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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-jail-sets-free-hamid-ansari-after-6-years-185086">Hamid Nehal Ansari</a>, who was, who was released on Tuesday from Mardan Central Jail of Pakistan, met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday in New Delhi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansaris-emotional-homecoming-kisses-indian-soil-hugs-and-consoles-teary-eyed-mother-185173">Ansari reached Delhi</a> early morning the same day. He told reports upon landing that he is very happy to be back home.

Having been detained and imprisoned in Pakistan for a total of six years over charges of espionage, 33-year-old Mumbai-based Hamid Ansari returned to India on Tuesday.

A former teacher at the Mumbai Management College, Ansari went to Pakistan in 2012 to meet a woman whom he had befriended through social media.&nbsp;

Ansari went missing after he was apprehended by the Pakistan intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan in November 2012.

He was awarded a three-year imprisonment sentence by a military court in December 2015 after being slapped with charges of espionage and involvement in anti-state activities.

The court gave the verdict after Pakistan`s Ministry of Interior appraised that Ansari will be repatriated to India after completion of his prison term on December 15.

Pakistani security agencies had claimed that Hamid had used fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and had entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents.

(With inputs from ANI)

Hamid Nehal Ansari, who was, who was released on Tuesday from Mardan Central Jail of Pakistan, met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday in New Delhi.

Hamid Nehal Ansari, who was, who was released on Tuesday from Mardan Central Jail of Pakistan, met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday in New Delhi. Ansari reached Delhi early morning the same day. He told reports upon landing that he is very happy to be back home. Having been detained and imprisoned in Pakistan for a total of six years over charges of espionage, 33-year-old Mumbai-based Hamid Ansari returned to India on Tuesday. A former teacher at the Mumbai Management College, Ansari went to Pakistan in 2012 to meet a woman whom he had befriended through social media. Ansari went missing after he was apprehended by the Pakistan intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan in November 2012. He was awarded a three-year imprisonment sentence by a military court in December 2015 after being slapped with charges of espionage and involvement in anti-state activities. The court gave the verdict after Pakistan`s Ministry of Interior appraised that Ansari will be repatriated to India after completion of his prison term on December 15. Pakistani security agencies had claimed that Hamid had used fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and had entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents. (With inputs from ANI)

Video: Day after release from Pak prison, Hamid Ansari meets Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi

Congress leader Sajjan Kumar has written to party president Rahul Gandhi submitting his resignation from the primary membership of the party, sources in the party said on Tuesday.

On Monday, the Delhi High Court convicted Kumar for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and sentenced him to imprisonment for life.

"I tender my resignation with immediate effect from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress in the wake of the judgement of the honourable high court of Delhi against me," he said in the letter to Gandhi.

Congress leader Sajjan Kumar has written to party president Rahul Gandhi submitting his resignation from the primary membership of the party, sources in the party said on Tuesday.

Congress leader Sajjan Kumar has written to party president Rahul Gandhi submitting his resignation from the primary membership of the party, sources in the party said on Tuesday. On Monday, the Delhi High Court convicted Kumar for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and sentenced him to imprisonment for life. "I tender my resignation with immediate effect from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress in the wake of the judgement of the honourable high court of Delhi against me," he said in the letter to Gandhi.

Sajjan Kumar resigns from Congress primary membership, writes to Rahul Gandhi

Over 1.7 crore minority community students have been awarded a scholarship in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Tuesday.

"You will be happy to know that in #Bangla, we have distributed scholarships to over 1.7 crore minority students, the highest in the country. 
My best wishes to all,” the chief minister tweeted on the occasion of Minorities Rights Day.&nbsp;

Stressing on equality and the necessity of staying united, the chief minister tweeted, "Today is #MinorityRightsDay. We are all equal and united. 
Unity in diversity is our strength.”&nbsp;

Minorities Rights Day is celebrated on this day every year to protect the rights of the minority communities and forge a better understanding among religious minorities in the country.

Over 1.7 crore minority community students have been awarded a scholarship in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Tuesday. "You will be happy to know that in #Bangla, we have distributed scholarships to over 1.

Over 1.7 crore minority community students have been awarded a scholarship in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Tuesday. "You will be happy to know that in #Bangla, we have distributed scholarships to over 1.7 crore minority students, the highest in the country. My best wishes to all,” the chief minister tweeted on the occasion of Minorities Rights Day. Stressing on equality and the necessity of staying united, the chief minister tweeted, "Today is #MinorityRightsDay. We are all equal and united. Unity in diversity is our strength.” Minorities Rights Day is celebrated on this day every year to protect the rights of the minority communities and forge a better understanding among religious minorities in the country.

Scholarships awarded to 1.7 crore minority students in West Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee

It took 13 rounds of diplomatic discussions between India and China to resolve the face-off between their militaries in Doklam last year, according to a report by a parliamentary panel.&nbsp;

The report by the committee on External Affairs termed the Chinese intrusion at Doklam as a “blatant but unsuccessful attempt” to unilaterally change the status quo at the India, Bhutan, China tri-junction in Doklam, seriously affecting India’s security interests.

Complimenting the government’s handling of the face-off, the committee said it remained concerned that Chinese infrastructure built “uncomfortably” close to the tri-junction has not yet been dismantled.

The committee, headed by former minister of state in External Affairs Ministry Shashi Tharoor, said Doklam was not a sovereignty issue for India as the disputed territory was Bhutanese, but nevertheless, it was a major security challenge for New Delhi.&nbsp;

“The committee would like to put on record their highest appreciation for the brave and timely action of our security forces which checked the PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) troops from continuing with their road construction activity in South Doklam,” the panel said in the report tabled in Parliament on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/central-asia/post-doklam-india-china-to-hold-joint-military-exercise-in-chengdu-180291">Troops of India and China </a>were locked in a 73-day face-off in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The impasse ended on August 28. The report quoted the then Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar as telling the panel on October 18 last year that 13 rounds of diplomatic discussions were held with China and they were led by the Indian envoy in Beijing.

Vijay Gokhale, who succeeded Jaishankar as Foreign Secretary in January, was India’s Ambassador to China during the Doklam crisis.

The report said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/g20-summit-bring-a-truce-in-us-china-trade-relations-181105">diplomatic communications with China</a> began following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hamburg on July 7 last year on the sidelines of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-g20-summit-in-2022-pm-modi-announces-in-argentina-180796">G20 summit.</a>&nbsp;

In the talks, India contested the Chinese claim of sovereignty in Doklam region, conveyed to Beijing that its action represented a significant change in status quo with serious security implications for India and amounted to a unilateral determination of the tri-junction point, according to the foreign secretary.

The committee complimented the government’s overall handling of the crisis as it managed to send necessary signals to China that India will not “acquiesce” in its unilateral and forceful attempts to change the status quo at any of India’s territorial boundaries.&nbsp;

It expressed concerns over multiple reports which allude to Chinese presence around Doklam plateau and the statements from Chinese authorities about chances of similar happenings in future also even after the standoff at Doklam ended.

“The government has categorically denied that there is any direct threat from Chinese troops presently. The committee, however, are of the opinion that while dealing with China, it is always better to have a sense of ‘healthy scepticism’,” it said.&nbsp;

The panel said India’s defence forces and the diplomatic corps have shown firmness in responding to the crisis without actually being drawn into any kind of political rhetoric.

The foreign secretary was quoted in the report as saying that during the entire course of the Doklam standoff, the ground situation was “very civil and that there was no body contact”.&nbsp;

To avoid border skirmishes, the panel strongly desired that a comprehensive Border Engagement Agreement is concluded between the Indian Army and the PLA, subsuming all established mechanisms for confidence building between the two sides.

The Committee also expressed unhappiness over grossly inadequate border road infrastructure along the India-China frontier. It was also of the opinion that an objective and in-depth assessment of India’s relationship with China should be carried out by the government promptly so that a broad national consensus is evolved on how to deal effectively with China.

It took 13 rounds of diplomatic discussions between India and China to resolve the face-off between their militaries in Doklam last year, according to a report by a parliamentary panel.

It took 13 rounds of diplomatic discussions between India and China to resolve the face-off between their militaries in Doklam last year, according to a report by a parliamentary panel. The report by the committee on External Affairs termed the Chinese intrusion at Doklam as a “blatant but unsuccessful attempt” to unilaterally change the status quo at the India, Bhutan, China tri-junction in Doklam, seriously affecting India’s security interests. Complimenting the government’s handling of the face-off, the committee said it remained concerned that Chinese infrastructure built “uncomfortably” close to the tri-junction has not yet been dismantled. The committee, headed by former minister of state in External Affairs Ministry Shashi Tharoor, said Doklam was not a sovereignty issue for India as the disputed territory was Bhutanese, but nevertheless, it was a major security challenge for New Delhi. “The committee would like to put on record their highest appreciation for the brave and timely action of our security forces which checked the PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) troops from continuing with their road construction activity in South Doklam,” the panel said in the report tabled in Parliament on Monday. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day face-off in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The impasse ended on August 28. The report quoted the then Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar as telling the panel on October 18 last year that 13 rounds of diplomatic discussions were held with China and they were led by the Indian envoy in Beijing. Vijay Gokhale, who succeeded Jaishankar as Foreign Secretary in January, was India’s Ambassador to China during the Doklam crisis. The report said diplomatic communications with China began following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hamburg on July 7 last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit. In the talks, India contested the Chinese claim of sovereignty in Doklam region, conveyed to Beijing that its action represented a significant change in status quo with serious security implications for India and amounted to a unilateral determination of the tri-junction point, according to the foreign secretary. The committee complimented the government’s overall handling of the crisis as it managed to send necessary signals to China that India will not “acquiesce” in its unilateral and forceful attempts to change the status quo at any of India’s territorial boundaries. It expressed concerns over multiple reports which allude to Chinese presence around Doklam plateau and the statements from Chinese authorities about chances of similar happenings in future also even after the standoff at Doklam ended. “The government has categorically denied that there is any direct threat from Chinese troops presently. The committee, however, are of the opinion that while dealing with China, it is always better to have a sense of ‘healthy scepticism’,” it said. The panel said India’s defence forces and the diplomatic corps have shown firmness in responding to the crisis without actually being drawn into any kind of political rhetoric. The foreign secretary was quoted in the report as saying that during the entire course of the Doklam standoff, the ground situation was “very civil and that there was no body contact”. To avoid border skirmishes, the panel strongly desired that a comprehensive Border Engagement Agreement is concluded between the Indian Army and the PLA, subsuming all established mechanisms for confidence building between the two sides. The Committee also expressed unhappiness over grossly inadequate border road infrastructure along the India-China frontier. It was also of the opinion that an objective and in-depth assessment of India’s relationship with China should be carried out by the government promptly so that a broad national consensus is evolved on how to deal effectively with China.

