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Reliance chairman Anil Ambani on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's verdict of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">dismissing&nbsp;petitions seeking an investigation</a> into&nbsp;multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jet deal. He said that it "establishes the falsity of politically motivated allegations against&nbsp;him and his firm."

"I welcome the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court verdict&nbsp;summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally,"&nbsp;Anil Ambani said in a statement.

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Anil Ambani statement: Welcome judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court today summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073465444898693120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Company committed to India's national security, including implementing offset deal with Dassault," Ambani added.

The Supreme Court today dismissed all petitions pertaining Rafale fighter jets deal saying that they are satisfied that "there is no occasion to doubt the process."

A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

Dassault Aviation's CEO Eric Trappier in October said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/reliance-has-10-per-cent-of-offset-in-rafael-deal-dassault-ceo-170983">joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments</a> under the Rafale jet deal. After the report, it was alleged that Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by PM Modi, despite it having almost no experience in the aviation sector.

According to the report, Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India.

But those talks were cancelled after PM Modi took office when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France.&nbsp;

The Friday's verdict on Rafale jet has been welcomed by BJP party.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">matter war crystal clear from the beginning</a>.&nbsp;

"The allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage."

Meanwhile, one of the main petitioners, Prashant Bhushan has said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-judgement-totally-wrong-says-petitioner-prashant-bhushan-on-rafale-verdict-183979">campaign certainly won't drop</a> and they may file a review petition.

"In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition."

Reliance chairman Anil Ambani on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's verdict of dismissing petitions seeking an investigation into multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jet deal.

Reliance chairman Anil Ambani on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's verdict of dismissing petitions seeking an investigation into multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jet deal. He said that it "establishes the falsity of politically motivated allegations against him and his firm." "I welcome the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court verdict summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally," Anil Ambani said in a statement. Anil Ambani statement: Welcome judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court today summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "Company committed to India's national security, including implementing offset deal with Dassault," Ambani added. The Supreme Court today dismissed all petitions pertaining Rafale fighter jets deal saying that they are satisfied that "there is no occasion to doubt the process." A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. Dassault Aviation's CEO Eric Trappier in October said that the joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal. After the report, it was alleged that Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by PM Modi, despite it having almost no experience in the aviation sector. According to the report, Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India. But those talks were cancelled after PM Modi took office when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France. The Friday's verdict on Rafale jet has been welcomed by BJP party. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the matter war crystal clear from the beginning. "The allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage." Meanwhile, one of the main petitioners, Prashant Bhushan has said that the campaign certainly won't drop and they may file a review petition. "In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition."

Falsity of wild, baseless allegations against Reliance Group established: Anil Ambani on Rafale verdict

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday spoke over the remark previously made on 'fugitive' liquor baron Vijay Mallya stating he meant that if Mallya is guilty of any wrongdoing then an investigation on him is right and suitable.&nbsp;

"I had said that if Vijay Mallya has done any wrong and an investigation is underway on him, then the investigation is right and suitable," the minister clarified.&nbsp;

The Union Minister added that his remarks were taken out of context.

"I also said unka (Vijay Mallya) account 40 saal prime account tha aur 41st saal bigad gaya, toh business mein ups and downs hote hain. Both of statements have been taken out of context," Gadkari added.&nbsp;

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: I also said unka (Vijay Mallya) account 40 saal prime account tha aur 41st saal bigad gaya, toh business mein ups and downs hote hain. Both of statements have been taken out of context <a href="https://t.co/NdwnujJm18">https://t.co/NdwnujJm18</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073514724413898754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallyaji-is-one-time-defaulter-unfair-to-call-him-a-chor-nitin-gadkari-183892">Gadkari, on Thursday, said</a> that it is unfair to tag a "one-time loan defaulter Vijay Mallyaji" as a "chor" (thief), adding that the embattled businessman has a four-decade-long track record of timely debt servicing, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Gadkari, however, clarified that he has no business dealing with Mallya, who faces extradition from the UK for alleged bank fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

"For 40 years Mallya was regularly paying interest on loans. After entering the aviation sector, he started facing problems, and suddenly he became a thief? If a person repays the interest for 50 years, and if he defaults once, then suddenly everything is fraud? This mindset is not correct)," Gadkari said at an economic summit on Thursday.&nbsp;

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday spoke over the remark previously made on 'fugitive' liquor baron Vijay Mallya stating he meant that if Mallya is guilty of any wrongdoing then an investigation on him is right and suitable.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday spoke over the remark previously made on 'fugitive' liquor baron Vijay Mallya stating he meant that if Mallya is guilty of any wrongdoing then an investigation on him is right and suitable. "I had said that if Vijay Mallya has done any wrong and an investigation is underway on him, then the investigation is right and suitable," the minister clarified. The Union Minister added that his remarks were taken out of context. "I also said unka (Vijay Mallya) account 40 saal prime account tha aur 41st saal bigad gaya, toh business mein ups and downs hote hain. Both of statements have been taken out of context," Gadkari added. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: I also said unka (Vijay Mallya) account 40 saal prime account tha aur 41st saal bigad gaya, toh business mein ups and downs hote hain. Both of statements have been taken out of context https://t.co/NdwnujJm18 — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × Gadkari, on Thursday, said that it is unfair to tag a "one-time loan defaulter Vijay Mallyaji" as a "chor" (thief), adding that the embattled businessman has a four-decade-long track record of timely debt servicing, news agency PTI reported. Gadkari, however, clarified that he has no business dealing with Mallya, who faces extradition from the UK for alleged bank fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore. "For 40 years Mallya was regularly paying interest on loans. After entering the aviation sector, he started facing problems, and suddenly he became a thief? If a person repays the interest for 50 years, and if he defaults once, then suddenly everything is fraud? This mindset is not correct)," Gadkari said at an economic summit on Thursday.

My statements have been taken out of context: Nitin Gadkari over remark on Mallya

Pune sessions court on Friday granted bail to three accused in Narendra Dabholkar murder case. According to reports, Amol Kale, Rajesh Bangera and Amit Degvekar were granted bail earlier today as the CBI did not file charge-sheet against them in 90 days period, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

While Bangera and Degvekar are presently in judicial custody with Karnataka SIT in Gauri Lankesh murder case, Amol Kale is with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) team custody which is investigating Govind Pansare murder case.

Kale, was sent to magistrate custody <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-dabholkar-murder-case-accused-sharad-kalaskar-sent-to-judicial-custody-till-september-29-166115">for 14 days, on September 14</a>.

Previously, Sharad Kalaskar, an accused in Narendra Dabholkar murder case, was sent to judicial custody till September 29.&nbsp;

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Narendra Dabholkar murder case: Two of them are presently in judicial custody with Karnataka SIT in Gauri Lankesh murder case and Amol Kale is presently with SIT team custody which is investigating Govind Pansare murder case. <a href="https://t.co/9Ird8ito5g">https://t.co/9Ird8ito5g</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073509612324904961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Amol Kale is the prime accused in journalist Gauri Lankesh murder case. The CBI suspects that Kale is also the mastermind of Dabholkar's killing.

Two other accused, Amit Degwekar and Rajesh Bangera, were also sent to magisterial custody earlier, news agency ANI reported. &nbsp;

Narendra Dabholkar, a Maharashtra-based rationalist, was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013. &nbsp;

Pune sessions court on Friday granted bail to three accused in Narendra Dabholkar murder case. According to reports, Amol Kale, Rajesh Bangera and Amit Degvekar were granted bail earlier today as the CBI did not file charge-sheet against them in 90 days period, news agency ANI reported.

Pune sessions court on Friday granted bail to three accused in Narendra Dabholkar murder case. According to reports, Amol Kale, Rajesh Bangera and Amit Degvekar were granted bail earlier today as the CBI did not file charge-sheet against them in 90 days period, news agency ANI reported. While Bangera and Degvekar are presently in judicial custody with Karnataka SIT in Gauri Lankesh murder case, Amol Kale is with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) team custody which is investigating Govind Pansare murder case. Kale, was sent to magistrate custody for 14 days, on September 14. Previously, Sharad Kalaskar, an accused in Narendra Dabholkar murder case, was sent to judicial custody till September 29. Narendra Dabholkar murder case: Two of them are presently in judicial custody with Karnataka SIT in Gauri Lankesh murder case and Amol Kale is presently with SIT team custody which is investigating Govind Pansare murder case. https://t.co/9Ird8ito5g — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × Amol Kale is the prime accused in journalist Gauri Lankesh murder case. The CBI suspects that Kale is also the mastermind of Dabholkar's killing. Two other accused, Amit Degwekar and Rajesh Bangera, were also sent to magisterial custody earlier, news agency ANI reported. Narendra Dabholkar, a Maharashtra-based rationalist, was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013.

Narendra Dabholkar murder case: Pune court grants bail to three accused 

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's order on the Rafale deal saying that the "truth has won". He also slammed Congress party and its chief Rahul Gandhi saying that people were being misled by unfortunately the country's oldest party.

"Its a slap on politics of lies," Shah added.

Supreme Court today dismissed batch of petitions&nbsp;seeking a probe into the multi-million dollar rafale deal. The apex court in its verdict&nbsp;said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the procurement of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-judgement-totally-wrong-says-petitioner-prashant-bhushan-on-rafale-verdict-183979">Our campaign certainly won't drop, says petitioner Prashant Bhushan on Rafale verdict</a>

Lashing at Gandhi scion, Amit Shah said that Supreme Court judgment exposes the "Rahul's politics of lies". He also asked Gandhi to reveal his&nbsp;source of information on basis of which he made the allegations on Rafale deal.

"Rahul Gandhi should apologise to people of the country and its soldiers," Amit Shah added.

Shah also said that&nbsp;"All thieves gathered to call 'chowkidar'&nbsp;(watchman) a thief, but the country never believed it".

The 54-year-old leader also challenged Congress to debate on&nbsp;Rafale&nbsp;in parliament.&nbsp;

"We are ready for Rafale discussion in Parliament, challenge Congress to come and debate on the issue the on the floor of the house," Shah said.

A three-judge&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">Supreme Court bench </a>comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi,&nbsp;Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph today ruled&nbsp;that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

Reacting to the verdict, one of the main petitioners, Prashant Bhushan&nbsp;said that the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-judgement-totally-wrong-says-petitioner-prashant-bhushan-on-rafale-verdict-183979">campaign certainly won't drop</a>&nbsp;and they may file a review petition.

"In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition."

