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Leaders of Odisha's ruling party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will meet all national and regional parties to discuss the 33 per cent reservation for women in the Parliament and State Assemblies.

The decision comes after a meeting was held on Wednesday by party chief and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with senior leaders of the party.

Specific leaders have been given the responsibility to meet specific parties. The said leaders will request various parties to support the 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

BJD leaders will meet top leaders of seven national and 15 regional parties, including Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Nationalist Congress Party, Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Bahujan Samaj Party, Aam Aadmi Party, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Indian National Lok Dal, Janata Dal (Secular), Janata Dal (United), National Conference, People`s Democratic Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, Telugu Desam Party, Samajwadi Party and Telangana Rashtra Samithi.

On Tuesday, Patnaik had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate the move to ensure one-third reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislatures in November.

In 2011, the Odisha Government enhanced the reservation for women in Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies to 50 per cent.

Leaders of Odisha's ruling party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will meet all national and regional parties to discuss the 33 per cent reservation for women in the Parliament and State Assemblies.

Leaders of Odisha's ruling party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will meet all national and regional parties to discuss the 33 per cent reservation for women in the Parliament and State Assemblies. The decision comes after a meeting was held on Wednesday by party chief and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with senior leaders of the party. Specific leaders have been given the responsibility to meet specific parties. The said leaders will request various parties to support the 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. BJD leaders will meet top leaders of seven national and 15 regional parties, including Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Nationalist Congress Party, Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Bahujan Samaj Party, Aam Aadmi Party, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Indian National Lok Dal, Janata Dal (Secular), Janata Dal (United), National Conference, People`s Democratic Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, Telugu Desam Party, Samajwadi Party and Telangana Rashtra Samithi. On Tuesday, Patnaik had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate the move to ensure one-third reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislatures in November. In 2011, the Odisha Government enhanced the reservation for women in Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies to 50 per cent.

BJD to approach national, regional political outfits on women reservation

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Telangana is set for Assembly polls on Friday with the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest.

More than 1.50 lakh polling officials including reserve staff are in the process of giving final touches Thursday to make the election to the 119-member House a smooth affair.

Over 2.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the State, which has a total of 32,815 polling stations across.Campaigning by political parties came to an end at 5 pm Wednesday.

Additional DG ( Law and order) Jitender Thursday told PTI that about one lakh police personnel including 25,000 central paramilitary forces and 20,000 from other states are engaged in poll duties.

A senior police official said security was beefed up at bordering areas which were identified as Left Wing Extremist-affected regions.

The assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year, but the House was dissolved on September 6 as per a recommendation by the state cabinet.

It is to be seen if KCR's gamble to opt for early elections pays off.

The Congress has stitched together "Prajakutami" (People's Front) along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and the CPI to take on the ruling TRS, led by caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).

The TRS, seeking a second term in office, is going alone, as also the BJP. 
While KCR was, without doubt, the star campaigner for TRS, the Congress and the BJP fielded their bigwigs for campaigning which turned out to be a shrill one.

For the Congress, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the party President Rahul Gandhi addressed election rallies.

The BJP relied on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party President Amit Shah.

Gandhi also addressed a joint meeting with TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

"We will win 100 seats", KCR repeatedly said in campaign meetings. 
Rahul Gandhi said Wednesday the Congress-led alliance is confident of winning the elections "hands-down" and claimed that KCR was showing "signs of nervousness and insecurity" in recent campaign meetings he addressed.

The BJP, which won five seats in alliance with the TDP in the last elections in 2014, said it ensured that there is a triangular fight in Telangana this time.

"Earlier, when the election season began, it was projected by both the Congress and TRS as if the fight is between them but it was a propaganda," Telangana BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao told PTI.

Vigorous campaign by BJP's national and state leaders ensured that it has become a "triangular contest where nobody can actually say who is winning and how many seats," Rao said.

Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar in a press conference said, "Some political parties expressed apprehensions that there was the distribution of liquor and money in some places.

We gave strict instructions to police and other officials to deal with such incidents sternly."

"Distribution of voters' slips was done 100 per cent," he said.Polling will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm, while in 13 constituencies which were classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends one hour before (4 pm).

As many as 446 flying squads are in operation in the state to swing into action if any irregularity is reported during the elections and 448 static surveillance teams would also keep a watch on the situation and would wait in wings to take action, Kumar said.

Besides, 224 video-surveillance teams and 133 video-viewing teams have been pressed into service.

There are 126 assistant expenditure observers and 123 accounting teams.For the first time, Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana.

As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election.

Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11.

Huge sums of unaccounted cash and illegal liquor and other goods were seized since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on September 27.

As per the last count, the total seizures stood at nearly Rs 135 crore including unaccounted cash, illegal liquor and other goods, Rajat Kumar said adding that the total seizures were 90 per cent more than that of during 2014 polls.

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Telangana is set for Assembly polls on Friday with the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest.

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Telangana is set for Assembly polls on Friday with the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. More than 1.50 lakh polling officials including reserve staff are in the process of giving final touches Thursday to make the election to the 119-member House a smooth affair. Over 2.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the State, which has a total of 32,815 polling stations across.Campaigning by political parties came to an end at 5 pm Wednesday. Additional DG ( Law and order) Jitender Thursday told PTI that about one lakh police personnel including 25,000 central paramilitary forces and 20,000 from other states are engaged in poll duties. A senior police official said security was beefed up at bordering areas which were identified as Left Wing Extremist-affected regions. The assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year, but the House was dissolved on September 6 as per a recommendation by the state cabinet. It is to be seen if KCR's gamble to opt for early elections pays off. The Congress has stitched together "Prajakutami" (People's Front) along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and the CPI to take on the ruling TRS, led by caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). The TRS, seeking a second term in office, is going alone, as also the BJP. While KCR was, without doubt, the star campaigner for TRS, the Congress and the BJP fielded their bigwigs for campaigning which turned out to be a shrill one. For the Congress, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the party President Rahul Gandhi addressed election rallies. The BJP relied on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party President Amit Shah. Gandhi also addressed a joint meeting with TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. "We will win 100 seats", KCR repeatedly said in campaign meetings. Rahul Gandhi said Wednesday the Congress-led alliance is confident of winning the elections "hands-down" and claimed that KCR was showing "signs of nervousness and insecurity" in recent campaign meetings he addressed. The BJP, which won five seats in alliance with the TDP in the last elections in 2014, said it ensured that there is a triangular fight in Telangana this time. "Earlier, when the election season began, it was projected by both the Congress and TRS as if the fight is between them but it was a propaganda," Telangana BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao told PTI. Vigorous campaign by BJP's national and state leaders ensured that it has become a "triangular contest where nobody can actually say who is winning and how many seats," Rao said. Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar in a press conference said, "Some political parties expressed apprehensions that there was the distribution of liquor and money in some places. We gave strict instructions to police and other officials to deal with such incidents sternly." "Distribution of voters' slips was done 100 per cent," he said.Polling will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm, while in 13 constituencies which were classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends one hour before (4 pm). As many as 446 flying squads are in operation in the state to swing into action if any irregularity is reported during the elections and 448 static surveillance teams would also keep a watch on the situation and would wait in wings to take action, Kumar said. Besides, 224 video-surveillance teams and 133 video-viewing teams have been pressed into service. There are 126 assistant expenditure observers and 123 accounting teams.For the first time, Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana. As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election. Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11. Huge sums of unaccounted cash and illegal liquor and other goods were seized since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on September 27. As per the last count, the total seizures stood at nearly Rs 135 crore including unaccounted cash, illegal liquor and other goods, Rajat Kumar said adding that the total seizures were 90 per cent more than that of during 2014 polls.

After high-voltage campaign, Telangana set for Assembly poll

Hitting out at Prime Minister Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked him to spare some time for his "part-time job as PM".

Referring to his campaigning for ongoing assembly elections in five states, he tweeted, "Dear Mr Modi,&nbsp;Now that campaigning is over, hope you can spare some time for your part-time job as PM.&nbsp;Btw its been 1,654 days since u became PM. Still no press conference? Some pics from our Hyderabad PC today. Try one someday, it’s fun having questions thrown at you!"

Rahul shared some pictures of the press conference he held in Hyderabad along with the tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear Mr Modi, 
 
Now that campaigning is over, hope you can spare some time for your part-time job as PM. 
 
Btw its been 1,654 days since u became PM. Still no press conference? 
 
Some pics from our Hyderabad PC today. Try one someday, it’s fun having questions thrown at you! <a href="https://t.co/Tc3I1kLGBI">pic.twitter.com/Tc3I1kLGBI</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1070359087798460416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Prime Minister Modi has not held a press conference since he assumed office as Prime Minister of India in May, 2014.&nbsp;

Hitting out at Prime Minister Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked him to spare some time for his "part-time job as PM". Referring to his campaigning for ongoing assembly elections in five states, he tweeted, "Dear Mr Modi, Now that campaigning is over, hope you can spare some time for your part-time job as PM.

Hitting out at Prime Minister Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked him to spare some time for his "part-time job as PM". Referring to his campaigning for ongoing assembly elections in five states, he tweeted, "Dear Mr Modi, Now that campaigning is over, hope you can spare some time for your part-time job as PM. Btw its been 1,654 days since u became PM. Still no press conference? Some pics from our Hyderabad PC today. Try one someday, it’s fun having questions thrown at you!" Rahul shared some pictures of the press conference he held in Hyderabad along with the tweet. Dear Mr Modi, Now that campaigning is over, hope you can spare some time for your part-time job as PM. Btw its been 1,654 days since u became PM. Still no press conference? Some pics from our Hyderabad PC today. Try one someday, it’s fun having questions thrown at you! pic.twitter.com/Tc3I1kLGBI — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 5, 2018 × Prime Minister Modi has not held a press conference since he assumed office as Prime Minister of India in May, 2014.

Rahul to Modi: Try holding a press conference, it’s fun having questions thrown at you

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757">Huawei global CFO arrested in Canada on suspicion of violating US sanctions against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757">Iran,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757"> faces extradition to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757">US</a>

The chief financial officer of China's global telecommunications giant Huawei has been arrested in Canada and faces extradition to the United States, officials said Friday, triggering a strong protest by Beijing, which called for her immediate release.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidency-fear-major-violence-as-it-scrap-fuel-tax-hikes-report-181768">French presidency fear major violence as it scraps fuel tax hikes plan: Report</a>

The French government, under pressure from weeks of "yellow vest" protests over rising living costs, on Wednesday scrapped all planned fuel tax hikes for 2019 and appealed for calm.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weve-never-sold-anyones-data-mark-zuckerberg-defends-facebook-in-new-data-breach-controversy-181764">We never sold anyone's data: Zuckerberg defends Facebook</a>

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg pushed back Wednesday against emails showing the&nbsp;social media giant offering Netflix and other popular apps&nbsp;preferential access to people's data even after it had tightened its privacy rules.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hails-trump-xi-summit-but-offers-no-new-details-181772">China hails Trump-Xi </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hails-trump-xi-summit-but-offers-no-new-details-181772">summit,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hails-trump-xi-summit-but-offers-no-new-details-181772"> but offers no new details</a>

The summit between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump in Argentina was "friendly and candid" and would help to avoid further trade tensions, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Thursday, but offered no new details on the talks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-maithripala-sirisena-says-lankan-political-crisis-to-end-in-7-days-181778">President Maithripala Sirisena says Lankan political crisis to end in 7 days</a>

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday said that the political crisis in island nation will not drag on beyond a week even as a war of words intensified between him and ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Huawei global CFO arrested in Canada on suspicion of violating US sanctions against Iran, faces extradition to US The chief financial officer of China's global telecommunications giant Huawei has been arrested in Canada and faces extradition to the United States, officials said Friday, triggering a strong protest by Beijing, which called for her immediate release.

