Shreyas Iyer blames dew for West Indies' record run chase in 2nd T20I in Ranchi

100,000 strikes in 3 years: How October 7 redefined Israel's war 

Happy Birthday Rekha: Watch these 7 evergreen Bollywood hits on Netflix, Prime Video and more

'I am not going to be watching it': JD Vance on livestream of Nidal Hasan's firing squad execution

UK navy hit by espionage scandal: Sailor accused of spying for Russia | Gravitas

Katie Zacharia likely to succeed Karoline Leavitt as Trump's White House press secretary

Delhi on high alert for CJP protest: Delhi police to use body cams to 'prove whether we did anything’; Pink Force, RAF, 35,000 personnel deployed

‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies

Panama president declares ‘major disaster’ after powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake; over 80 aftershocks recorded

‘250? Cool.’: Shai Hope takes swipe at Shubman Gill’s Instagram caption after Ranchi T20I masterclass

'Jantar Mantar not the story of India': BJP's Sambit Patra claims 'anarchists' tried to hold Delhi captive

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad slams CJP protests, calls it 'shadow boxing for AAP'

'I ended 8 wars': Trump slams Nobel Peace prize decision, claims award was his due

Dhurandhar: The Revenge album submitted for Grammy consideration; But what does it mean?

J&K Government orders major police reshuffle, transfers 100 officers across UT

New York protests erupt as Trump administration defends ICE shooting

Delhi protest: Metro curbs, train cancellations, traffic diversions as protesters seek CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation

'Spent Rs 2,000 cr to elect Trump': Elon Musk bought US President's loyalty by writing the biggest political cheque in human history

Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warning issued

Adéla gives KATSEYE’s Lara Raj and Megan Skendiel a shout-out at Fonda Theatre in LA

'Modi is a dictator': Abhijeet Dipke claims govt 'scared' of youth, slams stringent measures ahead of CJP Jantar Mantar protest

New Friday OTT releases (October 9, 2026): Reporting Live, Animals, Take Charge of My Heart- 6 new titles coming on Netflix, JioHotstar and more

Two-thirds of competitive GOP candidates split with trump ahead of November midterms

'Ouch!!! That must hurt': Kangana Ranaut hails Kamal Haasan's sharp reply to Elon Musk over Starlink row

‘Right to protest must be protected, but...’: Delhi Police reveals why it denied CJP permission for October 10 Jantar Mantar protest

Trump announces Russian diesel deal as Zelensky criticises move

Pakistan denies reports of PAF jets being used in attacks against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen

All 22 Indian seafarers safe in attack on Panama-flagged tanker off UAE coast

Ryan Reynolds’ private messages reveal his blunt views on Justin Baldoni from Blake Lively’s legal case

Rakul Preet Singh birthday special: 7 times the Ramayana actress served glamorous looks

Kamal Haasan slams Elon Musk over Starlink delay row: 'Indian people, will decide our own future - not Western'

Food shortages, suicide attempts and more: USS Abraham Lincoln returns to US after 321 day deployment — What happened aboard the US carrier?

 Thai queen becomes first reigning monarch to fly jet solothailand #queen #wion 

SC questions closure of 57 Delhi Metro stations, asks Centre to resume services in regulated manner

Rahul Gandhi calls Modi, Shah ‘cowards’ amid CJP protest crackdown in Delhi

Flydubai co-pilot developed extremist views while studying in Australia: UAE prosecutors

Why was CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke detained? What Delhi Police said

Trump honours Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella with top technology honour amid immigration scrutiny

The New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering will visit India on December 27. This is his first foreign visit after taking charge. He took over on November 7 and is the eighth prime minister of Bhutan.

After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called Tshering and congratulated him on his win. Modi conveyed to Tshering that India attaches the "highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding."

Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale was the first Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the new prime minister. During the meet, the Bhutanese PM said he "is committed to strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries." He assured that “our foreign policy should not change every five years with the change in government.”&nbsp;

The PM and the foreign secretary also discussed Bhutan’s twelfth five-year plan. India plays a significant role in Bhutan's five-year plans.

This year marks the golden jubilee year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan and there have been a number of accompanying events. Bhutan Week was celebrated in New Delhi in September, with India's Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu the chief guest at the event.&nbsp;

India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs 8,723 crore with total imports being Rs 5528.5 crore (82% of Bhutan’s total imports) and exports recorded as Rs 3205.2 crore including electricity (90% of Bhutan’s total exports).&nbsp; 
India also soon plans to commission the 720 MW Mangdechhu hydro-power project on the Mangdechhu river in the Trongsa Dzongkhag district of central Bhutan.

In 2017, a crisis erupted in Doklam near the Bhutan, India, China trijunction when the Chinese army tried to construct a road in the area. This led to a two-month long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in the region.&nbsp;

Later, during the official visit of the Bhutanese king and queen to India in 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind “conveyed deep appreciation for the King of Bhutan’s personal involvement and guidance and the support provided by Bhutan in addressing the recent situation in the Doklam area”.&nbsp;

India plays an important role in Bhutan's economic development and has constructed three hydroelectric projects (HEP)Bhutan which together generate 1,416 MW — 336 MW by Chukha HEP, 60 MW by Kurichhu HEP and 1,020 MW by Tala HEP — of power.&nbsp;

In April 2014, an inter-governmental agreement was signed between India and Bhutan for the development of four more HEPs under the joint venture model which would together — 600 MW at Kholongchhu, 180 MW at Bunakha, 570 MW at Wangchhu and 770 MW at Chamkharchhu — generate 2,120 MW of power.&nbsp;

Incidentally, after entering office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan.

The New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering will visit India on December 27. This is his first foreign visit after taking charge. He took over on November 7 and is the eighth prime minister of Bhutan.

The New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering will visit India on December 27. This is his first foreign visit after taking charge. He took over on November 7 and is the eighth prime minister of Bhutan. After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called Tshering and congratulated him on his win. Modi conveyed to Tshering that India attaches the "highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding." Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale was the first Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the new prime minister. During the meet, the Bhutanese PM said he "is committed to strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries." He assured that “our foreign policy should not change every five years with the change in government.” The PM and the foreign secretary also discussed Bhutan’s twelfth five-year plan. India plays a significant role in Bhutan's five-year plans. This year marks the golden jubilee year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan and there have been a number of accompanying events. Bhutan Week was celebrated in New Delhi in September, with India's Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu the chief guest at the event. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs 8,723 crore with total imports being Rs 5528.5 crore (82% of Bhutan’s total imports) and exports recorded as Rs 3205.2 crore including electricity (90% of Bhutan’s total exports). India also soon plans to commission the 720 MW Mangdechhu hydro-power project on the Mangdechhu river in the Trongsa Dzongkhag district of central Bhutan. In 2017, a crisis erupted in Doklam near the Bhutan, India, China trijunction when the Chinese army tried to construct a road in the area. This led to a two-month long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in the region. Later, during the official visit of the Bhutanese king and queen to India in 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind “conveyed deep appreciation for the King of Bhutan’s personal involvement and guidance and the support provided by Bhutan in addressing the recent situation in the Doklam area”. India plays an important role in Bhutan's economic development and has constructed three hydroelectric projects (HEP)Bhutan which together generate 1,416 MW — 336 MW by Chukha HEP, 60 MW by Kurichhu HEP and 1,020 MW by Tala HEP — of power. In April 2014, an inter-governmental agreement was signed between India and Bhutan for the development of four more HEPs under the joint venture model which would together — 600 MW at Kholongchhu, 180 MW at Bunakha, 570 MW at Wangchhu and 770 MW at Chamkharchhu — generate 2,120 MW of power. Incidentally, after entering office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan.

In first foreign visit, New Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering to visit India on December 27

India's permanent representative at the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin here on Tuesday said that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed is somebody whom India will never forgive for his "imminent role" in the deadly terror attacks that took place in Mumbai on November 26, 2011.

Akbaruddin also added that only justice waits for the evil mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind.

"Hafiz Saeed is somebody India will never forgive or forget. What waits for him is justice. You can be certain, sometime or the other, justice will be met," Akbaruddin said in his statement.

"We will never forget his role as the evil mastermind of what happened in Mumbai," Akbaruddin added.

India has provided a number of dossiers of evidence, maintaining that the bilateral relations cannot improve until Pakistan punishes all those involved in the crime.

India has particularly been pushing for action against Saeed, who is roaming freely in Pakistan despite being declared an international terrorist.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government at the Centre has emphasised that terror and talks cannot go together.&nbsp;

India's permanent representative at the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin here on Tuesday said that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed is somebody whom India will never forgive for his "imminent role" in the deadly terror attacks that took place in Mumbai on November 26, 2011.

India's permanent representative at the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin here on Tuesday said that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed is somebody whom India will never forgive for his "imminent role" in the deadly terror attacks that took place in Mumbai on November 26, 2011. Akbaruddin also added that only justice waits for the evil mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind. "Hafiz Saeed is somebody India will never forgive or forget. What waits for him is justice. You can be certain, sometime or the other, justice will be met," Akbaruddin said in his statement. "We will never forget his role as the evil mastermind of what happened in Mumbai," Akbaruddin added. India has provided a number of dossiers of evidence, maintaining that the bilateral relations cannot improve until Pakistan punishes all those involved in the crime. India has particularly been pushing for action against Saeed, who is roaming freely in Pakistan despite being declared an international terrorist. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government at the Centre has emphasised that terror and talks cannot go together.

India will never forgive Hafiz Saeed for his role in 26/11 Mumbai attacks: Syed Akbaruddin

Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar announced Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire that broke out at Mumbai's ESIC hospital on Monday.&nbsp;

According to reports, Rs 2 lakh each will be given to those who have serious injuries and Rs 1 lakh each for those with minor injuries, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/8-killed-in-fire-at-esic-kamgar-hospital-in-mumbais-andheri-184920">death toll in the blaze at the hospital rose to eight on Tuesday</a> with over 170 injured, including three firemen. The injured are being treated in different hospitals across the city, news agency PTI reported.

Among those admitted, almost 25 are reported to be critical while 26 were discharged after primary treatment, said the official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) disaster management cell.

While six people had died in the blaze on Monday, two more succumbed to their injuries later in different hospitals, the official said.

Nearly 375 people, including patients and visitors, were in the five-floor hospital during visiting hours when fire and smoke were reported on its fourth floor around 4.03 pm on Monday, according to a fire brigade official.

"The fire was extinguished at 7.35 pm, and hospital authorities shut down the facility till further notice," he said.

"Most of the deceased, including the six-month-old child, died due to suffocation," he said.

"The hospital applied for the final NOC a fortnight ago for its under-construction building adjacent to the old structure that caught fire," he said.

A fire official said the blaze appeared to have erupted after a short-circuit near the rubber rolls stored on the ground floor.

"The rubber rolls are combustible material and they might have caught fire after the short-circuit on the ground floor. The smoke then spread on the upper floors through an open fire duct," he said. The exact cause would be known after an inquiry into the incident, he added.

