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BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday made light of the opposition '<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-stumbling-mahagathbandhan-158102">mahagathbandhan</a>' (grand alliance), calling it an illusion and expressed confidence that the BJP will retain power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Speaking at the Republic Summit here, Shah also said he was sure that the Shiv Sena will be with the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections. Talks are on (with them), he added.

"The reality of the opposition 'mahagathbandhan' is different. It (the opposition alliance) doesn't exist and is a 'bhranti' (illusion)," Shah said. 
"The mahagathbandhan does not exist anywhere. We have fought against all of them in 2014 and defeated them to form the government. They are all regional leaders, they can't help each other," the BJP president said.

Shah said the BJP will gain in West Bengal, North-East and Odisha in 2019.

"The issues of elections are: in five years how have we ensured national security and defeated corruption. We have provided toilets in eight crore homes and electricity in 2.5 crore homes," Shah said.

"Not only for the BJP, but it is also necessary for the country that a strong govt comes to power," the BJP president said.

The election results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were definitely not favourable for BJP, but it is not right to link them with the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he said.

State polls can't be linked to Lok Sabha poll results as both elections are fought on separate issues, Shah said.

"It is our duty to work for the people and convince them, but if the mandate is against us we accept that too," he said. "I am not against analysis, but the elections are fought on different issues. The issues on the ground are different," he added.

"In 2014, BJP had government in six states, now we have it in 16 states. So tell me who will win the 2019 elections," the BJP president said.

"We accept the people's mandate (in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh). We will introspect on the poll results," he said.

The BJP chief said it does not matter who is pitted against Narendra Modi in the 2019 polls (as prime ministerial aspirant). "We are going ahead on the basis of our strengh and not on the basis of someone's weakness," he added.

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday made light of the opposition 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance), calling it an illusion and expressed confidence that the BJP will retain power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday made light of the opposition 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance), calling it an illusion and expressed confidence that the BJP will retain power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Speaking at the Republic Summit here, Shah also said he was sure that the Shiv Sena will be with the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections. Talks are on (with them), he added. "The reality of the opposition 'mahagathbandhan' is different. It (the opposition alliance) doesn't exist and is a 'bhranti' (illusion)," Shah said. "The mahagathbandhan does not exist anywhere. We have fought against all of them in 2014 and defeated them to form the government. They are all regional leaders, they can't help each other," the BJP president said. Shah said the BJP will gain in West Bengal, North-East and Odisha in 2019. "The issues of elections are: in five years how have we ensured national security and defeated corruption. We have provided toilets in eight crore homes and electricity in 2.5 crore homes," Shah said. "Not only for the BJP, but it is also necessary for the country that a strong govt comes to power," the BJP president said. The election results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were definitely not favourable for BJP, but it is not right to link them with the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he said. State polls can't be linked to Lok Sabha poll results as both elections are fought on separate issues, Shah said. "It is our duty to work for the people and convince them, but if the mandate is against us we accept that too," he said. "I am not against analysis, but the elections are fought on different issues. The issues on the ground are different," he added. "In 2014, BJP had government in six states, now we have it in 16 states. So tell me who will win the 2019 elections," the BJP president said. "We accept the people's mandate (in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh). We will introspect on the poll results," he said. The BJP chief said it does not matter who is pitted against Narendra Modi in the 2019 polls (as prime ministerial aspirant). "We are going ahead on the basis of our strengh and not on the basis of someone's weakness," he added.

Opposition 'mahagathbandhan' an illusion; BJP will win in 2019: Amit Shah

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Karandeep Anand, an Indian-origin senior executive of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-discovers-bug-that-may-have-affected-up-to-68-million-users-184116">Facebook</a>, will head the social media giant's enterprise communications tool Workplace, the company has announced.

Anand, who worked at Microsoft for 15 years before joining Facebook nearly four years ago, will work closely with Julien Codorniou, the Facebook vice president who has been the leader of Workplace, CNBC reported.

Workplace, the London-based <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weve-never-sold-anyones-data-mark-zuckerberg-defends-facebook-in-new-data-breach-controversy-181764">Facebook </a>division, is a communications tool for companies and businesses.

Anand will handle the Workplace product team, which includes developers, engineers, researchers and data scientists, while Codorniou will remain in charge of sales and partnerships, a Facebook spokeswoman was quoted as saying in the report.

At Facebook, Anand has been the head of product for a number of other divisions, including Marketplace, Audience Network and Ad Solutions, the report said.

"I'm excited to now be part of the journey of bringing Workplace to companies across the globe and help them unlock the potential of their biggest asset - people," Anand wrote on his LinkedIn profile.

The spokeswoman said: "We're thrilled that Karandeep is joining Workplace as its new head of Workplace, effectively immediately.

"Karandeep joins Workplace from Marketplace, and brings with him a wealth of experience from both a consumer and enterprise background. We're excited to have him on board".

In its two years of existence, Workplace by Facebook has big-name customers like Walmart, Starbucks and Chevron, the report said.

However, it is behind its rivals like Microsoft and Slack in the enterprise communications software market.

Workplace is used by 30,000 organisations, according to a Facebook report in October 2017.

Microsoft Teams is used by 329,000 organisations while Slack by 500,000 organisations, including 70,000 paying organisations, the CNBC report added.&nbsp;

Karandeep Anand, an Indian-origin senior executive of Facebook, will head the social media giant's enterprise communications tool Workplace, the company has announced.

Karandeep Anand, an Indian-origin senior executive of Facebook, will head the social media giant's enterprise communications tool Workplace, the company has announced. Anand, who worked at Microsoft for 15 years before joining Facebook nearly four years ago, will work closely with Julien Codorniou, the Facebook vice president who has been the leader of Workplace, CNBC reported. Workplace, the London-based Facebook division, is a communications tool for companies and businesses. Anand will handle the Workplace product team, which includes developers, engineers, researchers and data scientists, while Codorniou will remain in charge of sales and partnerships, a Facebook spokeswoman was quoted as saying in the report. At Facebook, Anand has been the head of product for a number of other divisions, including Marketplace, Audience Network and Ad Solutions, the report said. "I'm excited to now be part of the journey of bringing Workplace to companies across the globe and help them unlock the potential of their biggest asset - people," Anand wrote on his LinkedIn profile. The spokeswoman said: "We're thrilled that Karandeep is joining Workplace as its new head of Workplace, effectively immediately. "Karandeep joins Workplace from Marketplace, and brings with him a wealth of experience from both a consumer and enterprise background. We're excited to have him on board". In its two years of existence, Workplace by Facebook has big-name customers like Walmart, Starbucks and Chevron, the report said. However, it is behind its rivals like Microsoft and Slack in the enterprise communications software market. Workplace is used by 30,000 organisations, according to a Facebook report in October 2017. Microsoft Teams is used by 329,000 organisations while Slack by 500,000 organisations, including 70,000 paying organisations, the CNBC report added.

Facebook appoints Indian-origin executive Karandeep Anand as head of its enterprise communication tool ‘Workplace’

A bill that bars commercial surrogacy and allows only close relatives to act as surrogates to needy infertile couples for "altruistic" reasons was passed by the Lok Sabha Wednesday with Health Minister J P Nadda terming the proposed legislation historic.

The 'Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016' was passed after an hour-long debate amid noisy protests by Congress and AIADMK members over various issues.

Nadda said different sections of society, political parties, the Supreme Court and the Law Commission have spoken against commercial surrogacy and that the bill addresses these concerns.

India had become a hub of commercial surrogacy and surrogate mothers also suffered from exploitation, he told the House.

"The bill protects women from exploitation and ensures the rights of the child born through surrogacy. It has been a demand from all sections of society," he said.

The bill proposes complete ban on commercial surrogacy, but altruistic surrogacy will be permitted for needy infertile couple under strict regulation. The bill entitles only Indian citizens to avail surrogacy. Foreigners, NRIs and PIOs are not allowed to seek surrogacy in the country.

Under this bill, homosexuals, single parents, and live-in couples are also not entitled for surrogacy. Also, couples who already have children will not be allowed to go for surrogacy, though they would be free to adopt a child under a separate law.

Though members of different parties, who spoke during the debate supported the bill, some, including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar of the Trinamool Congress and NCP's Supriya Sule, exhorted the government to expand its scope.

Sule said the bill was good but not modern enough, while Dastidar said same sex couples should also be allowed to have a child through surrogacy.

She also called for stopping "fashion surrogacy", saying some celebrities go for it as they do not want their figures "destroyed".

BJD's Bhartruhari Mahtab said the surrogacy industry has been thriving due to regulatory gap and asked the government to define who close relatives can be.

Nadda said the aim of the bill was to stop commercial surrogacy but at the same time save families by allowing them to have children by using modern science.

The bill proposes to regulate surrogacy by establishing appropriate authorities at the central level and in states and Union Territories (UTs), an official statement had said.

Once the bill is enacted by Parliament, the National Surrogacy Board will be constituted. States and UTs will constitute the state surrogacy boards and state appropriate authorities within three months of the notification by the central government.

While commercial surrogacy will be prohibited, including sale and purchase of human embryo and gametes, ethical surrogacy to the needy infertile couples will be allowed on fulfilment of certain conditions and for specific purposes.

The bill shall apply to all states, except Jammu and Kashmir, an official statement had earlier said.

Noting that India is emerging as a "surrogacy hub" for couples from different countries, it said there have been reported incidents concerning unethical practices, exploitation of surrogate mothers, abandonment of children born out of surrogacy and rackets of intermediaries importing human embryos and gametes.

The 228th report of the Law Commission had recommended prohibiting commercial surrogacy and allowing ethical altruistic surrogacy by enacting a suitable legislation.

The 'Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016' was introduced in the Lok Sabha on November 21 in 2016 and was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare in January 2017.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee held various meetings with stakeholders, central government ministries and department, NGOs, medical professionals, lawyers, researchers, commissioning parents and surrogate mothers for holding discussions and to receive their suggestions.

The 102nd report of the departmental-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare on the bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha and simultaneously in the Lok Sabha on August 10, last year.

The panel had recommended there should be no discrimination against people of Indian-origin living abroad seeking to use surrogacy services in India. 
There is "no point" in restricting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) from using surrogacy services, the panel's report, tabled in the Parliament had said.

While recommending that foreign nationals be kept out of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016, it advocated an appropriate mechanism for a complete background check of NRIs, PIOs and OCIs intending to use the services of surrogates for bearing a child on their behalf.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill allows surrogacy only for legally married couples after five years of marriage and with a doctor's certificate stating that they are medically unfit to reproduce. Women within the age group of 23 to 50 years and men between 26 to 55 years will be eligible to go for surrogacy.

To check commercial exploitation and middlemen, the surrogate mother can only be a close relative, like a sister or sister-in-law who is married and has at least one healthy biological child. A woman can be a surrogate only once in her lifetime. The bill also has penal provision for misuse of surrogacy.

A bill that bars commercial surrogacy and allows only close relatives to act as surrogates to needy infertile couples for "altruistic" reasons was passed by the Lok Sabha Wednesday with Health Minister J P Nadda terming the proposed legislation historic.

