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The Goa government has told the Bombay High Court that mere diagnosis of cancer does not mean that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was not fit enough to handle the state administration, and cited Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' accomplishments to drive home its point.

State Advocate General Dattaprasad Lawande Wednesday told a division bench of Justices R M Borde and Prithviraj Chavan that the petition seeking bulletin of the chief minister's health was not in good faith as it intends to affect his fundamental rights and the right to his privacy.

Petitioner Trajano D'Mello in his petition filed earlier this month had sought directions to state Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma to evaluate the health condition of Parrikar by forming a panel of expert doctors and release the report in public domain.

Arguing in the court, the state government in its submission said, "Steve Jobs was diagnosed with the same pancreatic cancer. In fact, much of his accomplishments came after his diagnosis."

"Just the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is not enough to ask the chief minister to resign from office," it added. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Steve Jobs died in 2011 after battling pancreatic cancer.

The state also informed the high court that the chief minister has been regularly holding meetings with his cabinet colleagues and senior officials and monitoring the administration.

Parrikar has been ailing since mid-February. He has been treated at different hospitals including those in Goa, Mumbai and the US. He is currently undergoing treatment at his residence.&nbsp;

The Goa government has told the Bombay High Court that mere diagnosis of cancer does not mean that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was not fit enough to handle the state administration, and cited Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' accomplishments to drive home its point.

The Goa government has told the Bombay High Court that mere diagnosis of cancer does not mean that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was not fit enough to handle the state administration, and cited Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' accomplishments to drive home its point. State Advocate General Dattaprasad Lawande Wednesday told a division bench of Justices R M Borde and Prithviraj Chavan that the petition seeking bulletin of the chief minister's health was not in good faith as it intends to affect his fundamental rights and the right to his privacy. Petitioner Trajano D'Mello in his petition filed earlier this month had sought directions to state Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma to evaluate the health condition of Parrikar by forming a panel of expert doctors and release the report in public domain. Arguing in the court, the state government in its submission said, "Steve Jobs was diagnosed with the same pancreatic cancer. In fact, much of his accomplishments came after his diagnosis." "Just the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is not enough to ask the chief minister to resign from office," it added. Steve Jobs died in 2011 after battling pancreatic cancer. The state also informed the high court that the chief minister has been regularly holding meetings with his cabinet colleagues and senior officials and monitoring the administration. Parrikar has been ailing since mid-February. He has been treated at different hospitals including those in Goa, Mumbai and the US. He is currently undergoing treatment at his residence.

Goa govt says mere diagnosis of cancer not enough to ask Parrikar to resign

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said his government is ready to "pay a political price" for stringent decisions like demonetisation and the GST, even as he admitted there is an agricultural crisis and rural distress in the country.

He also hoped the results of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections won't be the same as the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the BJP lost three states to the Congress.

Stressing that agriculture was a focus area for the Modi government at the Centre, Gadkari said it was a complex issue and its remedy would take time.

Drawing a parallel, the minister said anything can happen in politics and cricket and it would be wrong to assume that the assembly results were giving a reflection of what would happen during the general elections next year.

He said development was the focus of the BJP and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, and they were ready to pay a political price for "certain stringent decisions" like demonetisation and GST, taken in the "interest of the country".

Speaking at the India Economic Conclave, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways said agenda of politics was different at national, state, district and municipal levels and it is highly difficult to predict on which issue a political party wins.

"As far as we are concerned, our agenda will be development and for this we have taken a few stringent decisions like demonetisation and GST. But I feel these issues should not be politicised as we are seeing its benefits in the form of reduction in black-money and improvement in the economy," he said.

Admitting that there was an agricultural crisis and rural distress in the country, he said the government has been taking all necessary measures to ensure the sector grows significantly.

"Agriculture is our priority, but we need to understand that it is such a complex issue that there is no immediate solution and remedy to the problems of this sector and it will take time.

"Also, unless the rural and agri economy becomes robust, unless we increase the purchasing power of the large population and improve employment and boost manufacturing and services sectors, we will not be able to achieve overall development of the nation, and this is our priority," he said.

When asked if the BJP's defeat in three states has dented the party's image, Gadkari said, "It is a matter of research on what parameters a voter elects a particular party during elections...Is it stability, economy or employment? But I feel that a major part of politics is dominated by three Cs- cash, caste and criminals. Though this approach has changed to some extent, it still exists."

Talking about the defeat in Madhya Pradesh where the BJP ruled for 15 years under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the minister said, "After ruling for so many years, anti-incumbency was bound to be there. But the outcome of 2019 Lok Sabha maybe or may not be same as that of the recent assembly elections."

"The agenda and subjects of all elections are different. The work which our government has done at the national level will be tested during the Lok Sabha elections only," he said.&nbsp;

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said his government is ready to "pay a political price" for stringent decisions like demonetisation and the GST, even as he admitted there is an agricultural crisis and rural distress in the country.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said his government is ready to "pay a political price" for stringent decisions like demonetisation and the GST, even as he admitted there is an agricultural crisis and rural distress in the country. He also hoped the results of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections won't be the same as the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the BJP lost three states to the Congress. Stressing that agriculture was a focus area for the Modi government at the Centre, Gadkari said it was a complex issue and its remedy would take time. Drawing a parallel, the minister said anything can happen in politics and cricket and it would be wrong to assume that the assembly results were giving a reflection of what would happen during the general elections next year. He said development was the focus of the BJP and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, and they were ready to pay a political price for "certain stringent decisions" like demonetisation and GST, taken in the "interest of the country". Speaking at the India Economic Conclave, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways said agenda of politics was different at national, state, district and municipal levels and it is highly difficult to predict on which issue a political party wins. "As far as we are concerned, our agenda will be development and for this we have taken a few stringent decisions like demonetisation and GST. But I feel these issues should not be politicised as we are seeing its benefits in the form of reduction in black-money and improvement in the economy," he said. Admitting that there was an agricultural crisis and rural distress in the country, he said the government has been taking all necessary measures to ensure the sector grows significantly. "Agriculture is our priority, but we need to understand that it is such a complex issue that there is no immediate solution and remedy to the problems of this sector and it will take time. "Also, unless the rural and agri economy becomes robust, unless we increase the purchasing power of the large population and improve employment and boost manufacturing and services sectors, we will not be able to achieve overall development of the nation, and this is our priority," he said. When asked if the BJP's defeat in three states has dented the party's image, Gadkari said, "It is a matter of research on what parameters a voter elects a particular party during elections...Is it stability, economy or employment? But I feel that a major part of politics is dominated by three Cs- cash, caste and criminals. Though this approach has changed to some extent, it still exists." Talking about the defeat in Madhya Pradesh where the BJP ruled for 15 years under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the minister said, "After ruling for so many years, anti-incumbency was bound to be there. But the outcome of 2019 Lok Sabha maybe or may not be same as that of the recent assembly elections." "The agenda and subjects of all elections are different. The work which our government has done at the national level will be tested during the Lok Sabha elections only," he said.

Govt ready to pay 'political price' for stringent decisions in country's interest: Nitin Gadkari

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Wednesday that, because of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-on-iran-toughest-ever-take-force-monday-175530">US sanctions</a>, India had refused to allow a Russian-owned Indian refinery to use Iranian crude oil that India had obtained under waivers.

Zanganeh was responding to a question in an interview on Iranian state television about why Iran had not bought refineries overseas. He said large investments were needed, and the refineries would be under the jurisdiction of the host country.&nbsp;

"Even if you own a refinery, ...it is under the sovereignty of the country where it is located.... For example, a Russian company has bought the Essar refinery in India. But it is not allowed to take oil from Iran," Zanganeh said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-are-economic-terrorism-says-iran-president-rouhani-182402">US sanctions are 'economic terrorism', says Iran President Hassan Rouhani</a>

"The Indian government had obtained a waiver (to import Iranian oil) but it uses it for its state refinery. It did not allow them (Russians) to take oil," Zanganeh said.

Indian officials could not be contacted for comment, following the late evening interview.

Russian oil major Rosneft, fund UCP and Swiss commodities trader Trafigura bought Essar Oil's large refinery, 3,500 fuel stations and infrastructure for $12.9 billion last year.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran in May and reimposed sanctions on Iran's oil industry last month.

Washington had been pushing governments to cut imports of Iranian oil to zero, but fearing a crude oil price spike, it granted Iran`s biggest buyers - China, India, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Greece, Taiwan and Turkey - sanctions waivers.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Wednesday that, because of US sanctions, India had refused to allow a Russian-owned Indian refinery to use Iranian crude oil that India had obtained under waivers.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Wednesday that, because of US sanctions, India had refused to allow a Russian-owned Indian refinery to use Iranian crude oil that India had obtained under waivers. Zanganeh was responding to a question in an interview on Iranian state television about why Iran had not bought refineries overseas. He said large investments were needed, and the refineries would be under the jurisdiction of the host country. "Even if you own a refinery, ...it is under the sovereignty of the country where it is located.... For example, a Russian company has bought the Essar refinery in India. But it is not allowed to take oil from Iran," Zanganeh said. Also read: US sanctions are 'economic terrorism', says Iran President Hassan Rouhani "The Indian government had obtained a waiver (to import Iranian oil) but it uses it for its state refinery. It did not allow them (Russians) to take oil," Zanganeh said. Indian officials could not be contacted for comment, following the late evening interview. Russian oil major Rosneft, fund UCP and Swiss commodities trader Trafigura bought Essar Oil's large refinery, 3,500 fuel stations and infrastructure for $12.9 billion last year. US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran in May and reimposed sanctions on Iran's oil industry last month. Washington had been pushing governments to cut imports of Iranian oil to zero, but fearing a crude oil price spike, it granted Iran`s biggest buyers - China, India, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Greece, Taiwan and Turkey - sanctions waivers.