(With inputs from PTI) &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar announced Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire that broke out at Mumbai's ESIC hospital on Monday.

Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar announced Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire that broke out at Mumbai's ESIC hospital on Monday. According to reports, Rs 2 lakh each will be given to those who have serious injuries and Rs 1 lakh each for those with minor injuries, news agency ANI reported. The death toll in the blaze at the hospital rose to eight on Tuesday with over 170 injured, including three firemen. The injured are being treated in different hospitals across the city, news agency PTI reported. Among those admitted, almost 25 are reported to be critical while 26 were discharged after primary treatment, said the official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) disaster management cell. While six people had died in the blaze on Monday, two more succumbed to their injuries later in different hospitals, the official said. Nearly 375 people, including patients and visitors, were in the five-floor hospital during visiting hours when fire and smoke were reported on its fourth floor around 4.03 pm on Monday, according to a fire brigade official. "The fire was extinguished at 7.35 pm, and hospital authorities shut down the facility till further notice," he said. "Most of the deceased, including the six-month-old child, died due to suffocation," he said. "The hospital applied for the final NOC a fortnight ago for its under-construction building adjacent to the old structure that caught fire," he said. A fire official said the blaze appeared to have erupted after a short-circuit near the rubber rolls stored on the ground floor. "The rubber rolls are combustible material and they might have caught fire after the short-circuit on the ground floor. The smoke then spread on the upper floors through an open fire duct," he said. The exact cause would be known after an inquiry into the incident, he added. (With inputs from PTI)

Mumbai ESIC hospital fire: Rs 10 lakh compensation announced for families of deceased

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said it was the “best time” for India to hold talks with Pakistan as the neighbouring country’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan is being touted as a “proxy” for their army.

If initiated now, she said, the talks between the two neighbours at this time could prove “beneficial”.

“If Imran is a proxy of the Pak army then this is the best time to talk. When Imran Khan says he is ready to talk, to open corridors, then I think army is also on the same page...,” Mufti said at the ‘Agenda Aaj Tak’ event in New Delhi.

She said the “best bargain” for India, vis-a-vis the Kashmir issue, was during the time when Pervez Musharraf was the President of Pakistan as during that time ceasefire was initiated at the border and the Muzaffarabad route was opened up.

“The talks could be beneficial now....why should we not talk?” she asked.

The PDP leader also said her party will “join hands” with any political party that will support the “resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.” “If we can join hands with the BJP, we can do so with anyone for resolution of the J-K issue,” she said.

Mufti said her Peoples Democratic Party (PDS) going with the BJP, during the last political regime in the state, was “suicidal” and that she was “disappointed” that this experiment to begin the political process in the state did not work.

Asked if she had any lessons to learn, Mufti replied in the negative.

“They (the BJP) didn’t teach me any lesson. I stood my ground...(in taking decisions). We experimented (through the PDP-BJP alliance) for the people of Kashmir but that did not work,” she said.

She said there was a huge difference between former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s regime and the current one under PM Narendra Modi.

“Vajpayee was spontaneous and down to earth...he never looked back or over his shoulder. He was a statesman. Today’s NDA is more focussed in winning elections,” Mufti said. “God save! they have not given voting rights to cows,” she said in an apparent dig on the BJP.&nbsp;

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said it was the “best time” for India to hold talks with Pakistan as the neighbouring country’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan is being touted as a “proxy” for their army.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said it was the “best time” for India to hold talks with Pakistan as the neighbouring country’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan is being touted as a “proxy” for their army. If initiated now, she said, the talks between the two neighbours at this time could prove “beneficial”. “If Imran is a proxy of the Pak army then this is the best time to talk. When Imran Khan says he is ready to talk, to open corridors, then I think army is also on the same page...,” Mufti said at the ‘Agenda Aaj Tak’ event in New Delhi. She said the “best bargain” for India, vis-a-vis the Kashmir issue, was during the time when Pervez Musharraf was the President of Pakistan as during that time ceasefire was initiated at the border and the Muzaffarabad route was opened up. “The talks could be beneficial now....why should we not talk?” she asked. The PDP leader also said her party will “join hands” with any political party that will support the “resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.” “If we can join hands with the BJP, we can do so with anyone for resolution of the J-K issue,” she said. Mufti said her Peoples Democratic Party (PDS) going with the BJP, during the last political regime in the state, was “suicidal” and that she was “disappointed” that this experiment to begin the political process in the state did not work. Asked if she had any lessons to learn, Mufti replied in the negative. “They (the BJP) didn’t teach me any lesson. I stood my ground...(in taking decisions). We experimented (through the PDP-BJP alliance) for the people of Kashmir but that did not work,” she said. She said there was a huge difference between former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s regime and the current one under PM Narendra Modi. “Vajpayee was spontaneous and down to earth...he never looked back or over his shoulder. He was a statesman. Today’s NDA is more focussed in winning elections,” Mufti said. “God save! they have not given voting rights to cows,” she said in an apparent dig on the BJP.

Best time to talk as Pakistan army’s proxy Imran Khan in power: Mehbooba Mufti

A delegation of transgenders, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/transgenders-on-way-to-sabarimala-sent-back-by-police-184510">which was previously stopped from proceeding</a> to offer prayers at the Sabarimala temple, offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Clad in traditional black sarees, Ananya, Trupti, Renjumol and Avanthika carried the customary "Irrumudikettu"(sacred offerings to the deity) to the temple. They were escorted by the police.

They expressed happiness on being able to offer prayers at the temple.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the delegation alleged that the police harassed them and said they were not banned from darshan at the shrine, but the police said there was a need to get some legal clarity in this issue.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> The transgender delegation offers prayers at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sabarimala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sabarimala</a> temple. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/yFDVU0Twd3">pic.twitter.com/yFDVU0Twd3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074943490629517312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

They said they reached here in the early hours but the police were reluctant to provide them security and permission to proceed further. They also alleged that the Erumeli Police even asked them to change into male attire for proceeding to the Lord Ayyappa temple.&nbsp;

"The ban on menstruating women is not applicable to us. Though we have told this to the police, they were not ready to allow us to proceed further. They harassed us mentally and forced us to wear a male dress," Ananya said.

The delegation then met DGP A Hemachandran, a member of the Kerala High Court-appointed supervisory panel, and Inspector General of Police Manoj Abraham here Monday after which they were allowed to proceed.

The Supreme Court of India this year had ruled in favour of the entry of women of all age groups into the shrine. The temple authorities previously didn't allow women of menstrual age (ageing 10-50 years) into the holy site.&nbsp;

Scores of &nbsp;Lord Ayyappa devotees protested the apex court's decision. Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek to the holy hills.

(With inputs from PTI)

A delegation of transgenders, which was previously stopped from proceeding to offer prayers at the Sabarimala temple, offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported.

A delegation of transgenders, which was previously stopped from proceeding to offer prayers at the Sabarimala temple, offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported. Clad in traditional black sarees, Ananya, Trupti, Renjumol and Avanthika carried the customary "Irrumudikettu"(sacred offerings to the deity) to the temple. They were escorted by the police. They expressed happiness on being able to offer prayers at the temple. On Sunday, the delegation alleged that the police harassed them and said they were not banned from darshan at the shrine, but the police said there was a need to get some legal clarity in this issue. #UPDATE The transgender delegation offers prayers at the #Sabarimala temple. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/yFDVU0Twd3 — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × They said they reached here in the early hours but the police were reluctant to provide them security and permission to proceed further. They also alleged that the Erumeli Police even asked them to change into male attire for proceeding to the Lord Ayyappa temple. "The ban on menstruating women is not applicable to us. Though we have told this to the police, they were not ready to allow us to proceed further. They harassed us mentally and forced us to wear a male dress," Ananya said. The delegation then met DGP A Hemachandran, a member of the Kerala High Court-appointed supervisory panel, and Inspector General of Police Manoj Abraham here Monday after which they were allowed to proceed. The Supreme Court of India this year had ruled in favour of the entry of women of all age groups into the shrine. The temple authorities previously didn't allow women of menstrual age (ageing 10-50 years) into the holy site. Scores of Lord Ayyappa devotees protested the apex court's decision. Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek to the holy hills. (With inputs from PTI)

Escorted by police, four transgenders offer prayers at Sabarimala temple

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said Tuesday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-resigns-cites-personal-reasons-182915">the government never sought the resignation of Urjit Patel</a> as governor of the Reserve Bank of India over differences in handling liquidity stress in certain sectors.

Speaking at a television news channel event, he said the government does not need a single penny from RBI's capital reserves during the current fiscal.

Responding to criticism over surprise resignation of Patel as RBI Governor earlier this month, he said there were cordial discussions at the meeting of the RBI board over issues such as the appropriate size of reserves the central bank must hold.

"The government never asked for his resignation," he said.

After Patel's resignation, the government appointed former bureaucrat Shaktikanta Das as the Governor of RBI.&nbsp;

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.

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. Speaking at a television news channel event, he said the government does not need a single penny from RBI's capital reserves during the current fiscal. Responding to criticism over surprise resignation of Patel as RBI Governor earlier this month, he said there were cordial discussions at the meeting of the RBI board over issues such as the appropriate size of reserves the central bank must hold. "The government never asked for his resignation," he said. After Patel's resignation, the government appointed former bureaucrat Shaktikanta Das as the Governor of RBI.

Govt did not ask for Urjit Patel's resignation as RBI governor: Jaitley

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-national-hamid-nehal-ansari-set-to-cross-wagah-border-today-184927">Hamid Nehal Ansari, the man</a> who was held in jail for six years was finally released by Pakistan. He had gone to Pakistan and was imprisoned for having a fake Pakistani passport.&nbsp;

WION&nbsp;spoke to Hamid's mother and father as&nbsp;both<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-matter-of-great-relief-mea-on-hamid-ansaris-release-from-pak-jail-184890"> thanked the Indian and Pakistani </a>governments. WION also spoke to Jatin Desai, the man who tirelessly worked for the release of the Indian national.

WION: You will finally be able to meet your son...

Fauzia Ansari (Mother): Thanks to both the governments, the government&nbsp;of India, minister Sushma Swaraj and all those people who helped us right from the beginning and who stood on our side in our time of crisis. Credit goes to them. And also the Pakistan government, they helped us. I always felt they were very supportive and very helpful.&nbsp;

We are very happy on Hamid's release.

Nehal Ansari (Father): No words can express our gratitude and happiness. We are thankful to all the people including the government of India and Pakistan. There are so many people who were supportive.&nbsp;

 
Interview with Jatin Desai

 
WION: &nbsp;Sir, your hard work towards Hamid's release has finally paid off...&nbsp;

Jatin Desai: Absolutely, I am thrilled and happy. It is a historic day for India-Pakistan relations. After so many years, he will come back. He was imprisoned for six years. He was arrested on November 14, 2012, which is more than six years.&nbsp;

He was an innocent guy, he went to Pakistan for the sake of his love. He was in love with a girl from Kohat. He just entered Pakistan and he was caught. We also believe, there are many prisoners. Hamid is not alone. There are several like him in India and Pakistan, they need to be released. They need to be seen from a humanitarian perspective, which we don't.&nbsp;

Hamid can set an example. This is the time, India and Pakistan should release prisoners from their custody.

