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Aam Aadmi Party <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-tender-resignation-aap-mla-alka-lamba-over-resolution-to-revoke-rajiv-gandhis-bharat-ratna-185744">MLA Alka Lamba</a> on Saturday clarified that she is not going to resign. Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also stated that the party did not seek resignation from anyone.&nbsp;

"No resignation has been sought and from no one, all these are rumours," Sisodia told media earlier in the day.&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, news agency PTI reported.&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1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that the Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn, but the AAP swiftly distanced itself from the reference to the Congress leader.

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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.

Meanwhile, the party on Saturday clarified that the Delhi Assembly did not pass any resolution seeking withdrawal of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Alka Lamba on Saturday clarified that she is not going to resign. Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also stated that the party did not seek resignation from anyone.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Alka Lamba on Saturday clarified that she is not going to resign. Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also stated that the party did not seek resignation from anyone. "No resignation has been sought and from no one, all these are rumours," Sisodia told media earlier in the day. 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, news agency PTI reported. 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. Manish Sisodia, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister on Alka Lamba: No resignation has been sought and from no one, all these are rumours pic.twitter.com/r2SCb4Bg8F — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × 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. Meanwhile, the party on Saturday clarified that the Delhi Assembly did not pass any resolution seeking withdrawal of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna.

Lamba says she isn't resigning, 'no resignation was called for,' clarifies Manish Sisodia 

A day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-tender-resignation-aap-mla-alka-lamba-over-resolution-to-revoke-rajiv-gandhis-bharat-ratna-185744">AAP MLA</a> Jarnail Singh said that the Delhi Assembly passed a resolution demanding the stripping off of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-passes-resolution-demanding-withdrawal-of-bharat-ratna-from-rajiv-gandhi-185725">Bharat Ratna award from former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi</a>, AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia clarified on Saturday that the resolution was not yet passed.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a press briefing on Saturday said that though the amendment was presented in the assembly, it was not passed yet.

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia also clarified saying that the resolution presented in the assembly was handwritten and it cannot be passed in such manner.

"The aim of the original resolution, moved by MLA Jarnail Singh, was only to help the victims of 1984 riots get justice. No resolution mentioning late PM Rajiv Gandhi was passed in the assembly as being reported in the media," Sisodia said.

The Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn.

Jarnail Singh, while moving the resolution in the assembly, had mentioned Gandhi's name while reading the text and demanded that the Congress leader's Bharat Ratna be withdrawn for "justifying the anti-Sikh riots".

Later, he had said though the reference to Gandhi in the resolution was not there in the written copies, it was made orally and passed by the House by voice vote.

(With input&nbsp;from agencies)

A day after AAP MLA Jarnail Singh said that the Delhi Assembly passed a resolution demanding the stripping off of Bharat Ratna award from former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia clarified on Saturday that the resolution was not yet passed.

A day after AAP MLA Jarnail Singh said that the Delhi Assembly passed a resolution demanding the stripping off of Bharat Ratna award from former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia clarified on Saturday that the resolution was not yet passed. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a press briefing on Saturday said that though the amendment was presented in the assembly, it was not passed yet. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia also clarified saying that the resolution presented in the assembly was handwritten and it cannot be passed in such manner. "The aim of the original resolution, moved by MLA Jarnail Singh, was only to help the victims of 1984 riots get justice. No resolution mentioning late PM Rajiv Gandhi was passed in the assembly as being reported in the media," Sisodia said. The Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn. Jarnail Singh, while moving the resolution in the assembly, had mentioned Gandhi's name while reading the text and demanded that the Congress leader's Bharat Ratna be withdrawn for "justifying the anti-Sikh riots". Later, he had said though the reference to Gandhi in the resolution was not there in the written copies, it was made orally and passed by the House by voice vote. (With input from agencies)

Did not pass resolution demanding withdrawal of Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna, AAP clarifies

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gst-council-slashes-rates-of-7-items-from-28-jaitley-calls-meeting-fruitful-185843">GST council slashes rates of 7 items from 28%; movie tickets, TV screens likely to get cheaper</a>

The GST Council on Saturday held a meeting in New Delhi and decided to slash rates for items from 28 per cent. &nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held a press conference after the meeting wherein he informed that the GST council has not increased any rates, rather have brought down several.&nbsp;

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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.

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After US President Donald Trump announced to withdraw around 2,000 US troops from Syria, Iran on Saturday said the US presence in Syria had been "wrong and illogical" from the start.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-enforcement-directorate-arrests-christian-michel-185835">VVIP chopper case: Court sends Christian Michel to 7-day custody after ED arrest</a>

A Delhi court Saturday sent Christian Michel, arrested in the Rs 36,000 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case by the CBI, to seven days custody of the Enforcement Directorate.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-five-people-killed-in-somali-capital-car-blast-police-185832">At least 13 killed in Somalia capital car blast: Police</a>

At least 13 people were killed Saturday in a double car bomb attack claimed by the jihadist Shabaab group near the presidential palace in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said.

GST council slashes rates of 7 items from 28%; movie tickets, TV screens likely to get cheaper The GST Council on Saturday held a meeting in New Delhi and decided to slash rates for items from 28 per cent.

GST council slashes rates of 7 items from 28%; movie tickets, TV screens likely to get cheaper The GST Council on Saturday held a meeting in New Delhi and decided to slash rates for items from 28 per cent. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held a press conference after the meeting wherein he informed that the GST council has not increased any rates, rather have brought down several. 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Sajjan Kumar moves Supreme Court against conviction 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. Presence of US forces in Syria 'wrong and illogical' move from start: Iran After US President Donald Trump announced to withdraw around 2,000 US troops from Syria, Iran on Saturday said the US presence in Syria had been "wrong and illogical" from the start. VVIP chopper case: Court sends Christian Michel to 7-day custody after ED arrest A Delhi court Saturday sent Christian Michel, arrested in the Rs 36,000 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case by the CBI, to seven days custody of the Enforcement Directorate. At least 13 killed in Somalia capital car blast: Police At least 13 people were killed Saturday in a double car bomb attack claimed by the jihadist Shabaab group near the presidential palace in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

As many as 9,000 phones and 500 e-mails were intercepted each month in 2013 during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, an RTI has revealed.

"On an average, between 7500-9000 orders for interception of telephones are issued by Central Government per month," reveals a November 2013 RTI addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The reply to another RTI addressed to the ministry details that 300-500 orders for interception of e-mails were issued per month by the UPA government

"On an average, 300 to 500 orders for interception of e-mails are issued by Central Government per month," read the reply to the RTI from August 2013.

The application filed in November 2013 also sought a list of agencies authorised for lawful interception monitoring. As per the reply, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate of Enforcement, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Research and Analysis Wing&nbsp;and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi and Directorate of Signal Intelligence (for service areas of Jammu and Kashmir, North-East and Assam) are allowed to obtain data through interception.

The said list is similar to the agencies mentioned in Centre's notification of December 20, 2019 which empowered government bodies for mass surveillance. The RTI also stated that the interception of communication was being carried out in accordance with the Telegraph Act of 1885 and Telegraph (Amendment) Rule of 2007- a clause that finds a mention in the clarification issued by the government over the December 20 order.

"The notification (of December 20) is analogous to the authorisation issued under the Telegraph Act. The entire process is also subject to a robust review mechanism as in case of Telegraph Act," government's clarification issued on Friday stated.

The recent government order had initiated a war of words between the Centre and opposition parties, with many alleging the centre of intruding into people's privacy. The Centre, however, maintained that similar rules were in existence since 2009.

On 20 December, same order of authorisation was repeated that was existing since 2009. You are making a mountain where a molehill does not exist," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Rajya Sabha on Friday in response to Congress leader Anand Sharma's charge.

Sharma had remarked that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is converting India into a surveillance state with this order. "Through this order, the BJP government is converting India into a surveillance state. It is the ultimate assault on fundamental rights and right to privacy. It is also in direct conflict with the Supreme Court judgement that the right to privacy is a fundamental right," the Congress leader had said.

Further intensifying the Opposition's attack, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had tweeted, "Converting India into a police state isn't going to solve your problems, Modi Ji. It's only going to prove to over 1 billion Indians, what an insecure dictator you really are."&nbsp;

As many as 9,000 phones and 500 e-mails were intercepted each month in 2013 during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, an RTI has revealed. "On an average, between 7500-9000 orders for interception of telephones are issued by Central Government per month," reveals a November 2013 RTI addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

As many as 9,000 phones and 500 e-mails were intercepted each month in 2013 during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, an RTI has revealed. "On an average, between 7500-9000 orders for interception of telephones are issued by Central Government per month," reveals a November 2013 RTI addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The reply to another RTI addressed to the ministry details that 300-500 orders for interception of e-mails were issued per month by the UPA government "On an average, 300 to 500 orders for interception of e-mails are issued by Central Government per month," read the reply to the RTI from August 2013. The application filed in November 2013 also sought a list of agencies authorised for lawful interception monitoring. As per the reply, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate of Enforcement, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Research and Analysis Wing and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi and Directorate of Signal Intelligence (for service areas of Jammu and Kashmir, North-East and Assam) are allowed to obtain data through interception. The said list is similar to the agencies mentioned in Centre's notification of December 20, 2019 which empowered government bodies for mass surveillance. The RTI also stated that the interception of communication was being carried out in accordance with the Telegraph Act of 1885 and Telegraph (Amendment) Rule of 2007- a clause that finds a mention in the clarification issued by the government over the December 20 order. "The notification (of December 20) is analogous to the authorisation issued under the Telegraph Act. The entire process is also subject to a robust review mechanism as in case of Telegraph Act," government's clarification issued on Friday stated. The recent government order had initiated a war of words between the Centre and opposition parties, with many alleging the centre of intruding into people's privacy. The Centre, however, maintained that similar rules were in existence since 2009. On 20 December, same order of authorisation was repeated that was existing since 2009. You are making a mountain where a molehill does not exist," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Rajya Sabha on Friday in response to Congress leader Anand Sharma's charge. Sharma had remarked that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is converting India into a surveillance state with this order. "Through this order, the BJP government is converting India into a surveillance state. It is the ultimate assault on fundamental rights and right to privacy. It is also in direct conflict with the Supreme Court judgement that the right to privacy is a fundamental right," the Congress leader had said. Further intensifying the Opposition's attack, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had tweeted, "Converting India into a police state isn't going to solve your problems, Modi Ji. It's only going to prove to over 1 billion Indians, what an insecure dictator you really are."

RTI reveals as many 9,000 phones, 500 emails intercepted each month during UPA

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kajal-aggarwal-confirms-next-film-with-kamal-haasan-181353">Kamal Haasan</a> Saturday said his party has authorised him to a take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls.

After discussions, the party executive and administrative panels "authorised me to take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties and a good alliance will fructify," Haasan told reporters here.

The move is seen as a clear signal that Haasan's fledgeling party -founded in February this year does not want to test the waters all alone and would rather prefer to join forces with established parties.

Haasan had said recently that he was not averse to forging poll ties with the Congress if it eased itself out of the DMK-led alliance, which the national party has rejected.

Asked to name the parties with which MNM would strike an electoral alliance, the actor-turned-politician said there was no need to spell out details now.

"We will let you know after taking a decision. Now there is no urgency to disclose it," he said.

