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The Indian Youth Congress on Wednesday expelled its leader and lawyer Aljo K Joseph from the party after he appeared for Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the graft-tainted Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case.

"Aljo K Joseph appeared in his personal capacity. He did not consult the Youth Congress before appearing in the case. IYC does NOT endorse such actions. IYC has removed Aljo Joseph from IYC’s Legal Department and expelled him from the party with immediate effect," Amrish Ranjan Pandey, spokesperson of the Indian Youth Congress said in a statement.

"BJP is blowing this out of proportion and making an issue out of a non-issue," Amrish added.
<img alt="Aljo K Joseph" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff4c3b1e-a3ea-47b5-a5fc-843794fa5738" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/47396890_3046706982012456_1129050673376133120_n.jpg" />
Earlier today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked the Congress after it revealed that Joseph was a member of Indian Youth Congress's legal department.

"Meet the Congressman who is going to defend AgustaWestland 'middleman' Christian Michel... Does it get more obvious than that?," BJP's IT department chief Amit Malviya tweeted.

The Indian Youth Congress on Wednesday expelled its leader and lawyer Aljo K Joseph from the party after he appeared for Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the graft-tainted Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case.

The Indian Youth Congress on Wednesday expelled its leader and lawyer Aljo K Joseph from the party after he appeared for Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the graft-tainted Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case. "Aljo K Joseph appeared in his personal capacity. He did not consult the Youth Congress before appearing in the case. IYC does NOT endorse such actions. IYC has removed Aljo Joseph from IYC’s Legal Department and expelled him from the party with immediate effect," Amrish Ranjan Pandey, spokesperson of the Indian Youth Congress said in a statement. "BJP is blowing this out of proportion and making an issue out of a non-issue," Amrish added. Earlier today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked the Congress after it revealed that Joseph was a member of Indian Youth Congress's legal department. "Meet the Congressman who is going to defend AgustaWestland 'middleman' Christian Michel... Does it get more obvious than that?," BJP's IT department chief Amit Malviya tweeted.

Aljo K Joseph, lawyer for Christian Michel, expelled from Youth Congress

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday appealed to the electorate in Telangana to vote for the grand alliance in the assembly election on December 7, saying those in power in Hyderabad had betrayed them and it is time for people to realise their aspirations.

She said the 'Praja Kutami' (people's alliance) comprising Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI was a grand alliance for all sections of the society.

"Four and a half years ago a separate state of Telangana was created. I too played a role in making that happen. But, you have been betrayed by those in power in Hyderabad," she said in a message posted on the Congress's official Twitter handle.

"Now is the time, wherever you are in Telangana, to fulfil your hopes and expectations, your desires and aspirations. I appeal to you personally to vote for Praja Kutami," she said.

She promised the people of Telangana a government that will stand with every section of the society and will represent the people of the state.&nbsp;

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday appealed to the electorate in Telangana to vote for the grand alliance in the assembly election on December 7, saying those in power in Hyderabad had betrayed them and it is time for people to realise their aspirations.

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday appealed to the electorate in Telangana to vote for the grand alliance in the assembly election on December 7, saying those in power in Hyderabad had betrayed them and it is time for people to realise their aspirations. She said the 'Praja Kutami' (people's alliance) comprising Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI was a grand alliance for all sections of the society. "Four and a half years ago a separate state of Telangana was created. I too played a role in making that happen. But, you have been betrayed by those in power in Hyderabad," she said in a message posted on the Congress's official Twitter handle. "Now is the time, wherever you are in Telangana, to fulfil your hopes and expectations, your desires and aspirations. I appeal to you personally to vote for Praja Kutami," she said. She promised the people of Telangana a government that will stand with every section of the society and will represent the people of the state.

Telangana people betrayed by those in power in Hyderabad: Sonia Gandhi

At least 30 passengers suffered injuries after a bus carrying them fell into a gorge on Gandachara Amarpur road in Dhalai district on Tuesday.

Local and the police rescued all the passengers of Agartala-bound bus and admitted them to a hospital.

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Tripura: Over 30 passengers injured after the bus carrying them fell into a gorge on Gandachara Amarpur road in Dhalai district on December 4, were rescued and admitted to hospital. 22 passengers are in a critical condition. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/BcUKtN8vqg">pic.twitter.com/BcUKtN8vqg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070027998458458112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, along with senior officials, visited the trauma centre of the hospital and enquired about their health.&nbsp;

The CM also promised to bear all the medical expenses of the injured.

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Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb meets the injured passengers at trauma centre of GB hospital; over 30 passengers were injured after the bus carrying them fell into a gorge on Gandachara Amarpur road in Dhalai district yesterday <a href="https://t.co/3LFtxJaYJB">pic.twitter.com/3LFtxJaYJB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070047875252527109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I pray that these people get fit at the earliest. We will investigate the cause of this accident. All the medical expenditure will be borne by the state," Deb reportedly told the media.

As per doctors, 22 out of the 30 passengers are critically injured.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At least 30 passengers suffered injuries after a bus carrying them fell into a gorge on Gandachara Amarpur road in Dhalai district on Tuesday. Local and the police rescued all the passengers of Agartala-bound bus and admitted them to a hospital.

At least 30 passengers suffered injuries after a bus carrying them fell into a gorge on Gandachara Amarpur road in Dhalai district on Tuesday. Local and the police rescued all the passengers of Agartala-bound bus and admitted them to a hospital. Tripura: Over 30 passengers injured after the bus carrying them fell into a gorge on Gandachara Amarpur road in Dhalai district on December 4, were rescued and admitted to hospital. 22 passengers are in a critical condition. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/BcUKtN8vqg — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2018 × Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, along with senior officials, visited the trauma centre of the hospital and enquired about their health. The CM also promised to bear all the medical expenses of the injured. Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb meets the injured passengers at trauma centre of GB hospital; over 30 passengers were injured after the bus carrying them fell into a gorge on Gandachara Amarpur road in Dhalai district yesterday pic.twitter.com/3LFtxJaYJB — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2018 × "I pray that these people get fit at the earliest. We will investigate the cause of this accident. All the medical expenditure will be borne by the state," Deb reportedly told the media. As per doctors, 22 out of the 30 passengers are critically injured.

30 injured as bus falls into gorge in Tripura 

India's heaviest satellite — the GSAT-11, weighing 5,854 kilograms — was launched early Wednesday morning from French Guiana by an Arianespace rocket.&nbsp;

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) said the GSAT-11 will help boost broadband services in the country.&nbsp;

ISRO added that the satellite has a mission life of about 15 years.&nbsp;

Soon after the &nbsp;launch, ISRO Chairman K Sivan described the GSAT-11 as the country's "richest space asset".&nbsp;

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Update #4<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 
 
Here's the video of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ariane5</a> VA-246 lift off from Kourou Launch Base early today morning carrying India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT11</a> and South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellites, as scheduled. 
 
Video: <a href="https://twitter.com/Arianespace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arianespace</a> <a href="https://t.co/h0gjApbHHd">pic.twitter.com/h0gjApbHHd</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1070124787836436482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Update #5<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 
Here's the really massive fellow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT11</a> all set to undertake communication duties for India. Scientists will now do phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres to place satellite in Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above 
equator) using onboard propulsion systems. <a href="https://t.co/BxsGmwYNhY">pic.twitter.com/BxsGmwYNhY</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1070127288841191424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Update #6<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 
 
Here's all you wanted to know about today's successful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT11</a> mission. <a href="https://t.co/oq6TglDkmk">pic.twitter.com/oq6TglDkmk</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1070135400713220096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to the space agency, the GSAT-11 will provide high data connectivity to users across India, broadband connectivity to gram panchayats under the BharatNet project, and support high data rate applications for enterprise network and consumer broadband applications.

The GSAT-11 was on Wednesday put in orbit after an approximately 33-minute flight. News reports said the flight had been flawless.&nbsp;

Post-separation, ISRO's Master Control Facility at Hassan, Karnataka took over command and control of the GSAT-11 and found its health parameters normal, the space agency said in a statement.

The satellite was initially placed in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will be raised to Geostationary Orbit — 36,000 km above the equator — through phase-wise, orbit-raising manoeuvres in the days ahead using its on-board propulsion systems.

The GSAT-11 will be positioned at 74-degree east longitude in geostationary orbit, ISRO said, adding that the satellite's two solar arrays and four antenna reflectors will be deployed in orbit subsequently.&nbsp;

The satellite will become operational after successful completion of all in-orbit tests.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

India's heaviest satellite — the GSAT-11, weighing 5,854 kilograms — was launched early Wednesday morning from French Guiana by an Arianespace rocket. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) said the GSAT-11 will help boost broadband services in the country.

India's heaviest satellite — the GSAT-11, weighing 5,854 kilograms — was launched early Wednesday morning from French Guiana by an Arianespace rocket. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) said the GSAT-11 will help boost broadband services in the country. ISRO added that the satellite has a mission life of about 15 years. Soon after the launch, ISRO Chairman K Sivan described the GSAT-11 as the country's "richest space asset". Update #4#ISROMissions Here's the video of #Ariane5 VA-246 lift off from Kourou Launch Base early today morning carrying India's #GSAT11 and South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellites, as scheduled. Video: @Arianespace pic.twitter.com/h0gjApbHHd — ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2018 × Update #5#ISROMissions Here's the really massive fellow #GSAT11 all set to undertake communication duties for India. Scientists will now do phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres to place satellite in Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above equator) using onboard propulsion systems. pic.twitter.com/BxsGmwYNhY — ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2018 × Update #6#ISROMissions Here's all you wanted to know about today's successful #GSAT11 mission. pic.twitter.com/oq6TglDkmk — ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2018 × According to the space agency, the GSAT-11 will provide high data connectivity to users across India, broadband connectivity to gram panchayats under the BharatNet project, and support high data rate applications for enterprise network and consumer broadband applications. The GSAT-11 was on Wednesday put in orbit after an approximately 33-minute flight. News reports said the flight had been flawless. Post-separation, ISRO's Master Control Facility at Hassan, Karnataka took over command and control of the GSAT-11 and found its health parameters normal, the space agency said in a statement. The satellite was initially placed in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will be raised to Geostationary Orbit — 36,000 km above the equator — through phase-wise, orbit-raising manoeuvres in the days ahead using its on-board propulsion systems. The GSAT-11 will be positioned at 74-degree east longitude in geostationary orbit, ISRO said, adding that the satellite's two solar arrays and four antenna reflectors will be deployed in orbit subsequently. The satellite will become operational after successful completion of all in-orbit tests. (With inputs from PTI)

The GSAT-11: All you need to know about India's 'richest space asset'

A day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-chopper-case-christian-michel-appears-in-delhi-court-security-tightened-181662">Christian Michel, the alleged middleman</a> in Rs 3600 cr &nbsp;Agusta Westland chopper scam was extradited to India, it was a day of many developments from the courts, to CBI headquarters to the poll-bound state of Rajasthan.&nbsp;

Lashing out at Congress in the poll-bound state of Rajasthan Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Dausa said, "We've caught a 'raazdaar' of chopper scam and brought him here. The entire family(Gandhi family) is now scared of the things which will be revealed. They are scared as to whose name will he take if he opens his mouth".