WION: &nbsp;Did you expect him to be released soon?

Jatin Desai: I was expecting it, although I didn't think he would be released on Tuesday. It's a pleasant shock, pleasant shocks are always welcome.&nbsp;

The new government in Pakistan, especially Imran Khan&nbsp;took the initiative. Next year will be the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, so the Kartarpur corridor has come up, let us hope. I always live in optimism. I believe, tomorrow will be better than today.

WION: Talk to us about your struggles. Issues you faced?

Jatin Desai: I am interested in the plight of the fishermen who have been arrested, I want them to be released. There are 400 Indian fishermen in Pakistan's custody and 150 Pakistan fishermen in Indian custody.

It is very difficult. It is because of a lack of trust. We need to have trust between the two countries. In the case of Hamid, I must say, that in Pakistan a couple of friends and others tirelessly worked to get him released.&nbsp;

There were&nbsp;senior lawyers, women lawyers, who worked for his release, without any expectations. It is also a victory of the Indian and Pakistani media including the Indian and Pakistani social activists.

Hamid Nehal Ansari, the man who was held in jail for six years was finally released by Pakistan. He had gone to Pakistan and was imprisoned for having a fake Pakistani passport.

Hamid Nehal Ansari, the man who was held in jail for six years was finally released by Pakistan. He had gone to Pakistan and was imprisoned for having a fake Pakistani passport. WION spoke to Hamid's mother and father as both thanked the Indian and Pakistani governments. WION also spoke to Jatin Desai, the man who tirelessly worked for the release of the Indian national. WION: You will finally be able to meet your son... Fauzia Ansari (Mother): Thanks to both the governments, the government of India, minister Sushma Swaraj and all those people who helped us right from the beginning and who stood on our side in our time of crisis. Credit goes to them. And also the Pakistan government, they helped us. I always felt they were very supportive and very helpful. We are very happy on Hamid's release. Nehal Ansari (Father): No words can express our gratitude and happiness. We are thankful to all the people including the government of India and Pakistan. There are so many people who were supportive. Interview with Jatin Desai WION: Sir, your hard work towards Hamid's release has finally paid off... Jatin Desai: Absolutely, I am thrilled and happy. It is a historic day for India-Pakistan relations. After so many years, he will come back. He was imprisoned for six years. He was arrested on November 14, 2012, which is more than six years. He was an innocent guy, he went to Pakistan for the sake of his love. He was in love with a girl from Kohat. He just entered Pakistan and he was caught. We also believe, there are many prisoners. Hamid is not alone. There are several like him in India and Pakistan, they need to be released. They need to be seen from a humanitarian perspective, which we don't. Hamid can set an example. This is the time, India and Pakistan should release prisoners from their custody. WION: Did you expect him to be released soon? Jatin Desai: I was expecting it, although I didn't think he would be released on Tuesday. It's a pleasant shock, pleasant shocks are always welcome. The new government in Pakistan, especially Imran Khan took the initiative. Next year will be the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, so the Kartarpur corridor has come up, let us hope. I always live in optimism. I believe, tomorrow will be better than today. WION: Talk to us about your struggles. Issues you faced? Jatin Desai: I am interested in the plight of the fishermen who have been arrested, I want them to be released. There are 400 Indian fishermen in Pakistan's custody and 150 Pakistan fishermen in Indian custody. It is very difficult. It is because of a lack of trust. We need to have trust between the two countries. In the case of Hamid, I must say, that in Pakistan a couple of friends and others tirelessly worked to get him released. There were senior lawyers, women lawyers, who worked for his release, without any expectations. It is also a victory of the Indian and Pakistani media including the Indian and Pakistani social activists.

Thank government of India, Pak for son's release, say Hamid Nehal Ansari's parents

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday highlighted the part Pakistan is playing in the US-Taliban negotiations, a round of which were held in the UAE a day earlier.

Imran said he hoped that the could bring an end to "almost three decades of suffering of the brave Afghan people".

"Pakistan has helped in the dialogue between Taliban and the US in Abu Dhabi," Khan tweeted.

"Let us pray that this leads to peace and ends almost three decades of suffering of the brave Afghan people. Pakistan will be doing everything within its power to further the peace process."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Pakistan has helped in the dialogue between Taliban and the US in Abu Dhabi. Let us pray that this leads to peace and ends almost three decades of suffering of the brave Afghan people. Pakistan will be doing everything within its power to further the peace process.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1074888807248474112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Imran Khan's remarks come a day after United States diplomats and Taliban representatives met in the United Arab Emirates for the first round of talks facilitated by Pakistan on finding a negotiated settlement of the war in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday highlighted the part Pakistan is playing in the US-Taliban negotiations, a round of which were held in the UAE a day earlier.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday highlighted the part Pakistan is playing in the US-Taliban negotiations, a round of which were held in the UAE a day earlier. Imran said he hoped that the could bring an end to "almost three decades of suffering of the brave Afghan people". "Pakistan has helped in the dialogue between Taliban and the US in Abu Dhabi," Khan tweeted. "Let us pray that this leads to peace and ends almost three decades of suffering of the brave Afghan people. Pakistan will be doing everything within its power to further the peace process." Pakistan has helped in the dialogue between Taliban and the US in Abu Dhabi. Let us pray that this leads to peace and ends almost three decades of suffering of the brave Afghan people. Pakistan will be doing everything within its power to further the peace process. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 18, 2018 × Imran Khan's remarks come a day after United States diplomats and Taliban representatives met in the United Arab Emirates for the first round of talks facilitated by Pakistan on finding a negotiated settlement of the war in Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

We helped in dialogue between US and Taliban, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan

West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scholarships-awarded-to-17-crore-minority-students-in-west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-184968">Mamata Banerjee</a> Tuesday said that it was a humanitarian obligation to give refuge to migrants.

On International Migrants Day, she stated that her government to the best of its abilities would take care of anyone seeking shelter in West Bengal.

"Today is International Migrants Day. It is our humanitarian obligation to give refuge to migrants. In #Bangla we will take care of anyone who seeks shelter in our state, to the best of our abilities," Banerjee tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Today is International Migrants Day. It is our humanitarian obligation to give refuge to migrants. In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangla</a> we will take care of anyone who seeks shelter in our State, to the best of our abilities
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1074846713247137792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress supremo had been critical of the BJP-led Central government after over 40 lakh people were left out of the complete draft of Assams National Register of Citizens (NRC).

She had also expressed her willingness that people whose names were not included in the list can come and stay in West Bengal.

International Migrants Day is observed on December 18 in accordance with Resolution 55/93 of the United Nations General Assembly, adopted on December 4, 2000.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday said that it was a humanitarian obligation to give refuge to migrants. On International Migrants Day, she stated that her government to the best of its abilities would take care of anyone seeking shelter in West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday said that it was a humanitarian obligation to give refuge to migrants. On International Migrants Day, she stated that her government to the best of its abilities would take care of anyone seeking shelter in West Bengal. "Today is International Migrants Day. It is our humanitarian obligation to give refuge to migrants. In #Bangla we will take care of anyone who seeks shelter in our state, to the best of our abilities," Banerjee tweeted. Today is International Migrants Day. It is our humanitarian obligation to give refuge to migrants. In #Bangla we will take care of anyone who seeks shelter in our State, to the best of our abilities — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 18, 2018 × Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress supremo had been critical of the BJP-led Central government after over 40 lakh people were left out of the complete draft of Assams National Register of Citizens (NRC). She had also expressed her willingness that people whose names were not included in the list can come and stay in West Bengal. International Migrants Day is observed on December 18 in accordance with Resolution 55/93 of the United Nations General Assembly, adopted on December 4, 2000.

West Bengal's doors open for migrant and homeless people: Mamata Banerjee

Addressing India's distressed farmers directly from Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until all <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-sworn-in-as-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-184795">farms loans </a>have been waived.

In a stinging attack on what he described as crony capitalism, Gandhi said the government has turned a blind eye to the loans given to 15 top industrialists of the country, including Anil Ambani, but has made no effort to alleviate the woes of the farmers in the last four years.

"We promised to waive loans in 10 days. In two states, we did it in six hours," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.

"We will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until loans of all farmers are waived," the Congress president said.

Addressing India's distressed farmers directly from Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until all farms loans have been waived.

Addressing India's distressed farmers directly from Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until all farms loans have been waived. In a stinging attack on what he described as crony capitalism, Gandhi said the government has turned a blind eye to the loans given to 15 top industrialists of the country, including Anil Ambani, but has made no effort to alleviate the woes of the farmers in the last four years. "We promised to waive loans in 10 days. In two states, we did it in six hours," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament. "We will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until loans of all farmers are waived," the Congress president said.

Won't let PM Modi sleep until all farms loans waived: Rahul Gandhi

Exhorting people to concentrate on the development of villages, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-election-results-2018-kcr-20-and-his-national-ambitions-183701">Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao</a> has stated that the state and the country can only develop if the villages are developed. 
 
The Chief Minister instructed concerned officers to appoint village secretary in every gram panchayat in Telangana. He said that by effectively implementing new Panchayat Raj Act, the overall picture of the villages must be changed and bettered. 
 
Rao, commonly known as KCR said that immediately after the village panchayat raj elections, programmes concerning to sanitation and environmental cleanliness in the villages must be stepped up. 
 
He held a review meeting on Sunday at Pragathi Bhavan on various aspects of panchayat raj and electoral promises made in the recent Assembly elections. 
 
As part of its efforts to strengthen the gram panchayat system, the state government has appointed 9355 new panchayat raj secretaries. This is the first of its kind recruitment process after the creation of the New Zonal system. With the appointment of new village secretaries, the Chief Minister said that every village will have village-level officers who will be made responsible for the development of the villages, greenery and sanitation programmes. 
 
In addition to the existing village secretaries along with the newly-recruited village panchayat secretaries, there will be an awareness conclave on December 27 in Hyderabad. The Chief Minister will deliver the inaugural address and make suggestions on the action plan for the development of villages. 
 
Rao also announced in the review meeting that in accordance with the electoral promises, every senior citizen on completion of 57 years will be provided with old age pensions. He has instructed Chief Secretary SK Joshi to draft modalities pertaining to this and decide on the process of identifying eligible persons for the old age pension. Rao added that once the details of beneficiaries are worked out and the number is decided, adequate budgetary provision will be made in 2019-20 budget and pension should be given with effect from April 1, 2019. 
 
