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In connection with the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-police-inspector-civilian-killed-in-protest-over-illegal-slaughterhouse-in-bulandshahr-181230"> mob violence in Bulandshahr </a>earlier this week, the Uttar Pradesh authorities have transferred two police officials&nbsp;"for their failure in responding in time to the situation".

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DGP Headquarters: Syana Circle Officer Satya Prakash Sharma has been transferred to Police Training College Moradabad. In-charge of Chingravathi police chowki Suresh Kumar has been transferred to Lalitpur. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BulandshahrViolence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BulandshahrViolence</a> <a href="https://t.co/C37pcEUUoz">pic.twitter.com/C37pcEUUoz</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1071270460581650433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The two police officials transferred are the Syana Circle Officer Satya Prakash Sharma and the In-charge of Chingravathi police chowki Suresh Kumar.

While Syana Circle Officer Satya Prakash Sharma was transferred to Police Training College Moradabad, the in-charge of Chingravathi police chowki Suresh Kumar was transferred to Lalitpur.&nbsp;

The action was taken after a high-level meeting was presided over by the Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh, who had handed over the report to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The riot that broke in the Bulandshahr town of Uttar Pradesh on December 3 claimed the lives of two people including&nbsp;an inspector.

A police inspector, who had probed the Akhlaq lynching case initially, and a 20-year-old local man died of gunshot injuries on December 3 as a rampaging mob protesting alleged illegal cow slaughter torched a police post in Bulandshahr and clashed with cops.

(With inputs from agencies)

In connection with the mob violence in Bulandshahr earlier this week, the Uttar Pradesh authorities have transferred two police officials "for their failure in responding in time to the situation".

In connection with the mob violence in Bulandshahr earlier this week, the Uttar Pradesh authorities have transferred two police officials "for their failure in responding in time to the situation". DGP Headquarters: Syana Circle Officer Satya Prakash Sharma has been transferred to Police Training College Moradabad. In-charge of Chingravathi police chowki Suresh Kumar has been transferred to Lalitpur. #BulandshahrViolence pic.twitter.com/C37pcEUUoz — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 8, 2018 × The two police officials transferred are the Syana Circle Officer Satya Prakash Sharma and the In-charge of Chingravathi police chowki Suresh Kumar. While Syana Circle Officer Satya Prakash Sharma was transferred to Police Training College Moradabad, the in-charge of Chingravathi police chowki Suresh Kumar was transferred to Lalitpur. The action was taken after a high-level meeting was presided over by the Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh, who had handed over the report to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The riot that broke in the Bulandshahr town of Uttar Pradesh on December 3 claimed the lives of two people including an inspector. A police inspector, who had probed the Akhlaq lynching case initially, and a 20-year-old local man died of gunshot injuries on December 3 as a rampaging mob protesting alleged illegal cow slaughter torched a police post in Bulandshahr and clashed with cops. (With inputs from agencies)

Bulandshahr mob violence: 2 police officials transferred

The documents found during raids conducted at the premises of close associates of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-planting-evidence-against-vadra-to-divert-attention-from-elections-loss-lawyer-182327">Robert Vadra by the Enforcement Directorate</a> (ED) suggest that he has properties in London and India, sources in the investigative agency claimed on Saturday.

ED officials on Friday carried out searches in Delhi and Bengaluru at the premises of close associates of Vadra, the son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

ED sources, who refused to come on record, claimed that the documents found at these premises showed that Vadra, a businessman, has properties abroad, besides in India.

The ED sources said on Friday that the investigating agency has "evidence" that the persons raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers.

Vadra's lawyer Suman Khaitan has said that the ED conducted raids at the behest of the central government to "plant evidence" against the businessman to divert attention from the probable loss of recently-held Legislative Assembly elections.

In a statement posted by Vadra on his Facebook page, Khaitan alleged on Friday that "politics of revenge and malicious vendetta has today reached its nadir."

"They (central government) have not found any evidence since last four-and-half years. So they wanted to come, lock the door, plant evidence today. They will lose elections and to divert attention, they will claim that they found the evidence (which is actually) manufactured and planted," Khaitan told media.&nbsp;

The documents found during raids conducted at the premises of close associates of Robert Vadra by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) suggest that he has properties in London and India, sources in the investigative agency claimed on Saturday.

The documents found during raids conducted at the premises of close associates of Robert Vadra by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) suggest that he has properties in London and India, sources in the investigative agency claimed on Saturday. ED officials on Friday carried out searches in Delhi and Bengaluru at the premises of close associates of Vadra, the son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. ED sources, who refused to come on record, claimed that the documents found at these premises showed that Vadra, a businessman, has properties abroad, besides in India. The ED sources said on Friday that the investigating agency has "evidence" that the persons raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers. Vadra's lawyer Suman Khaitan has said that the ED conducted raids at the behest of the central government to "plant evidence" against the businessman to divert attention from the probable loss of recently-held Legislative Assembly elections. In a statement posted by Vadra on his Facebook page, Khaitan alleged on Friday that "politics of revenge and malicious vendetta has today reached its nadir." "They (central government) have not found any evidence since last four-and-half years. So they wanted to come, lock the door, plant evidence today. They will lose elections and to divert attention, they will claim that they found the evidence (which is actually) manufactured and planted," Khaitan told media.

ED in possession of documents about Vadra's foreign properties

Kishtwar Police on Friday arrested an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent Sehran Sheikh alias Abu Zubair suspected of planning terrorist attacks in Kishtwar.

As per the police, Sheikh was gathering information on establishments of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, armed forces and the Army.

"He had come in contact with a Pakistan-based militant group, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). This person has confessed his involvement and we have found many videos including establishments of Para-military Forces having been exchanged on Pakistan numbers," Kishtwar Police said in a statement.

Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

Kishtwar Police on Friday arrested an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent Sehran Sheikh alias Abu Zubair suspected of planning terrorist attacks in Kishtwar.

Kishtwar Police on Friday arrested an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent Sehran Sheikh alias Abu Zubair suspected of planning terrorist attacks in Kishtwar. As per the police, Sheikh was gathering information on establishments of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, armed forces and the Army. "He had come in contact with a Pakistan-based militant group, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). This person has confessed his involvement and we have found many videos including establishments of Para-military Forces having been exchanged on Pakistan numbers," Kishtwar Police said in a statement. Further details are awaited.

J&K: ISI agent suspected of planning terrorist attacks arrested

Northeast Frontier Railway said Saturday it is constructing the tallest railway bridge of the world in Manipur at 141 metres surpassing the existing record of 139-metre Mala-Rijeka viaduct, at Montenegro in Europe.

The bridge is part of a new broad gauge line being constructed to connect the northeastern state with the rest of the country and the pillars have already been built.

"The bridge is being constructed across the valley of river Ijai near Noney with a pier height of 141 meters. It will surpass the existing record of 139 meters of Mala-Rijeka viaduct, Montenegro in Europe," NFR Senior Public Relations Officer S K Ojah said in a statement.

The bridge is part of the 111-km long Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal new broad gauge line project in Manipur, he added.

"The total length of the bridge will be 703 meters. The piers of the bridge are constructed using hydraulic augers. The tall piers needed specially designed 'slip-form technique' to ensure efficient and continual construction," Ojah said.

The steel girders are pre-fabricated in a workshop, transported in segments and erected at the site by Cantilever launching scheme, he added.

'Self-erecting' electric lifts are used at each pier for the safe and speedy conveyance of men and materials to the top," NF Railway said.

There are a total of 45 tunnels in the project. The longest is Tunnel No. 12 with a length of 10.280 km. This will be the longest railway tunnel in the North East," the official said.

He said the project picked momentum in the last three years due to its importance as a National Project.&nbsp;

Northeast Frontier Railway said Saturday it is constructing the tallest railway bridge of the world in Manipur at 141 metres surpassing the existing record of 139-metre Mala-Rijeka viaduct, at Montenegro in Europe.

Northeast Frontier Railway said Saturday it is constructing the tallest railway bridge of the world in Manipur at 141 metres surpassing the existing record of 139-metre Mala-Rijeka viaduct, at Montenegro in Europe. The bridge is part of a new broad gauge line being constructed to connect the northeastern state with the rest of the country and the pillars have already been built. "The bridge is being constructed across the valley of river Ijai near Noney with a pier height of 141 meters. It will surpass the existing record of 139 meters of Mala-Rijeka viaduct, Montenegro in Europe," NFR Senior Public Relations Officer S K Ojah said in a statement. The bridge is part of the 111-km long Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal new broad gauge line project in Manipur, he added. "The total length of the bridge will be 703 meters. The piers of the bridge are constructed using hydraulic augers. The tall piers needed specially designed 'slip-form technique' to ensure efficient and continual construction," Ojah said. The steel girders are pre-fabricated in a workshop, transported in segments and erected at the site by Cantilever launching scheme, he added. 'Self-erecting' electric lifts are used at each pier for the safe and speedy conveyance of men and materials to the top," NF Railway said. There are a total of 45 tunnels in the project. The longest is Tunnel No. 12 with a length of 10.280 km. This will be the longest railway tunnel in the North East," the official said. He said the project picked momentum in the last three years due to its importance as a National Project.

World's tallest rail bridge construction picks pace in Manipur

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in India for Ambani wedding

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy has warned that if the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-accords-highest-priority-to-agreement-between-parties-for-building-ram-temple-keshav-maurya-181854">Centre or Uttar Pradesh government </a>tries to oppose the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he would "topple the government."

"If our matter (Ram temple) is listed in January, we'll win it in two weeks. Because my two opposing parties are the central government and Uttar Pradesh government. Do they have the guts to oppose me? If they do, I`ll topple the government. Though I know that they won`t do it," he said while addressing a gathering at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi on Friday.

Swamy claimed that the Muslims known to him had no objection in the construction of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-build-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2019-elections-says-amit-shah-151510">Ram temple in Ayodhya</a>.

"The Muslims I meet personally tell me that they will not have any objection on the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya," he asserted.

Explaining the timeline of the case, Swamy noted: "Sunni Waqf Board filed a case claiming that the land that was captured by Mughal ruler Babar is ours. They never said that they want to re-construct Babri. They just said it`s our title. Hindu parties like Ram Janmbhoomi Vyas and Nirmohi Akhada said that there were two temples of which they were trustees, and should be given to them. The Allahabad High Court heard their suit and said it`s Ram Janmbhoomi, two gumbads will go to Hindus, one to Muslims."

Further substantiating his stance and giving a chronological order to the incidents, he added: "Sunni Waqf board challenged it because the land was given to Muslims and not them.