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The ideology of the party with which they may forge ties may be different, but the thought process should be in favour of Tamil Nadu, he said.

His party's propaganda for the Lok Sabha election would be based on the growth of Tamil Nadu, he said.

"The time has come to correct the injustices meted out to the state and aspects like these will be the focal points of our poll propaganda," he said.

Asked if his party would forge an alliance with Congress or the BJP, he said his party "would not strike a poll deal with a party that tries to change the DNA of Tamil Nadu," which is perceived as against the BJP.

Haasan said a panel has been set up to pick party nominees for the 40 Parliamentary constituencies; 39 in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry.

A party functionary told PTI that while nominees will be ready for all the Lok Sabha&nbsp;seats, it may be 'tailored' as per the coalition needs.

To a question on facing the local body polls expected in 2019, he said: "We are preparing for it and there is no need to determine now if we will go it alone or will have the poll deal with other parties."

Haasan said his party would field candidates "if by-elections are held to 20 Assembly constituencies."

Eighteen AIADMK MLAs were disqualified and constituencies represented by them fell vacant. Two more seats became vacant following the deaths of incumbents.

However, Haasan said only after the declaration of by-election to the 20 constituencies would he be able to disclose if the party would face it alone or in alliance with other parties.

On the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected next month to Tamil Nadu to address a party event, he said it was preparatory to the Lok Sabha election.

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan Saturday said his party has authorised him to a take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls.

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan Saturday said his party has authorised him to a take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls. After discussions, the party executive and administrative panels "authorised me to take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties and a good alliance will fructify," Haasan told reporters here. The move is seen as a clear signal that Haasan's fledgeling party -founded in February this year does not want to test the waters all alone and would rather prefer to join forces with established parties. Haasan had said recently that he was not averse to forging poll ties with the Congress if it eased itself out of the DMK-led alliance, which the national party has rejected. Asked to name the parties with which MNM would strike an electoral alliance, the actor-turned-politician said there was no need to spell out details now. "We will let you know after taking a decision. Now there is no urgency to disclose it," he said. Kamal Haasan: I will definitely contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/jU9RyA1oTw — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × The ideology of the party with which they may forge ties may be different, but the thought process should be in favour of Tamil Nadu, he said. His party's propaganda for the Lok Sabha election would be based on the growth of Tamil Nadu, he said. "The time has come to correct the injustices meted out to the state and aspects like these will be the focal points of our poll propaganda," he said. Asked if his party would forge an alliance with Congress or the BJP, he said his party "would not strike a poll deal with a party that tries to change the DNA of Tamil Nadu," which is perceived as against the BJP. Haasan said a panel has been set up to pick party nominees for the 40 Parliamentary constituencies; 39 in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry. A party functionary told PTI that while nominees will be ready for all the Lok Sabha seats, it may be 'tailored' as per the coalition needs. To a question on facing the local body polls expected in 2019, he said: "We are preparing for it and there is no need to determine now if we will go it alone or will have the poll deal with other parties." Haasan said his party would field candidates "if by-elections are held to 20 Assembly constituencies." Eighteen AIADMK MLAs were disqualified and constituencies represented by them fell vacant. Two more seats became vacant following the deaths of incumbents. However, Haasan said only after the declaration of by-election to the 20 constituencies would he be able to disclose if the party would face it alone or in alliance with other parties. On the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected next month to Tamil Nadu to address a party event, he said it was preparatory to the Lok Sabha election.

Kamal Haasan's party to scout for allies to face Lok Sabha polls

A week after Indian national <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/message-to-india-pak-govts-is-humanity-is-bigger-than-any-religion-hamid-nihal-ansari-to-wion-185377">Hamid Nihal Ansari was released</a>, India decides to release Pakistani national Imran Qureshi Warsi next week who was in an Indian jail for a decade. Warsi is likely to be released by December 24 and subsequently be repatriated on December 26.

As per reports, the Pakistani High Commission would not be able to facilitate his repatriation on the 25th owing to the birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and with the day being an official holiday in the country.

Warsi came to India in 2004 on a valid Indian visa and was arrested in 2008 in Bhopal for having a fake passport after his valid Indian visa expired on his Pakistani passport. He was in love with an Indian girl whom he married and has two children with.&nbsp;

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Pakistan national Imran Qureshi Warsi who was lodged in Bhopal jail for 10 years on being released: Police treated me very well, just like a family. I found loving people here the same way there are loving people in Pakistan. I believe good people find good people everywhere. <a href="https://t.co/MMXurcHTrR">pic.twitter.com/MMXurcHTrR</a>
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Warsi was in a Bhopal jail for 10 years and released in January 2018. He had to remain in jail beyond January of 2018 since he could not pay the fine instructed by the courts. Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also did not extend support to him to arrange for the sum required for fine.&nbsp;

Thanking India for his release, Warsi said, "I had come to India to meet my relatives. Then I fell in love with a girl and married her. But soon my visa expired. Complaints were filed against me and I was jailed for 10 years. I am looking forward to meeting my mother. I would like to thank everyone who helped me."

The move comes as a ray of hope for 11 Indian prisoners who have completed their sentence but are still languishing in Pak jails. Pakistani side claims to have 32 of such Pak civilian prisoners in Indian jails.

The development comes in the backdrop of the increased incidents of Indian diplomats being harassed in Islamabad. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has flagged all such instances of breach of diplomatic norms and protocol to the notice of the Pakistani MOFA.

A week after Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari was released, India decides to release Pakistani national Imran Qureshi Warsi next week who was in an Indian jail for a decade.

A week after Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari was released, India decides to release Pakistani national Imran Qureshi Warsi next week who was in an Indian jail for a decade. Warsi is likely to be released by December 24 and subsequently be repatriated on December 26. As per reports, the Pakistani High Commission would not be able to facilitate his repatriation on the 25th owing to the birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and with the day being an official holiday in the country. Warsi came to India in 2004 on a valid Indian visa and was arrested in 2008 in Bhopal for having a fake passport after his valid Indian visa expired on his Pakistani passport. He was in love with an Indian girl whom he married and has two children with. Pakistan national Imran Qureshi Warsi who was lodged in Bhopal jail for 10 years on being released: Police treated me very well, just like a family. I found loving people here the same way there are loving people in Pakistan. I believe good people find good people everywhere. pic.twitter.com/MMXurcHTrR — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × Warsi was in a Bhopal jail for 10 years and released in January 2018. He had to remain in jail beyond January of 2018 since he could not pay the fine instructed by the courts. Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also did not extend support to him to arrange for the sum required for fine. Thanking India for his release, Warsi said, "I had come to India to meet my relatives. Then I fell in love with a girl and married her. But soon my visa expired. Complaints were filed against me and I was jailed for 10 years. I am looking forward to meeting my mother. I would like to thank everyone who helped me." The move comes as a ray of hope for 11 Indian prisoners who have completed their sentence but are still languishing in Pak jails. Pakistani side claims to have 32 of such Pak civilian prisoners in Indian jails. The development comes in the backdrop of the increased incidents of Indian diplomats being harassed in Islamabad. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has flagged all such instances of breach of diplomatic norms and protocol to the notice of the Pakistani MOFA.

Cross-border love: After Hamid Nihal's release, India to free Pakistani national

Car buyers will have to pay higher one-time parking charges in 2019 as the Delhi Transport Department has approved a recommendation for a hike by three municipal corporations of the city.

According to the order, the charges will now range between Rs 6,000 to Rs 75,000.

An order issued by outgoing Transport Commissioner Varsha Joshi on Friday said the new parking charges will be applicable from January 1, 2019.

The transport department collects the parking charges on behalf of the MCDs, which claim that it is meant for creating parking infrastructure in Delhi. The proposal by the three MCDs to hike the charges was pending for quite some time and was cleared by the transport commissioner on her last day in office, an official said.

The order angered bus and taxi operators as the annual parking fee for different categories of commercial vehicles will rise from the existing Rs 2,500-Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000-Rs 25,000.

According to the order, based on the cost of a vehicle, the one-time parking charge for private cars and SUVs will range between Rs 6,000 and Rs 75,000 18 times the existing rate of Rs 4,000.

The process of charging the money during vehicle registration is prescribed through notification of Union Urban Affairs Ministry, not by the transport department, Joshi, who has taken charge as North Delhi Municipal Corporation's commissioner, told PTI.

The transport department only acts as the post office in the process, she said.

The parking charges mechanism will be replaced by spot parking fees after new parking regulations are notified by the Delhi government, she said. 
"Till then this mechanism will be applicable. So we followed an urban affairs ministry notification and issued these orders," she added.

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, however, denied having any information about the hike.

"I am not aware of any such decision," he told PTI.

Displeased by the government order, transporters in the city threatened to stage a protest against the hike.

"We will meet the chief minister and the transport minister on Monday against the hike because it will impact us negatively. If need be, we will resort to a strike also," said Shyam Lal Gola, spokesperson of State Transport Authority Operators Ekta Manch.

It's a very bad move that will pose hardships for all, including the commuters, president of Delhi Tourist Taxi Transport Association Sanjay Samrat said. 
"We will protest against the Delhi government," he said.

He added that they will meet the Lt Governor to appeal for a rollback of the hike.

The hike, which will boost finances of the civic bodies, may hit the transport department as it is likely that the sale of vehicles may shift to the neighbouring states because there will be a huge variation of rates in Delhi and other parts of the country, an official claimed.&nbsp;

Car buyers will have to pay higher one-time parking charges in 2019 as the Delhi Transport Department has approved a recommendation for a hike by three municipal corporations of the city.

Car buyers will have to pay higher one-time parking charges in 2019 as the Delhi Transport Department has approved a recommendation for a hike by three municipal corporations of the city. According to the order, the charges will now range between Rs 6,000 to Rs 75,000. An order issued by outgoing Transport Commissioner Varsha Joshi on Friday said the new parking charges will be applicable from January 1, 2019. The transport department collects the parking charges on behalf of the MCDs, which claim that it is meant for creating parking infrastructure in Delhi. The proposal by the three MCDs to hike the charges was pending for quite some time and was cleared by the transport commissioner on her last day in office, an official said. The order angered bus and taxi operators as the annual parking fee for different categories of commercial vehicles will rise from the existing Rs 2,500-Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000-Rs 25,000. According to the order, based on the cost of a vehicle, the one-time parking charge for private cars and SUVs will range between Rs 6,000 and Rs 75,000 18 times the existing rate of Rs 4,000. The process of charging the money during vehicle registration is prescribed through notification of Union Urban Affairs Ministry, not by the transport department, Joshi, who has taken charge as North Delhi Municipal Corporation's commissioner, told PTI. The transport department only acts as the post office in the process, she said. The parking charges mechanism will be replaced by spot parking fees after new parking regulations are notified by the Delhi government, she said. "Till then this mechanism will be applicable. So we followed an urban affairs ministry notification and issued these orders," she added. Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, however, denied having any information about the hike. "I am not aware of any such decision," he told PTI. Displeased by the government order, transporters in the city threatened to stage a protest against the hike. "We will meet the chief minister and the transport minister on Monday against the hike because it will impact us negatively. If need be, we will resort to a strike also," said Shyam Lal Gola, spokesperson of State Transport Authority Operators Ekta Manch. It's a very bad move that will pose hardships for all, including the commuters, president of Delhi Tourist Taxi Transport Association Sanjay Samrat said. "We will protest against the Delhi government," he said. He added that they will meet the Lt Governor to appeal for a rollback of the hike. The hike, which will boost finances of the civic bodies, may hit the transport department as it is likely that the sale of vehicles may shift to the neighbouring states because there will be a huge variation of rates in Delhi and other parts of the country, an official claimed.