The Chief Minister also instructed Revenue Principal Secretary Rajeshwar Tiwari to commence the process of formation of two more districts namely Mulugu and Narayanpet in accordance with his electoral promises made in the Assembly elections. He told the revenue secretary to initiate the process of formation of Korutla new revenue division and Ghattuppal Mandal in Nalgonda district, Mallampally Mandal in Bhupalapally district. KCR also suggested that the existing Gundala Mandal in Jangoan district should now be merged into Yadadri Bhuvangiri district. 
 
The Chief Minister further instructed the concerned officers that the Bathukamma sarees should be distributed from December 19.

Exhorting people to concentrate on the development of villages, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao has stated that the state and the country can only develop if the villages are developed.

Exhorting people to concentrate on the development of villages, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao has stated that the state and the country can only develop if the villages are developed. The Chief Minister instructed concerned officers to appoint village secretary in every gram panchayat in Telangana. He said that by effectively implementing new Panchayat Raj Act, the overall picture of the villages must be changed and bettered. Rao, commonly known as KCR said that immediately after the village panchayat raj elections, programmes concerning to sanitation and environmental cleanliness in the villages must be stepped up. He held a review meeting on Sunday at Pragathi Bhavan on various aspects of panchayat raj and electoral promises made in the recent Assembly elections. As part of its efforts to strengthen the gram panchayat system, the state government has appointed 9355 new panchayat raj secretaries. This is the first of its kind recruitment process after the creation of the New Zonal system. With the appointment of new village secretaries, the Chief Minister said that every village will have village-level officers who will be made responsible for the development of the villages, greenery and sanitation programmes. In addition to the existing village secretaries along with the newly-recruited village panchayat secretaries, there will be an awareness conclave on December 27 in Hyderabad. The Chief Minister will deliver the inaugural address and make suggestions on the action plan for the development of villages. Rao also announced in the review meeting that in accordance with the electoral promises, every senior citizen on completion of 57 years will be provided with old age pensions. He has instructed Chief Secretary SK Joshi to draft modalities pertaining to this and decide on the process of identifying eligible persons for the old age pension. Rao added that once the details of beneficiaries are worked out and the number is decided, adequate budgetary provision will be made in 2019-20 budget and pension should be given with effect from April 1, 2019. The Chief Minister also instructed Revenue Principal Secretary Rajeshwar Tiwari to commence the process of formation of two more districts namely Mulugu and Narayanpet in accordance with his electoral promises made in the Assembly elections. He told the revenue secretary to initiate the process of formation of Korutla new revenue division and Ghattuppal Mandal in Nalgonda district, Mallampally Mandal in Bhupalapally district. KCR also suggested that the existing Gundala Mandal in Jangoan district should now be merged into Yadadri Bhuvangiri district. The Chief Minister further instructed the concerned officers that the Bathukamma sarees should be distributed from December 19.

KCR urges people to concentrate on development of villages in Telangana

Amidst the controversy surrounding the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-judgement-govt-moves-sc-seeking-correction-in-para-which-makes-reference-to-cag-report-pac-184280">Supreme Court's verdict on Rafale deal</a>, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-topple-govt-if-ram-temple-construction-is-opposed-subramanian-swamy-182345">Subramanian Swamy</a> said that Supreme Court should decide if Centre had misled the judiciary and whether the error made in the affidavit was mala fide. 
 
Reacting to Congress leader Anand Sharma's statement that Center had deliberately misled the apex court, Swamy told ANI: "Sharma is no one to say anything on the Government's intentions. It is for the Supreme Court to decide or to say that you misled us or your error was mala fide in Rafale affidavit. At first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should order a probe to see who drafted it whether it was a bureaucrat or our politician." 
 
Swamy's remarks came after discrepancies were pointed out in certain paragraphs of the apex court judgement on Rafale issue. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had raised questions over the claims of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining the CAG report, claiming that PAC Chairman Kharge had seen no such report. 
 
Further speaking on the Opposition alliance ahead of the general elections, Swamy said, "A coalition with ideological differences won't be able to stay for long and it will soon start falling apart." 
 
Praising his party, Swamy asserted: "After Vajpayee's rule UPA again came to power as his 'India shining' campaign was not enough to win the election. We also need a glue of 'Hindutva' to form the government at the Centre again and make our party workers work." 
 
Taking a jibe at Congress over their continuous attack on surgical strikes Swamy said, "What can you expect from Congress, they have developed a habit of questioning everything patriotic about this country. They even question surgical strike and sacrifices of our jawans." 
 
Sharpening his attack on the Congress leaders, especially Sidhu, who already received criticism for attending Prime Minister Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony in Pakistan and for embracing Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Swamy said, "Congress leaders like Navjot Singh is creating an impression that he is an anti-national as he cares more for our enemies than our own people," he said.

Amidst the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court's verdict on Rafale deal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Subramanian Swamy said that Supreme Court should decide if Centre had misled the judiciary and whether the error made in the affidavit was mala fide.

Amidst the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court's verdict on Rafale deal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Subramanian Swamy said that Supreme Court should decide if Centre had misled the judiciary and whether the error made in the affidavit was mala fide. Reacting to Congress leader Anand Sharma's statement that Center had deliberately misled the apex court, Swamy told ANI: "Sharma is no one to say anything on the Government's intentions. It is for the Supreme Court to decide or to say that you misled us or your error was mala fide in Rafale affidavit. At first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should order a probe to see who drafted it whether it was a bureaucrat or our politician." Swamy's remarks came after discrepancies were pointed out in certain paragraphs of the apex court judgement on Rafale issue. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had raised questions over the claims of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining the CAG report, claiming that PAC Chairman Kharge had seen no such report. Further speaking on the Opposition alliance ahead of the general elections, Swamy said, "A coalition with ideological differences won't be able to stay for long and it will soon start falling apart." Praising his party, Swamy asserted: "After Vajpayee's rule UPA again came to power as his 'India shining' campaign was not enough to win the election. We also need a glue of 'Hindutva' to form the government at the Centre again and make our party workers work." Taking a jibe at Congress over their continuous attack on surgical strikes Swamy said, "What can you expect from Congress, they have developed a habit of questioning everything patriotic about this country. They even question surgical strike and sacrifices of our jawans." Sharpening his attack on the Congress leaders, especially Sidhu, who already received criticism for attending Prime Minister Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony in Pakistan and for embracing Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Swamy said, "Congress leaders like Navjot Singh is creating an impression that he is an anti-national as he cares more for our enemies than our own people," he said.

Let SC say if Centre misled judiciary on Rafale: Subramanian Swamy

The Met department has warned of heavy rains in many districts of South Bengal, Odisha and coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh on Monday as an effect of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-phethai-to-make-landfall-in-andhra-pradesh-on-monday-tamil-nadu-puducherry-to-receive-heavy-rainfall-184427">cyclone 'Phethai'</a>, which is likely to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada today afternoon.

22 passenger trains have been cancelled, one train rescheduled and one train partially cancelled in view of the rainfall due to cyclone Phethai.&nbsp;

Coastal Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu and Odisha are likely to experience rainfall in the next two days with a deep depression set to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make a landfall between Ongole and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Cyclone warning centre, Vizag: Y'day's severe cyclonic storm weakened slightly but continuing as severe cyclonic storm. It's about 160 km southeast of Machilipatnam&amp;190 km south of Kakinada, likely to move in northerly direction&amp;cross Kakinada by this afternoon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CyclonePhethai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CyclonePhethai</a> <a href="https://t.co/6BYHg5ECFx">pic.twitter.com/6BYHg5ECFx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074522506751553536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, the IMD clarified that due to "unfavourable environmental conditions", the cyclone will "weaken slightly before making landfall".

In a statement, the IMD said, "The Cyclonic storm 'Phethai' over southwest and adjoining the west-central Bay of Bengal moved further north-northwestwards with a speed of 26 kmph during past 06 hours, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and cross Andhra Pradesh coast around Kakinada during December 17 afternoon. However, due to unfavourable environmental conditions, it is likely to weaken slightly before landfall and cross the coast as a cyclonic storm".

A warning of heavy rainfall over isolated areas in coastal Andhra, north Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Jharkhand, south Chhattisgarh, and the Gangetic West Bengal, as well as strong wind warnings for south Andhra, north Tamil Nadu, and coastal Puducherry were also issued.&nbsp;

The IMD further predicted damage to thatched huts, minor damage to power and communication lines due to breaking of branches, major damage to Kutcha and damage to Pucca roads, uprooting of small trees and some damage to paddy crops, banana, papaya trees and orchards, apart from sea water inundation in low lying areas after erosion of Kutcha embankments.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Met department has warned of heavy rains in many districts of South Bengal, Odisha and coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh on Monday as an effect of the cyclone 'Phethai', which is likely to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada today afternoon.

The Met department has warned of heavy rains in many districts of South Bengal, Odisha and coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh on Monday as an effect of the cyclone 'Phethai', which is likely to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada today afternoon. 22 passenger trains have been cancelled, one train rescheduled and one train partially cancelled in view of the rainfall due to cyclone Phethai. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu and Odisha are likely to experience rainfall in the next two days with a deep depression set to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make a landfall between Ongole and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. Cyclone warning centre, Vizag: Y'day's severe cyclonic storm weakened slightly but continuing as severe cyclonic storm. It's about 160 km southeast of Machilipatnam&190 km south of Kakinada, likely to move in northerly direction&cross Kakinada by this afternoon. #CyclonePhethai pic.twitter.com/6BYHg5ECFx — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × However, the IMD clarified that due to "unfavourable environmental conditions", the cyclone will "weaken slightly before making landfall". In a statement, the IMD said, "The Cyclonic storm 'Phethai' over southwest and adjoining the west-central Bay of Bengal moved further north-northwestwards with a speed of 26 kmph during past 06 hours, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and cross Andhra Pradesh coast around Kakinada during December 17 afternoon. However, due to unfavourable environmental conditions, it is likely to weaken slightly before landfall and cross the coast as a cyclonic storm". A warning of heavy rainfall over isolated areas in coastal Andhra, north Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Jharkhand, south Chhattisgarh, and the Gangetic West Bengal, as well as strong wind warnings for south Andhra, north Tamil Nadu, and coastal Puducherry were also issued. The IMD further predicted damage to thatched huts, minor damage to power and communication lines due to breaking of branches, major damage to Kutcha and damage to Pucca roads, uprooting of small trees and some damage to paddy crops, banana, papaya trees and orchards, apart from sea water inundation in low lying areas after erosion of Kutcha embankments. (With inputs from ANI)

Andhra Pradesh on alert as Cyclone Phethai approaches; several trains cancelled

Maldives' Prez arrives in New Delhi on 3-day visit to India

The Parliament cannot be stopped from examining the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-judgement-govt-moves-sc-seeking-correction-in-para-which-makes-reference-to-cag-report-pac-184280">Rafale deal</a> asserted former finance minister and senior advocate P Chidambaram on Monday while citing that authority of the Supreme Court and Parliament are very different. 
 
Chidambaram took to micro-blogging site Twitter and wrote, "The jurisdiction of the SC and the domain of the sovereign Parliament are very different. Nothing can stop Parliament, present or future, from examining the Rafale deal." 
 