Earlier in the day Shah in a series of tweets&nbsp;has also&nbsp;said that the court didn't find anything wrong with the process nor did it find any commercial favouritism in the deal. "On the contrary, the SC held that government had no role in selecting offset partners and found no merit in the demand for a probe based on a mere perception of individuals," he said.&nbsp;

"Truth always triumphs! Court's judgment on the Rafale deal exposes the campaign of misinformation spearheaded by Congress President for political gains," he added on Twitter.&nbsp;

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Truth always triumphs! Court’s judgment on the Rafale deal exposes the campaign of misinformation spearheaded by Congress President for political gains. The court didn’t find anything wrong with the process nor did it find any commercial favouritism in the deal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCNailsRaGaLies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCNailsRaGaLies</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1073465860692549633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On the contrary SC held that govt had no role in selecting offset partners &amp; found no merit in the demand for a probe based on mere perception of individuals. It therefore raises obvious questions on the motive of those working to discredit the deal, which is important for India.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1073465885355061248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The BJP in a statement after the verdict has demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying false allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's order on the Rafale deal saying that the "truth has won". He also slammed Congress party and its chief Rahul Gandhi saying that people were being misled by unfortunately the country's oldest party.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's order on the Rafale deal saying that the "truth has won". He also slammed Congress party and its chief Rahul Gandhi saying that people were being misled by unfortunately the country's oldest party. "Its a slap on politics of lies," Shah added. Supreme Court today dismissed batch of petitions seeking a probe into the multi-million dollar rafale deal. The apex court in its verdict said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the procurement of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France. Also read: Our campaign certainly won't drop, says petitioner Prashant Bhushan on Rafale verdict Lashing at Gandhi scion, Amit Shah said that Supreme Court judgment exposes the "Rahul's politics of lies". He also asked Gandhi to reveal his source of information on basis of which he made the allegations on Rafale deal. "Rahul Gandhi should apologise to people of the country and its soldiers," Amit Shah added. Shah also said that "All thieves gathered to call 'chowkidar' (watchman) a thief, but the country never believed it". The 54-year-old leader also challenged Congress to debate on Rafale in parliament. "We are ready for Rafale discussion in Parliament, challenge Congress to come and debate on the issue the on the floor of the house," Shah said. A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph today ruled that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. Reacting to the verdict, one of the main petitioners, Prashant Bhushan said that the campaign certainly won't drop and they may file a review petition. "In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition." Earlier in the day Shah in a series of tweets has also said that the court didn't find anything wrong with the process nor did it find any commercial favouritism in the deal. "On the contrary, the SC held that government had no role in selecting offset partners and found no merit in the demand for a probe based on a mere perception of individuals," he said. "Truth always triumphs! Court's judgment on the Rafale deal exposes the campaign of misinformation spearheaded by Congress President for political gains," he added on Twitter. Truth always triumphs! Court’s judgment on the Rafale deal exposes the campaign of misinformation spearheaded by Congress President for political gains. The court didn’t find anything wrong with the process nor did it find any commercial favouritism in the deal. #SCNailsRaGaLies — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 14, 2018 × On the contrary SC held that govt had no role in selecting offset partners & found no merit in the demand for a probe based on mere perception of individuals. It therefore raises obvious questions on the motive of those working to discredit the deal, which is important for India. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 14, 2018 × The BJP in a statement after the verdict has demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying false allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Amit Shah slams Rahul Gandhi, says Rafale deal verdict is slap on politics of lies

After several rounds of discussions on selecting the chief minister of Rajasthan, top contenders for the post, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, reached the residence of party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday for a final settlement on the issue.

According to sources, both Gehlot and Pilot were called by the Congress president for an amicable settlement to the issue amid a clear fight between the old and the young guard in the party.

Sources said former Union minister and party leader from Rajasthan Jitendra Singh met Pilot earlier in the day and then met Gandhi.

Party's central observer for Rajasthan K C Venugopal and AICC general secretary in-charge of party affairs in the state Avinash Pande were also present at Gandhi's residence during the discussions.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was present during the resolution of the issue in Madhya Pradesh between Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia, was present at Gandhi's residence Friday, though she left ahead of a meeting with Gehlot and Pilot.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, when asked about the differences within the Rajasthan unit, denied it and said a due process of consultation was on.

"There is no dispute or difference within the Congress units on chief minister's post in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh," he told reporters here.

"Be it Rajasthan or Chhattisgarh, a due process of discussions is on among the leaders so that we can form a good government. Madhya Pradesh has been decided and chief minister's issue will be decided for Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in a day or two also," he said.

Sources said the issue would be resolved Friday itself and the announcement would be made at the Congress Legislature Party meeting.

Meanwhile, there was sloganeering in favour of Pilot by some of his supporters outside Gandhi's residence when the meeting took place.&nbsp;

After several rounds of discussions on selecting the chief minister of Rajasthan, top contenders for the post, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, reached the residence of party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday for a final settlement on the issue.

After several rounds of discussions on selecting the chief minister of Rajasthan, top contenders for the post, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, reached the residence of party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday for a final settlement on the issue. According to sources, both Gehlot and Pilot were called by the Congress president for an amicable settlement to the issue amid a clear fight between the old and the young guard in the party. Sources said former Union minister and party leader from Rajasthan Jitendra Singh met Pilot earlier in the day and then met Gandhi. Party's central observer for Rajasthan K C Venugopal and AICC general secretary in-charge of party affairs in the state Avinash Pande were also present at Gandhi's residence during the discussions. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was present during the resolution of the issue in Madhya Pradesh between Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia, was present at Gandhi's residence Friday, though she left ahead of a meeting with Gehlot and Pilot. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, when asked about the differences within the Rajasthan unit, denied it and said a due process of consultation was on. "There is no dispute or difference within the Congress units on chief minister's post in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh," he told reporters here. "Be it Rajasthan or Chhattisgarh, a due process of discussions is on among the leaders so that we can form a good government. Madhya Pradesh has been decided and chief minister's issue will be decided for Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in a day or two also," he said. Sources said the issue would be resolved Friday itself and the announcement would be made at the Congress Legislature Party meeting. Meanwhile, there was sloganeering in favour of Pilot by some of his supporters outside Gandhi's residence when the meeting took place.

Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot meet Rahul Gandhi for another round of talks on Rajasthan CM post

The Supreme Court order on the Rafale jet deal issue Friday rocked the Rajya Sabha which witnessed intense sloganeering by the ruling BJP and opposition Congress members leading to adjournment of House proceedings.

Amid noisy protests, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was heard saying that the Opposition has been demanding a debate on the jet deal and so the question hour should be suspended to take up the issue.

Besides the two major parties, members of the AIADMK and the Samajwadi Party too raised slogans in support of their respective demands.

No sooner the House assembled for the Zero hour, members of the Samajwadi Party raised slogans relating to the recent violence in UP's Bulandshahar district while AIADMK members trooped into the well over the Cauvery river water issue.

Buoyed by the clean chit given by the Supreme Court on the Rafale jet deal, members of treasury benches were heard raising slogans demanding an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi for his alleged lies on the issue.

Congress members too entered the Well of the House to demand a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the purchase of jets from the French company Dassault.

Amidst uproar, the members were heard raising slogans -"We want JPC" and "Chowikdar Chor Hai".

BJP members were heard shouting slogans like 'Rahul Gandhi Jhootha Hai' (Rahul Gandhi is a liar).

The uproar started as soon as the proceedings began following which Deputy Chairman Harivansh first adjourned the House till 1130 hours.

However, as the protests intensified, he adjourned the Rajya Sabha till Monday after his repeated attempts to bring order in the House failed.

Before adjourning the House for the day, Harivansh tried to run the Zero Hour proceedings smoothly and some of the members even read out mentions amid uproar.

Unlike other days, there was ruckus in the House even when ministers were laying listed paper on the table of the House.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court order on the Rafale jet deal issue Friday rocked the Rajya Sabha which witnessed intense sloganeering by the ruling BJP and opposition Congress members leading to adjournment of House proceedings.

The Supreme Court order on the Rafale jet deal issue Friday rocked the Rajya Sabha which witnessed intense sloganeering by the ruling BJP and opposition Congress members leading to adjournment of House proceedings. Amid noisy protests, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was heard saying that the Opposition has been demanding a debate on the jet deal and so the question hour should be suspended to take up the issue. Besides the two major parties, members of the AIADMK and the Samajwadi Party too raised slogans in support of their respective demands. No sooner the House assembled for the Zero hour, members of the Samajwadi Party raised slogans relating to the recent violence in UP's Bulandshahar district while AIADMK members trooped into the well over the Cauvery river water issue. Buoyed by the clean chit given by the Supreme Court on the Rafale jet deal, members of treasury benches were heard raising slogans demanding an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi for his alleged lies on the issue. Congress members too entered the Well of the House to demand a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the purchase of jets from the French company Dassault. Amidst uproar, the members were heard raising slogans -"We want JPC" and "Chowikdar Chor Hai". BJP members were heard shouting slogans like 'Rahul Gandhi Jhootha Hai' (Rahul Gandhi is a liar). The uproar started as soon as the proceedings began following which Deputy Chairman Harivansh first adjourned the House till 1130 hours. However, as the protests intensified, he adjourned the Rajya Sabha till Monday after his repeated attempts to bring order in the House failed. Before adjourning the House for the day, Harivansh tried to run the Zero Hour proceedings smoothly and some of the members even read out mentions amid uproar. Unlike other days, there was ruckus in the House even when ministers were laying listed paper on the table of the House.

Rafale deal issue rocks Rajya Sabha; House adjourned till Monday

The Congress Friday said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">Supreme Court</a> has vindicated its stand that "corruption" in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">Rafale fighter jet deal</a> cannot be decided by it and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Congress had stated earlier that the Rafale issue cannot be decided by the Supreme Court, and the alleged corruption in the defence contract can only be brought out by a JPC after examining the files and notings in the contract.

"The verdict of the Supreme Court is a validation of what the Congress party stated months ago that the Supreme Court is not the forum to decide such sensitive defence contracts," he told reporters.

Surjewala said the only forum that can probe the corruption in the Rafale contract after examining the pricing process and sovereign guarantee is the JPC.

"If they have nothing to hide, I challenge Modi ji and his government to submit to a JPC probe which will question and go into the corruption in the defence deal," he said.

"We again challenge the prime minister for a JPC probe to unveil every layer of corruption in the deal," he said, alleging that corruption has been "guided by the highest echelons of power".

The Congress leader also alleged that the government gave a "one-sided half-baked information to the Supreme Court which has not been scrutinised by anyone".

Surjewala said the Congress has maintained from day-one that it wants a JPC probe and the government should agree to it if it has nothing to hide.&nbsp;

The Congress Friday said the Supreme Court has vindicated its stand that "corruption" in the Rafale fighter jet deal cannot be decided by it and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal.