Huawei global CFO arrested in Canada on suspicion of violating US sanctions against Iran, faces extradition to US The chief financial officer of China's global telecommunications giant Huawei has been arrested in Canada and faces extradition to the United States, officials said Friday, triggering a strong protest by Beijing, which called for her immediate release. French presidency fear major violence as it scraps fuel tax hikes plan: Report The French government, under pressure from weeks of "yellow vest" protests over rising living costs, on Wednesday scrapped all planned fuel tax hikes for 2019 and appealed for calm. We never sold anyone's data: Zuckerberg defends Facebook Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg pushed back Wednesday against emails showing the social media giant offering Netflix and other popular apps preferential access to people's data even after it had tightened its privacy rules. China hails Trump-Xi summit, but offers no new details The summit between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump in Argentina was "friendly and candid" and would help to avoid further trade tensions, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Thursday, but offered no new details on the talks. President Maithripala Sirisena says Lankan political crisis to end in 7 days Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday said that the political crisis in island nation will not drag on beyond a week even as a war of words intensified between him and ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

News brief: Big stories of the day

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday as she accused the party of "lying in the name of Hindu."

While addressing a gathering in Purba Medinipur, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief said: "In Assam, names of 40 lakh people were removed from voter lists, out of them 23 lakhs are Hindu Bengalis. People who are lying in the name of Hindu should know and keep this in mind."

On November 16, Mamata had urged the citizens of Assam to continue agitating against the draft list and extended support on behalf of the TMC to those who would oppose the draft.

"In NRC, genuine voters were taken out, Assamese, Biharis, Bengalis, and Biharis have been forcefully removed. Just imagine that your mother`s name is there, but your father`s name is not there. Your son`s name is mentioned, but there is no mention of your daughter. I urge that there should be no divisions over this," she had said.

Furthermore, Mamata had alleged that the BJP was a "history changer, name changer, note changer, and institution changer, but not game changer", due to which, "the country is in danger."

Banerjee also said that all the opposition parties would come together to dethrone the BJP in the upcoming general elections.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday as she accused the party of "lying in the name of Hindu.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday as she accused the party of "lying in the name of Hindu." While addressing a gathering in Purba Medinipur, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief said: "In Assam, names of 40 lakh people were removed from voter lists, out of them 23 lakhs are Hindu Bengalis. People who are lying in the name of Hindu should know and keep this in mind." On November 16, Mamata had urged the citizens of Assam to continue agitating against the draft list and extended support on behalf of the TMC to those who would oppose the draft. "In NRC, genuine voters were taken out, Assamese, Biharis, Bengalis, and Biharis have been forcefully removed. Just imagine that your mother`s name is there, but your father`s name is not there. Your son`s name is mentioned, but there is no mention of your daughter. I urge that there should be no divisions over this," she had said. Furthermore, Mamata had alleged that the BJP was a "history changer, name changer, note changer, and institution changer, but not game changer", due to which, "the country is in danger." Banerjee also said that all the opposition parties would come together to dethrone the BJP in the upcoming general elections.

In a veiled reference, Mamata accuses BJP of 'lying in the name of Hindus'

India on Thursday voiced strong objection to Pakistan`s move to change the status of Gilgit Baltistan and asked it to immediately end the illegal occupation of these areas along with rest of Jammu and Kashmir under its control.

The comments by External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar came in the wake of reports that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had called a Cabinet meeting to discuss various proposals, including the one to change the status of Gilgit Baltistan.

"Any attempt by Pakistan to change the legal status has no basis whatsoever. We call upon Pakistan to vacate all occupied territories," Kumar said at a press briefing here. Gilgit Baltistan is a part of Jammu and Kashmir annexed by Pakistan in 1947.

"Our statement and position on Gilgit Baltistan have been very consistent and clear. We have said that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir has been and will remain a part of India," Kumar added.&nbsp;

Gilgit Baltistan has witnessed regular protests by activists over alleged human rights violations by the Pakistani authorities in the region.

India on Thursday voiced strong objection to Pakistan`s move to change the status of Gilgit Baltistan and asked it to immediately end the illegal occupation of these areas along with rest of Jammu and Kashmir under its control.

India on Thursday voiced strong objection to Pakistan`s move to change the status of Gilgit Baltistan and asked it to immediately end the illegal occupation of these areas along with rest of Jammu and Kashmir under its control. The comments by External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar came in the wake of reports that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had called a Cabinet meeting to discuss various proposals, including the one to change the status of Gilgit Baltistan. "Any attempt by Pakistan to change the legal status has no basis whatsoever. We call upon Pakistan to vacate all occupied territories," Kumar said at a press briefing here. Gilgit Baltistan is a part of Jammu and Kashmir annexed by Pakistan in 1947. "Our statement and position on Gilgit Baltistan have been very consistent and clear. We have said that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir has been and will remain a part of India," Kumar added. Gilgit Baltistan has witnessed regular protests by activists over alleged human rights violations by the Pakistani authorities in the region.

India voices strong objection to any change in legal status of Gilgit Baltistan by Pakistan

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Thursday reiterated his wish to repay banks completely in a bid to end the narrative of him having "stolen" money from various lenders.

A day after Mallya requested banks to accept money from him, the 62-year-old, once again, refuted reports of any connection between his proposed settlement offer and the upcoming ruling in a UK court with regard to his request to block his extradition to India.

"Respectfully to all commentators, I cannot understand how my extradition decision or the recent extradition from Dubai and my settlement offer are linked in any way. Wherever I am physically,my appeal is "Please take the money". I want to stop the narrative that I stole money," he tweeted.

On Wednesday, the liquor baron, while refuting all allegations levelled against him, offered to pay back the full amount of the principal loan he owed to multiple banks.

"The Airlines struggled financially partly because of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and that`s where Banks money went. I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them. Please take it," he had tweeted.

"For three decades running India`s largest alcoholic beverage group, we contributed thousands of crores to the State exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the States. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it," read another tweet.

Last month, a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court had rejected Mallya`s plea seeking a stay on hearing of Enforcement Directorate`s (ED) application to declare him a fugitive.

The decision from the judicature came after five parties, including a family member of Mallya, sought court dossiers with regard to the ED seeking to get Mallya declared a fugitive economic offender under the new law.

Mallya is facing money-laundering charges in the United Kingdom after India initiated extradition proceedings against him. Both ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have filed several cases for alleged loan default against him.

The liquor baron is residing in the UK from the past two years. His extradition case is reportedly in its final stage at London`s Westminster Magistrates` Court, which is expected to deliver its ruling by the year-end.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Thursday reiterated his wish to repay banks completely in a bid to end the narrative of him having "stolen" money from various lenders.

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Thursday reiterated his wish to repay banks completely in a bid to end the narrative of him having "stolen" money from various lenders. A day after Mallya requested banks to accept money from him, the 62-year-old, once again, refuted reports of any connection between his proposed settlement offer and the upcoming ruling in a UK court with regard to his request to block his extradition to India. "Respectfully to all commentators, I cannot understand how my extradition decision or the recent extradition from Dubai and my settlement offer are linked in any way. Wherever I am physically,my appeal is "Please take the money". I want to stop the narrative that I stole money," he tweeted. On Wednesday, the liquor baron, while refuting all allegations levelled against him, offered to pay back the full amount of the principal loan he owed to multiple banks. "The Airlines struggled financially partly because of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and that`s where Banks money went. I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them. Please take it," he had tweeted. "For three decades running India`s largest alcoholic beverage group, we contributed thousands of crores to the State exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the States. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it," read another tweet. Last month, a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court had rejected Mallya`s plea seeking a stay on hearing of Enforcement Directorate`s (ED) application to declare him a fugitive. The decision from the judicature came after five parties, including a family member of Mallya, sought court dossiers with regard to the ED seeking to get Mallya declared a fugitive economic offender under the new law. Mallya is facing money-laundering charges in the United Kingdom after India initiated extradition proceedings against him. Both ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have filed several cases for alleged loan default against him. The liquor baron is residing in the UK from the past two years. His extradition case is reportedly in its final stage at London`s Westminster Magistrates` Court, which is expected to deliver its ruling by the year-end.

Want to stop the narrative that I stole money: Vijay Mallya

The Enforcement Directorate is likely to file a supplementary complaint in the alleged AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam. A senior ED official told ANI that the agency is expecting more information to come out of middleman Christian James Michel once he is questioned by the ED.

Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, was sent to five days CBI custody on Wednesday.&nbsp;Once the CBI interrogation is over, the ED will take charge of the interrogation.&nbsp;

The official told ANI that the Investigating Officers are preparing a questionnaire to interrogate Michel. He further added that ED has enough evidence against Michel and that ED had filed a prosecution complaint last year where it was alleged that Michel had paid several people in cash.

On July 18 2018, ED filed Prosecution Complaint against 34 accused persons and companies including Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini, former Directors of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, former IAF chief SP Tyagi and others in the case of AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam.&nbsp;

The ED investigation revealed that the kickbacks were paid by AgustaWestland through two different channels.&nbsp;

One channel was handled by middleman Christian Michel James and the other channel was handled by Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke.

Gerosa and Haschke in collusion with Tyagi brothers (cousins of former IAF chief SP Tyagi), conspired with Gautam Khaitan of M/s OP Khaitan and Company, Auditors and Solicitors based at New Delhi. Enforcement Directorate had earlier attached properties worth Rs 10 crores and froze shares worth more than Rs 150 crores belonging to Tyagi brothers, Gautam Khaitan, Carlo Gerosa, Christian Michel James and Rajiv Saxena.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate is likely to file a supplementary complaint in the alleged AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam. A senior ED official told ANI that the agency is expecting more information to come out of middleman Christian James Michel once he is questioned by the ED.

The Enforcement Directorate is likely to file a supplementary complaint in the alleged AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam. A senior ED official told ANI that the agency is expecting more information to come out of middleman Christian James Michel once he is questioned by the ED. Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, was sent to five days CBI custody on Wednesday. Once the CBI interrogation is over, the ED will take charge of the interrogation. The official told ANI that the Investigating Officers are preparing a questionnaire to interrogate Michel. He further added that ED has enough evidence against Michel and that ED had filed a prosecution complaint last year where it was alleged that Michel had paid several people in cash. On July 18 2018, ED filed Prosecution Complaint against 34 accused persons and companies including Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini, former Directors of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, former IAF chief SP Tyagi and others in the case of AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam. The ED investigation revealed that the kickbacks were paid by AgustaWestland through two different channels. One channel was handled by middleman Christian Michel James and the other channel was handled by Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke. Gerosa and Haschke in collusion with Tyagi brothers (cousins of former IAF chief SP Tyagi), conspired with Gautam Khaitan of M/s OP Khaitan and Company, Auditors and Solicitors based at New Delhi. Enforcement Directorate had earlier attached properties worth Rs 10 crores and froze shares worth more than Rs 150 crores belonging to Tyagi brothers, Gautam Khaitan, Carlo Gerosa, Christian Michel James and Rajiv Saxena.