Parliamentary panel concerned over Chinese infrastructure close to Doklam

Embattled <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-vijay-mallya-enters-the-oval-stadium-to-watch-test-match-between-india-and-england-164321">liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya’</a>s legal troubles continue to mount as he is set to face bankruptcy proceedings in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-extradition-uk-court-asks-indian-government-to-submit-videos-of-arthur-road-jail-by-september-12-156067">UK High Court </a>next year, brought by a consortium of Indian banks in their attempt to recoup unpaid debt worth nearly 1.145 billion pounds.&nbsp;

TLT LLP, the UK-based law firm which had won a landmark case for the 13 banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) earlier this year, confirmed on Monday that their bankruptcy petition against the 62-year-old businessman has been transferred to the insolvency list in London’s High Court of Justice for a hearing in the first half of 2019.

“We can confirm that we presented a bankruptcy petition against Dr Mallya on behalf of the banks on 11 September 2018,” said Paul Gair, a partner at TLT.&nbsp;

“This was issued in Dr Mallya’s local court, Northampton County Court, and has now been transferred to the insolvency list in the High Court of Justice in London for the hearing. The hearing is expected to take place in the Spring,” he said.

In a ruling in May, a UK High Court judge had refused to overturn a worldwide order freezing Mallya’s assets and upheld an Indian court’s ruling that the consortium of 13 Indian banks was entitled to recover funds amounting to nearly 1.145 billion pounds.

TLT LLP has been representing the banks in their efforts to recover their dues as part of the worldwide freezing order, with the bankruptcy petition aimed at seizing his assets to recover dues.

Besides SBI, the 13 Indian banks include Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu &amp; Kashmir Bank, Punjab &amp; Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co Pvt Ltd. They have secured follow-on High Court orders to recover some of the funds owed to them as a result of unpaid loans by Mallya’s now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

Mallya, meanwhile, remains on bail after his extradition was recently ordered by Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, an order which now awaits a sign-off by UK home secretary Sajid Javid.&nbsp;

Chief Magistrate, Judge Emma Arbuthnot, had ruled last week that Mallya does have a case to answer in the Indian courts over substantial “misrepresentations” of his financial dealings, in a boost to India’s efforts to bring back the businessman wanted for alleged bank fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.&nbsp;

“There is clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds and I find a prima facie case the Dr Mallya was involved in a conspiracy to launder money,” the ruling noted.

Mallya has indicated that he plans to appeal the verdict in the High Court. &nbsp;“My legal team will review the judgment in detail, consider various options and then I will decide going forward. There is a process ahead,” he told reporters. He will have 14 days to file an appeal once Javid has made his decision on the extradition order, which rarely goes against the Chief Magistrate’s conclusion.&nbsp;

In separate legal proceedings, Mallya is also set for a trial in May next year to prevent his posh London home, overlooking Regent’s Park, from foreclosure by Swiss Bank UBS.

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya’s legal troubles continue to mount as he is set to face bankruptcy proceedings in the UK High Court next year, brought by a consortium of Indian banks in their attempt to recoup unpaid debt worth nearly 1.

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya’s legal troubles continue to mount as he is set to face bankruptcy proceedings in the UK High Court next year, brought by a consortium of Indian banks in their attempt to recoup unpaid debt worth nearly 1.145 billion pounds. TLT LLP, the UK-based law firm which had won a landmark case for the 13 banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) earlier this year, confirmed on Monday that their bankruptcy petition against the 62-year-old businessman has been transferred to the insolvency list in London’s High Court of Justice for a hearing in the first half of 2019. “We can confirm that we presented a bankruptcy petition against Dr Mallya on behalf of the banks on 11 September 2018,” said Paul Gair, a partner at TLT. “This was issued in Dr Mallya’s local court, Northampton County Court, and has now been transferred to the insolvency list in the High Court of Justice in London for the hearing. The hearing is expected to take place in the Spring,” he said. In a ruling in May, a UK High Court judge had refused to overturn a worldwide order freezing Mallya’s assets and upheld an Indian court’s ruling that the consortium of 13 Indian banks was entitled to recover funds amounting to nearly 1.145 billion pounds. TLT LLP has been representing the banks in their efforts to recover their dues as part of the worldwide freezing order, with the bankruptcy petition aimed at seizing his assets to recover dues. Besides SBI, the 13 Indian banks include Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co Pvt Ltd. They have secured follow-on High Court orders to recover some of the funds owed to them as a result of unpaid loans by Mallya’s now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Mallya, meanwhile, remains on bail after his extradition was recently ordered by Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, an order which now awaits a sign-off by UK home secretary Sajid Javid. Chief Magistrate, Judge Emma Arbuthnot, had ruled last week that Mallya does have a case to answer in the Indian courts over substantial “misrepresentations” of his financial dealings, in a boost to India’s efforts to bring back the businessman wanted for alleged bank fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores. “There is clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds and I find a prima facie case the Dr Mallya was involved in a conspiracy to launder money,” the ruling noted. Mallya has indicated that he plans to appeal the verdict in the High Court. “My legal team will review the judgment in detail, consider various options and then I will decide going forward. There is a process ahead,” he told reporters. He will have 14 days to file an appeal once Javid has made his decision on the extradition order, which rarely goes against the Chief Magistrate’s conclusion. In separate legal proceedings, Mallya is also set for a trial in May next year to prevent his posh London home, overlooking Regent’s Park, from foreclosure by Swiss Bank UBS.

Vijay Mallya faces bankruptcy proceedings in UK High Court

The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force successfully airlifted a record 463 tonnes of the load from its Chandigarh airbase to airfields and drop zones in the Ladakh region on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The entire exercise took place in a single attempt. The effort was accomplished with the help of a fleet of 16 fixed-wing transport aircraft comprising C-17 Globemaster, the Ilyushin-76 Gajraj and the Medium lift Tactical aircraft, Antonov-32. All aircraft were loaded and taken off from the Chandigarh airbase early in the morning on Tuesday.

Air Marshal NJS Dhillon AVSM, the Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command, under whose direction the effort was achieved said, "Rapid air mobility is a key component of modern warfare. This assumes greater significance in short and intense wars. This is very true in India’s context, especially when related to air mobility to airfields in the Ladakh region. With a wide spectrum of military transport aircraft in its inventory, the IAF now has a credible airlift capability which has provided succour on numerous occasions when the nation was struck with natural calamities”

The entire exercise was accomplished in little less than 6 hours. Airlift of approximately 500 tonnes, in the achieved time frame and at one go, happens to be a record and enhances the assessment of the Commands’ capability towards rapid and heavy airlift.&nbsp;

The command is entrusted with the air maintenance of the country's entire northern region and, under normal operating circumstances, airlifts close to 3,000 tonnes of load per month.

The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force successfully airlifted a record 463 tonnes of the load from its Chandigarh airbase to airfields and drop zones in the Ladakh region on Tuesday.

The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force successfully airlifted a record 463 tonnes of the load from its Chandigarh airbase to airfields and drop zones in the Ladakh region on Tuesday. The entire exercise took place in a single attempt. The effort was accomplished with the help of a fleet of 16 fixed-wing transport aircraft comprising C-17 Globemaster, the Ilyushin-76 Gajraj and the Medium lift Tactical aircraft, Antonov-32. All aircraft were loaded and taken off from the Chandigarh airbase early in the morning on Tuesday. Air Marshal NJS Dhillon AVSM, the Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command, under whose direction the effort was achieved said, "Rapid air mobility is a key component of modern warfare. This assumes greater significance in short and intense wars. This is very true in India’s context, especially when related to air mobility to airfields in the Ladakh region. With a wide spectrum of military transport aircraft in its inventory, the IAF now has a credible airlift capability which has provided succour on numerous occasions when the nation was struck with natural calamities” The entire exercise was accomplished in little less than 6 hours. Airlift of approximately 500 tonnes, in the achieved time frame and at one go, happens to be a record and enhances the assessment of the Commands’ capability towards rapid and heavy airlift. The command is entrusted with the air maintenance of the country's entire northern region and, under normal operating circumstances, airlifts close to 3,000 tonnes of load per month.

Western Air Command airlifts record 463 tonne load at one go

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that he was not only an 'accidental prime minister' of India but also the country's accidental 'finance minister.'

"I have been termed as an accident prime minister of the country, but I think that I was also an accidental finance minister," he said after the launch of his book 'Changing India' in Delhi on Tuesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh speaks of the time he was appointed as the Finance Minister in the govt led by PV Narasimha Rao, says "People say I was accidental Prime Minister, I was also accidental Finance Minister". <a href="https://t.co/HVJyOoAZEa">pic.twitter.com/HVJyOoAZEa</a>
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Former Prime Minister Singh went on to add that while he was criticised for being a "silent" prime minister, he never shied away from speaking to the press.

"People say I was a silent prime minister, but I think these volumes (his book) speak for themselves. I was not the prime minister who was afraid of talking to the press. I met the press regularly. In every foreign tour, I had press conferences in the plane or after landing," he noted.

Singh further noted that when he was India's Finance Minister in 1991, he was successful in helping turn a crisis into a "great opportunity."

"Life has been a great adventure and an enterprise, which I relish. I have no regrets. I will never be able to return what my country gave me. Some part of life has been smooth sailing and there were some hiccups," he noted.

Singh, who has been very critical of the BJP-led Central government for destroying the economy through the implementation of Goods and Services Tax and&nbsp;demonetisation, said that despite all the hiccups and hurdles, India will rise to be a superpower.

"This country is destined to be a major power. The thrust of India's economic policy has not changed for the last 25 years," he added.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that he was not only an 'accidental prime minister' of India but also the country's accidental 'finance minister.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that he was not only an 'accidental prime minister' of India but also the country's accidental 'finance minister.' "I have been termed as an accident prime minister of the country, but I think that I was also an accidental finance minister," he said after the launch of his book 'Changing India' in Delhi on Tuesday. #WATCH: Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh speaks of the time he was appointed as the Finance Minister in the govt led by PV Narasimha Rao, says "People say I was accidental Prime Minister, I was also accidental Finance Minister". pic.twitter.com/HVJyOoAZEa — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × Former Prime Minister Singh went on to add that while he was criticised for being a "silent" prime minister, he never shied away from speaking to the press. "People say I was a silent prime minister, but I think these volumes (his book) speak for themselves. I was not the prime minister who was afraid of talking to the press. I met the press regularly. In every foreign tour, I had press conferences in the plane or after landing," he noted. Singh further noted that when he was India's Finance Minister in 1991, he was successful in helping turn a crisis into a "great opportunity." "Life has been a great adventure and an enterprise, which I relish. I have no regrets. I will never be able to return what my country gave me. Some part of life has been smooth sailing and there were some hiccups," he noted. Singh, who has been very critical of the BJP-led Central government for destroying the economy through the implementation of Goods and Services Tax and demonetisation, said that despite all the hiccups and hurdles, India will rise to be a superpower. "This country is destined to be a major power. The thrust of India's economic policy has not changed for the last 25 years," he added.