He also claimed that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">verdict of the top court</a> was constrained by its 'jurisdictional limitation' and said, "The judgment of the SC was constrained by its jurisdictional limitations. See the last sentence of the judgment as well as several other observations. Therefore, the issue of Rafale remains wide open.' 
 
Senior Congress leader Chidambaram also took a dig at Prime Minister Modi's comment questioning Congress's faith in Supreme Court. 
 
"Congress does not believe in SC", says PM Modi. Wrong. Congress believes in SC, but Congress does not believe in misleading SC," he wrote. 
 
The comments by former finance minister Chidambaram comes after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack at the Congress for allegedly considering itself above every institution and the people of the country. 
 
Taking a jibe at the recent reaction of the Congress on the Supreme Court's verdict on the Rafale deal, he said that one should "Stay alert and safe from such people and parties." 
 
The fresh controversy started after discrepancies were pointed out in certain paragraphs of the apex court judgement on Rafale issue. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had raised questions over the claims of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining the CAG report, claiming that PAC Chairman Kharge had seen no such report.

The Parliament cannot be stopped from examining the Rafale deal asserted former finance minister and senior advocate P Chidambaram on Monday while citing that authority of the Supreme Court and Parliament are very different.

The Parliament cannot be stopped from examining the Rafale deal asserted former finance minister and senior advocate P Chidambaram on Monday while citing that authority of the Supreme Court and Parliament are very different. Chidambaram took to micro-blogging site Twitter and wrote, "The jurisdiction of the SC and the domain of the sovereign Parliament are very different. Nothing can stop Parliament, present or future, from examining the Rafale deal." He also claimed that the verdict of the top court was constrained by its 'jurisdictional limitation' and said, "The judgment of the SC was constrained by its jurisdictional limitations. See the last sentence of the judgment as well as several other observations. Therefore, the issue of Rafale remains wide open.' Senior Congress leader Chidambaram also took a dig at Prime Minister Modi's comment questioning Congress's faith in Supreme Court. "Congress does not believe in SC", says PM Modi. Wrong. Congress believes in SC, but Congress does not believe in misleading SC," he wrote. The comments by former finance minister Chidambaram comes after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack at the Congress for allegedly considering itself above every institution and the people of the country. Taking a jibe at the recent reaction of the Congress on the Supreme Court's verdict on the Rafale deal, he said that one should "Stay alert and safe from such people and parties." The fresh controversy started after discrepancies were pointed out in certain paragraphs of the apex court judgement on Rafale issue. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had raised questions over the claims of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining the CAG report, claiming that PAC Chairman Kharge had seen no such report.

Can't stop Parliament from examining Rafale, says P Chidambaram

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today hailed the life sentence given to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

"Sajjan Kumar’s conviction by the Delhi High Court is a delayed vindication of Justice. The Congress and the Gandhi family legacy will continue to pay for the sins of 1984 riots," Jaitley tweeted on Monday after the Delhi High Court verdict.

The high court reversed the verdict of the trial court which had acquitted Kumar. He has to surrender by December 31, 2018.

Besides Congress' Sajjan Kumar, Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Kishan Khokkar and former legislator Mahender Yadav have been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel had on October 29 concluded hearing arguments on the appeals filed by the CBI, riots victims and the convicts, and reserved the judgement.

Former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and two others were held guilty in the case relating to the murder of five members of a family in Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment on November 1, 1984 after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today hailed the life sentence given to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. "Sajjan Kumar’s conviction by the Delhi High Court is a delayed vindication of Justice.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today hailed the life sentence given to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. "Sajjan Kumar’s conviction by the Delhi High Court is a delayed vindication of Justice. The Congress and the Gandhi family legacy will continue to pay for the sins of 1984 riots," Jaitley tweeted on Monday after the Delhi High Court verdict. The high court reversed the verdict of the trial court which had acquitted Kumar. He has to surrender by December 31, 2018. Besides Congress' Sajjan Kumar, Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Kishan Khokkar and former legislator Mahender Yadav have been sentenced to 10 years in prison. A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel had on October 29 concluded hearing arguments on the appeals filed by the CBI, riots victims and the convicts, and reserved the judgement. Former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and two others were held guilty in the case relating to the murder of five members of a family in Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment on November 1, 1984 after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Delayed vindication of justice: Arun Jaitley on Sajjan Kumar's conviction in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot today swore in as the 12th Rajasthan Chief Minister of Rajasthan at a ceremony in Jaipur's Albert Hall while Rajasthan Congress president Sachin Pilot took oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

Top Opposition and party leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh were present on the premises of Albert Hall to take part in the oath-taking ceremony.&nbsp;

Scores of people were present at the historic Albert Hall to witness the oath of new Rajasthan CM and his deputy. The leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and others were among the VIP guests.

"What is the financial condition of the state is known by all. The BJP got a huge mandate in the last elections and people had expectations from Raje, but she was careless and passed five years in carelessness," said Ashok Gehlot.

Usually, the oath-taking ceremonies take place in the Raj Bhawan but former CM Vasundhara Raje changed the trend by organising her swearing-in at Janpath outside Rajasthan Assembly building.&nbsp;

The Congress had ousted Vasundhara Raje-led BJP from the state by winning 99 of the 199 seats in the December 7 Assembly elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot today swore in as the 12th Rajasthan Chief Minister of Rajasthan at a ceremony in Jaipur's Albert Hall while Rajasthan Congress president Sachin Pilot took oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot today swore in as the 12th Rajasthan Chief Minister of Rajasthan at a ceremony in Jaipur's Albert Hall while Rajasthan Congress president Sachin Pilot took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Top Opposition and party leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh were present on the premises of Albert Hall to take part in the oath-taking ceremony. Scores of people were present at the historic Albert Hall to witness the oath of new Rajasthan CM and his deputy. The leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and others were among the VIP guests. "What is the financial condition of the state is known by all. The BJP got a huge mandate in the last elections and people had expectations from Raje, but she was careless and passed five years in carelessness," said Ashok Gehlot. Usually, the oath-taking ceremonies take place in the Raj Bhawan but former CM Vasundhara Raje changed the trend by organising her swearing-in at Janpath outside Rajasthan Assembly building. The Congress had ousted Vasundhara Raje-led BJP from the state by winning 99 of the 199 seats in the December 7 Assembly elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Ashok Gehlot takes oath as Rajasthan CM, Sachin Pilot becomes deputy CM

The Cabinet on Monday approved amending the existing laws to provide legal backing for seeding of biometric ID Aadhaar with mobile numbers and bank accounts as an optional KYC <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aadhaar-verdict-unique-identification-number-not-mandatory-mobile-connections-bank">after the Supreme Court barred the mandatory use of the 12-digit unique identifier by private firms</a>, sources said.

The Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved amendments to the Telegraph Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after the Supreme Court in September imposed restrictions on the use of Aadhaar by private companies.

"Private entities using Aadhaar as a KYC document will have to ensure safety and privacy of the Aadhaar data," a source said.&nbsp;

Sources said the two Acts will be amended to provide for voluntary sharing of the 12-digit identification number for obtaining new mobile phone connections and for the opening of bank accounts.

The changes in the relevant sections of the Telegraph Act and PMLA will be effected through the original Aadhaar Act.&nbsp;

A bill in this regard could be moved in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament and would clarify that the changes in the two Acts are being made through the principal Aadhaar law.&nbsp;

Under the amendments, an Aadhaar holder can opt for offline verification through QR code and will not require to share actual Aadhaar number.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Supreme Court had struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act that made seeding of the biometric ID with SIMs and bank accounts mandatory, saying it had no legal backing.

To overcome this lacuna, the Telegraph Act is being amended to provide legal backing for the issuance of mobile SIMs through Aadhaar.

Similarly, the amendment to the PMLA will give individuals option to link their bank accounts to Aadhaar in the KYC option.

Under the amendments, the government has proposed an imprisonment of up to 10 years for attempting to hack Aadhaar data. Currently, the punishment for this offence is 3 years.&nbsp;

Sources further said a child who has been enrolled for Aadhaar through his/her parents will have an option to opt out of Aadhaar data base after attaining age of 18 years.

Also, action will be taken against accountable individuals in case they deny any service for want of Aadhaar, as per the proposed amendments.

The apex court in a landmark judgment had held constitutional validity of Aadhaar for the distribution of state-sponsored welfare subsidies but ruled that it cannot be made mandatory for opening bank accounts or providing mobile-phone connections. The ruling followed petitions by activists and lawyers citing privacy concerns.

Conceptualised under the previous UPA regime in 2009, under the extraordinary Aadhaar programme provides for giving every resident a biometric ID by assigning a unique 12-digit identification number after collecting their biometric data and photographs. It was envisioned as a cost-saving tool that could improve the delivery of services and subsidies to poor by eliminating bogus beneficiaries and checking diversions.&nbsp;

The Cabinet on Monday approved amending the existing laws to provide legal backing for seeding of biometric ID Aadhaar with mobile numbers and bank accounts as an optional KYC after the Supreme Court barred the mandatory use of the 12-digit unique identifier by private firms, sources said.

The Cabinet on Monday approved amending the existing laws to provide legal backing for seeding of biometric ID Aadhaar with mobile numbers and bank accounts as an optional KYC after the Supreme Court barred the mandatory use of the 12-digit unique identifier by private firms, sources said. The Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved amendments to the Telegraph Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after the Supreme Court in September imposed restrictions on the use of Aadhaar by private companies. "Private entities using Aadhaar as a KYC document will have to ensure safety and privacy of the Aadhaar data," a source said. Sources said the two Acts will be amended to provide for voluntary sharing of the 12-digit identification number for obtaining new mobile phone connections and for the opening of bank accounts. The changes in the relevant sections of the Telegraph Act and PMLA will be effected through the original Aadhaar Act. A bill in this regard could be moved in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament and would clarify that the changes in the two Acts are being made through the principal Aadhaar law. Under the amendments, an Aadhaar holder can opt for offline verification through QR code and will not require to share actual Aadhaar number. The Supreme Court had struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act that made seeding of the biometric ID with SIMs and bank accounts mandatory, saying it had no legal backing. To overcome this lacuna, the Telegraph Act is being amended to provide legal backing for the issuance of mobile SIMs through Aadhaar. Similarly, the amendment to the PMLA will give individuals option to link their bank accounts to Aadhaar in the KYC option. Under the amendments, the government has proposed an imprisonment of up to 10 years for attempting to hack Aadhaar data. Currently, the punishment for this offence is 3 years. Sources further said a child who has been enrolled for Aadhaar through his/her parents will have an option to opt out of Aadhaar data base after attaining age of 18 years. Also, action will be taken against accountable individuals in case they deny any service for want of Aadhaar, as per the proposed amendments. The apex court in a landmark judgment had held constitutional validity of Aadhaar for the distribution of state-sponsored welfare subsidies but ruled that it cannot be made mandatory for opening bank accounts or providing mobile-phone connections. The ruling followed petitions by activists and lawyers citing privacy concerns. Conceptualised under the previous UPA regime in 2009, under the extraordinary Aadhaar programme provides for giving every resident a biometric ID by assigning a unique 12-digit identification number after collecting their biometric data and photographs. It was envisioned as a cost-saving tool that could improve the delivery of services and subsidies to poor by eliminating bogus beneficiaries and checking diversions.