ED likely to file supplementary complaint in AgustaWestland chopper scam

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-in-a-position-to-tell-us-what-to-do-says-saudi-arabia-on-oil-price-cut-181971">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-in-a-position-to-tell-us-what-to-do-says-saudi-arabia-on-oil-price-cut-181971"> not in a position to tell us what to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-in-a-position-to-tell-us-what-to-do-says-saudi-arabia-on-oil-price-cut-181971">do,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-in-a-position-to-tell-us-what-to-do-says-saudi-arabia-on-oil-price-cut-181971"> says Saudi Arabia on oil price cut</a>

In a move aimed at President Trump, Saudi Arabia's oil minister said the US should not try to dictate policy to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC.

President Trump in a tweet on Wednesday had said the world does not want to see, or need higher oil prices.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-long-standing-demand-of-sikhs-unfortunate-pak-tried-to-politicise-religious-issue-india-181940">Kartarpur corridor </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-long-standing-demand-of-sikhs-unfortunate-pak-tried-to-politicise-religious-issue-india-181940">long standing</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-long-standing-demand-of-sikhs-unfortunate-pak-tried-to-politicise-religious-issue-india-181940"> demand of Sikhs, unfortunate Pak tried to politicise religious issue: India</a>

India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) said today that India's protocol officers were denied entry for the Kartarpur ceremony.

"We see it as the fulfilment of the long-standing demand of the Sikh community. It is unfortunate that Pakistan attempted to politicised a religious issue," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/perpetrators-involved-in-chabahar-terror-attack-should-be-brought-to-justice-india-181926">Perpetrators involved in Chabahar terror attack should be brought to justice: India</a>

India today condemned the suicide attack on the Chabahar port in southeastern Iran in which at least three people were killed and several others were injured.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-immediate-release-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-181949">China urges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-immediate-release-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-181949">immediate</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-immediate-release-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-181949"> release of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou&nbsp;</a>

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday firmly opposed the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer in Vancouver, Canada and urged an immediate release of her.

Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou was detained in Canada at the request of the United States and the US is seeking her extradition.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/can-uk-renounce-brexit-eu-court-decides-monday-181916">Can </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/can-uk-renounce-brexit-eu-court-decides-monday-181916">UK</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/can-uk-renounce-brexit-eu-court-decides-monday-181916"> renounce Brexit? EU court to decide on Monday</a>

The European Court of Justice is expected to announce on Monday whether or not Britain can unilaterally halt its march towards Brexit, a day before a make-or-break vote by MPs on the divorce deal.

US not in a position to tell us what to do, says Saudi Arabia on oil price cut In a move aimed at President Trump, Saudi Arabia's oil minister said the US should not try to dictate policy to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC.

US not in a position to tell us what to do, says Saudi Arabia on oil price cut In a move aimed at President Trump, Saudi Arabia's oil minister said the US should not try to dictate policy to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC. President Trump in a tweet on Wednesday had said the world does not want to see, or need higher oil prices. Kartarpur corridor long standing demand of Sikhs, unfortunate Pak tried to politicise religious issue: India India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) said today that India's protocol officers were denied entry for the Kartarpur ceremony. "We see it as the fulfilment of the long-standing demand of the Sikh community. It is unfortunate that Pakistan attempted to politicised a religious issue," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. Perpetrators involved in Chabahar terror attack should be brought to justice: India India today condemned the suicide attack on the Chabahar port in southeastern Iran in which at least three people were killed and several others were injured. China urges immediate release of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday firmly opposed the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer in Vancouver, Canada and urged an immediate release of her. Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou was detained in Canada at the request of the United States and the US is seeking her extradition. Can UK renounce Brexit? EU court to decide on Monday The European Court of Justice is expected to announce on Monday whether or not Britain can unilaterally halt its march towards Brexit, a day before a make-or-break vote by MPs on the divorce deal.

All arrangements related to voting and security have been put in place for Assembly elections in Rajasthan as the state goes to polls on Friday, December 7.

A high-decibel campaign that witnessed several of election rallies and road shows across Rajasthan ended on Wednesday evening.

Political pundits say that the battle for the Rajasthan assembly elections to be held on Friday is a close contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress.

Voting will take place from 8 am to 5 pm on December 7 in 199 constituencies.&nbsp;

52,000 polling booths, including at least one all-women booth in each constituency, have been set up.

A total of around 4.77 crore voters will exercise their right to vote to decide the fortune of 2,274 candidates who are in the fray.

The campaigning in the largest state was highly occupied with the farmer issues, corruption, and the youth.

The campaign also raised issues related to Hindutva, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi sparred over ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogans, and there was a row over the caste of Lord Hanuman.

Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and several other Union ministers campaigned in the state, which the Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting to retain.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also crisscrossed the state, travelling by road and by air and addressing at least five meetings a day.

The Congress fielded Rahul Gandhi, party’s state unit chief Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot in the campaign for the closely contested elections.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati also campaigned in the state. The contest is mainly between the BJP and the Congress candidates in about 130 seats.

About 50 other seats will see contests in which rebel candidates from both major parties are in the fray, refusing to step down in favour of the official nominees.

Counting will take place on December 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

All arrangements related to voting and security have been put in place for Assembly elections in Rajasthan as the state goes to polls on Friday, December 7. A high-decibel campaign that witnessed several of election rallies and road shows across Rajasthan ended on Wednesday evening.

All arrangements related to voting and security have been put in place for Assembly elections in Rajasthan as the state goes to polls on Friday, December 7. A high-decibel campaign that witnessed several of election rallies and road shows across Rajasthan ended on Wednesday evening. Political pundits say that the battle for the Rajasthan assembly elections to be held on Friday is a close contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress. Voting will take place from 8 am to 5 pm on December 7 in 199 constituencies. 52,000 polling booths, including at least one all-women booth in each constituency, have been set up. A total of around 4.77 crore voters will exercise their right to vote to decide the fortune of 2,274 candidates who are in the fray. The campaigning in the largest state was highly occupied with the farmer issues, corruption, and the youth. The campaign also raised issues related to Hindutva, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi sparred over ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogans, and there was a row over the caste of Lord Hanuman. Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and several other Union ministers campaigned in the state, which the Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting to retain. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also crisscrossed the state, travelling by road and by air and addressing at least five meetings a day. The Congress fielded Rahul Gandhi, party’s state unit chief Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot in the campaign for the closely contested elections. Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati also campaigned in the state. The contest is mainly between the BJP and the Congress candidates in about 130 seats. About 50 other seats will see contests in which rebel candidates from both major parties are in the fray, refusing to step down in favour of the official nominees. Counting will take place on December 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajasthan set for polling in a bipolar contest between BJP and Congress

BJP MP Savitribai Phule resigned from the primary membership of the party on Thursday, saying the party was playing "divisive politics" and was misusing money to construct temples and statues.

The Dalit MP from Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, who has long been critical of the party's leadership and resigned from the party on the death anniversary of B R Ambedkar, said she wants to get the Constitution implemented in letter and spirit.

"I have resigned from the party. But I will continue as a Lok Sabha member till the end of my tenure," Phule told reporters.

"Desh ke chowikdar ki pehredari mein, sansadhono ki chori karai ja rahi hai (the country's resources are being looted under the watch of the country's gateman)," she said in a derisive reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Slamming the BJP, she said people did not get Rs 15 lakh as promised but money was being misused in the construction of statues and temples. 
"It (BJP) is spreading hatred by raking up Hindu-Muslim, India-Pakistan issues and doing nothing to bring back those who fled with our money," the 37-year-old MP said.

Ministers, she added, were making statements against the spirit of the Constitution "It seems the BJP wants to run the country from Manusmriti and not from the Constitution," Phule asserted, referring to the ancient Hindu code.

"I am resigning on the death anniversary of B R Ambedkar as Manuwadi mentality is being promoted and the RSS, the VHP and the BJP are hurting the sentiments of Dalits and Muslims by creating a 1992 like situation. They are playing divisive politics and vitiating the communal atmosphere...," she said.

Phule also said she wanted to draw the country's attention towards the issue of reservations in promotion.

Reacting to her resignation, BJP spokesperson Harishchandra Srivsatava said Phule was trying to hide her failures as she had failed to meet the expectations of the people of Bahraich.

Phule said she will launch an agitation to champion the cause of Dalits from December 23.

"From today onwards, I have nothing to do with the BJP. My voice was being ignored in the party as I am a Dalit. There is a great conspiracy against Dalits and their rights. Reservation for Dalits and backwards is also being slowly taken away," she said.

Known for her controversial statements, Phule has been attacking the BJP and its governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh for their alleged indifference to the concerns of Scheduled Castes.

On Tuesday, Phule said Lord Hanuman was "a Dalit and a slave of 'manuwadi' people", adding her voice to the row which erupted over UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's statement that the deity was a Dalit. 
Asked about the Ram temple issue, pending in the Supreme Court, Phule said the BJP is raking up the matter as it has no other issues.

"The country does not need a temple. Will it end unemployment and other problems of Dalits and backwards? The temple will benefit Brahmins, who are only 3 per cent. The money offered in temples are used by them for their gains and make our community (Dalit) their slave," she had said.

Phule earlier also raised questions on BJP leaders dining at Dalit homes and termed Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, "a mahapurush" (great personality), causing embarrassment to her party.&nbsp;

BJP MP Savitribai Phule resigned from the primary membership of the party on Thursday, saying the party was playing "divisive politics" and was misusing money to construct temples and statues.