The matter was then not heard from 2010-2017. I went to the Supreme Court, and that is why the date was not being fixed by the court. First, they ousted me asking what my stake is (in the matter)".

Elaborating upon how he further went about the case, Swamy claimed that his right to pray should be considered above a property right."I have the right to pray according to the constitution. Court agreed to hear. My faith says that Ram was born here and I want a huge temple there. Muslims are only asking for property, which is not a fundamental right. I appeal to the Supreme Court to put my fundamental right above their normal property rights and accept my petition," said the BJP leader.

Adding weightage to his remark, Swamy claimed that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stated that there was a temple on the disputed land of Ram Janambhoomi."ASI has given a report that states there that was a temple at the land and Allahabad High Court also said that the temple should be constructed.

However, Congress said the 1994 judgement is old and a 7-judge bench should be constituted to take a decision. The judgement came in November that there is no need of the bench, so half of my work is completed.

"The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was, on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram Temple. Since then, several hearings have been held in the top court to resolve the issue.

The Supreme Court in October adjourned the Ayodhya title suit till January 2019 to fix the date of hearing in the matter.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy has warned that if the Centre or Uttar Pradesh government tries to oppose the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he would "topple the government.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy has warned that if the Centre or Uttar Pradesh government tries to oppose the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he would "topple the government." "If our matter (Ram temple) is listed in January, we'll win it in two weeks. Because my two opposing parties are the central government and Uttar Pradesh government. Do they have the guts to oppose me? If they do, I`ll topple the government. Though I know that they won`t do it," he said while addressing a gathering at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi on Friday. Swamy claimed that the Muslims known to him had no objection in the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. "The Muslims I meet personally tell me that they will not have any objection on the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya," he asserted. Explaining the timeline of the case, Swamy noted: "Sunni Waqf Board filed a case claiming that the land that was captured by Mughal ruler Babar is ours. They never said that they want to re-construct Babri. They just said it`s our title. Hindu parties like Ram Janmbhoomi Vyas and Nirmohi Akhada said that there were two temples of which they were trustees, and should be given to them. The Allahabad High Court heard their suit and said it`s Ram Janmbhoomi, two gumbads will go to Hindus, one to Muslims." Further substantiating his stance and giving a chronological order to the incidents, he added: "Sunni Waqf board challenged it because the land was given to Muslims and not them. The matter was then not heard from 2010-2017. I went to the Supreme Court, and that is why the date was not being fixed by the court. First, they ousted me asking what my stake is (in the matter)". Elaborating upon how he further went about the case, Swamy claimed that his right to pray should be considered above a property right."I have the right to pray according to the constitution. Court agreed to hear. My faith says that Ram was born here and I want a huge temple there. Muslims are only asking for property, which is not a fundamental right. I appeal to the Supreme Court to put my fundamental right above their normal property rights and accept my petition," said the BJP leader. Adding weightage to his remark, Swamy claimed that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stated that there was a temple on the disputed land of Ram Janambhoomi."ASI has given a report that states there that was a temple at the land and Allahabad High Court also said that the temple should be constructed. However, Congress said the 1994 judgement is old and a 7-judge bench should be constituted to take a decision. The judgement came in November that there is no need of the bench, so half of my work is completed. "The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was, on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram Temple. Since then, several hearings have been held in the top court to resolve the issue. The Supreme Court in October adjourned the Ayodhya title suit till January 2019 to fix the date of hearing in the matter.

Will topple government if Ram temple construction is opposed: Subramanian Swamy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-prosecutors-call-for-substantial-term-in-prison-for-michael-cohen-detail-manaforts-multiple-lies-in-russia-probe-182337">US prosecutors call for 'substantial term' in prison for Cohen, detail Manafort's 'multiple lies' in Russia probe</a>

Federal prosecutors on Friday asked "substantial" prison term for Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer of US President Donald Trump for paying an adult film star hush money on Trump's behalf and evading taxes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paris-braces-for-further-violence-in-new-yellow-vest-protests-182326">Paris </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paris-braces-for-further-violence-in-new-yellow-vest-protests-182326">braces</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paris-braces-for-further-violence-in-new-yellow-vest-protests-182326"> for further violence in new 'yellow vest' protests</a>

Businesses in Paris battened down the hatches on Friday and streets were cleared of material that could be used as weapons amid fears of further violence during a fourth round of "yellow vest" protests.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-huawei-cfo-of-iran-sanctions-cover-up-hearing-adjourned-to-monday-182338">US accuses Huawei CFO of Iran sanctions cover-up; hearing adjourned to Monday</a>

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's chief financial officer faces US accusations that she covered up her company's links to a firm that tried to sell equipment to Iran despite sanctions, a Canadian prosecutor said on Friday, arguing against giving her bail while she awaits extradition.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-targets-airports-for-checkout-free-store-expansion-182339">Amazon targets airports for checkout-free store expansion</a>

Amazon.com Inc is looking at bringing its futuristic checkout-free store format to airports in an effort to win business from hungry, time-pressed travellers, according to public records and a person familiar with the strategy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-targets-airports-for-checkout-free-store-expansion-182339">China launches rover for first far side of the moon landing</a>

China launched a rover early Saturday destined to land on the far side of the moon, a global first that would boost Beijing's ambitions to become a space superpower, state media said.

&nbsp;

US prosecutors call for 'substantial term' in prison for Cohen, detail Manafort's 'multiple lies' in Russia probe Federal prosecutors on Friday asked "substantial" prison term for Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer of US President Donald Trump for paying an adult film star hush money on Trump's behalf and evading taxes.

US prosecutors call for 'substantial term' in prison for Cohen, detail Manafort's 'multiple lies' in Russia probe Federal prosecutors on Friday asked "substantial" prison term for Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer of US President Donald Trump for paying an adult film star hush money on Trump's behalf and evading taxes. Paris braces for further violence in new 'yellow vest' protests Businesses in Paris battened down the hatches on Friday and streets were cleared of material that could be used as weapons amid fears of further violence during a fourth round of "yellow vest" protests. US accuses Huawei CFO of Iran sanctions cover-up; hearing adjourned to Monday Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's chief financial officer faces US accusations that she covered up her company's links to a firm that tried to sell equipment to Iran despite sanctions, a Canadian prosecutor said on Friday, arguing against giving her bail while she awaits extradition. Amazon targets airports for checkout-free store expansion Amazon.com Inc is looking at bringing its futuristic checkout-free store format to airports in an effort to win business from hungry, time-pressed travellers, according to public records and a person familiar with the strategy. China launches rover for first far side of the moon landing China launched a rover early Saturday destined to land on the far side of the moon, a global first that would boost Beijing's ambitions to become a space superpower, state media said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A BJP delegation on Saturday submitted letters to the West Bengal government, stating its readiness to join discussions over its 'rath yatra'.

"We have said in the letters that the BJP is ready to join the discussion in an hour's notice on any time within December 12 (Wednesday) as directed by the Calcutta High Court," BJP state vice-president Jayprakash Majumdar told news agency PTI.

"We have informed the state government that we are ready for discussion on the 'rath yatra' issue. The situation is that the state government is not capable of maintaining law and order. Also, there is no democracy in the state," senior party leader Mukul Roy alleged.

The move comes a day after a division bench of the Calcutta High Court directed three BJP representatives to meet state Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and DGP by December 12 over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-move-sc-if-needed-vijayvargiya-on-wb-rath-yatra-issue-182320">Rath Yatra issue</a>.

The Court began hearing BJP's plea against refusal of permission for its Rath Yatra on Friday.&nbsp;

The high court on Friday also directed top state officials to take a decision on the processions by December 14.

The 'rath yatra' in Cooch Behar district was slated to be the first of the three by the BJP before the Lok Sabha polls next year. The other two were to be held on December 9 from Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district and on December 14 from Tarapith temple in Birbhum district.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-conduct-rath-yatra-nobody-can-stop-us-amit-shah-182194">the Yatra will be carried out definitely</a> and that no one can stop the party from conducting the rallies.&nbsp;

"We will do everything legally and we will conduct three rallies. The rallies have not been cancelled but postponed. Yatra, as scheduled, will go to every part of West Bengal. I will go to West Bengal tomorrow," the BJP chief said.&nbsp;

He attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee noting that she is trying to stop the Yatra as she is "scared."

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A BJP delegation on Saturday submitted letters to the West Bengal government, stating its readiness to join discussions over its 'rath yatra'. "We have said in the letters that the BJP is ready to join the discussion in an hour's notice on any time within December 12 (Wednesday) as directed by the Calcutta High Court," BJP state vice-president Jayprakash Majumdar told news agency PTI.

A BJP delegation on Saturday submitted letters to the West Bengal government, stating its readiness to join discussions over its 'rath yatra'. "We have said in the letters that the BJP is ready to join the discussion in an hour's notice on any time within December 12 (Wednesday) as directed by the Calcutta High Court," BJP state vice-president Jayprakash Majumdar told news agency PTI. "We have informed the state government that we are ready for discussion on the 'rath yatra' issue. The situation is that the state government is not capable of maintaining law and order. Also, there is no democracy in the state," senior party leader Mukul Roy alleged. The move comes a day after a division bench of the Calcutta High Court directed three BJP representatives to meet state Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and DGP by December 12 over the Rath Yatra issue. The Court began hearing BJP's plea against refusal of permission for its Rath Yatra on Friday. The high court on Friday also directed top state officials to take a decision on the processions by December 14. The 'rath yatra' in Cooch Behar district was slated to be the first of the three by the BJP before the Lok Sabha polls next year. The other two were to be held on December 9 from Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district and on December 14 from Tarapith temple in Birbhum district. Meanwhile, BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said that the Yatra will be carried out definitely and that no one can stop the party from conducting the rallies. "We will do everything legally and we will conduct three rallies. The rallies have not been cancelled but postponed. Yatra, as scheduled, will go to every part of West Bengal. I will go to West Bengal tomorrow," the BJP chief said. He attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee noting that she is trying to stop the Yatra as she is "scared." (With inputs from PTI)

Rath Yatra: BJP delegation submits letters to West Bengal government

After a 20-day lull since the annual pilgrim season began, long queues and packed crowds are back at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here, which had witnessed a drastic dip in pilgrim arrivals in the initial weeks.

The lifting of restrictions imposed by police and ease in tension that had prevailed at the shrine, following protests against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all age groups, have triggered a high inflow of devotees after the initial lull.

According to temple sources, over 61,000 pilgrims visited the hilltop temple on Friday alone, indicating a steady increase in the footfalls.

While the headcount was 79,306 on December 3, it was 61,037 on December 4 and 51,335 on December 5, as per the figures.

Over 45,000 pilgrims had visited the Lord Ayyappa temple on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition day, though there had been extra vigil and additional security arrangements at the temple complex.