India did not allow Russian-owned Indian refinery to use Iranian crude oil due to US sanctions: Iran oil minister

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sacking-of-sri-lanka-parliament-illegal-supreme-court-183770">Sacking of Sri Lanka parliament was illegal: Supreme Court</a>

In a crucial verdict on Thursday, the Sri Lankan&nbsp;Supreme Court called the sacking of the&nbsp;country's parliament as illegal.The seven-judge bench unanimously decided that Sirisena violated the country's Constitution when he dissolved parliament and called a snap election nearly two years ahead of schedule.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-will-not-be-able-to-get-anything-from-him-christian-michels-lawyer-to-wion-183762">They will not be able to get anything from him: Christian Michel's lawyer to WION</a>

Christian James Michel's lawyer Rosemary Patrizzi told WION on Thursday that the Indian authorities "brought him to get something from him but they will not be able get anything".&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-meets-with-rajasthan-cm-hopefuls-its-advantage-gehlot-183738">Rahul meets with Rajasthan CM hopefuls; it's advantage Gehlot</a>

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday held one-on-one meetings with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, the two chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, before taking a final call on who would head government in the desert state.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-shoots-dead-two-israelis-in-west-bank-army-183767">Palestinian shoots dead two Israelis in West Bank: Army</a>

A Palestinian shot dead two Israelis and wounded at least two others at a bus stop in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the army said. "A Palestinian opened fire at a bus stop killing 2 Israelis, severely injuring 1 and injuring others at Asaf Junction, north of Jerusalem," the Israeli military said on its Twitter account.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-orders-release-of-indian-national-hamid-nehal-ansari-183735">Pakistan court orders release of Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari</a>

Pakistan court on Thursday ordered the release of an Indian citizen Hamid Nehal Ansari who went missing in the country in 2012. Ansari who was sentenced to three years of imprisonment in 2016 by a military court in Pakistan on charges of espionage, has already spent six years in the Pak prison.

&nbsp;

Sacking of Sri Lanka parliament was illegal: Supreme Court In a crucial verdict on Thursday, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court called the sacking of the country's parliament as illegal.

Sacking of Sri Lanka parliament was illegal: Supreme Court In a crucial verdict on Thursday, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court called the sacking of the country's parliament as illegal.The seven-judge bench unanimously decided that Sirisena violated the country's Constitution when he dissolved parliament and called a snap election nearly two years ahead of schedule. They will not be able to get anything from him: Christian Michel's lawyer to WION Christian James Michel's lawyer Rosemary Patrizzi told WION on Thursday that the Indian authorities "brought him to get something from him but they will not be able get anything". Rahul meets with Rajasthan CM hopefuls; it's advantage Gehlot Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday held one-on-one meetings with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, the two chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, before taking a final call on who would head government in the desert state. Palestinian shoots dead two Israelis in West Bank: Army A Palestinian shot dead two Israelis and wounded at least two others at a bus stop in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the army said. "A Palestinian opened fire at a bus stop killing 2 Israelis, severely injuring 1 and injuring others at Asaf Junction, north of Jerusalem," the Israeli military said on its Twitter account. Pakistan court orders release of Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari Pakistan court on Thursday ordered the release of an Indian citizen Hamid Nehal Ansari who went missing in the country in 2012. Ansari who was sentenced to three years of imprisonment in 2016 by a military court in Pakistan on charges of espionage, has already spent six years in the Pak prison.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Christian James Michel's lawyer Rosemary Patrizzi told WION on Thursday that the Indian authorities "brought him to get something from him but they will not be able get anything".&nbsp;

Michel is the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland chopper deal. The 12 choppers were bought in February 2010 and were meant to ferry Indian VVIPs.&nbsp;

Michel is accused of bribing Indian politicians and bureaucrats to swing the deal for the choppers for the Italian company Finmeccanica (now Leonardo) which owned Agusta.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/christian-michels-extradition-pm-says-raazdaar-caught-uk-seeks-consular-access-181741">Entire Gandhi family scared as '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/christian-michels-extradition-pm-says-raazdaar-caught-uk-seeks-consular-access-181741">raazdaar</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/christian-michels-extradition-pm-says-raazdaar-caught-uk-seeks-consular-access-181741">' caught, says PM Modi in Rajasthan</a>

Patrizzi landed in India today. "I am here to help the local lawyers," she told WION.&nbsp;

Michel, who is a UK national, was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-vvip-chopper-scam-dubai-government-extradites-christian-michel-to-india-181488">extradited from the UAE to India last week</a>.&nbsp;

“I want to take him (Michel) out of jail. It depends on a lot of things," Patrizzi told WION.&nbsp;

Asked whether the UK would want him back since Michel is a British national, she said, "I don't know if they want him but there is no arrest warrant against him in the UK."

"He loved to be in the Emirates and not in India, and not in jail. The life in jail is not nice nowhere," she added.&nbsp;

Patrizzi said Michel had been in depression after ending up in an Indian jail, and wanted to get out soon. "Depression is normal. He’s in depression."&nbsp;When she was asked about Michel being under pressure from the CBI to implicate big names, she answered: "They brought him to get something from him but they will not be able to get anything from him."

Christian James Michel's lawyer Rosemary Patrizzi told WION on Thursday that the Indian authorities "brought him to get something from him but they will not be able get anything".

Christian James Michel's lawyer Rosemary Patrizzi told WION on Thursday that the Indian authorities "brought him to get something from him but they will not be able get anything". Michel is the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland chopper deal. The 12 choppers were bought in February 2010 and were meant to ferry Indian VVIPs. Michel is accused of bribing Indian politicians and bureaucrats to swing the deal for the choppers for the Italian company Finmeccanica (now Leonardo) which owned Agusta. Also read: Entire Gandhi family scared as 'raazdaar' caught, says PM Modi in Rajasthan Patrizzi landed in India today. "I am here to help the local lawyers," she told WION. Michel, who is a UK national, was extradited from the UAE to India last week. “I want to take him (Michel) out of jail. It depends on a lot of things," Patrizzi told WION. Asked whether the UK would want him back since Michel is a British national, she said, "I don't know if they want him but there is no arrest warrant against him in the UK." "He loved to be in the Emirates and not in India, and not in jail. The life in jail is not nice nowhere," she added. Patrizzi said Michel had been in depression after ending up in an Indian jail, and wanted to get out soon. "Depression is normal. He’s in depression." When she was asked about Michel being under pressure from the CBI to implicate big names, she answered: "They brought him to get something from him but they will not be able to get anything from him."

They will not be able to get anything from him: Christian Michel's lawyer to WION

Rosemary Patrizzi told WION that she was here from Italy to help Michel's India lawyers

In a major development, India has asked South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to derecognise the organisation's chamber of commerce of Industry (SCCI).&nbsp;

The development comes after the SCCI event on December 8 at&nbsp;Islamabad in which Pakistan Occupied Kashmir or PoK minister Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed was also present.

Calling the minister's presence as a breach of SAARC guidelines, New Delhi has called for initiating steps for derecognition of SAARC chamber of commerce and Industry as the apex body of the organisation.

The letter which was sent by India's ministry of external affairs on December 10, 2 days after the event in Islamabad to SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu says SCCI invited "a renegade entity from the area of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which is under the illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan".&nbsp;

The letter which WION exclusively accessed stated that such acts of SCCI, a SAARC apex body, is in violation of SAARC charter and principles that provides for respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs of the other states.&nbsp;

Further, the SCCI has breached the guidelines and obligations meant for the SAARC apex bodies by indulging in political activities, not in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of the SAARC Charter, the letter stated.

The letter ended with India requesting "the SAARC Secretariat to consider initiating steps for derecognition of SAARC chamber of commerce and Industry as the apex body of the organisation.&nbsp;

The SAARC Charter day event on December 8 is the same event from which Shubham Singh an Indian diplomat left due to the presence of PoK minister.

An email to SAARC Secretariat for his response in the issue remainded unanswered. &nbsp;The headquarters of SCCI is located in Islamabad.

Chaos prevailed in SAARC after several countries boycotted the 2016 Islamabad event due to the issue of cross-border terror emanating from Pakistan.&nbsp;

India had boycotted the summit due to the terror attack by Pakistan based terrorist on an Indian Army base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

India is increasingly looking at BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation for regional cooperation for regional cooperation.

SAARC Charter day celebrations were largely muted in south Asia expect in Islamabad were at one event the Chinese ambassador was also called.

India has also been asking to vacate PoK, with last such reminder being given to Islamabad on 30th November.&nbsp;

In a major development, India has asked South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to derecognise the organisation's chamber of commerce of Industry (SCCI).

In a major development, India has asked South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to derecognise the organisation's chamber of commerce of Industry (SCCI). The development comes after the SCCI event on December 8 at Islamabad in which Pakistan Occupied Kashmir or PoK minister Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed was also present. Calling the minister's presence as a breach of SAARC guidelines, New Delhi has called for initiating steps for derecognition of SAARC chamber of commerce and Industry as the apex body of the organisation. The letter which was sent by India's ministry of external affairs on December 10, 2 days after the event in Islamabad to SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu says SCCI invited "a renegade entity from the area of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which is under the illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan". The letter which WION exclusively accessed stated that such acts of SCCI, a SAARC apex body, is in violation of SAARC charter and principles that provides for respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs of the other states. Further, the SCCI has breached the guidelines and obligations meant for the SAARC apex bodies by indulging in political activities, not in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of the SAARC Charter, the letter stated. The letter ended with India requesting "the SAARC Secretariat to consider initiating steps for derecognition of SAARC chamber of commerce and Industry as the apex body of the organisation. The SAARC Charter day event on December 8 is the same event from which Shubham Singh an Indian diplomat left due to the presence of PoK minister. An email to SAARC Secretariat for his response in the issue remainded unanswered. The headquarters of SCCI is located in Islamabad. Chaos prevailed in SAARC after several countries boycotted the 2016 Islamabad event due to the issue of cross-border terror emanating from Pakistan. India had boycotted the summit due to the terror attack by Pakistan based terrorist on an Indian Army base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir. India is increasingly looking at BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation for regional cooperation for regional cooperation. SAARC Charter day celebrations were largely muted in south Asia expect in Islamabad were at one event the Chinese ambassador was also called. India has also been asking to vacate PoK, with last such reminder being given to Islamabad on 30th November.