Delhi transport department approves hike in one-time parking charges

A Delhi court Saturday sent Christian Michel, arrested in the Rs 36,000 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case by the CBI, to seven days custody of the Enforcement Directorate.&nbsp;

Special Judge Arvind Kumar dismissed the bail plea of Michel, the alleged middleman in the case.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Michel in a money laundering case and sought his 15 days-custody.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The court allowed the ED to interrogate the British national inside courtroom for 15 minutes after the agency sought his custodial interrogation. He was arrested after that.&nbsp;

The ED had sought his arrest in a money-laundering case. &nbsp; &nbsp;

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He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. It was extended by five more days, and later for another four days.

The court had reserved the order on Michel's bail plea on December 19 and had sent him to judicial custody till December 28.

Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;

The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million.

The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

A Delhi court Saturday sent Christian Michel, arrested in the Rs 36,000 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case by the CBI, to seven days custody of the Enforcement Directorate.

A Delhi court Saturday sent Christian Michel, arrested in the Rs 36,000 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case by the CBI, to seven days custody of the Enforcement Directorate. Special Judge Arvind Kumar dismissed the bail plea of Michel, the alleged middleman in the case. Earlier in the day, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Michel in a money laundering case and sought his 15 days-custody. The court allowed the ED to interrogate the British national inside courtroom for 15 minutes after the agency sought his custodial interrogation. He was arrested after that. The ED had sought his arrest in a money-laundering case. Delhi Court allows Enforcement Directorate to interrogate Christian Michel for 15 minutes, questioning underway in courtroom https://t.co/M5WaC6IJbV — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. It was extended by five more days, and later for another four days. The court had reserved the order on Michel's bail plea on December 19 and had sent him to judicial custody till December 28. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

VVIP chopper case: Court sends Christian Michel to 7-day custody after ED arrest

The ruling Congress and its allies in Puducherry would stage a demonstration in front of the Parliament in New Delhi on January 4 to press for their demand for statehood to the Union Territory.

PWD Minister and president of PCC A Namassivayam said in a press release Saturday that the legislators of the ruling Congress, its ally the DMK and Left parties, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, MDMK, Indian Union Muslim League and Federation of the Students Associations among others would take part in the protest.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of leaders of various parties convened by Chief Minister V Narayanasamy here Wednesday night, where concern was expressed over the Centre 'slashing' grants to the UT and the style of functioning of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, who has been at loggerheads with Narayanasamy on various issues.

Namassivayam claimed that the territorial government was presently struggling to implement public welfare schemes as the Union Territory was not a full-fledged state and its administration was totally under the control of the Centre.

"The separate identity of Puducherry cannot also be ensured because of this unique, amusing situation," he added.

He also recalled that despite resolutions pressing for statehood being adopted on several occasions on the floor of the territorial Assembly, the Centre was continuously rejecting the demand.

Puducherry and its outlying regions of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam merged de jure with the Indian Union in 1962 after liberation from the French regime and it has since been a Union Territory.

The ruling Congress and its allies in Puducherry would stage a demonstration in front of the Parliament in New Delhi on January 4 to press for their demand for statehood to the Union Territory.

The ruling Congress and its allies in Puducherry would stage a demonstration in front of the Parliament in New Delhi on January 4 to press for their demand for statehood to the Union Territory. PWD Minister and president of PCC A Namassivayam said in a press release Saturday that the legislators of the ruling Congress, its ally the DMK and Left parties, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, MDMK, Indian Union Muslim League and Federation of the Students Associations among others would take part in the protest. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of leaders of various parties convened by Chief Minister V Narayanasamy here Wednesday night, where concern was expressed over the Centre 'slashing' grants to the UT and the style of functioning of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, who has been at loggerheads with Narayanasamy on various issues. Namassivayam claimed that the territorial government was presently struggling to implement public welfare schemes as the Union Territory was not a full-fledged state and its administration was totally under the control of the Centre. "The separate identity of Puducherry cannot also be ensured because of this unique, amusing situation," he added. He also recalled that despite resolutions pressing for statehood being adopted on several occasions on the floor of the territorial Assembly, the Centre was continuously rejecting the demand. Puducherry and its outlying regions of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam merged de jure with the Indian Union in 1962 after liberation from the French regime and it has since been a Union Territory.

Pondy CM, Ministers to stage demonstration in Delhi on January 4 for Statehood

GDP numbers are misleading, RBI’s autonomy is in extreme danger and demonetisation is the biggest banking scam, former finance minister Yashwant Sinha claims in his new book. He also says that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of self-employment is a ‘distraction from the more serious issue of unemployment and underemployment’. 
 
Sinha, who has been quite vocal about the government’s policies since the past couple of years, quit the BJP in April. Party leaders have been dismissing his allegations on several issues with BJP chief Amit Shah once asking if people should believe the ministers or those ‘who did not get jobs’. 
 
According to Sinha, Modi blew a golden opportunity to send the economy soaring to new heights. 
 
“He could have fixed the UPA’s legacy issues and fundamentally raised India from a poor country to a middle-income country, but he squandered the chance,” he says, adding his book demonstrates how ‘Modi unmade India’. 
 
Though the book “India Unmade: How the Modi Government Broke the Economy” is a critique of the NDA government’s economic management, Sinha says he has not always been a critic of Modi. 
 
“Nor do I have a personal vendetta against him for not appointing me minister or giving me some other post, as some people incorrectly speculate. In fact, the truth is that I recognised his mettle early on and was one of the first senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to say he should be made the party’s prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 elections,” he claims. 
 
He has been severely critical of Modi on demonetisation, jobs, GDP figures and Make in India among others policies and programmes. 
 
“The Modi government’s lasting legacy will be the catastrophe that was the demonetisation of high-denomination currency on November 8, 2016,” he argues. 
 
“Demonetisation was a whimsical decision that served no purpose of governance. It did, however, provide Modi with a populist campaign plank of having taken tough decisions to nab the corrupt rich. His decision paid a rich electoral dividend in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. But as far as the constantly shifting governance objectives of demonetisation went, it was a big zero,” he says. 
 
On the second anniversary of demonetisation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that demonetisation resulted in increasing the tax base and a higher tax collection (both direct and indirect) for the government, thereby improving its fiscal health. He had also clarified that the real purpose of demonetisation was not the confiscation of cash but to bring it to the formal economy and make the holders pay tax. 
 
On Make in India, Sinha writes, “The malaise of Indian industry during Modi’s tenure is typified by his most famous flagship scheme, Make in India. It is his biggest failure; it is also an unoriginal idea. It is nothing more than a revival of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council that the UPA set up in 2004, whose first chairman was V Krishnamurthy.” 
 
He also says that the growth rates were seemed to have been recalibrated to make the government’s economic management look good, with an average rate of 7.35 per cent over its first four years. 
 
The jobs Modi mentioned like ‘pakoda’ sellers, autorickshaw drivers, tea-stall boys and newspaper deliverers are all in the informal sector and are nobody’s idea of an aspirational job, he says. He terms GDP figures as way below India’s potential. “But then India is the only country in the world that grows at 7.35 per cent, without investment, without industrial growth, without agricultural growth. Just like magic,” he writes in a sarcastic vein. 
 
The GST concept, he says, is good because it is simple and will lead to lower prices because there won’t be any tax on tax; there’ll be tax set-offs at every stage, and it will widen the tax net for transactions. 
 
“It is a better tax, but Modi-Jaitley botched it up at its very beginning. That GST has been tweaked 200 times already and over 400 notifications and 100 circulars and FAQs have been issued since its launch is standing testimony to the folly of the Modi-Jaitley team.” 
 
Sinha says that UPA’s management of the economy was also flawed. 
 
“When the global financial crisis hit us, the (UPA) government decided to focus on increasing consumer demand, and it began reducing or even eliminating some excise duties. 
 
“This, along with the debt waiver and MNREGA, was meant to put money in people’s pockets to encourage consumption demand. Yet all these welfare measures hardly encouraged productive activity and did not increase investment,” he writes. 
 
The Modi government, according to him, had everything going for it on all fronts; it had the kind of opportunity few governments have had in independent India’s history, yet it squandered its mandate. 
 
“In summation, the Modi government is just about event management. He is the best in creating false impressions. In the process, Modi has given India its ‘lost half-decade’. Elect him again and by 2024 it will be a lost decade,” he warns. 
 
The book, published by Juggernaut, is co-authored by journalist Aditya Sinha.

So, why is the need for the book? “. Over the last fifty-five months, the Modi government has dished out a stunning continuum of untruths and boasts about its economic management, performance and accomplishments. It thus becomes essential to speak truth to power, and so it is my job that this book is a statement of fact.”Sinha.&nbsp;

GDP numbers are misleading, RBI’s autonomy is in extreme danger and demonetisation is the biggest banking scam, former finance minister Yashwant Sinha claims in his new book.