Unlike the previous years, the temple wore a deserted look for many days after it opened for the over two-month-long monthly pilgrim season on November 16.

The number of devotees, who had offered prayers at the shrine, was just 28,717 on November 16, as per figures.

The devastation caused by the August floods had affected the usual pre-season arrangements implemented by the government at Nilackal, the base camp, and Pamba, the last gateway to the hill temple.

The dearth of dormitory facilities, safe drinking water and restrictions imposed on private vehicles have caused difficulties for devotees and affected their usual inflow.

Besides this, the intense protests by devotees and right-wing groups against the LDF government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court verdict on the entry of young women had distanced pilgrims away from the forest temple, located in the Western Ghats.

Prohibitory orders had been invoked in and around Sabarimala by police following the violent protests.

The opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP had been on a warpath against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for the past several weeks, demanding the lifting of prohibitory orders.

Raising the same demand, three UDF MLAs have been staging a satyagraha at the portals of the state Assembly, while BJP state general secretary A N Radhakrishnan is on an indefinite fast before the Secretariat since last week.

After a 20-day lull since the annual pilgrim season began, long queues and packed crowds are back at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here, which had witnessed a drastic dip in pilgrim arrivals in the initial weeks.

After a 20-day lull since the annual pilgrim season began, long queues and packed crowds are back at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here, which had witnessed a drastic dip in pilgrim arrivals in the initial weeks. The lifting of restrictions imposed by police and ease in tension that had prevailed at the shrine, following protests against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all age groups, have triggered a high inflow of devotees after the initial lull. According to temple sources, over 61,000 pilgrims visited the hilltop temple on Friday alone, indicating a steady increase in the footfalls. While the headcount was 79,306 on December 3, it was 61,037 on December 4 and 51,335 on December 5, as per the figures. Over 45,000 pilgrims had visited the Lord Ayyappa temple on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition day, though there had been extra vigil and additional security arrangements at the temple complex. Unlike the previous years, the temple wore a deserted look for many days after it opened for the over two-month-long monthly pilgrim season on November 16. The number of devotees, who had offered prayers at the shrine, was just 28,717 on November 16, as per figures. The devastation caused by the August floods had affected the usual pre-season arrangements implemented by the government at Nilackal, the base camp, and Pamba, the last gateway to the hill temple. The dearth of dormitory facilities, safe drinking water and restrictions imposed on private vehicles have caused difficulties for devotees and affected their usual inflow. Besides this, the intense protests by devotees and right-wing groups against the LDF government's decision to implement the September 28 apex court verdict on the entry of young women had distanced pilgrims away from the forest temple, located in the Western Ghats. Prohibitory orders had been invoked in and around Sabarimala by police following the violent protests. The opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP had been on a warpath against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for the past several weeks, demanding the lifting of prohibitory orders. Raising the same demand, three UDF MLAs have been staging a satyagraha at the portals of the state Assembly, while BJP state general secretary A N Radhakrishnan is on an indefinite fast before the Secretariat since last week.

After a lull, long queues, packed crowds back in Sabarimala

Security forces have eliminated over 230 militants in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far, while there has been a dip in injuries caused due to stone pelting, officials said Saturday.

As many as 51 terrorists were killed in the 80-day period from June 25 to September 14, while 85 terrorists were killed between September 15 and December 5, an official said.

A total of 232 militants have been killed so far this year, while 240 militants, including foreigners, are active in the Kashmir Valley, the official said.

Eight people, including security personnel, were killed and 216 others, including security personnel, received injuries between June 25 and September 14 this year.

In the subsequent 80 days -- from September 15 to December 5 -- just two people were killed and 170 others received injuries during stone pelting incidents, the official said.

There has been a marked improvement in the security scenario in the Kashmir Valley ever since the imposition of Governor's rule on June 19 when the BJP withdrew support to the Mehbooba Mufti-led government, another official said.

Security forces have eliminated over 230 militants in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far, while there has been a dip in injuries caused due to stone pelting, officials said Saturday.

Security forces have eliminated over 230 militants in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far, while there has been a dip in injuries caused due to stone pelting, officials said Saturday. As many as 51 terrorists were killed in the 80-day period from June 25 to September 14, while 85 terrorists were killed between September 15 and December 5, an official said. A total of 232 militants have been killed so far this year, while 240 militants, including foreigners, are active in the Kashmir Valley, the official said. Eight people, including security personnel, were killed and 216 others, including security personnel, received injuries between June 25 and September 14 this year. In the subsequent 80 days -- from September 15 to December 5 -- just two people were killed and 170 others received injuries during stone pelting incidents, the official said. There has been a marked improvement in the security scenario in the Kashmir Valley ever since the imposition of Governor's rule on June 19 when the BJP withdrew support to the Mehbooba Mufti-led government, another official said.

Over 230 militants killed in J&K in 2018; dip in stone pelting: Officials

Robert Vadra's lawyer on Friday alleged that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-raids-robert-vadras-close-associates-182254">Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids</a> at the premises of close associates of his client at the behest of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government to plant false evidence against the businessman to divert attention from the probable loss of recently-held Legislative Assembly elections.

Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, is being investigated by the ED in connection with a land deal.

Vadra's advocate Suman Khaitan claimed that the ED officials raided "close associates" and business partners of Vadra in Delhi without even showing any search warrants.

"They (Centre) have not found any evidence since last four-and-half years. So they wanted to come, lock the door, plant evidence today. They will lose elections and to divert attention, they will claim that they found the evidence (which is actually) manufactured and planted," Khaitan told media in Delhi.

"On the basis of law, can they conduct raids without letting us inside? They have locked up people of Sky Light Hospitality inside. They are not allowing them to come out and allowing us in. We have been knocking the door since morning, but they are pretending as if they can't hear us. Is this the rule of law? Is this Nazism? Is this Indian democracy? What I will do if they will plant evidence inside? We don't know who these people are," he added.

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Delhi: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Robert Vadra's office Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd in Sukhdev Vihar where ED was conducting a raid since yesterday. Company's advocate says, "they entered by breaking doors &amp; kept employees locked for 13-14 hours. They have completely ransacked the office" <a href="https://t.co/dEBA26bkVz">pic.twitter.com/dEBA26bkVz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071176549037195264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Khaitan said that the officials raiding properties of Vadra's close aide neither showed any search warrant nor revealed their identities.

"We are presuming it is ED. In the morning, when our lawyers asked them about their identity, they refused to say anything. Is the Indian Constitution not being destroyed? Two days back, I went to the ED and submitted 600-pages documents. Before that on November 26 also I gave the same documents. Since last four-five years, he (Vadra) has been summoned eight to 10 times. Every time we have gone," Khaitan said.

"Did they say they want to interrogate him? No. Did they say he is an accused? No. Did they say I need you as a witness? No. They said you please come and give the documents. I have given them the same. Now, do they want to see his face? If you want to interrogate him or accuse him, then they need to mention that in summon," he added.

Khaitan also informed that Vadra was not present at the spot during the raids.

He said a newspaper had reported that that three summons had been served on Vadra by the ED but "we have received none."

Vadra had earlier this week alleged that the corruption probe against him is a result of a political witch-hunt aimed at "besmirching his dignity and reputation".

In a Facebook post, Vadra further claimed that the authorities are well aware that there is no case against him and the proceedings are a mere "media circus to distracting the public."

Robert Vadra's lawyer on Friday alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the premises of close associates of his client at the behest of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government to plant false evidence against the businessman to divert attention from the probable loss of recently-held Legislative Assembly elections.

Robert Vadra's lawyer on Friday alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the premises of close associates of his client at the behest of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government to plant false evidence against the businessman to divert attention from the probable loss of recently-held Legislative Assembly elections. Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, is being investigated by the ED in connection with a land deal. Vadra's advocate Suman Khaitan claimed that the ED officials raided "close associates" and business partners of Vadra in Delhi without even showing any search warrants. "They (Centre) have not found any evidence since last four-and-half years. So they wanted to come, lock the door, plant evidence today. They will lose elections and to divert attention, they will claim that they found the evidence (which is actually) manufactured and planted," Khaitan told media in Delhi. "On the basis of law, can they conduct raids without letting us inside? They have locked up people of Sky Light Hospitality inside. They are not allowing them to come out and allowing us in. We have been knocking the door since morning, but they are pretending as if they can't hear us. Is this the rule of law? Is this Nazism? Is this Indian democracy? What I will do if they will plant evidence inside? We don't know who these people are," he added. Delhi: #Visuals from Robert Vadra's office Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd in Sukhdev Vihar where ED was conducting a raid since yesterday. Company's advocate says, "they entered by breaking doors & kept employees locked for 13-14 hours. They have completely ransacked the office" pic.twitter.com/dEBA26bkVz — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Khaitan said that the officials raiding properties of Vadra's close aide neither showed any search warrant nor revealed their identities. "We are presuming it is ED. In the morning, when our lawyers asked them about their identity, they refused to say anything. Is the Indian Constitution not being destroyed? Two days back, I went to the ED and submitted 600-pages documents. Before that on November 26 also I gave the same documents. Since last four-five years, he (Vadra) has been summoned eight to 10 times. Every time we have gone," Khaitan said. "Did they say they want to interrogate him? No. Did they say he is an accused? No. Did they say I need you as a witness? No. They said you please come and give the documents. I have given them the same. Now, do they want to see his face? If you want to interrogate him or accuse him, then they need to mention that in summon," he added. Khaitan also informed that Vadra was not present at the spot during the raids. He said a newspaper had reported that that three summons had been served on Vadra by the ED but "we have received none." Vadra had earlier this week alleged that the corruption probe against him is a result of a political witch-hunt aimed at "besmirching his dignity and reputation". In a Facebook post, Vadra further claimed that the authorities are well aware that there is no case against him and the proceedings are a mere "media circus to distracting the public."

Centre planting evidence against Vadra to divert attention from elections loss: Lawyer

Delhi-based defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, who was recently released from the judicial custody for his remarks against Odisha, took to Twitter on Saturday saying that he has finally understood what his English teacher told him in 10th standard.

"In the 10th standard, My English teacher, Mrs Prema Raghunath, who was very fond of me, told me "your jokes are more dangerous than your serious comments". Today I understand exactly what she meant .. finally," said Abhijit in a tweet.

