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"Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails.&nbsp;

Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was caught and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for travelling on a fake passport.&nbsp;

His sentence came to an end on December 15 this year.&nbsp;

Hamid returned to India on Tuesday, passing through&nbsp;the Attari-Wagah border to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansari-in-jail-in-pak-for-6-years-crosses-back-over-into-india-185105">a tearful reunion with his parents and brother</a>.&nbsp;

Hamid is a software engineer from Mumbai. He has since become a symbol of <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">the innocent Indian and Pakistani prisoners languishing in each other's jails</a>.&nbsp;

The second lesson, Hamid said — he was asked what were the three lessons he had learnt, he spoke to the Zee News Network at his home in Mumbai — is to never hide anything from your mum and dad.&nbsp;

"Never hide anything from your mum and dad, ever," Hamid said. "Good or bad, big or small.&nbsp;

"Tell your parents, even if they shout at you. Because even if they do, they will only do so for your good."&nbsp;

Hamid had obviously not told his parents before crossing over into Pakistan.&nbsp;

And finally, Hamid said, follow the legal process wherever you go.&nbsp;

"Don't be emotional, think with your head," he added.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

"Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails. Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online.

"Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails. Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was caught and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for travelling on a fake passport. His sentence came to an end on December 15 this year. Hamid returned to India on Tuesday, passing through the Attari-Wagah border to a tearful reunion with his parents and brother. Hamid is a software engineer from Mumbai. He has since become a symbol of the innocent Indian and Pakistani prisoners languishing in each other's jails. The second lesson, Hamid said — he was asked what were the three lessons he had learnt, he spoke to the Zee News Network at his home in Mumbai — is to never hide anything from your mum and dad. "Never hide anything from your mum and dad, ever," Hamid said. "Good or bad, big or small. "Tell your parents, even if they shout at you. Because even if they do, they will only do so for your good." Hamid had obviously not told his parents before crossing over into Pakistan. And finally, Hamid said, follow the legal process wherever you go. "Don't be emotional, think with your head," he added.

Watch: 'Never fall in love on Facebook,' Hamid Nehal Ansari says after 6 years in Pakistani jails

Hamid had in 2012 crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan to meet a girl he had befriended online.

Hamid Nehal Ansari

The CBI has arrested 10 people for alleged misuse of Lettter of Undertakings worth over Rs 9 crore in the Punjab National Bank's Brady House branch, the fountainhead of a $2 billion scam perpetrated by billionaires Nirav Modi and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-bank-case-interpol-issues-red-corned-notice-against-mehul-choksi-183652">Mehul Choksi</a>, officials said Wednesday.

In March, the agency had filed a case pertaining to "fraudulent"&nbsp;issuance of LOUs amounting to Rs 9 crore to Chandri Papers and Allied Products by the PNB's Brady House branch, they said.

A LoU is a service whereby the bank guarantees a customer's payment obligation of a specified amount to an overseas bank.&nbsp;

The two LoUs were allegedly issued in April, 2017 in favour of SBI, Antwerp, Belgium, they said.

The company did not pay back, bringing the liability on the state-run PNB.

Retired PNB employee Gokulnath Shetty and a single-window operator (SWO) at the branch, Manoj Kharat, who are facing CBI probe in the Modi-Choksi case, were named by the agency in an FIR, the officials said.

The CBI thereafter arrested eight officials who were working at the branch at that time. They are -- SWOs Manoj Kharat, Amar Jadhav and Sagar Sawant, chief manager Bechu Tiwari, manager

Yashwant Joshi, branch head Sanjay Prasad, officer Prafful Sawant and chief internal auditor Mohinder Sharma.?

The directors of the company, Ishwardas Agarwal and Adtiya Rasiwasia, were also taken into custody by the CBI in an operation that started on Tuesday, the officials said.

All the arrested accused have been sent to police custody till December 21, a CBI spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The CBI has arrested 10 people for alleged misuse of Lettter of Undertakings worth over Rs 9 crore in the Punjab National Bank's Brady House branch, the fountainhead of a $2 billion scam perpetrated by billionaires Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, officials said Wednesday.

The CBI has arrested 10 people for alleged misuse of Lettter of Undertakings worth over Rs 9 crore in the Punjab National Bank's Brady House branch, the fountainhead of a $2 billion scam perpetrated by billionaires Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, officials said Wednesday. In March, the agency had filed a case pertaining to "fraudulent" issuance of LOUs amounting to Rs 9 crore to Chandri Papers and Allied Products by the PNB's Brady House branch, they said. A LoU is a service whereby the bank guarantees a customer's payment obligation of a specified amount to an overseas bank. The two LoUs were allegedly issued in April, 2017 in favour of SBI, Antwerp, Belgium, they said. The company did not pay back, bringing the liability on the state-run PNB. Retired PNB employee Gokulnath Shetty and a single-window operator (SWO) at the branch, Manoj Kharat, who are facing CBI probe in the Modi-Choksi case, were named by the agency in an FIR, the officials said. The CBI thereafter arrested eight officials who were working at the branch at that time. They are -- SWOs Manoj Kharat, Amar Jadhav and Sagar Sawant, chief manager Bechu Tiwari, manager Yashwant Joshi, branch head Sanjay Prasad, officer Prafful Sawant and chief internal auditor Mohinder Sharma.? The directors of the company, Ishwardas Agarwal and Adtiya Rasiwasia, were also taken into custody by the CBI in an operation that started on Tuesday, the officials said. All the arrested accused have been sent to police custody till December 21, a CBI spokesperson said.

CBI arrests 10 people for alleged misuse of LoUs worth Rs 9 cr at PNB's Brady House branch

Reacting sharply to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's comments on the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama, India Thursday said Islamabad should mind its own affairs which are in a "mess" instead of interfering in a neighbouring country.&nbsp;

"I think it will be better if they mind their own business and look at the internal affairs which are in a mess," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a media briefing when asked about Khan's remarks.

He said Pakistan has taken no action against terror groups operating from its soil and statements coming from its side demonstrate its "insincerity and duplicity".&nbsp;

On Sunday, Khan condemned the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama and threatened to raise the issue at the UN.

Seven civilians died Saturday when security forces opened fire at an unruly mob that had gathered at the site of an encounter in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Kumar said Pakistan must take action against terror groups operating from its soil instead of commenting on India's internal affairs.

"The statements coming from that side demonstrate their insincerity and duplicity.&nbsp;

"We have been demanding that stop allowing your territory to be used for terror groups and terrorists who are operating from your soil. No action is being taken against them," he said.&nbsp;

Reacting sharply to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's comments on the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama, India Thursday said Islamabad should mind its own affairs which are in a "mess" instead of interfering in a neighbouring country.

Reacting sharply to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's comments on the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama, India Thursday said Islamabad should mind its own affairs which are in a "mess" instead of interfering in a neighbouring country. "I think it will be better if they mind their own business and look at the internal affairs which are in a mess," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a media briefing when asked about Khan's remarks. He said Pakistan has taken no action against terror groups operating from its soil and statements coming from its side demonstrate its "insincerity and duplicity". On Sunday, Khan condemned the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama and threatened to raise the issue at the UN. Seven civilians died Saturday when security forces opened fire at an unruly mob that had gathered at the site of an encounter in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. Kumar said Pakistan must take action against terror groups operating from its soil instead of commenting on India's internal affairs. "The statements coming from that side demonstrate their insincerity and duplicity. "We have been demanding that stop allowing your territory to be used for terror groups and terrorists who are operating from your soil. No action is being taken against them," he said.

Pakistan should mind its own business: India on Imran Khan's comment on Pulwama deaths

A day after External Affair's Minister Sushma Swaraj said that her ministry is in the process of transferring the ownership of Jinnah House in Mumbai, New Delhi has dismissed any claims by Pakistan&nbsp;over the property and said it belongs to India.

Responding to WION's question on the Jinnah House, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "You see Pakistan is not in the picture. They have no locus standi as far as this property is concerned. It is a government of India property. We are in the process of renovating it and putting it in an effective use on lines of what we do in Hyderabad House."&nbsp;

"Our stand is very clear. It is our property. No doubt in the mind it is anybody's property," he later added.

The reaction from MEA came on the back of Pakistani Foreign Mohammad Faisal‏ saying that Islamabad will not relinquish claims over the property.

The Minister of External Affair Sushma Swaraj in a letter to MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha had said, "We are in the process of transferring the ownership of the property in our name. Activities relating to renovation and refurbishment of Jinnah House to develop it on the pattern of facilities available in Hyderabad House in Delhi would be undertaken in due course".

Approval of Prime Minister's office (PMO) was sought for transfer of the property from Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to MEA and PMO has accorded the necessary approval.

Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the MLA representing Malabar Hill Constituency of South Mumbai where the Jinnah House is located had written to Sushma Swaraj on the ownership of the house. Welcoming the development, Lodha on twitter said, "I welcome govt's decision to acquire Jinnah House in Mumbai. Govt has decided to convert the Jinnah House into an International Cultural Centre. I thank Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji, CM Devendra Fadnavis ji, and MEA Sushma Swaraj ji."

Jinnah House, officially known as South Court was built by Muhammad Ali Jinnah who played an instrumental role in the partition of India and Pakistan. It was his main residence until he left for Pakistan after the partition. The matter to transfer the property came up in front of several governments from the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Nehru wanted it to be given to Pakistan government in 1955, he, however, was not allowed to do so because of the cabinet's refusal.

In 1980 the then Foreign Minister Narasimha Rao agreed to lease the property to Pakistan for its consulate but the plan did not get any approval. The issue was also raised by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf with former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;

The property was built in 1936 for around two lakh&nbsp;rupees. After Independence, Jinnah House was used by the British High Commissioner until 1982. From 1982 onwards the premises was placed under the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Based on the recommendations of the committee of secretaries in 1988 and with the approval of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Ministry of Urban Development advised CPWD to hand over Jinnah House to ICCR. In 1996, a decision was taken by the Prime Minister to establish a cultural centre at Jinnah House. The house was transferred to ICCR on February 4, 1997. &nbsp;

Dina Wadia, the daughter of Jinnah who opted India to be her home, was involved in litigation to claim rights over property. She died last year in new york.&nbsp;

A day after External Affair's Minister Sushma Swaraj said that her ministry is in the process of transferring the ownership of Jinnah House in Mumbai, New Delhi has dismissed any claims by Pakistan over the property and said it belongs to India.