Not just PM, I was also accidental finance minister: Manmohan Singh 

The interim chief of Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) M Nageswara Rao was promoted to the rank of an Additional Director by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Rao was appointed as interim chief of the CBI after the government stepped in between the fight of CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana that took place at midnight of October 24.

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M Nageswara Rao, the interim CBI Director, has been promoted to the rank of Additional Director by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. <a href="https://t.co/ixVJn0iOoX">pic.twitter.com/ixVJn0iOoX</a>
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After his appointment, the Centre had sent both Verma and Asthana on a leave with immediate effect.

While giving him certain powers as interim chief of the CBI, the Supreme Court had asked him not to formulate any key policy decisions until it hears the petition regarding the feud between Verma and Asthana.

The interim chief of Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) M Nageswara Rao was promoted to the rank of an Additional Director by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

The interim chief of Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) M Nageswara Rao was promoted to the rank of an Additional Director by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Rao was appointed as interim chief of the CBI after the government stepped in between the fight of CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana that took place at midnight of October 24. M Nageswara Rao, the interim CBI Director, has been promoted to the rank of Additional Director by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. pic.twitter.com/ixVJn0iOoX — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × After his appointment, the Centre had sent both Verma and Asthana on a leave with immediate effect. While giving him certain powers as interim chief of the CBI, the Supreme Court had asked him not to formulate any key policy decisions until it hears the petition regarding the feud between Verma and Asthana.

Interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao elevated to Additional Director rank

Minister of State (Home Affairs) Hansraj Ahir on Tuesday said the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) will be limited to Assam for now.

Ahir filed a written reply in Lok Sabha amid the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which began on December 11.On December 12, the Supreme Court had extended the last date of filing claims and objections on the inclusion of names in the draft (NRC) from December 15 to December 31, 2018.

"Out of 40 lakh people who were left out of the final draft NRC, 14.8 lakh people have filed claims," NRC coordinator Prateek Hajela told the apex court.

The top court had also extended the date for commencement of verification to February 15 from the earlier date of February 1.

Earlier, the Assam government had sought an extension of the one-month deadline for filing claims for inclusion in the NRC draft from the Supreme Court.

NRC is a register containing names of Indian citizens, which was prepared for the only time in 1951 and is being updated for only Assam to weed out the illegal immigrants.&nbsp;

Minister of State (Home Affairs) Hansraj Ahir on Tuesday said the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) will be limited to Assam for now. Ahir filed a written reply in Lok Sabha amid the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which began on December 11.

Minister of State (Home Affairs) Hansraj Ahir on Tuesday said the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) will be limited to Assam for now. Ahir filed a written reply in Lok Sabha amid the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which began on December 11.On December 12, the Supreme Court had extended the last date of filing claims and objections on the inclusion of names in the draft (NRC) from December 15 to December 31, 2018. "Out of 40 lakh people who were left out of the final draft NRC, 14.8 lakh people have filed claims," NRC coordinator Prateek Hajela told the apex court. The top court had also extended the date for commencement of verification to February 15 from the earlier date of February 1. Earlier, the Assam government had sought an extension of the one-month deadline for filing claims for inclusion in the NRC draft from the Supreme Court. NRC is a register containing names of Indian citizens, which was prepared for the only time in 1951 and is being updated for only Assam to weed out the illegal immigrants.

NRC will be limited to Assam for now: Hansraj Ahir

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said the relationship between the government and the RBI is like that of "husband-wife" and the difference of opinions must be resolved in a manner that the two institutions work in harmony.

The comments came against the backdrop of Urjit Patel resigning as RBI Governor earlier this month amid a tussle between the central bank and the finance ministry on matters ranging from the appropriate size of reserves the central bank must hold to the easing of lending norms for sectors such as small and medium enterprises.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of his six-volume series of books titled 'Changing India' here, Singh, who is also a former RBI governor, said one has to respect the autonomy and the independence of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

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Former PM Manmohan Singh: The strong, independent Reserve Bank of India has to work in close cooperation with the central govt. So I do hope &amp; pray that Reserve Bank &amp; the Govt of India would find ways and means to work in harmony with each other. <a href="https://t.co/uiRvw4xFWQ">pic.twitter.com/uiRvw4xFWQ</a>
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"At the same time, I would say the relation between government and RBI is like husband-wife relationship. There will be hiccups, there will be difference of opinion, but ultimately these must be harmonised in a manner that these two great institutions can work in harmony," Singh said.

Following the resignation of Patel, the government appointed former Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, who spearheaded normalisation of economy post demonetisation of November 2016, as new RBI Governor.

"Whosoever is Governor of RBI, I wish him well," Singh said.

The former PM and Rajya Sabha member further said "we need" a strong and independent RBI which has to work in close cooperation with the central government.

"I do hope and pray that the government and the RBI find a way to work together," he added.

On questions related to farm loan waivers announced by the new governments in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Singh said "we have to honour" the commitment that is part of the election manifesto which went to poll.

"I haven't studied the impact but since the commitment has been made so we have to honour it," he said and added the loan waiver was a commitment made to people of the two states and what has been promised has to be delivered.&nbsp;

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said the relationship between the government and the RBI is like that of "husband-wife" and the difference of opinions must be resolved in a manner that the two institutions work in harmony.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said the relationship between the government and the RBI is like that of "husband-wife" and the difference of opinions must be resolved in a manner that the two institutions work in harmony. The comments came against the backdrop of Urjit Patel resigning as RBI Governor earlier this month amid a tussle between the central bank and the finance ministry on matters ranging from the appropriate size of reserves the central bank must hold to the easing of lending norms for sectors such as small and medium enterprises. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of his six-volume series of books titled 'Changing India' here, Singh, who is also a former RBI governor, said one has to respect the autonomy and the independence of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Former PM Manmohan Singh: The strong, independent Reserve Bank of India has to work in close cooperation with the central govt. So I do hope & pray that Reserve Bank & the Govt of India would find ways and means to work in harmony with each other. pic.twitter.com/uiRvw4xFWQ — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × "At the same time, I would say the relation between government and RBI is like husband-wife relationship. There will be hiccups, there will be difference of opinion, but ultimately these must be harmonised in a manner that these two great institutions can work in harmony," Singh said. Following the resignation of Patel, the government appointed former Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, who spearheaded normalisation of economy post demonetisation of November 2016, as new RBI Governor. "Whosoever is Governor of RBI, I wish him well," Singh said. The former PM and Rajya Sabha member further said "we need" a strong and independent RBI which has to work in close cooperation with the central government. "I do hope and pray that the government and the RBI find a way to work together," he added. On questions related to farm loan waivers announced by the new governments in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Singh said "we have to honour" the commitment that is part of the election manifesto which went to poll. "I haven't studied the impact but since the commitment has been made so we have to honour it," he said and added the loan waiver was a commitment made to people of the two states and what has been promised has to be delivered.

Govt-RBI relationship like that of husband-wife: Ex-PM Manmohan Singh 

Diamantaire made the news this year for all the wrong reasons. Modi fled India after being accused of money laundering, Rs 11,400-crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank and embezzlement.

The alleged kingpin of the largest banking scam in the country's history, Modi left the country along with his family in the first week of January, before the alleged scam became public.

The PNB, the second largest state-run bank, had, on February 14, informed the exchanges about detecting the fraud at its Brady House branch in Mumbai, and named the firms led by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Group, and some other diamond and jewellery merchants as suspects.

Central government agencies - the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate - registered cases on the complaint by the bank and launched nationwide searches on dozens of offices and residences of the alleged fraudsters. The bank named Nirav Modi's brother, his American wife Ami, and uncle Mehul Choksi besides some others in the FIR.

In December this year, the Interpol issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Choksi. The notice is a kind of international warrant through which the Interpol requests its member countries to catch fugutives wanted by the international police organisation. Nirav Modi has already been slapped with the RCN in July.

The CBI is also probing an additional loan default of over Rs 5,000 crore given to Choksi's companies.

At a hearing before a special court in Mumbai, his lawyer had said that the fugitive diamantaire cannot return to India as he is afraid of "getting lynched". His last known location is believed to be in the UK and India has approached the British government for his extradition.

Nirav Modi was a regular feature on the lists of rich and famous for years.

Diamantaire made the news this year for all the wrong reasons. Modi fled India after being accused of money laundering, Rs 11,400-crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank and embezzlement.

Diamantaire made the news this year for all the wrong reasons. Modi fled India after being accused of money laundering, Rs 11,400-crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank and embezzlement. The alleged kingpin of the largest banking scam in the country's history, Modi left the country along with his family in the first week of January, before the alleged scam became public. The PNB, the second largest state-run bank, had, on February 14, informed the exchanges about detecting the fraud at its Brady House branch in Mumbai, and named the firms led by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Group, and some other diamond and jewellery merchants as suspects. Central government agencies - the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate - registered cases on the complaint by the bank and launched nationwide searches on dozens of offices and residences of the alleged fraudsters. The bank named Nirav Modi's brother, his American wife Ami, and uncle Mehul Choksi besides some others in the FIR. In December this year, the Interpol issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Choksi. The notice is a kind of international warrant through which the Interpol requests its member countries to catch fugutives wanted by the international police organisation. Nirav Modi has already been slapped with the RCN in July. The CBI is also probing an additional loan default of over Rs 5,000 crore given to Choksi's companies. At a hearing before a special court in Mumbai, his lawyer had said that the fugitive diamantaire cannot return to India as he is afraid of "getting lynched". His last known location is believed to be in the UK and India has approached the British government for his extradition. Nirav Modi was a regular feature on the lists of rich and famous for years.

Nirav Modi: Fugitive diamantaire and India's most wanted

It was an emotional moment for the Ansari family when the parents hugged their son soon after he crossed the Attari-Wagah border and walked onto Indian territory.

Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansari-in-jail-in-pak-for-6-years-crosses-back-over-into-india-185105">who crossed back over into India on Tuesda</a>y,&nbsp;said a prayer with his family, and hugged his mother as soon as he stepped foot on Indian territory.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The 33-year-old could be seen consoling his mother, Fauzia, who was unable to fight back tears and kept hugging and kissing her son who was being reunited with the family after six years.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Ansari's mother had told reporters that the prayers of the family and of all those who wished for his safe return had been answered. She stated that she didn't have words to describe her feelings.