A bill that bars commercial surrogacy and allows only close relatives to act as surrogates to needy infertile couples for "altruistic" reasons was passed by the Lok Sabha Wednesday with Health Minister J P Nadda terming the proposed legislation historic. The 'Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016' was passed after an hour-long debate amid noisy protests by Congress and AIADMK members over various issues. Nadda said different sections of society, political parties, the Supreme Court and the Law Commission have spoken against commercial surrogacy and that the bill addresses these concerns. India had become a hub of commercial surrogacy and surrogate mothers also suffered from exploitation, he told the House. "The bill protects women from exploitation and ensures the rights of the child born through surrogacy. It has been a demand from all sections of society," he said. The bill proposes complete ban on commercial surrogacy, but altruistic surrogacy will be permitted for needy infertile couple under strict regulation. The bill entitles only Indian citizens to avail surrogacy. Foreigners, NRIs and PIOs are not allowed to seek surrogacy in the country. Under this bill, homosexuals, single parents, and live-in couples are also not entitled for surrogacy. Also, couples who already have children will not be allowed to go for surrogacy, though they would be free to adopt a child under a separate law. Though members of different parties, who spoke during the debate supported the bill, some, including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar of the Trinamool Congress and NCP's Supriya Sule, exhorted the government to expand its scope. Sule said the bill was good but not modern enough, while Dastidar said same sex couples should also be allowed to have a child through surrogacy. She also called for stopping "fashion surrogacy", saying some celebrities go for it as they do not want their figures "destroyed". BJD's Bhartruhari Mahtab said the surrogacy industry has been thriving due to regulatory gap and asked the government to define who close relatives can be. Nadda said the aim of the bill was to stop commercial surrogacy but at the same time save families by allowing them to have children by using modern science. The bill proposes to regulate surrogacy by establishing appropriate authorities at the central level and in states and Union Territories (UTs), an official statement had said. Once the bill is enacted by Parliament, the National Surrogacy Board will be constituted. States and UTs will constitute the state surrogacy boards and state appropriate authorities within three months of the notification by the central government. While commercial surrogacy will be prohibited, including sale and purchase of human embryo and gametes, ethical surrogacy to the needy infertile couples will be allowed on fulfilment of certain conditions and for specific purposes. The bill shall apply to all states, except Jammu and Kashmir, an official statement had earlier said. Noting that India is emerging as a "surrogacy hub" for couples from different countries, it said there have been reported incidents concerning unethical practices, exploitation of surrogate mothers, abandonment of children born out of surrogacy and rackets of intermediaries importing human embryos and gametes. The 228th report of the Law Commission had recommended prohibiting commercial surrogacy and allowing ethical altruistic surrogacy by enacting a suitable legislation. The 'Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016' was introduced in the Lok Sabha on November 21 in 2016 and was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare in January 2017. The Parliamentary Standing Committee held various meetings with stakeholders, central government ministries and department, NGOs, medical professionals, lawyers, researchers, commissioning parents and surrogate mothers for holding discussions and to receive their suggestions. The 102nd report of the departmental-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare on the bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha and simultaneously in the Lok Sabha on August 10, last year. The panel had recommended there should be no discrimination against people of Indian-origin living abroad seeking to use surrogacy services in India. There is "no point" in restricting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) from using surrogacy services, the panel's report, tabled in the Parliament had said. While recommending that foreign nationals be kept out of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016, it advocated an appropriate mechanism for a complete background check of NRIs, PIOs and OCIs intending to use the services of surrogates for bearing a child on their behalf. The bill allows surrogacy only for legally married couples after five years of marriage and with a doctor's certificate stating that they are medically unfit to reproduce. Women within the age group of 23 to 50 years and men between 26 to 55 years will be eligible to go for surrogacy. To check commercial exploitation and middlemen, the surrogate mother can only be a close relative, like a sister or sister-in-law who is married and has at least one healthy biological child. A woman can be a surrogate only once in her lifetime. The bill also has penal provision for misuse of surrogacy.

Lok Sabha passes bill which bans commercial surrogacy

The year 2018 will be looked back in future for some of the remarkable judgements that not only shaped the contemporary period but will also influence the life of the generations to come.

Here are the major judgements passed by the judiciary in 2018.

Section 377-&nbsp; 'Sexual orientation is natural, people have no control over it'.

In a major victory to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, the Supreme Court on September 6 struck down the colonial era's Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalised gay sex.

Ruling in the favor of the 'third recognised gender' the Supreme court said that sexual orientation is natural and people have no control over it.&nbsp;

The ruling that permitted consensual adult gay sex also said that the law must be interpreted as per the requirement of changing times.

After the judgement, engaging in gay sex in private is no more an offense. The court said that consensual sex between adults in a private space, which is not harmful to women or children cannot be denied as it is a matter of individual choice. The judges which called for the right to equality of the LGBT community also added that society's thinking, social morality cannot violate the rights of even one single individual.

Indu Malhotra who was one of the members in the bench said that society owes an apology to the LGBTQ community. While delivering its verdict the apex court laid emphasis on the fact that though sex, as per the order of nature, was seen as intercourse between man and woman for the purpose of procreation, the fact that it had already recognised a third gender needs to be kept in mind.

&nbsp;

Aadhaar- 'Legislation empowers unprivileged and marginalised section of the society'

On September 26, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar Act.

The court approved the linking of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) to the Unique Aadhar number while striking down its linkage with bank accounts and mobile number, pension or school admissions.&nbsp;The apex court's judgement came on the grounds that it "struck a fair balance between the right of privacy of the individual with&nbsp;right&nbsp;to life of the same individual as a beneficiary".

The judges said that the operational structure of the Aadhaar project ensures that the architecture of the Aadhaar does not create surveillance. The judgement further said that the legislation has helped in removing leakages and the benefits were now reaching the downtrodden.

The judges said that the legislation empowers unprivileged and marginalised section of the society as it gives them a unique identity and helps them to avail the benefits of welfare schemes.

The bench of judges also asked the government to not to allot Aadhaar to illegal immigrants.

&nbsp;

Adultery- 'Wife is not a property of husband'

On September 28, the Supreme Court struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code which made adultery a punishable&nbsp;offense. Terming the section as unconstitutional the apex court said it deprives women of their sexual autonomy and dignity. The court also held that the "wife was not a property of husband" and that the "husband is neither the master of his wife nor does he have legal sovereignty over her".

It added that the colonial-era provision violated Article 14 (right to equality), Article 15(1) (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth) and 21 (protection of life and personal liberty).

The judgement however clarified that adultery would continue to be a ground for divorce.

Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code stated that "whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man such intercourse not amounting to the offense of rape, is guilty of the offense of adultery and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years or with a fine or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor."

&nbsp;

Ayodhya-&nbsp;&nbsp;'The court has its own priorities'

In a hearing on Ayodhya, the Supreme Court on September 27 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.&nbsp;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".

The hearing in the case has now been adjourned to January after the CJI on&nbsp; October 29 rejected the early hearing in the case by saying that '' the court has its own priorities".

&nbsp;

Sabarimala Temple in Kerala-&nbsp; 'Dualism that persists in religion..in matters of devotion has to be abandoned'

In a historic judgement on September 28, the Supreme Court removed the restrictions imposed on women's entry in Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. In its judgement the apex court said, " the attribute of devotion to divinity cannot be subjected to the rigidity and stereotypes of gender... the dualism that persists in religion by glorifying and venerating women as goddesses on one hand and by imposing rigorous sanctions on the other hand, in matters of devotion has to be abandoned".

The judgement was passed by 4-1 ruling. Justice Indu Malhotra who disagreed with the lifting of ban on women's entry to the temple said, " the religious practice of restricting the entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 years is in pursuance of an 'essential religious practice' and 'notions of rationality cannot be invoked in matters of religion by courts'. She further claimed that 'allowing PILs in religious matters would open floodgates to interlopers to question religious beliefs and practices.....the courts should intervene only if there are pernicious, oppressive or social evil like sati".

&nbsp;

Live streaming of court proceedings- 'Will bring in more transparency in the judiciary's work'

The Supreme Court in September ordered the live streaming of court proceedings claiming that it will bring in more transparency in the judiciary's work. The court further asked to "implement the project" and employ the technology required to provide virtual access to live court proceedings. The court also asked that the live telecast of the proceedings should not interfere with the administration of the justice or the dignity and majesty of the court.

&nbsp;

Passive Euthanasia- 'Individuals have right to die with dignity under strict guidelines'

In March 2018 the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia saying that individuals have the right to die with dignity under strict guidelines. The court in its judgement allowed a person to file a "living will" for the withdrawal of life support in case he/she falls in coma. The draft for "living will" can only be filed when the person is in "normal state of health and mind".

&nbsp;

Anti-Sikh riots- 'Mass killing will continue to shock the collective conscience of society for a long time to come'

In a historic verdict on the anti-Sikh riots that took place three decades ago and killed over 2700 Sikhs, the High Court on December 17 reversed the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar by the trial court and sentenced him to life imprisonment on charges ranging from murder to criminal conspiracy.

Calling the 1984 riots as "crime against humanity" the court said the riots were carried out by people who had "political patronage and were aided by an indifferent law enforcement agency". The judgement added that the mass killing will "continue to shock the collective conscience of society for a long time to come".

The court also noted that the accused in the case were brought to justice because of the courage and perseverance of three eyewitnesses.

Questioning the investigation by the police, the court said that the police turned a blind eye to the mob rioting. It further said that the state machinery came to a complete standstill in those two or three days when the rioting mobs took to the streets and indulged in acts of violence.

The year 2018 will be looked back in future for some of the remarkable judgements that not only shaped the contemporary period but will also influence the life of the generations to come.