The Congress Friday said the Supreme Court has vindicated its stand that "corruption" in the Rafale fighter jet deal cannot be decided by it and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Congress had stated earlier that the Rafale issue cannot be decided by the Supreme Court, and the alleged corruption in the defence contract can only be brought out by a JPC after examining the files and notings in the contract. "The verdict of the Supreme Court is a validation of what the Congress party stated months ago that the Supreme Court is not the forum to decide such sensitive defence contracts," he told reporters. Surjewala said the only forum that can probe the corruption in the Rafale contract after examining the pricing process and sovereign guarantee is the JPC. "If they have nothing to hide, I challenge Modi ji and his government to submit to a JPC probe which will question and go into the corruption in the defence deal," he said. "We again challenge the prime minister for a JPC probe to unveil every layer of corruption in the deal," he said, alleging that corruption has been "guided by the highest echelons of power". The Congress leader also alleged that the government gave a "one-sided half-baked information to the Supreme Court which has not been scrutinised by anyone". Surjewala said the Congress has maintained from day-one that it wants a JPC probe and the government should agree to it if it has nothing to hide.

Congress challenges Modi government for JPC probe into Rafale jet deal: Surjewala

The two Houses of Parliament were Wednesday adjourned without transacting much business as the opposition staged protest on a variety of issues, including Rafale jet deal, Ram temple and Cauvery river water.

Wednesday was the second day of the Winter session. On the first day on Tuesday, both Houses were adjourned after paying obituary to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and union minister Ananth Kumar.

In the Rajya Sabha, the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill was passed amid slogan shouting by opposition members.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day just after noon following protests by opposition members on various issues including the Rafale deal, construction of Ram Temple and Cauvery river water.

Immediately after the House reconvened at noon, Congress, Shiv Sena, TDP and AIADMK members trooped into the well with placards and started shouting slogans in support of their demands.

Similar scenes were earlier witnessed when Question Hour began after obituary references to former MPs.

Congress members were demanding a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee into the alleged corruption in the Rafale aircraft deal while Shiv Sena MPs staged protests demanding immediate construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Members belonging to the AIADMK raised slogans demanding justice for Tamil Nadu farmers living along the Cauvery delta and TDP members demanded a railway zone at Vishkhapatnam.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to pacify members but in vain.

As the ruckus continued, the Speaker adjourned the House for the day.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice in the pre-lunch period and for the day around 2.15 pm as the two main political parties of Tamil Nadu -- the AIADMK and DMK -- staged protests on the Cauvery river issue.

The Upper House was first adjourned till noon soon after laying of papers and then again till 2 PM soon after the Question Hour started at 12 pm.

Soon after ministers laid listed papers on the table of the House, AIADMK members trooped into the Well carrying a banner that read 'protect the lives of Cauvery delta farmers'.

DMK members too entered the Well raising issues related to the Cauvery river.

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu urged them to return to their seats. He said notices have been received from several parties for discussion on issues of urgent importance.

The Chairman said though he has not allowed the issues to be raised under Rule 267 (suspension of business to take up a matter), all issues would be taken up for discussion.

As the two parties continued to protest, Naidu said only on Tuesday people in some states have shown their "confidence in democracy" and asked members to respect sentiments of the people.

"I am not going to be dictated in this way (protest)," Naidu said.

With protesting members not relenting, Naidu adjourned the House till noon.

When the House met at 12, AIADMK members trooped into the well and raised protests carrying placards.

"If the House wants to function and discuss issues of public interest, we will do it. If you don't want, why waste time of people....So many issues are there," Naidu told the House.

The protests continued when the House met again at 2.00 PM.

Amid noisy scenes, The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was passed.

The proposed amendments entail fixing the term of the Chairperson of the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism and other Disabilities.

Moving the bill for consideration and passage, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot said a Chairperson could not be appointed even after several attempts since 2012 as a suitable candidate meeting the stringent selection criteria could not be found.

Gehlot said the amendments will ease the procedure related to the appointment of a Chairperson.

"The Chairperson will have a three-year term now and the selection process for his successor will be initiated six months before his tenure ends and completed before he retires," said the minister.

As the protests continued, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel said: "This Bill is for the disabled and there is a consensus among all parties. I am requesting all parties to pass it".

The Bill was passed in the Upper House shortly before the House adjourned for the day.

The two Houses of Parliament were Wednesday adjourned without transacting much business as the opposition staged protest on a variety of issues, including Rafale jet deal, Ram temple and Cauvery river water.

The two Houses of Parliament were Wednesday adjourned without transacting much business as the opposition staged protest on a variety of issues, including Rafale jet deal, Ram temple and Cauvery river water. Wednesday was the second day of the Winter session. On the first day on Tuesday, both Houses were adjourned after paying obituary to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and union minister Ananth Kumar. In the Rajya Sabha, the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill was passed amid slogan shouting by opposition members. The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day just after noon following protests by opposition members on various issues including the Rafale deal, construction of Ram Temple and Cauvery river water. Immediately after the House reconvened at noon, Congress, Shiv Sena, TDP and AIADMK members trooped into the well with placards and started shouting slogans in support of their demands. Similar scenes were earlier witnessed when Question Hour began after obituary references to former MPs. Congress members were demanding a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee into the alleged corruption in the Rafale aircraft deal while Shiv Sena MPs staged protests demanding immediate construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Members belonging to the AIADMK raised slogans demanding justice for Tamil Nadu farmers living along the Cauvery delta and TDP members demanded a railway zone at Vishkhapatnam. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to pacify members but in vain. As the ruckus continued, the Speaker adjourned the House for the day. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice in the pre-lunch period and for the day around 2.15 pm as the two main political parties of Tamil Nadu -- the AIADMK and DMK -- staged protests on the Cauvery river issue. The Upper House was first adjourned till noon soon after laying of papers and then again till 2 PM soon after the Question Hour started at 12 pm. Soon after ministers laid listed papers on the table of the House, AIADMK members trooped into the Well carrying a banner that read 'protect the lives of Cauvery delta farmers'. DMK members too entered the Well raising issues related to the Cauvery river. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu urged them to return to their seats. He said notices have been received from several parties for discussion on issues of urgent importance. The Chairman said though he has not allowed the issues to be raised under Rule 267 (suspension of business to take up a matter), all issues would be taken up for discussion. As the two parties continued to protest, Naidu said only on Tuesday people in some states have shown their "confidence in democracy" and asked members to respect sentiments of the people. "I am not going to be dictated in this way (protest)," Naidu said. With protesting members not relenting, Naidu adjourned the House till noon. When the House met at 12, AIADMK members trooped into the well and raised protests carrying placards. "If the House wants to function and discuss issues of public interest, we will do it. If you don't want, why waste time of people....So many issues are there," Naidu told the House. The protests continued when the House met again at 2.00 PM. Amid noisy scenes, The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was passed. The proposed amendments entail fixing the term of the Chairperson of the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism and other Disabilities. Moving the bill for consideration and passage, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot said a Chairperson could not be appointed even after several attempts since 2012 as a suitable candidate meeting the stringent selection criteria could not be found. Gehlot said the amendments will ease the procedure related to the appointment of a Chairperson. "The Chairperson will have a three-year term now and the selection process for his successor will be initiated six months before his tenure ends and completed before he retires," said the minister. As the protests continued, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel said: "This Bill is for the disabled and there is a consensus among all parties. I am requesting all parties to pass it". The Bill was passed in the Upper House shortly before the House adjourned for the day.

Protests over Rafale, Cauvery; both Houses adjourned for the day

The Indian Navy inducted its Deep Sea Submarine Rescue System on Wednesday. The induction was made at the naval dockyard in Mumbai by Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba.&nbsp;

With the induction, the Indian navy now joins a select league of nations worldwide with the capability to search for, locate, and rescue crew from a disabled submarine.&nbsp;

The Indian navy currently operates submarines of the Sindhughosh, Shishumar, and Kalvari classes, as well as nuclear-powered submarines. The nature of operations undertaken by the submarines expose them to a high degree of risk, which is why the need for the rescue system.&nbsp;

The Deep Sea Submarine Rescue Vehicle — considered to be the most advanced of its kind currently in operation worldwide — is capable of rescuing personnel from a submarine that is stranded as much as 650 metres below the surface of the sea.&nbsp;

The DSRV, which is operated by a crew of three, can rescue 14 personnel at a time and can operate in extreme sea conditions.

The DSRV can be used around the world. It will be transported from the naval base at Mumbai to the port nearest to the rescue site by air, land or sea. The vehicle will be operated by the crew of the navy's newly-formed Submarine Rescue Unit (West). 
&nbsp;

The Indian Navy inducted its Deep Sea Submarine Rescue System on Wednesday. The induction was made at the naval dockyard in Mumbai by Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba.

The Indian Navy inducted its Deep Sea Submarine Rescue System on Wednesday. The induction was made at the naval dockyard in Mumbai by Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba. With the induction, the Indian navy now joins a select league of nations worldwide with the capability to search for, locate, and rescue crew from a disabled submarine. The Indian navy currently operates submarines of the Sindhughosh, Shishumar, and Kalvari classes, as well as nuclear-powered submarines. The nature of operations undertaken by the submarines expose them to a high degree of risk, which is why the need for the rescue system. The Deep Sea Submarine Rescue Vehicle — considered to be the most advanced of its kind currently in operation worldwide — is capable of rescuing personnel from a submarine that is stranded as much as 650 metres below the surface of the sea. The DSRV, which is operated by a crew of three, can rescue 14 personnel at a time and can operate in extreme sea conditions. The DSRV can be used around the world. It will be transported from the naval base at Mumbai to the port nearest to the rescue site by air, land or sea. The vehicle will be operated by the crew of the navy's newly-formed Submarine Rescue Unit (West).

Navy can now rescue sailors from submarines stranded 650 mts below surface of sea

Amid hectic deliberations and lobbying for selection of chief ministers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday that the party was taking inputs from MLAs and workers and the names will be declared soon.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mlas-authorise-rahul-gandhi-to-decide-cms-for-chhattisgarh-mp-rajasthan-183599">Gandhi held hectic deliberations</a> with Congress workers earlier at his residence ahead of selecting the party's chief ministers for the three states.

"You will see chief ministers soon. We are taking inputs from MLAs, party workers and others," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the potential chief minister candidates in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh arrived in the city Thursday for a meeting with the Congress president who will take a final call on the top post in the states.&nbsp;

While Kamal Nath is considered top contender for the post in Madhya Pradesh, Ashok Gehlot leads the race in Rajasthan, but Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Sachin Pilot is not giving up his claim and is putting up stiff resistance.