GDP numbers are misleading, RBI’s autonomy is in extreme danger and demonetisation is the biggest banking scam, former finance minister Yashwant Sinha claims in his new book. He also says that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of self-employment is a ‘distraction from the more serious issue of unemployment and underemployment’. Sinha, who has been quite vocal about the government’s policies since the past couple of years, quit the BJP in April. Party leaders have been dismissing his allegations on several issues with BJP chief Amit Shah once asking if people should believe the ministers or those ‘who did not get jobs’. According to Sinha, Modi blew a golden opportunity to send the economy soaring to new heights. “He could have fixed the UPA’s legacy issues and fundamentally raised India from a poor country to a middle-income country, but he squandered the chance,” he says, adding his book demonstrates how ‘Modi unmade India’. Though the book “India Unmade: How the Modi Government Broke the Economy” is a critique of the NDA government’s economic management, Sinha says he has not always been a critic of Modi. “Nor do I have a personal vendetta against him for not appointing me minister or giving me some other post, as some people incorrectly speculate. In fact, the truth is that I recognised his mettle early on and was one of the first senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to say he should be made the party’s prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 elections,” he claims. He has been severely critical of Modi on demonetisation, jobs, GDP figures and Make in India among others policies and programmes. “The Modi government’s lasting legacy will be the catastrophe that was the demonetisation of high-denomination currency on November 8, 2016,” he argues. “Demonetisation was a whimsical decision that served no purpose of governance. It did, however, provide Modi with a populist campaign plank of having taken tough decisions to nab the corrupt rich. His decision paid a rich electoral dividend in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. But as far as the constantly shifting governance objectives of demonetisation went, it was a big zero,” he says. On the second anniversary of demonetisation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that demonetisation resulted in increasing the tax base and a higher tax collection (both direct and indirect) for the government, thereby improving its fiscal health. He had also clarified that the real purpose of demonetisation was not the confiscation of cash but to bring it to the formal economy and make the holders pay tax. On Make in India, Sinha writes, “The malaise of Indian industry during Modi’s tenure is typified by his most famous flagship scheme, Make in India. It is his biggest failure; it is also an unoriginal idea. It is nothing more than a revival of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council that the UPA set up in 2004, whose first chairman was V Krishnamurthy.” He also says that the growth rates were seemed to have been recalibrated to make the government’s economic management look good, with an average rate of 7.35 per cent over its first four years. The jobs Modi mentioned like ‘pakoda’ sellers, autorickshaw drivers, tea-stall boys and newspaper deliverers are all in the informal sector and are nobody’s idea of an aspirational job, he says. He terms GDP figures as way below India’s potential. “But then India is the only country in the world that grows at 7.35 per cent, without investment, without industrial growth, without agricultural growth. Just like magic,” he writes in a sarcastic vein. The GST concept, he says, is good because it is simple and will lead to lower prices because there won’t be any tax on tax; there’ll be tax set-offs at every stage, and it will widen the tax net for transactions. “It is a better tax, but Modi-Jaitley botched it up at its very beginning. That GST has been tweaked 200 times already and over 400 notifications and 100 circulars and FAQs have been issued since its launch is standing testimony to the folly of the Modi-Jaitley team.” Sinha says that UPA’s management of the economy was also flawed. “When the global financial crisis hit us, the (UPA) government decided to focus on increasing consumer demand, and it began reducing or even eliminating some excise duties. “This, along with the debt waiver and MNREGA, was meant to put money in people’s pockets to encourage consumption demand. Yet all these welfare measures hardly encouraged productive activity and did not increase investment,” he writes. The Modi government, according to him, had everything going for it on all fronts; it had the kind of opportunity few governments have had in independent India’s history, yet it squandered its mandate. “In summation, the Modi government is just about event management. He is the best in creating false impressions. In the process, Modi has given India its ‘lost half-decade’. Elect him again and by 2024 it will be a lost decade,” he warns. The book, published by Juggernaut, is co-authored by journalist Aditya Sinha. So, why is the need for the book? “. Over the last fifty-five months, the Modi government has dished out a stunning continuum of untruths and boasts about its economic management, performance and accomplishments. It thus becomes essential to speak truth to power, and so it is my job that this book is a statement of fact.”Sinha.

PM Modi could have fixed UPA’s legacy issues but he squandered the chance: Yashwant Sinha

Six terrorists killed, including a close associate of Zakir Musa, in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Following information about the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-two-army-officers-killed-in-pakistan-ceasefire-violation-in-kupwara-185745"> terrorists' presence</a>, the security forces surrounded the village in South Kashmir's Tral area.&nbsp;

"As the cordon was tightened, the militants fired triggering the encounter," a police officer said.

"It was a smooth operation and all the six terrorists have been neutralised," said Swayam Prakash Pani, the Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Range).

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SP Pani, IG Kashmir on Pulwama encounter: 6 terrorists were killed in the operation, there was no collateral damage. Identities and affiliation of terrorists being ascertained. We thank civilians for cooperating with us, it was a clean operation. <a href="https://t.co/luSSREueEr">pic.twitter.com/luSSREueEr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076356736905146370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Awantipora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Awantipora</a> encounter update: 06 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terrorists</a> killed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arms?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Arms</a> &amp; Ammunition recovered. No <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/collateraldamage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#collateraldamage</a> took place. Identities &amp; affiliations being ascertained. <a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AwantipoPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AwantipoPolice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBHomeAffairs</a> <a href="https://t.co/FoeVN4AwPJ">pic.twitter.com/FoeVN4AwPJ</a>
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KashmirPolice/status/1076338414608252928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A police official said arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site, adding the identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorists are being ascertained.

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.

The police advised citizens not to venture inside the encounter zone as the area could be dangerous due to stray explosive materials.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
They requested the people to cooperate with the police till the area was completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosives materials if any.

(With inputs from agencies)

Six terrorists killed, including a close associate of Zakir Musa, in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Six terrorists killed, including a close associate of Zakir Musa, in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Following information about the terrorists' presence, the security forces surrounded the village in South Kashmir's Tral area. "As the cordon was tightened, the militants fired triggering the encounter," a police officer said. "It was a smooth operation and all the six terrorists have been neutralised," said Swayam Prakash Pani, the Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Range). SP Pani, IG Kashmir on Pulwama encounter: 6 terrorists were killed in the operation, there was no collateral damage. Identities and affiliation of terrorists being ascertained. We thank civilians for cooperating with us, it was a clean operation. pic.twitter.com/luSSREueEr — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × #Awantipora encounter update: 06 #terrorists killed. #Arms & Ammunition recovered. No #collateraldamage took place. Identities & affiliations being ascertained. @JmuKmrPolice @AwantipoPolice @PIBHomeAffairs pic.twitter.com/FoeVN4AwPJ — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) December 22, 2018 × A police official said arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site, adding the identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorists are being ascertained. 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. The police advised citizens not to venture inside the encounter zone as the area could be dangerous due to stray explosive materials. They requested the people to cooperate with the police till the area was completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosives materials if any. (With inputs from agencies)

Six terrorists killed in encounter in South Kashmir's Tral: IGP Swayam Prakash Pani

The Lok Sabha’s Rules Committee on Friday recommended: “automatic suspension” of members who enter the well of the house or willfully obstruct its business by shouting slogans despite being repeatedly warned by the Chair. 
 
The panel’s recommendation to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/schools-run-better-than-our-parliament-are-we-worse-than-school-kids-asks-sumitra-mahajan-185223">Speaker Sumitra Mahajan</a> comes at a time regular disruptions of the House have become the norm. The recommendation, to suspend five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less, was made in a draft report placed before the committee in its meeting chaired by the speaker. Miffed over MPs holding placards inside the Lok Sabha and creating a ruckus, Mahajan called a meeting of the committee on Thursday. 
 
According to the draft report placed before the committee, an amendment of&nbsp; Rule 374A (1) of the Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, which deals with suspension of the member, has been recommended. Those members repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their own seats and warned shall be automatically suspended rather than being named by the speaker, it was proposed.

At present, the rules state that such members will only be suspended after they are named by the Speaker. 
 
“…in the event of a grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of the house or abusing the rules of the house persistently and willfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, despite being repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their seats and warned, such member shall stand automatically suspended from the service of the house for five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less,” the Rules Committee said in its draft report.

Once the warning has been issued by the speaker, the house would have to be adjourned for a reasonable period of time to enable the secretary general to enlist the names of members, the report adds. 
 
There were differences among members of the committee over the period of suspension. TMC MP Saugata Roy’s suggestion that the suspension should be for one day, was backed by MPs from other parties as well.

The Rules Committee functions as an advisory body to the speaker. It considers matters of procedure and conduct of business and makes recommendations for any amendment or addition to the rules. A proposal for an amendment to the rules can be made by any member of the House or by the presiding officer or committee. 
 
The proposals after being examined by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and approved by the chairperson (the speaker) are placed before the Committee for consideration in the form of memoranda.

Article 118(1) of the Constitution provides that each House of Parliament may make rules to regulate the procedure and conduct of its business.

On April 1, 1950, the speaker made an announcement in the House regarding the appointment of a committee to examine suggestions that might be received from members from time to time for amendment of the Rules.

The Lok Sabha’s Rules Committee on Friday recommended: “automatic suspension” of members who enter the well of the house or willfully obstruct its business by shouting slogans despite being repeatedly warned by the Chair.

The Lok Sabha’s Rules Committee on Friday recommended: “automatic suspension” of members who enter the well of the house or willfully obstruct its business by shouting slogans despite being repeatedly warned by the Chair. The panel’s recommendation to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan comes at a time regular disruptions of the House have become the norm. The recommendation, to suspend five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less, was made in a draft report placed before the committee in its meeting chaired by the speaker. Miffed over MPs holding placards inside the Lok Sabha and creating a ruckus, Mahajan called a meeting of the committee on Thursday. According to the draft report placed before the committee, an amendment of Rule 374A (1) of the Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, which deals with suspension of the member, has been recommended. Those members repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their own seats and warned shall be automatically suspended rather than being named by the speaker, it was proposed. At present, the rules state that such members will only be suspended after they are named by the Speaker. “…in the event of a grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of the house or abusing the rules of the house persistently and willfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, despite being repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their seats and warned, such member shall stand automatically suspended from the service of the house for five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less,” the Rules Committee said in its draft report. Once the warning has been issued by the speaker, the house would have to be adjourned for a reasonable period of time to enable the secretary general to enlist the names of members, the report adds. There were differences among members of the committee over the period of suspension. TMC MP Saugata Roy’s suggestion that the suspension should be for one day, was backed by MPs from other parties as well. The Rules Committee functions as an advisory body to the speaker. It considers matters of procedure and conduct of business and makes recommendations for any amendment or addition to the rules. A proposal for an amendment to the rules can be made by any member of the House or by the presiding officer or committee. The proposals after being examined by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and approved by the chairperson (the speaker) are placed before the Committee for consideration in the form of memoranda. Article 118(1) of the Constitution provides that each House of Parliament may make rules to regulate the procedure and conduct of its business. On April 1, 1950, the speaker made an announcement in the House regarding the appointment of a committee to examine suggestions that might be received from members from time to time for amendment of the Rules.

Automatically suspend members who enter well of house, panel tells speaker Sumitra Mahajan

Citing a media report, BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday expressed shock over 52 people from Dalit and tribal communities being allegedly "enslaved" in Karnataka and said the Congress-JD(S) government in the state was "busy with cabinet expansion". 
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He called on his party workers to help those in distress. 
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"Shocking that members from Dalit &amp; Tribal communities were enslaved and made to suffer in the most inhuman conditions, but the Congress-JDS govt is busy with cabinet expansion! People are watching. I urge our karyakartas to help the people in distress," Shah said in a tweet. 
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According to the media report, 52 people from the two communities, including 16 women and four children, were enslaved and forced to work for 19 hours a day without wages. 
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Protests by these people were met with beatings and women being sexually harassed, it said.

Citing a media report, BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday expressed shock over 52 people from Dalit and tribal communities being allegedly "enslaved" in Karnataka and said the Congress-JD(S) government in the state was "busy with cabinet expansion".

Citing a media report, BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday expressed shock over 52 people from Dalit and tribal communities being allegedly "enslaved" in Karnataka and said the Congress-JD(S) government in the state was "busy with cabinet expansion". He called on his party workers to help those in distress. "Shocking that members from Dalit & Tribal communities were enslaved and made to suffer in the most inhuman conditions, but the Congress-JDS govt is busy with cabinet expansion! People are watching. I urge our karyakartas to help the people in distress," Shah said in a tweet. According to the media report, 52 people from the two communities, including 16 women and four children, were enslaved and forced to work for 19 hours a day without wages. Protests by these people were met with beatings and women being sexually harassed, it said.

52 Dalits, tribals 'enslaved' in Karnataka, govt busy with cabinet expansion: Amit Shah

The Centre on Friday authorised select security and intelligence agencies for purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource.

The agencies empowered by the government in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau (NIB), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Cabinet Secretariat (RAW) and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000) read with rule 4 of the Information Technology ( Procedure and Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring and Decryption of Information) Rules, 2009, the Competent Authority hereby authorises Security and Intelligence Agencies for the purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource under the said Act," read the notice issued by Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba.