BJP MP Savitribai Phule resigned from the primary membership of the party on Thursday, saying the party was playing "divisive politics" and was misusing money to construct temples and statues. The Dalit MP from Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, who has long been critical of the party's leadership and resigned from the party on the death anniversary of B R Ambedkar, said she wants to get the Constitution implemented in letter and spirit. "I have resigned from the party. But I will continue as a Lok Sabha member till the end of my tenure," Phule told reporters. "Desh ke chowikdar ki pehredari mein, sansadhono ki chori karai ja rahi hai (the country's resources are being looted under the watch of the country's gateman)," she said in a derisive reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Slamming the BJP, she said people did not get Rs 15 lakh as promised but money was being misused in the construction of statues and temples. "It (BJP) is spreading hatred by raking up Hindu-Muslim, India-Pakistan issues and doing nothing to bring back those who fled with our money," the 37-year-old MP said. Ministers, she added, were making statements against the spirit of the Constitution "It seems the BJP wants to run the country from Manusmriti and not from the Constitution," Phule asserted, referring to the ancient Hindu code. "I am resigning on the death anniversary of B R Ambedkar as Manuwadi mentality is being promoted and the RSS, the VHP and the BJP are hurting the sentiments of Dalits and Muslims by creating a 1992 like situation. They are playing divisive politics and vitiating the communal atmosphere...," she said. Phule also said she wanted to draw the country's attention towards the issue of reservations in promotion. Reacting to her resignation, BJP spokesperson Harishchandra Srivsatava said Phule was trying to hide her failures as she had failed to meet the expectations of the people of Bahraich. Phule said she will launch an agitation to champion the cause of Dalits from December 23. "From today onwards, I have nothing to do with the BJP. My voice was being ignored in the party as I am a Dalit. There is a great conspiracy against Dalits and their rights. Reservation for Dalits and backwards is also being slowly taken away," she said. Known for her controversial statements, Phule has been attacking the BJP and its governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh for their alleged indifference to the concerns of Scheduled Castes. On Tuesday, Phule said Lord Hanuman was "a Dalit and a slave of 'manuwadi' people", adding her voice to the row which erupted over UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's statement that the deity was a Dalit. Asked about the Ram temple issue, pending in the Supreme Court, Phule said the BJP is raking up the matter as it has no other issues. "The country does not need a temple. Will it end unemployment and other problems of Dalits and backwards? The temple will benefit Brahmins, who are only 3 per cent. The money offered in temples are used by them for their gains and make our community (Dalit) their slave," she had said. Phule earlier also raised questions on BJP leaders dining at Dalit homes and termed Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, "a mahapurush" (great personality), causing embarrassment to her party.

UP BJP MP Savitribai Phule quits party, says it is playing 'divisive politics'

The Telangana assembly polls on December 7 will be a crucial test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is contesting alone unlike in 2014, to gain a foothold in the southern state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

In 2014, the BJP fought the polls along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and won five seats out of the 119 at stake. All the five–Uppal, Musheerabad, Amberpet, Goshamahal and LB Nagar constituencies–were in Hyderabad.

Although the ruling TRS and the Congress-led grand alliance ‘Praja Kutami’ which also comprised the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and the CPI appear to be the main rivals in most of the assembly seats, the BJP is making a determined bid to make its presence felt and increase the seat tally in the country’s newest state formed in 2014.&nbsp;

Poll analysts said the BJP could also hurt the prospects of the Congress in a few assembly segments.

The elections are being mainly fought on local issues with the performance of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government coming under intense scrutiny. TRS got a majority in 2014 riding on the wave of the emotional Telangana sentiment.

“BJP has a stronghold in Telangana. Traditionally, our voter share has been high in the Hyderabad region. Definitely, our percentage of votes will increase this time,” BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao told PTI.

People of Telangana will look to the BJP as a “real alternative” to the TRS both in ideological and political terms, he said, adding any “anti-TRS space” will not be occupied by the Congress.

According to a senior BJP functionary, there will be a direct fight between the party and the TRS in constituencies such as Nizamabad (urban), Kalwakurty (Mahabubnagar district), Bhuvanagiri (Nalgonda district) and Mahbubabad (Warangal district).

The functionary also said the BJP is making all-out efforts to woo the “fence sitters” who may not be inclined to go with the TRS or the Congress-led alliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were among the top BJP leaders who had campaigned in the state.

In the 2014 assembly polls, the BJP and the TDP had a pre-poll alliance and the former contested in 45 seats, out of which it won five.

The TDP won 15 seats out of the 72 it fought.(12 of its MLAs, however, switched over to the TRS and one to the Congress later). The TRS came to power winning 63 seats.

In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the TRS won 11 of the 17 seats.

The Telangana assembly polls on December 7 will be a crucial test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is contesting alone unlike in 2014, to gain a foothold in the southern state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Telangana assembly polls on December 7 will be a crucial test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is contesting alone unlike in 2014, to gain a foothold in the southern state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2014, the BJP fought the polls along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and won five seats out of the 119 at stake. All the five–Uppal, Musheerabad, Amberpet, Goshamahal and LB Nagar constituencies–were in Hyderabad. Although the ruling TRS and the Congress-led grand alliance ‘Praja Kutami’ which also comprised the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and the CPI appear to be the main rivals in most of the assembly seats, the BJP is making a determined bid to make its presence felt and increase the seat tally in the country’s newest state formed in 2014. Poll analysts said the BJP could also hurt the prospects of the Congress in a few assembly segments. The elections are being mainly fought on local issues with the performance of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government coming under intense scrutiny. TRS got a majority in 2014 riding on the wave of the emotional Telangana sentiment. “BJP has a stronghold in Telangana. Traditionally, our voter share has been high in the Hyderabad region. Definitely, our percentage of votes will increase this time,” BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao told PTI. People of Telangana will look to the BJP as a “real alternative” to the TRS both in ideological and political terms, he said, adding any “anti-TRS space” will not be occupied by the Congress. According to a senior BJP functionary, there will be a direct fight between the party and the TRS in constituencies such as Nizamabad (urban), Kalwakurty (Mahabubnagar district), Bhuvanagiri (Nalgonda district) and Mahbubabad (Warangal district). The functionary also said the BJP is making all-out efforts to woo the “fence sitters” who may not be inclined to go with the TRS or the Congress-led alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were among the top BJP leaders who had campaigned in the state. In the 2014 assembly polls, the BJP and the TDP had a pre-poll alliance and the former contested in 45 seats, out of which it won five. The TDP won 15 seats out of the 72 it fought.(12 of its MLAs, however, switched over to the TRS and one to the Congress later). The TRS came to power winning 63 seats. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the TRS won 11 of the 17 seats.

Telangana polls crucial test for BJP to gain foothold in the state

India today condemned the suicide attack <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/3-killed-several-injured-in-explosion-at-irans-southern-port-town-of-chabahar-181866">on the Chabahar port in southeastern</a> Iran in which at least three people were killed and several others were injured.

The port city is being developed by India's help as a major economic hub connecting India with Afghanistan and West Asia. The port allows Indian ships a transit route for trade with Afghanistan and central Asia in the landlocked area, bypassing Pakistan.

The port lies in Sistan-Baluchistan province some 100 kilometres west of the Pakistan border.

India had signed a deal with Iran two years ago to build special economic zones in the port to facilitate trade. "The explosion was very strong and broke the glass of many buildings close by,"&nbsp;Chabahar city governor Rahmdel Bameri said.

Several shops were affected as a result of the blast which wounded women and children.&nbsp;"This terrorist act led to the martyrdom of two members of the police force," the province's deputy governor in charge of security, Mohammad Hadi Marashi said.

"India strongly condemns today's terrorist attack in Chabahar in Iran. We express condolences to the government and people of Iran and families of victims," India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

"Perpetrators should be brought to justice expeditiously. &nbsp;There can be no justification for any act of terror," the spokesman added.

Chabahar has recently become the hotbed of conflict between Pakistan-based Baluchi separatists and Sunni Muslims. The strategic importance of the port city can be gauged from the fact that the US recently said it would exempt the port from new sanctions on Tehran considering its value for war-hit Afghanistan.

The US has exempted railway project and Iranian petroleum shipments into Afghanistan from Iran in a move seen as a strategic tie-up with India.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/urRRjDPD1cg" width="560"></iframe>

India today condemned the suicide attack on the Chabahar port in southeastern Iran in which at least three people were killed and several others were injured. The port city is being developed by India's help as a major economic hub connecting India with Afghanistan and West Asia.

India today condemned the suicide attack on the Chabahar port in southeastern Iran in which at least three people were killed and several others were injured. The port city is being developed by India's help as a major economic hub connecting India with Afghanistan and West Asia. The port allows Indian ships a transit route for trade with Afghanistan and central Asia in the landlocked area, bypassing Pakistan. The port lies in Sistan-Baluchistan province some 100 kilometres west of the Pakistan border. India had signed a deal with Iran two years ago to build special economic zones in the port to facilitate trade. "The explosion was very strong and broke the glass of many buildings close by," Chabahar city governor Rahmdel Bameri said. Several shops were affected as a result of the blast which wounded women and children. "This terrorist act led to the martyrdom of two members of the police force," the province's deputy governor in charge of security, Mohammad Hadi Marashi said. "India strongly condemns today's terrorist attack in Chabahar in Iran. We express condolences to the government and people of Iran and families of victims," India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. "Perpetrators should be brought to justice expeditiously. There can be no justification for any act of terror," the spokesman added. Chabahar has recently become the hotbed of conflict between Pakistan-based Baluchi separatists and Sunni Muslims. The strategic importance of the port city can be gauged from the fact that the US recently said it would exempt the port from new sanctions on Tehran considering its value for war-hit Afghanistan. The US has exempted railway project and Iranian petroleum shipments into Afghanistan from Iran in a move seen as a strategic tie-up with India.

Perpetrators involved in Chabahar terror attack should be brought to justice: India

India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-cabinet-passes-special-resolution-hailing-decision-to-build-kartarpur-corridor-181268">said today that India's protocol officers </a>were denied entry for the Kartarpur ceremony.

"We see it as the fulfilment of the long-standing demand of the Sikh community. It is unfortunate that Pakistan attempted to politicised a religious issue," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

"We hope Pakistan will fulfil all its announcements in regards to the Kartarpur corridor," the spokesman added.

Pakistan had earlier criticised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-china-welcomes-efforts-by-india-and-pakistan-calls-it-good-for-world-peace-181183">the "negative propaganda campaign"</a> following the Kartarpur ceremony which was attended by PM Imran Khan and two Indian ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Harsimrat Kaur including cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Sidhu who lauded Imran's effort in opening&nbsp;the corridor.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor linking two revered gurdwaras on both sides of the border in Kartarpur in Punjab province.

During his speech, PM Imran Khan raised the Kashmir issue declaring that it could be settled with "political will". The Pakistan foreign office later said it was "dismayed" by "negative propaganda by a section of the Indian media against Pakistan on the Kartarpur corridor initiative".

The corridor seeks to connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. Indian pilgrims will be able to enjoy visa-free entry into the gurdwara.

PM Imran Khan added that "friendship" was the only alternative between India and Pakistan. "We must bury the past," the Pakistan prime minister had said during the ceremony which was attended by several Indian Sikhs.

"Both our countries have atomic weapons. There can't be war... what alternative is there but friendship?"

"If India takes one step, we will take two," he added.

The facilities along the Kartarpur corridor for pilgrims is due to be completed in November next year. &nbsp;

India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) said today that India's protocol officers were denied entry for the Kartarpur ceremony. "We see it as the fulfilment of the long-standing demand of the Sikh community.

India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) said today that India's protocol officers were denied entry for the Kartarpur ceremony. "We see it as the fulfilment of the long-standing demand of the Sikh community. It is unfortunate that Pakistan attempted to politicised a religious issue," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. "We hope Pakistan will fulfil all its announcements in regards to the Kartarpur corridor," the spokesman added. Pakistan had earlier criticised the "negative propaganda campaign" following the Kartarpur ceremony which was attended by PM Imran Khan and two Indian ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Harsimrat Kaur including cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Sidhu who lauded Imran's effort in opening the corridor. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor linking two revered gurdwaras on both sides of the border in Kartarpur in Punjab province. During his speech, PM Imran Khan raised the Kashmir issue declaring that it could be settled with "political will". The Pakistan foreign office later said it was "dismayed" by "negative propaganda by a section of the Indian media against Pakistan on the Kartarpur corridor initiative". The corridor seeks to connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. Indian pilgrims will be able to enjoy visa-free entry into the gurdwara. PM Imran Khan added that "friendship" was the only alternative between India and Pakistan. "We must bury the past," the Pakistan prime minister had said during the ceremony which was attended by several Indian Sikhs. "Both our countries have atomic weapons. There can't be war... what alternative is there but friendship?" "If India takes one step, we will take two," he added. The facilities along the Kartarpur corridor for pilgrims is due to be completed in November next year.