For the unversed, Abhijit was arrested on October 23 for allegedly passing derogatory remarks against Odisha, its people, Konark Temple and Lord Jagannath. Two PILs were filed against him in the matter.&nbsp;

The Orissa High Court on Thursday granted Mitra bail after a judicial custody of 44 days.&nbsp;

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In the 10th standard, My English teacher, Mrs Prema Raghunath, who was very fond of me, told me "your jokes are more dangerous than your serious comments". Today I understand exactly what she meant .. finally.
— Abhijit Iyer-Mitra (@Iyervval) <a href="https://twitter.com/Iyervval/status/1071259025587630081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a petition to the state government, Mitra apologised for the video stating that he did not intend to hurt the sentiments of the people of Odisha.

He had also tendered an unconditional apology for having hurt the sentiments of people of Odisha unintentionally. The Privilege Committee of Odisha Assembly pardoned him on November 16.&nbsp;

According to reports, Mitra was granted conditional bail on Thursday by the Court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) at Konark in Puri district and the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM), Bhubaneswar, in Khurda. The courts have also asked him for a personal bond of Rs 20,000 each and on condition that he would never resort to anti-Odisha remarks in the future.

The Odisha government on December 4 had accepted the appeal of Abhijit and decided not to accord sanction of his prosecution, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Delhi-based defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, who was recently released from the judicial custody for his remarks against Odisha, took to Twitter on Saturday saying that he has finally understood what his English teacher told him in 10th standard.

Delhi-based defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, who was recently released from the judicial custody for his remarks against Odisha, took to Twitter on Saturday saying that he has finally understood what his English teacher told him in 10th standard. "In the 10th standard, My English teacher, Mrs Prema Raghunath, who was very fond of me, told me "your jokes are more dangerous than your serious comments". Today I understand exactly what she meant .. finally," said Abhijit in a tweet. For the unversed, Abhijit was arrested on October 23 for allegedly passing derogatory remarks against Odisha, its people, Konark Temple and Lord Jagannath. Two PILs were filed against him in the matter. The Orissa High Court on Thursday granted Mitra bail after a judicial custody of 44 days. In the 10th standard, My English teacher, Mrs Prema Raghunath, who was very fond of me, told me "your jokes are more dangerous than your serious comments". Today I understand exactly what she meant .. finally. — Abhijit Iyer-Mitra (@Iyervval) December 8, 2018 × In a petition to the state government, Mitra apologised for the video stating that he did not intend to hurt the sentiments of the people of Odisha. He had also tendered an unconditional apology for having hurt the sentiments of people of Odisha unintentionally. The Privilege Committee of Odisha Assembly pardoned him on November 16. According to reports, Mitra was granted conditional bail on Thursday by the Court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) at Konark in Puri district and the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM), Bhubaneswar, in Khurda. The courts have also asked him for a personal bond of Rs 20,000 each and on condition that he would never resort to anti-Odisha remarks in the future. The Odisha government on December 4 had accepted the appeal of Abhijit and decided not to accord sanction of his prosecution, news agency PTI reported. (With inputs from PTI)

Teacher said my jokes are more dangerous: Abhijit Iyer-Mitra after getting bail

Son of a farmer who had died after consuming poison at Mantralaya seeking compensation for his land warned Friday that he too would commit suicide if three Maharashtra ministers who `broke' their promise to the family did not quit.

Having sent a letter to this effect to the chief minister, Narendra Patil, resident of Vikharan in Dhule district, climbed a mobile tower in the village Friday morning and came down only after district officials persuaded him.

On January 22, Dharma Patil (84) consumed poison on the premises of the state secretariat `Mantralaya' in Mumbai, demanding adequate compensation for his land which had been acquired by the government for a solar power project.

Narendra, his son, said Friday that he has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and asked him to sack three of his ministers if they did not quit on their own.

If they did not step down, the chief minister himself should resign, Narendra said, warning that he would jump off a mobile tower otherwise.

He indeed climbed a mobile tower in the village this morning, and got down hours later only after district officials assured him that they would look into the family's grievances, Narendra told PTI in the evening.

After Dharma Patil's death, ministers Girish Mahajan and Jaykumar Rawal had assured that action would be taken against those found guilty, Narendra said in his December 6 letter.

Chandrashekhar Bavankule, another minister, too had given an assurance in writing, and yet no justice was done to the family, he alleged.

"In the event of the ministers not resigning...Then you (Fadnavis) should accept moral responsibility and resign," Narendra wrote.

"Immediate action must be taken....Or else, I will have no option but to commit suicide," the letter said.

Son of a farmer who had died after consuming poison at Mantralaya seeking compensation for his land warned Friday that he too would commit suicide if three Maharashtra ministers who `broke' their promise to the family did not quit.

Son of a farmer who had died after consuming poison at Mantralaya seeking compensation for his land warned Friday that he too would commit suicide if three Maharashtra ministers who `broke' their promise to the family did not quit. Having sent a letter to this effect to the chief minister, Narendra Patil, resident of Vikharan in Dhule district, climbed a mobile tower in the village Friday morning and came down only after district officials persuaded him. On January 22, Dharma Patil (84) consumed poison on the premises of the state secretariat `Mantralaya' in Mumbai, demanding adequate compensation for his land which had been acquired by the government for a solar power project. Narendra, his son, said Friday that he has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and asked him to sack three of his ministers if they did not quit on their own. If they did not step down, the chief minister himself should resign, Narendra said, warning that he would jump off a mobile tower otherwise. He indeed climbed a mobile tower in the village this morning, and got down hours later only after district officials assured him that they would look into the family's grievances, Narendra told PTI in the evening. After Dharma Patil's death, ministers Girish Mahajan and Jaykumar Rawal had assured that action would be taken against those found guilty, Narendra said in his December 6 letter. Chandrashekhar Bavankule, another minister, too had given an assurance in writing, and yet no justice was done to the family, he alleged. "In the event of the ministers not resigning...Then you (Fadnavis) should accept moral responsibility and resign," Narendra wrote. "Immediate action must be taken....Or else, I will have no option but to commit suicide," the letter said.

Deceased farmer's son demands sacking of ministers for`breaking promise', climbs mobile tower

Maharashtra Energy Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule Friday said the state government has directed the MERC to look into the issue of 'increased' electricity bills of Adani Electricity's consumers in Mumbai.

He was speaking to reporters outside the city airport.

"The government has asked the Maharashtra Electricity Regulation (MERC) to sou moto look into the issue raised by BJP leader Ashish Shelar about complaints on high electricity bills based on average energy consumption instead of actual metering in Mumbai," he said.

"Accordingly, the MERC has taken cognisance and given directions to check the complaints and correct the bills," the minister added.

Local MLA Ashish Shelar had met Chief Minister Devendra last Fadnavis Saturday to convey people's concerns over sudden and steep increase in power bills in suburban Mumbai, where Adani Electricity is the electricity distributor.

Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited is a subsidiary of Adani Transmission, formed after acquisition of Reliance Infrastructure's generation, transmission and distribution utilities in Mumbai.

The MERC has appointed a two-member fact-finding committee to look into consumer complaints to ascertain the reasons for the sudden upsurge in consumption as well as bills of Adani Electricity's consumers in the megapolis.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Energy Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule Friday said the state government has directed the MERC to look into the issue of 'increased' electricity bills of Adani Electricity's consumers in Mumbai.

Maharashtra Energy Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule Friday said the state government has directed the MERC to look into the issue of 'increased' electricity bills of Adani Electricity's consumers in Mumbai. He was speaking to reporters outside the city airport. "The government has asked the Maharashtra Electricity Regulation (MERC) to sou moto look into the issue raised by BJP leader Ashish Shelar about complaints on high electricity bills based on average energy consumption instead of actual metering in Mumbai," he said. "Accordingly, the MERC has taken cognisance and given directions to check the complaints and correct the bills," the minister added. Local MLA Ashish Shelar had met Chief Minister Devendra last Fadnavis Saturday to convey people's concerns over sudden and steep increase in power bills in suburban Mumbai, where Adani Electricity is the electricity distributor. Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited is a subsidiary of Adani Transmission, formed after acquisition of Reliance Infrastructure's generation, transmission and distribution utilities in Mumbai. The MERC has appointed a two-member fact-finding committee to look into consumer complaints to ascertain the reasons for the sudden upsurge in consumption as well as bills of Adani Electricity's consumers in the megapolis.

MERC asked to look into Adani power bills issue: Minister

The Election Commission Friday ordered the removal of returning officer of Pali in the Rajasthan Assembly seat after an EVM was reportedly found at the residence of a BJP candidate.

Earlier in the day, the poll panel had said that a sector officer carrying a reserve machine had gone to the BJP candidate's house following which the sector officer was removed and the EVM taken out of election system.

The EC also ordered removal of Pali returning officer Mahaveer, who has been transferred, and Rakesh from Jodhpur has been asked to take the charge, the commission said.

A video purportedly showing the electronic voting machine laying unattended in the house has gone viral.

The Election Commission Friday ordered the removal of returning officer of Pali in the Rajasthan Assembly seat after an EVM was reportedly found at the residence of a BJP candidate.

The Election Commission Friday ordered the removal of returning officer of Pali in the Rajasthan Assembly seat after an EVM was reportedly found at the residence of a BJP candidate. Earlier in the day, the poll panel had said that a sector officer carrying a reserve machine had gone to the BJP candidate's house following which the sector officer was removed and the EVM taken out of election system. The EC also ordered removal of Pali returning officer Mahaveer, who has been transferred, and Rakesh from Jodhpur has been asked to take the charge, the commission said. A video purportedly showing the electronic voting machine laying unattended in the house has gone viral.

Rajasthan: EC orders removal of Pali returning officer after EVM reportedly found at BJP candidate's house

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imran-khan-acknowledges-2611-attacks-originated-from-pakistani-soil-182435">Imran Khan acknowledges 26/11 attacks originated from Pakistani soil</a>

Pakistan wants "something done about the bombers of Mumbai", Prime Minister Imran Khan has said while tacitly acknowledging that the attack of November 2008 originated from Pakistani soil.

Khan, who has spoken about Pakistan taking two steps for peace for every step taken by India, said his government wants to prosecute those involved in the "act of terror" as it is in Islamabad's interest to resolve the matter.

The Pakistan prime minister said he has asked for the status of the case which is being heard in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paris-on-lockdown-as-yellow-vest-protests-hit-again-182474">Paris on lockdown as 'Yellow Vest' protests hit French capital again</a>

Police fired tear gas and arrested hundreds of people in Paris on Saturday as the French capital went on lockdown for the latest "yellow vest" protests against President Emmanuel Macron.