The contenders for the top post in Rajasthan -- Gehlot and Pilot -- and in Madhya Pradesh -- Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia -- arrived early morning in the national capital.

The Congress president will first meet party observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and K C Venugopal for Rajasthan before meeting those in the race.

The observers had already held discussions with the newly-elected party MLAs in Jaipur and Bhopal Wednesday and would give their inputs to Gandhi on who the legislators want to be as their chief ministers.

Over the last 24 hours, an audio message from Gandhi has gone to 7.3 lakh party workers across the three states in which they have been asked to name their chief ministerial choice.

In the audio message, he is heard congratulating the leaders for the party's victory in the assembly elections in the three heartland states.&nbsp;

"Now I want to ask you a vital question: Who should be the chief minister? Please mention just one name. I'm the only person who would know whom you are naming. No one in the party will know. Please speak after the beep".&nbsp;

Amid hectic deliberations and lobbying for selection of chief ministers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday that the party was taking inputs from MLAs and workers and the names will be declared soon.

Amid hectic deliberations and lobbying for selection of chief ministers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday that the party was taking inputs from MLAs and workers and the names will be declared soon. Gandhi held hectic deliberations with Congress workers earlier at his residence ahead of selecting the party's chief ministers for the three states. "You will see chief ministers soon. We are taking inputs from MLAs, party workers and others," he told reporters. Meanwhile, the potential chief minister candidates in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh arrived in the city Thursday for a meeting with the Congress president who will take a final call on the top post in the states. While Kamal Nath is considered top contender for the post in Madhya Pradesh, Ashok Gehlot leads the race in Rajasthan, but Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Sachin Pilot is not giving up his claim and is putting up stiff resistance. The contenders for the top post in Rajasthan -- Gehlot and Pilot -- and in Madhya Pradesh -- Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia -- arrived early morning in the national capital. The Congress president will first meet party observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and K C Venugopal for Rajasthan before meeting those in the race. The observers had already held discussions with the newly-elected party MLAs in Jaipur and Bhopal Wednesday and would give their inputs to Gandhi on who the legislators want to be as their chief ministers. Over the last 24 hours, an audio message from Gandhi has gone to 7.3 lakh party workers across the three states in which they have been asked to name their chief ministerial choice. In the audio message, he is heard congratulating the leaders for the party's victory in the assembly elections in the three heartland states. "Now I want to ask you a vital question: Who should be the chief minister? Please mention just one name. I'm the only person who would know whom you are naming. No one in the party will know. Please speak after the beep".

You will see chief ministers soon, taking inputs from party workers: Rahul Gandhi

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, would be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for a second straight term Thursday.

The swearing-in ceremony would be held at the Raj Bhavan at around 1.30 pm, official sources said Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Rao was unanimously elected leader of the TRS Legislature Party by the newly-elected MLAs.

The MLAs met at the Telangana Bhavan, the TRS headquarters here, and took the decision unanimously, party sources said.

In the December 7 elections, the TRS won 88 seats in the 119-member assembly, trouncing the Congress-led People's Front, which ended up with a tally of 21.

The police department Wednesday issued a traffic advisory asking the public to avoid the Raj Bhavan road between 12 pm and 3 pm in view of the swearing-in of Rao, scheduled at 1.30 pm, and take alternative routes to their destinations.

The gazette notification by the Election Commission constituting the new assembly was issued during the day.

Earlier, talking to reporters after the TRS legislature party meeting, Rao said he was likely to take oath as Chief Minister on Thursday.

"Would like to take oath tomorrow. It is a good time also. But it is possible only when the Election Commission publishes the Gazette. We will see what happens, by evening", he said.

Rao said he alone may take the oath or with two other colleagues and the ministry can be expanded after 5-6 days.

Earlier, the caretaker Council of Ministers led by Rao tendered resignation to Governor ESL Narasimhan.

The Governor requested Rao to continue in office till the formation of a new government, according to a government order issued by the Chief Secretary.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, would be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for a second straight term Thursday.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, would be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for a second straight term Thursday. The swearing-in ceremony would be held at the Raj Bhavan at around 1.30 pm, official sources said Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Rao was unanimously elected leader of the TRS Legislature Party by the newly-elected MLAs. The MLAs met at the Telangana Bhavan, the TRS headquarters here, and took the decision unanimously, party sources said. In the December 7 elections, the TRS won 88 seats in the 119-member assembly, trouncing the Congress-led People's Front, which ended up with a tally of 21. The police department Wednesday issued a traffic advisory asking the public to avoid the Raj Bhavan road between 12 pm and 3 pm in view of the swearing-in of Rao, scheduled at 1.30 pm, and take alternative routes to their destinations. The gazette notification by the Election Commission constituting the new assembly was issued during the day. Earlier, talking to reporters after the TRS legislature party meeting, Rao said he was likely to take oath as Chief Minister on Thursday. "Would like to take oath tomorrow. It is a good time also. But it is possible only when the Election Commission publishes the Gazette. We will see what happens, by evening", he said. Rao said he alone may take the oath or with two other colleagues and the ministry can be expanded after 5-6 days. Earlier, the caretaker Council of Ministers led by Rao tendered resignation to Governor ESL Narasimhan. The Governor requested Rao to continue in office till the formation of a new government, according to a government order issued by the Chief Secretary.

K Chandrasekhar Rao to be sworn in as Telangana CM on Thursday

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will chair a meeting at party headquarters in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the defeat in recently held assembly elections in five states and to plan the agenda for the 2019 General Elections.

The state presidents and in-charges of BJP will be present in the meeting which will start at 2 pm and is likely to continue for seven hours.

Congress registered a resounding victory over the BJP in Chhattisgarh and with the help of independent candidates, garnered the numbers to form the government in Rajasthan after having prevailed in 99 out of the 200 assembly seats.

Following a nerve-wracking finish in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress emerged as the single largest party with 114 elected candidates as opposed to their rival's 109 and roped in seven legislators from BSP (2), SP (1) and independent candidates (4), to cross the halfway mark. In Telangana, however, K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has left behind the Congress-Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alliance.&nbsp;

In Mizoram, the regional dominant party Mizo National Front (MNF) has made the Congress lick the dust. In a House of 40 members, MNF won 26 seats, Congress five and BJP one. &nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will chair a meeting at party headquarters in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the defeat in recently held assembly elections in five states and to plan the agenda for the 2019 General Elections.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will chair a meeting at party headquarters in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the defeat in recently held assembly elections in five states and to plan the agenda for the 2019 General Elections. The state presidents and in-charges of BJP will be present in the meeting which will start at 2 pm and is likely to continue for seven hours. Congress registered a resounding victory over the BJP in Chhattisgarh and with the help of independent candidates, garnered the numbers to form the government in Rajasthan after having prevailed in 99 out of the 200 assembly seats. Following a nerve-wracking finish in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress emerged as the single largest party with 114 elected candidates as opposed to their rival's 109 and roped in seven legislators from BSP (2), SP (1) and independent candidates (4), to cross the halfway mark. In Telangana, however, K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has left behind the Congress-Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alliance. In Mizoram, the regional dominant party Mizo National Front (MNF) has made the Congress lick the dust. In a House of 40 members, MNF won 26 seats, Congress five and BJP one.

Amit Shah to chair meeting on defeat in assembly elections

Interpol on Thursday issued Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rs-14000-crore-nirav-modi-scam-bygone-says-pnb-md-expecting-profitable-year-168944">Punjab National Bank (PNB) money-laundering case</a>, news agency ANI reported.

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Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Mehul Choksi, on request of CBI <a href="https://t.co/JLaSC5MZu2">pic.twitter.com/JLaSC5MZu2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073090619680055301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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An RCN&nbsp;issued by Interpol works as an international arrest warrant.&nbsp;The notice was issued on request of India's CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-not-fit-to-travel-counsel-to-court-177874">Mehul Choksi</a> who owns Gitanjali Gems is under investigation for his role in the PNB scam along with his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-accused-nirav-modi-scared-of-mob-lynching-on-return-to-india-180696">nephew Nirav Modi</a>. The CBI had earlier arrested the vice-president of Gitanjali group Vipul Chitalia.

Choksi had reportedly taken Antiguan citizenship last year and moved to the Caribbean country in July this year after leaving India. He had said in a statement that he had moved to Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment program.

A similar Interpol notice was issued to Nirav Modi and his executive Mihir R Bhansali in September.

Punjab National Bank, the country'a second-largest state-run bank, said earlier in 2018 that two jewellery groups headed by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had defrauded it of about $2.2 billion by raising credit from overseas branches of other Indian banks using illegal guarantees issued by rogue PNB staff at a Mumbai branch over several years.

Interpol on Thursday issued Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) money-laundering case, news agency ANI reported.

Interpol on Thursday issued Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) money-laundering case, news agency ANI reported. Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Mehul Choksi, on request of CBI pic.twitter.com/JLaSC5MZu2 — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018 × An RCN issued by Interpol works as an international arrest warrant. The notice was issued on request of India's CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation). Mehul Choksi who owns Gitanjali Gems is under investigation for his role in the PNB scam along with his nephew Nirav Modi. The CBI had earlier arrested the vice-president of Gitanjali group Vipul Chitalia. Choksi had reportedly taken Antiguan citizenship last year and moved to the Caribbean country in July this year after leaving India. He had said in a statement that he had moved to Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment program. A similar Interpol notice was issued to Nirav Modi and his executive Mihir R Bhansali in September. Punjab National Bank, the country'a second-largest state-run bank, said earlier in 2018 that two jewellery groups headed by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had defrauded it of about $2.2 billion by raising credit from overseas branches of other Indian banks using illegal guarantees issued by rogue PNB staff at a Mumbai branch over several years.

PNB bank case: Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Mehul Choksi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid floral tribute&nbsp;to the martyrs of 2001 parliament attack at Parliament House today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Among the other leaders who paid tribute on the&nbsp;17th anniversary of the attack were, home minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Arun Jaitley, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and&nbsp;Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi also saluted the courage of those killed in the terrorist attack, saying their valour encourages people.

Modi took to Twitter to recall the courage of the security personnel.

"We salute the valour of those who were martyred during the dastardly attack on our Parliament on this day in 2001. Their courage and heroism inspires every Indian," he said.&nbsp;

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We salute the valour of those who were martyred during the dastardly attack on our Parliament on this day in 2001. Their courage and heroism inspires every Indian.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1073046995864940544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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President Ram Nath Kovind also paid tribute to the soldiers martyred in the terrorist attack on Twitter writing, "Forces of hate and terror targeted what we cherish most — India's democracy and democratic values."