The year 2018 will be looked back in future for some of the remarkable judgements that not only shaped the contemporary period but will also influence the life of the generations to come. Here are the major judgements passed by the judiciary in 2018. Section 377- 'Sexual orientation is natural, people have no control over it'. In a major victory to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, the Supreme Court on September 6 struck down the colonial era's Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalised gay sex. Ruling in the favor of the 'third recognised gender' the Supreme court said that sexual orientation is natural and people have no control over it. The ruling that permitted consensual adult gay sex also said that the law must be interpreted as per the requirement of changing times. After the judgement, engaging in gay sex in private is no more an offense. The court said that consensual sex between adults in a private space, which is not harmful to women or children cannot be denied as it is a matter of individual choice. The judges which called for the right to equality of the LGBT community also added that society's thinking, social morality cannot violate the rights of even one single individual. Indu Malhotra who was one of the members in the bench said that society owes an apology to the LGBTQ community. While delivering its verdict the apex court laid emphasis on the fact that though sex, as per the order of nature, was seen as intercourse between man and woman for the purpose of procreation, the fact that it had already recognised a third gender needs to be kept in mind. Aadhaar- 'Legislation empowers unprivileged and marginalised section of the society' On September 26, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar Act. The court approved the linking of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) to the Unique Aadhar number while striking down its linkage with bank accounts and mobile number, pension or school admissions. The apex court's judgement came on the grounds that it "struck a fair balance between the right of privacy of the individual with right to life of the same individual as a beneficiary". The judges said that the operational structure of the Aadhaar project ensures that the architecture of the Aadhaar does not create surveillance. The judgement further said that the legislation has helped in removing leakages and the benefits were now reaching the downtrodden. The judges said that the legislation empowers unprivileged and marginalised section of the society as it gives them a unique identity and helps them to avail the benefits of welfare schemes. The bench of judges also asked the government to not to allot Aadhaar to illegal immigrants. Adultery- 'Wife is not a property of husband' On September 28, the Supreme Court struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code which made adultery a punishable offense. Terming the section as unconstitutional the apex court said it deprives women of their sexual autonomy and dignity. The court also held that the "wife was not a property of husband" and that the "husband is neither the master of his wife nor does he have legal sovereignty over her". It added that the colonial-era provision violated Article 14 (right to equality), Article 15(1) (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth) and 21 (protection of life and personal liberty). The judgement however clarified that adultery would continue to be a ground for divorce. Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code stated that "whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man such intercourse not amounting to the offense of rape, is guilty of the offense of adultery and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years or with a fine or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor." Ayodhya- 'The court has its own priorities' In a hearing on Ayodhya, the Supreme Court on September 27 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". The hearing in the case has now been adjourned to January after the CJI on October 29 rejected the early hearing in the case by saying that '' the court has its own priorities". Sabarimala Temple in Kerala- 'Dualism that persists in religion..in matters of devotion has to be abandoned' In a historic judgement on September 28, the Supreme Court removed the restrictions imposed on women's entry in Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. In its judgement the apex court said, " the attribute of devotion to divinity cannot be subjected to the rigidity and stereotypes of gender... the dualism that persists in religion by glorifying and venerating women as goddesses on one hand and by imposing rigorous sanctions on the other hand, in matters of devotion has to be abandoned". The judgement was passed by 4-1 ruling. Justice Indu Malhotra who disagreed with the lifting of ban on women's entry to the temple said, " the religious practice of restricting the entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 years is in pursuance of an 'essential religious practice' and 'notions of rationality cannot be invoked in matters of religion by courts'. She further claimed that 'allowing PILs in religious matters would open floodgates to interlopers to question religious beliefs and practices.....the courts should intervene only if there are pernicious, oppressive or social evil like sati". Live streaming of court proceedings- 'Will bring in more transparency in the judiciary's work' The Supreme Court in September ordered the live streaming of court proceedings claiming that it will bring in more transparency in the judiciary's work. The court further asked to "implement the project" and employ the technology required to provide virtual access to live court proceedings. The court also asked that the live telecast of the proceedings should not interfere with the administration of the justice or the dignity and majesty of the court. Passive Euthanasia- 'Individuals have right to die with dignity under strict guidelines' In March 2018 the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia saying that individuals have the right to die with dignity under strict guidelines. The court in its judgement allowed a person to file a "living will" for the withdrawal of life support in case he/she falls in coma. The draft for "living will" can only be filed when the person is in "normal state of health and mind". Anti-Sikh riots- 'Mass killing will continue to shock the collective conscience of society for a long time to come' In a historic verdict on the anti-Sikh riots that took place three decades ago and killed over 2700 Sikhs, the High Court on December 17 reversed the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar by the trial court and sentenced him to life imprisonment on charges ranging from murder to criminal conspiracy. Calling the 1984 riots as "crime against humanity" the court said the riots were carried out by people who had "political patronage and were aided by an indifferent law enforcement agency". The judgement added that the mass killing will "continue to shock the collective conscience of society for a long time to come". The court also noted that the accused in the case were brought to justice because of the courage and perseverance of three eyewitnesses. Questioning the investigation by the police, the court said that the police turned a blind eye to the mob rioting. It further said that the state machinery came to a complete standstill in those two or three days when the rioting mobs took to the streets and indulged in acts of violence.

Major judgements of 2018 by Supreme, High Court

Key NDA ally Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on Wednesday made public its unease with the BJP, saying it had digressed to "non-issues" like Ram temple and demanded urgent steps to return to the "real issue" of development.

LJP leader Chirag Paswan, while being critical of the BJP, 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.

Chirag Paswan, the son of LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, told ANI that the BJP lost the Assembly elections because it failed to address the issues of farmers and youth unemployment and emphasized on Ram temple only.

"We have few concerns. All the allies have their concerns. It's for the biggest party in our alliance, the BJP, to address the concerns," he said.

He specified that seat-sharing "is not an issue at all" and "It will be too early to talk about going out of the alliance."

At the same time, he said, "The NDA was voted to power in 2014 on the issue of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' (cooperation to all, development for all). The youth, the farmers had supported our government. But recently, non-issues have dominated over the real issues, because of which we had to suffer losses in these (Assembly) elections."

The 35-year-old MP from Bihar said, "The youth have no jobs, farmers are committing suicide and are indebted. The result of three states proves that it's important for the BJP to address these concerns, which the BJP is not being doing."

Emphasising that the "agenda of our government is and should be development," he said, "when the agenda gets diverted and other issues like Ram Mandir start taking over, such failures are bound."

He said the LJP has put forth its views before the BJP considering itself a "life partner" of the NDA and expressed hope that "our issues will be addressed at the earliest."

He underlined that there is an urgent need for the BJP to return to the issue of development like in 2014 by keeping way the issues like Ram temple.

He said the BJP and its allies need to restrategise their policy ahead of the Lok Sabha elections due by May next year.

Referring to the recent Assembly polls, Paswan said Ram temple and Hanuman were made issues while on the other hand, the opposition raised the voice for farmers and the youth, which gave them benefits.

"We are not against the Ram temple. That is in the manifesto of the BJP," he said.

Talking about Rahul Gandhi, he said, "There has definitely been a positive change in him."

He said credit must be given to him for the Congress party's victories after a long time.

He said Gandhi has been criticised several times for his party's defeat in elections but now since under his leadership, the party has been victorious, he should be praised.

"If you criticise someone, you should also appreciate them when they perform well. They chose issues well," Paswan said about Gandhi.

He said Gandhi raised "real issues" as he spoke about farmers and the youth, which benefitted the Congress in the elections."The manner in which they raised the issue of farmers and unemployment, I feel they chose well and we stayed tangled in religion and temples. I urge the government that we should focus once again solely on development in the time to come," Paswan said.&nbsp;

Key NDA ally Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on Wednesday made public its unease with the BJP, saying it had digressed to "non-issues" like Ram temple and demanded urgent steps to return to the "real issue" of development.

Key NDA ally Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on Wednesday made public its unease with the BJP, saying it had digressed to "non-issues" like Ram temple and demanded urgent steps to return to the "real issue" of development. LJP leader Chirag Paswan, while being critical of the BJP, 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. Chirag Paswan, the son of LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, told ANI that the BJP lost the Assembly elections because it failed to address the issues of farmers and youth unemployment and emphasized on Ram temple only. "We have few concerns. All the allies have their concerns. It's for the biggest party in our alliance, the BJP, to address the concerns," he said. He specified that seat-sharing "is not an issue at all" and "It will be too early to talk about going out of the alliance." At the same time, he said, "The NDA was voted to power in 2014 on the issue of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' (cooperation to all, development for all). The youth, the farmers had supported our government. But recently, non-issues have dominated over the real issues, because of which we had to suffer losses in these (Assembly) elections." The 35-year-old MP from Bihar said, "The youth have no jobs, farmers are committing suicide and are indebted. The result of three states proves that it's important for the BJP to address these concerns, which the BJP is not being doing." Emphasising that the "agenda of our government is and should be development," he said, "when the agenda gets diverted and other issues like Ram Mandir start taking over, such failures are bound." He said the LJP has put forth its views before the BJP considering itself a "life partner" of the NDA and expressed hope that "our issues will be addressed at the earliest." He underlined that there is an urgent need for the BJP to return to the issue of development like in 2014 by keeping way the issues like Ram temple. He said the BJP and its allies need to restrategise their policy ahead of the Lok Sabha elections due by May next year. Referring to the recent Assembly polls, Paswan said Ram temple and Hanuman were made issues while on the other hand, the opposition raised the voice for farmers and the youth, which gave them benefits. "We are not against the Ram temple. That is in the manifesto of the BJP," he said. Talking about Rahul Gandhi, he said, "There has definitely been a positive change in him." He said credit must be given to him for the Congress party's victories after a long time. He said Gandhi has been criticised several times for his party's defeat in elections but now since under his leadership, the party has been victorious, he should be praised. "If you criticise someone, you should also appreciate them when they perform well. They chose issues well," Paswan said about Gandhi. He said Gandhi raised "real issues" as he spoke about farmers and the youth, which benefitted the Congress in the elections."The manner in which they raised the issue of farmers and unemployment, I feel they chose well and we stayed tangled in religion and temples. I urge the government that we should focus once again solely on development in the time to come," Paswan said.

LJP makes public its unease with BJP over Ram temple

Days after the Congress government announced farm loan waiver in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the Rajasthan government on Wednesday&nbsp;declared a farm loan waiver for loans&nbsp;up to&nbsp;Rs 2 lakh.

The government said that it would bear the losses incurring Rs 18,000 crore.

After the Congress government came to power in the Hindi heartland, it announced a loan waiver for farmers in the three states.

The assurance to pay off the loans of the farmers is one of the key election promises that has helped the party to win the assembly elections in the three states.

The loans were waived in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on Monday after Kamal Nath and Bhupesh Baghel took oath as chief ministers of the state.

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Rajasthan govt announces farm loan waiver for loans upto Rs 2 Lakh. State govt will bear a burden of Rs 18,000 Crore. <a href="https://t.co/BUPb33xfWR">pic.twitter.com/BUPb33xfWR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075397128854401024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;After the announcement of the loan waiver, Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "It's done! Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have waived farm loans. We asked for 10 days. We did it in 2."

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It's done! 
 
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh &amp; Chhattisgarh have waived farm loans. 
 
We asked for 10 days. 
 
We did it in 2.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1075417210196234240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Tuesday, a day after the Congress governments waived farm loans, the government of Sarbananda Sonowal waived loans of nearly 8 lakh farmers in Assam. Hours later, the Vijay Rupani government said it would forgo rural electricity bills to the tune of Rs. 650 crore.

(With inputs from agencies)

Days after the Congress government announced farm loan waiver in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the Rajasthan government on Wednesday declared a farm loan waiver for loans up to Rs 2 lakh.

