nations conducted the drills while living and dining together to build up a sense of camaraderie.

This year's 'Hand-in-Hand' exercises focussing on urban terrorism were significant as they were held after a gap of a year. The drills were not held last year following the 73-day military standoff at Doklam which ratcheted up tensions between the two armies.

The specially-designed drills were in keeping with the spirit of this year's summit at Wuhan between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping to improve relations between the two militaries.

The fortnight-long exercises concluded with mixed teams from both armies demonstrating seven rounds of different counter terrorism drills practiced by them since December 11.

State-run TV channel CGTN livestreamed the concluding ceremony and the exercises highlighting their significance.

The theme of the exercises which included live firing and demonstration of driving skills was to rescue hostages held by terrorists in an urban environment. The troops also showcased counter-terrorism tactics and skills, such as combat firing, and rope bridge crossing.

The 2016 exercises held in Pune had focussed on counter terrorism exercises in non-urban areas.

"During the exercises our soldiers and officers lived in the same rooms and ate on the same table," said an officer of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), briefing on the exercises in the CGTN telecast.

The birthdays of a number of soldiers from both sides were also celebrated together.

The Indian contingent headed by Col Puneet Tomar took part in the exercises to foster closer ties between the two militaries which guard the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China fielded its troops from the Tibetan military command. Each side deployed 113 troops and officers. The Indian contingent will leave for home on Sunday, the CGTN report said.

"The aim of the Hand-in-Hand exercises is to build closer relations between the militaries of India and China. The exercises involve tactical-level operations in an international counter insurgency/counter terrorist environment as per UN mandate," a tweet by the Indian Embassy here said earlier.

After the Doklam standoff and following the Wuhan summit, the two militaries made efforts to improve relations.

Besides resuming the defence dialogue after the standoff, the two countries also held the 21st round of border talks.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who are the Special Representatives for the border talks, held discussions on November 24 in Chengdu during which they called for intensifying efforts to find a solution to the vexed border dispute.

Earlier, the two sides held the ninth defence dialogue on November 13 led by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt General Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission.

Indian and Chinese troops on Saturday concluded the seventh round of counter-terrorism military exercises in China's Chengdu city during which over 100-strong contingents from both nations conducted the drills while living and dining together to build up a sense of camaraderie.

Indian and Chinese troops on Saturday concluded the seventh round of counter-terrorism military exercises in China's Chengdu city during which over 100-strong contingents from both nations conducted the drills while living and dining together to build up a sense of camaraderie. This year's 'Hand-in-Hand' exercises focussing on urban terrorism were significant as they were held after a gap of a year. The drills were not held last year following the 73-day military standoff at Doklam which ratcheted up tensions between the two armies. The specially-designed drills were in keeping with the spirit of this year's summit at Wuhan between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping to improve relations between the two militaries. The fortnight-long exercises concluded with mixed teams from both armies demonstrating seven rounds of different counter terrorism drills practiced by them since December 11. State-run TV channel CGTN livestreamed the concluding ceremony and the exercises highlighting their significance. The theme of the exercises which included live firing and demonstration of driving skills was to rescue hostages held by terrorists in an urban environment. The troops also showcased counter-terrorism tactics and skills, such as combat firing, and rope bridge crossing. The 2016 exercises held in Pune had focussed on counter terrorism exercises in non-urban areas. "During the exercises our soldiers and officers lived in the same rooms and ate on the same table," said an officer of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), briefing on the exercises in the CGTN telecast. The birthdays of a number of soldiers from both sides were also celebrated together. The Indian contingent headed by Col Puneet Tomar took part in the exercises to foster closer ties between the two militaries which guard the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC). China fielded its troops from the Tibetan military command. Each side deployed 113 troops and officers. The Indian contingent will leave for home on Sunday, the CGTN report said. "The aim of the Hand-in-Hand exercises is to build closer relations between the militaries of India and China. The exercises involve tactical-level operations in an international counter insurgency/counter terrorist environment as per UN mandate," a tweet by the Indian Embassy here said earlier. After the Doklam standoff and following the Wuhan summit, the two militaries made efforts to improve relations. Besides resuming the defence dialogue after the standoff, the two countries also held the 21st round of border talks. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who are the Special Representatives for the border talks, held discussions on November 24 in Chengdu during which they called for intensifying efforts to find a solution to the vexed border dispute. Earlier, the two sides held the ninth defence dialogue on November 13 led by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt General Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission.

Indian, Chinese armies conclude first military exercises post-Doklam

Two Army officials were killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district Friday, an official said.