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India gratefully remembers those martyred while defending Parliament from terrorists on this day in 2001. Forces of hate and terror targeted what we cherish most — India's democracy and democratic values. They did not succeed. And we will never let them succeed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1073032238386827264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On December 13, 2001, five gunmen stormed the Parliament complex and opened indiscriminate fire.

Five Delhi Police personnel, a woman Central Reserve Police official, two Parliament watch and ward staff, a gardener and a camera person were among those who killed in the attack. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid floral tribute to the martyrs of 2001 parliament attack at Parliament House today. Among the other leaders who paid tribute on the 17th anniversary of the attack were, home minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Arun Jaitley, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid floral tribute to the martyrs of 2001 parliament attack at Parliament House today. Among the other leaders who paid tribute on the 17th anniversary of the attack were, home minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Arun Jaitley, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ghulam Nabi Azad. Earlier in the day, PM Modi also saluted the courage of those killed in the terrorist attack, saying their valour encourages people. Modi took to Twitter to recall the courage of the security personnel. "We salute the valour of those who were martyred during the dastardly attack on our Parliament on this day in 2001. Their courage and heroism inspires every Indian," he said. We salute the valour of those who were martyred during the dastardly attack on our Parliament on this day in 2001. Their courage and heroism inspires every Indian. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2018 × President Ram Nath Kovind also paid tribute to the soldiers martyred in the terrorist attack on Twitter writing, "Forces of hate and terror targeted what we cherish most — India's democracy and democratic values." India gratefully remembers those martyred while defending Parliament from terrorists on this day in 2001. Forces of hate and terror targeted what we cherish most — India's democracy and democratic values. They did not succeed. And we will never let them succeed #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 13, 2018 × On December 13, 2001, five gunmen stormed the Parliament complex and opened indiscriminate fire. Five Delhi Police personnel, a woman Central Reserve Police official, two Parliament watch and ward staff, a gardener and a camera person were among those who killed in the attack.

2001 Parliament attack: PM Modi, other leaders pay floral tribute to martyrs

India today lodged a formal protest <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-diplomat-walks-out-of-saarc-meet-after-pakistans-invitation-to-pok-minister-182625">against Pakistan for inviting POK</a> minister at SAARC(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Chamber of Commerce event last week in Islamabad.

The protest note was lodged at the SAARC secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal.

WION accessed&nbsp;the Indian protests in which it said that Pakistan had invited renegade entity from the area of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which is under illegal occupation of Pakistan. Such step by SCCI(SAARC&nbsp;Chamber of Commerce and Industry)&nbsp;is in violation of the SAARC charter and principles, India stated.

SCCI has breached guidelines and obligations meant for SAARC apex bodies by indulging in political activities, India said in its letter.

India asked for "strict action" from SCCI.

Pakistan foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua had said last week that Islamabad was ready to host the South Asian summit, two years after India had pulled out after the terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September, 2016.

Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also decided to stay away from the meeting.

Last month PM Modi had turned down Pakistan's invite for the SAARC summit, speaking on Pakistan announcement, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said unless and until "Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC."

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli had said earlier that his country was ready to facilitate the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Pakistan.

India today lodged a formal protest against Pakistan for inviting POK minister at SAARC(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Chamber of Commerce event last week in Islamabad.

India today lodged a formal protest against Pakistan for inviting POK minister at SAARC(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Chamber of Commerce event last week in Islamabad. The protest note was lodged at the SAARC secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal. WION accessed the Indian protests in which it said that Pakistan had invited renegade entity from the area of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which is under illegal occupation of Pakistan. Such step by SCCI(SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry) is in violation of the SAARC charter and principles, India stated. SCCI has breached guidelines and obligations meant for SAARC apex bodies by indulging in political activities, India said in its letter. India asked for "strict action" from SCCI. Pakistan foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua had said last week that Islamabad was ready to host the South Asian summit, two years after India had pulled out after the terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September, 2016. Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also decided to stay away from the meeting. Last month PM Modi had turned down Pakistan's invite for the SAARC summit, speaking on Pakistan announcement, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said unless and until "Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC." Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli had said earlier that his country was ready to facilitate the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Pakistan.

India lodges protest against Pak over POK minister's presence in SAARC meet in Islamabad

Frontrunners of a chief ministerial race in Rajasthan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-assembly-elections-2018-congress-to-stake-claim-on-government-in-rajasthan-says-pradesh-congress-committee-president-sachin-pilot-183417">Sachin Pilot</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-magician-at-heart-could-become-rajasthan-cm-183349">Ashok Gehlot </a>arrived in New Delhi today to meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

After the meeting, Rahul Gandhi is expected to take a call on the next chief minister of Rajasthan where the Congress won a whopping 99 of 199 Assembly seats, dethroning Vasundhara Raje-led Bharatiya Janata Party.

Pilot on Wednesday had informed that the decision on the chief ministership would be taken on Thursday by the party president Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the party.

Speaking to the media, Ashok Gehlot said that "observers have taken everyone's opinion, in a peaceful way. A discussion will be held and the decision will be taken &nbsp;today."

"Observers have taken everyone's opinion, in a peaceful way. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had to take a decision (on Rajasthan CM candidate), observers have arrived in Delhi. A discussion will be held and the decision will be taken today."

The Congress president will first meet the party observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and KC Venugopal for Rajasthan before meeting those in the race.

The observers had already held discussions with newly-elected party MLAs on Wednesday and would give their inputs to Gandhi on who the legislators want to be as their chief ministers.

Using an internal messaging platform for the party workers, Gandhi sent out to party workers a pre-recorded audio message seeking their feedback for selection of the chief minister in their respective states.

&nbsp;

Frontrunners of a chief ministerial race in Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot arrived in New Delhi today to meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi. After the meeting, Rahul Gandhi is expected to take a call on the next chief minister of Rajasthan where the Congress won a whopping 99 of 199 Assembly seats, dethroning Vasundhara Raje-led Bharatiya Janata Party.

Frontrunners of a chief ministerial race in Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot arrived in New Delhi today to meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi. After the meeting, Rahul Gandhi is expected to take a call on the next chief minister of Rajasthan where the Congress won a whopping 99 of 199 Assembly seats, dethroning Vasundhara Raje-led Bharatiya Janata Party. Pilot on Wednesday had informed that the decision on the chief ministership would be taken on Thursday by the party president Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the party. Speaking to the media, Ashok Gehlot said that "observers have taken everyone's opinion, in a peaceful way. A discussion will be held and the decision will be taken today." "Observers have taken everyone's opinion, in a peaceful way. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had to take a decision (on Rajasthan CM candidate), observers have arrived in Delhi. A discussion will be held and the decision will be taken today." The Congress president will first meet the party observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and KC Venugopal for Rajasthan before meeting those in the race. The observers had already held discussions with newly-elected party MLAs on Wednesday and would give their inputs to Gandhi on who the legislators want to be as their chief ministers. Using an internal messaging platform for the party workers, Gandhi sent out to party workers a pre-recorded audio message seeking their feedback for selection of the chief minister in their respective states.

Rajasthan frontrunners Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot to meet Rahul Gandhi today

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) countered the claim made by Vijay Mallya's lawyer in a special court in Mumbai on Wednesday that the liquor baron had left India in March 2016 only to attend an event in Geneva and did not flee the country. "Who goes to attend a meeting with 300 bags?" lawyer D N Singh representing the ED asked Mallya's lawyer Amit Desai.

Desai had on Tuesday told special judge for Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases M S Azmi that his client did not leave the country secretly as claimed by the ED.

"There was no secret departure. He left the country to attend a planned meeting (of World Motor Sport in Geneva, Switzerland))," he had said.

"They don't have anything to show that he left India to attend a meeting... who goes to attend a meeting with 300 bags and huge cargo?" Singh asked Desai.

Singh made the submission while arguing before the court on the central agency's plea to declare Mallya a "fugitive" under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA).

The beleaguered business had left India on March 2, 2016, and is now based in Britain. A court in London had on Monday ordered the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nda-brings-to-book-an-offender-benefited-during-upa-arun-jaitley-on-uk-court-clearing-mallyas-extradition-182978">extradition of Mallya</a>, wanted in India for alleged financial irregularities.

Responding to another claim of the defence, Singh said the application to declare the former MP a fugitive was filed before the court after all means to bring him back failed to yield any result.

Despite issuance of summons and three NBWs (non-bailable warrants), Mallya refused to join the probe against him, the ED lawyer said.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-news-uk-judge-orders-vijay-mallyas-extradition-182940">extradition process</a> is a proof enough that he is not willing to return, he said.

"He is fighting not to come to India. Mallya claimed that he doesn't want to return as the case was 'politically motivated'. He complained the condition in the jail, where he is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-extradition-case-arthur-road-jail-keeps-high-security-cell-ready-182856">supposed to be kept</a>, is bad. A video of prison was sent and UK court (which ordered his extradition) was satisfied with the same," Singh said.

The ED counsel also countered Desai's claim that Fugitive Economic Offenders Act was "draconian".

It is not a "draconian" law but just an act to bring back a person to India to join probe and face trial for offences listed under it, Singh said.

He said Mallya's lawyers, during their arguments and replies in the court on the ED application, have not said anything about his return to India.

"Neither during their reply or arguments they have said anything. Even now (after the extradition order) he has not made any statement that when he is coming or how he is coming," the ED counsel added.