India asks SAARC to derecognise chamber of commerce after PoK minister lands at event

Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, on whose watch India cancelled the scam-tainted AgustaWestland helicopter deal, said that the defence scandal hurt the competitiveness of Italian companies.

Speaking exclusively to WION in New Delhi, Letta said that the underlying message in all his contacts with India was that the independence of the judiciary has to be respected.

The AgustaWestland helicopter scam came to light a few weeks before Letta's inauguration as Italy's prime minister.

At the time, Letta said he also had to deal with the fallout of the "Enrica Lexie" case, involving the arrest of two Italian navy personnel who were jailed for the killing of two Indian fishermen.&nbsp;

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

WION: The AgustaWestland helicopter scam came to light a few weeks before your government came to power. What kind of interactions did you or your ministers have with the Indian counterparts on the AgustaWestland helicopter scam?

Enrico Letta: It was simple and clear. We respect the independence of judges. They have an independent way. And the decision at the end of it all was a positive one. I am happy that we respected the decision. But it was a big problem for Italian competitiveness. The Italian companies lost a lot from this situation. But at the end of the day, respect for the independence of the judiciary is the best way. That is why I dealt it with this mood. With my Indian counterparts, it was a very clean approach and a very constructive one at that at the end, the decision was best for all, especially Italy and India and the competitiveness of both countries.

WION: India cancelled the AgustaWestland helicopter contract in January 2014. At the time, you were the prime minister of Italy. Do you recall any conversation you or your ministers might have had with the Indian government or agencies about the scam?

Enrico Letta: No, because it happened at the end of my period.

WION: But India cancelled the contract in January and you demitted office in February. So you were the head of the government at the time...

Enrico Letta: But the key point is that I always said in all contacts with the Indian authorities that we think the independence of justice is fundamental and it has to be preserved, even if there was the other case involving the Italian marines. India and Italy are two big powers. We have to cooperate. We have to work together. I always tried to give that idea. The bilateral cooperation has to continue because we are two big countries. I hope now the situation is better. I hope that in future the cooperation will grow. I am sure that these words can help.

WION: The AgustaWestland helicopter scam is one of the many scams bedevilling the Indian polity. There is a need for closure in this scam. What kind of cooperation or collaboration does Italy envisage to help bring closure to India?

Enrico Letta: We cannot consider that this is the only topic of the India-Italy relationship. India and Italy are members of G20. They are two important countries, especially when it comes to manufacturing and cultural prowess. I hope that my visit will contribute to the ties.

Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, on whose watch India cancelled the scam-tainted AgustaWestland helicopter deal, said that the defence scandal hurt the competitiveness of Italian companies.

Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, on whose watch India cancelled the scam-tainted AgustaWestland helicopter deal, said that the defence scandal hurt the competitiveness of Italian companies. Speaking exclusively to WION in New Delhi, Letta said that the underlying message in all his contacts with India was that the independence of the judiciary has to be respected. The AgustaWestland helicopter scam came to light a few weeks before Letta's inauguration as Italy's prime minister. At the time, Letta said he also had to deal with the fallout of the "Enrica Lexie" case, involving the arrest of two Italian navy personnel who were jailed for the killing of two Indian fishermen. Here are the excerpts from the interview: WION: The AgustaWestland helicopter scam came to light a few weeks before your government came to power. What kind of interactions did you or your ministers have with the Indian counterparts on the AgustaWestland helicopter scam? Enrico Letta: It was simple and clear. We respect the independence of judges. They have an independent way. And the decision at the end of it all was a positive one. I am happy that we respected the decision. But it was a big problem for Italian competitiveness. The Italian companies lost a lot from this situation. But at the end of the day, respect for the independence of the judiciary is the best way. That is why I dealt it with this mood. With my Indian counterparts, it was a very clean approach and a very constructive one at that at the end, the decision was best for all, especially Italy and India and the competitiveness of both countries. WION: India cancelled the AgustaWestland helicopter contract in January 2014. At the time, you were the prime minister of Italy. Do you recall any conversation you or your ministers might have had with the Indian government or agencies about the scam? Enrico Letta: No, because it happened at the end of my period. WION: But India cancelled the contract in January and you demitted office in February. So you were the head of the government at the time... Enrico Letta: But the key point is that I always said in all contacts with the Indian authorities that we think the independence of justice is fundamental and it has to be preserved, even if there was the other case involving the Italian marines. India and Italy are two big powers. We have to cooperate. We have to work together. I always tried to give that idea. The bilateral cooperation has to continue because we are two big countries. I hope now the situation is better. I hope that in future the cooperation will grow. I am sure that these words can help. WION: The AgustaWestland helicopter scam is one of the many scams bedevilling the Indian polity. There is a need for closure in this scam. What kind of cooperation or collaboration does Italy envisage to help bring closure to India? Enrico Letta: We cannot consider that this is the only topic of the India-Italy relationship. India and Italy are members of G20. They are two important countries, especially when it comes to manufacturing and cultural prowess. I hope that my visit will contribute to the ties.

AgustaWestland scam hurt competitiveness of Italian companies: Ex-PM Letta to WION

As many as 73 out of 119 newly elected MLAs in Telangana have declared "criminal cases" against themselves, claims the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a watchdog.

"Out of 119 MLAs analysed during Telangana Assembly elections as many as 73 MLAs have declared criminal cases against themselves, which is a five per cent increase as compared to 67 MLAs or 56 per cent in 2014 Assembly," said the ADR in a report released here on Thursday.

The report further revealed that around 40 per cent or 47 of the sitting MLAs of Telangana have also declared to have serious criminal cases against them including cases related to attempt to murder, crime against women and so on.&nbsp;

In 2014, under this category, Telangana Assembly had 46 MLAs or 39 per cent.

ADR, which was established in 1999 by a group of professors from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, aims at improving governance and strengthening democracy by continuous work in the area of electoral and political reforms.&nbsp;

The organisation has been particular in highlighting corruption and criminalisation in the political process.ADR report comes just two days after the results of Telangana Assembly elections were declared.&nbsp;

Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao`s Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) scored a landslide victory by bagging as many as 88 seats while Rahul Gandhi led Congress party won 19 seats.

As many as 73 out of 119 newly elected MLAs in Telangana have declared "criminal cases" against themselves, claims the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a watchdog.

As many as 73 out of 119 newly elected MLAs in Telangana have declared "criminal cases" against themselves, claims the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a watchdog. "Out of 119 MLAs analysed during Telangana Assembly elections as many as 73 MLAs have declared criminal cases against themselves, which is a five per cent increase as compared to 67 MLAs or 56 per cent in 2014 Assembly," said the ADR in a report released here on Thursday. The report further revealed that around 40 per cent or 47 of the sitting MLAs of Telangana have also declared to have serious criminal cases against them including cases related to attempt to murder, crime against women and so on. In 2014, under this category, Telangana Assembly had 46 MLAs or 39 per cent. ADR, which was established in 1999 by a group of professors from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, aims at improving governance and strengthening democracy by continuous work in the area of electoral and political reforms. The organisation has been particular in highlighting corruption and criminalisation in the political process.ADR report comes just two days after the results of Telangana Assembly elections were declared. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao`s Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) scored a landslide victory by bagging as many as 88 seats while Rahul Gandhi led Congress party won 19 seats.

73 of Telangana MLAs have criminal past, says watchdog

A Buddhist monk has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-leopard-enters-playschool-in-mumbai-26448">killed by a leopard</a> while meditating in a protected forest for the big cats, the fifth such attack in the area this month, Indian police said Thursday.

Rahul Walke Bodhi was seated beneath a tree in Ramdegi forest in western India for morning prayers on Tuesday when the leopard pounced.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old monk was fatally injured, police in Maharashtra state said.&nbsp;

Two other devotees meditating with him at the time escaped unscathed to alert police, who started a search for his body.

"His badly mauled body was found further into the forest, indicating the animal tried to drag it along," Krisna Tiwari, a senior police officer in the region, told AFP.

The forest, roughly 825 kilometres (510 miles) west from the state capital Mumbai, falls within a protected reserve for big cats where four other fatal attacks have occurred in recent weeks.

The monks, in the area for an annual prayer conference, had ignored warnings from local officials about venturing too far into the forest, police said.

The attack followed a separate fatal incident on Monday, when shopkeeper Sandeep Arjun was killed outside his stall on the outskirts of the forest.

It was unclear whether the same leopard was responsible for both attacks.&nbsp;

Three more deaths attributed to leopards and tigers have been reported around the reserve in the past month, officials say.

Official estimates suggest there are between 12,000 and 14,000 leopards in India.&nbsp;

Urban expansion has reduced their numbers as forest habitats shrink, bringing them into closer contact -- and conflict -- with humans.

An estimated 431 leopards were killed in 2017, according to government figures. Most were killed by poachers for their hides and body parts.