A day after External Affair's Minister Sushma Swaraj said that her ministry is in the process of transferring the ownership of Jinnah House in Mumbai, New Delhi has dismissed any claims by Pakistan over the property and said it belongs to India. Responding to WION's question on the Jinnah House, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "You see Pakistan is not in the picture. They have no locus standi as far as this property is concerned. It is a government of India property. We are in the process of renovating it and putting it in an effective use on lines of what we do in Hyderabad House." "Our stand is very clear. It is our property. No doubt in the mind it is anybody's property," he later added. The reaction from MEA came on the back of Pakistani Foreign Mohammad Faisal‏ saying that Islamabad will not relinquish claims over the property. The Minister of External Affair Sushma Swaraj in a letter to MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha had said, "We are in the process of transferring the ownership of the property in our name. Activities relating to renovation and refurbishment of Jinnah House to develop it on the pattern of facilities available in Hyderabad House in Delhi would be undertaken in due course". Approval of Prime Minister's office (PMO) was sought for transfer of the property from Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to MEA and PMO has accorded the necessary approval. Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the MLA representing Malabar Hill Constituency of South Mumbai where the Jinnah House is located had written to Sushma Swaraj on the ownership of the house. Welcoming the development, Lodha on twitter said, "I welcome govt's decision to acquire Jinnah House in Mumbai. Govt has decided to convert the Jinnah House into an International Cultural Centre. I thank Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji, CM Devendra Fadnavis ji, and MEA Sushma Swaraj ji." Jinnah House, officially known as South Court was built by Muhammad Ali Jinnah who played an instrumental role in the partition of India and Pakistan. It was his main residence until he left for Pakistan after the partition. The matter to transfer the property came up in front of several governments from the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Nehru wanted it to be given to Pakistan government in 1955, he, however, was not allowed to do so because of the cabinet's refusal. In 1980 the then Foreign Minister Narasimha Rao agreed to lease the property to Pakistan for its consulate but the plan did not get any approval. The issue was also raised by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf with former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The property was built in 1936 for around two lakh rupees. After Independence, Jinnah House was used by the British High Commissioner until 1982. From 1982 onwards the premises was placed under the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Based on the recommendations of the committee of secretaries in 1988 and with the approval of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Ministry of Urban Development advised CPWD to hand over Jinnah House to ICCR. In 1996, a decision was taken by the Prime Minister to establish a cultural centre at Jinnah House. The house was transferred to ICCR on February 4, 1997. Dina Wadia, the daughter of Jinnah who opted India to be her home, was involved in litigation to claim rights over property. She died last year in new york.

MEA rejects Pak claim, says Jinnah House is government of India property

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday rejected a petition which sought for permission to offer 'namaz' at the Ayodhya site.

Citing that the petition as filed for "cheap publicity", the court imposed a fine for Rs 5 lakh on the petitioner.

Justices DK Arora and Alok Mathur of the Lucknow bench of the high court passed the order on the petition of Al-Rahman Trust, which had requested the court to give permission to offer namaz at the&nbsp;site.

The court directed District Magistrate Faizabad to realise the fine amount if it is not deposited by the Trust.

The hearing in the Ayodhya title case has been adjourned to January.

On September 27, the Supreme Court had rejected the petition of referring the land title case to a larger bench.

The petitions were filed challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict that divided the site in Ayodhya into three parts for Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhara and Sunni Central Wakf Board of UP. The petitions were also filed for reconsidering the court's 1994 verdict in which it observed that a "mosque is not an essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam and namaz by Muslims can be offered anywhere, even in open".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday rejected a petition which sought for permission to offer 'namaz' at the Ayodhya site. Citing that the petition as filed for "cheap publicity", the court imposed a fine for Rs 5 lakh on the petitioner.

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday rejected a petition which sought for permission to offer 'namaz' at the Ayodhya site. Citing that the petition as filed for "cheap publicity", the court imposed a fine for Rs 5 lakh on the petitioner. Justices DK Arora and Alok Mathur of the Lucknow bench of the high court passed the order on the petition of Al-Rahman Trust, which had requested the court to give permission to offer namaz at the site. The court directed District Magistrate Faizabad to realise the fine amount if it is not deposited by the Trust. The hearing in the Ayodhya title case has been adjourned to January. On September 27, the Supreme Court had rejected the petition of referring the land title case to a larger bench. The petitions were filed challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict that divided the site in Ayodhya into three parts for Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhara and Sunni Central Wakf Board of UP. The petitions were also filed for reconsidering the court's 1994 verdict in which it observed that a "mosque is not an essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam and namaz by Muslims can be offered anywhere, even in open". (With inputs from agencies)

High Court dismisses plea for namaz at Ayodhya site, fines petitioner Rs 5 lakh

Joining the debate on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-madhya-pradesh-and-chhattisgarh-congress-announces-farm-loan-waiver-in-rajasthan-185365">farm loan waivers</a>, government think-tank Niti Aayog Wednesday said such a move helps only a fraction of farmers and is no solution to mitigate agrarian distress.

Congress chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loan-waiver-promise-tipped-scales-in-congress-favour-in-mp-183555">Rahul Gandhi</a> has been pressing the government on the issue, saying he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until a loan waiver is given to all farmers.

"Farm loan waiver is not a solution to farm sector distress. It is not a solution but is palliative," Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference after the release of its 'Strategy for New India @ 75' document.

Kumar, however, added that in states where there is genuine farm distress, some short-term measures have to be taken.

Niti Aayog Member and agriculture policy expert Ramesh Chand also said the biggest problem with loan waiver is that it will benefit only a small fraction of farmers.

"In poorer states, only 10-15 per cent of farmers are benefited from loan waiver as few number of farmers get institutional loans in such states. In many states, not even 25 per cent of farmers avail institutional credit," Chand pointed out.

He noted that when you have this kind of variations in states in terms of farmers' access to institutional credit, it is not worth spending so much money on farm loan waivers.

"Even CAG report says that farm loan waivers does not help. Loan waivers is no solution to address distress in farm sector," Chand said.

Citing a recent study, he pointed out that in some states, more than 3/4th of farm loans are taken for consumption purpose and not for agriculture.

Chand argued that the demand for loan waiver arises because income of farmers is not increasing at a reasonable rate.

"We are discussing much better solution to address farm distress. We want to increase income of farmers," the Niti Aayog member insisted.

Both Kumar and Chand said the Aayog has suggested to the Ministry of Agriculture to link allocations to states to reform measures undertaken by them in the farm sector.

Replying to a query on GST, Kumar said the average rate will gravitate towards 15 per cent with increased resources and widening of the tax base.

"As the GST net widens, all these will gravitate towards average 15 per cent. It would be good rate if you compare with the previous indirect tax rate which used to be around 30 per cent. It will give impetus to consumption and economic growth," Kumar said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday said the effort will be to ensure that 99 per cent of all items, including almost all items used by the common man, are kept at a GST slab of 18 per cent or less.

To a question on job creation, the Niti Aayog vice chairman said, "On the employment front, I am not sure crisis is appropriate word to use."

"We are concerned with the employment situation. In fact, I am one of those economists who has said our policy targets could well be in terms of employment maximisation and growth will come out of that," he added.

Kumar also noted that aspirational levels are much higher today among the youth than what it was earlier.

He also announced that data on job creation will be released very soon as the work is in advanced stage.

Noting that the government wants to look at regional inequality, Kumar said, "We are not following Washington Consensus."

He also said after the release of 'Strategy for New India @ 75', the Aayog will now start working on the 15-year vision document.

Asked to comment on a recent report prepared by 13 economists from India and abroad, including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agri-loan-waiver-should-not-form-part-of-poll-promises-rajan-184112">former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan</a>, Kumar said that the Aayog's strategy document is much more realistic and ground-based.

On status of the three-year action agenda which was released last year, he said," Three-year action agenda is very much part of the government's operating agenda."

Joining the debate on farm loan waivers, government think-tank Niti Aayog Wednesday said such a move helps only a fraction of farmers and is no solution to mitigate agrarian distress.

Joining the debate on farm loan waivers, government think-tank Niti Aayog Wednesday said such a move helps only a fraction of farmers and is no solution to mitigate agrarian distress. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been pressing the government on the issue, saying he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until a loan waiver is given to all farmers. "Farm loan waiver is not a solution to farm sector distress. It is not a solution but is palliative," Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference after the release of its 'Strategy for New India @ 75' document. Kumar, however, added that in states where there is genuine farm distress, some short-term measures have to be taken. Niti Aayog Member and agriculture policy expert Ramesh Chand also said the biggest problem with loan waiver is that it will benefit only a small fraction of farmers. "In poorer states, only 10-15 per cent of farmers are benefited from loan waiver as few number of farmers get institutional loans in such states. In many states, not even 25 per cent of farmers avail institutional credit," Chand pointed out. He noted that when you have this kind of variations in states in terms of farmers' access to institutional credit, it is not worth spending so much money on farm loan waivers. "Even CAG report says that farm loan waivers does not help. Loan waivers is no solution to address distress in farm sector," Chand said. Citing a recent study, he pointed out that in some states, more than 3/4th of farm loans are taken for consumption purpose and not for agriculture. Chand argued that the demand for loan waiver arises because income of farmers is not increasing at a reasonable rate. "We are discussing much better solution to address farm distress. We want to increase income of farmers," the Niti Aayog member insisted. Both Kumar and Chand said the Aayog has suggested to the Ministry of Agriculture to link allocations to states to reform measures undertaken by them in the farm sector. Replying to a query on GST, Kumar said the average rate will gravitate towards 15 per cent with increased resources and widening of the tax base. "As the GST net widens, all these will gravitate towards average 15 per cent. It would be good rate if you compare with the previous indirect tax rate which used to be around 30 per cent. It will give impetus to consumption and economic growth," Kumar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday said the effort will be to ensure that 99 per cent of all items, including almost all items used by the common man, are kept at a GST slab of 18 per cent or less. To a question on job creation, the Niti Aayog vice chairman said, "On the employment front, I am not sure crisis is appropriate word to use." "We are concerned with the employment situation. In fact, I am one of those economists who has said our policy targets could well be in terms of employment maximisation and growth will come out of that," he added. Kumar also noted that aspirational levels are much higher today among the youth than what it was earlier. He also announced that data on job creation will be released very soon as the work is in advanced stage. Noting that the government wants to look at regional inequality, Kumar said, "We are not following Washington Consensus." He also said after the release of 'Strategy for New India @ 75', the Aayog will now start working on the 15-year vision document. Asked to comment on a recent report prepared by 13 economists from India and abroad, including former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, Kumar said that the Aayog's strategy document is much more realistic and ground-based. On status of the three-year action agenda which was released last year, he said," Three-year action agenda is very much part of the government's operating agenda."