Mallya, facing charges brought by the CBI and the ED, is wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) countered the claim made by Vijay Mallya's lawyer in a special court in Mumbai on Wednesday that the liquor baron had left India in March 2016 only to attend an event in Geneva and did not flee the country.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) countered the claim made by Vijay Mallya's lawyer in a special court in Mumbai on Wednesday that the liquor baron had left India in March 2016 only to attend an event in Geneva and did not flee the country. "Who goes to attend a meeting with 300 bags?" lawyer D N Singh representing the ED asked Mallya's lawyer Amit Desai. Desai had on Tuesday told special judge for Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases M S Azmi that his client did not leave the country secretly as claimed by the ED. "There was no secret departure. He left the country to attend a planned meeting (of World Motor Sport in Geneva, Switzerland))," he had said. "They don't have anything to show that he left India to attend a meeting... who goes to attend a meeting with 300 bags and huge cargo?" Singh asked Desai. Singh made the submission while arguing before the court on the central agency's plea to declare Mallya a "fugitive" under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA). The beleaguered business had left India on March 2, 2016, and is now based in Britain. A court in London had on Monday ordered the extradition of Mallya, wanted in India for alleged financial irregularities. Responding to another claim of the defence, Singh said the application to declare the former MP a fugitive was filed before the court after all means to bring him back failed to yield any result. Despite issuance of summons and three NBWs (non-bailable warrants), Mallya refused to join the probe against him, the ED lawyer said. The extradition process is a proof enough that he is not willing to return, he said. "He is fighting not to come to India. Mallya claimed that he doesn't want to return as the case was 'politically motivated'. He complained the condition in the jail, where he is supposed to be kept, is bad. A video of prison was sent and UK court (which ordered his extradition) was satisfied with the same," Singh said. The ED counsel also countered Desai's claim that Fugitive Economic Offenders Act was "draconian". It is not a "draconian" law but just an act to bring back a person to India to join probe and face trial for offences listed under it, Singh said. He said Mallya's lawyers, during their arguments and replies in the court on the ED application, have not said anything about his return to India. "Neither during their reply or arguments they have said anything. Even now (after the extradition order) he has not made any statement that when he is coming or how he is coming," the ED counsel added. Mallya, facing charges brought by the CBI and the ED, is wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

'Who goes to attend a meeting with 300 bags?' Enforcement Directorate on Mallya

Producer-director Brijendra Pal Singh was appointed as the new president of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and chairman of the institute's governing council by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday.

Singh, best known as the producer-director of popular TV series 'CID', is currently vice-chairman of the FTII governing council. He succeeds veteran actor Anupam Kher, who had stepped down as the chairman in October citing "international commitments".&nbsp;

"The tenure of Singh, who succeeds Anupam Kher, will be for the remaining period of a block of three years starting from March 3, 2017, as per the provisions of FTII rules," an FTII release said.

The FTII functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Singh is an alumnus of the FTII (1970-73 batch), who specialised in film cinematography.

The Singh-helmed crime drama recently completed a record 21 years of unbroken run on Sony TV.

In 2004, Singh made it to the Limca Book of Records for taking a single continuous shot of 111 minutes to mark the completion of six years of 'CID'.

FTII Director Bhupendra Kainthola said Singh, as a former chairperson of the FTII academic council and current vice-chairman of the governing council, was fully conversant with all issues of the institute.

"It is his vision that launched FTII's countrywide film education outreach initiative SKIFT (Skilling India in Film and Television) in May 2017, which saw nearly 120 short courses conducted in over 24 cities and towns across India, touching nearly 5,000 learners so far.

"FTII looks forward to his guidance and support in the times to come," Kainthola said.&nbsp;

Producer-director Brijendra Pal Singh was appointed as the new president of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and chairman of the institute's governing council by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday.

Producer-director Brijendra Pal Singh was appointed as the new president of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and chairman of the institute's governing council by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday. Singh, best known as the producer-director of popular TV series 'CID', is currently vice-chairman of the FTII governing council. He succeeds veteran actor Anupam Kher, who had stepped down as the chairman in October citing "international commitments". "The tenure of Singh, who succeeds Anupam Kher, will be for the remaining period of a block of three years starting from March 3, 2017, as per the provisions of FTII rules," an FTII release said. The FTII functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Singh is an alumnus of the FTII (1970-73 batch), who specialised in film cinematography. The Singh-helmed crime drama recently completed a record 21 years of unbroken run on Sony TV. In 2004, Singh made it to the Limca Book of Records for taking a single continuous shot of 111 minutes to mark the completion of six years of 'CID'. FTII Director Bhupendra Kainthola said Singh, as a former chairperson of the FTII academic council and current vice-chairman of the governing council, was fully conversant with all issues of the institute. "It is his vision that launched FTII's countrywide film education outreach initiative SKIFT (Skilling India in Film and Television) in May 2017, which saw nearly 120 short courses conducted in over 24 cities and towns across India, touching nearly 5,000 learners so far. "FTII looks forward to his guidance and support in the times to come," Kainthola said.

'CID' maker B P Singh new FTII chairman

Even as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-meets-with-rajasthan-cm-hopefuls-its-advantage-gehlot-183738">the suspense over who will become the chief ministers of three Hindi heartland states</a> -- Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh --continues, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today tweeted a photo of two prospective candidates for Madhya Pradesh chiefministership -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia -- flanking him beaming.

The caption below the picture was a quote from Leo Tolstoy: The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.&nbsp;

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The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. 
 
- Leo Tolstoy <a href="https://t.co/MiRq2IlrIg">pic.twitter.com/MiRq2IlrIg</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1073222791330258944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The tweet tweeted half-an-hour ago has already received more than 14,000 like and 3,600 retweets.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh is one of the three states that Congress wrested from the BJP following the recently concluded Assembly elections.

''It is not a race, it is not about chair. We are here to serve the people of Madhya Pradesh. I am leaving for Bhopal and you will get to know the decision today,'' Scindia said while leaving Rahul Gandhi's residence on the prospect of him becoming chief minister of Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

''I am leaving for Bhopal, MLAs meeting will be held and we will announce the CM name after that,'' said Kamal Nath as he was leaving Rahul Gandhi's residence. &nbsp;

Even as the suspense over who will become the chief ministers of three Hindi heartland states -- Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh --continues, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today tweeted a photo of two prospective candidates for Madhya Pradesh chiefministership -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia -- flanking him beaming.

Even as the suspense over who will become the chief ministers of three Hindi heartland states -- Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh --continues, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today tweeted a photo of two prospective candidates for Madhya Pradesh chiefministership -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia -- flanking him beaming. The caption below the picture was a quote from Leo Tolstoy: The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. - Leo Tolstoy pic.twitter.com/MiRq2IlrIg — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 13, 2018 × The tweet tweeted half-an-hour ago has already received more than 14,000 like and 3,600 retweets. Madhya Pradesh is one of the three states that Congress wrested from the BJP following the recently concluded Assembly elections. ''It is not a race, it is not about chair. We are here to serve the people of Madhya Pradesh. I am leaving for Bhopal and you will get to know the decision today,'' Scindia said while leaving Rahul Gandhi's residence on the prospect of him becoming chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. ''I am leaving for Bhopal, MLAs meeting will be held and we will announce the CM name after that,'' said Kamal Nath as he was leaving Rahul Gandhi's residence.

As suspense over CMs builds, Rahul tweets: 'The two most powerful warriors are...'

The Supreme Court will pronounce its&nbsp;verdict on Friday on pleas for lodging FIR and probe into the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, reported news agency PTI.

The Supreme Court earlier in November heard a bunch of pleas seeking court-monitored probe into the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France. The petitioners include former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, and Bhushan.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had reserved its verdict on a batch of pleas on November 14.

Advocate M L Sharma was the first petitioner in the case. Later, another lawyer Vineet Dhanda had moved the apex court with the plea for court-monitored probe into the deal.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh has also filed a petition against the fighter jet deal.

After the three petitions were filed, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie along with activist advocate Prashant Bhushan had moved the apex court with a plea for a direction to the CBI to register FIR for alleged irregularities in the deal.

The Centre has defended the deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets and opposed public disclosure of the pricing details.

Rafale deal is a defence agreement signed between the governments of India and France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as a part of the upgrading process of Indian Air Force equipment.

The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

Indian Air Force had advanced a proposal to buy 126 fighter aircraft in August 2007 and floated a tender. Following this, an invitation was sent to various aviation companies to participate in the bidding process.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict on Friday on pleas for lodging FIR and probe into the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, reported news agency PTI.

The Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict on Friday on pleas for lodging FIR and probe into the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, reported news agency PTI. The Supreme Court earlier in November heard a bunch of pleas seeking court-monitored probe into the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France. The petitioners include former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, and Bhushan. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had reserved its verdict on a batch of pleas on November 14. Advocate M L Sharma was the first petitioner in the case. Later, another lawyer Vineet Dhanda had moved the apex court with the plea for court-monitored probe into the deal. AAP leader Sanjay Singh has also filed a petition against the fighter jet deal. After the three petitions were filed, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie along with activist advocate Prashant Bhushan had moved the apex court with a plea for a direction to the CBI to register FIR for alleged irregularities in the deal. The Centre has defended the deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets and opposed public disclosure of the pricing details. Rafale deal is a defence agreement signed between the governments of India and France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as a part of the upgrading process of Indian Air Force equipment. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. Indian Air Force had advanced a proposal to buy 126 fighter aircraft in August 2007 and floated a tender. Following this, an invitation was sent to various aviation companies to participate in the bidding process.

Supreme Court to pronounce verdict on Rafale deal on Friday

Bollywood and&nbsp;supercomputers are in focus as French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian begins his&nbsp;two-day visit to&nbsp;India from December 14 to 15.

During his visit, Drian will be visiting Delhi and Mumbai.&nbsp;

In Mumbai, he will be interacting with&nbsp;Bollywood producers Aashish Singh of Balaji Telefilms, Ashok Amritraj of Hyde park entertainment and Kabir khan of Kabir khan productions as France is keen on getting Bollywood on board.&nbsp;

Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor starrer Befikre movie was extensively shot in Paris.

"During the visit, Minister Le Drian will travel to Mumbai on 14 December where he will meet senior state government officials as well as interact with Indian and French personalities from the film, television and tourism industries. Minister Le Drian will also call on the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, &nbsp;Devendra Fadnavis," said a release from Ministry of External Affairs, India.

He will be in Delhi on 15 when he will hold delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

"The two sides will review the broad gamut of the multi-faceted India-France bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," according to the MEA.

The French foreign minister will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India and France will also sign a contract for cooperation between Atos (a European IT services corporation with its headquarters in Bezons, France) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) for the development of supercomputers in India.

Indian Prime Minister met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina on 1 December.

The visit by French foreign minister comes a day after India and France held two round of talks on "Indo-French Dialogue on Africa".&nbsp;

The dialogue, according to MEA, is aimed to develop institutional, technical and cooperative synergies between India and France to identify developmental projects in Africa in accordance with the African priorities.

In the dialogue, India was represented by Dr Neena Malhotra, Joint Secretary (East&amp;Southern Africa) and France by Rémi Maréchaux, Head of the Africa Department of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.&nbsp;

The French delegation, accompanied by the French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler, also called on Secretary (Economic Relations), T.S. Tirumurti and exchanged views on the progress of the dialogue.

Bollywood and supercomputers are in focus as French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian begins his two-day visit to India from December 14 to 15. During his visit, Drian will be visiting Delhi and Mumbai.