Days after the Congress government announced farm loan waiver in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the Rajasthan government on Wednesday declared a farm loan waiver for loans up to Rs 2 lakh. The government said that it would bear the losses incurring Rs 18,000 crore. After the Congress government came to power in the Hindi heartland, it announced a loan waiver for farmers in the three states. The assurance to pay off the loans of the farmers is one of the key election promises that has helped the party to win the assembly elections in the three states. The loans were waived in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on Monday after Kamal Nath and Bhupesh Baghel took oath as chief ministers of the state. Rajasthan govt announces farm loan waiver for loans upto Rs 2 Lakh. State govt will bear a burden of Rs 18,000 Crore. pic.twitter.com/BUPb33xfWR — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × After the announcement of the loan waiver, Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "It's done! Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have waived farm loans. We asked for 10 days. We did it in 2." It's done! Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh have waived farm loans. We asked for 10 days. We did it in 2. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 19, 2018 × On Tuesday, a day after the Congress governments waived farm loans, the government of Sarbananda Sonowal waived loans of nearly 8 lakh farmers in Assam. Hours later, the Vijay Rupani government said it would forgo rural electricity bills to the tune of Rs. 650 crore. (With inputs from agencies)

After Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Congress announces farm loan waiver in Rajasthan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-launch-gsat-7a-communication-satellite-today-from-sriharikota-185207">ISRO to launch GSAT-7A communication satellite today from Sriharikota</a>

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) will launch GSAT-7A, an advanced geostationary communication satellite from Sriharikota at 4.10 pm today. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-bans-bump-stocks-on-semi-automatic-weapons-used-in-mass-shootings-185205">US bans 'bump stocks' on semi-automatic weapons used in mass shootings</a>

The US government said Tuesday it was banning bump stocks, devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire like machine guns and that were used in a mass shooting in Las Vegas in October 2017.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgian-pm-charles-michel-submits-resignation-over-migrant-row-185204">Belgian PM Charles Michel submits resignation over migrant row</a>

Nationalist anger over migration brought down the Belgian government on Tuesday, forcing Prime Minister Charles Michel to offer the king his resignation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ex-security-chief-flynn-sold-country-out-says-judge-delays-russia-probe-sentencing-185209">Trump ex-security chief Flynn sold </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ex-security-chief-flynn-sold-country-out-says-judge-delays-russia-probe-sentencing-185209">country</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ex-security-chief-flynn-sold-country-out-says-judge-delays-russia-probe-sentencing-185209"> out, says judge; delays Russia probe sentencing</a>

A federal judge accused President Donald Trump's former national security chief Michael Flynn Tuesday of selling out the United States but agreed to delay his sentencing for lying over secret communications with Russian officials.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-panel-closes-door-on-gay-marriage-constitutional-amendment-185212">Cuba eliminates gay marriage from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-panel-closes-door-on-gay-marriage-constitutional-amendment-185212">new</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-panel-closes-door-on-gay-marriage-constitutional-amendment-185212"> constitution</a>

Cuba will leave out of its new constitution changes that would have paved the way for legal same-sex marriage, despite majority support in local assemblies, a government official said Tuesday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

ISRO to launch GSAT-7A communication satellite today from Sriharikota The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) will launch GSAT-7A, an advanced geostationary communication satellite from Sriharikota at 4.

ISRO to launch GSAT-7A communication satellite today from Sriharikota The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) will launch GSAT-7A, an advanced geostationary communication satellite from Sriharikota at 4.10 pm today. US bans 'bump stocks' on semi-automatic weapons used in mass shootings The US government said Tuesday it was banning bump stocks, devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire like machine guns and that were used in a mass shooting in Las Vegas in October 2017. Belgian PM Charles Michel submits resignation over migrant row Nationalist anger over migration brought down the Belgian government on Tuesday, forcing Prime Minister Charles Michel to offer the king his resignation. Trump ex-security chief Flynn sold country out, says judge; delays Russia probe sentencing A federal judge accused President Donald Trump's former national security chief Michael Flynn Tuesday of selling out the United States but agreed to delay his sentencing for lying over secret communications with Russian officials. Cuba eliminates gay marriage from new constitution Cuba will leave out of its new constitution changes that would have paved the way for legal same-sex marriage, despite majority support in local assemblies, a government official said Tuesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) will launch GSAT-7A, an advanced geostationary communication satellite from Sriharikota at 4.10 pm today. &nbsp;

This satellite will give a boost to the Indian Air Force and other armed forces.

GSLV-F11 carrying 2,250kg GSAT-7A is scheduled to lift-off at 4.10pm from the second launch pad at the spaceport of Sriharikota, situated about 110 km from Chennai.

The mission life of the GSAT-7A, built by the Indian Space Research Organisation, is eight years.

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Update #5<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT7A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT7A</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLVF11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVF11</a> 
 
Propellant filling process completed. Updates to follow. <a href="https://t.co/erJOv1dm7E">pic.twitter.com/erJOv1dm7E</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1075040649446154241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It will provide communication capability to users in Ku-band over the Indian region, the space agency said.

<img alt="GSAT-7A" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1cdc3cc9-8196-4407-a2ab-4693543b929b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_4.jpg" />

"The 26-hour countdown has commenced at 2.10 pm (IST) for the launch of communication satellite GSAT-7A onboard GSLV-F11 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Lift-off scheduled at 4.10 pm on December 19," ISRO said.

The GSLV-F11 will inject GSAT-7A into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and it will be placed in its final Geostationary Orbit using the onboard propulsion systems. GSLV-F11 is ISRO's fourth generation launch vehicle with three stages.

The 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 high thrust engine using liquid fuel, the space agency said on its website.

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)

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) will launch GSAT-7A, an advanced geostationary communication satellite from Sriharikota at 4.10 pm today. This satellite will give a boost to the Indian Air Force and other armed forces.

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) will launch GSAT-7A, an advanced geostationary communication satellite from Sriharikota at 4.10 pm today. This satellite will give a boost to the Indian Air Force and other armed forces. GSLV-F11 carrying 2,250kg GSAT-7A is scheduled to lift-off at 4.10pm from the second launch pad at the spaceport of Sriharikota, situated about 110 km from Chennai. The mission life of the GSAT-7A, built by the Indian Space Research Organisation, is eight years. Update #5#GSAT7A#GSLVF11 Propellant filling process completed. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/erJOv1dm7E — ISRO (@isro) December 18, 2018 × It will provide communication capability to users in Ku-band over the Indian region, the space agency said. "The 26-hour countdown has commenced at 2.10 pm (IST) for the launch of communication satellite GSAT-7A onboard GSLV-F11 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Lift-off scheduled at 4.10 pm on December 19," ISRO said. The GSLV-F11 will inject GSAT-7A into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and it will be placed in its final Geostationary Orbit using the onboard propulsion systems. GSLV-F11 is ISRO's fourth generation launch vehicle with three stages. The 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 high thrust engine using liquid fuel, the space agency said on its website. 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 to launch GSAT-7A communication satellite today from Sriharikota

Jammu and Kashmir which has been under the Governor's rule for the past six months will come under the President's rule from Wednesday midnight.

President Ram Nath Kovind signed a proclamation which cleared the way for the imposition of central rule in the state.

In a gazette notification, President Kovind said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all the functions of the Government of the said state and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state under the Constitution and the state Constitution."

The state plunged into a political crisis in June after the BJP withdrew its support from the PDP alliance led by Mehbooba Mufti.

Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier sent a report recommending the establishment of the President's rule in the state. Following this, a cabinet headed by PM Modi decided for the imposition of the President's rule in the state.

After the proclamation, the powers of the Legislature of the state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament.

Since the state has a separate Constitution, in such cases, six months of governor's rule is compulsory under Article 92 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, under which all the legislature powers are vested with the governor.

The governor on November 21 dissolved the 87-member state assembly after the PDP, supported by the Congress and their arch-rivals National Conference, had staked claim to form the government.&nbsp;

Simultaneously, the two-member People's Conference led by Sajjad Lone had also staked claim to form a government with 25 members of the BJP and other 18 unknown members.

The governor had dissolved the assembly citing horse trading and lack of stability to form a government as the reasons.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir which has been under the Governor's rule for the past six months will come under the President's rule from Wednesday midnight. President Ram Nath Kovind signed a proclamation which cleared the way for the imposition of central rule in the state.

Jammu and Kashmir which has been under the Governor's rule for the past six months will come under the President's rule from Wednesday midnight. President Ram Nath Kovind signed a proclamation which cleared the way for the imposition of central rule in the state. In a gazette notification, President Kovind said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all the functions of the Government of the said state and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state under the Constitution and the state Constitution." The state plunged into a political crisis in June after the BJP withdrew its support from the PDP alliance led by Mehbooba Mufti. Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier sent a report recommending the establishment of the President's rule in the state. Following this, a cabinet headed by PM Modi decided for the imposition of the President's rule in the state. After the proclamation, the powers of the Legislature of the state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament. Since the state has a separate Constitution, in such cases, six months of governor's rule is compulsory under Article 92 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, under which all the legislature powers are vested with the governor. The governor on November 21 dissolved the 87-member state assembly after the PDP, supported by the Congress and their arch-rivals National Conference, had staked claim to form the government. Simultaneously, the two-member People's Conference led by Sajjad Lone had also staked claim to form a government with 25 members of the BJP and other 18 unknown members. The governor had dissolved the assembly citing horse trading and lack of stability to form a government as the reasons. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir to come under President's rule from midnight

Amid the ongoing commotion in the Lok Sabha over several issues, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Tuesday said she often receives messages that schools function better than Parliament and wondered whether these disruptions go on to indicate that the behaviour of the members is worse than school kids. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
As the House re-convened at noon for the second time, members of the AIADMK, the TDP and the Congress started protesting again. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Congress, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), continued sloganeering on the Rafale issue. The BJP members demanded an apology from Congress president Rahul Gandhi. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The TDP members were demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh while the AIADMK MPs were protesting against a dam on the Cauvery river. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Amid the din, the National Institute of Design (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was introduced in the House. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Upset with the disruption of proceedings, Mahajan said the members were well aware that this was an important session as elections will follow. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
She said the government was ready for discussion, but the ruckus continued. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"I receive messages several times saying, madam our schools run better. Please understand, what message are we trying to give: that are we worse than school kids," she said addressing the members. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Mahajan lamented that people from other countries were questioning as to "what was happening in our country". 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
She said she will talk to the government to ensure that issues demanded by the opposition are discussed. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"But please, I request you with hands folded. Please maintain a standard in the House. I am sorry, but I am saying this openly. Many a time, people from other countries say, what is happening in India," she said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said his party was ready for discussion but demanded the formation of a JPC to probe the Rafale deal so that every file related to the matter can be scrutinised. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
To this Mahajan said that constitution of JPC was not under her purview. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the Supreme Court verdict has made things clear, indicating that there was no need for a JPC on the controversial issue. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Unhappy with the response, Congress members again started raising slogans, following which the House was adjourned for the day. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The lower house has been witnessing daily disruptions since the winter session began last week. It had passed a bill on transgender rights on Monday.

Amid the ongoing commotion in the Lok Sabha over several issues, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Tuesday said she often receives messages that schools function better than Parliament and wondered whether these disruptions go on to indicate that the behaviour of the members is worse than school kids.

Amid the ongoing commotion in the Lok Sabha over several issues, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Tuesday said she often receives messages that schools function better than Parliament and wondered whether these disruptions go on to indicate that the behaviour of the members is worse than school kids. As the House re-convened at noon for the second time, members of the AIADMK, the TDP and the Congress started protesting again. The Congress, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), continued sloganeering on the Rafale issue. The BJP members demanded an apology from Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The TDP members were demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh while the AIADMK MPs were protesting against a dam on the Cauvery river. Amid the din, the National Institute of Design (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was introduced in the House. Upset with the disruption of proceedings, Mahajan said the members were well aware that this was an important session as elections will follow. She said the government was ready for discussion, but the ruckus continued. "I receive messages several times saying, madam our schools run better. Please understand, what message are we trying to give: that are we worse than school kids," she said addressing the members. Mahajan lamented that people from other countries were questioning as to "what was happening in our country". She said she will talk to the government to ensure that issues demanded by the opposition are discussed. "But please, I request you with hands folded. Please maintain a standard in the House. I am sorry, but I am saying this openly. Many a time, people from other countries say, what is happening in India," she said. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said his party was ready for discussion but demanded the formation of a JPC to probe the Rafale deal so that every file related to the matter can be scrutinised. To this Mahajan said that constitution of JPC was not under her purview. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the Supreme Court verdict has made things clear, indicating that there was no need for a JPC on the controversial issue. Unhappy with the response, Congress members again started raising slogans, following which the House was adjourned for the day. The lower house has been witnessing daily disruptions since the winter session began last week. It had passed a bill on transgender rights on Monday.