"I am immensely happy today. I don't have words to describe my feelings."

His father, Nihal Ansari, said, "It is a new dawn for us".

Hamid Ansari was received by Indian officials at the Attari-Wagah route and crossed over into Indian territory after the conclusion of the beating-retreat ceremony. He crossed over to India on the basis of emergency travel certificate issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Indian national Hamid Ansari crosses the Attari-Wagah border to reach India. He was lodged in a jail in Pakistan and was released today. <a href="https://t.co/FYJAlAZGac">pic.twitter.com/FYJAlAZGac</a>
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Ansari, a software engineer from Mumbai, had spent around six years in a Pakistan jail. He was arrested in 2012 for illegally entering Pakistan from Afghanistan, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online.

Ansari was first sentenced to three years' imprisonment by a military court in 2015 for possessing a fake Pakistani identity card. The Mumbai resident's term ended on December 15, but he was not able to leave for India as his legal documents were not ready, news agency PTI reported. &nbsp;

Ansari was taken for his medical checkup immediately after his return. The Peshawar High Court, last Thursday, had given the Pakistan government a month's deadline to complete his repatriation process.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday termed it an event of "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-matter-of-great-relief-mea-on-hamid-ansaris-release-from-pak-jail-184890">great relief</a>" after learning about Ansari's release for Pak jail.&nbsp;

"It's a matter of great relief, especially for family members, that 6 yrs of incarceration is coming to an end. We would like Pakistan to take action to also end the misery of other Indian nationals and fishermen whose nationality has been confirmed and who've completed their sentences, but continue to languish in Pakistan jails." the MEA stated.&nbsp;

"We hope Pakistan would respond and organize an early visit of Joint Judicial Committee so that issues of prisoners can be dealt with in a humanitarian and timely manner," the MEA added.&nbsp;

It was an emotional moment for the Ansari family when the parents hugged their son soon after he crossed the Attari-Wagah border and walked onto Indian territory.

It was an emotional moment for the Ansari family when the parents hugged their son soon after he crossed the Attari-Wagah border and walked onto Indian territory. Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, who crossed back over into India on Tuesday, said a prayer with his family, and hugged his mother as soon as he stepped foot on Indian territory. The 33-year-old could be seen consoling his mother, Fauzia, who was unable to fight back tears and kept hugging and kissing her son who was being reunited with the family after six years. Earlier in the day, Ansari's mother had told reporters that the prayers of the family and of all those who wished for his safe return had been answered. She stated that she didn't have words to describe her feelings. "I am immensely happy today. I don't have words to describe my feelings." His father, Nihal Ansari, said, "It is a new dawn for us". Hamid Ansari was received by Indian officials at the Attari-Wagah route and crossed over into Indian territory after the conclusion of the beating-retreat ceremony. He crossed over to India on the basis of emergency travel certificate issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. #WATCH: Indian national Hamid Ansari crosses the Attari-Wagah border to reach India. He was lodged in a jail in Pakistan and was released today. pic.twitter.com/FYJAlAZGac — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × Ansari, a software engineer from Mumbai, had spent around six years in a Pakistan jail. He was arrested in 2012 for illegally entering Pakistan from Afghanistan, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. Ansari was first sentenced to three years' imprisonment by a military court in 2015 for possessing a fake Pakistani identity card. The Mumbai resident's term ended on December 15, but he was not able to leave for India as his legal documents were not ready, news agency PTI reported. Ansari was taken for his medical checkup immediately after his return. The Peshawar High Court, last Thursday, had given the Pakistan government a month's deadline to complete his repatriation process. The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday termed it an event of "great relief" after learning about Ansari's release for Pak jail. "It's a matter of great relief, especially for family members, that 6 yrs of incarceration is coming to an end. We would like Pakistan to take action to also end the misery of other Indian nationals and fishermen whose nationality has been confirmed and who've completed their sentences, but continue to languish in Pakistan jails." the MEA stated. "We hope Pakistan would respond and organize an early visit of Joint Judicial Committee so that issues of prisoners can be dealt with in a humanitarian and timely manner," the MEA added.

Hamid Nihal Ansari returns home: His mother cried, hugged him, he consoled her

The previous Maldivian government had followed a pro-China policy

After six long years in jail in Pakistan, Mumbaikar Hamid Nihal Ansari was repatriated back to India on Tuesday. He <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansari-in-jail-in-pak-for-6-years-crosses-back-over-into-india-185105">had a tearful reunion with his parents and brother at the Wagah border</a>; he had been in Pakistan for 2,232 days.

"Extremely happy. Back home after six long years. I don't have words to express..." Hamid said the media at Wagah.&nbsp;

Hamid Nihal Ansari and his family are likely to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION earlier, Hamid's mother thanked both the governments of India and Pakistan and "all those people who helped us right from the beginning, who stood on our side in our time of crisis". Hamid's father, Nehal Ansari, told WION, "We are very happy. no words to express our gratitude and happiness. Our thanks to all the people from the government of India and government of Pakistan. So many people were supportive. "

It may be noted here that India had put relentess pressure on Pakistan over Hamid. Ninety-six note verbales were issued to Pakistan seeking consular access and clarity on the charges against him, on which India received no satisfactory response.&nbsp;

Keeping in mind the fact that Hamid's court-mandated sentence was coming to an end on December 16, India upped the ante at multiple levels in the preceding weeks, seeking to ensure Ansari's release and quick repatriation to India.

Journalist Jatin Desai, who accompanied Hamid's family to Wagah and has been credited with his release, called on India and Pakistan to release more prisoners. &nbsp;"They need to be seen from a humanitarian perspective, which we don't. Hamid can set an example," Desai told WION.&nbsp;

Earlier, welcoming Hamid's release, India said: "We would like Pakistan to take action &nbsp;to also end the misery of other Indian nationals and fishermen whose nationality has been confirmed and who have completed their sentences, but continue to languish in Pakistan jails."

Hamid went to Pakistan via Afghanistan in 2012 after befriending on social media a Pakistani girl whom he fell in love with. He went to Pakistan's Kohat on a fake passport and was arrested by security officials.

Hamid Nihal Ansari's case has come to symbolise the many Indian and Pakistani nationals languishing in each others jails.&nbsp;

As per the India-Pakistan Agreement on Consular Access signed on May 21, 2008, Delhi and Islamabad exchange lists of "civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of the other" on January 1 and July 1 every year. According to the lists exchanged on July 1, 2018, there are 108 Pakistani fishermen and 249 Pakistani 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.&nbsp;

Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria, commenting on Hamid's release in a Facebook post, said, "We’re committed to bringing all our prisoners home. Too many still languish in prisons despite completing their sentences".&nbsp;

Sushma Swaraj suggested to the High Commissioner of Pakistan in October 2017 that the two sides could work together to resolve humanitarian issues related to the elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each others custody, and consider their early release and repatriation. She proposed the revival of the joint judicial committee, and that a team of Indian medical experts be allowed to visit mentally unsound prisoners with a view to facilitating the verification of their nationality and subsequent repatriation. Pakistan responded positively on March 7, 2018.&nbsp;

After six long years in jail in Pakistan, Mumbaikar Hamid Nihal Ansari was repatriated back to India on Tuesday. He had a tearful reunion with his parents and brother at the Wagah border; he had been in Pakistan for 2,232 days.

After six long years in jail in Pakistan, Mumbaikar Hamid Nihal Ansari was repatriated back to India on Tuesday. He had a tearful reunion with his parents and brother at the Wagah border; he had been in Pakistan for 2,232 days. "Extremely happy. Back home after six long years. I don't have words to express..." Hamid said the media at Wagah. Hamid Nihal Ansari and his family are likely to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday. Speaking to WION earlier, Hamid's mother thanked both the governments of India and Pakistan and "all those people who helped us right from the beginning, who stood on our side in our time of crisis". Hamid's father, Nehal Ansari, told WION, "We are very happy. no words to express our gratitude and happiness. Our thanks to all the people from the government of India and government of Pakistan. So many people were supportive. " It may be noted here that India had put relentess pressure on Pakistan over Hamid. Ninety-six note verbales were issued to Pakistan seeking consular access and clarity on the charges against him, on which India received no satisfactory response. Keeping in mind the fact that Hamid's court-mandated sentence was coming to an end on December 16, India upped the ante at multiple levels in the preceding weeks, seeking to ensure Ansari's release and quick repatriation to India. Journalist Jatin Desai, who accompanied Hamid's family to Wagah and has been credited with his release, called on India and Pakistan to release more prisoners. "They need to be seen from a humanitarian perspective, which we don't. Hamid can set an example," Desai told WION. Earlier, welcoming Hamid's release, India said: "We would like Pakistan to take action to also end the misery of other Indian nationals and fishermen whose nationality has been confirmed and who have completed their sentences, but continue to languish in Pakistan jails." Hamid went to Pakistan via Afghanistan in 2012 after befriending on social media a Pakistani girl whom he fell in love with. He went to Pakistan's Kohat on a fake passport and was arrested by security officials. Hamid Nihal Ansari's case has come to symbolise the many Indian and Pakistani nationals languishing in each others jails. As per the India-Pakistan Agreement on Consular Access signed on May 21, 2008, Delhi and Islamabad exchange lists of "civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of the other" on January 1 and July 1 every year. According to the lists exchanged on July 1, 2018, there are 108 Pakistani fishermen and 249 Pakistani 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. Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria, commenting on Hamid's release in a Facebook post, said, "We’re committed to bringing all our prisoners home. Too many still languish in prisons despite completing their sentences". Sushma Swaraj suggested to the High Commissioner of Pakistan in October 2017 that the two sides could work together to resolve humanitarian issues related to the elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each others custody, and consider their early release and repatriation. She proposed the revival of the joint judicial committee, and that a team of Indian medical experts be allowed to visit mentally unsound prisoners with a view to facilitating the verification of their nationality and subsequent repatriation. Pakistan responded positively on March 7, 2018.

Don't have words to express... : Hamid Nihal Ansari on return to India after 6 years in jail in Pak

Hours after becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-sworn-in-as-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-184795">Kamal Nath</a> pitched for jobs for locals on Monday.&nbsp;

The Madhya Pradesh CM said that "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here &amp; local people don't get jobs."

Speaking to reporters, the newly-appointed chief minister said, "Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70% people from Madhya Pradesh get employment."&nbsp;

He further added that he has signed a file for ensuring that jobs remain with the locals.

The veteran politician also said that waiving off farm loans was a promise made before MP elections and he has fulfilled it. He then said employment was another promise made and he will strive to provide people of Madhya Pradesh with jobs.

Asked about arrangements of funds for farm loan-waiver and other schemes, Kamal Nath said, "New resources would be developed to arrange funds. The BJP has admitted the truth that they have left the state's treasury in a bad shape."