Shouts of "Macron, resign" mingled with the tear gas near the famous Champs-Elysees avenue, the scene last Saturday of the worst rioting in Paris for decades.&nbsp;

A forklift truck driver who gave his name as Denis said he was planning, like others, to march on Macron's presidential palace in anger against a leader who they say only looks out for the rich.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-may-expand-anti-tunnel-operation-into-lebanon-cabinet-minister-182461">Israel may expand </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-may-expand-anti-tunnel-operation-into-lebanon-cabinet-minister-182461">anti-tunnel</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-may-expand-anti-tunnel-operation-into-lebanon-cabinet-minister-182461"> operation into Lebanon: Cabinet minister</a>

Israel is prepared to take action in Lebanon against Hezbollah cross-border tunnels if necessary, an Israeli cabinet minister said on Friday.

Israel's military said earlier this week that it had found a number of passages dug across the Israel-Lebanon border to be used in carrying out attacks inside Israel. The Israeli military sent mechanical diggers, troops and anti-tunneling equipment to the border to shut them down.

The Israeli military, which launched the operation on Tuesday, has said its activity would, for now, stop on the Israeli side of the border.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indvsaus-1st-test-day-3-india-take-stranglehold-adelaide-test-182414">IND vs AUS, 1st Test, Day 3: India take </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indvsaus-1st-test-day-3-india-take-stranglehold-adelaide-test-182414">stranglehold</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indvsaus-1st-test-day-3-india-take-stranglehold-adelaide-test-182414"> in Adelaide Test</a>

India have assumed a commanding position in the first Test against Australia.&nbsp;

They were, at the end of day three, at 151 for three in their second innings against Australia in Adelaide, and now lead by 166 runs.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hillary-clinton-lands-in-udaipur-for-isha-ambanis-pre-wedding-celebrations-182452">Hillary Clinton &nbsp;lands in Udaipur for Isha Ambani's pre-wedding celebrations</a>

Hillary Clinton, and just about everybody else, landed in Udaipur Saturday for the pre-wedding celebrations of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal. Isha is Mukesh and Nita Ambani's daughter.&nbsp;

The couple will tie the knot in Mumbai on December 12, but the pre-wedding celebrations are being held in Udaipur.&nbsp;

Imran Khan acknowledges 26/11 attacks originated from Pakistani soil Pakistan wants "something done about the bombers of Mumbai", Prime Minister Imran Khan has said while tacitly acknowledging that the attack of November 2008 originated from Pakistani soil.

Imran Khan acknowledges 26/11 attacks originated from Pakistani soil Pakistan wants "something done about the bombers of Mumbai", Prime Minister Imran Khan has said while tacitly acknowledging that the attack of November 2008 originated from Pakistani soil. Khan, who has spoken about Pakistan taking two steps for peace for every step taken by India, said his government wants to prosecute those involved in the "act of terror" as it is in Islamabad's interest to resolve the matter. The Pakistan prime minister said he has asked for the status of the case which is being heard in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan. Paris on lockdown as 'Yellow Vest' protests hit French capital again Police fired tear gas and arrested hundreds of people in Paris on Saturday as the French capital went on lockdown for the latest "yellow vest" protests against President Emmanuel Macron. Shouts of "Macron, resign" mingled with the tear gas near the famous Champs-Elysees avenue, the scene last Saturday of the worst rioting in Paris for decades. A forklift truck driver who gave his name as Denis said he was planning, like others, to march on Macron's presidential palace in anger against a leader who they say only looks out for the rich. Israel may expand anti-tunnel operation into Lebanon: Cabinet minister Israel is prepared to take action in Lebanon against Hezbollah cross-border tunnels if necessary, an Israeli cabinet minister said on Friday. Israel's military said earlier this week that it had found a number of passages dug across the Israel-Lebanon border to be used in carrying out attacks inside Israel. The Israeli military sent mechanical diggers, troops and anti-tunneling equipment to the border to shut them down. The Israeli military, which launched the operation on Tuesday, has said its activity would, for now, stop on the Israeli side of the border. IND vs AUS, 1st Test, Day 3: India take stranglehold in Adelaide Test India have assumed a commanding position in the first Test against Australia. They were, at the end of day three, at 151 for three in their second innings against Australia in Adelaide, and now lead by 166 runs. Hillary Clinton lands in Udaipur for Isha Ambani's pre-wedding celebrations Hillary Clinton, and just about everybody else, landed in Udaipur Saturday for the pre-wedding celebrations of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal. Isha is Mukesh and Nita Ambani's daughter. The couple will tie the knot in Mumbai on December 12, but the pre-wedding celebrations are being held in Udaipur.

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' on Saturday even as authorities warned of a spike in pollution level from the next week when dense fog is expected to engulf the national capital.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 343.

An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 is 'severe'.

The air quality in four areas Jahangirpuri and Nehru Nagar recorded severe air quality while 26 areas recorded very poor air quality and two areas recorded poor air quality, according to CPCB.

The overall PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 193 and the PM10 level at 353, it said.

In NCR,&nbsp;Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality, the CPCB data showed.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the overall air quality of Delhi continues to remain in the 'very poor' range.

"Meteorological conditions have slightly improved causing dispersion of pollutants but the air quality might deteriorate from Sunday with dense fog engulfing the capital which may degrade the air quality," the SAFAR said.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the maximum ventilation index was likely around 4000 sqm/second on Saturday.

A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second with an average wind speed of less than 10 kmph is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants, it said.

The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority Friday said they are seriously considering banning industrial, construction and demolition activities at major pollution hotspots in Delhi-NCR when air quality levels reach 'severe' category.

The Central Pollution Control Board-led task force on November 22 recommended to the EPCA that industrial, construction and demolition activities should be banned in major hotspot areas when air quality levels reach 'severe' category.

The task force has identified 15 pollution hotspots in Delhi.

They are Anand Vihar, Bawana, CRRI Mathura Road, DTU, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Dwarka-Sector 8, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, NSIT Dwarka, Narela, Okhla Phase-2, R K Puram, Rohini, Shadipur, Wazirpur.

In NCR areas outside Delhi, six hotspots have been identified. They are&nbsp;Sector-16A in Faridabad, Vikas Sadan in Gurgaon, Vasundhara in Ghaziabad, Knowledge Park-III in Greater Noida, Sector-125 in Noida and RIICO Industrial Area-III in Bhiwadi.

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' on Saturday even as authorities warned of a spike in pollution level from the next week when dense fog is expected to engulf the national capital.

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' on Saturday even as authorities warned of a spike in pollution level from the next week when dense fog is expected to engulf the national capital. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 343. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 is 'severe'. The air quality in four areas Jahangirpuri and Nehru Nagar recorded severe air quality while 26 areas recorded very poor air quality and two areas recorded poor air quality, according to CPCB. The overall PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 193 and the PM10 level at 353, it said. In NCR, Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality, the CPCB data showed. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the overall air quality of Delhi continues to remain in the 'very poor' range. "Meteorological conditions have slightly improved causing dispersion of pollutants but the air quality might deteriorate from Sunday with dense fog engulfing the capital which may degrade the air quality," the SAFAR said. According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the maximum ventilation index was likely around 4000 sqm/second on Saturday. A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second with an average wind speed of less than 10 kmph is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants, it said. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority Friday said they are seriously considering banning industrial, construction and demolition activities at major pollution hotspots in Delhi-NCR when air quality levels reach 'severe' category. The Central Pollution Control Board-led task force on November 22 recommended to the EPCA that industrial, construction and demolition activities should be banned in major hotspot areas when air quality levels reach 'severe' category. The task force has identified 15 pollution hotspots in Delhi. They are Anand Vihar, Bawana, CRRI Mathura Road, DTU, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Dwarka-Sector 8, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, NSIT Dwarka, Narela, Okhla Phase-2, R K Puram, Rohini, Shadipur, Wazirpur. In NCR areas outside Delhi, six hotspots have been identified. They are Sector-16A in Faridabad, Vikas Sadan in Gurgaon, Vasundhara in Ghaziabad, Knowledge Park-III in Greater Noida, Sector-125 in Noida and RIICO Industrial Area-III in Bhiwadi.

Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor,' authorities warn of spike in pollution

President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a three-day visit to Myanmar from 11th to 13th December. This will be the first visit to Myanmar by an Indian President in 12 years. The last visit was in the year 2006.

This is President Kovind’s eighth state visit and seventh and final visit of the year 2018. This is also his first visit to a country with which India shares a land border.&nbsp;

Putting the visit in perspective Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Myanmar is a close neighbour. It is also, by virtue of being an ASEAN country, the only one to which we are linked by land and sea. Therefore, it serves us as a link to South East Asia and for these reasons it is a country to which India attaches importance from the strategic perspective, from an economic perspective and from the cultural perspective given our cultural linkages and diaspora present in Myanmar."

During the visit, the President and the first lady will be hosted by the President of Myanmar. During his trip, the President Kovind will visit Shwedagon Pagoda, Shri Kali Temple and the Mazaar of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. The President will also meet veterans of the Indian National Army and the surviving members of the INA.

Giving more details of the visit, Press Secretary to the President, Ashok Malik said, "It is the second visit after the Vietnam visit. President Kovind will be engaging with the Government and Leadership of Myanmar on a wide variety of issues ranging from connectivity to investment, people to people ties and agriculture."

The President will be accompanied by a three-member political delegation comprising Rajan Gohil, Minister of State for Railways; Ramprasad Sharma, Lok Sabha member from Tezpur, Assam, and K Bhavnanda Singh who is a Rajya Sabha member from Manipur. The delegation comprises parliamentarians from North East states and according to the press secretary is a "recognition of the fact that the development of the North East is interlinked with the development of Myanmar."

The visit comes even as the Rohingya issue continues to dominate the region's discourse. Hoping that Myanmar Bangladesh will soon implement the Rohingya repatriation agreement, Foreign Secretary said, "The government of India has noted that governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar have recently reached a bilateral understanding and, as the only country that neighbours both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we believe it is in our interest and in the interest of the region that this bilateral understanding is implemented as soon as possible and that the displaced persons return to their homeland as soon as possible."

Late last year, India signed the Rakhine State Development Program with Myanmar. The program is designed to assist the Government of Myanmar in Rakhine state to build housing infrastructure for the return of displaced persons. 250 units were planned for the first phase and by virtual means, the President of India will be handing over the first 50 units to the Myanmar side.&nbsp;

India won't join Chinese post at Kyaukphyu

Connectivity will be a major focus area. Remember, India is building a trilateral highway, which will eventually connect India to Thailand through Myanmar, and Kaladan Multimodal Project that will connect Kolkatta with Sittwe port in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. India is now in the process of floating tenders to appoint a permanent port operator from Myanmar for the port. Efforts are also underway to connect Sittwe port by road to the Myanmar-Mizoram border.

Replying to whether India will be keen to link Kaladan project with Chinese port being built at Kyaukphyu, the Foreign Secretary said, "there is no plan to connect Kyaukphyu port to any of our projects as of now."