Bollywood and supercomputers are in focus as French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian begins his two-day visit to India from December 14 to 15. During his visit, Drian will be visiting Delhi and Mumbai. In Mumbai, he will be interacting with Bollywood producers Aashish Singh of Balaji Telefilms, Ashok Amritraj of Hyde park entertainment and Kabir khan of Kabir khan productions as France is keen on getting Bollywood on board. Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor starrer Befikre movie was extensively shot in Paris. "During the visit, Minister Le Drian will travel to Mumbai on 14 December where he will meet senior state government officials as well as interact with Indian and French personalities from the film, television and tourism industries. Minister Le Drian will also call on the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis," said a release from Ministry of External Affairs, India. He will be in Delhi on 15 when he will hold delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "The two sides will review the broad gamut of the multi-faceted India-France bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," according to the MEA. The French foreign minister will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India and France will also sign a contract for cooperation between Atos (a European IT services corporation with its headquarters in Bezons, France) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) for the development of supercomputers in India. Indian Prime Minister met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina on 1 December. The visit by French foreign minister comes a day after India and France held two round of talks on "Indo-French Dialogue on Africa". The dialogue, according to MEA, is aimed to develop institutional, technical and cooperative synergies between India and France to identify developmental projects in Africa in accordance with the African priorities. In the dialogue, India was represented by Dr Neena Malhotra, Joint Secretary (East&Southern Africa) and France by Rémi Maréchaux, Head of the Africa Department of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. The French delegation, accompanied by the French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler, also called on Secretary (Economic Relations), T.S. Tirumurti and exchanged views on the progress of the dialogue.

Bollywood, supercomputers in focus as French foreign minister's India visit begins from Friday

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who will turn 63 today, will not celebrate his birthday in public, but his party BJP has decided to organise various events to mark the occasion.

This will be the first time Parrikar will not be celebrating his birthday in public after becoming an MLA over two decades ago.

"Since doctors have advised rest to the CM and he has been asked to avoid public contact, he will not be stepping out of his home to celebrate birthday," Goa BJP spokesman Siddharth Kunkolienkar told PTI.

The former Panaji MLA said it would be for the first time since 1994, when he became an MLA, that Parrikar will not be among the members of public to celebrate his birthday.

"Even when he was Defence Minister, he used to fly to the state to celebrate his birthday," said Kunkolienkar, who had resigned from the Panaji assembly constituency to make way for Parrikar to get elected in 2017.

He said BJP workers and well-wishers of Parrikar would be holding a special prayer at Mahalaxmi Temple in Panaji on December 13 morning.

"We would be praying for his health and speedy recovery," he said.

The BJP's Panaji unit has organised a blood donation camp at party headquarters, which has been a practice since 2006, on the occasion.

"There will be celebrations with special children from two schools - Disha Trust and People's School for Special Children. Parrikar had been visiting these schools on his birthday without fail," Kunkolienkar said.

Parrikar has been recuperating at his private residence at Dona Paula near here since October 14 when he was discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who will turn 63 today, will not celebrate his birthday in public, but his party BJP has decided to organise various events to mark the occasion.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who will turn 63 today, will not celebrate his birthday in public, but his party BJP has decided to organise various events to mark the occasion. This will be the first time Parrikar will not be celebrating his birthday in public after becoming an MLA over two decades ago. "Since doctors have advised rest to the CM and he has been asked to avoid public contact, he will not be stepping out of his home to celebrate birthday," Goa BJP spokesman Siddharth Kunkolienkar told PTI. The former Panaji MLA said it would be for the first time since 1994, when he became an MLA, that Parrikar will not be among the members of public to celebrate his birthday. "Even when he was Defence Minister, he used to fly to the state to celebrate his birthday," said Kunkolienkar, who had resigned from the Panaji assembly constituency to make way for Parrikar to get elected in 2017. He said BJP workers and well-wishers of Parrikar would be holding a special prayer at Mahalaxmi Temple in Panaji on December 13 morning. "We would be praying for his health and speedy recovery," he said. The BJP's Panaji unit has organised a blood donation camp at party headquarters, which has been a practice since 2006, on the occasion. "There will be celebrations with special children from two schools - Disha Trust and People's School for Special Children. Parrikar had been visiting these schools on his birthday without fail," Kunkolienkar said. Parrikar has been recuperating at his private residence at Dona Paula near here since October 14 when he was discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

Manohar Parrikar to not celebrate 63rd birthday; BJP to hold events

Two terrorists were gunned down on Thursday in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district between security forces and terrorists on Wednesday evening. The encounter&nbsp;concluded today morning.&nbsp;

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Baramulla: Firing has stopped at Baratkalan-Gund Mohalla of Sopore where an encounter started between security forces &amp; terrorists, yesterday. Search operation to start. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073044266421649410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The troops of 179 battalion CRPF, Special Operation Group (SOG) Sopore, 22 RR, CRPF Range Quick Action Team Baramulla were carrying out the encounter.

The encounter took place at Baratkala-Gund Mohalla, Sopore. the area has been cordoned off by the security officials as search operation to begin.

Mobile internet services&nbsp;are also suspended in the area.

A joint team of forces approached a suspected house after which the hidden terrorists opened fire at the forces triggering a gunfight.

More details awaited.

The Valley has been witnessing a spurt in terror activities for the past few months.

On November 23, six terrorists were gunned down in Anantnag district in an encounter between security forces and terrorists.

Two terrorists were gunned down on Thursday in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district between security forces and terrorists on Wednesday evening.

Two terrorists were gunned down on Thursday in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district between security forces and terrorists on Wednesday evening. The encounter concluded today morning. Baramulla: Firing has stopped at Baratkalan-Gund Mohalla of Sopore where an encounter started between security forces & terrorists, yesterday. Search operation to start. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018 × The troops of 179 battalion CRPF, Special Operation Group (SOG) Sopore, 22 RR, CRPF Range Quick Action Team Baramulla were carrying out the encounter. The encounter took place at Baratkala-Gund Mohalla, Sopore. the area has been cordoned off by the security officials as search operation to begin. Mobile internet services are also suspended in the area. A joint team of forces approached a suspected house after which the hidden terrorists opened fire at the forces triggering a gunfight. More details awaited. The Valley has been witnessing a spurt in terror activities for the past few months. On November 23, six terrorists were gunned down in Anantnag district in an encounter between security forces and terrorists.

J&K: Firing ends in Baramulla encounter, 2 terrorists killed

With numbers in place to form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the elected Congress MLAs on Wednesday authorised the party's national president<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loan-waiver-promise-tipped-scales-in-congress-favour-in-mp-183555"> Rahul Gandhi</a> to decide the chief ministers as senior leaders including top contenders held hectic parleys through the day and till late in night.

As <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-eyes-now-on-whom-rahul-gandhi-will-choose-as-his-chief-ministers-183485">suspense mounted on who would get the top job in the three states</a>, party leaders said the names could now be announced on Thursday after Gandhi meets the observers appointed for the three states and other senior leaders.

Gandhi, on the other hand, has also reached out directly to the party workers in the three states to know their top choice for the chief minister post through an internal mobile messaging app, party leaders said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-election-results-2018-pm-narendra-modi-lost-but-rahul-gandhi-did-not-win-183412">PM Narendra Modi lost, but Rahul Gandhi did not win</a>

Among other two states that also went to polls, K Chandrashekar Rao would be sworn in as Chief Minister on Thursday with his party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, storming back to power for the second consecutive term and with a bigger mandate.&nbsp;

In Mizoram, where Mizo National Front has trounced Congress to wrest power of the hill state, the party president Zoramthanga would be sworn in as chief minister on Saturday.

In all the three states where Congress has emerged victorious signalling a newfound energy in the party ranks to stop the BJP juggernaut before the 2019 general elections, the newly-elected MLAs met in the presence of party's central observers, while party leaders also met governors in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to stake government formation claims.

In Rajasthan, the top contenders for the top post are Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, both of whom won huge victories in their constituencies.

After a late night meeting, Pilot told waiting reporters that the process of getting the feedback was almost complete and the party high-command would take the final decision on Thursday.

He did not give any direct reply to a pointed question on whether he was ready to take the responsibility, saying "Let's see, what happens".

In Madhya Pradesh, where three-time Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhhan tendered his resignation to Governor Anandiben Patel, the Congress team that later met the governor to stake government claim included two top contenders for the top job -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Scindia also later told reporters that a final decision was expected Thursday.

The MLAs in Chhattisgarh also met late evening in Raipur in presence of the party's central observer Mallikarjun Kharge. There are as many four names doing the round for the state chief minister post -- Lok Sabha member Tamradhwaj Sahu, state party chief Bhupesh Baghel, leader of opposition in the outgoing assembly T S Singhdeo and senior leader Charandas Mahant.

The legislature party meeting in Jaipur lasted for almost seven hours, while Bhopal and Raipur also saw long-running meetings. 
The top leaders from the three states, as also the central observers, are expected to meet Gandhi on Thursday, while hectic lobbying was expected to continue through the night on Wednesday.

Central observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and K C Venugopal for Rajasthan took the opinion of newly-elected MLAs, party leaders said.

Senior party leaders in the national capital said the meetings of MLAs and authorising the party chief is part of an established process within the party for selecting the chief ministers.

Belying predictions of exit polls, the Congress won convincingly in Chattisgarh, less so in Rajasthan, and scraped through with a wafer-thin lead in Madhya Pradesh, final results showed after the vote count on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi described the party's good showing in the Hindi heartland states as a victory over the BJP's "negative politics".

The Congress emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan in Tuesday's vote count, winning 99 seats. It's ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) won one seat for a total of 100 seats -- the required number to form government.

The BJP got 73 seats, and the Bahujan Samaj Party won 6 seats. BSP leader Mayawati on Wednesday pledged support for the Congress. The CPI(M) got two seats, Independents won 13 and other parties got 6, according to the state Election Commission.&nbsp;

The Congress victory in Chhattisgarh ended the 15-year rule of the Raman Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party government. It won 68 seats in the 90-member Assembly, while the BJP got only 15 seats. A party needs to win 46 seats to form government in the state.

The Congress got 43 per cent of the total votes polled in the state, while the BJP got 33 per cent.&nbsp;

After a see-saw battle on Tuesday, Congress emerged as the single largest party in Madhya Pradesh with 114 seats, two short of a simple majority. The BJP, which had ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats.

Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced their parties' support to the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, where BSP has got two and SP one seat.

Congress has also claimed support of the four independents, all party rebels, who have emerged victorious.

In Mumbai, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said the Assembly election results mark the "beginning of a change" and a "rejection" of the BJP-led government's policies.

The Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, said people have brought "those flying in the air back to the ground".

With numbers in place to form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the elected Congress MLAs on Wednesday authorised the party's national president Rahul Gandhi to decide the chief ministers as senior leaders including top contenders held hectic parleys through the day and till late in night.