There was an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Keran sector at 11.55 am.&nbsp;

Two junior commissioned officers (JCOs) lost their lives when Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the Keran sector. The deceased soldiers were identified as Subedar Gamar Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa.&nbsp;

He said the Indian Army responded to the ceasefire violation effectively.

Two Army officials were killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district Friday, an official said.

Two Army officials were killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district Friday, an official said. There was an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Keran sector at 11.55 am. Two junior commissioned officers (JCOs) lost their lives when Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the Keran sector. The deceased soldiers were identified as Subedar Gamar Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa. He said the Indian Army responded to the ceasefire violation effectively.

Jammu & Kashmir: Two Army officers killed in Pakistan ceasefire violation in Kupwara

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday asked the party unit in West Bengal to strengthen its organisation and prepare to fight "on its own" in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

He gave the mantra to the party unit at a meeting with PCC chief Somen Mitra and in-charge of Bengal, Gaurav Gogoi in New Delhi after discussing various organisational aspects pertaining the state unit.

"We have been asked to strengthen our party organisation in the state and prepare ourselves to fight on our strength in Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls," Mitra said in a statement after the meeting with the party chief.

West Bengal has a total of 42 Lok Sabha seats out of which Congress has four.

According to the West Bengal Congress president, Gandhi asked the party to start mass movements across the state against both BJP and TMC in order to protect the secular fabric of the state.

According to the state party sources, Mitra informed Gandhi about the "misrule" of the TMC and the "threat" of the BJP in the state.

The state Congress unit has also decided to hold a massive rally here in February next year.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) has also been informed about how the TMC is trying to undermine the achievement of Congress and Rahul Gandhi in the victory of the three Hindi heartland states," said a senior Congress leader.

The West Bengal Congress is of the opinion that the party's national president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi should refrain from attending the proposed opposition rally to be held here by the TMC in January.

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has called a rally of opposition parties on January 19 at the Brigade Parade grounds in Kolkata. All opposition parties, including the Congress, have been invited to it.

The Congress' state unit is upbeat after the party's win in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan in the recent assembly polls.

The state Congress leadership has been vocal against the TMC also for not giving credit to Rahul Gandhi for the grand old party's victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

It had also ridiculed the TMC, saying its leaders were having "sleepless nights" fearing that their dream of Mamata Banerjee becoming the prime minister might not be fulfilled.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday asked the party unit in West Bengal to strengthen its organisation and prepare to fight "on its own" in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday asked the party unit in West Bengal to strengthen its organisation and prepare to fight "on its own" in the coming Lok Sabha polls. He gave the mantra to the party unit at a meeting with PCC chief Somen Mitra and in-charge of Bengal, Gaurav Gogoi in New Delhi after discussing various organisational aspects pertaining the state unit. "We have been asked to strengthen our party organisation in the state and prepare ourselves to fight on our strength in Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls," Mitra said in a statement after the meeting with the party chief. West Bengal has a total of 42 Lok Sabha seats out of which Congress has four. According to the West Bengal Congress president, Gandhi asked the party to start mass movements across the state against both BJP and TMC in order to protect the secular fabric of the state. According to the state party sources, Mitra informed Gandhi about the "misrule" of the TMC and the "threat" of the BJP in the state. The state Congress unit has also decided to hold a massive rally here in February next year. "He (Rahul Gandhi) has also been informed about how the TMC is trying to undermine the achievement of Congress and Rahul Gandhi in the victory of the three Hindi heartland states," said a senior Congress leader. The West Bengal Congress is of the opinion that the party's national president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi should refrain from attending the proposed opposition rally to be held here by the TMC in January. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has called a rally of opposition parties on January 19 at the Brigade Parade grounds in Kolkata. All opposition parties, including the Congress, have been invited to it. The Congress' state unit is upbeat after the party's win in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan in the recent assembly polls. The state Congress leadership has been vocal against the TMC also for not giving credit to Rahul Gandhi for the grand old party's victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. It had also ridiculed the TMC, saying its leaders were having "sleepless nights" fearing that their dream of Mamata Banerjee becoming the prime minister might not be fulfilled.

Congress should prepare to fight on its own strength in Bengal: Rahul Gandhi

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar Saturday moved the Supreme Court challenging the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who is representing the victims of the riots cases, said he has been conveyed by the apex court registry that Kumar has filed an appeal against the high court's judgement.

He said the victims had already filed a caveat to pre-empt any ex parte hearing in favour of Kumar.