Loan waiver not a solution to farm distress: Niti Aayog

The Railways' fastest train - Train 18, which is scheduled to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 29, was pelted with stones on Thursday during a trial run between Delhi and Agra, a senior official said.

"Train 18 running at 180 km/h between Delhi and Agra at this time... Srinivas, the Chief Design Engineer of ICF is in the cab, they touched 181 kmh for record sake... Some vandal threw a stone breaking a glass, hope we nab him," tweeted Sudhanshu Manu, General Manager of the Integral Coach Factory that manufactured these state-of-the-art rakes.&nbsp;

The incident is being investigated, officials said.

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Train 18 was pelted with stones during trial run between Agra and New Delhi, earlier today. It is scheduled to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 29. <a href="https://t.co/PwdZD2hF16">pic.twitter.com/PwdZD2hF16</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075781074754699265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The country's first engineless train will replace Shatabdi trains and will run between Delhi and Varanasi.

Train 18, manufactured by ICF Chennai at a cost of Rs 100 crore, recently became India's fastest train by hitting speeds of over 180 kmph during a trial run on a section of the Delhi-Rajdhani route.

The gleaming blue-nosed train comes fitted with amenities at par with the best in the world -- from on-board WiFi to a GPS-based passenger information system, touch-free bio-vacuum toilets, LED lighting, mobile charging points and a climate control system that adjusts the temperature according to occupancy and weather.

The train will have two executive compartments which will have 52 seats each and trailer coaches will have 78 seats each. The executive class will have rotating seats to match the direction of the train.

According to the tentative plan, the train will start from New Delhi station at 6 am and is expected to reach Varanasi at 2 pm. For the return journey, the train will start at 2.30 pm from Varanasi and reach the national capital at 10.30 pm on the same day.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, impressed with the success of Train 18 during trials, has recently asked ICF to build four more similar rakes in the current financial year.&nbsp;

The Railways' fastest train - Train 18, which is scheduled to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 29, was pelted with stones on Thursday during a trial run between Delhi and Agra, a senior official said.

The Railways' fastest train - Train 18, which is scheduled to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 29, was pelted with stones on Thursday during a trial run between Delhi and Agra, a senior official said. "Train 18 running at 180 km/h between Delhi and Agra at this time... Srinivas, the Chief Design Engineer of ICF is in the cab, they touched 181 kmh for record sake... Some vandal threw a stone breaking a glass, hope we nab him," tweeted Sudhanshu Manu, General Manager of the Integral Coach Factory that manufactured these state-of-the-art rakes. The incident is being investigated, officials said. Train 18 was pelted with stones during trial run between Agra and New Delhi, earlier today. It is scheduled to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 29. pic.twitter.com/PwdZD2hF16 — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2018 × The country's first engineless train will replace Shatabdi trains and will run between Delhi and Varanasi. Train 18, manufactured by ICF Chennai at a cost of Rs 100 crore, recently became India's fastest train by hitting speeds of over 180 kmph during a trial run on a section of the Delhi-Rajdhani route. The gleaming blue-nosed train comes fitted with amenities at par with the best in the world -- from on-board WiFi to a GPS-based passenger information system, touch-free bio-vacuum toilets, LED lighting, mobile charging points and a climate control system that adjusts the temperature according to occupancy and weather. The train will have two executive compartments which will have 52 seats each and trailer coaches will have 78 seats each. The executive class will have rotating seats to match the direction of the train. According to the tentative plan, the train will start from New Delhi station at 6 am and is expected to reach Varanasi at 2 pm. For the return journey, the train will start at 2.30 pm from Varanasi and reach the national capital at 10.30 pm on the same day. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, impressed with the success of Train 18 during trials, has recently asked ICF to build four more similar rakes in the current financial year.

Train 18, country's fastest, pelted with stones during trial run

The first India China High-Level Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges which was one of the outcomes of the informal Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place on Friday in Delhi. The meeting will be co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two ministers will also open the India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session.

Replying to a question by the media, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "This is the first meeting of India China High-Level mechanism on cultural and people to people exchange. The decision to establish a special mechanism was taken during the informal summit between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi. Reflects desire of the two sides to build synergy on people to people exchanges."

Chinese foreign minister who is on a four day India visit from December 21 to 24 will also visit Aurangabad and Mumbai. A number of MoUs are expected to be signed during his India visit.

The year 2018 saw a reset in India-China ties which went under strain last year due to Doklam standoff in Bhutan. The standoff between the armed forces of the two countries occurred after the Chinese army attempted to build a road in Bhutan's Doklam area. The conflict was resolved after several rounds of talks.

The current year saw Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting four times. The two leaders first met at the Wuhan informal summit, followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

The first India China High-Level Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges which was one of the outcomes of the informal Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place on Friday in Delhi.

The first India China High-Level Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges which was one of the outcomes of the informal Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place on Friday in Delhi. The meeting will be co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two ministers will also open the India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session. Replying to a question by the media, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "This is the first meeting of India China High-Level mechanism on cultural and people to people exchange. The decision to establish a special mechanism was taken during the informal summit between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi. Reflects desire of the two sides to build synergy on people to people exchanges." Chinese foreign minister who is on a four day India visit from December 21 to 24 will also visit Aurangabad and Mumbai. A number of MoUs are expected to be signed during his India visit. The year 2018 saw a reset in India-China ties which went under strain last year due to Doklam standoff in Bhutan. The standoff between the armed forces of the two countries occurred after the Chinese army attempted to build a road in Bhutan's Doklam area. The conflict was resolved after several rounds of talks. The current year saw Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting four times. The two leaders first met at the Wuhan informal summit, followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina.

On Friday, first India, China high-level mechanism on people-to-people exchanges

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Governor and President's rule must come to an end as he called for an&nbsp;early election&nbsp;in the state.

Speaking to reporters at a function to welcome two former PDP minister into the National Conference, former J&amp;K chief minister said, "I think Governor and President's rule must come to an end. There should be an election soon. People must choose their representatives who can work."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/presidents-rule-imposed-in-jammu-and-kashmir-185375">Jammu and Kashmir came under President's rule</a> on Wednesday following the expiry of governor's rule.&nbsp;

It came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule.

President's rule is imposed when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, following which the central government can take direct control of the state machinery.

Governor's rule in Jammu and came into effect in June after People's Democratic Party chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/had-alliance-with-bjp-knowing-it-will-be-suicidal-mehbooba-mufti-184101">Mehbooba Mufti</a> resigned as the Chief Minister, following <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-pulls-out-of-alliance-with-pdp-in-kashmir-145468">Bharatiya Janata Party's withdrawal from its alliance with the PDP</a>.

Last month, Jammu and Kashmir Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721">Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the state Assembly</a> soon after the PDP chief wrote a letter to him staking claim to form the government in the state in alliance with the National Conference(NC) and the Congress party.

People's Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone, considered to be close to Modi, had also staked a claim with the support of BJP and 18 other unnamed MLAs.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/good-luck-to-us-omar-abdullah-day-after-governor-dissolves-kashmir-assembly-178795"> Omar Abdullah</a> also called on prime minister Narendra Modi to ensure the assembly polls were held in Jammu and Kashmir within six months following the dissolution of the house.

"Your government's handling of J&amp;K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir," he said, responding to a tweet from Modi lauding the high voter turnout in the state during the panchayat and urban local bodies polls.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sir, please also commit your government to assembly elections in J&amp;K. Vested interests, including some occupying positions of authority in J&amp;K, are trying to engineer a delay. Your government’s handling of J&amp;K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir. <a href="https://t.co/QkBXLrK6De">https://t.co/QkBXLrK6De</a>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1075400467528777730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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(With inputs from news agencies)

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Governor and President's rule must come to an end as he called for an early election in the state.

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Governor and President's rule must come to an end as he called for an early election in the state. Speaking to reporters at a function to welcome two former PDP minister into the National Conference, former J&K chief minister said, "I think Governor and President's rule must come to an end. There should be an election soon. People must choose their representatives who can work." Jammu and Kashmir came under President's rule on Wednesday following the expiry of governor's rule. It came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule. President's rule is imposed when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, following which the central government can take direct control of the state machinery. Governor's rule in Jammu and came into effect in June after People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti resigned as the Chief Minister, following Bharatiya Janata Party's withdrawal from its alliance with the PDP. Last month, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the state Assembly soon after the PDP chief wrote a letter to him staking claim to form the government in the state in alliance with the National Conference(NC) and the Congress party. People's Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone, considered to be close to Modi, had also staked a claim with the support of BJP and 18 other unnamed MLAs. Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah also called on prime minister Narendra Modi to ensure the assembly polls were held in Jammu and Kashmir within six months following the dissolution of the house. "Your government's handling of J&K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir," he said, responding to a tweet from Modi lauding the high voter turnout in the state during the panchayat and urban local bodies polls. Sir, please also commit your government to assembly elections in J&K. Vested interests, including some occupying positions of authority in J&K, are trying to engineer a delay. Your government’s handling of J&K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir. https://t.co/QkBXLrK6De — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 19, 2018 × (With inputs from news agencies)

J&K: Farooq Abdullah calls for early election; says Governor and President's rule must end

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-isros-five-successful-satellite-missions-in-2018-184234">ISRO on Wednesday launched its GSAT-7A satellite</a> from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The 2,250kg communication satellite was launched onboard ISRO's GSLV-F11 rocket.&nbsp;

The launch took place at 4.10 pm after a 26-hour countdown. The satellite is expected to aid air force and army communications.&nbsp;

ISRO said the GSAT-7A's mission life is eight years.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Communication satellite GSAT-7A on-board GSLV-F11 launched at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. <a href="https://t.co/suR92wNBAL">pic.twitter.com/suR92wNBAL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075341466375991297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Update #12<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLVF11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVF11</a> successfully launches <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT7A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT7A</a> into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. <a href="https://t.co/9PiUa8e1NI">pic.twitter.com/9PiUa8e1NI</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1075344921257623554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Around 19 minutes after lift-off, the GSLV-F11 injected GSAT-7A into its intended orbit. It will be placed in its final geostationary orbit using propulsion systems onboard it.