Aadhaar not compulsory with bank accounts, mobiles: Cabinet approves amendments

The Delhi High Court on Monday convicted senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Sajjan Kumar has been sentenced to life imprisonment. He has to surrender by December 31, 2018.

The order was passed while reversing the verdict of the trial court which had acquitted Kumar.

"In the summer of 1947, during partition, several people were massacred. 37 years later Delhi was the witness of a similar tragedy. The accused enjoyed political patronage and escaped trial," said Delhi High Court while reading the judgement.

Besides Congress' Sajjan Kumar, Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Kishan Khokkar and former legislator Mahender Yadav have been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel had on October 29 concluded hearing arguments on the appeals filed by the CBI, riots victims and the convicts, and reserved the judgement.

Former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and two others were held guilty in the case relating to the murder of five members of a family in Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment on November 1, 1984 after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

The trial court had acquitted Sajjan Kumar in the case, but awarded life term to Khokhar, Bhagmal and Lal, and a three-year jail term to two others - former MLA Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar.

The convicts had challenged their conviction and sentencing by the trial court in May 2013. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had also filed an appeal, alleging they were engaged in “a planned communal riot” and “religious cleansing”. The agency and the victims have also appealed against the acquittal of Kumar.

The high court had on March 29 last year issued show cause notices to 11 accused, including Khokhar and Yadav, in five 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases which were earlier closed. The matter is being heard by another division bench.

The accused, who was acquitted of the charges, were asked as to why should the court not order reinvestigation and retrial against them as they faced allegations of “horrifying crimes against humanity”.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

The Delhi High Court on Monday convicted senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Sajjan Kumar has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

The Delhi High Court on Monday convicted senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Sajjan Kumar has been sentenced to life imprisonment. He has to surrender by December 31, 2018. The order was passed while reversing the verdict of the trial court which had acquitted Kumar. "In the summer of 1947, during partition, several people were massacred. 37 years later Delhi was the witness of a similar tragedy. The accused enjoyed political patronage and escaped trial," said Delhi High Court while reading the judgement. Besides Congress' Sajjan Kumar, Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Kishan Khokkar and former legislator Mahender Yadav have been sentenced to 10 years in prison. A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel had on October 29 concluded hearing arguments on the appeals filed by the CBI, riots victims and the convicts, and reserved the judgement. Former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and two others were held guilty in the case relating to the murder of five members of a family in Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment on November 1, 1984 after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi. The trial court had acquitted Sajjan Kumar in the case, but awarded life term to Khokhar, Bhagmal and Lal, and a three-year jail term to two others - former MLA Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar. The convicts had challenged their conviction and sentencing by the trial court in May 2013. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had also filed an appeal, alleging they were engaged in “a planned communal riot” and “religious cleansing”. The agency and the victims have also appealed against the acquittal of Kumar. The high court had on March 29 last year issued show cause notices to 11 accused, including Khokhar and Yadav, in five 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases which were earlier closed. The matter is being heard by another division bench. The accused, who was acquitted of the charges, were asked as to why should the court not order reinvestigation and retrial against them as they faced allegations of “horrifying crimes against humanity”. (With inputs from PTI)

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Congress leader Sajjan Kumar sentenced to life imprisonment

With Cyclone Phethai making landfall in Andhra Pradesh coast and the IMD forecasting heavy rainfall in the region, the Odisha government has evacuated more than 11,000 people to safety zones.

The cyclone made landfall near Katrenikona in East Godavari district in the afternoon on Monday, packing windspeed that gusted upto 85-90 kmph, uprooting electric poles and trees in Katrenikona, Tallarevu and Malkipuram in the district.

No casualties were reported, though power supply was severely hit in several parts of the district.

"We have evacuated about 11,600 people in Gajapati district as their houses are yet to be repaired after Cyclone Titili in October this year," a senior official at the Special Relief Commissinor's (SRC) office said.

People from seven vulnerable blocks in Gajapati district have been taken to safe places.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PethaiCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PethaiCyclone</a>: In the meeting, officials said crops in 14000 hectares damaged &amp; 300 sheep died. Highest rainfall of 160 mm was recorded in Tallarevu. 379 electrical poles were damaged &amp; 146 were restored so far. 26000 metric tonnes of agricultural production was damaged. <a href="https://t.co/VM8wlmkff1">https://t.co/VM8wlmkff1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074690326399500290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The official said relief camps have been opened and evacuated people are being provided food and other essentials.

"We shifted the people because there is danger in staying in half-constructed houses during the calamity," the official said.

Though the cyclone system has weakened, many districts in the southern region of the state have been experiencing heavy rainfall under its impact.

As per the latest information from IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Malkangiri, Koraput, Gajapati and Rayagada districts.

Besides, isolated places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada and Kalahandi districts may also experience heavy rainfall, the IMD said.

Many places in Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Bargarh, Bolangir, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts are expected to receive rain, it added.

Meanwhile, farmers in Odisha have been advised to take necessary measures to protect their crops in view of the rain forecast.

One killed in Andhra

Cyclone Phethai barrelled through coastal Andhra Pradesh on Monday, triggering heavy rains, uprooting trees and electric poles, and claiming one life, officials said. 
Train and air services were also disrupted because of the cyclone.

East Godavari district bore the brunt of the storm as it made landfall near Katrenikona in the afternoon, forcing evacuation of 20,000 people, who have been sheltered in relief camps.

Howling winds that gusted up to 85-90 kmph uprooted electric poles and trees in Katrenikona, Tallarevu and Malkipuram in East Godavari, disrupting power supply. No casualties were, however, reported.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PethaiCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PethaiCyclone</a>: Eastern Naval Command dispatches Ships Jyoti &amp; Shakti to Kakinada for Cyclone Rescue Operation. INS Shakti with diving, medical teams &amp; Humanitarian Assistance &amp; Distress Relief stores along with a UH3H helicopter is being sailed out from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada <a href="https://t.co/C8BWEmmD1d">pic.twitter.com/C8BWEmmD1d</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074714683574231040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A man named R Durga Rao aged 28 was killed when a loosened soil hurtled down a hillock following heavy rains in Vijayawada city, according to sources in the state's Disaster Management Authority.

Krishna district Collector B Lakshmi Kantham announced an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 to the deceased's family.

Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa is camping at Bhairavapalem village in East Godavari district to oversee relief and rescue operations.

The Real-Time Governance Centre (RTGS) at the state secretariat said 'Phethai' weakened into a cyclone after making landfall. It moved towards Kakinada, hitting the town with downpour, before rolling towards Visakhapatnam district, officials said.

Chief Executive Officer of the RTGS Babu Ahamed said pracautionary steps taken by the authorities had minimised damage to life and property.

He said trees were uprooted in some 20 places and rescue teams had cleared the debris in 15. Spare electric poles were kept ready, he said.

The South Central Railway cancelled and rescheduled several trains, while air traffic to and from the port city of Visakhapatnam was hit by turbulent weather conditions. Some flights had to be cancelled or diverted to Hyderabad.

Over 20 express and passenger trains were cancelled, SCR's chief public relations officer M Uma Shankar Kumar said.

An Indigo flight from Bengaluru that was to land in Visakhapatnam on Monday morning was diverted to Hyderabad.

An Indian Airlines flight on way to Visakhapatnam from Hyderabad was sent back, while an Indigo flight from New Delhi was diverted to Telangana capital, according to Visakhapatnam airport director.

A Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam Spicejet flight was cancelled while several others of different airliners were rescheduled.

Educational institutions were closed in coastal districts as a precautionary measure.&nbsp;

With Cyclone Phethai making landfall in Andhra Pradesh coast and the IMD forecasting heavy rainfall in the region, the Odisha government has evacuated more than 11,000 people to safety zones.

With Cyclone Phethai making landfall in Andhra Pradesh coast and the IMD forecasting heavy rainfall in the region, the Odisha government has evacuated more than 11,000 people to safety zones. The cyclone made landfall near Katrenikona in East Godavari district in the afternoon on Monday, packing windspeed that gusted upto 85-90 kmph, uprooting electric poles and trees in Katrenikona, Tallarevu and Malkipuram in the district. No casualties were reported, though power supply was severely hit in several parts of the district. "We have evacuated about 11,600 people in Gajapati district as their houses are yet to be repaired after Cyclone Titili in October this year," a senior official at the Special Relief Commissinor's (SRC) office said. People from seven vulnerable blocks in Gajapati district have been taken to safe places. #PethaiCyclone: In the meeting, officials said crops in 14000 hectares damaged & 300 sheep died. Highest rainfall of 160 mm was recorded in Tallarevu. 379 electrical poles were damaged & 146 were restored so far. 26000 metric tonnes of agricultural production was damaged. https://t.co/VM8wlmkff1 — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × The official said relief camps have been opened and evacuated people are being provided food and other essentials. "We shifted the people because there is danger in staying in half-constructed houses during the calamity," the official said. Though the cyclone system has weakened, many districts in the southern region of the state have been experiencing heavy rainfall under its impact. As per the latest information from IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Malkangiri, Koraput, Gajapati and Rayagada districts. Besides, isolated places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada and Kalahandi districts may also experience heavy rainfall, the IMD said. Many places in Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Bargarh, Bolangir, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts are expected to receive rain, it added. Meanwhile, farmers in Odisha have been advised to take necessary measures to protect their crops in view of the rain forecast. One killed in Andhra Cyclone Phethai barrelled through coastal Andhra Pradesh on Monday, triggering heavy rains, uprooting trees and electric poles, and claiming one life, officials said. Train and air services were also disrupted because of the cyclone. East Godavari district bore the brunt of the storm as it made landfall near Katrenikona in the afternoon, forcing evacuation of 20,000 people, who have been sheltered in relief camps. Howling winds that gusted up to 85-90 kmph uprooted electric poles and trees in Katrenikona, Tallarevu and Malkipuram in East Godavari, disrupting power supply. No casualties were, however, reported. #PethaiCyclone: Eastern Naval Command dispatches Ships Jyoti & Shakti to Kakinada for Cyclone Rescue Operation. INS Shakti with diving, medical teams & Humanitarian Assistance & Distress Relief stores along with a UH3H helicopter is being sailed out from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada pic.twitter.com/C8BWEmmD1d — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × A man named R Durga Rao aged 28 was killed when a loosened soil hurtled down a hillock following heavy rains in Vijayawada city, according to sources in the state's Disaster Management Authority. Krishna district Collector B Lakshmi Kantham announced an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 to the deceased's family. Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa is camping at Bhairavapalem village in East Godavari district to oversee relief and rescue operations. The Real-Time Governance Centre (RTGS) at the state secretariat said 'Phethai' weakened into a cyclone after making landfall. It moved towards Kakinada, hitting the town with downpour, before rolling towards Visakhapatnam district, officials said. Chief Executive Officer of the RTGS Babu Ahamed said pracautionary steps taken by the authorities had minimised damage to life and property. He said trees were uprooted in some 20 places and rescue teams had cleared the debris in 15. Spare electric poles were kept ready, he said. The South Central Railway cancelled and rescheduled several trains, while air traffic to and from the port city of Visakhapatnam was hit by turbulent weather conditions. Some flights had to be cancelled or diverted to Hyderabad. Over 20 express and passenger trains were cancelled, SCR's chief public relations officer M Uma Shankar Kumar said. An Indigo flight from Bengaluru that was to land in Visakhapatnam on Monday morning was diverted to Hyderabad. An Indian Airlines flight on way to Visakhapatnam from Hyderabad was sent back, while an Indigo flight from New Delhi was diverted to Telangana capital, according to Visakhapatnam airport director. A Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam Spicejet flight was cancelled while several others of different airliners were rescheduled. Educational institutions were closed in coastal districts as a precautionary measure.