Furthermore, the Directorate of Signal Intelligence has been given authority for service areas of Jammu and Kashmir, North-East and Assam.

The direction from the Ministry of Home Affairs comes as a follow up to a 2009 notification, wherein the then UPA government had stated that no person shall carry out the interception, monitoring, or decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource under sub-section (2) of section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, except by an order issued by the competent authority.

"Such order may be issued by an officer, not below the rank of the Joint Secretary to the Government of India, who has been duly authorised by the competent authority," the 2009 notice read.

As per this earlier notification, in case of remote areas where obtaining prior directions for interception is not feasible, the guidelines provided for monitoring of information generated, transmitted or received in any computer resource to be done with prior approval of the head or second senior-most officer of the security and law enforcement agency at the central level and the officer authorised on this behalf, not below the rank of the Inspector General of Police or an officer of equivalent rank at the state or union territory level.

However, the authority supervising surveillance in such cases was required to inform in writing to the competent authority about the emergency deception of data within three working days and obtain approval within seven working days.

"If the approval of the competent authority is not obtained within the said period of seven working days, such interception or monitoring shall cease and information shall not be intercepted thereafter without prior approval," the document had stated.&nbsp;

The Centre on Friday authorised select security and intelligence agencies for purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource.

The Centre on Friday authorised select security and intelligence agencies for purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource. The agencies empowered by the government in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau (NIB), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Cabinet Secretariat (RAW) and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi. "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000) read with rule 4 of the Information Technology ( Procedure and Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring and Decryption of Information) Rules, 2009, the Competent Authority hereby authorises Security and Intelligence Agencies for the purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource under the said Act," read the notice issued by Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba. Furthermore, the Directorate of Signal Intelligence has been given authority for service areas of Jammu and Kashmir, North-East and Assam. The direction from the Ministry of Home Affairs comes as a follow up to a 2009 notification, wherein the then UPA government had stated that no person shall carry out the interception, monitoring, or decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource under sub-section (2) of section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, except by an order issued by the competent authority. "Such order may be issued by an officer, not below the rank of the Joint Secretary to the Government of India, who has been duly authorised by the competent authority," the 2009 notice read. As per this earlier notification, in case of remote areas where obtaining prior directions for interception is not feasible, the guidelines provided for monitoring of information generated, transmitted or received in any computer resource to be done with prior approval of the head or second senior-most officer of the security and law enforcement agency at the central level and the officer authorised on this behalf, not below the rank of the Inspector General of Police or an officer of equivalent rank at the state or union territory level. However, the authority supervising surveillance in such cases was required to inform in writing to the competent authority about the emergency deception of data within three working days and obtain approval within seven working days. "If the approval of the competent authority is not obtained within the said period of seven working days, such interception or monitoring shall cease and information shall not be intercepted thereafter without prior approval," the document had stated.

Government empowers security, intelligence agencies for mass surveillance

A day&nbsp;after Air Force Chief, BS Dhanoa hailed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">Supreme Court verdict </a>on Rafale jet deal, senior Congress leader, P Chidambaram&nbsp;urged Army and Air Force to stay out of the debate.

"We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft."

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Palaniappan Chidambaram: We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft, questions are being raised on the deal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> <a href="https://t.co/puVbEF3LQE">pic.twitter.com/puVbEF3LQE</a>
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"Questions are being raised on the deal," Chidambaram added.

Yesterday, Air Force Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal and said that Indian Air Force needs the fighter jets aircraft badly.

Addressing the media in Jodhpur, Dhanoa said that "the Supreme Court has given a very fine judgment and I am not going to comment on it. It has also said that this plane is badly needed. rafale is always a need for the Air Force. It took a long time to&nbsp;come. Others have upgraded their squadron. Also, very fine comments given by the Finance Minister and our Defence Minister."

The Rafale jet deal controversy has been on the boil over the last few months.&nbsp;

The Congress has alleged irregularities in the deal for 36 aircraft and claimed that the Narendra Modi government is buying them at a price much higher than the one that was being negotiated by the previous government.

Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking a probe into the Rafale deal.

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A day after Air Force Chief, BS Dhanoa hailed Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal, senior Congress leader, P Chidambaram urged Army and Air Force to stay out of the debate.

A day after Air Force Chief, BS Dhanoa hailed Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal, senior Congress leader, P Chidambaram urged Army and Air Force to stay out of the debate. "We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft." Palaniappan Chidambaram: We are not questioning the Air Force Chief, we are humbly requesting the Army and Air Force to stay out of this debate as no one is doubting the capability of the aircraft, questions are being raised on the deal #Rafale pic.twitter.com/puVbEF3LQE — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × "Questions are being raised on the deal," Chidambaram added. Yesterday, Air Force Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on Rafale jet deal and said that Indian Air Force needs the fighter jets aircraft badly. Addressing the media in Jodhpur, Dhanoa said that "the Supreme Court has given a very fine judgment and I am not going to comment on it. It has also said that this plane is badly needed. rafale is always a need for the Air Force. It took a long time to come. Others have upgraded their squadron. Also, very fine comments given by the Finance Minister and our Defence Minister." The Rafale jet deal controversy has been on the boil over the last few months. The Congress has alleged irregularities in the deal for 36 aircraft and claimed that the Narendra Modi government is buying them at a price much higher than the one that was being negotiated by the previous government. Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking a probe into the Rafale deal.

Stay out of Rafale deal: Chidambaram to Army, Air force

Google Doodle on Friday marked the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year when the earth is the farthest from the sun. It is also known as the midwinter.

Today the daylight duration will be shortest and night will be the longest. It occurs when one of the earth's poles has its maximum tilt away from the sun.&nbsp;

Winter solstice happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere this is the December solstice and in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the June solstice.

People around the world have celebrated this astronomical phenomenon for centuries.&nbsp;

In Ireland, people gather days before the solstice at Newgrange – a massive gravesite that’s more than 5,000 years old. Crowds selected by lottery wait for a chance to see the sunrise light up the ancient passage tomb.

At Stonehenge, crowds of people come together to celebrate and capture the moment when the sun directly aligns with the famous stones.&nbsp;

In China, locals refer to the Winter Solstice as Dongzhi Festival, a celebration of winter’s arrival. Locals enjoy rice balls called tang yuan, which translates to "family reunion." This treat is said to bring prosperity and unity. 
&nbsp;

Google Doodle on Friday marked the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year when the earth is the farthest from the sun. It is also known as the midwinter. Today the daylight duration will be shortest and night will be the longest.

Google Doodle on Friday marked the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year when the earth is the farthest from the sun. It is also known as the midwinter. Today the daylight duration will be shortest and night will be the longest. It occurs when one of the earth's poles has its maximum tilt away from the sun. Winter solstice happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere this is the December solstice and in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the June solstice. People around the world have celebrated this astronomical phenomenon for centuries. In Ireland, people gather days before the solstice at Newgrange – a massive gravesite that’s more than 5,000 years old. Crowds selected by lottery wait for a chance to see the sunrise light up the ancient passage tomb. At Stonehenge, crowds of people come together to celebrate and capture the moment when the sun directly aligns with the famous stones. In China, locals refer to the Winter Solstice as Dongzhi Festival, a celebration of winter’s arrival. Locals enjoy rice balls called tang yuan, which translates to "family reunion." This treat is said to bring prosperity and unity.

Google doodle celebrates winter solstice, shortest day of the year

Eyeing a new chapter in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-was-a-milestone-pm-modi-president-xi-have-personal-connect-sushma-swaraj-185698">Sino-India ties</a>, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday held extensive talks under a new set up framework and agreed on "ten pillars" of cooperation to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

In her media statement, Swaraj said the armies of the two countries are working to strengthen communication and striving to implement confidence-building measures that will help in maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas, which she said, is an important prerequisite for development of ties.

Referring to trade ties, Swaraj said there was a need to find a solution to India's expanding trade deficit with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sino-india-ties-actively-moving-forward-president-xi-185704">China</a> and hoped that China will provide support for market access to Indian goods and services.

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MEA: EAM Sushma Swaraj &amp; Chinese State Councilor &amp; FM Wang Yi jointly inaugurated a Photo Exhibition at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra portraying the various facets of enhanced exchanges between India &amp; China. <a href="https://t.co/4mOPPMl2QA">pic.twitter.com/4mOPPMl2QA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076143544375508992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj said the special relationship between the two countries is not only important for the region but also for the world. "At a time of global uncertainty, the relationship between the two countries are a factor of stability," she said.

In their talks under the 'High Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges', the two foreign ministers deliberated for around two hours on ways to boost people-to-people contact and cultural exchanges between the two neighbours.

The setting up of the new mechanism was decided upon during the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.

"Our leaders had realised that unless we have better people-to-people cooperation, we cannot have close cooperation between the two countries," said Swaraj.

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: We agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations. <a href="https://t.co/ilVvycgB0G">pic.twitter.com/ilVvycgB0G</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076050084666589185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I am very happy over outcome of our talks... I am confident that the new mechanism will help both the countries in building greater synergies in bilateral ties," she said in her media statement in the presence of Wang.&nbsp;

Since the resolution of the Doklam face-off, the two countries have taken a series of measures to enhance overall ties.

Wang, who arrived here early Friday morning, said he had a "very successful" meeting with Swaraj.

"India-China relations have reached a new historical stage," he said at the inaugural session of 3rd India-China High Level Media Forum.

Swaraj said she and Wang held a series of bilateral meetings in the last few years and talks on people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges were for not more than 10 minutes in each of the meetings.&nbsp;

"But today, the meeting was very unique and very different. And the reason for it was that we focused on two subjects during the two-hour deliberations -- people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges," she said.

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EAM Sushma Swaraj at 3rd India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session: I'm satisfied with the quality of discussion today.Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic &amp; youth exchanges <a href="https://t.co/GzWnMgRPud">pic.twitter.com/GzWnMgRPud</a>
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Swaraj said India and China have agreed on '10 pillars' of cooperation to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

These pillars are cultural exchange, cooperation in films and television, museum administration and sports, exchanges between youths, cooperation on tourism, exchanges between states and cities, cooperation in traditional medicine, yoga and education.

Swaraj said both sides made good progress in ties in 2018 and an ambitious agenda is being prepared for next year.