There are no figures on the number of humans killed by leopards, but experts say there are hundreds of deaths each year.

A Buddhist monk has been killed by a leopard while meditating in a protected forest for the big cats, the fifth such attack in the area this month, Indian police said Thursday.

A Buddhist monk has been killed by a leopard while meditating in a protected forest for the big cats, the fifth such attack in the area this month, Indian police said Thursday. Rahul Walke Bodhi was seated beneath a tree in Ramdegi forest in western India for morning prayers on Tuesday when the leopard pounced. The 35-year-old monk was fatally injured, police in Maharashtra state said. Two other devotees meditating with him at the time escaped unscathed to alert police, who started a search for his body. "His badly mauled body was found further into the forest, indicating the animal tried to drag it along," Krisna Tiwari, a senior police officer in the region, told AFP. The forest, roughly 825 kilometres (510 miles) west from the state capital Mumbai, falls within a protected reserve for big cats where four other fatal attacks have occurred in recent weeks. The monks, in the area for an annual prayer conference, had ignored warnings from local officials about venturing too far into the forest, police said. The attack followed a separate fatal incident on Monday, when shopkeeper Sandeep Arjun was killed outside his stall on the outskirts of the forest. It was unclear whether the same leopard was responsible for both attacks. Three more deaths attributed to leopards and tigers have been reported around the reserve in the past month, officials say. Official estimates suggest there are between 12,000 and 14,000 leopards in India. Urban expansion has reduced their numbers as forest habitats shrink, bringing them into closer contact -- and conflict -- with humans. An estimated 431 leopards were killed in 2017, according to government figures. Most were killed by poachers for their hides and body parts. There are no figures on the number of humans killed by leopards, but experts say there are hundreds of deaths each year.

Meditating Buddhist monk killed by leopard in Maharashtra forest

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday held one-on-one meetings with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, the two chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-congress-cms-party-mlas-say-rahul-will-decide-183569">before taking a final call</a> on who would head government in the desert state.&nbsp;

Gandhi also held deliberations with the party's central observer KC Venugopal and party in-charge of Rajasthan Avinash Pande and took inputs from them to ascertain the views of the Congress' newly elected legislators on the matter, sources said.&nbsp;

The Congress president gave separate hearings to both Pilot and Gehlot, one representing the young face of the party and the other, the old guard.&nbsp;

The individual meetings lasted around 10-15 minutes each and neither Gehlot nor Pilot talked to the media after the meeting.&nbsp;

There has been hectic lobbying for the top post and both leaders have staked their claims for the post of chief minister, sources said.&nbsp;

Pilot's supporters raised slogans outside Gandhi's office. They vociferously voiced their demand on Wednesday evening too when state legislators were meeting in the Rajasthan capital.&nbsp;

Gandhi sought the views of party workers through an internal messaging system with a pre-recorded message asking them to send their views directly to him through the application.

A decision on the post of chief minister will be taken by this evening to enable the oath-taking soon. The Congress has already staked its claim for government formation in Rajasthan, even though it fell slightly short of the simple majority mark. PTI&nbsp;

 
Advantage Gehlot 
Two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot appears to be emerging as the favourite for the chief minister's post in Rajasthan, after party chief Rahul Gandhi held hectic deliberations with senior leaders including him.

It is advantage Gehlot, sources said, after he came out of Gandhi's residence.

Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot is also a strong contender for the post. However, Gehlot looks set to return as chief minister of the western state for the third time.

Gandhi also held a separate meeting with Pilot, prior to meeting Gehlot.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday held one-on-one meetings with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, the two chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, before taking a final call on who would head government in the desert state.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday held one-on-one meetings with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, the two chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, before taking a final call on who would head government in the desert state. Gandhi also held deliberations with the party's central observer KC Venugopal and party in-charge of Rajasthan Avinash Pande and took inputs from them to ascertain the views of the Congress' newly elected legislators on the matter, sources said. The Congress president gave separate hearings to both Pilot and Gehlot, one representing the young face of the party and the other, the old guard. The individual meetings lasted around 10-15 minutes each and neither Gehlot nor Pilot talked to the media after the meeting. There has been hectic lobbying for the top post and both leaders have staked their claims for the post of chief minister, sources said. Pilot's supporters raised slogans outside Gandhi's office. They vociferously voiced their demand on Wednesday evening too when state legislators were meeting in the Rajasthan capital. Gandhi sought the views of party workers through an internal messaging system with a pre-recorded message asking them to send their views directly to him through the application. A decision on the post of chief minister will be taken by this evening to enable the oath-taking soon. The Congress has already staked its claim for government formation in Rajasthan, even though it fell slightly short of the simple majority mark. PTI Advantage Gehlot Two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot appears to be emerging as the favourite for the chief minister's post in Rajasthan, after party chief Rahul Gandhi held hectic deliberations with senior leaders including him. It is advantage Gehlot, sources said, after he came out of Gandhi's residence. Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot is also a strong contender for the post. However, Gehlot looks set to return as chief minister of the western state for the third time. Gandhi also held a separate meeting with Pilot, prior to meeting Gehlot.

Rahul meets with Rajasthan CM hopefuls; it's advantage Gehlot

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao took oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana on Thursday.&nbsp;

It will be his second inning as the state chief minister.

Governor ESL Narasimhan administered him the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-election-results-2018-kcr-20-and-his-national-ambitions-183701">oath of office</a> and secrecy at the Raj Bhavan.

Rao is likely to set up his Council of Ministers in a day or two.

TRS emerged victorious in the Telangana Assembly elections on Tuesday, bagging 88 seats in the state assembly of 119-member.

Rao, commonly known as KCR won from Gajewal constituency by over 50,000 votes while TRS candidate Talasani Srinivas Yadav, a minister in Rao`s last government won from Sanath Nagar constituency by 30,217 votes.

Prajakutami, an alliance of the Congress and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) won 21 seats while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bagged only one seat.&nbsp;

All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won 7 seats.

On December 7, single-phase elections were held in Telangana, wherein 73.2 per cent voter turnout was recorded.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao took oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana on Thursday. It will be his second inning as the state chief minister.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao took oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana on Thursday. It will be his second inning as the state chief minister. Governor ESL Narasimhan administered him the oath of office and secrecy at the Raj Bhavan. Rao is likely to set up his Council of Ministers in a day or two. TRS emerged victorious in the Telangana Assembly elections on Tuesday, bagging 88 seats in the state assembly of 119-member. Rao, commonly known as KCR won from Gajewal constituency by over 50,000 votes while TRS candidate Talasani Srinivas Yadav, a minister in Rao`s last government won from Sanath Nagar constituency by 30,217 votes. Prajakutami, an alliance of the Congress and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) won 21 seats while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bagged only one seat. All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won 7 seats. On December 7, single-phase elections were held in Telangana, wherein 73.2 per cent voter turnout was recorded.

K Chandrasekhar Rao sworn in as Telangana chief minister

The Supreme Court Thursday dismissed a petition seeking directions for the immediate execution of the four men convicted in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case of 2012.

"What kind of prayer you are making?" a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said. "You are making the court a joke," it added.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012 inside a running bus in South Delhi by six persons and severely assaulted before being thrown out on the road. She died on December 29, 2012, at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.

On July 9, the apex court dismissed the pleas of three convicts -- Mukesh (31), Pawan Gupta (24) and Vinay Sharma (25) -- seeking review of the apex court verdict which upheld the judgements of the Delhi High Court and the lower court in the case.

The fourth death row convict, Akshay Kumar Singh (33), has not filed a review plea in the apex court.

The Supreme Court Thursday dismissed a petition seeking directions for the immediate execution of the four men convicted in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case of 2012.

The Supreme Court Thursday dismissed a petition seeking directions for the immediate execution of the four men convicted in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case of 2012. "What kind of prayer you are making?" a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said. "You are making the court a joke," it added. The 23-year-old paramedic student was gang-raped on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012 inside a running bus in South Delhi by six persons and severely assaulted before being thrown out on the road. She died on December 29, 2012, at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. On July 9, the apex court dismissed the pleas of three convicts -- Mukesh (31), Pawan Gupta (24) and Vinay Sharma (25) -- seeking review of the apex court verdict which upheld the judgements of the Delhi High Court and the lower court in the case. The fourth death row convict, Akshay Kumar Singh (33), has not filed a review plea in the apex court.

Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking immediate execution of death row convicts in Nirbhaya case

The Supreme Court Thursday issued a notice to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on a plea seeking annulment of his election to the state assembly for alleged non-disclosure of pending criminal cases against him in his nomination papers.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph sought response of the chief minister on an appeal filed against a Bombay High Court order.

The Bombay High Court had dismissed the plea of one Satish Ukey seeking annulment of Fadanavis's election to the Maharashtra Assembly on the ground of alleged non-disclosure of all pending criminal cases against him.&nbsp;

The apex court was hearing an appeal of Ukey against the high court order.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Thursday issued a notice to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on a plea seeking annulment of his election to the state assembly for alleged non-disclosure of pending criminal cases against him in his nomination papers.

The Supreme Court Thursday issued a notice to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on a plea seeking annulment of his election to the state assembly for alleged non-disclosure of pending criminal cases against him in his nomination papers. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph sought response of the chief minister on an appeal filed against a Bombay High Court order. The Bombay High Court had dismissed the plea of one Satish Ukey seeking annulment of Fadanavis's election to the Maharashtra Assembly on the ground of alleged non-disclosure of all pending criminal cases against him. The apex court was hearing an appeal of Ukey against the high court order.

Maharashtra: Supreme Court issues notice to CM Devendra Fadnavis  on plea against his election

A local court on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against all the absconding accused including Yogeshraj named in the Bulandshahr violence case.