Schools run better than our parliament, are we worse than school kids, asks Sumitra Mahajan

A case has been filed against Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath over his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-pitches-for-70-jobs-to-madhya-pradesh-residents-says-up-and-bihar-people-take-away-locals-job-184943">remarks on UP-Bihar migrants</a> where he blamed the migrants for taking away the jobs of the local people.

The case has been filed by&nbsp;Tamanna Hashmi in Muzaffarpur court.

Hours after becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-sworn-in-as-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-184795">Kamal Nath</a>&nbsp;on Monday pitched for jobs for locals.

Speaking to reporters, he said, "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here and local people don't get jobs."

He further said, "Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70% people from Madhya Pradesh get employment."&nbsp;

Nath also added that&nbsp;he has signed a file for ensuring that jobs remain with the locals.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-sp-slam-kamal-nath-for-saying-up-and-bihar-people-take-away-locals-job-185082">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> responded to his comments and called it "divisive".

BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh said, "He has also been a Union minister. He should be aware of these rules. What he is talking about is already in place... By making such a claim, he is misleading people".

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also reacted to Nath's statement stating that it is wrong for other states to question why people from North India take up jobs there.&nbsp;

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The Congress won 114 assembly seats and secured the support of seven more MLAs - SP (1) and BSP (2) and four independents - to cross the majority mark of 116 in the 230-member Assembly.

Nath, who did not contest the November 28 assembly elections, was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17.

Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office to the 72-year-old Congress veteran who was at the forefront in steering the party to a win in the assembly polls.

&nbsp;

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A case has been filed against Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath over his remarks on UP-Bihar migrants where he blamed the migrants for taking away the jobs of the local people.

A case has been filed against Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath over his remarks on UP-Bihar migrants where he blamed the migrants for taking away the jobs of the local people. The case has been filed by Tamanna Hashmi in Muzaffarpur court. Hours after becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath on Monday pitched for jobs for locals. Speaking to reporters, he said, "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here and local people don't get jobs." He further said, "Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70% people from Madhya Pradesh get employment." Nath also added that he has signed a file for ensuring that jobs remain with the locals. The Bharatiya Janata Party responded to his comments and called it "divisive". BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh said, "He has also been a Union minister. He should be aware of these rules. What he is talking about is already in place... By making such a claim, he is misleading people". Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also reacted to Nath's statement stating that it is wrong for other states to question why people from North India take up jobs there. Bihar: Case filed in Muzaffarpur Court by one Tamanna Hashmi against Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath over his remark on UP-Bihar migrants (file pic) pic.twitter.com/m7ai7vryxj — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × The Congress won 114 assembly seats and secured the support of seven more MLAs - SP (1) and BSP (2) and four independents - to cross the majority mark of 116 in the 230-member Assembly. Nath, who did not contest the November 28 assembly elections, was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17. Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office to the 72-year-old Congress veteran who was at the forefront in steering the party to a win in the assembly polls.

Bihar: Case registered against Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath over his remarks on migrants

The ruling AIADMK Wednesday sacked its coordinator and Tamil Nadu deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's brother O Raja from the party for alleged anti-party activities.

The party welcomed the action, saying it showed that the leadership would not tolerate any indiscipline, irrespective of the person's status.

The decision to sack Raja, a former panchayat body chief hailing from Theni district, was announced by Panneerselvam and Joint Coordinator K Palaniswami.

Palaniswami is the Chief Minister of the state, while Panneerselvam is his deputy.

Raja's sacking came hours after he took over as the district chief of a milk producers' union in Madurai.

The two leaders, in a short statement, said that Raja has been sacked from all posts, including the AIADMK's primary membership.

The action was taken "for going against the party's policies and bringing disrepute to it," they added.

"From today onwards, Raja is being removed from all posts, including the primary membership," they said.

Raja had violated party discipline, the two leaders said and urged AIADMK workers not to have any contact with him.

Meanwhile, Jayakumar said that the action against Raja would serve as a warning to anyone who tries to go against the party, which was a "disciplined" organisation.

"When somebody does anti-party activities in a disciplined organisation like the AIADMK, they have to be sacked. There is no place for sibling relationship here," he said, responding to reporters' queries about Panneerselvam acting against his younger brother.

"It is a welcome thing that action has been taken by (Panneerselvam) despite Raja being his younger brother...This will be a lesson for others too," he added.

The chief minister and his deputy "have made it clear" that anyone who goes against the party would face action, he said, adding, that was evident from today's move.

Jayakumar, state Fisheries Minister, however declined to reveal what kind of alleged anti-party activity Raja had done that warranted his expulsion.&nbsp;

The ruling AIADMK Wednesday sacked its coordinator and Tamil Nadu deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's brother O Raja from the party for alleged anti-party activities.

The ruling AIADMK Wednesday sacked its coordinator and Tamil Nadu deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's brother O Raja from the party for alleged anti-party activities. The party welcomed the action, saying it showed that the leadership would not tolerate any indiscipline, irrespective of the person's status. The decision to sack Raja, a former panchayat body chief hailing from Theni district, was announced by Panneerselvam and Joint Coordinator K Palaniswami. Palaniswami is the Chief Minister of the state, while Panneerselvam is his deputy. Raja's sacking came hours after he took over as the district chief of a milk producers' union in Madurai. The two leaders, in a short statement, said that Raja has been sacked from all posts, including the AIADMK's primary membership. The action was taken "for going against the party's policies and bringing disrepute to it," they added. "From today onwards, Raja is being removed from all posts, including the primary membership," they said. Raja had violated party discipline, the two leaders said and urged AIADMK workers not to have any contact with him. Meanwhile, Jayakumar said that the action against Raja would serve as a warning to anyone who tries to go against the party, which was a "disciplined" organisation. "When somebody does anti-party activities in a disciplined organisation like the AIADMK, they have to be sacked. There is no place for sibling relationship here," he said, responding to reporters' queries about Panneerselvam acting against his younger brother. "It is a welcome thing that action has been taken by (Panneerselvam) despite Raja being his younger brother...This will be a lesson for others too," he added. The chief minister and his deputy "have made it clear" that anyone who goes against the party would face action, he said, adding, that was evident from today's move. Jayakumar, state Fisheries Minister, however declined to reveal what kind of alleged anti-party activity Raja had done that warranted his expulsion.

Tamil Nadu: Deputy CM O Panneerselvam's brother sacked from AIADMK for 'anti-party' activities

An Imphal-based journalist, who was detained last month under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), will remain in custody for 12 months, according to a Manipur government order which said his activities were "prejudicial to the security of the state and maintenance of public order".

The District Magistrate of Imphal West had ordered the&nbsp;detention of Kishorechand Wangkhem, a 39-year-old journalist who works for a local TV channel, on November 27 allegedly after he uploaded videos criticising the BJP-led governments in Manipur and the Centre <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-will-the-hindutva-blues-play-out-169751">for observing Rani Jhansi's birth anniversary</a>.

The videos which he had uploaded on November 19 in both English and Meitei were not related to his official work, officials had said.

According to a state home department statement issued on December 14, the Advisory Board of the National Security Act (NSA), in its sitting held on December 11, had examined the allegations levelled against the journalist, Kishorechand Wangkhem.

On December 13, the board recommended that there were "sufficient grounds" to detain Wangkhem under the provisions of the NSA, the statement said, without elaborating on the allegations against him .

Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla has approved the advisory board's recommendation on detention of the journalist under the NSA, according to the statement.

"The Governor of Manipur after considering the proximate past activities of the detenu and potential danger of his activities which are prejudicial to the security of the State and maintenance of public order and there is apprehension of his continuing to act in similar prejudicial activities, the moment he is released from detention, ....The said person should be detained for the maximum period of 12 months as provided under Section 13 of the said Act," the statement said.

In consonance with the opinion of the Board and exercise of power under Section 12 (1), the Governor has, therefore, ordered that his detention will be for a period of 12 months, it said.

According to the provision, in any case where the Advisory Board has reported that there is, in its opinion, sufficient cause for the detention of a person, the government may confirm the detention order and continue the detention of the person concerned for such period as it thinks fit.

Under section 13 of the Act, the maximum period of detention under the NSA is 12 months.

In the video clips posted by him, Wangkhem had purportedly said he was saddened and shocked to learn that the present government in Manipur was observing the birth anniversary of Rani of Jhansi, according to media reports.

He reportedly said Rani of Jhansi's deeds had nothing to do with Manipur and the state was observing her birth anniversary because the Centre had asked it to. In this context, he allegedly called Chief Minister Biren Singh a "puppet of the Centre" and a "puppet of Hindutva".

The chief minister had said that the Rani of Jhansi had played a role in the unification of India. 
November 19 is the birth anniversary of Laxmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, who was one of the leading figures in the 1857 mutiny.

Wangkhem's wife Ranjita Elangbam told PTI on Wednesday that she has appealed to the MHA to "cancel" the charges against him under the NSA but has not received any reply till now.&nbsp;

An Imphal-based journalist, who was detained last month under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), will remain in custody for 12 months, according to a Manipur government order which said his activities were "prejudicial to the security of the state and maintenance of public order".

An Imphal-based journalist, who was detained last month under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), will remain in custody for 12 months, according to a Manipur government order which said his activities were "prejudicial to the security of the state and maintenance of public order". The District Magistrate of Imphal West had ordered the detention of Kishorechand Wangkhem, a 39-year-old journalist who works for a local TV channel, on November 27 allegedly after he uploaded videos criticising the BJP-led governments in Manipur and the Centre for observing Rani Jhansi's birth anniversary. The videos which he had uploaded on November 19 in both English and Meitei were not related to his official work, officials had said. According to a state home department statement issued on December 14, the Advisory Board of the National Security Act (NSA), in its sitting held on December 11, had examined the allegations levelled against the journalist, Kishorechand Wangkhem. On December 13, the board recommended that there were "sufficient grounds" to detain Wangkhem under the provisions of the NSA, the statement said, without elaborating on the allegations against him . Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla has approved the advisory board's recommendation on detention of the journalist under the NSA, according to the statement. "The Governor of Manipur after considering the proximate past activities of the detenu and potential danger of his activities which are prejudicial to the security of the State and maintenance of public order and there is apprehension of his continuing to act in similar prejudicial activities, the moment he is released from detention, ....The said person should be detained for the maximum period of 12 months as provided under Section 13 of the said Act," the statement said. In consonance with the opinion of the Board and exercise of power under Section 12 (1), the Governor has, therefore, ordered that his detention will be for a period of 12 months, it said. According to the provision, in any case where the Advisory Board has reported that there is, in its opinion, sufficient cause for the detention of a person, the government may confirm the detention order and continue the detention of the person concerned for such period as it thinks fit. Under section 13 of the Act, the maximum period of detention under the NSA is 12 months. In the video clips posted by him, Wangkhem had purportedly said he was saddened and shocked to learn that the present government in Manipur was observing the birth anniversary of Rani of Jhansi, according to media reports. He reportedly said Rani of Jhansi's deeds had nothing to do with Manipur and the state was observing her birth anniversary because the Centre had asked it to. In this context, he allegedly called Chief Minister Biren Singh a "puppet of the Centre" and a "puppet of Hindutva". The chief minister had said that the Rani of Jhansi had played a role in the unification of India. November 19 is the birth anniversary of Laxmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, who was one of the leading figures in the 1857 mutiny. Wangkhem's wife Ranjita Elangbam told PTI on Wednesday that she has appealed to the MHA to "cancel" the charges against him under the NSA but has not received any reply till now.