To a question about banning RSS shakhas in government buildings which were promised in the Congress manifesto, he said, "We have talked about following similar rules enacted by the Centre and the Gujarat government."

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.

(With inputs from PTI)

Hours after becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath pitched for jobs for locals on Monday. The Madhya Pradesh CM said that "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here & local people don't get jobs.

Hours after becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath pitched for jobs for locals on Monday. The Madhya Pradesh CM said that "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here & local people don't get jobs." Speaking to reporters, the newly-appointed chief minister said, "Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70% people from Madhya Pradesh get employment." He further added that he has signed a file for ensuring that jobs remain with the locals. The veteran politician also said that waiving off farm loans was a promise made before MP elections and he has fulfilled it. He then said employment was another promise made and he will strive to provide people of Madhya Pradesh with jobs. Asked about arrangements of funds for farm loan-waiver and other schemes, Kamal Nath said, "New resources would be developed to arrange funds. The BJP has admitted the truth that they have left the state's treasury in a bad shape." To a question about banning RSS shakhas in government buildings which were promised in the Congress manifesto, he said, "We have talked about following similar rules enacted by the Centre and the Gujarat government." 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. (With inputs from PTI)

Kamal Nath pitches for 70% jobs to Madhya Pradesh residents, says UP and Bihar people take away locals' job

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said a total of 5602 farmers have been affected, 37 houses damaged so far due to the cyclonic storm 'Phethai.'

Addressing the media here, Naidu said, "17 Mandals are affected in East Godavari district, in which 5602 farmers are affected, 37 houses are damaged, 28 partially damaged, and 2179 hectares of paddy fields and 30 hectares of horticulture have been damaged."

However, Naidu said electricity supply has been restored in 14 mandals, while 187 rehabilitation camps have been set up.

"32,000 people have been provided food. Mobile connectivity has been restored. East Godavari and Krishna administration brought the situation under control within hours," he added.

Talking about the preparedness of the state administration, Naidu said hourly bulletins were issued to create awareness, assisted by the Andhra Pradesh Weather Forecasting and Early Warning Research Centre (AWARE), with the help of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Elaborating upon the measures that the state took in order to minimise the damage of the cyclone, the chief minister asserted that the teams were prepared for any eventuality and mock drill too was held.

"On December 7, we identified it and, assessed that it will turn into a cyclone. However, Pethai played hide and seek, and its intensity weakened too. The mangrove forests in the region also reduced the effect. We had prepared teams to face any eventuality and also conducted mock drills," said Naidu.

Lauding the efforts of the officials and workers who were involved in restoration and clearance work the chief minister added, "Our collectors and district level departments worked very hard and efficiently. At Kakinada, they worked within minutes and within half an hour of landfall, everything was cleared. We managed power failures, used generators within minutes of power failure. We established multipurpose cyclone shelters. Midday meal system was used for providing food to the victims."

Naidu, who conducted an aerial survey of the areas affected by the cyclone in East Godavari district earlier today, also informed that as many as 51 IAS officers have worked in the rescue-restoration operations.

As per Naidu, a cyclone plays on the psyche of people and in order to counter that, a lot of manpower was provided including the deployment of National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and other such agencies.

"During Hudhud cyclone, we had prepared a blue book, it was used during Titli cyclone. The blue book of Titli was fully used this time," he said.Cyclone Phethai hit Katrenikona town of Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district on December 17.

 
&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said a total of 5602 farmers have been affected, 37 houses damaged so far due to the cyclonic storm 'Phethai.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said a total of 5602 farmers have been affected, 37 houses damaged so far due to the cyclonic storm 'Phethai.' Addressing the media here, Naidu said, "17 Mandals are affected in East Godavari district, in which 5602 farmers are affected, 37 houses are damaged, 28 partially damaged, and 2179 hectares of paddy fields and 30 hectares of horticulture have been damaged." However, Naidu said electricity supply has been restored in 14 mandals, while 187 rehabilitation camps have been set up. "32,000 people have been provided food. Mobile connectivity has been restored. East Godavari and Krishna administration brought the situation under control within hours," he added. Talking about the preparedness of the state administration, Naidu said hourly bulletins were issued to create awareness, assisted by the Andhra Pradesh Weather Forecasting and Early Warning Research Centre (AWARE), with the help of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Elaborating upon the measures that the state took in order to minimise the damage of the cyclone, the chief minister asserted that the teams were prepared for any eventuality and mock drill too was held. "On December 7, we identified it and, assessed that it will turn into a cyclone. However, Pethai played hide and seek, and its intensity weakened too. The mangrove forests in the region also reduced the effect. We had prepared teams to face any eventuality and also conducted mock drills," said Naidu. Lauding the efforts of the officials and workers who were involved in restoration and clearance work the chief minister added, "Our collectors and district level departments worked very hard and efficiently. At Kakinada, they worked within minutes and within half an hour of landfall, everything was cleared. We managed power failures, used generators within minutes of power failure. We established multipurpose cyclone shelters. Midday meal system was used for providing food to the victims." Naidu, who conducted an aerial survey of the areas affected by the cyclone in East Godavari district earlier today, also informed that as many as 51 IAS officers have worked in the rescue-restoration operations. As per Naidu, a cyclone plays on the psyche of people and in order to counter that, a lot of manpower was provided including the deployment of National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and other such agencies. "During Hudhud cyclone, we had prepared a blue book, it was used during Titli cyclone. The blue book of Titli was fully used this time," he said.Cyclone Phethai hit Katrenikona town of Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district on December 17.

Cyclone Phethai: 5602 farmers affected, 37 houses damaged

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday called Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister <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">Kamal Nath's comment on jobs given to people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh</a> as "divisive."

Nath, shortly after taking oath as the chief minister on Monday, stated that &nbsp;"people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here and local people don't get jobs."

Criticising Nath, Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar said he appeared to be unaware of existing rules that prioritise jobs for the native population.

"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," the BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh told reporters.

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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Akhilesh Yadav on MP CM Kamal Nath's statement: It's wrong, often you get to hear the same from Maharashtra. Why have North Indians come here? Why have they taken up jobs here? Same from Delhi &amp; now from MP as well. What if North Indians decide who'll form govt at centre? <a href="https://t.co/aoHloobeK7">pic.twitter.com/aoHloobeK7</a>
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"It's wrong, often you get to hear the same from Maharashtra. Why have North Indians come here? Why have they taken up jobs here? Same from Delhi &amp; now from MP as well. What if North Indians decide who'll form govt at centre?" he said.

Nath on Monday told reporters that his government will give incentives to industries that give 70 per cent of their jobs to those from his state and added that people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh get employment in Madhya Pradesh at the cost of the local population.

The veteran politician also said that waiving off farm loans was a promise made before MP elections and he has fulfilled it. He then said employment was another promise made and he will strive to provide people of Madhya Pradesh with jobs.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday called Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's comment on jobs given to people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh as "divisive.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday called Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's comment on jobs given to people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh as "divisive." Nath, shortly after taking oath as the chief minister on Monday, stated that "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here and local people don't get jobs." Criticising Nath, Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar said he appeared to be unaware of existing rules that prioritise jobs for the native population. "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," the BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh told reporters. 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. Akhilesh Yadav on MP CM Kamal Nath's statement: It's wrong, often you get to hear the same from Maharashtra. Why have North Indians come here? Why have they taken up jobs here? Same from Delhi & now from MP as well. What if North Indians decide who'll form govt at centre? pic.twitter.com/aoHloobeK7 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 18, 2018 × "It's wrong, often you get to hear the same from Maharashtra. Why have North Indians come here? Why have they taken up jobs here? Same from Delhi & now from MP as well. What if North Indians decide who'll form govt at centre?" he said. Nath on Monday told reporters that his government will give incentives to industries that give 70 per cent of their jobs to those from his state and added that people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh get employment in Madhya Pradesh at the cost of the local population. The veteran politician also said that waiving off farm loans was a promise made before MP elections and he has fulfilled it. He then said employment was another promise made and he will strive to provide people of Madhya Pradesh with jobs. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP, SP slam Kamal Nath for saying UP and Bihar people take away locals' jobs

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-national-hamid-nehal-ansari-set-to-cross-wagah-border-today-184927">Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari set to cross Wagah border today</a>

As Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari prepares to walk out of a prison today, the Pakistan foreign office said that he was an "Indian spy" who was involved in "anti-state crimes and forging documents".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wall-street-stocks-crash-dow-sp-fall-over-2-per-cent-184917">Wall Street stocks crash; Dow, S&amp;P fall over 2 per cent</a>

US President Donald Trump lambasted the Federal Reserve again, calling on the central bank not to raise interest rates a day before policymakers are due to meet. Markets widely expect the Fed to ignore the political pressure and announce its fourth rate hike of 2018.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/8-killed-in-fire-at-esic-kamgar-hospital-in-mumbais-andheri-184920">8 killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/8-killed-in-fire-at-esic-kamgar-hospital-in-mumbais-andheri-184920">fire</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/8-killed-in-fire-at-esic-kamgar-hospital-in-mumbais-andheri-184920"> at ESIC Kamgar hospital in Mumbai's Andheri</a>

The death toll in Mumbai's Andheri hospital fire incident has increased to eight from six.

A massive fire broke out at ESIC Kamgar hospital on Monday injuring more than 100 people.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/air-strikes-kill-62-shabaab-terrorists-in-somalia-us-military-184914">Air strikes kill 62 Shabaab terrorists in Somalia: US military</a>

The US military said Monday it has killed 62 terrorists from the jihadist Shabaab movement in six air strikes in Somalia.

Four strikes on Saturday killed 34 terrorists and another two on Sunday killed 28, the US Africa Command said in a statement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-invest-over-1-billion-on-new-campus-in-new-york-184915">Google to invest over $1 billion on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-invest-over-1-billion-on-new-campus-in-new-york-184915">new</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-invest-over-1-billion-on-new-campus-in-new-york-184915"> campus in New York</a>

Google is investing more than $1 billion on a new campus in New York, becoming the second major technology company after Amazon to pick America's financial capital to expand and create thousands of jobs.

Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari set to cross Wagah border today As Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari prepares to walk out of a prison today, the Pakistan foreign office said that he was an "Indian spy" who was involved in "anti-state crimes and forging documents".

Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari set to cross Wagah border today As Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari prepares to walk out of a prison today, the Pakistan foreign office said that he was an "Indian spy" who was involved in "anti-state crimes and forging documents". Wall Street stocks crash; Dow, S&P fall over 2 per cent US President Donald Trump lambasted the Federal Reserve again, calling on the central bank not to raise interest rates a day before policymakers are due to meet. Markets widely expect the Fed to ignore the political pressure and announce its fourth rate hike of 2018. 8 killed in fire at ESIC Kamgar hospital in Mumbai's Andheri The death toll in Mumbai's Andheri hospital fire incident has increased to eight from six. A massive fire broke out at ESIC Kamgar hospital on Monday injuring more than 100 people. Air strikes kill 62 Shabaab terrorists in Somalia: US military The US military said Monday it has killed 62 terrorists from the jihadist Shabaab movement in six air strikes in Somalia. Four strikes on Saturday killed 34 terrorists and another two on Sunday killed 28, the US Africa Command said in a statement. Google to invest over $1 billion on new campus in New York Google is investing more than $1 billion on a new campus in New York, becoming the second major technology company after Amazon to pick America's financial capital to expand and create thousands of jobs.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The death toll in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-breaks-out-at-hospital-in-mumbai-2-dead-47-rescued-184871">Mumbai's Andheri hospital fire</a> incident has increased to eight from six.

A massive fire broke out at ESIC Kamgar hospital on Monday injuring more than 100 people.

Ten fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze while a rescue van and 16 ambulances were also rushed to the spot for necessary assistance.

The injured were shifted to Cooper Hospital, P. Thakrey Hospital (Trauma), Holi Spirit Hospital and Seven Hills Hospital for treatment.

Taking note of the incident, Fire Officer of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), MV Ogale said that the hospital did not obtain a final No Objection Certificate (NOC).

"They (hospital authorities) have applied for the final NOC but compliances were not in line with the provisions of the act and hence they have not been given final NOC by us. Our building proposal department has also not given final occupation certificate," Ogale told media on Monday.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

The death toll in Mumbai's Andheri hospital fire incident has increased to eight from six. A massive fire broke out at ESIC Kamgar hospital on Monday injuring more than 100 people.

The death toll in Mumbai's Andheri hospital fire incident has increased to eight from six. A massive fire broke out at ESIC Kamgar hospital on Monday injuring more than 100 people. Ten fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze while a rescue van and 16 ambulances were also rushed to the spot for necessary assistance. The injured were shifted to Cooper Hospital, P. Thakrey Hospital (Trauma), Holi Spirit Hospital and Seven Hills Hospital for treatment. Taking note of the incident, Fire Officer of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), MV Ogale said that the hospital did not obtain a final No Objection Certificate (NOC). "They (hospital authorities) have applied for the final NOC but compliances were not in line with the provisions of the act and hence they have not been given final NOC by us. Our building proposal department has also not given final occupation certificate," Ogale told media on Monday. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

8 killed in fire at ESIC Kamgar hospital in Mumbai's Andheri

Indian national <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-matter-of-great-relief-mea-on-hamid-ansaris-release-from-pak-jail-184890">Hamid Nehal Ansari'</a>s parents' long struggle for being reunited with their son, who was arrested by the Pakistan Intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in 2012, may bear fruit today. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry on Monday announced to repatriate Hamid on the completion of a three-year sentence handed over to him by a Pakistani military court in 2015.

"The Pakistan High Commission has told us that the Pakistan authorities will hand over Hamid to the Indian Embassy here today, following which he will cross the border and be reunited with us," Fauzia Ansari, Hamid's mother told ANI.

The family, however, has not been apprised of the exact time when Hamid will reach India. "I would like to thank the Indian government for understanding our pain and extending complete help to us in bringing our son back. Even the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi helped us out and were responsive to our ordeal," Ansari opined.

Hamid`s mother further appealed to the Pakistani government to free other individuals like her son who have been imprisoned, underscoring the painful experience the family went through due to his detention in the neighbouring country. "Their parents are also waiting for them and suffering," she stated.

Expressing gratitude to the government and media for helping her out, she said, "This wasn`t our effort alone - the media was our voice and the government completely helped us. We can't thank god enough. Both the governments have been kind to us and dealt with us humanely. We thank everybody."Hamid will be with us today hopefully. I pray to God that he will be," she remarked while travelling on a bus en route to Attari-Wagah border, through which Hamid would be repatriated.

Hamid, a teacher at the Mumbai Management College, went missing in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in November 2012. His mother filed a habeas corpus petition in Delhi High Court, following which the news about his arrest became public.

On January 13, the high court was informed that Hamid was in the custody of the Pakistani Army and was being tried by a military court.

The Pakistani security agencies had claimed that Hamid had used fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and had entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents. They had charged him for "anti-state activities".

Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari's parents' long struggle for being reunited with their son, who was arrested by the Pakistan Intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in 2012, may bear fruit today.

Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari's parents' long struggle for being reunited with their son, who was arrested by the Pakistan Intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in 2012, may bear fruit today. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry on Monday announced to repatriate Hamid on the completion of a three-year sentence handed over to him by a Pakistani military court in 2015. "The Pakistan High Commission has told us that the Pakistan authorities will hand over Hamid to the Indian Embassy here today, following which he will cross the border and be reunited with us," Fauzia Ansari, Hamid's mother told ANI. The family, however, has not been apprised of the exact time when Hamid will reach India. "I would like to thank the Indian government for understanding our pain and extending complete help to us in bringing our son back. Even the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi helped us out and were responsive to our ordeal," Ansari opined. Hamid`s mother further appealed to the Pakistani government to free other individuals like her son who have been imprisoned, underscoring the painful experience the family went through due to his detention in the neighbouring country. "Their parents are also waiting for them and suffering," she stated. Expressing gratitude to the government and media for helping her out, she said, "This wasn`t our effort alone - the media was our voice and the government completely helped us. We can't thank god enough. Both the governments have been kind to us and dealt with us humanely. We thank everybody."Hamid will be with us today hopefully. I pray to God that he will be," she remarked while travelling on a bus en route to Attari-Wagah border, through which Hamid would be repatriated. Hamid, a teacher at the Mumbai Management College, went missing in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in November 2012. His mother filed a habeas corpus petition in Delhi High Court, following which the news about his arrest became public. On January 13, the high court was informed that Hamid was in the custody of the Pakistani Army and was being tried by a military court. The Pakistani security agencies had claimed that Hamid had used fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and had entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents. They had charged him for "anti-state activities".

Hamid Ansari's family en route to Wagah to reunite with their son after 6 years

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansari-in-jail-in-pak-for-6-years-crosses-back-over-into-india-185105">Hamid Nihal Ansari, in jail in Pakistan for 6 years, returns to India</a>

Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, who has been in jail in Pakistan for the last six years, crossed back over into India Tuesday evening a little before 6 pm.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-did-not-ask-for-urjit-patels-resignation-as-rbi-governor-jaitley-185044">Govt did not ask for Urjit Patel's resignation as RBI governor: Jaitley</a>

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said Tuesday that the government never sought the resignation of Urjit Patel as governor of the Reserve Bank of India over differences in handling liquidity stress in certain sectors.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/man-united-sacks-manager-jose-mourinho-with-immediate-effect-185047">Manchester United sack Jose Mourinho with immediate effect</a>

Manchester United on Tuesday sacked Jose Mourinho as the club's manager with immediate effect, following Sunday’s defeat at Liverpool.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-election-meddling-kremlin-rejects-new-us-reports-accusation-185064">Kremlin says Russia did not target black US voters</a>

The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected Washington's accusations that Russia tried to disrupt the 2016 presidential vote and sought to demoralise African-Americans, calling the charges incomprehensible.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pm-mahinda-rajapaksa-becomes-sri-lankas-main-opposition-leader-185083">Former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa becomes Sri Lanka's main opposition leader</a>

Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday became Sri Lanka's main opposition leader in Parliament, days after he resigned as prime minister after clinging on to power for nearly two months, amidst the unprecedented political turmoil in the country.

&nbsp;

Hamid Nihal Ansari, in jail in Pakistan for 6 years, returns to India Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, who has been in jail in Pakistan for the last six years, crossed back over into India Tuesday evening a little before 6 pm.

Hamid Nihal Ansari, in jail in Pakistan for 6 years, returns to India Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, who has been in jail in Pakistan for the last six years, crossed back over into India Tuesday evening a little before 6 pm. Govt did not ask for Urjit Patel's resignation as RBI governor: Jaitley Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said Tuesday that the government never sought the resignation of Urjit Patel as governor of the Reserve Bank of India over differences in handling liquidity stress in certain sectors. Manchester United sack Jose Mourinho with immediate effect Manchester United on Tuesday sacked Jose Mourinho as the club's manager with immediate effect, following Sunday’s defeat at Liverpool. Kremlin says Russia did not target black US voters The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected Washington's accusations that Russia tried to disrupt the 2016 presidential vote and sought to demoralise African-Americans, calling the charges incomprehensible. Former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa becomes Sri Lanka's main opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday became Sri Lanka's main opposition leader in Parliament, days after he resigned as prime minister after clinging on to power for nearly two months, amidst the unprecedented political turmoil in the country.

A Patiala House Court on Tuesday granted bail to Dubai based investment banker Manoj Prasad, allegedly a middleman in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-row-delhi-hc-to-hear-middlemans-plea-on-november-1-in-bribery-case-involving-rakesh-asthana-174476">CBI bribery case </a>and accused of taking a bribe on behalf of Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

On December 11, Prasad while speaking to media refuted all claims made by complainant Satish Sana.

Vehemently denying all allegations, Prasad asserted that he had "never-ever" met Asthana.

Replying to questions from the media, Prasad while appearing in Delhi's Patiala house court, had said: "It is all a lie. Everything is fabricated. Whatever they have claimed, nothing such happened. I have never taken the money and have never-ever met Asthana. I don't know who Asthana is."

Earlier, Satish Sana, a Hyderabad based businessman who is facing a CBI probe in a corruption case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, had alleged to have met Prasad in Dubai. He had claimed that Prasad had allegedly informed him about having "very good connection" in CBI and assured him of helping in the case through his brother Somesh Prasad.

Sana's complaint was received by CBI on October 15 and an official FIR against Asthana was registered on October 21.&nbsp;

Prasad was arrested by the CBI for allegedly seeking Rs 5 crore from Satish Sana for getting him relief from the CBI's summons.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A Patiala House Court on Tuesday granted bail to Dubai based investment banker Manoj Prasad, allegedly a middleman in the CBI bribery case and accused of taking a bribe on behalf of Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

A Patiala House Court on Tuesday granted bail to Dubai based investment banker Manoj Prasad, allegedly a middleman in the CBI bribery case and accused of taking a bribe on behalf of Special Director Rakesh Asthana. On December 11, Prasad while speaking to media refuted all claims made by complainant Satish Sana. Vehemently denying all allegations, Prasad asserted that he had "never-ever" met Asthana. Replying to questions from the media, Prasad while appearing in Delhi's Patiala house court, had said: "It is all a lie. Everything is fabricated. Whatever they have claimed, nothing such happened. I have never taken the money and have never-ever met Asthana. I don't know who Asthana is." Earlier, Satish Sana, a Hyderabad based businessman who is facing a CBI probe in a corruption case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, had alleged to have met Prasad in Dubai. He had claimed that Prasad had allegedly informed him about having "very good connection" in CBI and assured him of helping in the case through his brother Somesh Prasad. Sana's complaint was received by CBI on October 15 and an official FIR against Asthana was registered on October 21. Prasad was arrested by the CBI for allegedly seeking Rs 5 crore from Satish Sana for getting him relief from the CBI's summons.