Last month, it was announced that China will be developing the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port in Myanmar. The port is near Sittwe port and the development comes even as China develops ports in other South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a three-day visit to Myanmar from 11th to 13th December. This will be the first visit to Myanmar by an Indian President in 12 years.

President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a three-day visit to Myanmar from 11th to 13th December. This will be the first visit to Myanmar by an Indian President in 12 years. The last visit was in the year 2006. This is President Kovind’s eighth state visit and seventh and final visit of the year 2018. This is also his first visit to a country with which India shares a land border. Putting the visit in perspective Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Myanmar is a close neighbour. It is also, by virtue of being an ASEAN country, the only one to which we are linked by land and sea. Therefore, it serves us as a link to South East Asia and for these reasons it is a country to which India attaches importance from the strategic perspective, from an economic perspective and from the cultural perspective given our cultural linkages and diaspora present in Myanmar." During the visit, the President and the first lady will be hosted by the President of Myanmar. During his trip, the President Kovind will visit Shwedagon Pagoda, Shri Kali Temple and the Mazaar of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. The President will also meet veterans of the Indian National Army and the surviving members of the INA. Giving more details of the visit, Press Secretary to the President, Ashok Malik said, "It is the second visit after the Vietnam visit. President Kovind will be engaging with the Government and Leadership of Myanmar on a wide variety of issues ranging from connectivity to investment, people to people ties and agriculture." The President will be accompanied by a three-member political delegation comprising Rajan Gohil, Minister of State for Railways; Ramprasad Sharma, Lok Sabha member from Tezpur, Assam, and K Bhavnanda Singh who is a Rajya Sabha member from Manipur. The delegation comprises parliamentarians from North East states and according to the press secretary is a "recognition of the fact that the development of the North East is interlinked with the development of Myanmar." The visit comes even as the Rohingya issue continues to dominate the region's discourse. Hoping that Myanmar Bangladesh will soon implement the Rohingya repatriation agreement, Foreign Secretary said, "The government of India has noted that governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar have recently reached a bilateral understanding and, as the only country that neighbours both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we believe it is in our interest and in the interest of the region that this bilateral understanding is implemented as soon as possible and that the displaced persons return to their homeland as soon as possible." Late last year, India signed the Rakhine State Development Program with Myanmar. The program is designed to assist the Government of Myanmar in Rakhine state to build housing infrastructure for the return of displaced persons. 250 units were planned for the first phase and by virtual means, the President of India will be handing over the first 50 units to the Myanmar side. India won't join Chinese post at Kyaukphyu Connectivity will be a major focus area. Remember, India is building a trilateral highway, which will eventually connect India to Thailand through Myanmar, and Kaladan Multimodal Project that will connect Kolkatta with Sittwe port in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. India is now in the process of floating tenders to appoint a permanent port operator from Myanmar for the port. Efforts are also underway to connect Sittwe port by road to the Myanmar-Mizoram border. Replying to whether India will be keen to link Kaladan project with Chinese port being built at Kyaukphyu, the Foreign Secretary said, "there is no plan to connect Kyaukphyu port to any of our projects as of now." Last month, it was announced that China will be developing the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port in Myanmar. The port is near Sittwe port and the development comes even as China develops ports in other South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

India hopes Myanmar, Bangladesh implement Rohingya repatriation agreement: Foreign Secretary

Pakistan wants "something done about the bombers of Mumbai", <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/imran-khans-moment-of-truth-173189">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> has said while tacitly acknowledging that the attack of November 2008 originated from Pakistani soil.

Khan, who has spoken about Pakistan taking two steps for peace for every step taken by India, said his government wants to prosecute those involved in the "act of terror" as it is in Islamabad's interest to resolve the matter.

The Pakistan prime minister said he has asked for the status of the case which is being heard in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan.

On November 26, 2008, 10 heavily-armed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists sailed into Mumbai and attacked multiple places in the city, including the iconic Taj Hotel.

In the coordinated attacks which shook the entire world, 166 people were killed and 300 injured.

"We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism," Khan said in an interview to the Washington Post, his first to a foreign publication.

He stated this when asked about the prosecution of the perpetrators of the audacious attacks and the release of LeT's operations commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.

The trial, underway in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan against seven activists, has made little headway in the last 10 years as the Pakistani establishment has been claiming lack of enough evidence against them.

India, which has provided a number of dossiers of evidence, has been maintaining that the bilateral relations cannot improve until Pakistan punishes all those involved in the crime.

India has particularly been pushing for action against LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, who has been roaming freely in Pakistan despite being declared as an international terrorist.

The Narendra Modi government has emphasised that terror and talks cannot go together.

In his interview, Khan expressed hope that talks with India would resume after the Lok Sabha elections due by May next year.

"Let's hope that after the election is over, we can again resume talks with India," he said.

Pakistan wants "something done about the bombers of Mumbai", Prime Minister Imran Khan has said while tacitly acknowledging that the attack of November 2008 originated from Pakistani soil.

Pakistan wants "something done about the bombers of Mumbai", Prime Minister Imran Khan has said while tacitly acknowledging that the attack of November 2008 originated from Pakistani soil. Khan, who has spoken about Pakistan taking two steps for peace for every step taken by India, said his government wants to prosecute those involved in the "act of terror" as it is in Islamabad's interest to resolve the matter. The Pakistan prime minister said he has asked for the status of the case which is being heard in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan. On November 26, 2008, 10 heavily-armed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists sailed into Mumbai and attacked multiple places in the city, including the iconic Taj Hotel. In the coordinated attacks which shook the entire world, 166 people were killed and 300 injured. "We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism," Khan said in an interview to the Washington Post, his first to a foreign publication. He stated this when asked about the prosecution of the perpetrators of the audacious attacks and the release of LeT's operations commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. The trial, underway in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan against seven activists, has made little headway in the last 10 years as the Pakistani establishment has been claiming lack of enough evidence against them. India, which has provided a number of dossiers of evidence, has been maintaining that the bilateral relations cannot improve until Pakistan punishes all those involved in the crime. India has particularly been pushing for action against LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, who has been roaming freely in Pakistan despite being declared as an international terrorist. The Narendra Modi government has emphasised that terror and talks cannot go together. In his interview, Khan expressed hope that talks with India would resume after the Lok Sabha elections due by May next year. "Let's hope that after the election is over, we can again resume talks with India," he said.

Imran Khan acknowledges 26/11 attacks originated from Pakistani soil

Loktantrik Janata Dal chief Sharad Yadav on Saturday apologised for his comments on incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.&nbsp;

Yadav stated that he has "very old family relations" with Raje and that he expresses regret if his words have hurt her.&nbsp;

The senior politician added that he will also write a letter to Raje.&nbsp;

"I saw her statement. I have very old family relations with her. If my words hurt her, I express my regret. I will also write a letter to her," Yadav stated.

Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday reacted to Senior politician Sharad Yadav's body shaming remarks on her and said she felt ''insulted''. The Rajasthan chief minister asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take cognisance of ''this kind of language''.

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Sharad Yadav on his remark 'Vasundhara (Raje) ko aaram do, thak gayi hain, bahut moti ho gayi hain': I saw her statement. I have very old family relations with her. If my words hurt her, I express my regret. I will also write a letter to her. <a href="https://t.co/oHGB1jPKzU">pic.twitter.com/oHGB1jPKzU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071329431917080577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''To set an example for future it's important that EC takes cognisance of this kind of language. I actually feel insulted and I think even women are insulted,'' she added.

Yadav <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-feel-insulted-vasundhara-raje-on-sharad-yadav-body-shaming-remarks-182095">sparked a controversy yesterday</a> when he said that Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje should take rest as she has gained weight.

"Give rest to Vasundhara. She looks too tired and has gained too much weight. Earlier she was slim. She is our Madhya Pradesh's daughter (Vasundhara ko aaram do, bahut thak gayi hain, bahut moti ho gayi hain, pehle patli thi. Humare Madhya Pradesh ki beti hai)," Yadav said on Thursday while addressing a rally.

Yadav later on clarified that he meant it as a joke. "It was a joke. I have known her for a long time. It was in no manner a derogatory remark. I didn't say it to hurt her. When I met her then also I told her that she is gaining weight," he said.

Loktantrik Janata Dal chief Sharad Yadav on Saturday apologised for his comments on incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Yadav stated that he has "very old family relations" with Raje and that he expresses regret if his words have hurt her.

Loktantrik Janata Dal chief Sharad Yadav on Saturday apologised for his comments on incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Yadav stated that he has "very old family relations" with Raje and that he expresses regret if his words have hurt her. The senior politician added that he will also write a letter to Raje. "I saw her statement. I have very old family relations with her. If my words hurt her, I express my regret. I will also write a letter to her," Yadav stated. Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday reacted to Senior politician Sharad Yadav's body shaming remarks on her and said she felt ''insulted''. The Rajasthan chief minister asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take cognisance of ''this kind of language''. Sharad Yadav on his remark 'Vasundhara (Raje) ko aaram do, thak gayi hain, bahut moti ho gayi hain': I saw her statement. I have very old family relations with her. If my words hurt her, I express my regret. I will also write a letter to her. pic.twitter.com/oHGB1jPKzU — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2018 × ''To set an example for future it's important that EC takes cognisance of this kind of language. I actually feel insulted and I think even women are insulted,'' she added. Yadav sparked a controversy yesterday when he said that Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje should take rest as she has gained weight. "Give rest to Vasundhara. She looks too tired and has gained too much weight. Earlier she was slim. She is our Madhya Pradesh's daughter (Vasundhara ko aaram do, bahut thak gayi hain, bahut moti ho gayi hain, pehle patli thi. Humare Madhya Pradesh ki beti hai)," Yadav said on Thursday while addressing a rally. Yadav later on clarified that he meant it as a joke. "It was a joke. I have known her for a long time. It was in no manner a derogatory remark. I didn't say it to hurt her. When I met her then also I told her that she is gaining weight," he said.

Sharad Yadav apologises for fat shaming Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje

At least 11 people died after a bus they were travelling skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Plera in Mandi tehsil of Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. News agency AFP reports at least 13 dead.

Multiple injuries reported, according to news agency ANI.&nbsp;

The accident took place&nbsp;at Plera when the driver of the bus, coming from Loran to Poonch, lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a curve and rolled down into a 100-meter gorge, a police official said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: At least 11 dead after a bus skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Plera in Mandi tehsil of Poonch district today, multiple injuries reported. The bus was heading towards Poonch from Loran. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/nJylRzLDPI">pic.twitter.com/nJylRzLDPI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071280901336809474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Quoting preliminary information, he said 11 persons were killed on the spot while 19 others were injured in the accident.