Manipur journalist Kishorechand Wangkhem held under NSA to remain in detention for 12 months: Govt

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/soldier-accused-in-bulandshahr-cops-killing-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody-182698">Bulandshahr violence</a> triggered by alleged cow slaughter a "political conspiracy" hatched by those who have lost political ground.

"Those who wanted to create anarchy... The intentions of those who instigated riots after cow slaughter have been foiled," Adityanath told reporters adding that the steps taken by the government in this regard need to be praised.

Bulandshahr incident was a "political conspiracy" and it has been "exposed", he said after the Assembly was adjourned for the day amid opposition ruckus.

The day's proceedings in both the Houses of the state legislature were marred by continued uproar and sloganeering by the opposition Samajwadi Party and the Congress over various issues, including the plight of farmers and the law and order in the state, including the recent Bulandshahr violence.&nbsp;

He said the state government will maintain rule of law at all cost.

"Those who are cowards and not in a position to face a direct fight...They are embracing each other seeing that their political ground is receding...The state government will not allow any such conspiracy and will deal with it sternly," the chief minister said.

Adityanath had earlier termed the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-havent-done-anything-i-am-being-framed-soldier-accused-in-bulandshahr-cops-killing-182732">Bulandshahr violence</a> an accident.

The violence, which occurred over an incident of alleged cow slaughter, claimed two lives including that of a police inspector.

Today was the second day of the brief Winter Session of the state legislature spread over four sittings.

Both the Assembly and the Legislative Council were adjourned on the first day of the current session Tuesday after condoling the deaths of former chief minister N D Tiwari, BJP legislator Patel Ram Kumar Verma and Union minister Ananth Kumar.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the Bulandshahr violence triggered by alleged cow slaughter a "political conspiracy" hatched by those who have lost political ground.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the Bulandshahr violence triggered by alleged cow slaughter a "political conspiracy" hatched by those who have lost political ground. "Those who wanted to create anarchy... The intentions of those who instigated riots after cow slaughter have been foiled," Adityanath told reporters adding that the steps taken by the government in this regard need to be praised. Bulandshahr incident was a "political conspiracy" and it has been "exposed", he said after the Assembly was adjourned for the day amid opposition ruckus. The day's proceedings in both the Houses of the state legislature were marred by continued uproar and sloganeering by the opposition Samajwadi Party and the Congress over various issues, including the plight of farmers and the law and order in the state, including the recent Bulandshahr violence. He said the state government will maintain rule of law at all cost. "Those who are cowards and not in a position to face a direct fight...They are embracing each other seeing that their political ground is receding...The state government will not allow any such conspiracy and will deal with it sternly," the chief minister said. Adityanath had earlier termed the Bulandshahr violence an accident. The violence, which occurred over an incident of alleged cow slaughter, claimed two lives including that of a police inspector. Today was the second day of the brief Winter Session of the state legislature spread over four sittings. Both the Assembly and the Legislative Council were adjourned on the first day of the current session Tuesday after condoling the deaths of former chief minister N D Tiwari, BJP legislator Patel Ram Kumar Verma and Union minister Ananth Kumar.

Bulandshahr incident a 'political conspiracy': Yogi Adityanath

Delhi's air quality deteriorated further and was recorded in the 'very poor' category Wednesday, with 10 areas reporting severe pollution levels as authorities said unfavourable meteorological conditions would prevail over the next few days.

The overall air quality index (AQI) of the national capital stood at 372, which falls in the 'very poor' category, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.

An AQI between 100 to 200 comes under 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 is 'severe'.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) too said that the overall air quality of Delhi was in the 'very poor' category.

"Overall air quality of Delhi continues to be very poor. The minimum temperatures is likely to fall in Delhi (resulting in additional moisture in the air). Hence, the air quality will remain in the 'very poor' category for the next three days," the SAFAR said.

"Winds are again becoming partially favourable for the dispersion," it said.

The overall PM2.5 level (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometre) was recorded at 223 and the PM10 level at 359, the SAFAR said.

While Alipur, Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, DTU, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Narela, Rohini, Sonia Vihar, Nehru Nagar and Wazirpur areas saw severe pollution levels, 20 places in the national capital recorded 'very poor' quality air, the CPCB said.

Neighbouring Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality, while in Gurgaon, it was in the 'satisfactory' category, it added.

According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the maximum ventilation index on Wednesday was 4,000 sqm/second.

A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second with an average wind speed of less than 10 kmph is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants.&nbsp;

Delhi's air quality deteriorated further and was recorded in the 'very poor' category Wednesday, with 10 areas reporting severe pollution levels as authorities said unfavourable meteorological conditions would prevail over the next few days.

Delhi's air quality deteriorated further and was recorded in the 'very poor' category Wednesday, with 10 areas reporting severe pollution levels as authorities said unfavourable meteorological conditions would prevail over the next few days. The overall air quality index (AQI) of the national capital stood at 372, which falls in the 'very poor' category, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed. An AQI between 100 to 200 comes under 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 is 'severe'. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) too said that the overall air quality of Delhi was in the 'very poor' category. "Overall air quality of Delhi continues to be very poor. The minimum temperatures is likely to fall in Delhi (resulting in additional moisture in the air). Hence, the air quality will remain in the 'very poor' category for the next three days," the SAFAR said. "Winds are again becoming partially favourable for the dispersion," it said. The overall PM2.5 level (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometre) was recorded at 223 and the PM10 level at 359, the SAFAR said. While Alipur, Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, DTU, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Narela, Rohini, Sonia Vihar, Nehru Nagar and Wazirpur areas saw severe pollution levels, 20 places in the national capital recorded 'very poor' quality air, the CPCB said. Neighbouring Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality, while in Gurgaon, it was in the 'satisfactory' category, it added. According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the maximum ventilation index on Wednesday was 4,000 sqm/second. A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second with an average wind speed of less than 10 kmph is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants.

Delhi's air quality deteriorates further, 10 areas record severe pollution: Authorities

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansaris-emotional-homecoming-kisses-indian-soil-hugs-and-consoles-teary-eyed-mother-185173">Hamid Nihal Ansari incident</a> has highlighted the case of many Indian and Pakistani nationals languishing in Pakistani and Indian jails despite completing the terms. Here are some key facts on how many prisoners and fishermen have been released by both sides.&nbsp;

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Pakistan released 14 Indian civilian prisoners in the last 4 years, while India released 124 Pakistani civilian prisoners. This year, with the inclusion of Hamid Nihal, Pakistan released just two Indian civilian prisoners while New Delhi released 10 Pakistani civilian prisoners. Clearly, for every 1 prisoner released by Pakistan in 2018, India released 5.&nbsp;

When it comes to fishermen, Pakistan released 1,514 Indian fishermen in last 4 years while New Delhi released 155 Pakistani fishermen in last 4 years. When it comes to 2018, Pakistan released 148 Indian fishermen and India none.&nbsp;

Under the India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on 21 May 2008, every first of January and July Islamabad and Delhi exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in their respective jails.&nbsp;

According to the lists exchanged on July 1, 2018, there were 108 Pakistan fishermen and 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners in India’s custody. Pakistan has acknowledged the custody of 418 fishermen and 53 civilian prisoners who are Indian or are believed to be Indian in their jails.

Speaking in the Parliament earlier this year, Minister of State, External Affairs, General VK Singh, assured that the "Government regularly takes up the issue of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen along with their boats with the Pakistan authorities."&nbsp;

Jatin Desai, the man responsible for Hamid Nihal Ansari's release had called on governments of India and Pakistan to release more prisoners and look into the issue. Jatin told WION, "We also believe, there are many prisoners. Hamid is not alone. They need to be released. They need to be seen from a humanitarian perspective. Hamid can set an example."

Still many cases remain unacknowledged by Pakistan. There are still 83 missing Indian defence personnel whose custody Islamabad didn't even acknowledge.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in October 2017, suggested to the High Commissioner of Pakistan that the two sides could work together to resolve the humanitarian issues related to elderly women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation.

It was proposed to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee and that a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation. Pakistan responded positively on 7 March 2018.&nbsp;

In a press release welcoming Nihal's release, the MEA hoped that Pakistan would "respond and organize an early visit of the Joint Judicial Committee so that the issues of prisoners can be dealt with in a humanitarian and timely manner."

India has shared the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee to Pakistan with a request to organise their visit. Pakistan has not responded so far.

The Hamid Nihal Ansari incident has highlighted the case of many Indian and Pakistani nationals languishing in Pakistani and Indian jails despite completing the terms.

The Hamid Nihal Ansari incident has highlighted the case of many Indian and Pakistani nationals languishing in Pakistani and Indian jails despite completing the terms. Here are some key facts on how many prisoners and fishermen have been released by both sides. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Pakistan released 14 Indian civilian prisoners in the last 4 years, while India released 124 Pakistani civilian prisoners. This year, with the inclusion of Hamid Nihal, Pakistan released just two Indian civilian prisoners while New Delhi released 10 Pakistani civilian prisoners. Clearly, for every 1 prisoner released by Pakistan in 2018, India released 5. When it comes to fishermen, Pakistan released 1,514 Indian fishermen in last 4 years while New Delhi released 155 Pakistani fishermen in last 4 years. When it comes to 2018, Pakistan released 148 Indian fishermen and India none. Under the India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on 21 May 2008, every first of January and July Islamabad and Delhi exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in their respective jails. According to the lists exchanged on July 1, 2018, there were 108 Pakistan fishermen and 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners in India’s custody. Pakistan has acknowledged the custody of 418 fishermen and 53 civilian prisoners who are Indian or are believed to be Indian in their jails. Speaking in the Parliament earlier this year, Minister of State, External Affairs, General VK Singh, assured that the "Government regularly takes up the issue of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen along with their boats with the Pakistan authorities." Jatin Desai, the man responsible for Hamid Nihal Ansari's release had called on governments of India and Pakistan to release more prisoners and look into the issue. Jatin told WION, "We also believe, there are many prisoners. Hamid is not alone. They need to be released. They need to be seen from a humanitarian perspective. Hamid can set an example." Still many cases remain unacknowledged by Pakistan. There are still 83 missing Indian defence personnel whose custody Islamabad didn't even acknowledge. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in October 2017, suggested to the High Commissioner of Pakistan that the two sides could work together to resolve the humanitarian issues related to elderly women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation. It was proposed to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee and that a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation. Pakistan responded positively on 7 March 2018. In a press release welcoming Nihal's release, the MEA hoped that Pakistan would "respond and organize an early visit of the Joint Judicial Committee so that the issues of prisoners can be dealt with in a humanitarian and timely manner." India has shared the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee to Pakistan with a request to organise their visit. Pakistan has not responded so far.