CBI bribery case: Alleged middleman Manoj Prasad gets bail

Union Minister&nbsp;Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Monday hailed the Delhi High Court ruling that convicted Congress leader Sajjan Kumar for his involvement in 1984 anti-Sikh carnage.

The Delhi High Court reversed the acquittal of Congress MP Sajjan Kumar for alleged involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

"I want to thank PM Modi that on Shiromani Akali Dal's request in 2015 he set up a SIT to probe 1984 massacre. It's a historic judgement. Wheels of justice have finally moved. It is Sajjan Kumar today, it will be Jagdish Tytler tomorrow then Kamal Nath and eventually the Gandhi family," said Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

Shortly after the verdict, Harsimrat Badal took to microblogging site Twitter saying “Justice at last! Sajjan Kumar to spend life in jail for taking Sikh lives. SIT formed by PM Narendra Modi Ji shows impact. This is what change in government can do”.

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Justice at last! Sajjan Kumar to spend life in jail for taking Sikh lives. SIT formed by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji shows impact. This is what change in government can do. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/1984SikhGenocide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#1984SikhGenocide</a>
— Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarsimratBadal_/status/1074561820906655744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The court has asked Sajjan Kumar to surrender by 31 December.

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Bikram Singh Majithia, Akali Dal: Like in the case of Christian Michel where Congress lawyers were representing him, Congress party senior intervention is done only when some sort of Gandhis’ interest is there. Kapil Sibal’s son Amit Sibal is the main lawyer for Sajjan Kumar. <a href="https://t.co/zZzsuQxvND">pic.twitter.com/zZzsuQxvND</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074579657746337792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Khoon ka badla khoon, jab ek bada darakht girta hai to dharti hilti hi hai.' When a PM says these words on national television...we were trying to protect ourselves and were saved by the almighty. Thousands of innocent were brutally killed before their families. Congress leaders, at the behest of the PM, went to Sikh houses along with police. Even today when I think of all that happened, it gives me goosebumps. Children were crying, they could not utter a word. I still remember it today," Union Minister added. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Monday hailed the Delhi High Court ruling that convicted Congress leader Sajjan Kumar for his involvement in 1984 anti-Sikh carnage.

Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Monday hailed the Delhi High Court ruling that convicted Congress leader Sajjan Kumar for his involvement in 1984 anti-Sikh carnage. The Delhi High Court reversed the acquittal of Congress MP Sajjan Kumar for alleged involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and sentenced him to life imprisonment. "I want to thank PM Modi that on Shiromani Akali Dal's request in 2015 he set up a SIT to probe 1984 massacre. It's a historic judgement. Wheels of justice have finally moved. It is Sajjan Kumar today, it will be Jagdish Tytler tomorrow then Kamal Nath and eventually the Gandhi family," said Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Shortly after the verdict, Harsimrat Badal took to microblogging site Twitter saying “Justice at last! Sajjan Kumar to spend life in jail for taking Sikh lives. SIT formed by PM Narendra Modi Ji shows impact. This is what change in government can do”. Justice at last! Sajjan Kumar to spend life in jail for taking Sikh lives. SIT formed by PM @narendramodi ji shows impact. This is what change in government can do. #1984SikhGenocide — Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) December 17, 2018 × The court has asked Sajjan Kumar to surrender by 31 December. Bikram Singh Majithia, Akali Dal: Like in the case of Christian Michel where Congress lawyers were representing him, Congress party senior intervention is done only when some sort of Gandhis’ interest is there. Kapil Sibal’s son Amit Sibal is the main lawyer for Sajjan Kumar. pic.twitter.com/zZzsuQxvND — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × "Khoon ka badla khoon, jab ek bada darakht girta hai to dharti hilti hi hai.' When a PM says these words on national television...we were trying to protect ourselves and were saved by the almighty. Thousands of innocent were brutally killed before their families. Congress leaders, at the behest of the PM, went to Sikh houses along with police. Even today when I think of all that happened, it gives me goosebumps. Children were crying, they could not utter a word. I still remember it today," Union Minister added. (With inputs from ANI)

1984 anti-Sikh riots case: After Sajjan Kumar's sentencing, Harsimrat targets Gandhi family

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said Tuesday a purported statement by a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-claim-to-bust-isi-backed-terror-module-in-punjab-174957">pro-Khalistan outfit,</a> seeking support from Pakistan to "liberate" Punjab from India, has exposed its "nefarious designs" and nexus with the Pakistani Army and the ISI.

The chief minister made the remarks after a section of media reported that US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a separatist outfit, had allegedly sought support from the Pakistan government for 'Referendum 2020', a campaign to "separate Punjab from India".

Attacking SFJ's legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief minister said, "The cat is now well and truly out of the bag, and the truth of the deep-rooted connection between the SJF and the Pakistani Army is out in the open."&nbsp;

Amarinder Singh has also taken strong exception to SFJ's reported plans to hold a 'Kartarpur Sahib Convention 2019', coinciding with the auspicious occasion of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.

The whole affair is a "bigger conspiracy" by the Pakistan Army, which is persistently trying to revive militancy in Punjab, the CM said, reiterating his stand on the issue.&nbsp;

Amarinder Singh also said that Punjab and the Indian Army were well prepared to counter any such plans of the neighbouring country. 
"Punjab is today much better equipped than it was in the 80s and 90s when Pak-backed terrorism had swept the state," he said, warning Islamabad against extending any further support to SFJ or other such outfits that are bent on disturbing the state's hard-earned peace.

The Pakistan Army would do well to remember the ignominious defeats it had suffered at the hands of the Indian Army on every occasion it had tried to take on the might of the latter, right from the 1965 and 1971 wars to the more recent Kargil battle, warned Amarinder Singh.

Asserting that he was all in favour of the Kartarpur Corridor to fulfil the long-pending aspirations of the Sikh community in India, the chief minister said it was the "misuse" of the initiative that he was opposed to.&nbsp;

'If Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was truly in favour of opening the doors for long-lasting peace with India through this corridor, he should not only unequivocally condemn the SFJ statement but should also ensure that Pakistan soil is not used by the anti-India outfit to further its campaign,' he said, urging the Pak leader to put a stop to the plan of 'Kartarpur Sahib Convention 2019'.

'Let the two countries build a corridor of peace in the true sense of the word, without the auspicious occasion of the 550th 'Prakash Purb' being allowed by Islamabad to be abused by anti-Indian forces,' the CM said.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said Tuesday a purported statement by a pro-Khalistan outfit, seeking support from Pakistan to "liberate" Punjab from India, has exposed its "nefarious designs" and nexus with the Pakistani Army and the ISI.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said Tuesday a purported statement by a pro-Khalistan outfit, seeking support from Pakistan to "liberate" Punjab from India, has exposed its "nefarious designs" and nexus with the Pakistani Army and the ISI. The chief minister made the remarks after a section of media reported that US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a separatist outfit, had allegedly sought support from the Pakistan government for 'Referendum 2020', a campaign to "separate Punjab from India". Attacking SFJ's legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief minister said, "The cat is now well and truly out of the bag, and the truth of the deep-rooted connection between the SJF and the Pakistani Army is out in the open." Amarinder Singh has also taken strong exception to SFJ's reported plans to hold a 'Kartarpur Sahib Convention 2019', coinciding with the auspicious occasion of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. The whole affair is a "bigger conspiracy" by the Pakistan Army, which is persistently trying to revive militancy in Punjab, the CM said, reiterating his stand on the issue. Amarinder Singh also said that Punjab and the Indian Army were well prepared to counter any such plans of the neighbouring country. "Punjab is today much better equipped than it was in the 80s and 90s when Pak-backed terrorism had swept the state," he said, warning Islamabad against extending any further support to SFJ or other such outfits that are bent on disturbing the state's hard-earned peace. The Pakistan Army would do well to remember the ignominious defeats it had suffered at the hands of the Indian Army on every occasion it had tried to take on the might of the latter, right from the 1965 and 1971 wars to the more recent Kargil battle, warned Amarinder Singh. Asserting that he was all in favour of the Kartarpur Corridor to fulfil the long-pending aspirations of the Sikh community in India, the chief minister said it was the "misuse" of the initiative that he was opposed to. 'If Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was truly in favour of opening the doors for long-lasting peace with India through this corridor, he should not only unequivocally condemn the SFJ statement but should also ensure that Pakistan soil is not used by the anti-India outfit to further its campaign,' he said, urging the Pak leader to put a stop to the plan of 'Kartarpur Sahib Convention 2019'. 'Let the two countries build a corridor of peace in the true sense of the word, without the auspicious occasion of the 550th 'Prakash Purb' being allowed by Islamabad to be abused by anti-Indian forces,' the CM said.

SFJ seeking help to ‘liberate’ Punjab exposes its nexus with Pak army: Amarinder Singh

Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, who has been in jail in Pakistan for the last six years, crossed back over into India Tuesday evening a little before 6 pm.&nbsp;

He was met by his parents and brother — they had travelled from Mumbai — at the Wagah border near Amritsar. Hamid crossed over into India, and the family immediately offered a quick prayer to thank god for Hamid's return.

Hamid's mother, seeing him after six long years, then clasped him to her and started crying. She would not let go.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Indian national Hamid Ansari crosses the Attari-Wagah border to reach India. He was lodged in a jail in Pakistan and was released today. <a href="https://t.co/FYJAlAZGac">pic.twitter.com/FYJAlAZGac</a>
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Indian national Hamid Ansari after being released from Pakistan jail. He crossed the Attari-Wagah border to reach India, today. <a href="https://t.co/ffHJR4zDhy">pic.twitter.com/ffHJR4zDhy</a>
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Punjab: Indian national Hamid Ansari crosses the Attari-Wagah border to reach India. He was lodged in a jail in Pakistan and was released today. <a href="https://t.co/s7N1Uql03v">pic.twitter.com/s7N1Uql03v</a>
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Punjab: Parents and brother of Indian national Hamid Ansari, at the Attari-Wagah border. He was lodged in a jail in Pakistan and is being released today. <a href="https://t.co/X6YwcPau8E">pic.twitter.com/X6YwcPau8E</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: The family of Indian national Hamid Ansari wait at the Attari-Wagah border. He was lodged in a jail in Pakistan and is being released today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> <a href="https://t.co/kzYcs0pkGK">pic.twitter.com/kzYcs0pkGK</a>
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Ansari had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was subsequently sentenced to three years' imprisonment by a military court in 2015 for possessing a fake Pakistani identity card.