Kartarpur corridor long standing demand of Sikhs, unfortunate Pak tried to politicise religious issue: India

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its judgment on the petitions filed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-top-officers-were-fighting-like-kilkenny-cats-says-attorney-general-venugopal-181677">CBI Director Alok Verma </a>and NGO Common Cause challenging the Centre’s decision to divest Verma of his charges and send him on leave.

The bench, which heard the arguments, was headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.

It also heard the petition moved by NGO Common Cause which had sought court-monitored SIT probe into allegations of corruption against various CBI officials including Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

Verma and his deputy in the CBI, Rakesh Asthana, have made allegations of corruption against each other.

The apex court&nbsp;came down heavily on the central government on the issue of CBI power struggle and said that difference between the two warring officers did not emerge overnight.&nbsp;

The court also questioned the government's hasty act to divest Verma of his powers.

''Why the government acted hastily to divest the CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee?'' the CJI asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Vigilance Commission which had passed the order recommending to send him on leave.

CJI Gogoi added, "The government has to be fair, what was the difficulty in consulting the selection committee before divesting Alok Verma of his power? The essence of every government action should be to adopt the best course."

The court had on November 29 said that it would first consider whether the government has the power to divest the CBI director of his duties under whatever circumstances or whether the selection committee headed by the Prime Minister should have been approached before moving against Verma on corruption allegations against him.

The court had taken this stand after making it clear that for now it was not going into the allegations and counter-allegations involving Verma and CBI's No 2 officer Asthana, both of whom have been stripped of their powers and sent on leave following their bitter feud.

Verma's two-year tenure ends on January 31.

(With inputs from&nbsp;PTI)

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its judgment on the petitions filed by CBI Director Alok Verma and NGO Common Cause challenging the Centre’s decision to divest Verma of his charges and send him on leave.

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its judgment on the petitions filed by CBI Director Alok Verma and NGO Common Cause challenging the Centre’s decision to divest Verma of his charges and send him on leave. The bench, which heard the arguments, was headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. It also heard the petition moved by NGO Common Cause which had sought court-monitored SIT probe into allegations of corruption against various CBI officials including Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Verma and his deputy in the CBI, Rakesh Asthana, have made allegations of corruption against each other. The apex court came down heavily on the central government on the issue of CBI power struggle and said that difference between the two warring officers did not emerge overnight. The court also questioned the government's hasty act to divest Verma of his powers. ''Why the government acted hastily to divest the CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee?'' the CJI asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Vigilance Commission which had passed the order recommending to send him on leave. CJI Gogoi added, "The government has to be fair, what was the difficulty in consulting the selection committee before divesting Alok Verma of his power? The essence of every government action should be to adopt the best course." The court had on November 29 said that it would first consider whether the government has the power to divest the CBI director of his duties under whatever circumstances or whether the selection committee headed by the Prime Minister should have been approached before moving against Verma on corruption allegations against him. The court had taken this stand after making it clear that for now it was not going into the allegations and counter-allegations involving Verma and CBI's No 2 officer Asthana, both of whom have been stripped of their powers and sent on leave following their bitter feud. Verma's two-year tenure ends on January 31. (With inputs from PTI)

SC reserves order on Alok Verma's plea, asks Centre 'what was the hurry to send CBI chief on leave?

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Wednesday said the Congress is running a campaign of EVM tampering as it has sensed defeat in the assembly polls and asserted there is no reason to doubt the integrity of the Election Commission (EC).

The main opposition party has repeatedly raised concerns over the security of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) inside strongrooms and their handling during the counting process in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Its leaders have also taken up the issue with the EC.

Chouhan said the Congress' concerns have no ground and claimed the EC has been harsher with the BJP.

"The Congress has been raising baseless hue and cry (over EVM security issue). On the day of voting (November 28) Jyotiraditya ji (Congress campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia) wrote letter to EC.

"Congress (is) running a campaign of EVM tempering. There is no reason to doubt EC, which is a constitutional body," Chouhan told reporters here.

The chief minister said Rahul Gandhi-led party is not ready to trust anyone.

"A desperate Congress (is) trying to find excuse for its (imminent) defeat. For Congress, everybody including EC, officials, employees and police, is dishonest. Whom Congress will trust? It is trying to create an atmosphere of doubt," he said.

"On the contrary, the EC was more stern against the BJP. At times, it has acted inhumanly while implementing the model code of conduct," the CM said, claiming that the EC even did not allow him to attend last rites of a friend.

"My friend and (BJP) worker Raghuvir Dangi died in Vidisha on November 27 (a day before voting in MP). I wanted to go in his last rites, but I was not given the permission by the EC," Chouhan said.

The CM said tampering EVMs is not a child's play.

"There is media...People are aware nobody can tamper with (an) EVM. Ye koi gudde-gudiya ka khel hai, koi bhi bula kar chhedchhad kar dega? (It is not a child's play).

This is technically impossible," he said.

About the number of assembly seats the BJP expects to win in Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan, seeking a straight fourth term in office, said the ruling party will get "spectacular" majority.

Chouhan also said the BJP will retain Rajasthan (where voting is due on December 7). He had addressed several election rallies there.

Asked about the drop in prices of onion and garlic, Chouhan said the affected farmers will be compensated, but he is not able to take a decision in this regard as the model code of conduct is in force.

Asked about the Cabinet meeting held earlier in the day, the CM said some routine issues were discussed.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ajay Singh sought to know why Chouhan and the BJP were maintaining "silence" over the "irregularities" occurred during the November 28 polling.

"About 4,000 machines, including EVMs and VVPATs, were changed during the polling. EVMs were deposited at some places as late as 48 hours. CCTVs installed for the security of strongrooms not worked for hours at several places," he claimed.

"Why Chouhan and his party didn't come up with complaints on this issue," the Leader of Opposition in the assembly asked.

Singh alleged strongrooms housing EVMs were not sealed properly at several places.

The counting of votes for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh elections will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Wednesday said the Congress is running a campaign of EVM tampering as it has sensed defeat in the assembly polls and asserted there is no reason to doubt the integrity of the Election Commission (EC).

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Wednesday said the Congress is running a campaign of EVM tampering as it has sensed defeat in the assembly polls and asserted there is no reason to doubt the integrity of the Election Commission (EC). The main opposition party has repeatedly raised concerns over the security of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) inside strongrooms and their handling during the counting process in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Its leaders have also taken up the issue with the EC. Chouhan said the Congress' concerns have no ground and claimed the EC has been harsher with the BJP. "The Congress has been raising baseless hue and cry (over EVM security issue). On the day of voting (November 28) Jyotiraditya ji (Congress campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia) wrote letter to EC. "Congress (is) running a campaign of EVM tempering. There is no reason to doubt EC, which is a constitutional body," Chouhan told reporters here. The chief minister said Rahul Gandhi-led party is not ready to trust anyone. "A desperate Congress (is) trying to find excuse for its (imminent) defeat. For Congress, everybody including EC, officials, employees and police, is dishonest. Whom Congress will trust? It is trying to create an atmosphere of doubt," he said. "On the contrary, the EC was more stern against the BJP. At times, it has acted inhumanly while implementing the model code of conduct," the CM said, claiming that the EC even did not allow him to attend last rites of a friend. "My friend and (BJP) worker Raghuvir Dangi died in Vidisha on November 27 (a day before voting in MP). I wanted to go in his last rites, but I was not given the permission by the EC," Chouhan said. The CM said tampering EVMs is not a child's play. "There is media...People are aware nobody can tamper with (an) EVM. Ye koi gudde-gudiya ka khel hai, koi bhi bula kar chhedchhad kar dega? (It is not a child's play). This is technically impossible," he said. About the number of assembly seats the BJP expects to win in Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan, seeking a straight fourth term in office, said the ruling party will get "spectacular" majority. Chouhan also said the BJP will retain Rajasthan (where voting is due on December 7). He had addressed several election rallies there. Asked about the drop in prices of onion and garlic, Chouhan said the affected farmers will be compensated, but he is not able to take a decision in this regard as the model code of conduct is in force. Asked about the Cabinet meeting held earlier in the day, the CM said some routine issues were discussed. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ajay Singh sought to know why Chouhan and the BJP were maintaining "silence" over the "irregularities" occurred during the November 28 polling. "About 4,000 machines, including EVMs and VVPATs, were changed during the polling. EVMs were deposited at some places as late as 48 hours. CCTVs installed for the security of strongrooms not worked for hours at several places," he claimed. "Why Chouhan and his party didn't come up with complaints on this issue," the Leader of Opposition in the assembly asked. Singh alleged strongrooms housing EVMs were not sealed properly at several places. The counting of votes for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh elections will take place on December 11.

Sensing poll rout, Cong raising EVM tampering issue: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene from the Pune Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general elections, party sources said.

In June this year, BJP chief Amit Shah had met the actor at her residence in Mumbai during his party's 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) programme and briefed her on the achievements of the Narendra Modi government.

A senior state BJP leader told PTI Thursday that her name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha seat.

"The party is seriously considering giving candidature to Madhuri Dixit in the 2019 general elections. We think the Pune Lok Sabha constituency will be better for her," he said.

"The party is in the process of finalising the list of probables for several Lok Sabha seats and Dixit's name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha constituency...She is being seriously considered for it," the leader said.

The 51-year-old actor has featured in many Bollywood films, including "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!", "Dil To Pagal Hai", "Saajan" and "Devdas".

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had snatched the Pune Lok Sabha seat from the Congress, with Anil Shirole winning by a margin of over three lakh votes.

On the plans to field the actor, a senior BJP functionary said, "Such tactics were implemented by Narendra Modi in Gujarat when he became the chief minister for the first time. He changed all the candidates in local bodies election and the party reaped benefits of that decision."

"As fresh faces were introduced, there was nothing to criticise them with. It left the opposition shocked and the BJP won maximum seats and retained power," he said.