Odisha evacuates 11,600 people as Cyclone Phethai makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Monday he will speak to legendary actor Dilip Kumar and his family to allay their fears over a property issue involving a city-based builder.

Saira Banu, veteran actress and Kumar's wife, had Sunday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/saira-banu-requests-meeting-with-pm-after-the-release-of-builder-who-cheated-her-and-dilip-kumar-184738">sought a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, who will in Mumbai Tuesday, to discuss the issue following the release of the builder, Samir Bhojwani, from jail.

Bhojwani had falsely claimed ownership of the two plots on which Kumar's bungalow has been built. The 96-year- old actor's bungalow is located in the upscale Pali Hill area of suburban Bandra.

Banu's request for a meeting with PM was shared on Kumar's official Twitter account.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
An official from Maharashtra CMO tells ANI: Prime Minister's Office has taken note of veteran actor Dilip Kumar's tweet alleging threat from one builder (Samir Bhojwani). Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also assured to look into this matter. <a href="https://t.co/ARNne9cgtS">pic.twitter.com/ARNne9cgtS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074700865972383745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Request from Saira Banu Khan: The Hon'ble @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi Sir, Land Mafia Samir Bhojwani released from jail. No action taken despite assurances by CM @Dev_ Fadnavis. Padma Vibhushit betrayed, threatened by money and muscle power. Request meeting with you in #Mumbai," the tweet read.

Banu had also tagged Fadnavis in her tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Request from Saira Banu Khan: The Hon’ble <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> 
Sir, Land Mafia Samir Bhojwani realeased from Jail. No Action Taken despite assurances by CM <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a> 
Padma Vibhushit betrayed, Threatened by money n muscle power. Request meeting wth u in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mumbai</a>
— Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDilipKumar/status/1074254577078169600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Asked about the apprehension expressed by the star couple following the release of Bhojwani, Fadnavis told PTI, "I will speak to them and try to sort out the issue."

In December 2017, Banu had lodged a police complaint alleging Bhojwani was threatening and harassing her and Kumar over the property issue.

Following the complaint, the Mumbai police had arrested and booked Bhojwani.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Monday he will speak to legendary actor Dilip Kumar and his family to allay their fears over a property issue involving a city-based builder.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Monday he will speak to legendary actor Dilip Kumar and his family to allay their fears over a property issue involving a city-based builder. Saira Banu, veteran actress and Kumar's wife, had Sunday sought a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will in Mumbai Tuesday, to discuss the issue following the release of the builder, Samir Bhojwani, from jail. Bhojwani had falsely claimed ownership of the two plots on which Kumar's bungalow has been built. The 96-year- old actor's bungalow is located in the upscale Pali Hill area of suburban Bandra. Banu's request for a meeting with PM was shared on Kumar's official Twitter account. An official from Maharashtra CMO tells ANI: Prime Minister's Office has taken note of veteran actor Dilip Kumar's tweet alleging threat from one builder (Samir Bhojwani). Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also assured to look into this matter. pic.twitter.com/ARNne9cgtS — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × "Request from Saira Banu Khan: The Hon'ble @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi Sir, Land Mafia Samir Bhojwani released from jail. No action taken despite assurances by CM @Dev_ Fadnavis. Padma Vibhushit betrayed, threatened by money and muscle power. Request meeting with you in #Mumbai," the tweet read. Banu had also tagged Fadnavis in her tweet. Request from Saira Banu Khan: The Hon’ble @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi Sir, Land Mafia Samir Bhojwani realeased from Jail. No Action Taken despite assurances by CM @Dev_Fadnavis Padma Vibhushit betrayed, Threatened by money n muscle power. Request meeting wth u in #mumbai — Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) December 16, 2018 × Asked about the apprehension expressed by the star couple following the release of Bhojwani, Fadnavis told PTI, "I will speak to them and try to sort out the issue." In December 2017, Banu had lodged a police complaint alleging Bhojwani was threatening and harassing her and Kumar over the property issue. Following the complaint, the Mumbai police had arrested and booked Bhojwani.

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis says will speak to Dilip Kumar, Banu over property issue

Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel was sworn in as Chhattisgarh chief minister on Monday.

Baghel is Chhattisgarh`s third chief minister and the Congress party's second chief minister in the state. Meanwhile, Congress leaders TS Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu took oath as ministers in the new cabinet.

Present on the occasion were former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, and other Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Motilal Vora, PL Punia, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Sharad Yadav of Loktantrik Janata Dal party, Babulal Marandi, Rajbabbar, Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, among others.

Shortly after the ceremony, Baghel said that the decision to waive farm loans has been taken.&nbsp;

"Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel: Congress President Rahul Gandhi had announced that farm loans will be waived within 10 days and that Minimum Support Price (MSP) for maize will be increased to Rs 2500 from Rs 1700 per quintal. These two decisions have been taken today," Baghel told media.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Raipur: Bhupesh Baghel takes oath as the next Chief Minister of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/YMOnKaOf92">pic.twitter.com/YMOnKaOf92</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074649812191076358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Baghel is a Kurmi leader who represents Patan Assembly constituency in Durg district. He has been the president of Chhattisgarh Congress since 2014.

Earlier in the day, the venue of Baghel's oath-taking ceremony was changed due to rainfall. The venue has been changed from Science College ground to Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, news agency ANI reported.

Bhupesh Baghel has served as Congress party chief for Chattisgarh and is also an MLA from Patan, he is credited for bringing the party back to power after 15 years in oblivion.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Chhattisgarh CM: Our third decision is related to Jhiram Ghati. Total 29 people including prominent leaders like Nand Kumar Patel were killed. Conspirators haven't been exposed. No such massacre of politicians ever took place in history. To nab the culprits, a SIT has been formed <a href="https://t.co/Qj4wCCyJUP">pic.twitter.com/Qj4wCCyJUP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074708605310509056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Apart from Baghel, TS Singh Deo, Tamradhwaj Sahu and Charan Das Mahant were the top contenders for the post.

After mulling over various options for the past four days, Rahul Gandhi led Congress decided on Baghel, said sources. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, senior Congress leaders <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-sworn-in-as-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-184795">Kamal Nath</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-takes-oath-as-12th-rajasthan-chief-minister-at-jaipurs-historic-albert-hall-184717">Ashok Gehlot</a> were sworn in as the chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan respectively.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel was sworn in as Chhattisgarh chief minister on Monday. Baghel is Chhattisgarh`s third chief minister and the Congress party's second chief minister in the state.

Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel was sworn in as Chhattisgarh chief minister on Monday. Baghel is Chhattisgarh`s third chief minister and the Congress party's second chief minister in the state. Meanwhile, Congress leaders TS Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu took oath as ministers in the new cabinet. Present on the occasion were former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, and other Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Motilal Vora, PL Punia, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Sharad Yadav of Loktantrik Janata Dal party, Babulal Marandi, Rajbabbar, Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, among others. Shortly after the ceremony, Baghel said that the decision to waive farm loans has been taken. "Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel: Congress President Rahul Gandhi had announced that farm loans will be waived within 10 days and that Minimum Support Price (MSP) for maize will be increased to Rs 2500 from Rs 1700 per quintal. These two decisions have been taken today," Baghel told media. Raipur: Bhupesh Baghel takes oath as the next Chief Minister of #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/YMOnKaOf92 — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × Baghel is a Kurmi leader who represents Patan Assembly constituency in Durg district. He has been the president of Chhattisgarh Congress since 2014. Earlier in the day, the venue of Baghel's oath-taking ceremony was changed due to rainfall. The venue has been changed from Science College ground to Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, news agency ANI reported. Bhupesh Baghel has served as Congress party chief for Chattisgarh and is also an MLA from Patan, he is credited for bringing the party back to power after 15 years in oblivion. Chhattisgarh CM: Our third decision is related to Jhiram Ghati. Total 29 people including prominent leaders like Nand Kumar Patel were killed. Conspirators haven't been exposed. No such massacre of politicians ever took place in history. To nab the culprits, a SIT has been formed pic.twitter.com/Qj4wCCyJUP — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × Apart from Baghel, TS Singh Deo, Tamradhwaj Sahu and Charan Das Mahant were the top contenders for the post. After mulling over various options for the past four days, Rahul Gandhi led Congress decided on Baghel, said sources. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Ashok Gehlot were sworn in as the chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan respectively.

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel follows Kamal Nath's lead, waives farm loans

The oath-taking ceremony of the three newly-elected Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh will take place today back-to-back at 3 different times.&nbsp;

Congress has arranged consecutive swearing-in ceremonies in three states it wrested from the BJP in just-finished assembly polls.

Ashok Gehlot will be sworn-in as Rajasthan Chief Minister in Jaipur in the morning around 10.30 am, Kamal Nath will take the oath in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal around 1.30 pm followed by Bhupesh Baghel in Chhattisgarh's Raipur at 4.30 pm.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend all the events.

A phalanx of opposition leaders, including DMK president MK Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati, SP president Akhilesh Yadav, and NCP president Sharad Pawar, will also be present on the occasion as a show of opposition unity.

In the recently-concluded Assembly elections, the results of which were declared on December 11, the Congress dealt a massive blow to the BJP by ousting its governments in the three `Hindi heartland` states.

While the party registered a resounding victory in Chhattisgarh, winning 68 seats as opposed to the BJP's 15, in Rajasthan the Congress bagged 99 seats, and the BJP 73.

Madhya Pradesh saw a nail-biting fight, where the Congress managed to bag 114 seats out of a total of 230. The Congress then roped in seven seats, two from the BSP, one from Samajwadi Party and four Independents candidates, to form the government.&nbsp;

The Congress had completed the process of selecting chief ministers for all three states it won last week, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Gandhi had chosen Kamal Nath to head the government in Madhya Pradesh, while the decision over Ashok Gehlot as the chief minister and Sachin Pilot as his deputy in Rajasthan was announced on Friday. The party did not rule out the possibility of having a deputy chief minister in Chhattisgarh, too.