In another rally at Sumerpur, launching a scathing attack on Congress, PM Modi said; "Helicopter kaand ke raazdar aur dalal ko sarkar Dubai se pakad ke layi hai. Ab raazdar raaz kholega, pata nahi baat kahan tak jayegi, kitni duur tak jayegi" (Govt has got the man who gave bribes in Agusta Westland chopper scam from Dubai. If he opens his mouth, he can speak a lot and this might go very far.)

The extradition of Michel is being considered a shot in the arm for Modi Govt just before the elections in states like Telangana, Rajasthan and general elections of 2019.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in Delhi's Patiala house court, a CBI Special Court sent Michel to 5-day CBI custody and has allowed his counsel one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening for consultancy. Michel has also sought bail hearing which the court will hear in next hearing. &nbsp;

The British high commission has also reacted to the development. Remember Michel is a British national who has been extradited from a 3rd country, that is UAE.&nbsp;

The British High Commission spokesperson said, "Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in UAE. We're in contact with his family and Emirati authorities regarding his case and are urgently seeking info from Indian authorities on his circumstances.”&nbsp;

Government sources have said India is willing to provide consular access to UK High Commission for Christian Michel and due process will be followed.

India has sent extradition request last year to UAE and after a lengthy legal battle in UAE's courts, he was extradited on 4th December to India.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, it seems Michel's extradition has sent messages to many including Vijay Mallya in London who tweeted, "I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them( banks). Please take it."

A London court will announce the judgement on extradition of Vijay Mallya on 10th December.

A day after Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in Rs 3600 cr Agusta Westland chopper scam was extradited to India, it was a day of many developments from the courts, to CBI headquarters to the poll-bound state of Rajasthan.

A day after Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in Rs 3600 cr Agusta Westland chopper scam was extradited to India, it was a day of many developments from the courts, to CBI headquarters to the poll-bound state of Rajasthan. Lashing out at Congress in the poll-bound state of Rajasthan Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Dausa said, "We've caught a 'raazdaar' of chopper scam and brought him here. The entire family(Gandhi family) is now scared of the things which will be revealed. They are scared as to whose name will he take if he opens his mouth". In another rally at Sumerpur, launching a scathing attack on Congress, PM Modi said; "Helicopter kaand ke raazdar aur dalal ko sarkar Dubai se pakad ke layi hai. Ab raazdar raaz kholega, pata nahi baat kahan tak jayegi, kitni duur tak jayegi" (Govt has got the man who gave bribes in Agusta Westland chopper scam from Dubai. If he opens his mouth, he can speak a lot and this might go very far.) The extradition of Michel is being considered a shot in the arm for Modi Govt just before the elections in states like Telangana, Rajasthan and general elections of 2019. Meanwhile, in Delhi's Patiala house court, a CBI Special Court sent Michel to 5-day CBI custody and has allowed his counsel one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening for consultancy. Michel has also sought bail hearing which the court will hear in next hearing. The British high commission has also reacted to the development. Remember Michel is a British national who has been extradited from a 3rd country, that is UAE. The British High Commission spokesperson said, "Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in UAE. We're in contact with his family and Emirati authorities regarding his case and are urgently seeking info from Indian authorities on his circumstances.” Government sources have said India is willing to provide consular access to UK High Commission for Christian Michel and due process will be followed. India has sent extradition request last year to UAE and after a lengthy legal battle in UAE's courts, he was extradited on 4th December to India. Meanwhile, it seems Michel's extradition has sent messages to many including Vijay Mallya in London who tweeted, "I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them( banks). Please take it." A London court will announce the judgement on extradition of Vijay Mallya on 10th December.

Christian Michel's extradition: Entire Gandhi family scared as 'raazdaar' caught, says PM Modi in Rajasthan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-middleman-christian-michel-extradited-to-india-181534">VVIP chopper case accused Christian Michel brought to India after extradition from UAE</a>

Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE, the CBI said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-senators-briefed-by-cia-blame-saudi-prince-for-khashoggi-death-181524">Saudi Crown Prince Salman ordered Khashoggi killing: US senators</a>

Senior US senators said on Tuesday they were more certain than ever that Saudi Arabia`s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, was responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after receiving a CIA briefing on the matter.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-indias-heaviest-satellite-the-gsat-11-181542">ISRO's heaviest satellite launched, the GSAT-11 will boost broadband services in the country</a>

India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11, that would boost broadband services in the country, was successfully launched by an Arianespace rocket from the French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meets-bush-family-ahead-of-funeral-181543">Trump meets Bush family ahead of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meets-bush-family-ahead-of-funeral-181543">funeral</a>

President Donald Trump went in person Tuesday to pay his respects to the grieving Bush family in his latest show of peacemaking with the political clan he once fought bitterly.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-first-baby-born-via-womb-transplant-from-dead-donor-181529">World's first baby born via womb transplant from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-first-baby-born-via-womb-transplant-from-dead-donor-181529">dead</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-first-baby-born-via-womb-transplant-from-dead-donor-181529"> donor</a>

A woman in Brazil who received a womb transplanted from a deceased donor has given birth to a baby girl in the first successful case of its kind, doctors reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

VVIP chopper case accused Christian Michel brought to India after extradition from UAE Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE, the CBI said.

VVIP chopper case accused Christian Michel brought to India after extradition from UAE Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE, the CBI said. Saudi Crown Prince Salman ordered Khashoggi killing: US senators Senior US senators said on Tuesday they were more certain than ever that Saudi Arabia`s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, was responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after receiving a CIA briefing on the matter. ISRO's heaviest satellite launched, the GSAT-11 will boost broadband services in the country India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11, that would boost broadband services in the country, was successfully launched by an Arianespace rocket from the French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. Trump meets Bush family ahead of funeral President Donald Trump went in person Tuesday to pay his respects to the grieving Bush family in his latest show of peacemaking with the political clan he once fought bitterly. World's first baby born via womb transplant from dead donor A woman in Brazil who received a womb transplanted from a deceased donor has given birth to a baby girl in the first successful case of its kind, doctors reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11, that would boost broadband services in the country, was successfully launched by an Arianespace rocket from the French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-plans-big-for-2019-chandrayaan-2-human-spacelift-programme-among-19-missions-to-launch-by-march-162070">the Indian Space Research Organisation</a> (ISRO) said.

Blasting off from the Ariane Launch Complex at Kourou, a French territory located along the northeastern coast of South America at 02:07 am (IST), the Ariane-5 vehicle injected GSAT-11 into the orbit in a flawless flight lasting about 33 minutes.&nbsp;

"ISRO's heaviest and most-advanced high throughput communication satellite GSAT-11 was successfully launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana during the early hours today," the Indian space agency said.

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Update #4<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 
 
Here's the video of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ariane5</a> VA-246 lift off from Kourou Launch Base early today morning carrying India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT11</a> and South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellites, as scheduled. 
 
Video: <a href="https://twitter.com/Arianespace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arianespace</a> <a href="https://t.co/h0gjApbHHd">pic.twitter.com/h0gjApbHHd</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1070124787836436482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Update #5<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 
Here's the really massive fellow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT11</a> all set to undertake communication duties for India. Scientists will now do phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres to place satellite in Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above 
equator) using onboard propulsion systems. <a href="https://t.co/BxsGmwYNhY">pic.twitter.com/BxsGmwYNhY</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1070127288841191424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Update #6<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 
 
Here's all you wanted to know about today's successful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT11</a> mission. <a href="https://t.co/oq6TglDkmk">pic.twitter.com/oq6TglDkmk</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1070135400713220096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After a 30-minute flight, GSAT-11 separated from the Ariane 5 upper stage in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The achieved orbit was very close to the intended one, it said.

".....The heaviest, largest and most powerful satellite ever built by India is successfully launched by Ariane-5 today," ISRO Chairman K Sivan said soon after the launch, describing the GSAT-11 as the "richest space asset" for India.

Weighing about 5,854 kg, the GSAT-11 is the "heaviest" satellite built by ISRO.

It is a next generation "high throughput" communication satellite configured around ISRO's I-6K Bus, and has a designed lifetime of more than 15 years.

Post-separation, ISRO's Master Control Facility at Hassan, in Karnataka, took over the command and control of GSAT-11 and found its health parameters normal, the space agency said in a statement.

The satellite is initially placed in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will be raised to the Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above the equator) through phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres in the days ahead, using its on-board propulsion systems.

GSAT-11 will be positioned at 74-degree east longitude in the geostationary orbit, ISRO said, adding that subsequently, the two solar arrays and four antenna reflectors of the satellite will be deployed in orbit. The satellite will be operational after the successful completion of all in-orbit tests.&nbsp;

According to ISRO, GSAT-11 will provide high data rate connectivity to users of Indian mainland and islands through 32 user beams in Ku-band and 8 hub beams in Ka-band. 
Calling the satellite a fore-runner in a series of advanced communications satellites with multi-spot beam antenna coverage over Indian mainland and islands, it said GSAT-11 will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country and also be a platform to demonstrate new generation applications.

Stating that GSAT-11 is going to be the "richest space asset" for India, Sivan said ".....It is going to provide something like 16 GBPS data link services to the country." It is the third in a series of four satellites aimed at achieving the government's ambitious target to provide high data connectivity of 100 GBPS in the country under the Digital India Mission, he added.

According to the space agency, GSAT-11 would provide high data connectivity to users across India, broadband connectivity to gram panchayats under the BharathNet project and support high data rate applications for enterprise network and consumer broadband applications.