For every 1 prisoner released by Pakistan in 2018, India released 5

A Delhi court Wednesday reserved for December 22 its order on bail plea of Christian Michel, alleged middleman charge-sheeted and arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case&nbsp;and sent him to judicial custody till December 28.

The counsel for 57-year-old British national told Special Judge Arvind Kumar that he was not required for custodial interrogation and no purpose will be served by keeping him in further custody.

"My handwriting has already been taken. There were no original documents with the CBI to match it with. I have volunteered to provide all the documents," Michel's counsel Aljo K Joseph told the court.

He was in CBI custody for 15 days.

Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced in the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI which was later extended by five more days.

Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

Both the agencies notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.

The CBI opposed the bail application, saying Michel might flee as he had already tried to escape from Dubai just before his extradition.

The probe agency said that Michel was an influential person having links with people from the ministry and other bureaucrats and politicians, many of who are its witnesses in the case.

"We brought him with so much difficulty. Some new facts have emerged and we need to have follow ups on those. He has not been a cooperative witness.

A lot more to be unearthed of out own. He has no roots in India here. He has property etc but he may sell them and go away," the probe agency said.

The court had earlier extended by four days the CBI custody of Michel on the ground that he needed to be confronted with various documents in the case.

The CBI had said that he was required to be taken to the premises of Pawan Hans India Ltd in Mumbai to verify his version of his alleged attempted negotiations to buy back WG-30 helicopters, to identify the shipper and to confront the officials of Pawan Hans India.

The agency said that voluminous documents have been received from various countries pursuant to the 'Letter of Requests' and the accused was yet to be confronted with a number of them.

The defence counsel had opposed the CBI application for further remand, saying already enough time was granted to the agency and nothing incriminating was found against the accused.

The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million.

The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

A Delhi court Wednesday reserved for December 22 its order on bail plea of Christian Michel, alleged middleman charge-sheeted and arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case and sent him to judicial custody till December 28.

A Delhi court Wednesday reserved for December 22 its order on bail plea of Christian Michel, alleged middleman charge-sheeted and arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case and sent him to judicial custody till December 28. The counsel for 57-year-old British national told Special Judge Arvind Kumar that he was not required for custodial interrogation and no purpose will be served by keeping him in further custody. "My handwriting has already been taken. There were no original documents with the CBI to match it with. I have volunteered to provide all the documents," Michel's counsel Aljo K Joseph told the court. He was in CBI custody for 15 days. Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced in the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI which was later extended by five more days. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. Both the agencies notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. The CBI opposed the bail application, saying Michel might flee as he had already tried to escape from Dubai just before his extradition. The probe agency said that Michel was an influential person having links with people from the ministry and other bureaucrats and politicians, many of who are its witnesses in the case. "We brought him with so much difficulty. Some new facts have emerged and we need to have follow ups on those. He has not been a cooperative witness. A lot more to be unearthed of out own. He has no roots in India here. He has property etc but he may sell them and go away," the probe agency said. The court had earlier extended by four days the CBI custody of Michel on the ground that he needed to be confronted with various documents in the case. The CBI had said that he was required to be taken to the premises of Pawan Hans India Ltd in Mumbai to verify his version of his alleged attempted negotiations to buy back WG-30 helicopters, to identify the shipper and to confront the officials of Pawan Hans India. The agency said that voluminous documents have been received from various countries pursuant to the 'Letter of Requests' and the accused was yet to be confronted with a number of them. The defence counsel had opposed the CBI application for further remand, saying already enough time was granted to the agency and nothing incriminating was found against the accused. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

AgustaWestland case: Delhi court reserves for December 22 order on Christian Michel's bail plea

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-us-president-donald-trump-against-weaponising-space-185332">China warns US President Donald Trump against 'weaponising' space</a>

China said Wednesday&nbsp;it opposed the "weaponisation" of space as it criticised US President Donald Trump's orders&nbsp;to create a new command centre for controlling military space operations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mitchell-johnson-lashes-out-at-virat-kohli-calls-him-silly-and-disrespectful-185306">Virat Kohli is ‘silly and disrespectful’, says Australia's Mitchell Johnson</a>

'At the end of the match, you should be able to look each other in the eyes, shake hands and say 'great contest',' Mitchell wrote. 'Virat Kohli could not do that... '

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-gsat-7a-satellite-will-aid-army-air-force-communications-185316">Watch: ISRO launches GSAT-7A, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-gsat-7a-satellite-will-aid-army-air-force-communications-185316">satellite</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-gsat-7a-satellite-will-aid-army-air-force-communications-185316"> will aid Indian Air Force communications</a>

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) launches 2,250kg communication satellite GSAT-7A. Its&nbsp;mission life is expected to be about eight years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-second-in-list-of-spammed-calls-in-2018-report-185310">India is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-second-in-list-of-spammed-calls-in-2018-report-185310">world's</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-second-in-list-of-spammed-calls-in-2018-report-185310"> second-most spammed country: Truecaller</a>

The report released on Tuesday has listed Brazil in the top position.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-will-bring-down-immigration-but-there-is-no-specific-target-british-home-secretary-185325">Brexit will bring down immigration but there is no 'specific target': British Home Secretary</a>

'It will be a system that will bring net migration down to more sustainable levels,' Sajid Javid told BBC radio, although he said there was 'no specific target' for the reduction.

China warns US President Donald Trump against 'weaponising' space China said Wednesday it opposed the "weaponisation" of space as it criticised US President Donald Trump's orders to create a new command centre for controlling military space operations.

China warns US President Donald Trump against 'weaponising' space China said Wednesday it opposed the "weaponisation" of space as it criticised US President Donald Trump's orders to create a new command centre for controlling military space operations. Virat Kohli is ‘silly and disrespectful’, says Australia's Mitchell Johnson 'At the end of the match, you should be able to look each other in the eyes, shake hands and say 'great contest',' Mitchell wrote. 'Virat Kohli could not do that... ' Watch: ISRO launches GSAT-7A, satellite will aid Indian Air Force communications ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) launches 2,250kg communication satellite GSAT-7A. Its mission life is expected to be about eight years. India is world's second-most spammed country: Truecaller The report released on Tuesday has listed Brazil in the top position. Brexit will bring down immigration but there is no 'specific target': British Home Secretary 'It will be a system that will bring net migration down to more sustainable levels,' Sajid Javid told BBC radio, although he said there was 'no specific target' for the reduction.

Taking a jibe at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-let-pm-modi-sleep-until-all-farms-loans-waived-rahul-gandhi-184997">Congress </a>Prime Minister Modi said on Wednesday that the party has humiliated every important institution of the democracy.

While interacting with BJP karyakartas&nbsp;of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, PM&nbsp;Modi said,&nbsp;"the Congress has&nbsp;humiliated the army, CAG and every important institution of the democracy".

Referring to the Rafale verdict, PM Modi further said&nbsp;"recently they <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-urges-sc-to-recall-rafale-judgment-issue-contempt-of-court-notice-to-govt-184555">questioned a Supreme&nbsp;Court verdict</a> just because they could not threaten the court into doing what they wanted. They tried to impeach the CJI also."

PM Modi also targetted the Congress over their frequent&nbsp;accusations of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-files-petition-in-chhattisgarh-high-court-over-evm-security-182070">EVM tempering</a>.

"Before every election they begin to make noise about EVMs, trying to create an atmosphere of doubt. However after elections, if Congress performs well they seem to accept results that have come out of the same EVM", he said.

"The Congress party has become more cunning since the days of Emergency," he said.

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PM: They've humiliated the Army, CAG &amp; every institution imp to our democracy. Recently they questioned an SC verdict just because they didn't like the decision. Earlier, just because they couldn't threaten the court into doing what they wanted they tried to even impeach the CJI. <a href="https://t.co/lH9TSdTzcB">pic.twitter.com/lH9TSdTzcB</a>
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PM in interaction with BJP Karyakartas of Tamil Nadu&amp;Puducherry: Before every election they begin to make noise about EVMs, trying to create an atmosphere of doubt. However after elections, if Congress performs well they seem to accept results that have come out of the same EVM. <a href="https://t.co/QH1Abm8WLj">pic.twitter.com/QH1Abm8WLj</a>
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The prime minister was interacting with booth level workers of Vellore, Kanchipuram, Viluppuram and south Chennai districts of Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, through video conferencing from New Delhi.

PM Modi asked party workers to increase their outreach by creating awareness about his government's welfare schemes.

"From housing to health care, from sanitation to skills, there are schemes for every section of society," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at the Congress Prime Minister Modi said on Wednesday that the party has humiliated every important institution of the democracy. While interacting with BJP karyakartas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, PM Modi said, "the Congress has humiliated the army, CAG and every important institution of the democracy".

Taking a jibe at the Congress Prime Minister Modi said on Wednesday that the party has humiliated every important institution of the democracy. While interacting with BJP karyakartas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, PM Modi said, "the Congress has humiliated the army, CAG and every important institution of the democracy". Referring to the Rafale verdict, PM Modi further said "recently they questioned a Supreme Court verdict just because they could not threaten the court into doing what they wanted. They tried to impeach the CJI also." PM Modi also targetted the Congress over their frequent accusations of EVM tempering. "Before every election they begin to make noise about EVMs, trying to create an atmosphere of doubt. However after elections, if Congress performs well they seem to accept results that have come out of the same EVM", he said. "The Congress party has become more cunning since the days of Emergency," he said. PM: They've humiliated the Army, CAG & every institution imp to our democracy. Recently they questioned an SC verdict just because they didn't like the decision. Earlier, just because they couldn't threaten the court into doing what they wanted they tried to even impeach the CJI. pic.twitter.com/lH9TSdTzcB — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × PM in interaction with BJP Karyakartas of Tamil Nadu&Puducherry: Before every election they begin to make noise about EVMs, trying to create an atmosphere of doubt. However after elections, if Congress performs well they seem to accept results that have come out of the same EVM. pic.twitter.com/QH1Abm8WLj — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × The prime minister was interacting with booth level workers of Vellore, Kanchipuram, Viluppuram and south Chennai districts of Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, through video conferencing from New Delhi. PM Modi asked party workers to increase their outreach by creating awareness about his government's welfare schemes. "From housing to health care, from sanitation to skills, there are schemes for every section of society," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress has humiliated every important institution of democracy: PM Modi

As the mountainous areas lie capped in snow, India's northern states are shivering due to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cool-breeze-marks-the-onset-of-chilly-winters-in-delhi-181369">cold wave</a>. The capital city Delhi is also experiencing colder temperatures last few days.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-evacuates-11600-people-as-cyclone-phethai-makes-landfall-in-andhra-pradesh-184904">India Meteorological Department (IMD)</a> has issued a severe cold wave warning and has forecast that night temperature in Delhi could further drop to around 4 degrees in the coming days.

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.

Respite from cold is unlikely for a week as the minimum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over most parts of the country till January 21, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

"Cold wave condition is very likely at isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh &amp; Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh, north Gujarat region and Saurashtra &amp; Kutch and lower regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand," said IMD report.

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.

“Cold to severe cold wave is very likely over at a few places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and cold wave at a few places over Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and interior Odisha during next 2-3 days,” the IMD said.

There could also be normal rainfall activity during the next two weeks.