"We are confident that the visit of Xi Jinping to India next year for the second informal summit will add another new facet to our continuously expanding ties," Swaraj said.&nbsp;

Wang described the new mechanism for cultural and people-to-people exchanges as a "major initiative" in the history of India-China ties.&nbsp;

Eyeing a new chapter in Sino-India ties, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday held extensive talks under a new set up framework and agreed on "ten pillars" of cooperation to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Eyeing a new chapter in Sino-India ties, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday held extensive talks under a new set up framework and agreed on "ten pillars" of cooperation to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges. In her media statement, Swaraj said the armies of the two countries are working to strengthen communication and striving to implement confidence-building measures that will help in maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas, which she said, is an important prerequisite for development of ties. Referring to trade ties, Swaraj said there was a need to find a solution to India's expanding trade deficit with China and hoped that China will provide support for market access to Indian goods and services. MEA: EAM Sushma Swaraj & Chinese State Councilor & FM Wang Yi jointly inaugurated a Photo Exhibition at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra portraying the various facets of enhanced exchanges between India & China. pic.twitter.com/4mOPPMl2QA — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × Swaraj said the special relationship between the two countries is not only important for the region but also for the world. "At a time of global uncertainty, the relationship between the two countries are a factor of stability," she said. In their talks under the 'High Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges', the two foreign ministers deliberated for around two hours on ways to boost people-to-people contact and cultural exchanges between the two neighbours. The setting up of the new mechanism was decided upon during the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. "Our leaders had realised that unless we have better people-to-people cooperation, we cannot have close cooperation between the two countries," said Swaraj. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: We agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations. pic.twitter.com/ilVvycgB0G — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × "I am very happy over outcome of our talks... I am confident that the new mechanism will help both the countries in building greater synergies in bilateral ties," she said in her media statement in the presence of Wang. Since the resolution of the Doklam face-off, the two countries have taken a series of measures to enhance overall ties. Wang, who arrived here early Friday morning, said he had a "very successful" meeting with Swaraj. "India-China relations have reached a new historical stage," he said at the inaugural session of 3rd India-China High Level Media Forum. Swaraj said she and Wang held a series of bilateral meetings in the last few years and talks on people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges were for not more than 10 minutes in each of the meetings. "But today, the meeting was very unique and very different. And the reason for it was that we focused on two subjects during the two-hour deliberations -- people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges," she said. EAM Sushma Swaraj at 3rd India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session: I'm satisfied with the quality of discussion today.Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic & youth exchanges pic.twitter.com/GzWnMgRPud — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × Swaraj said India and China have agreed on '10 pillars' of cooperation to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges. These pillars are cultural exchange, cooperation in films and television, museum administration and sports, exchanges between youths, cooperation on tourism, exchanges between states and cities, cooperation in traditional medicine, yoga and education. Swaraj said both sides made good progress in ties in 2018 and an ambitious agenda is being prepared for next year. "We are confident that the visit of Xi Jinping to India next year for the second informal summit will add another new facet to our continuously expanding ties," Swaraj said. Wang described the new mechanism for cultural and people-to-people exchanges as a "major initiative" in the history of India-China ties.

India-China relations have reached new historical stage: Chinese foreign minister

A Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-sajjan-kumar-moves-high-court-to-seek-more-time-to-surrender-185458">Sajjan Kumar's plea seeking more time to surrender</a> which he filed yesterday. He is sentenced to life imprisonment in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

According to a report by PTI, the court dismissed the plea saying that it sees no ground for granting relief to Sajjan Kumar to surrender.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sajjan-kumar-resigns-from-congress-primary-membership-writes-to-rahul-gandhi-184982">former senior leader of Congress party, Sajjan Kumar </a>approached the Delhi High Court to extend his surrender time till January 30. He sought more time saying that he has to settle family affairs relating to children and property.

In his plea, Kumar has also said that he has the statutory right to file an appeal against the high court verdict for which he needs to engage senior advocates who are presently out of India on holiday as the Supreme Court is on vacations.

On Monday, the high court directed Sajjan Kumar to surrender before authorities by December 31.

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 of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar part II during that period.

Kumar was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for "remainder of his natural life" in the case by the high court on December 17 which had said the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency.

On Thursday, he also appeared before Patiala House Court amid tight security in another 1984 riots case for trial. The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-sikh-riots-case-delhi-court-adjourns-sajjan-kumar-hearing-for-january-22-185423">court adjourned the matter for January 22</a> after his main counsel was unavailable.

The riots had broken out after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards.&nbsp; 
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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.

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. According to a report by PTI, the court dismissed the plea saying that it sees no ground for granting relief to Sajjan Kumar to surrender. The former senior leader of Congress party, Sajjan Kumar approached the Delhi High Court to extend his surrender time till January 30. He sought more time saying that he has to settle family affairs relating to children and property. In his plea, Kumar has also said that he has the statutory right to file an appeal against the high court verdict for which he needs to engage senior advocates who are presently out of India on holiday as the Supreme Court is on vacations. On Monday, the high court directed Sajjan Kumar to surrender before authorities by December 31. 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 of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar part II during that period. Kumar was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for "remainder of his natural life" in the case by the high court on December 17 which had said the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency. On Thursday, he also appeared before Patiala House Court amid tight security in another 1984 riots case for trial. The court adjourned the matter for January 22 after his main counsel was unavailable. The riots had broken out after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: No ground for granting relief to Sajjan Kumar, says High Court

The Madras High Court Friday ordered status quo as existed before the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-clears-way-for-reopening-vedanta-copper-smelter-tamil-nadu-government-to-appeal-184256">National Green Tribunal set aside a Tamil Nadu government order</a> for closure 
Of Sterlite's copper plant in Tuticorin.

Justices K K Sasindhran and P D Audikesavalu of the Madurai Bench also restrained the Vedanta group from taking any steps to reopen the unit.

Hearing a petition against reopening of the Sterlite unit following the December 15 NGT order, the court directed that status quo will continue till January 21 and ordered the state government to inform by then whether it intended to file an appeal against the tribunal verdict.

The bench issued notice to the state chief secretary and the Chief Executive Officer of Sterlite to file their counter.

On an appeal by the Sterlite, the NGT had quashed the May 28 order of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for permanent closure of the plant in the wake of protests by locals, holding that that it was "non-sustainable" and "unjustified".

Sterlite had on Thursday said it had sought permission from the TNPCB for reopening the plant.&nbsp;

The Madras High Court Friday ordered status quo as existed before the National Green Tribunal set aside a Tamil Nadu government order for closure Of Sterlite's copper plant in Tuticorin.

The Madras High Court Friday ordered status quo as existed before the National Green Tribunal set aside a Tamil Nadu government order for closure Of Sterlite's copper plant in Tuticorin. Justices K K Sasindhran and P D Audikesavalu of the Madurai Bench also restrained the Vedanta group from taking any steps to reopen the unit. Hearing a petition against reopening of the Sterlite unit following the December 15 NGT order, the court directed that status quo will continue till January 21 and ordered the state government to inform by then whether it intended to file an appeal against the tribunal verdict. The bench issued notice to the state chief secretary and the Chief Executive Officer of Sterlite to file their counter. On an appeal by the Sterlite, the NGT had quashed the May 28 order of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for permanent closure of the plant in the wake of protests by locals, holding that that it was "non-sustainable" and "unjustified". Sterlite had on Thursday said it had sought permission from the TNPCB for reopening the plant.

High Court orders status quo, restrains Sterlite from reopening copper plant

As China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrived in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/g20-pm-modi-invites-president-xi-to-india-for-next-informal-summit-180529">India on a four-day visit</a> in the early morning hours on Friday, Tibetan activists put massive banner on the flyover outside the T3 international airport in New Delhi asking China to leave Tibet.

The convoy of the Chinese foreign minister passed through the same route where the banners were put. Wang Yi arrived in India at 1:30 am(IST).

Wang Yi will be meeting external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today and will inaugurate the first India-China high-level media forum.

On Thursday, China in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tibetans-ready-to-be-part-of-china-if-allowed-to-preserve-culture-dalai-lama-158386">statement had said it "resolutely opposes"</a> President Trump's decision to sign the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act. The act allows access to Tibet for US diplomats and other officials, journalists and other citizens by denying US entry for Chinese officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet.

China had annexed Tibet in 1950 leading spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to flee to Dharamsala in India in 1959. In July, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 83rd birthday in &nbsp;Ladakh on the outskirts of Leh. Reports at the time said Chinese authorities had placed restrictions on celebrations of Lama's birthday inside Tibet.

Tibetans in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture were warned against celebration by Beijing, local news reports said even as three people were detained for carrying out activities related to the birthday celebration.

The Chinese foreign minister's visit comes with both government determined to push cultural and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. The decision to establish a "special mechanism" was taken during the "informal" summit between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi in Wuhan.

Wang Yi will also visit Aurangabad and Mumbai and sign MoU's with the Indian government during his visit. The Chinese foreign minister's visit is being seen as a step forward in India-China relations post-Doklam after PM Modi and President Xi reaffirmed their commitment to cement ties several times this year during their meetings.

As China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrived in India on a four-day visit in the early morning hours on Friday, Tibetan activists put massive banner on the flyover outside the T3 international airport in New Delhi asking China to leave Tibet.

As China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrived in India on a four-day visit in the early morning hours on Friday, Tibetan activists put massive banner on the flyover outside the T3 international airport in New Delhi asking China to leave Tibet. The convoy of the Chinese foreign minister passed through the same route where the banners were put. Wang Yi arrived in India at 1:30 am(IST). Wang Yi will be meeting external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today and will inaugurate the first India-China high-level media forum. On Thursday, China in a statement had said it "resolutely opposes" President Trump's decision to sign the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act. The act allows access to Tibet for US diplomats and other officials, journalists and other citizens by denying US entry for Chinese officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet. China had annexed Tibet in 1950 leading spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to flee to Dharamsala in India in 1959. In July, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 83rd birthday in Ladakh on the outskirts of Leh. Reports at the time said Chinese authorities had placed restrictions on celebrations of Lama's birthday inside Tibet. Tibetans in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture were warned against celebration by Beijing, local news reports said even as three people were detained for carrying out activities related to the birthday celebration. The Chinese foreign minister's visit comes with both government determined to push cultural and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. The decision to establish a "special mechanism" was taken during the "informal" summit between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi in Wuhan. Wang Yi will also visit Aurangabad and Mumbai and sign MoU's with the Indian government during his visit. The Chinese foreign minister's visit is being seen as a step forward in India-China relations post-Doklam after PM Modi and President Xi reaffirmed their commitment to cement ties several times this year during their meetings.

Video: Tibetan activists protest as Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi arrives in India

A woman has lodged a complaint alleging that her husband had divorced her by pronouncing "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-ordinance-why-no-similar-penal-provisions-for-hindu-men-deserting-women-asks-opposition-166709">triple talaq</a>" over phone, police said.

Based on the complaint filed by the woman, an investigation is underway, J Manjula, Inspector of Police, Women's police station at Central Crime Station.

We are consulting legal experts to ascertain whether a case can be booked under the recent <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-ordinance-challenged-supreme-court-167593">Ordinance on triple talaq</a>, she told PTI.

In the complaint, the victim stated that she got married in January 2017 and her husband Mohammed Muzammil started harassing her just after one month of the marriage.

He intensified the torture after a girl child was born in February this year.

"On November 28, he (husband) called me on WhatsApp and abused. He pronounced talaq, talaq and talaq and disconnected the call. I need justice. I came to know that he is looking to get married with another woman," she said.

The police official further said they are seeking cyber experts assistance also to crack the WhatsApp call data.

The Supreme Court had struck down the practice of divorce through triple talaq among Muslims as "void," "illegal" and "unconstitutional"

Earlier this week, the central government had introduced a fresh bill in the Lok Sabha to make triple talaq a penal offence.

The bill replaces an ordinance issued in September.

A woman has lodged a complaint alleging that her husband had divorced her by pronouncing "triple talaq" over phone, police said. Based on the complaint filed by the woman, an investigation is underway, J Manjula, Inspector of Police, Women's police station at Central Crime Station.