Yogeshraj is the convener of the district unit of Bajrang Dal and one of prime accused in the case.

So far, the police have been able to arrest four people.

On December 3, inspector Subodh Singh Kumar and local Sumit were killed in the violence, which erupted after the carcasses of 25 cattle were found in the forests close to a police post.

The locals had alleged that the carcasses found were of the cows, which were slaughtered illegally.

According to sources, the post-mortem examination conducted on Singh had confirmed gunshot injury on his head.

Additional Director General (ADG) Intelligence SB Shiradkar had Friday submitted a report on the violence.

Inspector Subodh Singh, who died in the mob violence, was the investigating officer of the Dadri lynching case from September 28, 2015, to November 9, 2015.

However, the charge sheet was filed by a different IO in March 2016.

A local court on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against all the absconding accused including Yogeshraj named in the Bulandshahr violence case. Yogeshraj is the convener of the district unit of Bajrang Dal and one of prime accused in the case.

A local court on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against all the absconding accused including Yogeshraj named in the Bulandshahr violence case. Yogeshraj is the convener of the district unit of Bajrang Dal and one of prime accused in the case. So far, the police have been able to arrest four people. On December 3, inspector Subodh Singh Kumar and local Sumit were killed in the violence, which erupted after the carcasses of 25 cattle were found in the forests close to a police post. The locals had alleged that the carcasses found were of the cows, which were slaughtered illegally. According to sources, the post-mortem examination conducted on Singh had confirmed gunshot injury on his head. Additional Director General (ADG) Intelligence SB Shiradkar had Friday submitted a report on the violence. Inspector Subodh Singh, who died in the mob violence, was the investigating officer of the Dadri lynching case from September 28, 2015, to November 9, 2015. However, the charge sheet was filed by a different IO in March 2016.

UP: Court issues non-bailable warrant against all Bulandshahr violence accused

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for the second consecutive time.

Governor ESL&nbsp;Narasimhan administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan.

Mohammed Mahmood Ali, a member of Telangana Legislative Council, also took oath as a Minister.

Ali, who was Deputy Chief Minister in the previous cabinet, is likely to retain the same post.

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.

A day before the swearing ceremony traffic police issued an advisory asking the public to avoid the Raj Bhavan road between 12 pm and 3 pm&nbsp;and take alternative routes to their destinations.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for the second consecutive time.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for the second consecutive time. Governor ESL Narasimhan administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. Mohammed Mahmood Ali, a member of Telangana Legislative Council, also took oath as a Minister. Ali, who was Deputy Chief Minister in the previous cabinet, is likely to retain the same post. 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. A day before the swearing ceremony traffic police issued an advisory asking the public to avoid the Raj Bhavan road between 12 pm and 3 pm and take alternative routes to their destinations.

K Chandrasekhar Rao takes oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday after two brief adjournments during the question hour following the ruckus created by opposition party members over several issues including Rafale deal, demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh and Cauvery river water.

As soon as the Question Hour began after paying tributes to martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack, members from the Congress, TDP and AIADMK rushed to the Well raising slogans.&nbsp;

Demanding a law on construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Shiv Sena members were seen holding placards in the aisle.&nbsp;

TDP member Venkateshwara Rao (Babu) used a mike installed in the Well for the oath of a new member to prop up a poster seeking special status for Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

A Lok Sabha secretariat staffer tried to convince him not to use the mike. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar too tried to convince him to keep down the mike.&nbsp;

The TDP member's action invited the ire of Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who warned him that he will be named.&nbsp;

Once a member is named, he or she has to leave the House chamber.&nbsp;

The Speaker then adjourned the House for nearly 10 minutes till 11.20 AM.&nbsp;

When the House assembled again, Mahajan reminded the members that they can raise issues under various rules.&nbsp;

Apparently referring to the Lok Sabha polls due in 2019, she said it was a "crucial time" and members should use it to raise issues related to the public.&nbsp;

She said Lok Sabha is for all states and regions and all should get a chance to raise their respective issues.&nbsp;

But opposition members remained unconvinced and returned to the Well.&nbsp;

Members of the Shiv Sena were seated on the front rows but did not raise slogans.&nbsp;

Members from TMC, Left and NCP were also seated on their benches.&nbsp;

As the bedlam continued, the House was adjourned for nearly 30 minutes till noon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from news agencies)

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday after two brief adjournments during the question hour following the ruckus created by opposition party members over several issues including Rafale deal, demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh and Cauvery river water.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday after two brief adjournments during the question hour following the ruckus created by opposition party members over several issues including Rafale deal, demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh and Cauvery river water. As soon as the Question Hour began after paying tributes to martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack, members from the Congress, TDP and AIADMK rushed to the Well raising slogans. Demanding a law on construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Shiv Sena members were seen holding placards in the aisle. TDP member Venkateshwara Rao (Babu) used a mike installed in the Well for the oath of a new member to prop up a poster seeking special status for Andhra Pradesh. A Lok Sabha secretariat staffer tried to convince him not to use the mike. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar too tried to convince him to keep down the mike. The TDP member's action invited the ire of Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who warned him that he will be named. Once a member is named, he or she has to leave the House chamber. The Speaker then adjourned the House for nearly 10 minutes till 11.20 AM. When the House assembled again, Mahajan reminded the members that they can raise issues under various rules. Apparently referring to the Lok Sabha polls due in 2019, she said it was a "crucial time" and members should use it to raise issues related to the public. She said Lok Sabha is for all states and regions and all should get a chance to raise their respective issues. But opposition members remained unconvinced and returned to the Well. Members of the Shiv Sena were seated on the front rows but did not raise slogans. Members from TMC, Left and NCP were also seated on their benches. As the bedlam continued, the House was adjourned for nearly 30 minutes till noon. (With inputs from news agencies)

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day after opposition protests over Rafale deal, Cauvery river water

A 49-year-old man set himself ablaze on Thursday outside Kerala&nbsp;government Secretariat in Palayam area of the city.

The victim has been identified as Venugopalan Nair and is said to be an Ayyapa devotee.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thiruvananthapuram: A 49-year-old man, Venugopalan Nair, set himself ablaze near BJP's protest venue (on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaIssue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaIssue</a>) in front of Secretariat, at around 1:30 am today. He is undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical college.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073080645641895936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to a report by ANI, Nair covered himself in some flammable liquid and then set himself on fire outside the Secretariat.

He was immediately rushed to the nearby Trivandrum Medical College Hospital for the treatment. Nair is said to be in a critical state and is under observation in the Intense Care Unit.

The incident took place at around 1:30 am in the morning near the BJP's venue of protest against restrictions on women's entry into Sabarimala temple.

Police are yet to ascertain the reason behind the victim's extreme step.

BJP meanwhile has&nbsp;alleged that Nair was Lord Ayyappa's devotee and was upset because of the ongoing row over the ban on women of a particular age entering <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-a-lull-long-queues-packed-crowds-back-in-sabarimala-182503">Sabarimala temple</a>.

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BJP's CK Padmanabhan: He (Venugopalan Nair) is an Ayyappa devotee. He visited Ayyappa temple many times. Because of this negative attitude of Pinarayi government towards this agitation and Ayappa devotees, lakhs of Ayappa devotees are hurt. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/CBhtG4D1wt">pic.twitter.com/CBhtG4D1wt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073104350074032129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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BJP's state unit president, P Sreedharan Pillai had on Friday had announced a protest outside Kerala Secretariat over Sabarimala temple issue. The protest which will continue for 14 days is expected to see the party members from each of 14 districts coming to Thiruvananthapuram to protest each day.

Some of the demands of the BJP include lifting the ban on the restrictions over the movement of female devotees in Sabarimala temple and stringent action against the police officials for allegedly filing a false case against K Surendran, the party's general secretary.

A string of protests has been witnessed in the state after the Supreme Court's verdict of allowing women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayappa shrine.&nbsp; 
Female devotees in the age bracket of 10 to 50 years have not yet succeeded in offering prayer at the shrine even after the Apex Court's decision.

(With inputs from news agencies)

A 49-year-old man set himself ablaze on Thursday outside Kerala government Secretariat in Palayam area of the city. The victim has been identified as Venugopalan Nair and is said to be an Ayyapa devotee.

A 49-year-old man set himself ablaze on Thursday outside Kerala government Secretariat in Palayam area of the city. The victim has been identified as Venugopalan Nair and is said to be an Ayyapa devotee. Thiruvananthapuram: A 49-year-old man, Venugopalan Nair, set himself ablaze near BJP's protest venue (on #SabarimalaIssue) in front of Secretariat, at around 1:30 am today. He is undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical college. — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018 × According to a report by ANI, Nair covered himself in some flammable liquid and then set himself on fire outside the Secretariat. He was immediately rushed to the nearby Trivandrum Medical College Hospital for the treatment. Nair is said to be in a critical state and is under observation in the Intense Care Unit. The incident took place at around 1:30 am in the morning near the BJP's venue of protest against restrictions on women's entry into Sabarimala temple. Police are yet to ascertain the reason behind the victim's extreme step. BJP meanwhile has alleged that Nair was Lord Ayyappa's devotee and was upset because of the ongoing row over the ban on women of a particular age entering Sabarimala temple. BJP's CK Padmanabhan: He (Venugopalan Nair) is an Ayyappa devotee. He visited Ayyappa temple many times. Because of this negative attitude of Pinarayi government towards this agitation and Ayappa devotees, lakhs of Ayappa devotees are hurt. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/CBhtG4D1wt — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018 × BJP's state unit president, P Sreedharan Pillai had on Friday had announced a protest outside Kerala Secretariat over Sabarimala temple issue. The protest which will continue for 14 days is expected to see the party members from each of 14 districts coming to Thiruvananthapuram to protest each day. Some of the demands of the BJP include lifting the ban on the restrictions over the movement of female devotees in Sabarimala temple and stringent action against the police officials for allegedly filing a false case against K Surendran, the party's general secretary. A string of protests has been witnessed in the state after the Supreme Court's verdict of allowing women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayappa shrine. Female devotees in the age bracket of 10 to 50 years have not yet succeeded in offering prayer at the shrine even after the Apex Court's decision. (With inputs from news agencies)

Sabarimala protest: Man sets himself on fire outside Kerala Secretariat

In a shot in the arm for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party Wednesday announced its support to Rahul Gandhi’s party to form the government in Madhya Pradesh. The announcement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav came less than an hour after Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati made a similar offer to the Congress for government formation in the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh.