According to the leader, a similar experiment was also successfully carried out in Delhi local bodies polls in 2017, where all the sitting councillors were denied tickets. The BJP won the seats and retained the control, he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene from the Pune Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general elections, party sources said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene from the Pune Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general elections, party sources said. In June this year, BJP chief Amit Shah had met the actor at her residence in Mumbai during his party's 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) programme and briefed her on the achievements of the Narendra Modi government. A senior state BJP leader told PTI Thursday that her name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha seat. "The party is seriously considering giving candidature to Madhuri Dixit in the 2019 general elections. We think the Pune Lok Sabha constituency will be better for her," he said. "The party is in the process of finalising the list of probables for several Lok Sabha seats and Dixit's name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha constituency...She is being seriously considered for it," the leader said. The 51-year-old actor has featured in many Bollywood films, including "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!", "Dil To Pagal Hai", "Saajan" and "Devdas". In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had snatched the Pune Lok Sabha seat from the Congress, with Anil Shirole winning by a margin of over three lakh votes. On the plans to field the actor, a senior BJP functionary said, "Such tactics were implemented by Narendra Modi in Gujarat when he became the chief minister for the first time. He changed all the candidates in local bodies election and the party reaped benefits of that decision." "As fresh faces were introduced, there was nothing to criticise them with. It left the opposition shocked and the BJP won maximum seats and retained power," he said. According to the leader, a similar experiment was also successfully carried out in Delhi local bodies polls in 2017, where all the sitting councillors were denied tickets. The BJP won the seats and retained the control, he said.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP mulls fielding Madhuri Dixit from Pune seat

In the wake of the 26th anniversary of the demolition of Ayodhya Babri Masjid in Uttar Pradesh, the authorities have beefed up security in the region.

The security officials are conducting thorough checks at various public places such as cinema halls, railway stations, markets.

The forces deployed at the border of the temple town are also tracking the vehicles entering the holy city to avoid any illegal intrusion in Ayodhya.

According to media reports, the Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to maintain status quo at the disputed site in accordance with the Supreme Court order.

The BMAC has also requested the people to observe the day peacefully and hold special prayers for early resolution of the dispute.&nbsp;

"The anniversary should be observed peacefully as were done in the past. All memorandums addressed to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister should be handed over to the district magistrate concerned, requesting them to maintain status quo at the demolition site as per the SC order," BMAC convener Zafaryab Jilani had stated.

The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992 &nbsp;allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, who claimed that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of the 26th anniversary of the demolition of Ayodhya Babri Masjid in Uttar Pradesh, the authorities have beefed up security in the region. The security officials are conducting thorough checks at various public places such as cinema halls, railway stations, markets.

In the wake of the 26th anniversary of the demolition of Ayodhya Babri Masjid in Uttar Pradesh, the authorities have beefed up security in the region. The security officials are conducting thorough checks at various public places such as cinema halls, railway stations, markets. The forces deployed at the border of the temple town are also tracking the vehicles entering the holy city to avoid any illegal intrusion in Ayodhya. According to media reports, the Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to maintain status quo at the disputed site in accordance with the Supreme Court order. The BMAC has also requested the people to observe the day peacefully and hold special prayers for early resolution of the dispute. "The anniversary should be observed peacefully as were done in the past. All memorandums addressed to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister should be handed over to the district magistrate concerned, requesting them to maintain status quo at the demolition site as per the SC order," BMAC convener Zafaryab Jilani had stated. The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992 allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, who claimed that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple. (With inputs from agencies)

Security beefed up in Ayodhya on 26th Babri Masjid demolition anniversary

Marking the 26th anniversary of the Ayodhya Babri Masjid demolition on Thursday the VHP&nbsp;has decided to observe the day as `Shaurya Diwas`.

Days before it had organised a Dharam Sabha in Ayodhya on November 25 to seek support for the construction of a grand Ram temple.

The 'Shaurya Diwas' day is expected to witness a number of religious programmes and special prayers. The group is also likely to pay tribute to the karsewakes who were killed in the conflict.

VHP has also planned to undertake programmes for the occasion of Gita Jayanti on December 18 when it will garner support for the construction of the grand Ram Ayodhya temple.

On the 25th anniversary of the mosque's demolition last year also the VHP and the Bajrang Dal had observed the day as "Shaurya Diwas".

Muslim groups, on the other hand, had observed the day as "Yaum-e-Gham" day of sorrow.&nbsp;

Marking the 26th anniversary of the Ayodhya Babri Masjid demolition on Thursday the VHP has decided to observe the day as `Shaurya Diwas`. Days before it had organised a Dharam Sabha in Ayodhya on November 25 to seek support for the construction of a grand Ram temple.

Marking the 26th anniversary of the Ayodhya Babri Masjid demolition on Thursday the VHP has decided to observe the day as `Shaurya Diwas`. Days before it had organised a Dharam Sabha in Ayodhya on November 25 to seek support for the construction of a grand Ram temple. The 'Shaurya Diwas' day is expected to witness a number of religious programmes and special prayers. The group is also likely to pay tribute to the karsewakes who were killed in the conflict. VHP has also planned to undertake programmes for the occasion of Gita Jayanti on December 18 when it will garner support for the construction of the grand Ram Ayodhya temple. On the 25th anniversary of the mosque's demolition last year also the VHP and the Bajrang Dal had observed the day as "Shaurya Diwas". Muslim groups, on the other hand, had observed the day as "Yaum-e-Gham" day of sorrow.

VHP observes 'Shaurya Diwas' on 26th anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition

In a candid conversation with WION, the UK-based Bharulata Patel opened up about her achievement of becoming the first Indian-origin woman to drive single-handedly through the Arctic Circle.&nbsp;Bharulata was accompanied by her two children, Priyam, 13, and Aarush, 10. &nbsp;

"Driving has been my passion for a very long time. I started driving 22 years ago. As a young college girl, I got a second-hand car and took it for a spin. Loud music was also a part of the joyful rides and eventually, the drill became my therapeutic hobby and stress buster. Soon I was an explorer and this became a part of me," Bharulata told WION.&nbsp;

But it has been no easy journey. In October 2007, Bharulata met with a major accident while she was pregnant with her second child. As a result, apart from her other serious injuries, she gave birth to a premature baby.&nbsp;It took her 55 counselling sessions and five years to get behind the wheel again.

Since then, Bharulata has achieved the stupendous feats of travelling 35,000 kilometres across 32 countries (from UK to India), and travelling 2,792 km in 39 hours (that was a record).

"I was diagnosed with cancer in December 2017, which has changed my life. One day both my children came to me and the younger one gave a fantastic idea that we should go to the North Pole and meet Santa. He wanted to meet Santa Claus and ask him to pass his message to God to remove cancer from the world. They also made the suggestion that this trip would also take my mind off cancer," said&nbsp;Bharulata.

And so on October 21 this year she began to drive up to the Arctic Circle. She completed her expedition on November 9.&nbsp;

WION: How difficult or easy was it to take your children with you?

Bharulata Patel: I think the most difficult part was convincing the school to send the children with me. Here in UK, if the kids take a break from school then both the parents have to pay a fine of 60 pounds per child per day. Which is a huge amount of money, but I was able to convince the school that it would be a great educational and learning opportunity for the kids and they would get to know about the weather, landscape, flora, fauna and the human habitat there. Later, the journey was followed by a lot of schools. Also, my children got a chance to see the 7 kilometre-long tunnel which is 700 feet below the sea. They also saw the Nordkapp Globe Monument in Norway where the land ends five feet after the structure.

WION: Most memorable moment on your Arctic expedition?

BP: The most memorable moment for me which will always make me proud is that I was able to give my children an opportunity to hoist the Indian flag in the Arctic Circle. Seeing my children hoisting it made me really happy and feel honoured. Another horrific instance that has become a memory now is when I was stuck and stranded in the snow for a couple of hours amid a snowstorm. Later, Swedish authorities had to come to rescue us. However, I had this idea in my mind constantly whether I am putting my children through too much? But they enjoyed the snow and were sure that somebody will come to get them. Also, they would have an amusing tale to tell their friends.

<img alt="Bharulata and her children at Norway's Nordkapp Globe Monument which marks Europe's highest point. " data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="324fcdaa-c7fb-49a3-9df0-a1f9d7210b4f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_4.jpg" />

(Bharulata and her children at Norway's Nordkapp Globe Monument which marks Europe's highest point.)

<img alt="Bharulata and her children on the road. " data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6b5b73d-f4f9-4781-a831-7b108306d841" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_3.jpg" />

(Bharulata, Priyam and Aarush on the road.)

<img alt="A snapshot from the road. " data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60459fc0-6b06-4a3c-84ad-3ebbbab00775" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_3.jpg" />

(A snapshot from the road.)

WION: How do you feel after your feat?

BP: I feel absolutely brilliant. I follow one motto in my life — Be bold, be the Change! You can be the change. You have the ability to change the world but start with yourself.&nbsp;

WION: What are your future expedition plans?

BP: I have planned to travel across 50 countries alone, this project has already been presented in the British parliament but the cancer treatment has put the plan on hold. However, I would be working on achieving the record soon which still remains unconquered.

WION: Who has been your source of inspiration?

BP: I draw my inspiration from my grandfather who always taught me to remain positive no matter how people behave with you. He inspired me to work hard, have a clear goal and perseverance to achieve.

WION: Did your passion meet societal — a woman driving out on expeditions single-handedly — hindrances? &nbsp;

BP: My husband has been my support system. He was always been there for me and has always encouraged me. He did not tell my in-laws about my 32-countries journey. It came as a surprise for them but they also took it positively. However, there were other people who asked me to stay at home as I had a well-settled life. They used to remind me about my accident and nobody believed that I could do it but then I travelled to 32 countries. People used to tell me that I am insane to which I just replied, 'Only insane people create history'.

In a candid conversation with WION, the UK-based Bharulata Patel opened up about her achievement of becoming the first Indian-origin woman to drive single-handedly through the Arctic Circle.

In a candid conversation with WION, the UK-based Bharulata Patel opened up about her achievement of becoming the first Indian-origin woman to drive single-handedly through the Arctic Circle. Bharulata was accompanied by her two children, Priyam, 13, and Aarush, 10. "Driving has been my passion for a very long time. I started driving 22 years ago. As a young college girl, I got a second-hand car and took it for a spin. Loud music was also a part of the joyful rides and eventually, the drill became my therapeutic hobby and stress buster. Soon I was an explorer and this became a part of me," Bharulata told WION. But it has been no easy journey. In October 2007, Bharulata met with a major accident while she was pregnant with her second child. As a result, apart from her other serious injuries, she gave birth to a premature baby. It took her 55 counselling sessions and five years to get behind the wheel again. Since then, Bharulata has achieved the stupendous feats of travelling 35,000 kilometres across 32 countries (from UK to India), and travelling 2,792 km in 39 hours (that was a record). "I was diagnosed with cancer in December 2017, which has changed my life. One day both my children came to me and the younger one gave a fantastic idea that we should go to the North Pole and meet Santa. He wanted to meet Santa Claus and ask him to pass his message to God to remove cancer from the world. They also made the suggestion that this trip would also take my mind off cancer," said Bharulata. And so on October 21 this year she began to drive up to the Arctic Circle. She completed her expedition on November 9. WION: How difficult or easy was it to take your children with you? Bharulata Patel: I think the most difficult part was convincing the school to send the children with me. Here in UK, if the kids take a break from school then both the parents have to pay a fine of 60 pounds per child per day. Which is a huge amount of money, but I was able to convince the school that it would be a great educational and learning opportunity for the kids and they would get to know about the weather, landscape, flora, fauna and the human habitat there. Later, the journey was followed by a lot of schools. Also, my children got a chance to see the 7 kilometre-long tunnel which is 700 feet below the sea. They also saw the Nordkapp Globe Monument in Norway where the land ends five feet after the structure. WION: Most memorable moment on your Arctic expedition? BP: The most memorable moment for me which will always make me proud is that I was able to give my children an opportunity to hoist the Indian flag in the Arctic Circle. Seeing my children hoisting it made me really happy and feel honoured. Another horrific instance that has become a memory now is when I was stuck and stranded in the snow for a couple of hours amid a snowstorm. Later, Swedish authorities had to come to rescue us. However, I had this idea in my mind constantly whether I am putting my children through too much? But they enjoyed the snow and were sure that somebody will come to get them. Also, they would have an amusing tale to tell their friends. (Bharulata and her children at Norway's Nordkapp Globe Monument which marks Europe's highest point.) (Bharulata, Priyam and Aarush on the road.) (A snapshot from the road.) WION: How do you feel after your feat? BP: I feel absolutely brilliant. I follow one motto in my life — Be bold, be the Change! You can be the change. You have the ability to change the world but start with yourself. WION: What are your future expedition plans? BP: I have planned to travel across 50 countries alone, this project has already been presented in the British parliament but the cancer treatment has put the plan on hold. However, I would be working on achieving the record soon which still remains unconquered. WION: Who has been your source of inspiration? BP: I draw my inspiration from my grandfather who always taught me to remain positive no matter how people behave with you. He inspired me to work hard, have a clear goal and perseverance to achieve. WION: Did your passion meet societal — a woman driving out on expeditions single-handedly — hindrances? BP: My husband has been my support system. He was always been there for me and has always encouraged me. He did not tell my in-laws about my 32-countries journey. It came as a surprise for them but they also took it positively. However, there were other people who asked me to stay at home as I had a well-settled life. They used to remind me about my accident and nobody believed that I could do it but then I travelled to 32 countries. People used to tell me that I am insane to which I just replied, 'Only insane people create history'.