A woman has lodged a complaint alleging that her husband had divorced her by pronouncing "triple talaq" over phone, police said. Based on the complaint filed by the woman, an investigation is underway, J Manjula, Inspector of Police, Women's police station at Central Crime Station. We are consulting legal experts to ascertain whether a case can be booked under the recent Ordinance on triple talaq, she told PTI. In the complaint, the victim stated that she got married in January 2017 and her husband Mohammed Muzammil started harassing her just after one month of the marriage. He intensified the torture after a girl child was born in February this year. "On November 28, he (husband) called me on WhatsApp and abused. He pronounced talaq, talaq and talaq and disconnected the call. I need justice. I came to know that he is looking to get married with another woman," she said. The police official further said they are seeking cyber experts assistance also to crack the WhatsApp call data. The Supreme Court had struck down the practice of divorce through triple talaq among Muslims as "void," "illegal" and "unconstitutional" Earlier this week, the central government had introduced a fresh bill in the Lok Sabha to make triple talaq a penal offence. The bill replaces an ordinance issued in September.

Hyderabad: Woman accuses husband of triple talaq over phone

Ahead of the launch of superstar Rajinikanth's political party, efforts are underway for starting a television channel by a forum floated by him, with the actor authorising the use of his name and photograph in its logo.

Rajinikanth has informed in a letter to the Registrar of Trademarks that an application made by the forum chief for trademarks be processed and he had no objection to the use of his name and photo in the logo of the proposed channel.

The matter came to light after the letter went viral on social media and sources close to the Tamil actor Friday confirmed its veracity.

Administrator of the Rajini Makkal Mandram, seen as a precursor to his party, V M Sudhakar applied for the trademarks 'SUPERSTAR TV, RAJINI TV, THALAIVAR TV,' all references to the actor.

The move is seen as keeping in line with the tradition of political parties in Tamil Nadu having their own TV channels to effectively propagate their policies and programmes.

While the ruling AIADMK had recently launched 'News J' to propagate its views, a bouquet of channels under the 'Kalaignar TV' and the Marans-owned 'Sun TV' are said to be backing the opposition DMK.

'Jaya TV', managed by the relatives of jailed aide of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, V K Sasikala was originally a mouthpiece of the AIADMK, but now backs sidelined party leader T T V Dhinakaran since his fallout with current Chief Minister K Palaniswami last year.

In his letter to the Trademarks Registrar, Rajinikanth said he had "no objection to use my name, photo on the logo and label", adding the applications may be processed to the "next level".&nbsp;

The 68-year old actor had announced taking the political plunge in December 2017 while interacting with his fans here.

He had then said his to-be-launched political party will contest in all the 234 assembly segments in Tamil Nadu in the next elections, due in 2021.

Speculations of Rajini's political entry had started way back in 1996 when he made some 'frank' criticism of the then Jayalalithaa government.

He extended open support to the then DMK-Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) combine, which swept the 1996 assembly polls.

TMC was floated by veteran Congressman, late G K Mooapanar, after he quit the national party.&nbsp;

Ahead of the launch of superstar Rajinikanth's political party, efforts are underway for starting a television channel by a forum floated by him, with the actor authorising the use of his name and photograph in its logo.

Ahead of the launch of superstar Rajinikanth's political party, efforts are underway for starting a television channel by a forum floated by him, with the actor authorising the use of his name and photograph in its logo. Rajinikanth has informed in a letter to the Registrar of Trademarks that an application made by the forum chief for trademarks be processed and he had no objection to the use of his name and photo in the logo of the proposed channel. The matter came to light after the letter went viral on social media and sources close to the Tamil actor Friday confirmed its veracity. Administrator of the Rajini Makkal Mandram, seen as a precursor to his party, V M Sudhakar applied for the trademarks 'SUPERSTAR TV, RAJINI TV, THALAIVAR TV,' all references to the actor. The move is seen as keeping in line with the tradition of political parties in Tamil Nadu having their own TV channels to effectively propagate their policies and programmes. While the ruling AIADMK had recently launched 'News J' to propagate its views, a bouquet of channels under the 'Kalaignar TV' and the Marans-owned 'Sun TV' are said to be backing the opposition DMK. 'Jaya TV', managed by the relatives of jailed aide of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, V K Sasikala was originally a mouthpiece of the AIADMK, but now backs sidelined party leader T T V Dhinakaran since his fallout with current Chief Minister K Palaniswami last year. In his letter to the Trademarks Registrar, Rajinikanth said he had "no objection to use my name, photo on the logo and label", adding the applications may be processed to the "next level". The 68-year old actor had announced taking the political plunge in December 2017 while interacting with his fans here. He had then said his to-be-launched political party will contest in all the 234 assembly segments in Tamil Nadu in the next elections, due in 2021. Speculations of Rajini's political entry had started way back in 1996 when he made some 'frank' criticism of the then Jayalalithaa government. He extended open support to the then DMK-Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) combine, which swept the 1996 assembly polls. TMC was floated by veteran Congressman, late G K Mooapanar, after he quit the national party.

Rajini forum files for TV channel trademark

The Delhi Assembly on Friday passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Bharat Ratna&nbsp;awarded to the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

The resolution, passed by a voice vote, cited the 1984 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-no-ground-for-granting-relief-to-sajjan-kumar-says-high-court-185604">anti-Sikh riots</a> as the reason behind its demand for the withdrawal of the award.

AAP MLA Jarnail Singh who moved the resolution said, "Delhi Assembly today declared 1984 anti-Sikh riots as worst genocide in the history of India’s national capital. In a resolution that has been passed today, we have demanded from the Centre that Bharat Ratna should be withdrawn from Former PM Rajiv Gandhi".

The resolution said the Delhi government should "strongly" convey in writing to the Union Home Ministry (MHA) that justice continues to elude the families and near-dear ones of the victims of the worst "genocide" in the history of India's national capital.

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Jarnail Singh,AAP MLA: Delhi Assembly today declared 1984 anti-Sikh riots as worst genocide in the history of India’s national capital. In a resolution that has been passed today we have demanded from the Centre that Bharat Ratna should be withdrawn from Former PM Rajiv Gandhi. <a href="https://t.co/g9uskxBe36">pic.twitter.com/g9uskxBe36</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076140237481402369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The resolution was passed days after the High Court passed a historic verdict on the anti-Sikh riots. The court on December 17 reversed the acquittal of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar by the trial court and sentenced him to life imprisonment on charges ranging from murder to criminal conspiracy.

Rajiv Gandhi was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna award in 1991.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Delhi Assembly on Friday passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Bharat Ratna awarded to the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. The resolution, passed by a voice vote, cited the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as the reason behind its demand for the withdrawal of the award.

The Delhi Assembly on Friday passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Bharat Ratna awarded to the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. The resolution, passed by a voice vote, cited the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as the reason behind its demand for the withdrawal of the award. AAP MLA Jarnail Singh who moved the resolution said, "Delhi Assembly today declared 1984 anti-Sikh riots as worst genocide in the history of India’s national capital. In a resolution that has been passed today, we have demanded from the Centre that Bharat Ratna should be withdrawn from Former PM Rajiv Gandhi". The resolution said the Delhi government should "strongly" convey in writing to the Union Home Ministry (MHA) that justice continues to elude the families and near-dear ones of the victims of the worst "genocide" in the history of India's national capital. Jarnail Singh,AAP MLA: Delhi Assembly today declared 1984 anti-Sikh riots as worst genocide in the history of India’s national capital. In a resolution that has been passed today we have demanded from the Centre that Bharat Ratna should be withdrawn from Former PM Rajiv Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/g9uskxBe36 — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × The resolution was passed days after the High Court passed a historic verdict on the anti-Sikh riots. The court on December 17 reversed the acquittal of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar by the trial court and sentenced him to life imprisonment on charges ranging from murder to criminal conspiracy. Rajiv Gandhi was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna award in 1991. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Assembly passes resolution demanding withdrawal of Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna

It's an attire that's unique to Jammu and Kashmir. Come winters and the Pheran can be seen everywhere on the streets but now, an order by the state's education department, banning officials from wearing it to work has sparked a controversy.

The order has evoked strong reactions and condemnation from all sections of the society in the valley. The former chief minister of the state Omar Abdullah termed the order regressive. He challenged the move with pictures of his father, Farooq Abdullah, wearing the dress.&nbsp;

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My father &amp; I have worn pherans to official functions many times over the years &amp; will continue to do so, silly government orders not withstanding. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dontbanourpheran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dontbanourpheran</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/revokepheranban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#revokepheranban</a>. <a href="https://t.co/nEsjpMd4XB">pic.twitter.com/nEsjpMd4XB</a>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1074924920323350528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The fact is that for no item we have a dress code, why for this? If there is a threat by Pheran, then every Kashmiri is a suspect," Omar said.&nbsp;

The move has sparked a social media campaign with people posting their pictures in Pheran, with hashtags like #PheranBan and #SayNoToPharanBan. Some even called the move an onslaught on Kashmiri culture.

"This is a very regressive step. In Kashmir everyone wears Pheran, it is part of our culture. Ladakhi people wear their attire and in south India, people wear Lungi, then why just Pheran?" National Conference Spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq told media.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/saynotopharanban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#saynotopharanban</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/proudtobeakashmiri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#proudtobeakashmiri</a> 
Start this hashtag and tag your friends and post pictures <a href="https://twitter.com/Raheelk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Raheelk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RJNASIROFFICIAL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RJNASIROFFICIAL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/shahfaesal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shahfaesal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SalmanNizami_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SalmanNizami_</a> <a href="https://t.co/uEuibwRUak">pic.twitter.com/uEuibwRUak</a>
— Shazia Bakshi (@Shazia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shazia/status/1074944335580422144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pheran is a traditional outfit worn by both men and women in Kashmir during winters. It helps protect people from the bone-chilling cold. Over the years, Pheran -- which has its roots in West Asia and Afghanistan -- has been customised and redesigned to make it contemporary and fashionable. &nbsp;

People in the valley take pride in wearing this traditional dress. Kashmiri brides, regardless of religion, dress in designer Pheran.&nbsp;

"We have grown in Pheran, we have seen our parents and grandparents wearing it. Now, if someone dictates us that we shouldn't wear Pheran, it will be treated as part of aggression," said Social activist Babar Qadri.&nbsp;

In the city of Srinagar, there are many shops dedicated only to making Pherans which customise them according to the need and demand of customers. According to the shopkeepers, the demand for Pheran&nbsp;has only gone up over the years.&nbsp;

It's an attire that's unique to Jammu and Kashmir. Come winters and the Pheran can be seen everywhere on the streets but now, an order by the state's education department, banning officials from wearing it to work has sparked a controversy.