“The SP supports the Congress to form government in MP,” Yadav tweeted in Hindi.&nbsp;

The Congress, which was locked in a tantalising see-saw battle with the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as the single-largest party with 114 seats after the vote count ended on Wednesday morning, according to the State Election Commission Office.&nbsp;

The party is, however, two short of the simple majority mark, 116 seats, in the 230-member Assembly. The BJP was close behind with 109 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party won two seats and the Samajwadi Party one. Independents bagged four seats.

In a shot in the arm for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party Wednesday announced its support to Rahul Gandhi’s party to form the government in Madhya Pradesh. The announcement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav came less than an hour after Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati made a similar offer to the Congress for government formation in the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh.

In a shot in the arm for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party Wednesday announced its support to Rahul Gandhi’s party to form the government in Madhya Pradesh. The announcement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav came less than an hour after Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati made a similar offer to the Congress for government formation in the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh. “The SP supports the Congress to form government in MP,” Yadav tweeted in Hindi. The Congress, which was locked in a tantalising see-saw battle with the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as the single-largest party with 114 seats after the vote count ended on Wednesday morning, according to the State Election Commission Office. The party is, however, two short of the simple majority mark, 116 seats, in the 230-member Assembly. The BJP was close behind with 109 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party won two seats and the Samajwadi Party one. Independents bagged four seats.

After BSP, Samajwadi Party offers support to Congress in Madhya Pradesh

Counting for all seats in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-time-for-change-rahul-gandhi-after-poll-results-183326">Madhya Pradesh </a>has got over on Wednesday morning and the Congress has emerged as the single-largest party.

No party has got a clear mandate to form government yet.

As of 8.00 am on Wednesday, the results of the 230 seats have been declared. The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/modis-bjp-faces-losses-in-key-states-ahead-of-2019-elections-know-2019-poll-projection-for-bjp-183351">Congress has won 114 seats</a>.&nbsp;

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 109 seats. The Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has won two seats.&nbsp;

The Samajwadi Party (SP) has won one seat and Independent candidates have won four.

The Congress will have to enlist the support of at least one of the four independents or of the lone Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate elected in Madhya Pradesh to form the next government in the state.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has won from his traditional Budhni seat by a margin of 58,999 votes, defeating former Union minister and senior Congress leader Arun Yadav.

Counting for the election, held on November 28, began at 8 am Tuesday.

Following is the party position in the outgoing House: BJP -165, Congress - 58, BSP - four and Independents - three.

The resurgent Congress has made significant gains in the Assembly elections, dealing a body blow to the BJP in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and emerged as the single largest party in Madhya Pradesh.

The reverses for the BJP in the Hindi heartland threw wide open the 2019 Lok Sabha elections which until a few months ago appeared to be in the grip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party.

(With inputs from PTI)

Counting for all seats in Madhya Pradesh has got over on Wednesday morning and the Congress has emerged as the single-largest party. No party has got a clear mandate to form government yet.

Counting for all seats in Madhya Pradesh has got over on Wednesday morning and the Congress has emerged as the single-largest party. No party has got a clear mandate to form government yet. As of 8.00 am on Wednesday, the results of the 230 seats have been declared. The Congress has won 114 seats. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 109 seats. The Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has won two seats. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has won one seat and Independent candidates have won four. The Congress will have to enlist the support of at least one of the four independents or of the lone Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate elected in Madhya Pradesh to form the next government in the state. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has won from his traditional Budhni seat by a margin of 58,999 votes, defeating former Union minister and senior Congress leader Arun Yadav. Counting for the election, held on November 28, began at 8 am Tuesday. Following is the party position in the outgoing House: BJP -165, Congress - 58, BSP - four and Independents - three. The resurgent Congress has made significant gains in the Assembly elections, dealing a body blow to the BJP in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and emerged as the single largest party in Madhya Pradesh. The reverses for the BJP in the Hindi heartland threw wide open the 2019 Lok Sabha elections which until a few months ago appeared to be in the grip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party. (With inputs from PTI)

Assembly election results: No party gets clear mandate in Madhya Pradesh

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's promise of a farm loan waiver, if his party is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, seems to have helped it reap a rich harvest of votes and end 15-year-long wait for power.

In the wake of Gandhi's populist promise made during campaigning for the November 28 polls, cultivators did not sell their paddy produce and stocked them to reap the benefit of the promised loan write-off, a farmer leader said Wednesday.

This was done to avoid paying loan instalments to banks as sale proceeds would have been directly deposited in their accounts, he said.

The Congress chief had promised loan waiver for farmers within 10 days of forming the government in the state.

Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing Federation, popularly known as MP Markfed, procured just 67,148 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy from farmers between November 15 and December 8, an official said.

The paddy procurement was 4.30 lakh MT between the same period last year.

The procurement carried out by the MP Civil Supplies Corporation was also reportedly negligible, though its chairman Hitesh Bajpai did not provide any figures.

"Farmers held back their paddy produce knowing if they sell it off, their payment under Minimum Support Price (MSP) would be deposited in their accounts by government procurement agencies and the banks would deduct their loan instalments," Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh (RKMM) president Shiv Kumar Sharma told.

"They have voted en masse for the Congress," he said.

On the polling eve, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in an interview had dismissed suggestions that paddy procurement was low due to Gandhi's loan waiver promise, and said it was due to late harvesting.

The BJP Chief Minister had dubbed the Congress loan waiver promise as a "gimmick".

"It won't cast a shadow on polls because loans won't be waived in real term. They promised a loan waiver of Rs 58,000 crore in Punjab which got confined to just Rs 2,500 crore," Chouhan had said.

"If the Congress does not waive loans in 10 days as promised by Rahul Gandhi in his public meetings, we will launch a protest," said Sharma, a former RSS ideologue who also served as MP unit president of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh.

The Congress has emerged as the single largest party in the state, winning 114 seats, two short of a simple majority of 116 in the 230-member house, but has claimed the support of seven more MLAs.

The BJP, ruling Madhya Pradesh since 2003, bagged 109 seats.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's promise of a farm loan waiver, if his party is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, seems to have helped it reap a rich harvest of votes and end 15-year-long wait for power.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's promise of a farm loan waiver, if his party is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, seems to have helped it reap a rich harvest of votes and end 15-year-long wait for power. In the wake of Gandhi's populist promise made during campaigning for the November 28 polls, cultivators did not sell their paddy produce and stocked them to reap the benefit of the promised loan write-off, a farmer leader said Wednesday. This was done to avoid paying loan instalments to banks as sale proceeds would have been directly deposited in their accounts, he said. The Congress chief had promised loan waiver for farmers within 10 days of forming the government in the state. Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing Federation, popularly known as MP Markfed, procured just 67,148 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy from farmers between November 15 and December 8, an official said. The paddy procurement was 4.30 lakh MT between the same period last year. The procurement carried out by the MP Civil Supplies Corporation was also reportedly negligible, though its chairman Hitesh Bajpai did not provide any figures. "Farmers held back their paddy produce knowing if they sell it off, their payment under Minimum Support Price (MSP) would be deposited in their accounts by government procurement agencies and the banks would deduct their loan instalments," Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh (RKMM) president Shiv Kumar Sharma told. "They have voted en masse for the Congress," he said. On the polling eve, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in an interview had dismissed suggestions that paddy procurement was low due to Gandhi's loan waiver promise, and said it was due to late harvesting. The BJP Chief Minister had dubbed the Congress loan waiver promise as a "gimmick". "It won't cast a shadow on polls because loans won't be waived in real term. They promised a loan waiver of Rs 58,000 crore in Punjab which got confined to just Rs 2,500 crore," Chouhan had said. "If the Congress does not waive loans in 10 days as promised by Rahul Gandhi in his public meetings, we will launch a protest," said Sharma, a former RSS ideologue who also served as MP unit president of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh. The Congress has emerged as the single largest party in the state, winning 114 seats, two short of a simple majority of 116 in the 230-member house, but has claimed the support of seven more MLAs. The BJP, ruling Madhya Pradesh since 2003, bagged 109 seats.

Promise of loan waiver tipped scales in Congress's favour in MP

After discussions that lasted hours, the Congress Wednesday failed to bring about a consensus in its ranks in Rajasthan on who should be the chief minister even as it staked its claim to form the government.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-eyes-now-on-whom-rahul-gandhi-will-choose-as-his-chief-ministers-183485">decision on the chief minister will be taken Thursday by party president Rahul Gandhi</a>, All India Congress Committee general secretary Avinash Pande told reporters after a party delegation met Governor Kalyan Singh to seek an invitation to form the government.

Pande said Gandhi will be briefed about the deliberations by the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Jaipur over the chief minister's post

Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, both MLAs, are the frontrunners for the post and were part of the delegation that met Kalyan Singh.