My kids wanted to meet Santa at North Pole, Indian-origin woman who drove through Arctic Circle tells WION

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will meet the family members of the deceased police inspector Subodh Kumar in Lucknow tomorrow.

Kumar, who was posted at the Syana Police Station, died in violence after a mob went on a rampage and clashed with police over an illegal cattle slaughter.

Adityanath on Monday declared a compensation of Rs 40 lakh to wife, Rs 10 lakh for parents and a government job for a kin of the Kumar who died in violence in Bulandshahr.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BulandshahrViolence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BulandshahrViolence</a>: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to meet family of Police inspector Subodh Singh in Lucknow tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/yNGCjlWWOr">pic.twitter.com/yNGCjlWWOr</a>
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Kumar's son Abhishek yesterday said ''today my father lost his life in this Hindu-Muslim dispute, tomorrow whose father will lose his life?''&nbsp;

''My father wanted me to be a good citizen who doesn't incite violence in society in the name of religion,'' he further said.&nbsp;

The incident resulted in widespread outrage across the country with political parties calling for a probe into the incident.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will meet the family members of the deceased police inspector Subodh Kumar in Lucknow tomorrow. Kumar, who was posted at the Syana Police Station, died in violence after a mob went on a rampage and clashed with police over an illegal cattle slaughter.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will meet the family members of the deceased police inspector Subodh Kumar in Lucknow tomorrow. Kumar, who was posted at the Syana Police Station, died in violence after a mob went on a rampage and clashed with police over an illegal cattle slaughter. Adityanath on Monday declared a compensation of Rs 40 lakh to wife, Rs 10 lakh for parents and a government job for a kin of the Kumar who died in violence in Bulandshahr. #BulandshahrViolence: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to meet family of Police inspector Subodh Singh in Lucknow tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/yNGCjlWWOr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 5, 2018 × Kumar's son Abhishek yesterday said ''today my father lost his life in this Hindu-Muslim dispute, tomorrow whose father will lose his life?'' ''My father wanted me to be a good citizen who doesn't incite violence in society in the name of religion,'' he further said. The incident resulted in widespread outrage across the country with political parties calling for a probe into the incident.

Bulandshahr violence: Yogi Adityanath to meet deceased cop's family

The BJP transformed poll-bound Rajasthan from a 'BIMARU' to a developed state and would now make it prosperous, party president Amit Shah said here on Wednesday while predicting that his party would form a government with a full majority.

Taking on the Congress at a press conference here, he said the party was involved in negative politics, promoting casteism and appeasement. 
The BJP, in contrast, practised the politics of development and got a good response, Shah told reporters on the last day of campaigning for the December 7 polls.

While the Congress promoted dynastic politics, making members of one family party presidents, the BJP gives importance to those who perform and work to push the country ahead, he said.

Referring to the violence in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, earlier this week, Shah said it would be unfair to give it a political colour. The Congress, he added, had made allegations but things would be clear after the Special Investigation Team report.

A police inspector and a young man were killed in mob violence that broke out after cow carcasses were found strewn in a jungle in the Uttar Pradesh district on Monday.

"The number of those who filed income tax doubled after demonetisation," the party president added.&nbsp;

The BJP conducted 15 roadshows and 222 big meetings in Rajasthan during its campaign for another term in office, he said. 
The votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp;

The BJP transformed poll-bound Rajasthan from a 'BIMARU' to a developed state and would now make it prosperous, party president Amit Shah said here on Wednesday while predicting that his party would form a government with a full majority.

The BJP transformed poll-bound Rajasthan from a 'BIMARU' to a developed state and would now make it prosperous, party president Amit Shah said here on Wednesday while predicting that his party would form a government with a full majority. Taking on the Congress at a press conference here, he said the party was involved in negative politics, promoting casteism and appeasement. The BJP, in contrast, practised the politics of development and got a good response, Shah told reporters on the last day of campaigning for the December 7 polls. While the Congress promoted dynastic politics, making members of one family party presidents, the BJP gives importance to those who perform and work to push the country ahead, he said. Referring to the violence in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, earlier this week, Shah said it would be unfair to give it a political colour. The Congress, he added, had made allegations but things would be clear after the Special Investigation Team report. A police inspector and a young man were killed in mob violence that broke out after cow carcasses were found strewn in a jungle in the Uttar Pradesh district on Monday. "The number of those who filed income tax doubled after demonetisation," the party president added. The BJP conducted 15 roadshows and 222 big meetings in Rajasthan during its campaign for another term in office, he said. The votes will be counted on December 11.

BJP transformed Rajasthan from 'BIMARU' to developed, says Amit Shah

On the penultimate day of campaigning for the Telangana Assembly elections, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu said that TRS is scared of the people`s mandate and are conducting bogus surveys in order to confuse them.

Asking the people of the state to "revolt" against the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Naidu said Congress and TDP have votes in their favour, while the TRS has cash bags on its side, alleged the TDP chief.

"The TRS is bound to lose the election due to its inefficient rule for four and a half years. They have done nothing for the state and so are indulging in verbal attacks against opposition parties` alliance," Naidu said while addressing a rally on Tuesday.

Naidu claimed that while his vision was the reason for the development of Hyderabad, developmental works became stagnant during the TRS` rule.

"The city which was clean and green once has now become a garbage pit,'' he said.&nbsp;

Telangana Assembly elections are due on December 7 while counting of votes will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

On the penultimate day of campaigning for the Telangana Assembly elections, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu said that TRS is scared of the people`s mandate and are conducting bogus surveys in order to confuse them.

On the penultimate day of campaigning for the Telangana Assembly elections, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu said that TRS is scared of the people`s mandate and are conducting bogus surveys in order to confuse them. Asking the people of the state to "revolt" against the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Naidu said Congress and TDP have votes in their favour, while the TRS has cash bags on its side, alleged the TDP chief. "The TRS is bound to lose the election due to its inefficient rule for four and a half years. They have done nothing for the state and so are indulging in verbal attacks against opposition parties` alliance," Naidu said while addressing a rally on Tuesday. Naidu claimed that while his vision was the reason for the development of Hyderabad, developmental works became stagnant during the TRS` rule. "The city which was clean and green once has now become a garbage pit,'' he said. Telangana Assembly elections are due on December 7 while counting of votes will take place on December 11.

TRS conducts bogus surveys as they are scared of people's mandate: Chandrababu

Days after the ED summoned him in connection with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bikaner-land-deal-case-ed-raids-premises-of-robert-vadras-associates-14443">a </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bikaner-land-deal-case-ed-raids-premises-of-robert-vadras-associates-14443">money laundering</a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bikaner-land-deal-case-ed-raids-premises-of-robert-vadras-associates-14443"> probe in a land scam case</a>, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday termed it a "political witch-hunt" and alleged that government departments were operating on an "agenda to besmirch" his reputation.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had summoned Vadra in connection with its money-laundering probe in a land scam case in Rajasthan's border city of Bikaner, officials had said last week.

"The political witch-hunt carries on unceasingly with government departments clearly operating on an agenda to besmirch my dignity and reputation," he alleged in a Facebook post.

Vadra said he had cooperated fully with the government departments for the last four-and-a-half years and would continue to do so.&nbsp;

"On the last occasion they summoned me for documents, my lawyer sat there for three hours and handed over an exhaustive set of documents, yet again. It is indeed strange that I was asked for the very same documents once again even though they had already been furnished over the last few years," he said.

Vadra also alleged that he was sent another summon within 24 hours without the agency even perusing the latest set of 600 documents supplied to it.

"My lawyer has been compelled to appear in Jaipur once more today (no surprise that this is just two days before the polling in Rajasthan). The authorities know perfectly well that there is no case to proceed against me," he said.

Vadra claimed that the authorities wanted to create another "media circus" to distract the public.&nbsp;

"This is nothing but a politically motivated, malicious and baseless prosecution. The truth will prevail some day. It always does," he added.

The central probe agency had registered a criminal case in connection with the land deal in 2015, taking cognisance of a clutch of FIRs and chargesheets filed by the Rajasthan Police after the local tehsildar of Bikaner complained about alleged forgery in the allotment of land in the area, considered sensitive due to its proximity to the Indo-Pak border.&nbsp;

Days after the ED summoned him in connection with a money laundering probe in a land scam case, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday termed it a "political witch-hunt" and alleged that government departments were operating on an "agenda to besmirch" his reputation.

Days after the ED summoned him in connection with a money laundering probe in a land scam case, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday termed it a "political witch-hunt" and alleged that government departments were operating on an "agenda to besmirch" his reputation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had summoned Vadra in connection with its money-laundering probe in a land scam case in Rajasthan's border city of Bikaner, officials had said last week. "The political witch-hunt carries on unceasingly with government departments clearly operating on an agenda to besmirch my dignity and reputation," he alleged in a Facebook post. Vadra said he had cooperated fully with the government departments for the last four-and-a-half years and would continue to do so. "On the last occasion they summoned me for documents, my lawyer sat there for three hours and handed over an exhaustive set of documents, yet again. It is indeed strange that I was asked for the very same documents once again even though they had already been furnished over the last few years," he said. Vadra also alleged that he was sent another summon within 24 hours without the agency even perusing the latest set of 600 documents supplied to it. "My lawyer has been compelled to appear in Jaipur once more today (no surprise that this is just two days before the polling in Rajasthan). The authorities know perfectly well that there is no case to proceed against me," he said. Vadra claimed that the authorities wanted to create another "media circus" to distract the public. "This is nothing but a politically motivated, malicious and baseless prosecution. The truth will prevail some day. It always does," he added. The central probe agency had registered a criminal case in connection with the land deal in 2015, taking cognisance of a clutch of FIRs and chargesheets filed by the Rajasthan Police after the local tehsildar of Bikaner complained about alleged forgery in the allotment of land in the area, considered sensitive due to its proximity to the Indo-Pak border.