According to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), the satellite will take a few days after separation from its launcher to reach its orbital slot.

ISRO scientists broke into cheers as the satellite was injected into orbit.

According to the space agency&nbsp;officials, GSAT-7A will facilitate exclusive frequency flight communication for the air force.

From the Mission Control Centre, ISRO Chairman K Sivan said Wednesday's "successful and safe" launch was the third one in 35 days and came close on the heels of the "grand success" of two missions in November.

The GSLV-F11 successfully injected the "advanced" communication GSAT-7A into orbit, an elated Sivan said, describing the mission as "wonderful."

"This is the last mission of this year. We are going to initiate the new year with a grand mission soon," Sivan added.&nbsp;

Sivan said the new year would see ISRO taking up challenging launches, including the Chandrayaan-2 moon mission.

The GSLV-F11 is the ISRO's fourth generation launch vehicle with three stages.

Four liquid strap-ons and a solid rocket motor at the core form the first stage of the launch vehicle, while the second stage is equipped with a high-thrust engine using liquid fuel, ISRO said.

The Cryogenic Upper Stage forms the third and final stage of the vehicle.

The seventh launch of 2018 from Sriharikota marks the 69th mission of GSLV-F11 for ISRO.

(With inputs from PTI)

ISRO on Wednesday launched its GSAT-7A satellite from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The 2,250kg communication satellite was launched onboard ISRO's GSLV-F11 rocket.

ISRO on Wednesday launched its GSAT-7A satellite from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The 2,250kg communication satellite was launched onboard ISRO's GSLV-F11 rocket. The launch took place at 4.10 pm after a 26-hour countdown. The satellite is expected to aid air force and army communications. ISRO said the GSAT-7A's mission life is eight years. #WATCH: Communication satellite GSAT-7A on-board GSLV-F11 launched at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. pic.twitter.com/suR92wNBAL — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × Update #12#ISROMissions#GSLVF11 successfully launches #GSAT7A into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. pic.twitter.com/9PiUa8e1NI — ISRO (@isro) December 19, 2018 × Around 19 minutes after lift-off, the GSLV-F11 injected GSAT-7A into its intended orbit. It will be placed in its final geostationary orbit using propulsion systems onboard it. According to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), the satellite will take a few days after separation from its launcher to reach its orbital slot. ISRO scientists broke into cheers as the satellite was injected into orbit. According to the space agency officials, GSAT-7A will facilitate exclusive frequency flight communication for the air force. From the Mission Control Centre, ISRO Chairman K Sivan said Wednesday's "successful and safe" launch was the third one in 35 days and came close on the heels of the "grand success" of two missions in November. The GSLV-F11 successfully injected the "advanced" communication GSAT-7A into orbit, an elated Sivan said, describing the mission as "wonderful." "This is the last mission of this year. We are going to initiate the new year with a grand mission soon," Sivan added. Sivan said the new year would see ISRO taking up challenging launches, including the Chandrayaan-2 moon mission. The GSLV-F11 is the ISRO's fourth generation launch vehicle with three stages. Four liquid strap-ons and a solid rocket motor at the core form the first stage of the launch vehicle, while the second stage is equipped with a high-thrust engine using liquid fuel, ISRO said. The Cryogenic Upper Stage forms the third and final stage of the vehicle. The seventh launch of 2018 from Sriharikota marks the 69th mission of GSLV-F11 for ISRO. (With inputs from PTI)

Watch: ISRO launches GSAT-7A, satellite will aid IAF, army communications

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/washington-sues-facebook-over-cambridge-analytica-row-185389">US government sues Facebook over Cambridge Analytica row</a>

Facebook's woes mounted Wednesday as it faced a lawsuit alleging privacy violations related to data leaked to a consultancy working on Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, and as a new report suggested it shared more data with partners than it has acknowledged.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-rules-in-favour-of-asylum-seekers-185388">US judge rules in favour of asylum seekers</a>

A US judge on Wednesday struck down Trump administration policies aimed at restricting asylum claims by people citing gang or domestic violence in their home countries and ordered the US government to bring back six deported migrants to reconsider their cases.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-avoid-being-blacklisted-by-fatf-pakistan-agrees-to-take-fresh-steps-185391">Pakistan agrees to take fresh steps to avoid being blacklisted by FATF</a>

Pakistan's government has agreed to take fresh steps to address the money laundering and terror-financing issues, in an effort to avoid being blacklisted by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ahead of its crucial meeting next month, officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/2016-presidential-polls-us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-against-russian-intelligence-officers-troll-farms-185392">2016 presidential polls: </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/2016-presidential-polls-us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-against-russian-intelligence-officers-troll-farms-185392">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/2016-presidential-polls-us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-against-russian-intelligence-officers-troll-farms-185392"> imposes fresh sanctions against Russian intelligence officers, troll farms</a>

The US Treasury hit 15 members of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency with sanctions Wednesday over their alleged roles in interference in the 2016 presidential election and hacking the World Anti-Doping Agency.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/league-cup-tottenham-hotspurs-son-dele-alli-overpower-arsenal-185395">League Cup: Tottenham Hotspur's Son, Dele Alli overpower Arsenal</a>

Tottenham Hotspur gained sweet revenge over north London rivals Arsenal as goals in each half by Son Heung-min and Dele Alli earned them a 2-0 win on Wednesday and a League Cup semi-final place.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US government sues Facebook over Cambridge Analytica row Facebook's woes mounted Wednesday as it faced a lawsuit alleging privacy violations related to data leaked to a consultancy working on Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, and as a new report suggested it shared more data with partners than it has acknowledged.

US government sues Facebook over Cambridge Analytica row Facebook's woes mounted Wednesday as it faced a lawsuit alleging privacy violations related to data leaked to a consultancy working on Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, and as a new report suggested it shared more data with partners than it has acknowledged. US judge rules in favour of asylum seekers A US judge on Wednesday struck down Trump administration policies aimed at restricting asylum claims by people citing gang or domestic violence in their home countries and ordered the US government to bring back six deported migrants to reconsider their cases. Pakistan agrees to take fresh steps to avoid being blacklisted by FATF Pakistan's government has agreed to take fresh steps to address the money laundering and terror-financing issues, in an effort to avoid being blacklisted by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ahead of its crucial meeting next month, officials said. 2016 presidential polls: US imposes fresh sanctions against Russian intelligence officers, troll farms The US Treasury hit 15 members of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency with sanctions Wednesday over their alleged roles in interference in the 2016 presidential election and hacking the World Anti-Doping Agency. League Cup: Tottenham Hotspur's Son, Dele Alli overpower Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur gained sweet revenge over north London rivals Arsenal as goals in each half by Son Heung-min and Dele Alli earned them a 2-0 win on Wednesday and a League Cup semi-final place.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-over-10-dead-dozens-hospitalised-after-consuming-prasad-govt-announces-5-lakh-to-families-of-deceased-184107">15 people died</a> of poisoning and over 120 ended up in hospitals after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-11-dead-over-50-hospitalised-after-consuming-prasad-at-a-temple-in-karnataka-184133">eating prasad at a temple in Karnataka</a>, a local seer and three others were arrested on Wednesday on charges of conspiring to kill devotees to defame the management and take control of the shrine. Police say 15 bottles of pesticides were mixed with the prasad&nbsp;(temple offerings) while it was being prepared.

The 52-year old seer and his three accomplices -- a woman, her husband and his friend -- have been charged with murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, senior police officer KV Sharath Chandra said.

"Mahadeshwara Hill Saluru Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeshwara Swamy or Devanna Buddhi connived not only to take over the temple trust but also to defame the existing trust members," he told reporters in Chamarajanagar.

The seer was in control of the temple trust till 2017, but was sidelined later, which infuriated him, the officer said.

On orders of the seer, the 35-year old woman allegedly arranged for pesticide and her husband and his friend mixed it in the prasad while it was being prepared, he said.

15 died and more than 100 people are still in hospitals after consuming the poisonous prasad on December 14 at Sulvadi at an event to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the tower of the Kichchugutti Maramma Devi temple.

He said the temple was under the total control of the seer till April 2017 generating huge money for him. However, at the insistence of local villagers and devotees, a trust was formed for expansion of the temple.

"The seer was upset with the formation of the trust without his wish as his source of income almost dried up. Since then, shadow boxing between the temple management and the seer began," he said.

In October this year, the trust decided to build the 'gopuram' (tower) and revealed its plan to the seer, who readily volunteered and got an action plan for Rs. 1.5 crore from a temple architect in Tamil Nadu, he said.

The seer allegedly planned to mint money but the trust discarded his plan, saying that it was a sheer wastage of money and prepared another for Rs. 75 lakh and decided to hold the groundbreaking ceremony on December 14, which irked him, the officer said.

The seer directed the woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management and avenge his insult, the officer claimed.

On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, he said.

The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

Days after 15 people died of poisoning and over 120 ended up in hospitals after eating prasad at a temple in Karnataka, a local seer and three others were arrested on Wednesday on charges of conspiring to kill devotees to defame the management and take control of the shrine.