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Rajiv Pandey, SSP Poonch on the bus accident in Plera in Mandi tehsil of Poonch earlier today: 13 deaths reported &amp; 13 are reportedly injured. Out of the 13 injured, 3 stand shifted, airlifted to Jammu for better treatment. Rescue operation is completed so far. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3bsALcRVh">pic.twitter.com/c3bsALcRVh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071353880028491776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The death toll is expected to go up as the condition of most of the injured was stated to be critical, the official said.

A rescue operation is underway&nbsp;and further details awaited, he said.

At least 11 people died after a bus they were travelling skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Plera in Mandi tehsil of Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

At least 11 people died after a bus they were travelling skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Plera in Mandi tehsil of Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. News agency AFP reports at least 13 dead. Multiple injuries reported, according to news agency ANI. The accident took place at Plera when the driver of the bus, coming from Loran to Poonch, lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a curve and rolled down into a 100-meter gorge, a police official said. #JammuAndKashmir: At least 11 dead after a bus skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Plera in Mandi tehsil of Poonch district today, multiple injuries reported. The bus was heading towards Poonch from Loran. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/nJylRzLDPI — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2018 × Quoting preliminary information, he said 11 persons were killed on the spot while 19 others were injured in the accident. Rajiv Pandey, SSP Poonch on the bus accident in Plera in Mandi tehsil of Poonch earlier today: 13 deaths reported & 13 are reportedly injured. Out of the 13 injured, 3 stand shifted, airlifted to Jammu for better treatment. Rescue operation is completed so far. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/c3bsALcRVh — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2018 × The death toll is expected to go up as the condition of most of the injured was stated to be critical, the official said. A rescue operation is underway and further details awaited, he said.

J&K: 13 dead as bus falls into deep gorge in Poonch district 

Incumbent Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday expressed confidence of Bharatiya Janata Party winning the state assembly elections.

Speaking at Madhya Pradesh's Umaria, Chouhan stated that there could not be a biggest surveyor than him and therefore he is certain of the saffron party winning the elections.&nbsp;

"There cannot be a surveyor bigger than me, someone who is among the people day in and day out. Therefore I am saying this confidently that BJP will form the govt. This is important for people, poor, farmers, children and women," Chouhan noted.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-will-get-comfortable-majority-in-madhya-pradesh-chouhan-181476">Chouhan, earlier this week</a> exuded confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would get a comfortable majority in the recently-concluded Assembly elections in the state.

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Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Umaria, MP: There cannot be a surveyor bigger than me, someone who is among the people day in and day out. Therefore I am saying this confidently that BJP will form the govt. This is important for people, poor, farmers, children &amp; women. <a href="https://t.co/0RdCPXriQl">pic.twitter.com/0RdCPXriQl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071339026030960640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We will get a good majority. It's not correct to say a number. I don't lie. You will see on (December) 11th (counting day). The BJP will get a comfortable majority," Chouhan noted.

Madhya Pradesh went to polls on November 28. The final result of the electoral battle will be made public after the counting of votes concludes on December 11.&nbsp;

Incumbent Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday expressed confidence of Bharatiya Janata Party winning the state assembly elections. Speaking at Madhya Pradesh's Umaria, Chouhan stated that there could not be a biggest surveyor than him and therefore he is certain of the saffron party winning the elections.

Incumbent Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday expressed confidence of Bharatiya Janata Party winning the state assembly elections. Speaking at Madhya Pradesh's Umaria, Chouhan stated that there could not be a biggest surveyor than him and therefore he is certain of the saffron party winning the elections. "There cannot be a surveyor bigger than me, someone who is among the people day in and day out. Therefore I am saying this confidently that BJP will form the govt. This is important for people, poor, farmers, children and women," Chouhan noted. Chouhan, earlier this week exuded confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would get a comfortable majority in the recently-concluded Assembly elections in the state. Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Umaria, MP: There cannot be a surveyor bigger than me, someone who is among the people day in and day out. Therefore I am saying this confidently that BJP will form the govt. This is important for people, poor, farmers, children & women. pic.twitter.com/0RdCPXriQl — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2018 × "We will get a good majority. It's not correct to say a number. I don't lie. You will see on (December) 11th (counting day). The BJP will get a comfortable majority," Chouhan noted. Madhya Pradesh went to polls on November 28. The final result of the electoral battle will be made public after the counting of votes concludes on December 11.

Saying this confidently that BJP will form government in MP: Shivraj Singh Chouhan 

In a first, India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited US Indo Pacific command in Hawaii. The visit comes months after the US changed the name of Pacific command, its largest command in the world, to Indo Pacific command. She was hosted by Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Phil Davidson who said, “Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order, which has brought decades of peace, stability, and prosperity. We are global partners on defense and security and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

India's defence minister also visited the historic Pearl Harbour and boarded US Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy. The visit coincided with the 77th anniversary of the 1941 attack on pearl harbour by Japanese forces, the attack which is considered a turning point in world war 2 and eventually led to the defeat of Japanese forces in the region. Nirmala Sitharaman is on an official visit to the US from December 2-7, at the invitation of US Secretary of Defence James N. Mattis.

The visit by Defence minister comes at a time when India and US have been engaging to expand the Indo Pacific concept. At the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore, PM Modi said that Indo Pacific is inclusive and "India's vision for the Indo-Pacific Region is a positive one" with "ASEAN centrality and unity".

<img alt="Defence Minister in Hawaii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0b9f176-546a-4686-913f-1c1901c7cd71" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/defence%20minister%201.JPG" />

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The United States and India have been major defense partners since 2016. During the recently concluded inaugural US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi in September, New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA or Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, according to India Air Forces officials. The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition in the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force.

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In a first, India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited US Indo Pacific command in Hawaii. The visit comes months after the US changed the name of Pacific command, its largest command in the world, to Indo Pacific command.

In a first, India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited US Indo Pacific command in Hawaii. The visit comes months after the US changed the name of Pacific command, its largest command in the world, to Indo Pacific command. She was hosted by Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Phil Davidson who said, “Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order, which has brought decades of peace, stability, and prosperity. We are global partners on defense and security and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” India's defence minister also visited the historic Pearl Harbour and boarded US Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy. The visit coincided with the 77th anniversary of the 1941 attack on pearl harbour by Japanese forces, the attack which is considered a turning point in world war 2 and eventually led to the defeat of Japanese forces in the region. Nirmala Sitharaman is on an official visit to the US from December 2-7, at the invitation of US Secretary of Defence James N. Mattis. The visit by Defence minister comes at a time when India and US have been engaging to expand the Indo Pacific concept. At the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore, PM Modi said that Indo Pacific is inclusive and "India's vision for the Indo-Pacific Region is a positive one" with "ASEAN centrality and unity". The United States and India have been major defense partners since 2016. During the recently concluded inaugural US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi in September, New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA or Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, according to India Air Forces officials. The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition in the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force.

Defence minister visits US Indo-Pacific command in Hawaii

Citing the fundamental right to privacy, the Goa government has opposed a plea seeking the High Court's direction to the state administration to declare the health status of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

In an affidavit filed before Justice R M Borde of the Goa bench of the high court Friday, state Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma questioned the maintainability of the petition filed by activist Trajano D'Mello a month ago.

"Like any other person who may not occupy public office has a right to not disclose his health problems to the public. If a person is directed to disclose his health ailments to the public merely because he happens to be the CM, the same would be the violation of Right to Privacy under Article 21," it stated.

In his public interest litigation, D'Mello had claimed "administrative collapse" in Goa due to extended absence of Parrikar, 62, from office.

The chief minister, who has been in and out of hospitals since early this year, is currently recuperating at his private residence here since he was shifted there from AIIMS in Delhi in October.

The present petition is absolutely lacking in good faith which is an essential prerequisite for the maintainability of public interest litigation," the affidavit said.

The petitioner's claim of "administrative collapse" is absolutely unsubstantiated, vague and is entirely based on hearsay which cannot be the basis of a PIL, it said.

"The petitioner, through this PIL, indirectly seeks to assail the right to privacy of the CM, as an individual," the affidavit read.

In his plea, D'Mello had raised apprehension that Parrikar's signatures on several official documents are being forged.

"Despite physically incapacitated and bed-ridden in the ICU, Parrikar has breached constitutional trust by virtue to remain as CM despite the fact that he is physically and mentally incapable of discharging his constitutional obligations," D'Mello's affidavit said.

The chief secretary stated that there is no genuine grievance by the petitioner to substantiate his allegation of administrative collapse in Goa.

He stated that the chief minister chairs cabinet meetings regularly, meets legislators and takes decisions on various matters concerning the state.

"The petitioner has relied upon only those press items which suit him. The petitioner is therefore guilty of suppressing vital information from this court.

"The entire petition is lacking in any material particulars and as such is a roving and a fishing inquiry which prima facie is inadmissible," the affidavit said. 
The HC will hear the matter on December 10.&nbsp;

Citing the fundamental right to privacy, the Goa government has opposed a plea seeking the High Court's direction to the state administration to declare the health status of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Citing the fundamental right to privacy, the Goa government has opposed a plea seeking the High Court's direction to the state administration to declare the health status of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. In an affidavit filed before Justice R M Borde of the Goa bench of the high court Friday, state Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma questioned the maintainability of the petition filed by activist Trajano D'Mello a month ago. "Like any other person who may not occupy public office has a right to not disclose his health problems to the public. If a person is directed to disclose his health ailments to the public merely because he happens to be the CM, the same would be the violation of Right to Privacy under Article 21," it stated. In his public interest litigation, D'Mello had claimed "administrative collapse" in Goa due to extended absence of Parrikar, 62, from office. The chief minister, who has been in and out of hospitals since early this year, is currently recuperating at his private residence here since he was shifted there from AIIMS in Delhi in October. The present petition is absolutely lacking in good faith which is an essential prerequisite for the maintainability of public interest litigation," the affidavit said. The petitioner's claim of "administrative collapse" is absolutely unsubstantiated, vague and is entirely based on hearsay which cannot be the basis of a PIL, it said. "The petitioner, through this PIL, indirectly seeks to assail the right to privacy of the CM, as an individual," the affidavit read. In his plea, D'Mello had raised apprehension that Parrikar's signatures on several official documents are being forged. "Despite physically incapacitated and bed-ridden in the ICU, Parrikar has breached constitutional trust by virtue to remain as CM despite the fact that he is physically and mentally incapable of discharging his constitutional obligations," D'Mello's affidavit said. The chief secretary stated that there is no genuine grievance by the petitioner to substantiate his allegation of administrative collapse in Goa. He stated that the chief minister chairs cabinet meetings regularly, meets legislators and takes decisions on various matters concerning the state. "The petitioner has relied upon only those press items which suit him. The petitioner is therefore guilty of suppressing vital information from this court. "The entire petition is lacking in any material particulars and as such is a roving and a fishing inquiry which prima facie is inadmissible," the affidavit said. The HC will hear the matter on December 10.