With numbers in place to form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the elected Congress MLAs on Wednesday authorised the party's national president Rahul Gandhi to decide the chief ministers as senior leaders including top contenders held hectic parleys through the day and till late in night. As suspense mounted on who would get the top job in the three states, party leaders said the names could now be announced on Thursday after Gandhi meets the observers appointed for the three states and other senior leaders. Gandhi, on the other hand, has also reached out directly to the party workers in the three states to know their top choice for the chief minister post through an internal mobile messaging app, party leaders said. Also read: PM Narendra Modi lost, but Rahul Gandhi did not win Among other two states that also went to polls, K Chandrashekar Rao would be sworn in as Chief Minister on Thursday with his party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, storming back to power for the second consecutive term and with a bigger mandate. In Mizoram, where Mizo National Front has trounced Congress to wrest power of the hill state, the party president Zoramthanga would be sworn in as chief minister on Saturday. In all the three states where Congress has emerged victorious signalling a newfound energy in the party ranks to stop the BJP juggernaut before the 2019 general elections, the newly-elected MLAs met in the presence of party's central observers, while party leaders also met governors in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to stake government formation claims. In Rajasthan, the top contenders for the top post are Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, both of whom won huge victories in their constituencies. After a late night meeting, Pilot told waiting reporters that the process of getting the feedback was almost complete and the party high-command would take the final decision on Thursday. He did not give any direct reply to a pointed question on whether he was ready to take the responsibility, saying "Let's see, what happens". In Madhya Pradesh, where three-time Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhhan tendered his resignation to Governor Anandiben Patel, the Congress team that later met the governor to stake government claim included two top contenders for the top job -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Scindia also later told reporters that a final decision was expected Thursday. The MLAs in Chhattisgarh also met late evening in Raipur in presence of the party's central observer Mallikarjun Kharge. There are as many four names doing the round for the state chief minister post -- Lok Sabha member Tamradhwaj Sahu, state party chief Bhupesh Baghel, leader of opposition in the outgoing assembly T S Singhdeo and senior leader Charandas Mahant. The legislature party meeting in Jaipur lasted for almost seven hours, while Bhopal and Raipur also saw long-running meetings. The top leaders from the three states, as also the central observers, are expected to meet Gandhi on Thursday, while hectic lobbying was expected to continue through the night on Wednesday. Central observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and K C Venugopal for Rajasthan took the opinion of newly-elected MLAs, party leaders said. Senior party leaders in the national capital said the meetings of MLAs and authorising the party chief is part of an established process within the party for selecting the chief ministers. Belying predictions of exit polls, the Congress won convincingly in Chattisgarh, less so in Rajasthan, and scraped through with a wafer-thin lead in Madhya Pradesh, final results showed after the vote count on Tuesday. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi described the party's good showing in the Hindi heartland states as a victory over the BJP's "negative politics". The Congress emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan in Tuesday's vote count, winning 99 seats. It's ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) won one seat for a total of 100 seats -- the required number to form government. The BJP got 73 seats, and the Bahujan Samaj Party won 6 seats. BSP leader Mayawati on Wednesday pledged support for the Congress. The CPI(M) got two seats, Independents won 13 and other parties got 6, according to the state Election Commission. The Congress victory in Chhattisgarh ended the 15-year rule of the Raman Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party government. It won 68 seats in the 90-member Assembly, while the BJP got only 15 seats. A party needs to win 46 seats to form government in the state. The Congress got 43 per cent of the total votes polled in the state, while the BJP got 33 per cent. After a see-saw battle on Tuesday, Congress emerged as the single largest party in Madhya Pradesh with 114 seats, two short of a simple majority. The BJP, which had ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats. Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced their parties' support to the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, where BSP has got two and SP one seat. Congress has also claimed support of the four independents, all party rebels, who have emerged victorious. In Mumbai, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said the Assembly election results mark the "beginning of a change" and a "rejection" of the BJP-led government's policies. The Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, said people have brought "those flying in the air back to the ground".

Congress MLAs authorise Rahul Gandhi to decide CMs for Chhattisgarh, MP, Rajasthan

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has suspended the membership of journalist-turned-politician<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-mj-akbar-a-thorough-gentleman-woman-journalist-says-in-court-176880"> MJ Akbar</a> in connection with <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/mj-akbar-tarun-tejpal-feature-in-editors-guilds-updated-members-list-177792">sexual misconduct allegations </a>levelled against him by several women including his former colleague Priya Ramani, against whom he filed a defamation case.

Akbar, who had resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs in October, has been suspended until the defamation case he filed against Ramani is concluded.

"Office-bearers of the Guild discussed the EC`s comments and took the decision on the matter. It has concurred with the majority view that Akbar should be suspended from the Guild till such time that the court case he has filed is concluded," a statement issued by the media body read.

The Guild has also suspended one of its past presidents and former Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka Tarun Tejpal over allegations of sexual misconduct.

"The Guild had sought the views of its Executive Committee (EC) on what action should be taken against MJ Akbar, a dormant member at present and one of its past president, Tarun Tejpal and Gautam Adhikari (senior journalist) in light of the charges of sexual misconduct levelled against them by several women journalist. . A majority of the EC members suggested that the membership of Akbar should be suspended. There was also consensus that Tejpal be suspended too, until the conclusion of his trial and the Guild should write to Adhikari to seek his response.," reads the statement.

However, the Guild has decided to seek a formal response from Adhikari against charges levelled against him.

These three names were cropped up after the MeToo movement gained momentum in India.

While Akbar came under fire after 20 women journalists levelled sexual misconduct charges against him, Tejpal has been serving jail term in a rape case.

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has suspended the membership of journalist-turned-politician MJ Akbar in connection with sexual misconduct allegations levelled against him by several women including his former colleague Priya Ramani, against whom he filed a defamation case.

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has suspended the membership of journalist-turned-politician MJ Akbar in connection with sexual misconduct allegations levelled against him by several women including his former colleague Priya Ramani, against whom he filed a defamation case. Akbar, who had resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs in October, has been suspended until the defamation case he filed against Ramani is concluded. "Office-bearers of the Guild discussed the EC`s comments and took the decision on the matter. It has concurred with the majority view that Akbar should be suspended from the Guild till such time that the court case he has filed is concluded," a statement issued by the media body read. The Guild has also suspended one of its past presidents and former Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka Tarun Tejpal over allegations of sexual misconduct. "The Guild had sought the views of its Executive Committee (EC) on what action should be taken against MJ Akbar, a dormant member at present and one of its past president, Tarun Tejpal and Gautam Adhikari (senior journalist) in light of the charges of sexual misconduct levelled against them by several women journalist. . A majority of the EC members suggested that the membership of Akbar should be suspended. There was also consensus that Tejpal be suspended too, until the conclusion of his trial and the Guild should write to Adhikari to seek his response.," reads the statement. However, the Guild has decided to seek a formal response from Adhikari against charges levelled against him. These three names were cropped up after the MeToo movement gained momentum in India. While Akbar came under fire after 20 women journalists levelled sexual misconduct charges against him, Tejpal has been serving jail term in a rape case.

Editors Guild of India suspends MJ Akbar, Tarun Tejpal

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-wins-vote-of-confidence-with-majority-of-83-183571">British PM Theresa May survives </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-wins-vote-of-confidence-with-majority-of-83-183571">no-confidence</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-wins-vote-of-confidence-with-majority-of-83-183571"> vote in Brexit battle</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday survived a confidence vote by her own MPs but lost the support of one-third of her colleagues, signalling the battle she still faces to get her Brexit deal through parliament.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrest-fallout-after-ex-diplomat-another-canadian-national-goes-missing-after-questioning-by-chinese-authorities-183587">Huawei CFO arrest fallout: After ex-diplomat, another Canadian national goes missing after questioning by Chinese authorities</a>

Days after China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, the Canadian government said today that a second Canadian identified as Michael Spavor was also missing in China.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-releases-photo-of-suspected-gunman-behind-strasbourg-christmas-market-attack-183576">French police </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-releases-photo-of-suspected-gunman-behind-strasbourg-christmas-market-attack-183576">releases</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-releases-photo-of-suspected-gunman-behind-strasbourg-christmas-market-attack-183576"> photo of suspected gunman behind Strasbourg Christmas market attack</a>

French police on Tuesday night released the photo of a man suspected to have carried out the attack at the Strasbourg Christmas market in which 3 people were killed and at least 13 injured.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/isha-ambani-anand-piramal-wedding-bollywood-stars-sportsmen-politicians-attend-the-grand-ceremony-183584">Isha Ambani-Anand Piramal wedding: Bollywood stars, politicians attend </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/isha-ambani-anand-piramal-wedding-bollywood-stars-sportsmen-politicians-attend-the-grand-ceremony-183584">grand</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/isha-ambani-anand-piramal-wedding-bollywood-stars-sportsmen-politicians-attend-the-grand-ceremony-183584"> ceremony</a>

All roads in Mumbai led to Pedar road where Mukesh Ambani hosted celebrities, politicians and sportsmen at his residence Antilla for his daughter Isha Ambani's wedding on Wednesday night.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/industry/paris-climate-agreement-non-negotiable-no-compromise-on-basic-principles-india-183581">Paris climate agreement non-negotiable, no compromise on basic principles: India</a>

India Wednesday said the Paris climate agreement was "non-negotiable" and there could be no compromise on the basic principles such as equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC).

British PM Theresa May survives no-confidence vote in Brexit battle British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday survived a confidence vote by her own MPs but lost the support of one-third of her colleagues, signalling the battle she still faces to get her Brexit deal through parliament.

British PM Theresa May survives no-confidence vote in Brexit battle British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday survived a confidence vote by her own MPs but lost the support of one-third of her colleagues, signalling the battle she still faces to get her Brexit deal through parliament. Huawei CFO arrest fallout: After ex-diplomat, another Canadian national goes missing after questioning by Chinese authorities Days after China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, the Canadian government said today that a second Canadian identified as Michael Spavor was also missing in China. French police releases photo of suspected gunman behind Strasbourg Christmas market attack French police on Tuesday night released the photo of a man suspected to have carried out the attack at the Strasbourg Christmas market in which 3 people were killed and at least 13 injured. Isha Ambani-Anand Piramal wedding: Bollywood stars, politicians attend grand ceremony All roads in Mumbai led to Pedar road where Mukesh Ambani hosted celebrities, politicians and sportsmen at his residence Antilla for his daughter Isha Ambani's wedding on Wednesday night. Paris climate agreement non-negotiable, no compromise on basic principles: India India Wednesday said the Paris climate agreement was "non-negotiable" and there could be no compromise on the basic principles such as equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC).

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