GSAT-11 was initially planned for launch on May 25, but was rescheduled with the ISRO, citing the need for additional technical checks, recalling it for tests.&nbsp; 
Sivan thanked Arianespace for making it possible for the ISRO to achieve the launch this year itself.

The Ariane-5 vehicle (Flight VA246) also carried GEO-KOMPSAT-2A for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), along with GSAT-11.

The 3,507.20 kg GEO-KOMPSAT-2A is designed to conduct meteorological and space weather monitoring missions.

Since the launch of India's APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, it has orbited 22 satellites under contracts with the Indian space agency, Arianespace said, adding that two more satellites, GSAT-31 and GSAT-30, were in the order book.&nbsp;

India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11, that would boost broadband services in the country, was successfully launched by an Arianespace rocket from the French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.

India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11, that would boost broadband services in the country, was successfully launched by an Arianespace rocket from the French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. Blasting off from the Ariane Launch Complex at Kourou, a French territory located along the northeastern coast of South America at 02:07 am (IST), the Ariane-5 vehicle injected GSAT-11 into the orbit in a flawless flight lasting about 33 minutes. "ISRO's heaviest and most-advanced high throughput communication satellite GSAT-11 was successfully launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana during the early hours today," the Indian space agency said. Update #4#ISROMissions Here's the video of #Ariane5 VA-246 lift off from Kourou Launch Base early today morning carrying India's #GSAT11 and South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellites, as scheduled. Video: @Arianespace pic.twitter.com/h0gjApbHHd — ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2018 × Update #5#ISROMissions Here's the really massive fellow #GSAT11 all set to undertake communication duties for India. Scientists will now do phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres to place satellite in Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above equator) using onboard propulsion systems. pic.twitter.com/BxsGmwYNhY — ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2018 × Update #6#ISROMissions Here's all you wanted to know about today's successful #GSAT11 mission. pic.twitter.com/oq6TglDkmk — ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2018 × After a 30-minute flight, GSAT-11 separated from the Ariane 5 upper stage in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The achieved orbit was very close to the intended one, it said. ".....The heaviest, largest and most powerful satellite ever built by India is successfully launched by Ariane-5 today," ISRO Chairman K Sivan said soon after the launch, describing the GSAT-11 as the "richest space asset" for India. Weighing about 5,854 kg, the GSAT-11 is the "heaviest" satellite built by ISRO. It is a next generation "high throughput" communication satellite configured around ISRO's I-6K Bus, and has a designed lifetime of more than 15 years. Post-separation, ISRO's Master Control Facility at Hassan, in Karnataka, took over the command and control of GSAT-11 and found its health parameters normal, the space agency said in a statement. The satellite is initially placed in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will be raised to the Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above the equator) through phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres in the days ahead, using its on-board propulsion systems. GSAT-11 will be positioned at 74-degree east longitude in the geostationary orbit, ISRO said, adding that subsequently, the two solar arrays and four antenna reflectors of the satellite will be deployed in orbit. The satellite will be operational after the successful completion of all in-orbit tests. According to ISRO, GSAT-11 will provide high data rate connectivity to users of Indian mainland and islands through 32 user beams in Ku-band and 8 hub beams in Ka-band. Calling the satellite a fore-runner in a series of advanced communications satellites with multi-spot beam antenna coverage over Indian mainland and islands, it said GSAT-11 will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country and also be a platform to demonstrate new generation applications. Stating that GSAT-11 is going to be the "richest space asset" for India, Sivan said ".....It is going to provide something like 16 GBPS data link services to the country." It is the third in a series of four satellites aimed at achieving the government's ambitious target to provide high data connectivity of 100 GBPS in the country under the Digital India Mission, he added. According to the space agency, GSAT-11 would provide high data connectivity to users across India, broadband connectivity to gram panchayats under the BharathNet project and support high data rate applications for enterprise network and consumer broadband applications. GSAT-11 was initially planned for launch on May 25, but was rescheduled with the ISRO, citing the need for additional technical checks, recalling it for tests. Sivan thanked Arianespace for making it possible for the ISRO to achieve the launch this year itself. The Ariane-5 vehicle (Flight VA246) also carried GEO-KOMPSAT-2A for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), along with GSAT-11. The 3,507.20 kg GEO-KOMPSAT-2A is designed to conduct meteorological and space weather monitoring missions. Since the launch of India's APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, it has orbited 22 satellites under contracts with the Indian space agency, Arianespace said, adding that two more satellites, GSAT-31 and GSAT-30, were in the order book.

ISRO's heaviest satellite launched; the GSAT-11 will boost broadband services in the country

A week<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/deeply-dismayed-at-negative-propaganda-campaign-over-kartarpur-corridor-pak-foreign-office-180903"> after the Kartarpur ceremony</a>, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi today&nbsp;issued visas to over 220 Hindu pilgrims from India to participate in the 310th birthday celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Sukkur, from 5-16 December this year.

Under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol of 1974 on visits to religious shrines, a large number of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals every year.

Shadani Darbar Tirth, a 300-year old temple, is a sacred place for devotees from across the world. The foundation of Shadani Darbar was laid at Hayat Pitafi Tehsil, Mirpur Mathelo, Ghotki district in 1786 by Sant Shadaram Sahib, who was born in Lahore in 1708.

The issuance of pilgrimage visas is in line with Pakistan government's efforts for promoting visits to religious shrines and people-to-people exchanges, the Pakistan government in a statement said.

"It also reflects the commitment of the government of Pakistan to faithfully implement the bilateral protocol on Visits to religious shrines," it added.&nbsp;

On November 30th, more than 3800 Sikh pilgrims returned to India from Pakistan after participating in the 549th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji.&nbsp;

During their visit, the ground-breaking ceremony for the Kartarpur corridor on the Pakistan side of the International Border was performed by Prime Minister Imran Khan along with prominent guests from India.

The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Kartarpur – the final resting place of Sikh faith’s founder Guru Nanak Dev – with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Gurdaspur district.

Both India and Pakistan last month announced that stretches would be developed in their respective areas to link the two revered places.

Pakistan remains committed to preserving sacred religious places and providing all possible facilitation for the visiting pilgrims of all faiths, the government said.&nbsp;

A week after the Kartarpur ceremony, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi today issued visas to over 220 Hindu pilgrims from India to participate in the 310th birthday celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Sukkur, from 5-16 December this year.

A week after the Kartarpur ceremony, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi today issued visas to over 220 Hindu pilgrims from India to participate in the 310th birthday celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Sukkur, from 5-16 December this year. Under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol of 1974 on visits to religious shrines, a large number of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals every year. Shadani Darbar Tirth, a 300-year old temple, is a sacred place for devotees from across the world. The foundation of Shadani Darbar was laid at Hayat Pitafi Tehsil, Mirpur Mathelo, Ghotki district in 1786 by Sant Shadaram Sahib, who was born in Lahore in 1708. The issuance of pilgrimage visas is in line with Pakistan government's efforts for promoting visits to religious shrines and people-to-people exchanges, the Pakistan government in a statement said. "It also reflects the commitment of the government of Pakistan to faithfully implement the bilateral protocol on Visits to religious shrines," it added. On November 30th, more than 3800 Sikh pilgrims returned to India from Pakistan after participating in the 549th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji. During their visit, the ground-breaking ceremony for the Kartarpur corridor on the Pakistan side of the International Border was performed by Prime Minister Imran Khan along with prominent guests from India. The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Kartarpur – the final resting place of Sikh faith’s founder Guru Nanak Dev – with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Gurdaspur district. Both India and Pakistan last month announced that stretches would be developed in their respective areas to link the two revered places. Pakistan remains committed to preserving sacred religious places and providing all possible facilitation for the visiting pilgrims of all faiths, the government said.

Pakistan issues visas to Indian pilgrims to visit Hindu temple

India's relations with the Arab world as well as other Muslim-majority nations has improved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Tuesday.

Addressing the Indian community in the UAE, she said that ahead of the 2014 general elections, political analysts were of the view that if Modi becomes the Prime Minister then he won't be able to take along the West Asian countries.

Swaraj arrived here on Monday on a two-day visit to attend the UAE-India Joint Commission Meeting here.&nbsp;

India and the UAE Tuesday signed two agreements, including one on currency swap, as Swaraj held exhaustive discussions with her counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed to step up bilateral cooperation in areas like security, defence, counter-terrorism, trade and energy.

"India's relations with the Arab world as well as other Muslim-majority nations has improved under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government," she said.

Today, India is also having good relations with those countries who are traditional rivals, like the US and Russia, Israel and Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Iran, she said, adding this is possible due to the government's foreign policy, which is based on "nation's interest first".

Swaraj said that in the last four years the government has rescued around 2.33 lakh Indians, from around the world, stuck at various places including the Gulf countries or war-torn Yemen.

"It was due to our relations with Muslim-majority nations, like Saudi Arabia and Yemen that we were able to evacuate around 5,000 Indians and around 2,000 nationals of other countries, including three Pakistanis," she said.&nbsp; 
She also appreciated their contribution in enhancing relations with the UAE, which hosts a 33 lakh-strong Indian community - the largest number of Indians outside India.

About the India-UAE relations, the External Affairs Minister said the relations between the two countries from buyer and seller (of oil for energy) is changing.

"And with the signing of today's agreement, the cooperation between the two countries will achieve a new height. This is only a beginning," she said. 
She also praised an Emirati singer Yasir Habib who sang Mahathma Gandhi's favourite bhajan.&nbsp;

India's relations with the Arab world as well as other Muslim-majority nations has improved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Tuesday.