The minimum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over most parts of the country till January 21. They are likely to be normal or above normal over northwest India between January 22-26, it said. The maximum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over the northwest, east and adjoining central India till January 26 and they will be above normal over peninsular India for the same period, the IMD said.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the mountainous areas lie capped in snow, India's northern states are shivering due to cold wave. The capital city Delhi is also experiencing colder temperatures last few days.

As the mountainous areas lie capped in snow, India's northern states are shivering due to cold wave. The capital city Delhi is also experiencing colder temperatures last few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe cold wave warning and has forecast that night temperature in Delhi could further drop to around 4 degrees in the coming days. 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. Respite from cold is unlikely for a week as the minimum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over most parts of the country till January 21, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). "Cold wave condition is very likely at isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh, north Gujarat region and Saurashtra & Kutch and lower regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand," said IMD report. 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. “Cold to severe cold wave is very likely over at a few places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and cold wave at a few places over Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and interior Odisha during next 2-3 days,” the IMD said. There could also be normal rainfall activity during the next two weeks. The minimum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over most parts of the country till January 21. They are likely to be normal or above normal over northwest India between January 22-26, it said. The maximum temperatures are very likely to be below normal over the northwest, east and adjoining central India till January 26 and they will be above normal over peninsular India for the same period, the IMD said. (With inputs from agencies)

Cold wave over north India likely in next 2-3 days: Met Department

A report from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/science-tech/hike-rolls-out-indias-first-payment-wallet-within-messaging-app-17053?amp">communication app </a>Truecaller has ranked India in the second position in the list of most spammed countries in 2018.

The report released on Tuesday has listed Brazil in the top position.

The figures released by the&nbsp;Truecaller Insight Special Report showed that Indian users received over six per cent spammed calls in 2018. While the users&nbsp;in Brazil have witnessed an increase of 81 per cent in spam calls this year.

An average Truecaller user in Brazil has received 37.5 spam calls per month compared to 22.3 calls per month in India.

With increasing spammed calls Chile, South Africa and Mexico occupy the next three places in the list.

In a statement released Truecaller said that operators and telecom service providers are the top spammers in the country.

The communication app also added that it had identified and blocked over 17 billion spam calls across the world.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A report from the communication app Truecaller has ranked India in the second position in the list of most spammed countries in 2018. The report released on Tuesday has listed Brazil in the top position.

A report from the communication app Truecaller has ranked India in the second position in the list of most spammed countries in 2018. The report released on Tuesday has listed Brazil in the top position. The figures released by the Truecaller Insight Special Report showed that Indian users received over six per cent spammed calls in 2018. While the users in Brazil have witnessed an increase of 81 per cent in spam calls this year. An average Truecaller user in Brazil has received 37.5 spam calls per month compared to 22.3 calls per month in India. With increasing spammed calls Chile, South Africa and Mexico occupy the next three places in the list. In a statement released Truecaller said that operators and telecom service providers are the top spammers in the country. The communication app also added that it had identified and blocked over 17 billion spam calls across the world.

India is world's second-most spammed country: Truecaller

The GSAT-7A was launched onboard the GSLVF11.

The US regulator FAA has retained the highest aviation safety ranking for India, a senior official said Tuesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carried out an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July this year.

The official said that the FAA on Tuesday formally confirmed that India's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) rating remains 'Category 1'.

Category 1 means the carriers from the assessed state may initiate or continue service to the US in a normal manner and take part in reciprocal code-share arrangements with American carriers.

The FAA carried out an audit to confirm India's adherence to the standards laid down by the ICAO and oversight of Indian airlines.

"During consultations held with the FAA in early November, the DGCA presented the actions taken to address the findings of the July 2018 audit," the DGCA official said.

According to him, the FAA has formally communicated that India is adhering to the safety standards of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

The regulator has also "confirmed that India's IASA rating remains Category 1," he noted.

The American regulator conducts IASA programme to assess the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of each country that has carriers operating to the US.

An IASA assessment determines if the foreign CAA provides oversight to its carriers that operate to the US as per the international standards.

Under the International Convention on Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), each country is responsible for the safety oversight of its own air carriers.

Other countries can only conduct specific surveillance activities, principally involving the inspection of required documents and the physical condition of aircraft. 
&nbsp;

The US regulator FAA has retained the highest aviation safety ranking for India, a senior official said Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carried out an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July this year.

The US regulator FAA has retained the highest aviation safety ranking for India, a senior official said Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carried out an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July this year. The official said that the FAA on Tuesday formally confirmed that India's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) rating remains 'Category 1'. Category 1 means the carriers from the assessed state may initiate or continue service to the US in a normal manner and take part in reciprocal code-share arrangements with American carriers. The FAA carried out an audit to confirm India's adherence to the standards laid down by the ICAO and oversight of Indian airlines. "During consultations held with the FAA in early November, the DGCA presented the actions taken to address the findings of the July 2018 audit," the DGCA official said. According to him, the FAA has formally communicated that India is adhering to the safety standards of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). The regulator has also "confirmed that India's IASA rating remains Category 1," he noted. The American regulator conducts IASA programme to assess the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of each country that has carriers operating to the US. An IASA assessment determines if the foreign CAA provides oversight to its carriers that operate to the US as per the international standards. Under the International Convention on Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), each country is responsible for the safety oversight of its own air carriers. Other countries can only conduct specific surveillance activities, principally involving the inspection of required documents and the physical condition of aircraft.

US watchdog FAA retains highest aviation safety ranking for India

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate after being summoned by it in connection with the INX Media Case.

On November 29, the Delhi High Court had extended the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-court-extends-interim-protection-chidambaram-168218">interim protection to Chidambaram</a> in connection with the INX Media case. He has been granted interim protection from the arrest till January 15 next year.

Chidambaram had filed an anticipatory bail plea in the Delhi High Court, seeking protection from the arrest by the CBI and the ED.&nbsp;

The senior Congress leader and his son Karti Chidambaram are under the scanner of the CBI and the ED in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukherjea and Indrani Mukerjea.

The alleged irregularities took place in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Finance Minister under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by then, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Chidambaram has denied all charges levelled by the central probe agency

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate after being summoned by it in connection with the INX Media Case.

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate after being summoned by it in connection with the INX Media Case. On November 29, the Delhi High Court had extended the interim protection to Chidambaram in connection with the INX Media case. He has been granted interim protection from the arrest till January 15 next year. Chidambaram had filed an anticipatory bail plea in the Delhi High Court, seeking protection from the arrest by the CBI and the ED. The senior Congress leader and his son Karti Chidambaram are under the scanner of the CBI and the ED in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukherjea and Indrani Mukerjea. The alleged irregularities took place in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Finance Minister under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by then, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Chidambaram has denied all charges levelled by the central probe agency

INX Media case: Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram appears before Enforcement Directorate

Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday 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.

In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Kushwaha said, "People of NDA have become arrogant, particularly in the context of Bihar such as Nitish Kumar, who is also being supported by the key leadership of BJP. Their conceit was somewhere a big reason behind us getting away from them. Others would also not be safe from this arrogance for long. Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) must also come out of alliance as soon as possible. These people have decided to destroy small parties and if LJP has also started to feel the same, they must exit the alliance at the earliest."

He also launched a scathing attack on Bihar government and asserted that it has completely failed to fulfil the expectations of people.&nbsp;

"Janta Dal (United) and BJP have governed Bihar for about 13-14 years now. There were a lot of expectations from Nitish Kumar and this government. Education would improve, healthcare facilities for poor will get better, youth migration will stop but nothing as such happened."

"If they could not do it in all these years when their third term is about to end, people would naturally desire a change. In this time whosoever will be with Nitish Kumar would also face worse. It is good that if BJP is with them, they will also go down with them and both Bihar and the country would get a good government", he added.

Kushwaha also outlined that no decision on whether his party will join the grand alliance or would fight independently. He, however, confirmed that for his party the grand alliance and the third front are options.

Kushwaha, who had pulled out of the NDA on December 10 and had also resigned as the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, cornered the Central government as well and emphasised that people are looking for a change now.

"Countdown for the Central government has begun. People had a great expectation from it but it disappointed people of the country. Farmers are in distress, the youth did not get employment. So naturally, there will be change now", said Kushwaha.

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.

Kushwaha also criticised BJP on the Ram Mandir issue and said that BJP is not interested in constructing it but is only misleading people for votes.

Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday 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.

Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday 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. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Kushwaha said, "People of NDA have become arrogant, particularly in the context of Bihar such as Nitish Kumar, who is also being supported by the key leadership of BJP. Their conceit was somewhere a big reason behind us getting away from them. Others would also not be safe from this arrogance for long. Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) must also come out of alliance as soon as possible. These people have decided to destroy small parties and if LJP has also started to feel the same, they must exit the alliance at the earliest." He also launched a scathing attack on Bihar government and asserted that it has completely failed to fulfil the expectations of people. "Janta Dal (United) and BJP have governed Bihar for about 13-14 years now. There were a lot of expectations from Nitish Kumar and this government. Education would improve, healthcare facilities for poor will get better, youth migration will stop but nothing as such happened." "If they could not do it in all these years when their third term is about to end, people would naturally desire a change. In this time whosoever will be with Nitish Kumar would also face worse. It is good that if BJP is with them, they will also go down with them and both Bihar and the country would get a good government", he added. Kushwaha also outlined that no decision on whether his party will join the grand alliance or would fight independently. He, however, confirmed that for his party the grand alliance and the third front are options. Kushwaha, who had pulled out of the NDA on December 10 and had also resigned as the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, cornered the Central government as well and emphasised that people are looking for a change now. "Countdown for the Central government has begun. People had a great expectation from it but it disappointed people of the country. Farmers are in distress, the youth did not get employment. So naturally, there will be change now", said Kushwaha. 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. Kushwaha also criticised BJP on the Ram Mandir issue and said that BJP is not interested in constructing it but is only misleading people for votes.

BJP's arrogance among reasons to leave NDA, LJP must also quit: Upendra Kushwaha

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Lok Sabha passes bill which bans commercial surrogacy

Major judgements of 2018 by Supreme, High Court

LJP makes public its unease with BJP over Ram temple

After Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Congress announces farm loan waiver in Rajasthan

News brief: Big stories of the day

ISRO to launch GSAT-7A communication satellite today from Sriharikota

Jammu and Kashmir to come under President's rule from midnight

Schools run better than our parliament, are we worse than school kids, asks Sumitra Mahajan

Bihar: Case registered against Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath over his remarks on migrants

Tamil Nadu: Deputy CM O Panneerselvam's brother sacked from AIADMK for 'anti-party' activities

Manipur journalist Kishorechand Wangkhem held under NSA to remain in detention for 12 months: Govt

Bulandshahr incident a 'political conspiracy': Yogi Adityanath

Delhi's air quality deteriorates further, 10 areas record severe pollution: Authorities

For every 1 prisoner released by Pakistan in 2018, India released 5

AgustaWestland case: Delhi court reserves for December 22 order on Christian Michel's bail plea

News brief: Big stories of the day

Congress has humiliated every important institution of democracy: PM Modi

Cold wave over north India likely in next 2-3 days: Met Department

India is world's second-most spammed country: Truecaller

The GSAT-7A was launched onboard the GSLVF11.

US watchdog FAA retains highest aviation safety ranking for India

INX Media case: Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram appears before Enforcement Directorate

BJP's arrogance among reasons to leave NDA, LJP must also quit: Upendra Kushwaha