Govt depts operating on 'agenda to besmirch' my reputation: Robert Vadra

Christian Michel, a key accused and alleged middleman in the Rs 3600 crore abortive, scandal-tainted AgustaWestland helicopter deal with Anglo-Italian firm Agusta Westland was extradited to India from Dubai late on Tuesday.

What's AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam&nbsp;

The Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VIP helicopter deal, finalised during the previous government of Manmohan Singh, had got mired in allegations of kickbacks.&nbsp;

The 54-year-old Michel is an accused in the case along with some others including former Air Chief SP Tyagi.

CBI`s request for extradition was forwarded to the UAE authorities on March 19, last year through diplomatic channels.Extradition proceedings were held before UAE Court against Christian on the extradition request of CBI. Vide order dated November 19, 2018, the Court of Dubai upheld the lower court decision for possibility of extraditing Christian to Indian authorities. Accordingly, Christian is being extradited to face the legal proceedings.

Who is Christian Michel James?

Michel is a popular British consultant who was allegedly hired by AgustaWestland to influence top-ranking officials in Indian Airforce and the UPA government to help secure the Rs 3,600 crore deal for the company.

According to the Enforcement Directorate charge sheet filed in a court here two years back, Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from AgustaWestland for the deal involving a purchase of 12 VIP helicopters. The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 following the bribery allegations.CBI had filed charge sheet in a trial court on September 1, 2017 against Christian and 11 other accused persons. The trial court took cognizance of the offences on October 11, 2017.

CBI's charges

According to the CBI, Wolfgang Max Richard Michel, father of Christian, was also a consultant of AgustaWestland, the United Kingdom for the Indian territory in 1980s had reportedly acted as a mediator in other countries too.&nbsp;

Wolfgang Michel promoted three companies Entera Corporation, UCM International Trading Limited and Ferro-Imports Limited.&nbsp;

Between 1987 and 1996, Entera Corporation reportedly earned more than two million pounds from India. The CBI further informed that Christain`s sister Sasha Ozeman had been in the news for standing by her brother`s side and made public statements pertaining to the involvement of Christian in the VVIP Chopper deal case.&nbsp;

The CBI alleges that Michel paid bribes to senior Indian government officials to secure the chopper deal for Agusta in 2010. He has denied the accusations.

Victory for Modi government&nbsp;

Christian`s extradition, which took place days after a Dubai court rejected his plea against the move, marks a major success for Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s government in its fight against corruption and apprehending fugitives abroad.&nbsp;

Michel is particularly important to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the accusations against him relate to the period when the opposition and bitter foe Congress was in power.&nbsp;

The timing is also right for the BJP as it girds for a no-holds-barred fight against Congress in elections just a few months away.

How Michel is involved in the deal 
The CBI has alleged that Michel, who was a consultant to Agusta at the time, entered into as many as 12 contracts through two of his firms to legitimise the bribes paid to officials to secure the 556 million euro deal for the 12 AW101 helicopters. India cancelled the deal in 2013.&nbsp;

A warrant for his arrest was issued in September 2015 and he was taken into custody in the United Arab Emirates in February 2017 after the CBI issued a red notice to Interpol.

What's the way forward

The police statement said that Michel would be examined with respect to his involvement in the case and confronted with documents received by the CBI that indicate the bribes he is alleged to have paid.&nbsp;

Michel, who is presently at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters, is likely to be produced before a competent court on Wednesday. Furthermore, the CBI is likely to ask the court for extended custody of Michel for the purpose of investigation.

Formal charges will hinge on the outcome of the CBI investigation.

Christian Michel, a key accused and alleged middleman in the Rs 3600 crore abortive, scandal-tainted AgustaWestland helicopter deal with Anglo-Italian firm Agusta Westland was extradited to India from Dubai late on Tuesday.

Christian Michel, a key accused and alleged middleman in the Rs 3600 crore abortive, scandal-tainted AgustaWestland helicopter deal with Anglo-Italian firm Agusta Westland was extradited to India from Dubai late on Tuesday. What's AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam The Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VIP helicopter deal, finalised during the previous government of Manmohan Singh, had got mired in allegations of kickbacks. The 54-year-old Michel is an accused in the case along with some others including former Air Chief SP Tyagi. CBI`s request for extradition was forwarded to the UAE authorities on March 19, last year through diplomatic channels.Extradition proceedings were held before UAE Court against Christian on the extradition request of CBI. Vide order dated November 19, 2018, the Court of Dubai upheld the lower court decision for possibility of extraditing Christian to Indian authorities. Accordingly, Christian is being extradited to face the legal proceedings. Who is Christian Michel James? Michel is a popular British consultant who was allegedly hired by AgustaWestland to influence top-ranking officials in Indian Airforce and the UPA government to help secure the Rs 3,600 crore deal for the company. According to the Enforcement Directorate charge sheet filed in a court here two years back, Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from AgustaWestland for the deal involving a purchase of 12 VIP helicopters. The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 following the bribery allegations.CBI had filed charge sheet in a trial court on September 1, 2017 against Christian and 11 other accused persons. The trial court took cognizance of the offences on October 11, 2017. CBI's charges According to the CBI, Wolfgang Max Richard Michel, father of Christian, was also a consultant of AgustaWestland, the United Kingdom for the Indian territory in 1980s had reportedly acted as a mediator in other countries too. Wolfgang Michel promoted three companies Entera Corporation, UCM International Trading Limited and Ferro-Imports Limited. Between 1987 and 1996, Entera Corporation reportedly earned more than two million pounds from India. The CBI further informed that Christain`s sister Sasha Ozeman had been in the news for standing by her brother`s side and made public statements pertaining to the involvement of Christian in the VVIP Chopper deal case. The CBI alleges that Michel paid bribes to senior Indian government officials to secure the chopper deal for Agusta in 2010. He has denied the accusations. Victory for Modi government Christian`s extradition, which took place days after a Dubai court rejected his plea against the move, marks a major success for Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s government in its fight against corruption and apprehending fugitives abroad. Michel is particularly important to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the accusations against him relate to the period when the opposition and bitter foe Congress was in power. The timing is also right for the BJP as it girds for a no-holds-barred fight against Congress in elections just a few months away. How Michel is involved in the deal The CBI has alleged that Michel, who was a consultant to Agusta at the time, entered into as many as 12 contracts through two of his firms to legitimise the bribes paid to officials to secure the 556 million euro deal for the 12 AW101 helicopters. India cancelled the deal in 2013. A warrant for his arrest was issued in September 2015 and he was taken into custody in the United Arab Emirates in February 2017 after the CBI issued a red notice to Interpol. What's the way forward The police statement said that Michel would be examined with respect to his involvement in the case and confronted with documents received by the CBI that indicate the bribes he is alleged to have paid. Michel, who is presently at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters, is likely to be produced before a competent court on Wednesday. Furthermore, the CBI is likely to ask the court for extended custody of Michel for the purpose of investigation. Formal charges will hinge on the outcome of the CBI investigation.

What is the VVIP chopper scam and who is Christian Michel?

Vijay Mally said Wednesday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ive-become-poster-boy-of-bank-default-vijay-mallya-147164">he had offered to repay 100% of the principal loan amount he owes to the banks</a>. "Please take it," he added.&nbsp;

Mallya and his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owe some Rs 9,000 crore to a number of banks.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, he tried to explain where that money had gone. &nbsp;

"Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and that’s where Banks money went," Mallya tweeted on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Mallya has been living in the UK for the last two years and has been fighting off India's attempts to extradite him.&nbsp;

India finally launched formal extradition proceedings against him in February last year.&nbsp;

A verdict in his extradition trial is expected in five days' time, on December 5, at the Westminister Magistrates Court.&nbsp;

Christian Michel, a British national and an accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, was on Tuesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-middleman-christian-michel-extradited-to-india-181534">extradited to India from the UAE</a>.&nbsp;

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Politicians and Media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU Bank money. All this is false. Why don’t I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheVijayMallya/status/1070113716027428864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Airlines struggling financially partly becoz of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and that’s where Banks money went.I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them. Please take it.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheVijayMallya/status/1070118994584186880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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For three decades running India’s largest alcoholic beverage group, we contributed thousands of crores to the State exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the States. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheVijayMallya/status/1070120201805578240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ?
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheVijayMallya/status/1070153762801680384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mallya left India in March 2016 after the banks got together to initiate legal proceedings against him to recover their dues.&nbsp;

In June this year, Mallya said he had written to both Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, explaining his side of the story. He said he got no reply from them.&nbsp;

He added that he had twice tried to settle with the banks, but his offers were rejected.&nbsp;

He said he had become the "Poster Boy" of bank default and a lightning rod of public anger, and there's nothing he could do "if politically motivated extraneous factors interfere" with his efforts to settle the dues.

He added that he was tired of the "relentless pursuit" of him by "the government and its criminal agencies".&nbsp;

Vijay Mally said Wednesday that he had offered to repay 100% of the principal loan amount he owes to the banks. "Please take it," he added. Mallya and his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owe some Rs 9,000 crore to a number of banks.

Vijay Mally said Wednesday that he had offered to repay 100% of the principal loan amount he owes to the banks. "Please take it," he added. Mallya and his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owe some Rs 9,000 crore to a number of banks. On Wednesday, he tried to explain where that money had gone. "Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and that’s where Banks money went," Mallya tweeted on Wednesday. Mallya has been living in the UK for the last two years and has been fighting off India's attempts to extradite him. India finally launched formal extradition proceedings against him in February last year. A verdict in his extradition trial is expected in five days' time, on December 5, at the Westminister Magistrates Court. Christian Michel, a British national and an accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, was on Tuesday extradited to India from the UAE. Politicians and Media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU Bank money. All this is false. Why don’t I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad. — Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 × Airlines struggling financially partly becoz of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and that’s where Banks money went.I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them. Please take it. — Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 × For three decades running India’s largest alcoholic beverage group, we contributed thousands of crores to the State exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the States. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it. — Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 × I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ? — Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 × Mallya left India in March 2016 after the banks got together to initiate legal proceedings against him to recover their dues. In June this year, Mallya said he had written to both Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, explaining his side of the story. He said he got no reply from them. He added that he had twice tried to settle with the banks, but his offers were rejected. He said he had become the "Poster Boy" of bank default and a lightning rod of public anger, and there's nothing he could do "if politically motivated extraneous factors interfere" with his efforts to settle the dues. He added that he was tired of the "relentless pursuit" of him by "the government and its criminal agencies".

Have offered to repay 100% of principal loan amount to banks, 'please take it': Vijay Mallya

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What is the VVIP chopper scam and who is Christian Michel?

Have offered to repay 100% of principal loan amount to banks, 'please take it': Vijay Mallya