Pakistan says Ansari is an "Indian spy who had illegally entered Pakistan and was involved in anti-state crimes and forging documents."

The 33-year-old Mumbai resident was lodged in Peshawar Central Jail after being sentenced by the military court on December 15, 2015. Ansari's three-year jail term ended on December 15 this &nbsp;year but he was not able to leave for India since his legal documents were not ready.

On Thursday, the Peshawar High Court gave the federal government a month's deadline to complete Ansari's repatriation.

Ansari was released from Mardan jail on Tuesday and shifted to Islamabad for his onward journey to India, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Ansari, a software engineer, went missing after he was taken into custody by Pakistani intelligence agencies and local police in Kohat in 2012. Finally, in reply to a habeas corpus petition filed by his mother, Fauzia Ansari, the high court was informed that he was in the custody of the Pakistani army and was being tried by a military court.&nbsp;

A two-judge Peshawar High Court bench, comprising Justice Roohul Amin and Justice Qalandar Ali Khan, on Thursday heard an appeal filed by Ansari through his lawyer Qazi Muhammad Anwar. 
Anwar informed the bench that both the ministry of the interior and the prison authorities where he was lodged were completely silent about his release and deportation to India.

After hearing this, Justice Khan asked the additional attorney general to explain why they would keep a prisoner in jail after completion of his prison term.

An officer, representing the interior ministry, informed the court that a prisoner could be kept in prison for a month while his legal documents were being prepared.

The court then directed the ministry to make all arrangements for Ansari's release and deportation within a month.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, who has been in jail in Pakistan for the last six years, crossed back over into India Tuesday evening a little before 6 pm. He was met by his parents and brother — they had travelled from Mumbai — at the Wagah border near Amritsar.

Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, who has been in jail in Pakistan for the last six years, crossed back over into India Tuesday evening a little before 6 pm. He was met by his parents and brother — they had travelled from Mumbai — at the Wagah border near Amritsar. Hamid crossed over into India, and the family immediately offered a quick prayer to thank god for Hamid's return. Hamid's mother, seeing him after six long years, then clasped him to her and started crying. She would not let go. #WATCH: Indian national Hamid Ansari crosses the Attari-Wagah border to reach India. He was lodged in a jail in Pakistan and was released today. pic.twitter.com/FYJAlAZGac — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × Indian national Hamid Ansari after being released from Pakistan jail. He crossed the Attari-Wagah border to reach India, today. pic.twitter.com/ffHJR4zDhy — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × Punjab: Indian national Hamid Ansari crosses the Attari-Wagah border to reach India. He was lodged in a jail in Pakistan and was released today. pic.twitter.com/s7N1Uql03v — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × Punjab: Parents and brother of Indian national Hamid Ansari, at the Attari-Wagah border. He was lodged in a jail in Pakistan and is being released today. pic.twitter.com/X6YwcPau8E — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × #WATCH: The family of Indian national Hamid Ansari wait at the Attari-Wagah border. He was lodged in a jail in Pakistan and is being released today. #Punjab pic.twitter.com/kzYcs0pkGK — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × Ansari had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was subsequently sentenced to three years' imprisonment by a military court in 2015 for possessing a fake Pakistani identity card. Pakistan says Ansari is an "Indian spy who had illegally entered Pakistan and was involved in anti-state crimes and forging documents." The 33-year-old Mumbai resident was lodged in Peshawar Central Jail after being sentenced by the military court on December 15, 2015. Ansari's three-year jail term ended on December 15 this year but he was not able to leave for India since his legal documents were not ready. On Thursday, the Peshawar High Court gave the federal government a month's deadline to complete Ansari's repatriation. Ansari was released from Mardan jail on Tuesday and shifted to Islamabad for his onward journey to India, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Ansari, a software engineer, went missing after he was taken into custody by Pakistani intelligence agencies and local police in Kohat in 2012. Finally, in reply to a habeas corpus petition filed by his mother, Fauzia Ansari, the high court was informed that he was in the custody of the Pakistani army and was being tried by a military court. A two-judge Peshawar High Court bench, comprising Justice Roohul Amin and Justice Qalandar Ali Khan, on Thursday heard an appeal filed by Ansari through his lawyer Qazi Muhammad Anwar. Anwar informed the bench that both the ministry of the interior and the prison authorities where he was lodged were completely silent about his release and deportation to India. After hearing this, Justice Khan asked the additional attorney general to explain why they would keep a prisoner in jail after completion of his prison term. An officer, representing the interior ministry, informed the court that a prisoner could be kept in prison for a month while his legal documents were being prepared. The court then directed the ministry to make all arrangements for Ansari's release and deportation within a month. (With inputs from PTI)

Hamid Nihal Ansari, in jail in Pakistan for 6 years, returns to India

Rajya Sabha could not function for fifth consecutive day of Winter Session as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-issue-rocks-rajya-sabha-house-adjourned-till-monday-184026">House was adjourned after heated exchanges</a> between the BJP and Congress members on Rafale deal while the AIADMK and DMK protested over Cauvery issue.

As the House met Tuesday morning, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu informed the members that various notices on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/andhra-pradesh-on-alert-as-cyclone-phethai-approaches-several-trains-cancelled-184746">urgent matters</a>, ranging from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-evacuates-11600-people-as-cyclone-phethai-makes-landfall-in-andhra-pradesh-184904">cyclones affecting lives</a> in some states to price rise to agriculture crisis, have been admitted for discussion.

Naidu, who had adjourned the proceedings for the entire day on Monday amid uproar over Rafale, Cauvery and other issues, appealed to the members to let the House run its business.

The Chairman said that he was going through a privilege notice given by the Opposition.

However, soon after the papers were laid by the ministers, members from the two major political parties of Tamil Nadu — AIADMK and DMK —trooped into the Well of the House, carrying placards and shouting slogans against the construction of a dam on Cauvery river.

Some members from Andhra Pradesh were also seen displaying placards demanding special status for the state.

Amid sloganeering, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the privilege motion against the government on the Rafale jet deal should be accepted as the matter is agitating the minds of the people.

Azad alleged the government has misled Parliament and the Supreme Court on the issue, triggering vociferous protests from the treasury benches.

The senior Congress leader said the government has no right to continue in office and "should go".

Naidu, however, said that the Chair should be allowed to take a view on the Privilege notice.

The Congress had given the notice demanding an explanation from the government on why it provided the Supreme Court "wrong" information on the purchase of Rafale fighter jet from a French company.

Countering Azad, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel said the government was ready to discuss all issues, including Rafale.

He demanded that the Congress apologise in the wake of the apex court's refusal to order a SIT probe in Rafale deal and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sajjan-kumar-resigns-from-congress-primary-membership-writes-to-rahul-gandhi-184982">Sajjan Kumar's</a> conviction by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

As slogan shouting by the AIADMK and DMK members continued in the Well of the House, Naidu adjourned the House till 2 PM.

When the House resumed in the afternoon again, Naidu proposed to discuss calling the attention of the Minister of Home Affairs on the situation arising due to the devastation caused by cyclones Gaja and Titli in some states and the action taken by the government in this regard.

However, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma raised a point of order saying that Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs had referred to Rahul Gandhi and it is against the rule to demand his apology because he is a member of other House.

Soon after, the ruling party member again started raising slogans and demanded an apology from Gandhi while some of the AIADMK and DMK members trooped into the well to protest over Cauvery issue.

Naidu said that there is no point of order in the matter and asked the member to discuss the serious issues mainly related to farmers which are a problem not only in Tamil Naidu but across the country.

Rajya Sabha proceedings have been disrupted since the session started last week on issues like Rafale, the dam on Cauvery river and the demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha could not function for fifth consecutive day of Winter Session as the House was adjourned after heated exchanges between the BJP and Congress members on Rafale deal while the AIADMK and DMK protested over Cauvery issue.

Rajya Sabha could not function for fifth consecutive day of Winter Session as the House was adjourned after heated exchanges between the BJP and Congress members on Rafale deal while the AIADMK and DMK protested over Cauvery issue. As the House met Tuesday morning, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu informed the members that various notices on urgent matters, ranging from cyclones affecting lives in some states to price rise to agriculture crisis, have been admitted for discussion. Naidu, who had adjourned the proceedings for the entire day on Monday amid uproar over Rafale, Cauvery and other issues, appealed to the members to let the House run its business. The Chairman said that he was going through a privilege notice given by the Opposition. However, soon after the papers were laid by the ministers, members from the two major political parties of Tamil Nadu — AIADMK and DMK —trooped into the Well of the House, carrying placards and shouting slogans against the construction of a dam on Cauvery river. Some members from Andhra Pradesh were also seen displaying placards demanding special status for the state. Amid sloganeering, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the privilege motion against the government on the Rafale jet deal should be accepted as the matter is agitating the minds of the people. Azad alleged the government has misled Parliament and the Supreme Court on the issue, triggering vociferous protests from the treasury benches. The senior Congress leader said the government has no right to continue in office and "should go". Naidu, however, said that the Chair should be allowed to take a view on the Privilege notice. The Congress had given the notice demanding an explanation from the government on why it provided the Supreme Court "wrong" information on the purchase of Rafale fighter jet from a French company. Countering Azad, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel said the government was ready to discuss all issues, including Rafale. He demanded that the Congress apologise in the wake of the apex court's refusal to order a SIT probe in Rafale deal and Sajjan Kumar's conviction by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. As slogan shouting by the AIADMK and DMK members continued in the Well of the House, Naidu adjourned the House till 2 PM. When the House resumed in the afternoon again, Naidu proposed to discuss calling the attention of the Minister of Home Affairs on the situation arising due to the devastation caused by cyclones Gaja and Titli in some states and the action taken by the government in this regard. However, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma raised a point of order saying that Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs had referred to Rahul Gandhi and it is against the rule to demand his apology because he is a member of other House. Soon after, the ruling party member again started raising slogans and demanded an apology from Gandhi while some of the AIADMK and DMK members trooped into the well to protest over Cauvery issue. Naidu said that there is no point of order in the matter and asked the member to discuss the serious issues mainly related to farmers which are a problem not only in Tamil Naidu but across the country. Rajya Sabha proceedings have been disrupted since the session started last week on issues like Rafale, the dam on Cauvery river and the demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh.

For fifth consecutive day, Rajya Sabha disrupted over Rafale, Cauvery

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