Days after 15 people died of poisoning and over 120 ended up in hospitals after eating prasad at a temple in Karnataka, a local seer and three others were arrested on Wednesday on charges of conspiring to kill devotees to defame the management and take control of the shrine. Police say 15 bottles of pesticides were mixed with the prasad (temple offerings) while it was being prepared. The 52-year old seer and his three accomplices -- a woman, her husband and his friend -- have been charged with murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, senior police officer KV Sharath Chandra said. "Mahadeshwara Hill Saluru Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeshwara Swamy or Devanna Buddhi connived not only to take over the temple trust but also to defame the existing trust members," he told reporters in Chamarajanagar. The seer was in control of the temple trust till 2017, but was sidelined later, which infuriated him, the officer said. On orders of the seer, the 35-year old woman allegedly arranged for pesticide and her husband and his friend mixed it in the prasad while it was being prepared, he said. 15 died and more than 100 people are still in hospitals after consuming the poisonous prasad on December 14 at Sulvadi at an event to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the tower of the Kichchugutti Maramma Devi temple. He said the temple was under the total control of the seer till April 2017 generating huge money for him. However, at the insistence of local villagers and devotees, a trust was formed for expansion of the temple. "The seer was upset with the formation of the trust without his wish as his source of income almost dried up. Since then, shadow boxing between the temple management and the seer began," he said. In October this year, the trust decided to build the 'gopuram' (tower) and revealed its plan to the seer, who readily volunteered and got an action plan for Rs. 1.5 crore from a temple architect in Tamil Nadu, he said. The seer allegedly planned to mint money but the trust discarded his plan, saying that it was a sheer wastage of money and prepared another for Rs. 75 lakh and decided to hold the groundbreaking ceremony on December 14, which irked him, the officer said. The seer directed the woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management and avenge his insult, the officer claimed. On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, he said. The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

Karnataka: Bottles of pesticides were mixed in temple offerings, says Police

Delhi's Patiala house court today will hear a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-more-than-440-cases-still-pending-after-over-three-decades-184881"> 1984 anti-Sikh riots case</a> against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-congress-leader-sajjan-kumar-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-to-surrender-by-december-31-184695">Congress leader Sajjan Kumar,</a> who is accused of instigating a mob to kill Sikhs.

District Judge Poonam A Bamba is scheduled to record the statement of a key prosecution witness in the case and Kumar is directed to appear before the court.

Three persons -- Kumar, Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash -- are facing trial on charges of murder and rioting in the case pertaining to the killing of Surjit Singh in Sultanpuri.

The witness, Cham Kaur, had on November 16 identified Kumar before the court as one who had allegedly instigated the mob to kill Sikhs.

Kaur had told the court that she had seen Kumar allegedly addressing the crowd in national capital's Sultanpuri area in 1984 that Sikhs had killed "our mother" and instigated the mob to kill them.

"On October 31, 1984 we were watching TV on the demise of Indira Gandhi. On November 1, 1984, when I stepped out to look for my goat, I saw accused Sajjan Kumar addressing the crowd and was saying 'hamari ma maar di. Sardaro ko maar do' (killed our mother. Kill the Sikhs)," Kaur had told the court.

She had further said the next morning, they were attacked in which her son and her father were killed.

"My son Kapoor Singh and my father Sardarji Singh were pulled out of the hiding place on the second floor, beaten badly and were thrown down from the roof," she had said, adding that she herself received injuries in the attack.

During the proceedings, Kaur had also identified Kumar, who was present in the court.

"I could recognise the accused Sajjan Kumar, as we used to visit him for getting help in making ration card, passport. We used to visit the accused for getting the papers stamps as he was the MP/MLA," she had said.

Before Kaur, another key prosecution witness Sheela Kaur had identified Kumar as the one who had instigated the mob in Sultanpuri.

The case was transferred from the Karkardooma court to the Patiala House court here by the Delhi High Court, which had directed the district judge to video record the proceedings at the cost of the accused.

Kumar and two other accused, Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash, had said that they were ready to bear the expenses of the videography of proceedings.

The proceedings in the case earlier stayed after the victim and complainant Joginder Singh approached the high court seeking transfer of the case while alleging that evidence was not being properly recorded.&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court had on December 17 convicted Kumar and sentenced to imprisonment for "remainder of his natural life" in another 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, saying the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency.

Delhi's Patiala house court today will hear a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who is accused of instigating a mob to kill Sikhs. District Judge Poonam A Bamba is scheduled to record the statement of a key prosecution witness in the case and Kumar is directed to appear before the court.

Delhi's Patiala house court today will hear a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who is accused of instigating a mob to kill Sikhs. District Judge Poonam A Bamba is scheduled to record the statement of a key prosecution witness in the case and Kumar is directed to appear before the court. Three persons -- Kumar, Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash -- are facing trial on charges of murder and rioting in the case pertaining to the killing of Surjit Singh in Sultanpuri. The witness, Cham Kaur, had on November 16 identified Kumar before the court as one who had allegedly instigated the mob to kill Sikhs. Kaur had told the court that she had seen Kumar allegedly addressing the crowd in national capital's Sultanpuri area in 1984 that Sikhs had killed "our mother" and instigated the mob to kill them. "On October 31, 1984 we were watching TV on the demise of Indira Gandhi. On November 1, 1984, when I stepped out to look for my goat, I saw accused Sajjan Kumar addressing the crowd and was saying 'hamari ma maar di. Sardaro ko maar do' (killed our mother. Kill the Sikhs)," Kaur had told the court. She had further said the next morning, they were attacked in which her son and her father were killed. "My son Kapoor Singh and my father Sardarji Singh were pulled out of the hiding place on the second floor, beaten badly and were thrown down from the roof," she had said, adding that she herself received injuries in the attack. During the proceedings, Kaur had also identified Kumar, who was present in the court. "I could recognise the accused Sajjan Kumar, as we used to visit him for getting help in making ration card, passport. We used to visit the accused for getting the papers stamps as he was the MP/MLA," she had said. Before Kaur, another key prosecution witness Sheela Kaur had identified Kumar as the one who had instigated the mob in Sultanpuri. The case was transferred from the Karkardooma court to the Patiala House court here by the Delhi High Court, which had directed the district judge to video record the proceedings at the cost of the accused. Kumar and two other accused, Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash, had said that they were ready to bear the expenses of the videography of proceedings. The proceedings in the case earlier stayed after the victim and complainant Joginder Singh approached the high court seeking transfer of the case while alleging that evidence was not being properly recorded. The Delhi High Court had on December 17 convicted Kumar and sentenced to imprisonment for "remainder of his natural life" in another 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, saying the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Delhi court to hear second case against Sajjan Kumar today

Parliament passed a bill to streamline the appointment and resignation of members of a trust that helps persons with disability to live independently.

The bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday, had been approved by the Rajya Sabha last week.

Despite repeated disruptions over a variety of issues, including the Rafale jet deal, Lok Sabha has so far passed four bills in the Winter session which began on December 11.

This includes the bill seeking to ban <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-bill-which-bans-commercial-surrogacy-185371">commercial surrogacy</a>, the one on consumer protection and the transgender bill.

The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to amend the principal Act enacted in 1999.

According to PRS Legislative Research, an independent body, the law allows setting up of a national trust to enable persons with disability to live independently by promoting measures for their protection in case of death of their parents.

It also evolves procedures for appointment of their guardians and trustees, and facilitating equal opportunities in society.

Under the legislation, the chairperson and members of the Board of the National Trust can hold office for a term of three years from the date of their appointment or until their successors are appointed, whichever is longer.

The bill also states that the central government will initiate the process for appointment of the chairperson or any member of the board, at least six months prior to the expiry of their tenure.&nbsp;

Parliament passed a bill to streamline the appointment and resignation of members of a trust that helps persons with disability to live independently. The bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday, had been approved by the Rajya Sabha last week.

Parliament passed a bill to streamline the appointment and resignation of members of a trust that helps persons with disability to live independently. The bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday, had been approved by the Rajya Sabha last week. Despite repeated disruptions over a variety of issues, including the Rafale jet deal, Lok Sabha has so far passed four bills in the Winter session which began on December 11. This includes the bill seeking to ban commercial surrogacy, the one on consumer protection and the transgender bill. The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to amend the principal Act enacted in 1999. According to PRS Legislative Research, an independent body, the law allows setting up of a national trust to enable persons with disability to live independently by promoting measures for their protection in case of death of their parents. It also evolves procedures for appointment of their guardians and trustees, and facilitating equal opportunities in society. Under the legislation, the chairperson and members of the Board of the National Trust can hold office for a term of three years from the date of their appointment or until their successors are appointed, whichever is longer. The bill also states that the central government will initiate the process for appointment of the chairperson or any member of the board, at least six months prior to the expiry of their tenure.

Parliament approves Autism bill

The three-day session of the eighth Mizoram Assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo on Thursday.

The session, which commenced on Tuesday, witnessed administering of oath to the new legislators, who were elected in the 40-member state Assembly on November 28.

The House elected Lalrinliana Sailo, a four-time legislator as Speaker unopposed on the first day.

Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan delivered his customary gubernatorial address in the Assembly on Wednesday.

The Assembly paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former legislator Chawngzuala and sitting legislator S Laldingliana after which Lalrinawma was elected unopposed as deputy speaker on the third and last day of the first session of the eighth Assembly.

The House adopted the motion of thanks on the speech of the governor after which the speaker adjourned the session.

The three-day session of the eighth Mizoram Assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo on Thursday. The session, which commenced on Tuesday, witnessed administering of oath to the new legislators, who were elected in the 40-member state Assembly on November 28.

The three-day session of the eighth Mizoram Assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo on Thursday. The session, which commenced on Tuesday, witnessed administering of oath to the new legislators, who were elected in the 40-member state Assembly on November 28. The House elected Lalrinliana Sailo, a four-time legislator as Speaker unopposed on the first day. Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan delivered his customary gubernatorial address in the Assembly on Wednesday. The Assembly paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former legislator Chawngzuala and sitting legislator S Laldingliana after which Lalrinawma was elected unopposed as deputy speaker on the third and last day of the first session of the eighth Assembly. The House adopted the motion of thanks on the speech of the governor after which the speaker adjourned the session.

Mizoram Assembly adjourned sine die

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart&nbsp;Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria&nbsp;after declaring victory over Islamic State forces.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516">After </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516">very</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516"> troubled year, Indian rupee to be a top performer of 2019?</a>

The Indian rupee — which has been in constant decline this year, it fell over 13% in 2018 — may be a top performer of 2019, analysts have said. Tumbling oil prices have put the rupee on course for the best quarter in nearly two years.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-never-fall-in-love-on-facebook-hamid-nihal-ansari-says-after-6-years-in-pakistani-jails-185503">Watch: 'Never fall in love on Facebook,' Hamid Nehal Ansari says after 6 years in Pakistani jails</a>

"Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails.&nbsp;Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was caught and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for travelling on a fake passport.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-treasurer-edulji-attack-coa-chief-over-womens-coach-selection-185513">Edulji, BCCI treasurer attack CoA chief Vinod Rai over women's coach selection</a>

Questioning the selection process of the Indian women's cricket coach, BCCI acting treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry and&nbsp;Committee of Administrators&nbsp;member Diana Edulji Thursday launched a joint attack on CoA chief Vinod Rai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-quitting-nda-upendra-kushwaha-joins-mahagathbandhan-in-bihar-185506">Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar</a>

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference,&nbsp;Kushwaha&nbsp;said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria after declaring victory over Islamic State forces.

Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria after declaring victory over Islamic State forces. After very troubled year, Indian rupee to be a top performer of 2019? The Indian rupee — which has been in constant decline this year, it fell over 13% in 2018 — may be a top performer of 2019, analysts have said. Tumbling oil prices have put the rupee on course for the best quarter in nearly two years. Watch: 'Never fall in love on Facebook,' Hamid Nehal Ansari says after 6 years in Pakistani jails "Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails. Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was caught and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for travelling on a fake passport. Edulji, BCCI treasurer attack CoA chief Vinod Rai over women's coach selection Questioning the selection process of the Indian women's cricket coach, BCCI acting treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry and Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji Thursday launched a joint attack on CoA chief Vinod Rai. Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference, Kushwaha said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

Maharashtra Government Thursday announced Rs 150 crore as relief to onion<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-madhya-pradesh-and-chhattisgarh-congress-announces-farm-loan-waiver-in-rajasthan-185365"> farmers</a>.

The decision by the state cabinet came amid reports about farmers selling freshly harvested onions at as low as Rs 1.50 a kg in Maharashtra, the top producer of the bulb in the country.

The financial relief consists of an ex-gratia payment at the rate of Rs 200 per quintal (with an upper limit of 200 quintal per onion farmer) for the kitchen staple sold between November 1 and December 15, 2018.

Principal secretary (agricultural marketing) Anoop Kumar said the decision will be applicable to 75 lakh metric tonne of onions.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked the officials concerned to preparing a comprehensive policy for onions.

Last month, farmer Sanjay Sathe, from Nashik district, had sent his onion sale earnings of Rs 1,064, after selling 750 kg of his produce in a wholesale market, to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) as a protest.

The PMO had later returned the farmer's money order.

The farmer had said his intention was to prompt the government to take some steps to ease the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loan-waiver-not-a-solution-to-farm-distress-niti-aayog-185407">financial stress that farmers were suffering </a>because of the low prices.

Another farmer from Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, Shreyas Abhale, had sent a money order of Rs 6 to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as a mark of protest against the crashing prices of onion and the paltry returns.

Abhale had said that after selling 2,657 kg onions at the rate of Rs 1 per kg at the Sangamner wholesale market in the district and adjusting market expenses, he was left with only Rs 6.

Maharashtra Government Thursday announced Rs 150 crore as relief to onion farmers. The decision by the state cabinet came amid reports about farmers selling freshly harvested onions at as low as Rs 1.

Maharashtra Government Thursday announced Rs 150 crore as relief to onion farmers. The decision by the state cabinet came amid reports about farmers selling freshly harvested onions at as low as Rs 1.50 a kg in Maharashtra, the top producer of the bulb in the country. The financial relief consists of an ex-gratia payment at the rate of Rs 200 per quintal (with an upper limit of 200 quintal per onion farmer) for the kitchen staple sold between November 1 and December 15, 2018. Principal secretary (agricultural marketing) Anoop Kumar said the decision will be applicable to 75 lakh metric tonne of onions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked the officials concerned to preparing a comprehensive policy for onions. Last month, farmer Sanjay Sathe, from Nashik district, had sent his onion sale earnings of Rs 1,064, after selling 750 kg of his produce in a wholesale market, to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) as a protest. The PMO had later returned the farmer's money order. The farmer had said his intention was to prompt the government to take some steps to ease the financial stress that farmers were suffering because of the low prices. Another farmer from Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, Shreyas Abhale, had sent a money order of Rs 6 to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as a mark of protest against the crashing prices of onion and the paltry returns. Abhale had said that after selling 2,657 kg onions at the rate of Rs 1 per kg at the Sangamner wholesale market in the district and adjusting market expenses, he was left with only Rs 6.

Maharashtra government announces Rs 150 crore relief to onion growers

&nbsp;The government is making efforts to bring back people involved in financial irregularities to the country through Look Out Circulars, Red Corner Notice and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-extradition-to-speed-up-loan-recovery-process-sbi-183208">extradition requests</a>, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, listed 29 people, including liquor baron <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-extradition-to-speed-up-loan-recovery-process-sbi-183208">Vijay Mallya</a>, and diamantaires <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/interpol-issues-red-corner-notice-against-nirav-modi-for-money-laundering-148356">Nirav Modi</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-bank-case-interpol-issues-red-corned-notice-against-mehul-choksi-183652">Mehul Choksi</a>, as those involved in financial irregularities who have fled the country or are living abroad for the years 2015-18 as per the details provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation .

According to the information provided by the Enforcement Directorate, there are 41 people involved in financial irregularities who fled the country or are living abroad, including Mallya, Modi and Choksi, he said.

Five persons -- Hamel Mahendrabhai Langalia, Rajeev Verma, Syed Zainul Hasan, Modi and Choksi -- were found involved in various violations of Customs Act, 1962, and have fled the country or are living abroad, Singh said, citing information given by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

"Efforts are being made for securing the presence of these accused in the country by way of issuance of LOC (Look Out Circulars), RCN (Red Corner Notice) and extradition requests," he said.

An action under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, has also been initiated in suitable cases, he said.&nbsp;

Mallya remains on bail after his extradition was recently ordered by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, an order which now awaits a sign-off by UK home secretary Sajid Javid.

For Modi, 18 letters of request (LRs) have been sent to different countries and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-faces-bankruptcy-proceedings-in-uk-high-court-184975">two separate extradition requests have been forwarded to the UK</a> in August 2018. 
RCN has been opened and LRs sent to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and USA for Choksi.

The government is making efforts to bring back people involved in financial irregularities to the country through Look Out Circulars, Red Corner Notice and extradition requests, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

The government is making efforts to bring back people involved in financial irregularities to the country through Look Out Circulars, Red Corner Notice and extradition requests, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, listed 29 people, including liquor baron Vijay Mallya, and diamantaires Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, as those involved in financial irregularities who have fled the country or are living abroad for the years 2015-18 as per the details provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation . According to the information provided by the Enforcement Directorate, there are 41 people involved in financial irregularities who fled the country or are living abroad, including Mallya, Modi and Choksi, he said. Five persons -- Hamel Mahendrabhai Langalia, Rajeev Verma, Syed Zainul Hasan, Modi and Choksi -- were found involved in various violations of Customs Act, 1962, and have fled the country or are living abroad, Singh said, citing information given by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. "Efforts are being made for securing the presence of these accused in the country by way of issuance of LOC (Look Out Circulars), RCN (Red Corner Notice) and extradition requests," he said. An action under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, has also been initiated in suitable cases, he said. Mallya remains on bail after his extradition was recently ordered by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, an order which now awaits a sign-off by UK home secretary Sajid Javid. For Modi, 18 letters of request (LRs) have been sent to different countries and two separate extradition requests have been forwarded to the UK in August 2018. RCN has been opened and LRs sent to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and USA for Choksi.

Efforts on to bring back 29 economic offenders including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi: Government

Former Congress leader<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sajjan-kumar-resigns-from-congress-primary-membership-writes-to-rahul-gandhi-184982"> Sajjan Kumar </a>on Thursday approached the Delhi High Court seeking time till January 31 to surrender in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in which he was recently<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-congress-leader-sajjan-kumar-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-to-surrender-by-december-31-184695"> sentenced to life imprisonment</a>.

Kumar, who was directed by the high court on Monday to surrender before authorities by December 31, sought more time saying he has to settle family affairs.

Advocate Anil Sharma, representing Kumar, said they need some more time to file an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the high court's verdict and Kumar has to settle his family matters relating to his children and property.

The plea is likely to come up for hearing on Friday.

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.

Meanwhile, Delhi Patiala House court today <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-sikh-riots-case-delhi-court-adjourns-sajjan-kumar-hearing-for-january-22-185423">adjourned the hearing of the second case against Sajjan Kumar</a> in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. He is accused of inciting violence during the riots.

According to a report by ANI, the hearing was adjourned as Kumar's main counsel Anil Sharma did not appear before the Court today for cross-examination of witnesses in the case.

The case, registered by Central Bureau of Investigation on the recommendations of Nanavati Commission, was transferred from the Karkardooma court to the Patiala House court by the Delhi High Court.

Sajjan Kumar is facing trial on charges of murder and rioting in the case pertaining to the killing of Surjit Singh in Delhi's Sultanpuri in 1984 during the Sikh riots.

Apart from&nbsp;Kumar, two others who are facing the charges are Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Thursday approached the Delhi High Court seeking time till January 31 to surrender in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in which he was recently sentenced to life imprisonment.

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Thursday approached the Delhi High Court seeking time till January 31 to surrender in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in which he was recently sentenced to life imprisonment. Kumar, who was directed by the high court on Monday to surrender before authorities by December 31, sought more time saying he has to settle family affairs. Advocate Anil Sharma, representing Kumar, said they need some more time to file an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the high court's verdict and Kumar has to settle his family matters relating to his children and property. The plea is likely to come up for hearing on Friday. 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. Meanwhile, Delhi Patiala House court today adjourned the hearing of the second case against Sajjan Kumar in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. He is accused of inciting violence during the riots. According to a report by ANI, the hearing was adjourned as Kumar's main counsel Anil Sharma did not appear before the Court today for cross-examination of witnesses in the case. The case, registered by Central Bureau of Investigation on the recommendations of Nanavati Commission, was transferred from the Karkardooma court to the Patiala House court by the Delhi High Court. Sajjan Kumar is facing trial on charges of murder and rioting in the case pertaining to the killing of Surjit Singh in Delhi's Sultanpuri in 1984 during the Sikh riots. Apart from Kumar, two others who are facing the charges are Brahmanand Gupta and Ved Prakash.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Sajjan Kumar moves high court, seeks more time to surrender

One month after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dead-american-told-island-tribe-jesus-loves-you-178764">an isolated tribe killed an American missionary</a> seeking to convert them, Indian police have still not tried to retrieve the body of John Allen Chau from his remote island grave.

But they are still trying to interview two American missionaries suspected of encouraging Chau to go to North Sentinel in the Andaman Islands, in breach of a strict cordon put around its isolated inhabitants.