Goa government opposes PIL for declaring CM's health status in High Court

India and the US are global partners in defence and regional security, a top US commander has said, as Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman toured the headquarters of the strategic Indo-Pacific command in Hawaii before concluding her maiden visit to America.

Sitharaman described her US visit as part of her endeavour to "take forward the bilateral defence cooperation".

Noting that the India-US relationship in defence has acquired the dimensions of a strategic partnership over the last decade, she said that the two countries have made considerable progress.

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On board the US Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy on 6 December 2018 at Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam, Hawaii. <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAmbIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbassyUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbassyUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/yXjzdsfFSc">pic.twitter.com/yXjzdsfFSc</a>
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1070846086154055680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sitharaman capped off her trip with a visit to Hawaii, the headquarters of what early this year was rechristened as US Indo-Pacific Command.

The US calls Asia Pacific as Indo-Pacific. It has renamed Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command or INDOPACOM.

"Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order which has brought decades of peace, stability and prosperity. We are global partners on defence and security, and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a free and open Indo-Pacific," said US INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Phil Davidson.

US INDOPACOM, at the conclusion of Sitharaman's visit, said that this partnership was a reflection of the increasing strategic importance of the US-India security relationship and the progress both countries have made in advancing their defence cooperation.

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. <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> given a ceremonial welcome by <a href="https://twitter.com/INDOPACOM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INDOPACOM</a> U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Phil Davidson on 6 December 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewsLive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewsLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/4Jin7HW77N">pic.twitter.com/4Jin7HW77N</a>
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/1070775297157619712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The scope for mutual coordination and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region continues to grow. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, Indian officials said.

The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition to the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force.

Meeting her American counterpart at the Pentagon on Monday, Sitharaman said the recent high-level meetings are an indication of the depth and quality of "our bilateral partnership, as well as our mutual desire" to work closely on a range of bilateral and global issues.

While no announcements were made with regard to shifting of F-16 production base to India or deals in armed drones, officials privy to the high-level talks said: "The US is leaning a way forward" in meeting India's needs and aspirations in the defence sector and is taking steps that would help it achieve its strategic goals.

There is a "mutual desire to move positively and quickly" in defence relationship, Sitharaman told reporters at the Pentagon on Monday, which was also her only media interaction during the visit.

In one month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vice President Mike Pence and then US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinjo Abe in a trilateral meeting wherein Indo-Pacific and regional peace was discussed.

Early this summer, Mattis met Modi.

Sitharaman, India's first woman defence minister, was accorded a red-carpet welcome during her maiden visit to the US in this capacity wherein she was given a rare look-in and briefing into the various aspects of US armed forces, defence industry and the ecosystem that the US has developed over the last few decades involving the military, strategic thinking community, research and industrial base.

In San Francisco, the hub of innovation and start-ups Sitharaman and her delegation was given an insight into the American defence research set-up and the best defence practices that can be adopted by India.

The current situation in the Indo-Pacific region was the topic of focus during Sitharaman's meetings with US leaders, besides which a wide range of issues was covered, including the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan, recent developments in Sri Lanka, Maldives and quick coordination between the two powerful armies for peace purposes, officials said.

Issues like CAATSA and purchase of major defence equipment from Russia including S-400 did crop up during the meeting, but the Americans gave an impression that the Trump administration is "eager than ever" to enhance its defence trade and strategic ties with India.

While making it clear that India can buy weapons from any country it sees fit, the American leadership suggested the Asian nation to select the US over other countries.

Some of the existing rules, regulations and legislation have slowed the process of defence acquisition from the US, the Indian delegation said.

This was said despite major changes like India being accorded a 'major defence partner' status in 2016, placed in the STA-1 category this year and signing the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement in September.

Given India's geographical location, its representatives said they were willing to place orders for the latest military hardware and technology and not for anything else.

The officials said India does not want simple defence trade as co-development and co-production need to be essential in the India-US defence relationship.

The US appeared on the same page but expressed their sense of frustration over India's defence procurement process.

China claims almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea and has also laid claims on the Senkaku islands under the control of Japan in the East China Sea.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims over the South China Sea.

The US is periodically deploying its naval ships and fighter planes to assert freedom of navigation.

India and the US are global partners in defence and regional security, a top US commander has said, as Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman toured the headquarters of the strategic Indo-Pacific command in Hawaii before concluding her maiden visit to America.

India and the US are global partners in defence and regional security, a top US commander has said, as Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman toured the headquarters of the strategic Indo-Pacific command in Hawaii before concluding her maiden visit to America. Sitharaman described her US visit as part of her endeavour to "take forward the bilateral defence cooperation". Noting that the India-US relationship in defence has acquired the dimensions of a strategic partnership over the last decade, she said that the two countries have made considerable progress. On board the US Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy on 6 December 2018 at Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam, Hawaii. @USAmbIndia @IndianEmbassyUS @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/yXjzdsfFSc — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) December 7, 2018 × Sitharaman capped off her trip with a visit to Hawaii, the headquarters of what early this year was rechristened as US Indo-Pacific Command. The US calls Asia Pacific as Indo-Pacific. It has renamed Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command or INDOPACOM. "Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order which has brought decades of peace, stability and prosperity. We are global partners on defence and security, and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a free and open Indo-Pacific," said US INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Phil Davidson. US INDOPACOM, at the conclusion of Sitharaman's visit, said that this partnership was a reflection of the increasing strategic importance of the US-India security relationship and the progress both countries have made in advancing their defence cooperation. . @DefenceMinIndia @nsitharaman given a ceremonial welcome by @INDOPACOM U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Phil Davidson on 6 December 2018 @SpokespersonMoD @MEAIndia @PIB_India @DDNewsLive pic.twitter.com/4Jin7HW77N — India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) December 6, 2018 × The scope for mutual coordination and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region continues to grow. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, Indian officials said. The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition to the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force. Meeting her American counterpart at the Pentagon on Monday, Sitharaman said the recent high-level meetings are an indication of the depth and quality of "our bilateral partnership, as well as our mutual desire" to work closely on a range of bilateral and global issues. While no announcements were made with regard to shifting of F-16 production base to India or deals in armed drones, officials privy to the high-level talks said: "The US is leaning a way forward" in meeting India's needs and aspirations in the defence sector and is taking steps that would help it achieve its strategic goals. There is a "mutual desire to move positively and quickly" in defence relationship, Sitharaman told reporters at the Pentagon on Monday, which was also her only media interaction during the visit. In one month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vice President Mike Pence and then US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinjo Abe in a trilateral meeting wherein Indo-Pacific and regional peace was discussed. Early this summer, Mattis met Modi. Sitharaman, India's first woman defence minister, was accorded a red-carpet welcome during her maiden visit to the US in this capacity wherein she was given a rare look-in and briefing into the various aspects of US armed forces, defence industry and the ecosystem that the US has developed over the last few decades involving the military, strategic thinking community, research and industrial base. In San Francisco, the hub of innovation and start-ups Sitharaman and her delegation was given an insight into the American defence research set-up and the best defence practices that can be adopted by India. The current situation in the Indo-Pacific region was the topic of focus during Sitharaman's meetings with US leaders, besides which a wide range of issues was covered, including the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan, recent developments in Sri Lanka, Maldives and quick coordination between the two powerful armies for peace purposes, officials said. Issues like CAATSA and purchase of major defence equipment from Russia including S-400 did crop up during the meeting, but the Americans gave an impression that the Trump administration is "eager than ever" to enhance its defence trade and strategic ties with India. While making it clear that India can buy weapons from any country it sees fit, the American leadership suggested the Asian nation to select the US over other countries. Some of the existing rules, regulations and legislation have slowed the process of defence acquisition from the US, the Indian delegation said. This was said despite major changes like India being accorded a 'major defence partner' status in 2016, placed in the STA-1 category this year and signing the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement in September. Given India's geographical location, its representatives said they were willing to place orders for the latest military hardware and technology and not for anything else. The officials said India does not want simple defence trade as co-development and co-production need to be essential in the India-US defence relationship. The US appeared on the same page but expressed their sense of frustration over India's defence procurement process. China claims almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea and has also laid claims on the Senkaku islands under the control of Japan in the East China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims over the South China Sea. The US is periodically deploying its naval ships and fighter planes to assert freedom of navigation.

'US is leaning a way forward' in meeting India's needs and aspirations in defence sector: Officials

A day after the assembly election in Rajasthan, two officials, Abdul Rafeeq and Patwari Naval Singh, were suspended from the state on grounds of negligence with the EVM machine.

A ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan on Friday.

The ballot unit which was later recovered and has now been kept in a strong room in Kishanganj.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: A ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan yesterday. Two officials have been suspended on grounds of negligence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/yq7F1mbCFV">pic.twitter.com/yq7F1mbCFV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071252930068705280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The suspension order was issued by District Election Officer and Collector S P Singh after a fact-finding report was filed by the returning officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kishanganj in connection with the incident.&nbsp;

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Two officials have been suspended in connection with the incident where a ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/FvCOgdkgof">pic.twitter.com/FvCOgdkgof</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071249838849884160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;The polling in Rajasthan was held in 51,687 polling booths out of which 259 were managed exclusively by women officials and security personnel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after the assembly election in Rajasthan, two officials, Abdul Rafeeq and Patwari Naval Singh, were suspended from the state on grounds of negligence with the EVM machine.

A day after the assembly election in Rajasthan, two officials, Abdul Rafeeq and Patwari Naval Singh, were suspended from the state on grounds of negligence with the EVM machine. A ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan on Friday. The ballot unit which was later recovered and has now been kept in a strong room in Kishanganj. #WATCH: A ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan yesterday. Two officials have been suspended on grounds of negligence. #RajasthanElections pic.twitter.com/yq7F1mbCFV — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2018 × The suspension order was issued by District Election Officer and Collector S P Singh after a fact-finding report was filed by the returning officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kishanganj in connection with the incident. Two officials have been suspended in connection with the incident where a ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan. #RajasthanElections pic.twitter.com/FvCOgdkgof — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2018 × The polling in Rajasthan was held in 51,687 polling booths out of which 259 were managed exclusively by women officials and security personnel. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajasthan: 2 officials suspended after ballot units found on road

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Rajasthan: 2 officials suspended after ballot units found on road