(With inputs from agencies)

The oath-taking ceremony of the three newly-elected Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh will take place today back-to-back at 3 different times.

The oath-taking ceremony of the three newly-elected Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh will take place today back-to-back at 3 different times. Congress has arranged consecutive swearing-in ceremonies in three states it wrested from the BJP in just-finished assembly polls. Ashok Gehlot will be sworn-in as Rajasthan Chief Minister in Jaipur in the morning around 10.30 am, Kamal Nath will take the oath in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal around 1.30 pm followed by Bhupesh Baghel in Chhattisgarh's Raipur at 4.30 pm. Congress president Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend all the events. A phalanx of opposition leaders, including DMK president MK Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati, SP president Akhilesh Yadav, and NCP president Sharad Pawar, will also be present on the occasion as a show of opposition unity. In the recently-concluded Assembly elections, the results of which were declared on December 11, the Congress dealt a massive blow to the BJP by ousting its governments in the three `Hindi heartland` states. While the party registered a resounding victory in Chhattisgarh, winning 68 seats as opposed to the BJP's 15, in Rajasthan the Congress bagged 99 seats, and the BJP 73. Madhya Pradesh saw a nail-biting fight, where the Congress managed to bag 114 seats out of a total of 230. The Congress then roped in seven seats, two from the BSP, one from Samajwadi Party and four Independents candidates, to form the government. The Congress had completed the process of selecting chief ministers for all three states it won last week, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. On Thursday, Gandhi had chosen Kamal Nath to head the government in Madhya Pradesh, while the decision over Ashok Gehlot as the chief minister and Sachin Pilot as his deputy in Rajasthan was announced on Friday. The party did not rule out the possibility of having a deputy chief minister in Chhattisgarh, too. (With inputs from agencies)

Back-to-back three oath-taking ceremonies for Congress today

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday welcomes the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-releases-indian-prisoner-hamid-nihal-ansari-after-6-years-184826">release of Indian national, Hamid Nihal Ansari</a>, from Pakistan jail adding that Pakistan should take action to "also end the misery of other Indian nationals and fishermen."

"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;

The MEA's reaction came after Pakistan on Monday released Indian prisoner Hamid Nihal Ansari, who was detained by the country's intelligence agencies in 2012 and subsequently sentenced to three years' imprisonment by a military court in 2015 for possessing a fake Pakistani identity card. As per reports, Ansari will cross over to India on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
whose nationality has been confirmed &amp; who've completed their sentences,but continue to languish in Pakistan jails. We hope Pakistan would respond&amp;organize an early visit of Joint Judicial Committee so that issues of prisoners can be dealt with in a humanitarian&amp;timely manner.2/2
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074675384115900422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ansari, a 33-year-old Mumbai resident, was lodged in the Peshawar Central Jail after being sentenced by the military court on December 15, 2015. His three-year jail term ended on December 15, 2018, but he was not able to leave for India as his legal documents were not ready.

On Thursday, the Peshawar High Court gave the federal government a month deadline to complete his repatriation process.

"Ansari is being released upon completion of his sentence and is being repatriated to India," Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said.

He claimed that Ansari was an "Indian spy who had illegally entered Pakistan and was involved in anti-state crimes and forging documents."

Ansari went missing after he was taken into custody by Pakistani intelligence agencies and local police in Kohat in 2012 and finally in reply to a habeas corpus petition filed by his mother, Fauzia Ansari, the high court was informed that he was in custody of the Pakistan Army and was being tried by a military court.&nbsp;

He entered Pakistan from Afghanistan, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday welcomes the release of Indian national, Hamid Nihal Ansari, from Pakistan jail adding that Pakistan should take action to "also end the misery of other Indian nationals and fishermen.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday welcomes the release of Indian national, Hamid Nihal Ansari, from Pakistan jail adding that Pakistan should take action to "also end the misery of other Indian nationals and fishermen." "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. The MEA's reaction came after Pakistan on Monday released Indian prisoner Hamid Nihal Ansari, who was detained by the country's intelligence agencies in 2012 and subsequently sentenced to three years' imprisonment by a military court in 2015 for possessing a fake Pakistani identity card. As per reports, Ansari will cross over to India on Tuesday. whose nationality has been confirmed & who've completed their sentences,but continue to languish in Pakistan jails. We hope Pakistan would respond&organize an early visit of Joint Judicial Committee so that issues of prisoners can be dealt with in a humanitarian&timely manner.2/2 — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × Ansari, a 33-year-old Mumbai resident, was lodged in the Peshawar Central Jail after being sentenced by the military court on December 15, 2015. His three-year jail term ended on December 15, 2018, but he was not able to leave for India as his legal documents were not ready. On Thursday, the Peshawar High Court gave the federal government a month deadline to complete his repatriation process. "Ansari is being released upon completion of his sentence and is being repatriated to India," Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said. He claimed that Ansari was an "Indian spy who had illegally entered Pakistan and was involved in anti-state crimes and forging documents." Ansari went missing after he was taken into custody by Pakistani intelligence agencies and local police in Kohat in 2012 and finally in reply to a habeas corpus petition filed by his mother, Fauzia Ansari, the high court was informed that he was in custody of the Pakistan Army and was being tried by a military court. He entered Pakistan from Afghanistan, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. (With inputs from PTI)

It's a matter of great relief: MEA on Hamid Ansari's release from Pak jail 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/reject-us-senate-inference-in-our-internal-affairs-saudi-arabia-on-khashoggi-case-184625">Reject US Senate interference in our internal affairs: Saudi Arabia on Khashoggi case</a>

Saudi Arabia on Sunday rejected as "interference" a US Senate resolution to end American military support for a Riyadh-led war in Yemen, and another holding its crown prince responsible for the murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-temporarily-banned-israel-pms-son-yair-netanyahu-for-anti-muslim-posts-184617">Facebook temporarily banned Israel PM's son Yair Netanyahu for anti-Muslim posts</a>

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest, Yair, has tweeted that Facebook blocked his page for 24 hours over apparent anti-Muslim posts and called the leading social network a "dictatorship".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-broke-down-crying-while-apologising-for-monkeygate-andrew-symonds-184623">Harbhajan 'broke down crying' while 'apologising' for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-broke-down-crying-while-apologising-for-monkeygate-andrew-symonds-184623">monkeygate</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-broke-down-crying-while-apologising-for-monkeygate-andrew-symonds-184623">: Symonds</a>

Andrew Symonds says India spinner Harbhajan Singh "broke down crying" while making peace after the infamous 'monkeygate' episode had sent the former Australian all-rounder into a downward spiral.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-phethai-likely-to-make-landfall-in-coastal-andhra-today-afternoon-high-alert-sounded-184622">Cyclone 'Phethai' likely to make landfall in coastal Andhra today, high alert sounded</a>

The Met department on Sunday warned of heavy rain in many districts of South Bengal on Monday as an effect of the cyclone 'Phethai', which is likely to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh today afternoon.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/petrol-diesel-prices-rise-on-thursday-check-todays-rates-184629">Petrol, Diesel prices rise again: Check today's rates in metro cities</a>

On a downswing for the last two months, petrol and diesel prices once again increased on Monday by 19 paise in New Delhi.

Both petrol and diesel prices hiked for the first time since October 16, by 19-20 paise &amp; 9 paise respectively, across 4 major cities.

Reject US Senate interference in our internal affairs: Saudi Arabia on Khashoggi case Saudi Arabia on Sunday rejected as "interference" a US Senate resolution to end American military support for a Riyadh-led war in Yemen, and another holding its crown prince responsible for the murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi.

Reject US Senate interference in our internal affairs: Saudi Arabia on Khashoggi case Saudi Arabia on Sunday rejected as "interference" a US Senate resolution to end American military support for a Riyadh-led war in Yemen, and another holding its crown prince responsible for the murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi. Facebook temporarily banned Israel PM's son Yair Netanyahu for anti-Muslim posts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest, Yair, has tweeted that Facebook blocked his page for 24 hours over apparent anti-Muslim posts and called the leading social network a "dictatorship". Harbhajan 'broke down crying' while 'apologising' for monkeygate: Symonds Andrew Symonds says India spinner Harbhajan Singh "broke down crying" while making peace after the infamous 'monkeygate' episode had sent the former Australian all-rounder into a downward spiral. Cyclone 'Phethai' likely to make landfall in coastal Andhra today, high alert sounded The Met department on Sunday warned of heavy rain in many districts of South Bengal on Monday as an effect of the cyclone 'Phethai', which is likely to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh today afternoon. Petrol, Diesel prices rise again: Check today's rates in metro cities On a downswing for the last two months, petrol and diesel prices once again increased on Monday by 19 paise in New Delhi. Both petrol and diesel prices hiked for the first time since October 16, by 19-20 paise & 9 paise respectively, across 4 major cities.

News brief: Big stories of the day

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news

In first foreign visit, New Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering to visit India on December 27

India will never forgive Hafiz Saeed for his role in 26/11 Mumbai attacks: Syed Akbaruddin

Mumbai ESIC hospital fire: Rs 10 lakh compensation announced for families of deceased

Best time to talk as Pakistan army’s proxy Imran Khan in power: Mehbooba Mufti

Escorted by police, four transgenders offer prayers at Sabarimala temple

Govt did not ask for Urjit Patel's resignation as RBI governor: Jaitley

Thank government of India, Pak for son's release, say Hamid Nehal Ansari's parents

We helped in dialogue between US and Taliban, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan

West Bengal's doors open for migrant and homeless people: Mamata Banerjee

Won't let PM Modi sleep until all farms loans waived: Rahul Gandhi

KCR urges people to concentrate on development of villages in Telangana

Let SC say if Centre misled judiciary on Rafale: Subramanian Swamy

Andhra Pradesh on alert as Cyclone Phethai approaches; several trains cancelled

Andhra Pradesh on alert as Cyclone Phethai approaches; several trains cancelled

Maldives' Prez arrives in New Delhi on 3-day visit to India

Can't stop Parliament from examining Rafale, says P Chidambaram

Delayed vindication of justice: Arun Jaitley on Sajjan Kumar's conviction in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case

Ashok Gehlot takes oath as Rajasthan CM, Sachin Pilot becomes deputy CM

Aadhaar not compulsory with bank accounts, mobiles: Cabinet approves amendments

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Congress leader Sajjan Kumar sentenced to life imprisonment

Odisha evacuates 11,600 people as Cyclone Phethai makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis says will speak to Dilip Kumar, Banu over property issue

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel follows Kamal Nath's lead, waives farm loans

Back-to-back three oath-taking ceremonies for Congress today

It's a matter of great relief: MEA on Hamid Ansari's release from Pak jail

News brief: Big stories of the day