India's relations with the Arab world as well as other Muslim-majority nations has improved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Tuesday. Addressing the Indian community in the UAE, she said that ahead of the 2014 general elections, political analysts were of the view that if Modi becomes the Prime Minister then he won't be able to take along the West Asian countries. Swaraj arrived here on Monday on a two-day visit to attend the UAE-India Joint Commission Meeting here. India and the UAE Tuesday signed two agreements, including one on currency swap, as Swaraj held exhaustive discussions with her counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed to step up bilateral cooperation in areas like security, defence, counter-terrorism, trade and energy. "India's relations with the Arab world as well as other Muslim-majority nations has improved under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government," she said. Today, India is also having good relations with those countries who are traditional rivals, like the US and Russia, Israel and Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Iran, she said, adding this is possible due to the government's foreign policy, which is based on "nation's interest first". Swaraj said that in the last four years the government has rescued around 2.33 lakh Indians, from around the world, stuck at various places including the Gulf countries or war-torn Yemen. "It was due to our relations with Muslim-majority nations, like Saudi Arabia and Yemen that we were able to evacuate around 5,000 Indians and around 2,000 nationals of other countries, including three Pakistanis," she said. She also appreciated their contribution in enhancing relations with the UAE, which hosts a 33 lakh-strong Indian community - the largest number of Indians outside India. About the India-UAE relations, the External Affairs Minister said the relations between the two countries from buyer and seller (of oil for energy) is changing. "And with the signing of today's agreement, the cooperation between the two countries will achieve a new height. This is only a beginning," she said. She also praised an Emirati singer Yasir Habib who sang Mahathma Gandhi's favourite bhajan.

India's relations with Arab world, other Muslim nations has improved under Modi: Sushma Swaraj

The Congress attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday over the Bulandshahr violence, asking if "this was the change" he had promised the country, and demanded an inquiry into the incident under the supervision of a sitting high court judge.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the killing of a policeman during the violence was shameful. He wondered if the police are in such a state in Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rule then how much terror the common man would be feeling.

"Police official Subodh Singh's killing by a frenzied mob is painful and shameful," Gandhi tweeted.

"If in Modi-Yogi rule, police are in such a state then how much terror the common man would be feeling," he said.

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal slammed Adityanath, alleging he was watching a sound and light show in Gorakhpur with his Chhattisgarh counterpart Raman Singh when the violence happened on Monday.

"Prime Minister Modi before the 2014 elections used to say repeatedly that we will usher in change and also politics of change. I don't know how much change has come," Sibal said at a press conference.

"But from 2014 till now, we have seen no change, but revenge, not change, but fear, not change, but hidden corruption, not change, but politics over Ram, politics over Hanuman... Is this the change that Modi ji had promised.&nbsp;

Look what kind of a change he has brought about in Bulandshahr," he said.

Sibal said state agencies and the CBI cannot be trusted for a probe and, therefore, an investigation under the supervision of a sitting high court judge should be conducted.

In Hyderabad, Union minister and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi too condemned the incident and termed it inhuman. "It is an inhuman act. Whoever is responsible for the criminal, violent act, stern measures should be taken against them."

A mob of some 400 people, including right-wing activists, fought pitched battles with police on Monday in Siana area of Bulandshahr district, apparently after right-wing activists were angered by the discovery of cow carcasses strewn in a nearby jungle.

They set fire to dozens of vehicles, hurled stones and also fired guns at police who retaliated with gunfire. In the violence, Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, the station house officer of Siana, and 20-year-old Sumit Kumar were killed.

Sibal claimed that UP minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has alleged that people from Bajrang Dal, VHP, RSS were behind the planned conspiracy and this resulted in the death of Singh.

Expressing grave concern over the law and order situation in UP, Sibal said, "Your police personnel is being killed by those people who are associated with you."

He cited increasing shootouts and killings in UP to stress the "worsening" law and order situation. He alleged that such things are happening wherever the BJP is in power.

Sibal also hit out at Adityanath for giving "poisonous speeches" in Telangana and Rajasthan during poll campaigns.&nbsp;

The Congress attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday over the Bulandshahr violence, asking if "this was the change" he had promised the country, and demanded an inquiry into the incident under the supervision of a sitting high court judge.

The Congress attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday over the Bulandshahr violence, asking if "this was the change" he had promised the country, and demanded an inquiry into the incident under the supervision of a sitting high court judge. Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the killing of a policeman during the violence was shameful. He wondered if the police are in such a state in Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rule then how much terror the common man would be feeling. "Police official Subodh Singh's killing by a frenzied mob is painful and shameful," Gandhi tweeted. "If in Modi-Yogi rule, police are in such a state then how much terror the common man would be feeling," he said. Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal slammed Adityanath, alleging he was watching a sound and light show in Gorakhpur with his Chhattisgarh counterpart Raman Singh when the violence happened on Monday. "Prime Minister Modi before the 2014 elections used to say repeatedly that we will usher in change and also politics of change. I don't know how much change has come," Sibal said at a press conference. "But from 2014 till now, we have seen no change, but revenge, not change, but fear, not change, but hidden corruption, not change, but politics over Ram, politics over Hanuman... Is this the change that Modi ji had promised. Look what kind of a change he has brought about in Bulandshahr," he said. Sibal said state agencies and the CBI cannot be trusted for a probe and, therefore, an investigation under the supervision of a sitting high court judge should be conducted. In Hyderabad, Union minister and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi too condemned the incident and termed it inhuman. "It is an inhuman act. Whoever is responsible for the criminal, violent act, stern measures should be taken against them." A mob of some 400 people, including right-wing activists, fought pitched battles with police on Monday in Siana area of Bulandshahr district, apparently after right-wing activists were angered by the discovery of cow carcasses strewn in a nearby jungle. They set fire to dozens of vehicles, hurled stones and also fired guns at police who retaliated with gunfire. In the violence, Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, the station house officer of Siana, and 20-year-old Sumit Kumar were killed. Sibal claimed that UP minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has alleged that people from Bajrang Dal, VHP, RSS were behind the planned conspiracy and this resulted in the death of Singh. Expressing grave concern over the law and order situation in UP, Sibal said, "Your police personnel is being killed by those people who are associated with you." He cited increasing shootouts and killings in UP to stress the "worsening" law and order situation. He alleged that such things are happening wherever the BJP is in power. Sibal also hit out at Adityanath for giving "poisonous speeches" in Telangana and Rajasthan during poll campaigns.

'Is this the change PM Modi promised?' Congress on Bulandshahr violence

The British High Commission sought consular access to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-chopper-case-christian-michel-appears-in-delhi-court-security-tightened-181662">Christian Michel, the British national </a>who was sent to a five-day custody of the CBI on Wednesday, a day after he was brought here from the UAE to face probe in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal scam.

A spokesperson of the High Commission said information has been sought from the Indian authorities urgently on Michel's "circumstances". 
Another official said, "we have sought consular access to Michel."

"Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in the UAE. We are in contact with his family and the Emirati authorities regarding his case, and are urgently seeking information from the Indian authorities on his circumstances," the spokesperson said.

Michel was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case.

A court Wednesday remanded him in five-day CBI custody.

The British High Commission sought consular access to Christian Michel, the British national who was sent to a five-day custody of the CBI on Wednesday, a day after he was brought here from the UAE to face probe in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal scam.

The British High Commission sought consular access to Christian Michel, the British national who was sent to a five-day custody of the CBI on Wednesday, a day after he was brought here from the UAE to face probe in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal scam. A spokesperson of the High Commission said information has been sought from the Indian authorities urgently on Michel's "circumstances". Another official said, "we have sought consular access to Michel." "Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in the UAE. We are in contact with his family and the Emirati authorities regarding his case, and are urgently seeking information from the Indian authorities on his circumstances," the spokesperson said. Michel was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case. A court Wednesday remanded him in five-day CBI custody.

British High Commission seeks consular access to Christian Michel

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday said only the BJP could firmly deal with the Naxal problem and ISI activities in the country and ensure security for every citizen.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally in poll-bound Telangana, he said, “The BJP will resolve the Naxal issue and act sternly against the anti-India activities of the ISI (Pakistan’s spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence) to ensure security for every citizen.”&nbsp;

Adityanath said thousands of years ago, Lord Ram had carried out the same work and ensured a secure society, free from the threat of “rakshashi atank” (demonic threat) and one which did not discriminate against anyone, everyone felt secure, and “only the BJP can do this today”.

He accused the K Chandrashekar Rao-led government of betraying the people of Telangana for the last four-and-a-half years and alleged that prior to this (in undivided Andhra Pradesh), the Congress and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had “exploited” them. “KCR and the TRS did nothing for Telangana and similarly, the Congress-TDP alliance is coming only to exploit you, the only option left with you is the BJP,” Adityanath told the crowd.

“Had these people (Congress, TDP, TRS) taken the development works forward, provided employment to the youth, worked for farmers’ welfare and put elaborate security arrangements in place, then Karimnagar would not have marched towards becoming a hub of ISI activities.

“I have come here to tell you to that only the BJP can effectively tackle Naxals and deal with ISI activities with an iron hand and ensure security for every citizen of the country and hence, I have come to seek your support for the BJP,” he said. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that the Congress, TDP and TRS were still lying under the “slavery of Nizamshahi” and practising family rule.

The Congress, despite ruling the country for the maximum period of time, had failed to come out with any comprehensive development scheme in public interest, he alleged, adding that the N Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP had also failed do so and the KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had only made big announcements. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government built crores of houses and toilets, gave LPG connections to crores of poor people, opened 32 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts and also brought the PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana) health insurance scheme, Adityanath said.

The schemes of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) covered every section of the society and did not discriminate, but those of the Congress, TDP and TRS “divided the society”, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, adding that until one got rid of “Nizamshahi”, development could not be achieved. He claimed that the poll manifestos of the Congress, TDP and TRS talked about carrying out development work in Muslim areas if they came to power.

“The Indian Constitution does not allow divisions in the society in the name of religion. Every section of the society should have the right over the resources and not just the Muslims…the BJP works to unite people, alongside ushering in development,” Adityanath said. He described the TDP, TRS and the Congress as dynastic parties and claimed that the BJP did not work that way. It was only in the saffron party that a small-time worker could become the prime minister, vice-president or the party’s national president, Adityanath said, adding that the BJP was “India’s party” and the party of the common public, which undertook programmes without any discrimination.