Chau, 26, was cut down in a hail of arrows, according to fishermen who dropped him off nearby, as he marched towards the Sentinelese tribespeople with his "Jesus loves you" message.

Investigators in the Indian Ocean chain of 500 islands will formally ask two American missionaries who had spoken with Chau before his death to give evidence, police said.

"We have initiated the process of serving them a notice to be part of (the) investigation," local police chief Dependra Pathak told AFP.

The notice, which would have to go between the Indian and US governments, would only require the Americans to answer questions.

The identities of the Americans, a man and a woman, have not been given. They are known to have left India.

Chau was killed in mid-November but news of his death only emerged six days later.&nbsp;

The incident cast a new spotlight on efforts to protect one of the world's last "uncontacted" tribes, whose language and customs remain a mystery to the rest of the world.

Outsiders are banned from travelling near the island to protect the tribe from outside diseases.

Police have twice sent a vessel close to North Sentinel in a bid to see where Chau may have been killed. &nbsp;

They acknowledge that it is unlikely that they would risk provoking the tribe by setting foot on the island.&nbsp;

Anthropologists and activists for isolated tribal communities have called on Indian authorities not to try to retrieve the body.

"We are still awaiting the firm view of the Anthropological Survey of India and field experts," Pathak said.

"What we have gathered is that going over there is not desirable for their health and psychological wellbeing."

Seven people, including six local fishermen, were arrested for helping Chau travel to the remote island.

All were granted bail this week.

Two Indian fishermen were killed in 2006 after their boat drifted onto North Sentinel.&nbsp;

One week after their deaths, their bodies were put on stakes facing out to sea on the beach.

One month after an isolated tribe killed an American missionary seeking to convert them, Indian police have still not tried to retrieve the body of John Allen Chau from his remote island grave.

One month after an isolated tribe killed an American missionary seeking to convert them, Indian police have still not tried to retrieve the body of John Allen Chau from his remote island grave. But they are still trying to interview two American missionaries suspected of encouraging Chau to go to North Sentinel in the Andaman Islands, in breach of a strict cordon put around its isolated inhabitants. Chau, 26, was cut down in a hail of arrows, according to fishermen who dropped him off nearby, as he marched towards the Sentinelese tribespeople with his "Jesus loves you" message. Investigators in the Indian Ocean chain of 500 islands will formally ask two American missionaries who had spoken with Chau before his death to give evidence, police said. "We have initiated the process of serving them a notice to be part of (the) investigation," local police chief Dependra Pathak told AFP. The notice, which would have to go between the Indian and US governments, would only require the Americans to answer questions. The identities of the Americans, a man and a woman, have not been given. They are known to have left India. Chau was killed in mid-November but news of his death only emerged six days later. The incident cast a new spotlight on efforts to protect one of the world's last "uncontacted" tribes, whose language and customs remain a mystery to the rest of the world. Outsiders are banned from travelling near the island to protect the tribe from outside diseases. Police have twice sent a vessel close to North Sentinel in a bid to see where Chau may have been killed. They acknowledge that it is unlikely that they would risk provoking the tribe by setting foot on the island. Anthropologists and activists for isolated tribal communities have called on Indian authorities not to try to retrieve the body. "We are still awaiting the firm view of the Anthropological Survey of India and field experts," Pathak said. "What we have gathered is that going over there is not desirable for their health and psychological wellbeing." Seven people, including six local fishermen, were arrested for helping Chau travel to the remote island. All were granted bail this week. Two Indian fishermen were killed in 2006 after their boat drifted onto North Sentinel. One week after their deaths, their bodies were put on stakes facing out to sea on the beach.

Month after missionary's killing in Andamans, police steer clear of North Sentinel island

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday.

While addressing a press conference, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rlsp-legislators-revolt-declare-they-will-remain-in-nda-184275">Kushwaha </a>said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

"We had said that we have many options and UPA was one of them. The wholeheartedness shown by Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav is one of the reasons I joined but the biggest reason I'm here is the people of Bihar", he said.

Welcoming Kushwaha in the grand alliance in Bihar, Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan".

Kushwaha was the former Minister of State for Human Resources Development (HRD).

The former member of the NDA had quit the alliance citing that he had several hopes from the NDA, however, the party did not live up to his expectations.

"Nearly five years ago I joined the National Democratic Alliance, under your leadership, with tremendous hope and expectations. During the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, you made several commitments to the people of Bihar and to the nation at large. It was in this context that I had extended my unconditional support to the BJP," he wrote in his resignation letter to PM Narendra Modi.

Khushwa had been upset with the BJP after it asserted that his party RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Leaders of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, including Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Shaktisinh Gohil in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/apmwLHsu1U">pic.twitter.com/apmwLHsu1U</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075703662846988288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A day before joining the mahagathbandhan, Kushwaha had asserted that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-arrogance-among-reasons-to-leave-nda-ljp-must-also-quit-upendra-kushwaha-185282">arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar</a> were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit.

While replying to a question, Kushwaha also remarked that Rahul Gandhi has developed his "personality"&nbsp;and people are looking towards him as an option for replacing Narendra Modi.

Chirag Paswan, the leader of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ljp-makes-public-its-unease-with-bjp-over-ram-temple-185367"> Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) </a>a key ally of the NDA also expressed his disapproval with the BJP.&nbsp;

While being critical of the BJP, he praised Congress President Rahul Gandhi, saying he had raised "real" issues of the youth and farmers, which fetched his party victory in the recently-held Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference, Kushwaha said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference, Kushwaha said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav. "We had said that we have many options and UPA was one of them. The wholeheartedness shown by Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav is one of the reasons I joined but the biggest reason I'm here is the people of Bihar", he said. Welcoming Kushwaha in the grand alliance in Bihar, Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan". Kushwaha was the former Minister of State for Human Resources Development (HRD). The former member of the NDA had quit the alliance citing that he had several hopes from the NDA, however, the party did not live up to his expectations. "Nearly five years ago I joined the National Democratic Alliance, under your leadership, with tremendous hope and expectations. During the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, you made several commitments to the people of Bihar and to the nation at large. It was in this context that I had extended my unconditional support to the BJP," he wrote in his resignation letter to PM Narendra Modi. Khushwa had been upset with the BJP after it asserted that his party RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Ahmed Patel, Congress: There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan. pic.twitter.com/yftEF0IpJY — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2018 × Leaders of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, including Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Shaktisinh Gohil in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/apmwLHsu1U — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2018 × A day before joining the mahagathbandhan, Kushwaha had asserted that arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit. While replying to a question, Kushwaha also remarked that Rahul Gandhi has developed his "personality" and people are looking towards him as an option for replacing Narendra Modi. Chirag Paswan, the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) a key ally of the NDA also expressed his disapproval with the BJP. While being critical of the BJP, he praised Congress President Rahul Gandhi, saying he had raised "real" issues of the youth and farmers, which fetched his party victory in the recently-held Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar

Hamid Nihal Ansari, who returned to India on Tuesday after six years in jails in Pakistan, told WION&nbsp;on Wednesday that his message to the governments of Inda and Pakistan is that: "Humanity is bigger than any religion".&nbsp;

He added that "all religions teach humanity". And that the two governments should therefore both work towards freeing the innoncent prisoners languishing in each others jails.&nbsp;

Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He had in time been sentenced to three years in jail for travelling on a fake passport.&nbsp;

Hamid is a software engineer from Mumbai.&nbsp;

He had had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansari-in-jail-in-pak-for-6-years-crosses-back-over-into-india-185105">a tearful reunion with his family</a> on Tuesday at the Wagah border in Punjab.&nbsp;

WION had asked him what it had felt like to see his mother after six long years.&nbsp;

"That's an emotional thing," he had answered. "Cannot express it in words."&nbsp;

But he did, saying that "as soon as the gates opened... I saw my parents, my brother..."&nbsp;

Hamid said he broke down when he realised that "my mom is here".&nbsp;

"I'll break all barriers... I want to reach you," Hamid added.&nbsp;

Hamid and his mother Fauzia had earlier in the day also had an emotional meeting with India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

"Mera Bharat mahaan, meri madam mahaan, sab madam ne hi kiya hai," Hamid's mother had told Swaraj.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Indian National Hamid Ansari who came to India after being released from a Pakistan jail yesterday, meets External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi. His mother tells EAM "Mera Bharat mahaan, meri madam mahaan, sab madam ne hi kiya hai." <a href="https://t.co/FQEzz99Ohm">pic.twitter.com/FQEzz99Ohm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075276364167700480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hamid said "madam" had "hugged me like a child".&nbsp;

He added that she said "Beta waapis aa gaya hai. Mubarak ho."&nbsp;

Hamid Nihal Ansari, who returned to India on Tuesday after six years in jails in Pakistan, told WION on Wednesday that his message to the governments of Inda and Pakistan is that: "Humanity is bigger than any religion".

Hamid Nihal Ansari, who returned to India on Tuesday after six years in jails in Pakistan, told WION on Wednesday that his message to the governments of Inda and Pakistan is that: "Humanity is bigger than any religion". He added that "all religions teach humanity". And that the two governments should therefore both work towards freeing the innoncent prisoners languishing in each others jails. Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He had in time been sentenced to three years in jail for travelling on a fake passport. Hamid is a software engineer from Mumbai. He had had a tearful reunion with his family on Tuesday at the Wagah border in Punjab. WION had asked him what it had felt like to see his mother after six long years. "That's an emotional thing," he had answered. "Cannot express it in words." But he did, saying that "as soon as the gates opened... I saw my parents, my brother..." Hamid said he broke down when he realised that "my mom is here". "I'll break all barriers... I want to reach you," Hamid added. Hamid and his mother Fauzia had earlier in the day also had an emotional meeting with India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "Mera Bharat mahaan, meri madam mahaan, sab madam ne hi kiya hai," Hamid's mother had told Swaraj. #WATCH Indian National Hamid Ansari who came to India after being released from a Pakistan jail yesterday, meets External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi. His mother tells EAM "Mera Bharat mahaan, meri madam mahaan, sab madam ne hi kiya hai." pic.twitter.com/FQEzz99Ohm — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × Hamid said "madam" had "hugged me like a child". He added that she said "Beta waapis aa gaya hai. Mubarak ho."