It's an attire that's unique to Jammu and Kashmir. Come winters and the Pheran can be seen everywhere on the streets but now, an order by the state's education department, banning officials from wearing it to work has sparked a controversy. The order has evoked strong reactions and condemnation from all sections of the society in the valley. The former chief minister of the state Omar Abdullah termed the order regressive. He challenged the move with pictures of his father, Farooq Abdullah, wearing the dress. My father & I have worn pherans to official functions many times over the years & will continue to do so, silly government orders not withstanding. #dontbanourpheran #revokepheranban. pic.twitter.com/nEsjpMd4XB — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 18, 2018 × "The fact is that for no item we have a dress code, why for this? If there is a threat by Pheran, then every Kashmiri is a suspect," Omar said. The move has sparked a social media campaign with people posting their pictures in Pheran, with hashtags like #PheranBan and #SayNoToPharanBan. Some even called the move an onslaught on Kashmiri culture. "This is a very regressive step. In Kashmir everyone wears Pheran, it is part of our culture. Ladakhi people wear their attire and in south India, people wear Lungi, then why just Pheran?" National Conference Spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq told media. #saynotopharanban #proudtobeakashmiri Start this hashtag and tag your friends and post pictures @Raheelk @RJNASIROFFICIAL @shahfaesal @SalmanNizami_ pic.twitter.com/uEuibwRUak — Shazia Bakshi (@Shazia) December 18, 2018 × Pheran is a traditional outfit worn by both men and women in Kashmir during winters. It helps protect people from the bone-chilling cold. Over the years, Pheran -- which has its roots in West Asia and Afghanistan -- has been customised and redesigned to make it contemporary and fashionable. People in the valley take pride in wearing this traditional dress. Kashmiri brides, regardless of religion, dress in designer Pheran. "We have grown in Pheran, we have seen our parents and grandparents wearing it. Now, if someone dictates us that we shouldn't wear Pheran, it will be treated as part of aggression," said Social activist Babar Qadri. In the city of Srinagar, there are many shops dedicated only to making Pherans which customise them according to the need and demand of customers. According to the shopkeepers, the demand for Pheran has only gone up over the years.

'Pheran ban' in Kashmir rakes controversy, Omar Abdullah reacts

A special CBI court in Mumbai is likely to pronounce today the verdict in the sensational Sohrabuddin Shaikh-Tulsiram Prajapati <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sohrabuddin-case-high-court-upholds-discharge-of-ex-gujarat-ats-chief-vanzara-4-others-164857">alleged fake encounter case of 2005</a> in which 22 persons, most of them policemen, are on trial.

The case <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sohrabuddin-case-claims-yet-another-judge-says-rahul-gandhi-34210">has attracted much attention as BJP chief Amit Shah</a>, who was Minister of State for Home in Gujarat at the time of the incidents, was one of the accused before being discharged in 2014. During the trial, as many as 92 prosecution witnesses turned hostile.

After the final arguments were wrapped up earlier this month, Special Judge for CBI cases S J Sharma had said he will pronounce the verdict on December 21.

Most of the accused are junior-level police officials from Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The court earlier discharged, for want of evidence, 16 of the 38 persons charge-sheeted by the CBI. These included Amit Shah, the then Rajasthan home minister Gulabchand Kataria, former Gujarat police chief P C Pande and former senior Gujarat police officer D G Vanzara.

According to the CBI, Shaikh, an alleged gangster with terror links, his wife Kausar Bi and his aide Prajapati were abducted by Gujarat police from a bus when they were on their way to Sangli in Maharashtra from Hyderabad on the night of November 22 and 23, 2005.

Shaikh was killed in an alleged fake encounter on November 26, 2005 near Ahmedabad. His wife was killed three days later and her body was disposed off, the CBI said.

A year later, on December 27, 2006, Prajapati was also shot dead by Gujarat and Rajasthan police in an alleged fake encounter near Chapri on Gujarat-Rajasthan border.

The case was initially probed by the Gujarat CID before the CBI took over in 2010. The Supreme Court in 2013 directed that the trial to&nbsp;be shifted to Mumbai from Gujarat on the central agency's request to ensure a fair trial.

The prosecution examined 210 witnesses, of which 92 turned hostile.

Even as the trial has wound down to a close, two prosecution witnesses applied to the court Wednesday that they be re-examined.

One of them, Azam Khan, an aide of Shaikh, claimed in his plea that accused Abdul Rehman, a former police inspector who had allegedly fired on Shaikh, threatened Khan that if he did not depose as told, he would be framed up in false cases.

His wife was also threatened, Khan claimed.

Another witness, Mahendra Zala, a petrol pump owner, has alleged that the prosecution did not furnish to the court his statement recorded before a magistrate.

The court will decide both pleas Friday.

A special CBI court in Mumbai is likely to pronounce today the verdict in the sensational Sohrabuddin Shaikh-Tulsiram Prajapati alleged fake encounter case of 2005 in which 22 persons, most of them policemen, are on trial.

A special CBI court in Mumbai is likely to pronounce today the verdict in the sensational Sohrabuddin Shaikh-Tulsiram Prajapati alleged fake encounter case of 2005 in which 22 persons, most of them policemen, are on trial. The case has attracted much attention as BJP chief Amit Shah, who was Minister of State for Home in Gujarat at the time of the incidents, was one of the accused before being discharged in 2014. During the trial, as many as 92 prosecution witnesses turned hostile. After the final arguments were wrapped up earlier this month, Special Judge for CBI cases S J Sharma had said he will pronounce the verdict on December 21. Most of the accused are junior-level police officials from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The court earlier discharged, for want of evidence, 16 of the 38 persons charge-sheeted by the CBI. These included Amit Shah, the then Rajasthan home minister Gulabchand Kataria, former Gujarat police chief P C Pande and former senior Gujarat police officer D G Vanzara. According to the CBI, Shaikh, an alleged gangster with terror links, his wife Kausar Bi and his aide Prajapati were abducted by Gujarat police from a bus when they were on their way to Sangli in Maharashtra from Hyderabad on the night of November 22 and 23, 2005. Shaikh was killed in an alleged fake encounter on November 26, 2005 near Ahmedabad. His wife was killed three days later and her body was disposed off, the CBI said. A year later, on December 27, 2006, Prajapati was also shot dead by Gujarat and Rajasthan police in an alleged fake encounter near Chapri on Gujarat-Rajasthan border. The case was initially probed by the Gujarat CID before the CBI took over in 2010. The Supreme Court in 2013 directed that the trial to be shifted to Mumbai from Gujarat on the central agency's request to ensure a fair trial. The prosecution examined 210 witnesses, of which 92 turned hostile. Even as the trial has wound down to a close, two prosecution witnesses applied to the court Wednesday that they be re-examined. One of them, Azam Khan, an aide of Shaikh, claimed in his plea that accused Abdul Rehman, a former police inspector who had allegedly fired on Shaikh, threatened Khan that if he did not depose as told, he would be framed up in false cases. His wife was also threatened, Khan claimed. Another witness, Mahendra Zala, a petrol pump owner, has alleged that the prosecution did not furnish to the court his statement recorded before a magistrate. The court will decide both pleas Friday.

Sohrabuddin Shaikh encounter: CBI court likely to pronounce verdict today

Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of Congress mouthpiece National Herald, was on Friday directed by the Delhi High Court to vacate its premises in the national capital within two weeks.&nbsp;

The High Court dismissed AJL's plea challenging the Centre's order to vacate its premises.

The Centre and Land and Development Office (L&amp;DO) have 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.

However, Justice Sunil Gaur rejected the contentions of the AJL challenging the Centre's October 30 order ending its 56-year-old lease.

The High Court said AJL will have to vacate the premises at ITO here within two weeks after which proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971 would be initiated.

The court had reserved its decision on AJL's plea on November 22.

The Centre said that all the procedures have been followed to the hilt before issuing the notice.

AJL had opposed the Centre's stand, saying that publication of web editions began in 2016 and the issue of absence of printing press in the premises was not raised then.

It had said the government kept silent till April 2018 when it again sent a notice for inspection and in which it had said that it was coming to check breaches mentioned in notice of October 10, 2016.

AJL had also argued that several major papers carry out printing elsewhere.

The court had earlier asked the government to maintain status quo with regard to enforcement of the October 30 order.

During the arguments, the Centre had contended that transfer of 98 per cent stake in AJL to Young Indian (YI) when the latter bought the former's Rs 90 crore debt for a consideration of Rs 50 lakh, led to a "virtual" sale of the Herald building.

In its petition, the AJL has alleged that the proceedings were being initiated for the purposes of "scuttling the voices of dissent" and the voice of the largest opposition party in the country, a reference to the Congress.

Without naming the BJP, the AJL alleged that the order was issued under pressure and directives from the ruling party at the Centre is vitiated by mala fide, bias and had "oblique political motives".

The L&amp;DO had ended the lease -- entered into with AJL on August 2, 1962 and made perpetual on January 10, 1967 -- asking the company to hand over the possession by November 15.

The L&amp;DO's order had also said that failure to hand over possession would lead to initiation of proceedings under the Public Premises Act.

In its plea, AJL has also said that the digital versions of English newspaper National Herald, Hindi's Navjivan and Urdu's Qaumi Awaz have commenced since 2016-17.

The weekly newspaper 'National Herald on Sunday' resumed on September 24 last year and the place of publication was the ITO premises, AJL had said, adding that the Hindi weekly newspaper Sunday Navjivan was also being published since October this year from the same premises.&nbsp;

Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of Congress mouthpiece National Herald, was on Friday directed by the Delhi High Court to vacate its premises in the national capital within two weeks.

Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of Congress mouthpiece National Herald, was on Friday directed by the Delhi High Court to vacate its premises in the national capital within two weeks. The High Court dismissed AJL's plea challenging the Centre's order to vacate its premises. The Centre and Land and Development Office (L&DO) have 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. However, Justice Sunil Gaur rejected the contentions of the AJL challenging the Centre's October 30 order ending its 56-year-old lease. The High Court said AJL will have to vacate the premises at ITO here within two weeks after which proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971 would be initiated. The court had reserved its decision on AJL's plea on November 22. The Centre said that all the procedures have been followed to the hilt before issuing the notice. AJL had opposed the Centre's stand, saying that publication of web editions began in 2016 and the issue of absence of printing press in the premises was not raised then. It had said the government kept silent till April 2018 when it again sent a notice for inspection and in which it had said that it was coming to check breaches mentioned in notice of October 10, 2016. AJL had also argued that several major papers carry out printing elsewhere. The court had earlier asked the government to maintain status quo with regard to enforcement of the October 30 order. During the arguments, the Centre had contended that transfer of 98 per cent stake in AJL to Young Indian (YI) when the latter bought the former's Rs 90 crore debt for a consideration of Rs 50 lakh, led to a "virtual" sale of the Herald building. In its petition, the AJL has alleged that the proceedings were being initiated for the purposes of "scuttling the voices of dissent" and the voice of the largest opposition party in the country, a reference to the Congress. Without naming the BJP, the AJL alleged that the order was issued under pressure and directives from the ruling party at the Centre is vitiated by mala fide, bias and had "oblique political motives". The L&DO had ended the lease -- entered into with AJL on August 2, 1962 and made perpetual on January 10, 1967 -- asking the company to hand over the possession by November 15. The L&DO's order had also said that failure to hand over possession would lead to initiation of proceedings under the Public Premises Act. In its plea, AJL has also said that the digital versions of English newspaper National Herald, Hindi's Navjivan and Urdu's Qaumi Awaz have commenced since 2016-17. The weekly newspaper 'National Herald on Sunday' resumed on September 24 last year and the place of publication was the ITO premises, AJL had said, adding that the Hindi weekly newspaper Sunday Navjivan was also being published since October this year from the same premises.

National Herald case: Delhi HC rejects AJL plea against Centre's order to vacate premises

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