“Those who support ‘Nizamshahi’ are anti-democracy…do not believe the parties promoting family rule. Believe in the BJP, Modiji, Amit Shah and all the party workers who work for your security, development and good governance and who will take you to the path of development,” he said. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday said only the BJP could firmly deal with the Naxal problem and ISI activities in the country and ensure security for every citizen.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday said only the BJP could firmly deal with the Naxal problem and ISI activities in the country and ensure security for every citizen. Addressing a rally in poll-bound Telangana, he said, “The BJP will resolve the Naxal issue and act sternly against the anti-India activities of the ISI (Pakistan’s spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence) to ensure security for every citizen.” Adityanath said thousands of years ago, Lord Ram had carried out the same work and ensured a secure society, free from the threat of “rakshashi atank” (demonic threat) and one which did not discriminate against anyone, everyone felt secure, and “only the BJP can do this today”. He accused the K Chandrashekar Rao-led government of betraying the people of Telangana for the last four-and-a-half years and alleged that prior to this (in undivided Andhra Pradesh), the Congress and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had “exploited” them. “KCR and the TRS did nothing for Telangana and similarly, the Congress-TDP alliance is coming only to exploit you, the only option left with you is the BJP,” Adityanath told the crowd. “Had these people (Congress, TDP, TRS) taken the development works forward, provided employment to the youth, worked for farmers’ welfare and put elaborate security arrangements in place, then Karimnagar would not have marched towards becoming a hub of ISI activities. “I have come here to tell you to that only the BJP can effectively tackle Naxals and deal with ISI activities with an iron hand and ensure security for every citizen of the country and hence, I have come to seek your support for the BJP,” he said. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that the Congress, TDP and TRS were still lying under the “slavery of Nizamshahi” and practising family rule. The Congress, despite ruling the country for the maximum period of time, had failed to come out with any comprehensive development scheme in public interest, he alleged, adding that the N Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP had also failed do so and the KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had only made big announcements. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government built crores of houses and toilets, gave LPG connections to crores of poor people, opened 32 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts and also brought the PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana) health insurance scheme, Adityanath said. The schemes of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) covered every section of the society and did not discriminate, but those of the Congress, TDP and TRS “divided the society”, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, adding that until one got rid of “Nizamshahi”, development could not be achieved. He claimed that the poll manifestos of the Congress, TDP and TRS talked about carrying out development work in Muslim areas if they came to power. “The Indian Constitution does not allow divisions in the society in the name of religion. Every section of the society should have the right over the resources and not just the Muslims…the BJP works to unite people, alongside ushering in development,” Adityanath said. He described the TDP, TRS and the Congress as dynastic parties and claimed that the BJP did not work that way. It was only in the saffron party that a small-time worker could become the prime minister, vice-president or the party’s national president, Adityanath said, adding that the BJP was “India’s party” and the party of the common public, which undertook programmes without any discrimination. “Those who support ‘Nizamshahi’ are anti-democracy…do not believe the parties promoting family rule. Believe in the BJP, Modiji, Amit Shah and all the party workers who work for your security, development and good governance and who will take you to the path of development,” he said. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Only BJP can firmly deal with Naxals, ISI activities: Yogi Adityanath in Telangana

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-chopper-case-christian-michel-appears-in-delhi-court-security-tightened-181662">AgustaWestland chopper case: Special court sends Christian Michel to five-day CBI custody</a>

The Patiala House court on Wednesday granted the investigating agency five-day custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-hockey-world-cup-2018-netherlands-vs-germany-181671">As it happened | Hockey World Cup 2018: Full time! Germany beat Netherlands 4-1</a>

It's an end to Germany's fantastic hockey. They have defeated Netherlands 4-1 after lacking 0-1 in the first quarter.

They scored three late goals in the fourth quarter to put up a challenging game and register a win.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-top-officers-were-fighting-like-kilkenny-cats-says-attorney-general-venugopal-181677">CBI top officers were fighting like '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-top-officers-were-fighting-like-kilkenny-cats-says-attorney-general-venugopal-181677">kilkenny</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-top-officers-were-fighting-like-kilkenny-cats-says-attorney-general-venugopal-181677"> cats', says attorney general Venugopal</a>

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the fight between two top officers of the CBI - Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana - in public exposed the premier probe agency to ridicule.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666">Watch: </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666"> gives Russia 60 days to comply with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666"> treaty</a>

The United States warned Russia on Tuesday it will withdraw from a major Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms if Moscow does not dismantle missiles that Washington says breach it within 60 days.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-supports-peace-and-reconciliation-in-afghanistan-imran-khan-tells-us-special-envoy-181702">Pak supports peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan: Imran Khan tells US special envoy</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told America's special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan are in Islamabad's abiding interest and he will continue to support peace efforts in the war-torn neighbouring country.

AgustaWestland chopper case: Special court sends Christian Michel to five-day CBI custody The Patiala House court on Wednesday granted the investigating agency five-day custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

AgustaWestland chopper case: Special court sends Christian Michel to five-day CBI custody The Patiala House court on Wednesday granted the investigating agency five-day custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. As it happened | Hockey World Cup 2018: Full time! Germany beat Netherlands 4-1 It's an end to Germany's fantastic hockey. They have defeated Netherlands 4-1 after lacking 0-1 in the first quarter. They scored three late goals in the fourth quarter to put up a challenging game and register a win. CBI top officers were fighting like 'kilkenny cats', says attorney general Venugopal The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the fight between two top officers of the CBI - Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana - in public exposed the premier probe agency to ridicule. Watch: US gives Russia 60 days to comply with nuclear treaty The United States warned Russia on Tuesday it will withdraw from a major Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms if Moscow does not dismantle missiles that Washington says breach it within 60 days. Pak supports peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan: Imran Khan tells US special envoy Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told America's special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan are in Islamabad's abiding interest and he will continue to support peace efforts in the war-torn neighbouring country.

Congress leader P Chidambaram Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring that his government has won in the Supreme Court, which ordered that income tax cases against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi be reopened.&nbsp;

The former finance minister said whoever has briefed the Prime Minister on the proceedings in the apex court on Tuesday in the income tax cases “deserves to be sacked”. 
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“If nobody briefed him and it was the Prime Minister’s own conclusion that he had ‘won’ in the SC, the government deserves to be thrown out,” Chidambaram said.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court allowed the Income Tax Department to reopen the tax assessment of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi for 2011-12 in connection with the National Herald case.&nbsp;

Taking on the Gandhi family a day after the Supreme Court order, the prime minister said at an election rally in Rajasthan on Wednesday that his government had scored a win thanks to the courage of a “chaiwala”.

Alleging that the Gandhi family had been enjoying privileges for four generations, Modi said the court order was the “victory of the honest”.

“Now I will see how you escape… Look at the courage of a ‘chaiwala’ who took those running countries for four generations to the court’s door,” Modi said.

Congress leader P Chidambaram Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring that his government has won in the Supreme Court, which ordered that income tax cases against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi be reopened.

Congress leader P Chidambaram Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring that his government has won in the Supreme Court, which ordered that income tax cases against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi be reopened. The former finance minister said whoever has briefed the Prime Minister on the proceedings in the apex court on Tuesday in the income tax cases “deserves to be sacked”. Advertising “If nobody briefed him and it was the Prime Minister’s own conclusion that he had ‘won’ in the SC, the government deserves to be thrown out,” Chidambaram said. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court allowed the Income Tax Department to reopen the tax assessment of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi for 2011-12 in connection with the National Herald case. Taking on the Gandhi family a day after the Supreme Court order, the prime minister said at an election rally in Rajasthan on Wednesday that his government had scored a win thanks to the courage of a “chaiwala”. Alleging that the Gandhi family had been enjoying privileges for four generations, Modi said the court order was the “victory of the honest”. “Now I will see how you escape… Look at the courage of a ‘chaiwala’ who took those running countries for four generations to the court’s door,” Modi said.

Chidambaram slams PM for saying govt ‘won’ in SC in tax case against Sonia, Rahul

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the fight between two top officers of the CBI - Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana - in public exposed the premier probe agency to ridicule.

The observation was made by Attorney General KK Venugopal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-fixed-tenure-of-2-years-that-cannot-be-changed-cbi-chief-alok-verma-to-sc-180188">during a hearing</a> on CBI chief Alok Verma's plea challenging the government's decision which had divested him of all duties and sent him on leave.

"Dispute between CBI Director and Special Director was pulling down integrity and respect of premier institution," he told the bench.

"Two top officers, Alok Kumar Verma and Rakesh Asthana, were fighting against each other and went public which exposed CBI to ridicule," Venugopal told the bench.

The Centre's main aim was to see that confidence of the public in this premier institution is restored, he said.

While the Attorney General did acknowledge media had a field day because of the CBI debacle, he submitted in the top court that both top CBI officers did not keep their fight under wraps, hence the central government acted with caution.

At the end of his submission, Attorney General Venugopal gave an interesting analogy and called the CBI spat a "Kilkenny cat" fight.

The use of this term "Kilkenny cat" refers to an old story about two cats who fought to the death and ate each after which only their tails were left, drew a lot of attention in the top court.

In the previous hearing, senior advocate Fali S Nariman had told the top court that Verma was appointed on February 1, 2017, and "the position of law is that there will be a fixed tenure of two years and this gentleman cannot be even transferred".

The advocate said there was no basis for the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to pass such an order recommending to send him on leave.

In response to Verma's lawyer, the Attorney General submitted that "after carefully examining the material made available and after careful consideration of the issue, Centre was satisfied that a situation had arisen wherein Centre had to take action to divest him."

While the court is yet to hear Asthana's plea, the hearing of Verma's plea seems to have expedited the case and ASG Tushar Mehta will continue arguing for the CVC on Thursday morning.

The apex 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. He has challenged the Centre's decision.

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the fight between two top officers of the CBI - Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana - in public exposed the premier probe agency to ridicule.

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the fight between two top officers of the CBI - Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana - in public exposed the premier probe agency to ridicule. The observation was made by Attorney General KK Venugopal during a hearing on CBI chief Alok Verma's plea challenging the government's decision which had divested him of all duties and sent him on leave. "Dispute between CBI Director and Special Director was pulling down integrity and respect of premier institution," he told the bench. "Two top officers, Alok Kumar Verma and Rakesh Asthana, were fighting against each other and went public which exposed CBI to ridicule," Venugopal told the bench. The Centre's main aim was to see that confidence of the public in this premier institution is restored, he said. While the Attorney General did acknowledge media had a field day because of the CBI debacle, he submitted in the top court that both top CBI officers did not keep their fight under wraps, hence the central government acted with caution. At the end of his submission, Attorney General Venugopal gave an interesting analogy and called the CBI spat a "Kilkenny cat" fight. The use of this term "Kilkenny cat" refers to an old story about two cats who fought to the death and ate each after which only their tails were left, drew a lot of attention in the top court. In the previous hearing, senior advocate Fali S Nariman had told the top court that Verma was appointed on February 1, 2017, and "the position of law is that there will be a fixed tenure of two years and this gentleman cannot be even transferred". The advocate said there was no basis for the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to pass such an order recommending to send him on leave. In response to Verma's lawyer, the Attorney General submitted that "after carefully examining the material made available and after careful consideration of the issue, Centre was satisfied that a situation had arisen wherein Centre had to take action to divest him." While the court is yet to hear Asthana's plea, the hearing of Verma's plea seems to have expedited the case and ASG Tushar Mehta will continue arguing for the CVC on Thursday morning. The apex 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. He has challenged the Centre's decision.