Message to India, Pak govts is 'humanity is bigger than any religion': Hamid Nihal Ansari to WION

Delhi on Thursday recorded its coldest morning of this season as the mercury dropped to 4 degrees Celsius lowest so far in this winter.

The visibility was reduced to 200 metres.

According to the Meteorological (MeT) Department, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cold-wave-likely-over-north-india-next-2-3-days-india-meteorological-department-185285">cold wave</a> conditions will continue to prevail till December 22 in the national capital.

According to the department's report, night temperature in Delhi and its surrounding regions could further drop to around 4 degrees Celsius in the next couple of days.

For rest of the day, the department forecast clear skies.

"The skies will remain clear and the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 22 degrees Celsius."

On Wednesday, the minimum temperature settled at 5.2 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature was recorded at 22.3 degrees Celsius.

The MeT department has also issued a severe cold wave warning in Delhi.

A “cold to severe cold wave” will grip north and central India over the next 2-3 days, peaking on January 15, the weather department has cautioned.

In association with the western disturbances, the main reason behind the drop in temperatures, the wet spell over western Himalayan Region (Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) is also likely to continue during January 14 to 17 and over adjoining plains during 15 to 17 January with peak intensity on January 15, the IMD said in its forecast for the next two weeks.

Delhi on Thursday recorded its coldest morning of this season as the mercury dropped to 4 degrees Celsius lowest so far in this winter. The visibility was reduced to 200 metres.

Delhi on Thursday recorded its coldest morning of this season as the mercury dropped to 4 degrees Celsius lowest so far in this winter. The visibility was reduced to 200 metres. According to the Meteorological (MeT) Department, cold wave conditions will continue to prevail till December 22 in the national capital. According to the department's report, night temperature in Delhi and its surrounding regions could further drop to around 4 degrees Celsius in the next couple of days. For rest of the day, the department forecast clear skies. "The skies will remain clear and the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 22 degrees Celsius." On Wednesday, the minimum temperature settled at 5.2 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature was recorded at 22.3 degrees Celsius. The MeT department has also issued a severe cold wave warning in Delhi. A “cold to severe cold wave” will grip north and central India over the next 2-3 days, peaking on January 15, the weather department has cautioned. In association with the western disturbances, the main reason behind the drop in temperatures, the wet spell over western Himalayan Region (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) is also likely to continue during January 14 to 17 and over adjoining plains during 15 to 17 January with peak intensity on January 15, the IMD said in its forecast for the next two weeks.

Delhi experiences coldest morning in December

A joint military exercise involving, the Russian and Indian air force members concluded in India's northwestern desert city of Jodhpur on Wednesday (December 19).

The air exercise 'Aviaindra 2018' was aimed at giving exposure to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF) to enhance their skills to focus on anti-militants operation in a bilateral scenario.

Reportedly, 30 fighter aircrafts were used during the exercise involving flying operations where pilots shared their experiences with each other. Russian aircrafts, Su-30 MKI and Mi-8 were among the key aircrafts at the joint training.

This is the second edition of the biannual exercise with the first being held in Lipetsk, Russia in September.

A joint military exercise involving, the Russian and Indian air force members concluded in India's northwestern desert city of Jodhpur on Wednesday (December 19).

A joint military exercise involving, the Russian and Indian air force members concluded in India's northwestern desert city of Jodhpur on Wednesday (December 19). The air exercise 'Aviaindra 2018' was aimed at giving exposure to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF) to enhance their skills to focus on anti-militants operation in a bilateral scenario. Reportedly, 30 fighter aircrafts were used during the exercise involving flying operations where pilots shared their experiences with each other. Russian aircrafts, Su-30 MKI and Mi-8 were among the key aircrafts at the joint training. This is the second edition of the biannual exercise with the first being held in Lipetsk, Russia in September.

Watch: Russia-India joint military exercise concludes in Rajasthan

Software engineer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-ansari-mumbai-man-jailed-in-pakistan-for-six-years-meets-sushma-swaraj-in-new-delhi-185268">Hamid Nihal Ansari</a>, who had to spend six years in a Pakistani jail on espionage charges, returned to his hometown Mumbai on Thursday, refusing to "scratch old wounds" and vowing to move on with life.

Upon his arrival at the Mumbai airport to a cheering welcome by friends and relatives, Ansari said he would try to get a job and then find a suitable match for himself.

"I don't want to recollect what happened with me in the past. I want to look at the future," he said. "I have to find a job and after that I also have to find a woman to get married."

Ansari was arrested in Pakistan in 2012 for allegedly entering the country from Afghanistan reportedly to meet a woman he had befriended online. Pakistan slapped espionage charges against him. He was repatriated to India on Tuesday.

Also read: <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">Pak govt's 'humanity is bigger than any religion': Hamid Nihal Ansari to WION</a>

Two days after he was handed over to India at the Wagah-Attari border, Ansari, 33, and his parents left New Delhi in the morning in an Air India flight and arrived at the airport here around 9.30 am, his father Nihal Ansari said.

Relatives, friends and well-wishers greeted and cheered for him as he came out of the airport. The family then left for their residence in suburban Versova.

Before leaving for home, Ansari told mediapersons at the airport he did make "mistakes" in the past. "I had my own mistakes but now I want to move towards the future. I don't want to go into those things now, I had my own sins and mistakes."

Ansari said while waiting to cross the border at Amritsar after his release from the Pakistan jail on Tuesday, he caught a glimpse of his parents, who were waiting for him on the Indian side, first time in six years.

"I was not able to meet them (immediately) as I was on the Pakistan side. At that time, I realised how much they must have suffered for me. I wanted to meet them immediately, but could not," Ansari said.

Asked about an eye injury he apparently suffered during interrogation at the Pakistani prison, Ansari said the interrogation process cannot be avoided.

"During the interrogation, the retina of my eye got ruptured. But, they admitted me to a government hospital and it was treated...They compensated for it ( treatment)," he said.

On an alleged attack on him inside the Peshawar prison, he said it was due to a "misunderstanding" which escalated.

Asked about his future plans, the software engineer said first there will be a celebration with the family. "(then) I have to find a job and after that I also have to find a woman to get married...Pehle naukri phir chokri."

The Mumbai resident, who returned to India on Tuesday after crossing the Wagah-Attari border, was imprisoned in the Peshawar Central Jail after being sentenced by a military court on December 15, 2015.

According to official sources, India issued 96 notes verbales to Pakistan seeking consular access to Ansari. The decision to release him was taken due to relentless pressure from New Delhi, they said.

Shortly before his arrival on Tuesday, his mother Fauzia Ansari had told reporters that the prayers of the family and of all those who wished for his safe return were answered. His father had said it was a new dawn for them.

Ansari and his family have thanked External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her ministry for persisting with the case and taking it up with Islamabad.

His jail term ended on December 15 but he was not able to leave for India as his legal documents were not ready.

On Thursday, the Peshawar High Court gave the Pakistan government a month's time to complete his repatriation process.

Ansari had an emotional interaction with Swaraj on Wednesday as he narrated the difficult phase he had to endure through in Pakistan.

Software engineer Hamid Nihal Ansari, who had to spend six years in a Pakistani jail on espionage charges, returned to his hometown Mumbai on Thursday, refusing to "scratch old wounds" and vowing to move on with life.

Software engineer Hamid Nihal Ansari, who had to spend six years in a Pakistani jail on espionage charges, returned to his hometown Mumbai on Thursday, refusing to "scratch old wounds" and vowing to move on with life. Upon his arrival at the Mumbai airport to a cheering welcome by friends and relatives, Ansari said he would try to get a job and then find a suitable match for himself. "I don't want to recollect what happened with me in the past. I want to look at the future," he said. "I have to find a job and after that I also have to find a woman to get married." Ansari was arrested in Pakistan in 2012 for allegedly entering the country from Afghanistan reportedly to meet a woman he had befriended online. Pakistan slapped espionage charges against him. He was repatriated to India on Tuesday. Also read: Pak govt's 'humanity is bigger than any religion': Hamid Nihal Ansari to WION Two days after he was handed over to India at the Wagah-Attari border, Ansari, 33, and his parents left New Delhi in the morning in an Air India flight and arrived at the airport here around 9.30 am, his father Nihal Ansari said. Relatives, friends and well-wishers greeted and cheered for him as he came out of the airport. The family then left for their residence in suburban Versova. Before leaving for home, Ansari told mediapersons at the airport he did make "mistakes" in the past. "I had my own mistakes but now I want to move towards the future. I don't want to go into those things now, I had my own sins and mistakes." Ansari said while waiting to cross the border at Amritsar after his release from the Pakistan jail on Tuesday, he caught a glimpse of his parents, who were waiting for him on the Indian side, first time in six years. "I was not able to meet them (immediately) as I was on the Pakistan side. At that time, I realised how much they must have suffered for me. I wanted to meet them immediately, but could not," Ansari said. Asked about an eye injury he apparently suffered during interrogation at the Pakistani prison, Ansari said the interrogation process cannot be avoided. "During the interrogation, the retina of my eye got ruptured. But, they admitted me to a government hospital and it was treated...They compensated for it ( treatment)," he said. On an alleged attack on him inside the Peshawar prison, he said it was due to a "misunderstanding" which escalated. Asked about his future plans, the software engineer said first there will be a celebration with the family. "(then) I have to find a job and after that I also have to find a woman to get married...Pehle naukri phir chokri." The Mumbai resident, who returned to India on Tuesday after crossing the Wagah-Attari border, was imprisoned in the Peshawar Central Jail after being sentenced by a military court on December 15, 2015. According to official sources, India issued 96 notes verbales to Pakistan seeking consular access to Ansari. The decision to release him was taken due to relentless pressure from New Delhi, they said. Shortly before his arrival on Tuesday, his mother Fauzia Ansari had told reporters that the prayers of the family and of all those who wished for his safe return were answered. His father had said it was a new dawn for them. Ansari and his family have thanked External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her ministry for persisting with the case and taking it up with Islamabad. His jail term ended on December 15 but he was not able to leave for India as his legal documents were not ready. On Thursday, the Peshawar High Court gave the Pakistan government a month's time to complete his repatriation process. Ansari had an emotional interaction with Swaraj on Wednesday as he narrated the difficult phase he had to endure through in Pakistan.

Hamid Nehal Ansari reaches hometown in Mumbai, seeks new life

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Hamid Nehal Ansari reaches hometown in Mumbai, seeks new life