Earlier in the day, the CLP held a scheduled meeting at the party office, where it passed a one-line resolution in which the newly elected MLAs authorised Gandhi to decide on the chief minister's post.

After the resolution was passed, K C Venugopal, the AICC observer sent by the party to Jaipur, held discussions with individual MLAs, seeking their opinion.

The exercise went on for several hours but there was no consensus and the CLP then left the decision on Gandhi. 
"We will hand over our report to the party president tomorrow," Pande said.

Apart from AICC general secretaries Venugopal and Pande, the party had also sent four AICC secretaries to Jaipur. 
They are all expected to meet Gandhi in Delhi. Both Pilot and Gehlot would remain in Jaipur, party leaders said.

"A delegation of the party met the Governor. We have the majority and will form the government," Pande said. 
Leader of opposition Rameshwar Dudi, who lost election on Nokha seat, was also part of the delegation.

"The party observer held discussions with the MLAs and the name of the chief minister will be decided at the level of the party president Rahul Gandhi by tomorrow evening," Dudi told reporters outside Raj Bhawan.

Congress won 99 out of the 199 seats that went to the polls on December 7. Its alliance partner Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also bagged a seat, taking the combined tally to 100 needed to form the government.

The party is also looking for support from independent candidates and non-BJP parties.

Pande said several other MLAs have also extended support to the Congress in writing and the final list will be handed over to the Governor later.

The Bharatiya Janata Party won 73 seats.&nbsp;

Resolution unanimous that Rahul will decide

Meanwhile, newly-elected Congress MLAs in Madhya Pradesh Wednesday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to nominate the new legislature party leader.

At a meeting here in the evening, they unanimously passed a resolution authorising Gandhi to name the CLP leader.

"The resolution was moved by senior MLA Arif Aqueel and seconded by other MLAs. They passed it unanimously, authorising the Congress president to nominate the legislature party leader," state Congress media cell chairperson, Shobha Oza told reporters.

The meeting lasted for about two hours, she said.

Senior Congress leaders A K Antony and Bhanwar Jitendra Singh attended the meeting as the central observers.

Oza said Gandhi will be conveyed the decision of the newly-elected MLAs, after which he will name the CLP leader.

The observers are also talking to the MLAs to seek their views, she said.

All the four independent MLAs, elected in the November 28 poll, were also present in the meeting, she said.

The Congress Wednesday emerged as the single largest party in the state by winning 114 seats, two short of a simple majority of 116 in 230-member house and claimed that it has the support of 121 members.

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday morning extended support of her party to the Congress.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhhan Wednesday tendered his resignation to Governor Anandiben Patel, who met a Congress delegation here at noon after the party leaders wrote to her last night, seeking a chance to form the new government in the central Indian state.&nbsp;

After discussions that lasted hours, the Congress Wednesday failed to bring about a consensus in its ranks in Rajasthan on who should be the chief minister even as it staked its claim to form the government.

After discussions that lasted hours, the Congress Wednesday failed to bring about a consensus in its ranks in Rajasthan on who should be the chief minister even as it staked its claim to form the government. The decision on the chief minister will be taken Thursday by party president Rahul Gandhi, All India Congress Committee general secretary Avinash Pande told reporters after a party delegation met Governor Kalyan Singh to seek an invitation to form the government. Pande said Gandhi will be briefed about the deliberations by the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Jaipur over the chief minister's post Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, both MLAs, are the frontrunners for the post and were part of the delegation that met Kalyan Singh. Earlier in the day, the CLP held a scheduled meeting at the party office, where it passed a one-line resolution in which the newly elected MLAs authorised Gandhi to decide on the chief minister's post. After the resolution was passed, K C Venugopal, the AICC observer sent by the party to Jaipur, held discussions with individual MLAs, seeking their opinion. The exercise went on for several hours but there was no consensus and the CLP then left the decision on Gandhi. "We will hand over our report to the party president tomorrow," Pande said. Apart from AICC general secretaries Venugopal and Pande, the party had also sent four AICC secretaries to Jaipur. They are all expected to meet Gandhi in Delhi. Both Pilot and Gehlot would remain in Jaipur, party leaders said. "A delegation of the party met the Governor. We have the majority and will form the government," Pande said. Leader of opposition Rameshwar Dudi, who lost election on Nokha seat, was also part of the delegation. "The party observer held discussions with the MLAs and the name of the chief minister will be decided at the level of the party president Rahul Gandhi by tomorrow evening," Dudi told reporters outside Raj Bhawan. Congress won 99 out of the 199 seats that went to the polls on December 7. Its alliance partner Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also bagged a seat, taking the combined tally to 100 needed to form the government. The party is also looking for support from independent candidates and non-BJP parties. Pande said several other MLAs have also extended support to the Congress in writing and the final list will be handed over to the Governor later. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 73 seats. Resolution unanimous that Rahul will decide Meanwhile, newly-elected Congress MLAs in Madhya Pradesh Wednesday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to nominate the new legislature party leader. At a meeting here in the evening, they unanimously passed a resolution authorising Gandhi to name the CLP leader. "The resolution was moved by senior MLA Arif Aqueel and seconded by other MLAs. They passed it unanimously, authorising the Congress president to nominate the legislature party leader," state Congress media cell chairperson, Shobha Oza told reporters. The meeting lasted for about two hours, she said. Senior Congress leaders A K Antony and Bhanwar Jitendra Singh attended the meeting as the central observers. Oza said Gandhi will be conveyed the decision of the newly-elected MLAs, after which he will name the CLP leader. The observers are also talking to the MLAs to seek their views, she said. All the four independent MLAs, elected in the November 28 poll, were also present in the meeting, she said. The Congress Wednesday emerged as the single largest party in the state by winning 114 seats, two short of a simple majority of 116 in 230-member house and claimed that it has the support of 121 members. BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday morning extended support of her party to the Congress. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhhan Wednesday tendered his resignation to Governor Anandiben Patel, who met a Congress delegation here at noon after the party leaders wrote to her last night, seeking a chance to form the new government in the central Indian state.

New Congress CMs? Party MLAs say Rahul will decide

India is set to increase its public health spending to 2.5 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday. He also said India is one of the first countries to advocate focused attention on adolescence and to implement a full-fledged health promotion and prevention programme for adolescents.

Addressing the 2018 Partners’ Forum here, he said the central government is set to increase its spending on public health to 2.5 per cent of the GDP. As of now, the country spends 1.15 per cent of the GDP on health.

The Partners’ Forum meets this year will focus on improving multi-sectoral action for results, sharing country solutions and capturing the best practices and knowledge within the health sector and among related sectors.

Modi said that under Mission Indradhaush, a massive immunisation programme, India reached 32.8 million children and 8.4 million pregnant women over the last three years.

“We have made a lot of progress in the last few years and yet a lot remains to be done. From bigger budgets to better outcomes and from mindset change to monitoring, there are a lot of interventions required,” he told the gathering which comprised experts from several countries.

India is set to increase its public health spending to 2.5 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday. He also said India is one of the first countries to advocate focused attention on adolescence and to implement a full-fledged health promotion and prevention programme for adolescents.

India is set to increase its public health spending to 2.5 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday. He also said India is one of the first countries to advocate focused attention on adolescence and to implement a full-fledged health promotion and prevention programme for adolescents. Addressing the 2018 Partners’ Forum here, he said the central government is set to increase its spending on public health to 2.5 per cent of the GDP. As of now, the country spends 1.15 per cent of the GDP on health. The Partners’ Forum meets this year will focus on improving multi-sectoral action for results, sharing country solutions and capturing the best practices and knowledge within the health sector and among related sectors. Modi said that under Mission Indradhaush, a massive immunisation programme, India reached 32.8 million children and 8.4 million pregnant women over the last three years. “We have made a lot of progress in the last few years and yet a lot remains to be done. From bigger budgets to better outcomes and from mindset change to monitoring, there are a lot of interventions required,” he told the gathering which comprised experts from several countries.

India to increase public health spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, says PM Narendra Modi

The video of a Zomato delivery executive consuming some of the food meant for delivery to users, on his way to the drop points went viral earlier today.

While Zomato maintained that the company has a zero-tolerance policy for tampering of food, the particular incident, has damaged the food-delivery firm's reputation.&nbsp;

This is not the first time such a bizarre incident is taking place. People who ordered phone receiving detergent bars&nbsp;and stones have become commonplace.&nbsp;

Recently, a man in Florida said he received an unpleasant and unwanted side with his food order - dirty underwear. The Uber Eats customer was shocked to find soiled underwear with his food order.&nbsp;

Back home, as recently as December 11, Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha ordered a Bose headphone but instead of what she ordered, the actor received a nut and bolt neatly packed in bubble wrap.

''Hey @amazonIN! Look whatam i got instead of the @bose headphones i ordered! Properly packed and unopened box, looked legit... but only on the outside. Oh and your customer service doesnt even want to help, thats what makes it even worse,'' the actress posted on Twitter.

''Anybody want to buy a brand new shiny piece of junk for 18,000 bucks? &nbsp;(Yup, its a steal) Dont worry, im selling, not @amazonIN, so ull get exactly what you’re ordering,'' the actress said in another tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Anybody want to buy a brand new shiny piece of junk for 18,000 bucks? (Yup, its a steal) Dont worry, im selling, not <a href="https://twitter.com/amazonIN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@amazonIN</a>, so ull get exactly what you’re ordering. <a href="https://t.co/3W891TA7yd">pic.twitter.com/3W891TA7yd</a>
— Sonakshi Sinha (@sonakshisinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonakshisinha/status/1072464334624829441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Food deliver app Swiggy boasts a 55,000-executives strong delivery fleet from 30,000 at the beginning of the year, while Zomato also has a fleet of about 50,000 executives.