CBI top officers were fighting like 'kilkenny cats', says attorney general Venugopal

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday lashed out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath again over his “Nizam” barb at him, saying Indian Muslims had rejected Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s two-nation theory and he is a citizen of this country “by choice”.&nbsp;

The Hyderabad MP was responding to Adityanath’s recent remarks at a rally in poll-bound Telangana that Owaisi would have to “run away” from Hyderabad, just like the Nizam, if the BJP came to power in the state.

“I am number one citizen of India, an equal citizen and I am not a tenant,” Owaisi told reporters at Hyderabad Press Club.

Unlike Yogi, he said, he is an Indian “by choice”.

“We (Indian Muslims) rejected Jinnah’s theory. We always accept that India is our homeland. You cannot treat us as second-class citizens. The BJP’s ideology is to treat Muslims not as equal citizens but as unequal citizens,” the AIMIM chief said.

In an attack on Adityanath on Sunday, Owaisi had said India is his father’s country and no one is running away. Addressing a poll rally here, he had also said Adityanath was speaking the language of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP and that he was ignorant about history.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday lashed out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath again over his “Nizam” barb at him, saying Indian Muslims had rejected Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s two-nation theory and he is a citizen of this country “by choice”.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday lashed out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath again over his “Nizam” barb at him, saying Indian Muslims had rejected Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s two-nation theory and he is a citizen of this country “by choice”. The Hyderabad MP was responding to Adityanath’s recent remarks at a rally in poll-bound Telangana that Owaisi would have to “run away” from Hyderabad, just like the Nizam, if the BJP came to power in the state. “I am number one citizen of India, an equal citizen and I am not a tenant,” Owaisi told reporters at Hyderabad Press Club. Unlike Yogi, he said, he is an Indian “by choice”. “We (Indian Muslims) rejected Jinnah’s theory. We always accept that India is our homeland. You cannot treat us as second-class citizens. The BJP’s ideology is to treat Muslims not as equal citizens but as unequal citizens,” the AIMIM chief said. In an attack on Adityanath on Sunday, Owaisi had said India is his father’s country and no one is running away. Addressing a poll rally here, he had also said Adityanath was speaking the language of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP and that he was ignorant about history.

Owaisi hits out at Adityanath’s ‘Nizam’ barb, says Indian by choice

The Patiala House court on Wednesday granted the investigating agency five-day custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-vvip-chopper-scam-and-who-is-christian-michel-181606">AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal</a>.

Michel was produced before special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar in Patiala House Court&nbsp;after initial rounds of questioning by CBI.

CBI had sought for his remand to "confront him with some important documents" in the&nbsp;chopper case.

During questioning by CBI, Christian Michel&nbsp;complained of anxiety after which he was given medicine.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChristianMichel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChristianMichel</a> brought to CBI Headquarters after he was sent to five-day CBI custody by Special Court. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a> <a href="https://t.co/yTLFgrBwyZ">pic.twitter.com/yTLFgrBwyZ</a>
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He was<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-middleman-christian-michel-extradited-to-india-181534"> extradited to India </a>from Dubai on Tuesday.

Michel, 54, landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 10.35 pm Tuesday night after which he was arrested by the CBI in connection with the case.&nbsp;

After the immigration procedure, he was taken to the CBI headquarters for interrogation at south Delhi's Lodhi Road area.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Christian Michel, alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper deal, brought to Delhi after being extradited from UAE <a href="https://t.co/33e23YkNm9">pic.twitter.com/33e23YkNm9</a>
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Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the ED and the CBI. Both the agencies have notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.

However, Michel had denied the charges.

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;

Former Air Chief SP Tyagi is also an accused in the case along with some others.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 following the bribery allegations.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Patiala House court on Wednesday granted the investigating agency five-day custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

The Patiala House court on Wednesday granted the investigating agency five-day custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. Michel was produced before special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar in Patiala House Court after initial rounds of questioning by CBI. CBI had sought for his remand to "confront him with some important documents" in the chopper case. During questioning by CBI, Christian Michel complained of anxiety after which he was given medicine. #WATCH Delhi: #ChristianMichel brought to CBI Headquarters after he was sent to five-day CBI custody by Special Court. #AgustaWestland pic.twitter.com/yTLFgrBwyZ — ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 × He was extradited to India from Dubai on Tuesday. Michel, 54, landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 10.35 pm Tuesday night after which he was arrested by the CBI in connection with the case. After the immigration procedure, he was taken to the CBI headquarters for interrogation at south Delhi's Lodhi Road area. #WATCH: Christian Michel, alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper deal, brought to Delhi after being extradited from UAE pic.twitter.com/33e23YkNm9 — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2018 × Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the ED and the CBI. Both the agencies have notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. However, Michel had denied the charges. The Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VIP helicopter deal, finalised during the previous government of Manmohan Singh, had got mired in allegations of kickbacks. Former Air Chief SP Tyagi is also an accused in the case along with some others. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

AgustaWestland chopper case: Special court sends Christian Michel to five-day CBI custody

An invitation to a Khalistani supporter by the Canadians had soured ties between India and Canada. Now, it turns out that Canada's prime minister's office had extended this invite.&nbsp;

This revelation comes from a report by the national security and intelligence committee of parliamentarians in Canada. WION has accessed a copy of this report.&nbsp;

The report says that the Canadian Prime Minister Office had invited Jaspal Atwal --- a man who was convicted of attempting to assassinate a Punjab minister.

The report goes on to say that the prime minister's office should have a done a better job of screening the invitees.&nbsp;

An invitation to a Khalistani supporter by the Canadians had soured ties between India and Canada. Now, it turns out that Canada's prime minister's office had extended this invite.

An invitation to a Khalistani supporter by the Canadians had soured ties between India and Canada. Now, it turns out that Canada's prime minister's office had extended this invite. This revelation comes from a report by the national security and intelligence committee of parliamentarians in Canada. WION has accessed a copy of this report. The report says that the Canadian Prime Minister Office had invited Jaspal Atwal --- a man who was convicted of attempting to assassinate a Punjab minister. The report goes on to say that the prime minister's office should have a done a better job of screening the invitees.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's disastrous India visit comes back to haunt him

Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India late Tuesday night <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-vvip-chopper-scam-dubai-government-extradites-christian-michel-to-india-181488">following his extradition by the UAE</a>, the CBI said.

The ruling BJP said the extradition in the case from the UPA era is a diplomatic victory for India and could spell "serious trouble" for the Congress's "first family", referring to Gandhis.

It also asserted that the development was an unequivocal affirmation of the Narendra Modi government's "seriousness in fighting corruption".

Michel landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 2235 hours, official sources said.

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Sources: Questioning of alleged middleman in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a> helicopter deal, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChristianMichel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChristianMichel</a> continues at CBI HQ, he will be produced in Delhi's Patiala House Court later today (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/Uw0KuE1NDC">pic.twitter.com/Uw0KuE1NDC</a>
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Sources: Questioning of alleged middleman in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a> helicopter deal, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChristianMichel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChristianMichel</a> continues at CBI HQ, he will be produced in Delhi's Patiala House Court later today (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/Uw0KuE1NDC">pic.twitter.com/Uw0KuE1NDC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070178364269490176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Christian Michel, alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper deal, brought to Delhi after being extradited from UAE <a href="https://t.co/33e23YkNm9">pic.twitter.com/33e23YkNm9</a>
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Delhi: Christian Michel, alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper deal, brought to India after being extradited from UAE <a href="https://t.co/wzNH27JM5b">pic.twitter.com/wzNH27JM5b</a>
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The operation code-named 'Unicorn' was carried out under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and being coordinated by interim CBI Director M Nageswar Rao, the CBI spokesperson said.

A team of the agency's officers led by Joint Director Sai Manohar was in Dubai to bring him back, it said.

The agency said that Michel has been brought back to India after completion of the extradition process.

The UAE government had cleared the extradition of 57-year-old Michel after his appeal against the move was turned down by a court there.

His alleged involvement in the chopper deal surfaced in 2012 as a middleman for swinging the deal in favour of AgustaWestland and for making illegal payment of commissions or kickbacks to the Indian authorities, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said.

Michel was wanted for investigation but he escaped and had avoided joining the probe, he said.

A charge sheet was filed against him in September last year.

"An open non-bailable arrest warrant dated September 24, 2015, was issued by the special judge, CBI cases, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi," he said.

On the basis of this warrant, a Red Corner Notice was issued by the Interpol which led to his arrest in Dubai in February 2017, he said.

It was not immediately clear whether Michel would be kept in a safe house or in the CBI headquarters itself for the night before being produced in a court.

"Michel, who has been avoiding criminal proceedings in India in the AgustaWestland case, is being extradited by the UAE authorities to India.

"Under the guidance of Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor (NSA), the entire operation is being coordinated by the in-charge Director of CBI, M Nageswara Rao," he said.

Michel was behind bars in Dubai since he was arrested and sent to custody pending the legal and judicial procedure in the UAE.

The Dubai Court of Cassation had earlier dismissed the two objections filed by Michel's lawyers and upheld the appellate court's decision to consider the possibility of extraditing him to the competent Indian authorities.

It was alleged that he had entered into a criminal conspiracy with co-accused persons, which included the then IAF chief SP Tyagi and his family members, and the public servants had abused their official positions by reducing service ceiling of the VVIPs helicopter from 6,000 metres to 4,500 metres.

The reduction in ceiling made AgustaWestland eligible for contract worth 556.262 million Euros, which was awarded to it by the Defence Ministry on February 08, 2010, for procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters.

He has been alleged to be a "historical consultant" of the AgustaWestland helicopters in the UK with technical operational knowledge of the aircraft, the military bases and the pilots, the CBI spokesperson said in a statement.