Sajjan Kumar on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-sajjan-kumar-moves-high-court-to-seek-more-time-to-surrender-185458">Thursday approached the Delhi High Court</a> seeking time till January 31 to surrender in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in which he was recently sentenced to life imprisonment.

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1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Sajjan Kumar has moved Supreme Court today and filed an appeal against his conviction in recent judgement of Delhi High Court. <a href="https://t.co/Vu1GOEw9zb">pic.twitter.com/Vu1GOEw9zb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076401349137379330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kumar, who was directed by the high court on Monday to surrender before authorities by December 31, sought more time saying he has to settle family affairs.

Advocate Anil Sharma, representing Kumar, said they need some more time to file an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the high court's verdict and Kumar has to settle his family matters relating to his children and property.

A Delhi <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-no-ground-for-granting-relief-to-sajjan-kumar-says-high-court-185604">High Court on Friday dismissed Sajjan Kumar's plea</a> seeking more time to surrender which he filed yesterday. He is sentenced to life imprisonment in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

The court dismissed the plea saying that it sees no ground for granting relief to Sajjan Kumar to surrender, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Kumar was convicted and sentenced to life for the remainder of his life by the high court on December 17 in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Raj Nagar area.

The case relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar part-I area in Palam Colony in South West Delhi on November 1-2, 1984, and burning down a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar part II during that period.

(With inputs from PTI)

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar Saturday moved the Supreme Court challenging the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar Saturday moved the Supreme Court challenging the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who is representing the victims of the riots cases, said he has been conveyed by the apex court registry that Kumar has filed an appeal against the high court's judgement. He said the victims had already filed a caveat to pre-empt any ex parte hearing in favour of Kumar. Sajjan Kumar on Thursday approached the Delhi High Court seeking time till January 31 to surrender in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in which he was recently sentenced to life imprisonment. 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Sajjan Kumar has moved Supreme Court today and filed an appeal against his conviction in recent judgement of Delhi High Court. pic.twitter.com/Vu1GOEw9zb — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × Kumar, who was directed by the high court on Monday to surrender before authorities by December 31, sought more time saying he has to settle family affairs. Advocate Anil Sharma, representing Kumar, said they need some more time to file an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the high court's verdict and Kumar has to settle his family matters relating to his children and property. A Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed Sajjan Kumar's plea seeking more time to surrender which he filed yesterday. He is sentenced to life imprisonment in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The court dismissed the plea saying that it sees no ground for granting relief to Sajjan Kumar to surrender, news agency PTI reported. Kumar was convicted and sentenced to life for the remainder of his life by the high court on December 17 in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Raj Nagar area. The case relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar part-I area in Palam Colony in South West Delhi on November 1-2, 1984, and burning down a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar part II during that period. (With inputs from PTI)

1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Sajjan Kumar moves SC against conviction 

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday expanded his six-month-old cabinet, inducting eight members from its coalition partner Congress.

Two ministers -- Ramesh Jarkiholi (Municipal Administration) and R Shankar (Forest and Environment) -- were dropped. The new ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy at the Glass House at Raj Bhavan by Governor Vajubhai Vala amid tight security.

The new inductees are Satish Jarkiholi, M B Patil, C S Shivalli, M T B Nagaraj, E Tukaram, P T Parameshwar Naik, Rahim Khan and R B Thimmapur, with seven of them hailing from north Karnataka.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi had given the go-ahead for the rejig Friday night after the state party leaders and AICC in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal met him and discussed the issue.

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Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala administers oath to new State cabinet ministers at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/zlFhh9cE36">pic.twitter.com/zlFhh9cE36</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076456008703242240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has allegedly been hobnobbing with BJP leaders and not attending cabinet and party meetings, has been replaced by his brother Satish Jarkiholi.

Shankar is an Independent lawmaker who faced the axe over his reported reluctance to be an associate member of the Congress.&nbsp;

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday expanded his six-month-old cabinet, inducting eight members from its coalition partner Congress. Two ministers -- Ramesh Jarkiholi (Municipal Administration) and R Shankar (Forest and Environment) -- were dropped.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday expanded his six-month-old cabinet, inducting eight members from its coalition partner Congress. Two ministers -- Ramesh Jarkiholi (Municipal Administration) and R Shankar (Forest and Environment) -- were dropped. The new ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy at the Glass House at Raj Bhavan by Governor Vajubhai Vala amid tight security. The new inductees are Satish Jarkiholi, M B Patil, C S Shivalli, M T B Nagaraj, E Tukaram, P T Parameshwar Naik, Rahim Khan and R B Thimmapur, with seven of them hailing from north Karnataka. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had given the go-ahead for the rejig Friday night after the state party leaders and AICC in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal met him and discussed the issue. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala administers oath to new State cabinet ministers at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/zlFhh9cE36 — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has allegedly been hobnobbing with BJP leaders and not attending cabinet and party meetings, has been replaced by his brother Satish Jarkiholi. Shankar is an Independent lawmaker who faced the axe over his reported reluctance to be an associate member of the Congress.