The delivery boys earn between ₹ 25,000 and ₹ 50,000 per month, depending on factors such as the number of deliveries completed and the distance they cover.

Though the food delivery apps and online marketplaces boast&nbsp;of a large number of customer&nbsp;base, a spate of such bizarre deliveries can cause irreparably&nbsp;damage the reputation of the firm.

The video of a Zomato delivery executive consuming some of the food meant for delivery to users, on his way to the drop points went viral earlier today. While Zomato maintained that the company has a zero-tolerance policy for tampering of food, the particular incident, has damaged the food-delivery firm's reputation.

The video of a Zomato delivery executive consuming some of the food meant for delivery to users, on his way to the drop points went viral earlier today. While Zomato maintained that the company has a zero-tolerance policy for tampering of food, the particular incident, has damaged the food-delivery firm's reputation. This is not the first time such a bizarre incident is taking place. People who ordered phone receiving detergent bars and stones have become commonplace. Recently, a man in Florida said he received an unpleasant and unwanted side with his food order - dirty underwear. The Uber Eats customer was shocked to find soiled underwear with his food order. Back home, as recently as December 11, Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha ordered a Bose headphone but instead of what she ordered, the actor received a nut and bolt neatly packed in bubble wrap. ''Hey @amazonIN! Look whatam i got instead of the @bose headphones i ordered! Properly packed and unopened box, looked legit... but only on the outside. Oh and your customer service doesnt even want to help, thats what makes it even worse,'' the actress posted on Twitter. ''Anybody want to buy a brand new shiny piece of junk for 18,000 bucks? (Yup, its a steal) Dont worry, im selling, not @amazonIN, so ull get exactly what you’re ordering,'' the actress said in another tweet. Anybody want to buy a brand new shiny piece of junk for 18,000 bucks? (Yup, its a steal) Dont worry, im selling, not @amazonIN, so ull get exactly what you’re ordering. pic.twitter.com/3W891TA7yd — Sonakshi Sinha (@sonakshisinha) December 11, 2018 × Food deliver app Swiggy boasts a 55,000-executives strong delivery fleet from 30,000 at the beginning of the year, while Zomato also has a fleet of about 50,000 executives. The delivery boys earn between ₹ 25,000 and ₹ 50,000 per month, depending on factors such as the number of deliveries completed and the distance they cover. Though the food delivery apps and online marketplaces boast of a large number of customer base, a spate of such bizarre deliveries can cause irreparably damage the reputation of the firm.

Hoax in a box: The weirdest online deliveries

New RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said Wednesday that he would protect the autonomy of the country's central bank.&nbsp;

Das was appointed RBI &nbsp;governor on Tuesday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-resigns-cites-personal-reasons-182915">former governor Urjit Patel's sudden resignation on Monday</a>. Patel and the government had been tussling for months over the issue of the bank's independence.&nbsp;

The main points of contention between them had been the bank's surplus cash reserves. The government was of the opinion that more of them should be handed over to the government.&nbsp;

The government was also keen that the central bank free up credit — by loosening its curbs on the non-banking financial sector — for small and medium enterprises.&nbsp;

"I will try and uphold professionalism, core values, credibility and autonomy of this institution. It’s an honour and great opportunity to serve RBI. I will try my best to work with everyone and work in the interest of Indian economy," Das said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"I have convened a meeting with CEOs and MDs of public sector banks tomorrow morning. Banking is an important segment in our economy and it’s facing several challenges that need to be dealt with. It's the banking sector on which I’d like to focus immediately," he added.&nbsp;

Das was on Wednesday asked, he made his comments at a press conference, about the strife between his predecessor and the government.&nbsp;

"I don't know if the relationship is good or not but we have to have stakeholders'&nbsp;consultation," Das answered.

"Government is not just a stakeholder but also runs the country, economy and manages major policy decisions. So there has to be discussion between government and RBI," he added.&nbsp;

Das is a former top&nbsp;bureaucrat. He retired from the government as Secretary of the Economic Affairs Department. He has also been a secretary of the Revenue Department.&nbsp;

Das was also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-rbi-governor-shaktikanta-dass-journey-from-north-block-to-mint-street-183339">the Modi government's point man during demonetisation</a>, briefing the media on changes in rules — there had been several&nbsp;— after the government junked the old 500 and 1,000-rupee notes.&nbsp;

One of his ideas had been to mark people's fingers with indelible ink — like is done during elections — after they had withdrawn cash from their bank accounts, so as to stop them from withdrawing more cash than the allowed limit.&nbsp;

The move was withdrawn after widespread outrage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Das has MA in history from Delhi's St Stephen's College.&nbsp;

New RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said Wednesday that he would protect the autonomy of the country's central bank. Das was appointed RBI governor on Tuesday after former governor Urjit Patel's sudden resignation on Monday.

New RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said Wednesday that he would protect the autonomy of the country's central bank. Das was appointed RBI governor on Tuesday after former governor Urjit Patel's sudden resignation on Monday. Patel and the government had been tussling for months over the issue of the bank's independence. The main points of contention between them had been the bank's surplus cash reserves. The government was of the opinion that more of them should be handed over to the government. The government was also keen that the central bank free up credit — by loosening its curbs on the non-banking financial sector — for small and medium enterprises. "I will try and uphold professionalism, core values, credibility and autonomy of this institution. It’s an honour and great opportunity to serve RBI. I will try my best to work with everyone and work in the interest of Indian economy," Das said on Wednesday. "I have convened a meeting with CEOs and MDs of public sector banks tomorrow morning. Banking is an important segment in our economy and it’s facing several challenges that need to be dealt with. It's the banking sector on which I’d like to focus immediately," he added. Das was on Wednesday asked, he made his comments at a press conference, about the strife between his predecessor and the government. "I don't know if the relationship is good or not but we have to have stakeholders' consultation," Das answered. "Government is not just a stakeholder but also runs the country, economy and manages major policy decisions. So there has to be discussion between government and RBI," he added. Das is a former top bureaucrat. He retired from the government as Secretary of the Economic Affairs Department. He has also been a secretary of the Revenue Department. Das was also the Modi government's point man during demonetisation, briefing the media on changes in rules — there had been several — after the government junked the old 500 and 1,000-rupee notes. One of his ideas had been to mark people's fingers with indelible ink — like is done during elections — after they had withdrawn cash from their bank accounts, so as to stop them from withdrawing more cash than the allowed limit. The move was withdrawn after widespread outrage. Das has MA in history from Delhi's St Stephen's College.

Will protect RBI's autonomy: New Governor Shaktikanta Das

Outgoing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Tuesday tendered his resignation to the governor and accepted the mandate of the people of the state. Singh also took the responsibility for the party's loss in the state as the BJP had contested elections under his leadership.&nbsp;

"We respect the mandate that the public has given. I congratulate Congress on this success. I consider it my luck to serve the public of Chhattisgarh for the last 15 years," Singh told reporters.&nbsp;

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Raman Singh, outgoing CM of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a>: I take the responsibility for this defeat because the poll was contested under my leadership. We will act as a strong Opposition and work for the development of the state. <a href="https://t.co/THZtKnKMhI">https://t.co/THZtKnKMhI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072465741105033216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I take the responsibility for this defeat because the poll was contested under my leadership. We will act as a strong Opposition and work for the development of the state," the outgoing CM added.&nbsp;

The Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel has accepted the resignation of Raman Singh.

As per the latest Election Commission data, the Congress currently leads in 65 assembly seats while BJP trails with leads in 14 seats.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imposing-prohibition-on-liquor-repairing-roads-on-agenda-mnf-chief-after-assembly-poll-win-183258">Mizo National Front on Tuesday won the state assembly elections</a> by bagging 26 out of 40 assembly seats. According to the official Election Commission data, Congress managed to bag five seats while the BJP got just one. Independent candidates captured eight assembly seats.

Congress seems to lead in Chhattisgarh with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-results-2018-live-stakes-high-ahead-of-2019-general-elections-183025">close fight with the BJP in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh</a>. KC Rao's TRS is predicted to have a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-going-to-play-crucial-role-in-national-politics-kcr-183255">clean sweep in Telangana</a>.&nbsp;

Outgoing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Tuesday tendered his resignation to the governor and accepted the mandate of the people of the state. Singh also took the responsibility for the party's loss in the state as the BJP had contested elections under his leadership.

Outgoing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Tuesday tendered his resignation to the governor and accepted the mandate of the people of the state. Singh also took the responsibility for the party's loss in the state as the BJP had contested elections under his leadership. "We respect the mandate that the public has given. I congratulate Congress on this success. I consider it my luck to serve the public of Chhattisgarh for the last 15 years," Singh told reporters. Raman Singh, outgoing CM of #Chhattisgarh: I take the responsibility for this defeat because the poll was contested under my leadership. We will act as a strong Opposition and work for the development of the state. https://t.co/THZtKnKMhI — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2018 × "I take the responsibility for this defeat because the poll was contested under my leadership. We will act as a strong Opposition and work for the development of the state," the outgoing CM added. The Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel has accepted the resignation of Raman Singh. As per the latest Election Commission data, the Congress currently leads in 65 assembly seats while BJP trails with leads in 14 seats. Meanwhile, the Mizo National Front on Tuesday won the state assembly elections by bagging 26 out of 40 assembly seats. According to the official Election Commission data, Congress managed to bag five seats while the BJP got just one. Independent candidates captured eight assembly seats. Congress seems to lead in Chhattisgarh with a close fight with the BJP in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. KC Rao's TRS is predicted to have a clean sweep in Telangana.

I take responsibility for this defeat, will forge strong opposition for state's development: Raman Singh 

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