Michel worked with the company since the 1980s and before that his father had also been a consultant of the company for the Indian territory, the statement said.

He was allegedly a frequent visitor to India and was operating as a middleman for defence procurement through a wide network of sources cultivated in the IAF and the Defence Ministry at different levels, including through retired and serving IAF officials, the agency said.

Michel allegedly shared the information collected from the IAF and the ministry with his associates, who used to transmit the despatches through fax to other counterparts sitting in Italy and Switzerland, the CBI said.

"...He was updating and informing the management of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, namely Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini and others, about his efforts in India for securing supply contract of VVIP Helicopters," the statement said.

In July 2006, AgustaWestland's commercial manager Renzo Lunardi had proposed that Michel will join other middlemen Ralph Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa in carrying out "scouting and monitoring activities" with regard to the acquisition of helicopters in India, keeping in view of his "knowledge of Indian military operational mechanism", it said.

During that meeting in Italy, they had negotiated a comprehensive fee equal to 7 per cent of the supply contract amount to cover the expenses and their payments.

Michel allegedly entered into 12 contracts through two of his firms -- London-based Global Trade and Commerce and Dubai-based Global Services FZE -- with Finmeccanica to camouflage and legitimise the alleged bribe received by him for clinching the deal, the CBI said.&nbsp;

Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE, the CBI said.

Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE, the CBI said. The ruling BJP said the extradition in the case from the UPA era is a diplomatic victory for India and could spell "serious trouble" for the Congress's "first family", referring to Gandhis. It also asserted that the development was an unequivocal affirmation of the Narendra Modi government's "seriousness in fighting corruption". Michel landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 2235 hours, official sources said. Sources: Questioning of alleged middleman in the #AgustaWestland helicopter deal, #ChristianMichel continues at CBI HQ, he will be produced in Delhi's Patiala House Court later today (file pic) pic.twitter.com/Uw0KuE1NDC — ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 × Sources: Questioning of alleged middleman in the #AgustaWestland helicopter deal, #ChristianMichel continues at CBI HQ, he will be produced in Delhi's Patiala House Court later today (file pic) pic.twitter.com/Uw0KuE1NDC — ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 × #WATCH: Christian Michel, alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper deal, brought to Delhi after being extradited from UAE pic.twitter.com/33e23YkNm9 — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2018 × Delhi: Christian Michel, alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper deal, brought to India after being extradited from UAE pic.twitter.com/wzNH27JM5b — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2018 × The operation code-named 'Unicorn' was carried out under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and being coordinated by interim CBI Director M Nageswar Rao, the CBI spokesperson said. A team of the agency's officers led by Joint Director Sai Manohar was in Dubai to bring him back, it said. The agency said that Michel has been brought back to India after completion of the extradition process. The UAE government had cleared the extradition of 57-year-old Michel after his appeal against the move was turned down by a court there. His alleged involvement in the chopper deal surfaced in 2012 as a middleman for swinging the deal in favour of AgustaWestland and for making illegal payment of commissions or kickbacks to the Indian authorities, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said. Michel was wanted for investigation but he escaped and had avoided joining the probe, he said. A charge sheet was filed against him in September last year. "An open non-bailable arrest warrant dated September 24, 2015, was issued by the special judge, CBI cases, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi," he said. On the basis of this warrant, a Red Corner Notice was issued by the Interpol which led to his arrest in Dubai in February 2017, he said. It was not immediately clear whether Michel would be kept in a safe house or in the CBI headquarters itself for the night before being produced in a court. "Michel, who has been avoiding criminal proceedings in India in the AgustaWestland case, is being extradited by the UAE authorities to India. "Under the guidance of Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor (NSA), the entire operation is being coordinated by the in-charge Director of CBI, M Nageswara Rao," he said. Michel was behind bars in Dubai since he was arrested and sent to custody pending the legal and judicial procedure in the UAE. The Dubai Court of Cassation had earlier dismissed the two objections filed by Michel's lawyers and upheld the appellate court's decision to consider the possibility of extraditing him to the competent Indian authorities. It was alleged that he had entered into a criminal conspiracy with co-accused persons, which included the then IAF chief SP Tyagi and his family members, and the public servants had abused their official positions by reducing service ceiling of the VVIPs helicopter from 6,000 metres to 4,500 metres. The reduction in ceiling made AgustaWestland eligible for contract worth 556.262 million Euros, which was awarded to it by the Defence Ministry on February 08, 2010, for procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters. He has been alleged to be a "historical consultant" of the AgustaWestland helicopters in the UK with technical operational knowledge of the aircraft, the military bases and the pilots, the CBI spokesperson said in a statement. Michel worked with the company since the 1980s and before that his father had also been a consultant of the company for the Indian territory, the statement said. He was allegedly a frequent visitor to India and was operating as a middleman for defence procurement through a wide network of sources cultivated in the IAF and the Defence Ministry at different levels, including through retired and serving IAF officials, the agency said. Michel allegedly shared the information collected from the IAF and the ministry with his associates, who used to transmit the despatches through fax to other counterparts sitting in Italy and Switzerland, the CBI said. "...He was updating and informing the management of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, namely Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini and others, about his efforts in India for securing supply contract of VVIP Helicopters," the statement said. In July 2006, AgustaWestland's commercial manager Renzo Lunardi had proposed that Michel will join other middlemen Ralph Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa in carrying out "scouting and monitoring activities" with regard to the acquisition of helicopters in India, keeping in view of his "knowledge of Indian military operational mechanism", it said. During that meeting in Italy, they had negotiated a comprehensive fee equal to 7 per cent of the supply contract amount to cover the expenses and their payments. Michel allegedly entered into 12 contracts through two of his firms -- London-based Global Trade and Commerce and Dubai-based Global Services FZE -- with Finmeccanica to camouflage and legitimise the alleged bribe received by him for clinching the deal, the CBI said.

VVIP chopper case accused Christian Michel brought to India after extradition from UAE

"We got him from Dubai," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday of Christian Michel's extradition. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Sumerpur in Rajasthan's Pali district.&nbsp;

Michel, a UK national, is an accused in the alleged Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestand VVIP chopper scam. He was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-middleman-christian-michel-extradited-to-india-181534">extradited to India from Dubai on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-middleman-christian-michel-extradited-to-india-181534">Tuesday</a>, and will be produced in court on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"Helicopter kaand ke raazdar aur dalal ko sarkar Dubai se pakad ke layi hai. Ab raazdar raaz kholega, pata nahi baat kahan tak jayegi, kitni duur tak jayegi," Modi said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The BJP had on Tuesday said Michel's extradition could spell "serious trouble" for the Congress's "first family" since the alleged scam dates back to the UPA era.&nbsp;

Modi on Wednesday took another swipe at the Gandhis, saying the Supreme Court had said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-herald-case-income-tax-re-assessment-of-sonia-gandhi-rahul-gandhi-for-2011-12-can-continue-says-supreme-court-181427">Indian government had the right to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-herald-case-income-tax-re-assessment-of-sonia-gandhi-rahul-gandhi-for-2011-12-can-continue-says-supreme-court-181427">reasses</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-herald-case-income-tax-re-assessment-of-sonia-gandhi-rahul-gandhi-for-2011-12-can-continue-says-supreme-court-181427"> Sonia and Rahul Gandhi's income tax returns</a>.&nbsp;

"Ab dekhta hoon kaise bach ke nikalte ho," he added.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Modi in Sumerpur: Yesterday we won in Supreme Court, the court said Indian Govt has the right to reasses their(Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) income tax returns. Ab dekhta hoon kaise bach ke nikalte ho <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/PwmgVJh0GM">pic.twitter.com/PwmgVJh0GM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070215850270097409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He took another swipe at the Congress president:&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi: Congress President does not even know the names of his own party leaders. He did not even know the name of a very popular farmer and jat leader in Congress, late Kumbharam ji. He called him 'Kumbhakaran'. You can imagine what such people will do when in power <a href="https://t.co/Bp52VwSoag">pic.twitter.com/Bp52VwSoag</a>
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And he mentioned Sonia Gandhi son-in-law Robert Vadra, whom the Enforcement Directorate has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-depts-operating-on-agenda-to-besmirch-my-reputation-robert-vadra-181608">questioning in connection with an alleged land scam in Bikaner</a>.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Sumerpur, Rajasthan: They knew that the govt of India was bringing huge projects in Barmer, the prices of land were about to rise and the farmers were set to gain from it. So, the relatives of 'naamdar' snatched the land from farmers at throw away prices. <a href="https://t.co/O48q8KNv83">pic.twitter.com/O48q8KNv83</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070219562761613312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rajasthan will go to the polls on December 7. The results will be out on December 11.&nbsp;

"We got him from Dubai," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday of Christian Michel's extradition. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Sumerpur in Rajasthan's Pali district.

"We got him from Dubai," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday of Christian Michel's extradition. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Sumerpur in Rajasthan's Pali district. Michel, a UK national, is an accused in the alleged Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestand VVIP chopper scam. He was extradited to India from Dubai on Tuesday, and will be produced in court on Wednesday. "Helicopter kaand ke raazdar aur dalal ko sarkar Dubai se pakad ke layi hai. Ab raazdar raaz kholega, pata nahi baat kahan tak jayegi, kitni duur tak jayegi," Modi said on Wednesday. The BJP had on Tuesday said Michel's extradition could spell "serious trouble" for the Congress's "first family" since the alleged scam dates back to the UPA era. Modi on Wednesday took another swipe at the Gandhis, saying the Supreme Court had said the Indian government had the right to reasses Sonia and Rahul Gandhi's income tax returns. "Ab dekhta hoon kaise bach ke nikalte ho," he added. #WATCH PM Modi in Sumerpur: Yesterday we won in Supreme Court, the court said Indian Govt has the right to reasses their(Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) income tax returns. Ab dekhta hoon kaise bach ke nikalte ho #RajasthanElections pic.twitter.com/PwmgVJh0GM — ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 × He took another swipe at the Congress president: PM Narendra Modi: Congress President does not even know the names of his own party leaders. He did not even know the name of a very popular farmer and jat leader in Congress, late Kumbharam ji. He called him 'Kumbhakaran'. You can imagine what such people will do when in power pic.twitter.com/Bp52VwSoag — ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 × And he mentioned Sonia Gandhi son-in-law Robert Vadra, whom the Enforcement Directorate has been questioning in connection with an alleged land scam in Bikaner. PM Narendra Modi in Sumerpur, Rajasthan: They knew that the govt of India was bringing huge projects in Barmer, the prices of land were about to rise and the farmers were set to gain from it. So, the relatives of 'naamdar' snatched the land from farmers at throw away prices. pic.twitter.com/O48q8KNv83 — ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 × Rajasthan will go to the polls on December 7. The results will be out on December 11.