JD(S)-Congress Karnataka ministry expanded; 8 Congress ministers inducted

AAP MLA Alka Lamba said Friday night she will tender her resignation as "demanded" by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not supporting a resolution in the assembly on revoking late PM Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna.&nbsp;

The Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that the Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn, but the AAP swiftly distanced itself from the reference to the Congress leader.

The matter became a major crisis with AAP MLA Alka Lamba alleging she was "put under pressure" to support the resolution, which she resisted and boycotted.

Lamba said she was ready to face "any consequences" and claimed she spoke to AAP supremo and CM Kejriwal who, she said, asked her to resign as MLA. "I am ready to do so", she said.

The Chandni Chowk MLA said she was not happy with the demand to take back Bharat Ratna from Gandhi and staged a walkout in protest.

Interestingly, the AAP later distanced itself from the resolution.

"After I staged a walkout, I got a message from the chief minister to tender my resignation," she said.

When asked whether she will quit, Lamba added, "I have won on a party ticket. I will tender my resignation as demanded by the party," the former Youth Congress leader said.

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आज <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiAssembly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiAssembly</a> में प्रस्ताव लाया गया की पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री स्वर्गीय श्री राजीव गांधी जी को दिया गया भारत रत्न वापस लिया जाना चाहिये, 
मुझे मेरे भाषण में इसका समर्थन करने को कहा गया,जो मुझे मंजूर नही था,मैंने सदन से वॉक आउट किया। 
अब इसकी जो सज़ा मिलेगी,मैं उसके लिये तैयार हूँ। <a href="https://t.co/ykZ54XJSAv">pic.twitter.com/ykZ54XJSAv</a>
— Alka Lamba (@LambaAlka) <a href="https://twitter.com/LambaAlka/status/1076169781324251136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet, she said, "I was asked to support the resolution demanding taking back the Bharat Ratna awarded to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Since I didn't agree with this, I staged a walk out. I am ready to accept whatever punishment is given to me."&nbsp;

AAP MLA Alka Lamba said Friday night she will tender her resignation as "demanded" by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not supporting a resolution in the assembly on revoking late PM Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna.

AAP MLA Alka Lamba said Friday night she will tender her resignation as "demanded" by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not supporting a resolution in the assembly on revoking late PM Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna. The Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that the Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn, but the AAP swiftly distanced itself from the reference to the Congress leader. The matter became a major crisis with AAP MLA Alka Lamba alleging she was "put under pressure" to support the resolution, which she resisted and boycotted. Lamba said she was ready to face "any consequences" and claimed she spoke to AAP supremo and CM Kejriwal who, she said, asked her to resign as MLA. "I am ready to do so", she said. The Chandni Chowk MLA said she was not happy with the demand to take back Bharat Ratna from Gandhi and staged a walkout in protest. Interestingly, the AAP later distanced itself from the resolution. "After I staged a walkout, I got a message from the chief minister to tender my resignation," she said. When asked whether she will quit, Lamba added, "I have won on a party ticket. I will tender my resignation as demanded by the party," the former Youth Congress leader said. आज @DelhiAssembly में प्रस्ताव लाया गया की पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री स्वर्गीय श्री राजीव गांधी जी को दिया गया भारत रत्न वापस लिया जाना चाहिये, मुझे मेरे भाषण में इसका समर्थन करने को कहा गया,जो मुझे मंजूर नही था,मैंने सदन से वॉक आउट किया। अब इसकी जो सज़ा मिलेगी,मैं उसके लिये तैयार हूँ। pic.twitter.com/ykZ54XJSAv — Alka Lamba (@LambaAlka) December 21, 2018 × In a tweet, she said, "I was asked to support the resolution demanding taking back the Bharat Ratna awarded to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Since I didn't agree with this, I staged a walk out. I am ready to accept whatever punishment is given to me."

'Will tender resignation': AAP MLA Alka Lamba over resolution to revoke Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna

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