We got him from Dubai: PM Modi on Christian Michel's extradition

Lawyer of Christian Michel James, the alleged <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-middleman-christian-michel-extradited-to-india-181534">middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore</a> AgustaWestland chopper deal, has applied for an Indian visa on Wednesday.

Lawyer&nbsp;Rosemary Patrizi has&nbsp;planned a trip to India&nbsp;after his counsel Michel was extradited to the country on Tuesday night.

Michel was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE, the CBI said.

Michel landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 2235 hours.

The UAE government had cleared the extradition of 57-year-old Michel after his appeal against the move was turned down by a court there.

His alleged involvement in the chopper deal surfaced in 2012 as a middleman for swinging the deal in favour of AgustaWestland and for making illegal payment of commissions or kickbacks to the Indian authorities, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Lawyer of Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, has applied for an Indian visa on Wednesday.

Lawyer of Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, has applied for an Indian visa on Wednesday. Lawyer Rosemary Patrizi has planned a trip to India after his counsel Michel was extradited to the country on Tuesday night. Michel was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE, the CBI said. Michel landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 2235 hours. The UAE government had cleared the extradition of 57-year-old Michel after his appeal against the move was turned down by a court there. His alleged involvement in the chopper deal surfaced in 2012 as a middleman for swinging the deal in favour of AgustaWestland and for making illegal payment of commissions or kickbacks to the Indian authorities, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said. (With inputs from agencies)

Christian Michel's lawyer applies for Indian visa

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-can-imran-khan-make-peace-with-india-160122">war is not a solution</a> to the Kashmir issue, which can be resolved through talks.&nbsp;

In an interview to a group of television journalists here, Khan said unless there was a dialogue, various options on resolution of Kashmir cannot be discussed.

When asked about the formula to resolve the Kashmir issue, Khan said there were two or three solutions, which have been in discussions.

He, however, refused to share more details, saying it was "too early to talk about them".

Khan claimed he was informed by late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former foreign minister Natwar Singh during a conference that Kashmir would have been resolved if the BJP had not lost the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.

"It shows that there is a solution of Kashmir and both countries were close to resolve it," the Pakistani prime minister insisted.

Ruling out the possibility of any war with India, he said two nuclear armed countries would not fight because "there are always unintended consequences".

Asserting that Pakistan was serious to develop peaceful ties with all its neighbours, Khan claimed India was not ready to hold talks with the country due to the upcoming general elections.&nbsp;

Replying to a query on his views on the military's role in shaping of foreign policy in every country, including the US, he said, "Advice from the establishment is taken in those issues where security situation is involved."&nbsp;

Khan said the Pakistan Army and his government "are on the same page" and his decisions are "backed" by the military.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said war is not a solution to the Kashmir issue, which can be resolved through talks. In an interview to a group of television journalists here, Khan said unless there was a dialogue, various options on resolution of Kashmir cannot be discussed.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said war is not a solution to the Kashmir issue, which can be resolved through talks. In an interview to a group of television journalists here, Khan said unless there was a dialogue, various options on resolution of Kashmir cannot be discussed. When asked about the formula to resolve the Kashmir issue, Khan said there were two or three solutions, which have been in discussions. He, however, refused to share more details, saying it was "too early to talk about them". Khan claimed he was informed by late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former foreign minister Natwar Singh during a conference that Kashmir would have been resolved if the BJP had not lost the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. "It shows that there is a solution of Kashmir and both countries were close to resolve it," the Pakistani prime minister insisted. Ruling out the possibility of any war with India, he said two nuclear armed countries would not fight because "there are always unintended consequences". Asserting that Pakistan was serious to develop peaceful ties with all its neighbours, Khan claimed India was not ready to hold talks with the country due to the upcoming general elections. Replying to a query on his views on the military's role in shaping of foreign policy in every country, including the US, he said, "Advice from the establishment is taken in those issues where security situation is involved." Khan said the Pakistan Army and his government "are on the same page" and his decisions are "backed" by the military.

There are two or three solutions to Kashmir issue: Imran Khan

Ratan Kumar once battled India's brutal summers with damp bedsheets and midnight baths. Now he is among millions upon millions of Indians using air conditioning helping make the world hotter still.

With India's AC market expected to explode from 30 million to a billion units by 2050, the world's second-most populous country could become <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-strong-commitment-to-climate-action-rooted-in-vedas-modi-tells-un-chief-181344">the planet's top user of electricity for cooling</a>.

India is already the number-three spewer of greenhouse gases, burning through 800 million tonnes of coal every year and the predicted AC boom could mean the country would have to triple its electricity production to meet demand, experts say.

But for the hundreds of millions of Indians enduring scorching, even deadly, summers, the air conditioners are a godsend.&nbsp;

"Summers make our life miserable," said Kumar, a 48-year-old laundryman earning $225 a month who this year installed an AC unit in his two-room house in the town of Behror in the baking-hot desert state of Rajasthan.

"Sleeping for few hours is a struggle after a day's hard work," the father-of-two told AFP, running a hot iron over crumpled clothes. "I am not rich but we all aspire to a comfortable life."

Vast swathes of India endure a gruelling four-month long summer, and the mercury has been inching ever higher in recent years.

In 2016, the Earth's hottest on record, temperatures in the Indian town of Phalodi soared to 51 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit), the highest recorded in India.

The brutal heat can melt tarmac on the roads and puts millions of people at risk, with nearly 2,500 victims perishing from sunstroke in 2015.

'Everyone deserves an AC'&nbsp; 
Currently, just five per cent of Indian households are equipped with ACs compared to 90 per cent in the United States and 60 per cent in China, up from virtually zero 30 years ago.

But India's AC market is catching up fast, seeing double-digit growth in the last decade as incomes rise and electricity supplies become more reliable.&nbsp;

"It's no longer a luxury product but a necessity," said Kanwal Jeet Jawa, India head of Japanese manufacturer Daikin, whose factory in Rajasthan churns out 1.2 million AC units per year.

"ACs increase productivity and life expectancy. Everyone deserves an AC," he told AFP.

Vicious circle&nbsp;

The irony is that as humans try to stay cool, the refrigerants inside AC units and the generation of electricity needed to power the appliances are exacerbating global warming.

In addition, studies including by the World Health Organisation and UN-Habitat show that the heat-generating motors inside AC units can themselves push up temperatures in urban areas, where the appliances are widely used, by a degree or more.

As demand grows, the amount of energy consumed globally by AC units could triple by 2050, requiring new electricity capacity equivalent to the combined current capacity of the US, the EU and Japan, the International Energy Agency says.

India currently generates about two-thirds of its electricity with coal and gas, and despite ambitious plans for renewable energy the country is set to remain highly dependent on hydrocarbons for decades to come.

One possible source of hope is if Indians buy more energy-efficient AC units, and manufacturers like Daikin are promoting these over older technologies.

But they are pricier, and Indian consumers that have AC are slow to upgrade, partly due to an ingrained culture of repairing devices rather than buying new ones.

In June the Indian government issued an "advisory" to AC makers to keep the default setting at 24 degrees Celsius to save billions of units of electricity and reduce emissions.

But for now the measure is not mandatory, and with many people expressing outrage, it is unclear how effective it will be.

Bigger worries&nbsp;

As the latest international climate change powwow <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/emphasis-on-urgency-as-climate-talks-begin-in-polish-coal-city-katowice-181146">COP24</a> gets underway in Poland this week, Behror electronics store owner Ram Vikas Yadav says his customers have bigger worries than global warming.&nbsp;

"People want ACs to keep their homes cool," Yadav, who says his sales have rocket 150 per cent every year, told AFP. "This year I sold 300 ACs."

Yadav said rural families, in particular, attracted by aggressive marketing by manufacturers, are ditching traditional ways to cool their homes.

These include ceiling fans or air coolers -- a fan-run device that blows cool air off water-soaked pads, which are often a haven for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Laundryman Kumar too feels the summers have become hotter than usual in recent years, pushing him to invest in AC.

"Scientists keep on saying such things but I can at least have some sound sleep now."

Ratan Kumar once battled India's brutal summers with damp bedsheets and midnight baths. Now he is among millions upon millions of Indians using air conditioning helping make the world hotter still.

Ratan Kumar once battled India's brutal summers with damp bedsheets and midnight baths. Now he is among millions upon millions of Indians using air conditioning helping make the world hotter still. With India's AC market expected to explode from 30 million to a billion units by 2050, the world's second-most populous country could become the planet's top user of electricity for cooling. India is already the number-three spewer of greenhouse gases, burning through 800 million tonnes of coal every year and the predicted AC boom could mean the country would have to triple its electricity production to meet demand, experts say. But for the hundreds of millions of Indians enduring scorching, even deadly, summers, the air conditioners are a godsend. "Summers make our life miserable," said Kumar, a 48-year-old laundryman earning $225 a month who this year installed an AC unit in his two-room house in the town of Behror in the baking-hot desert state of Rajasthan. "Sleeping for few hours is a struggle after a day's hard work," the father-of-two told AFP, running a hot iron over crumpled clothes. "I am not rich but we all aspire to a comfortable life." Vast swathes of India endure a gruelling four-month long summer, and the mercury has been inching ever higher in recent years. In 2016, the Earth's hottest on record, temperatures in the Indian town of Phalodi soared to 51 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit), the highest recorded in India. The brutal heat can melt tarmac on the roads and puts millions of people at risk, with nearly 2,500 victims perishing from sunstroke in 2015. 'Everyone deserves an AC' Currently, just five per cent of Indian households are equipped with ACs compared to 90 per cent in the United States and 60 per cent in China, up from virtually zero 30 years ago. But India's AC market is catching up fast, seeing double-digit growth in the last decade as incomes rise and electricity supplies become more reliable. "It's no longer a luxury product but a necessity," said Kanwal Jeet Jawa, India head of Japanese manufacturer Daikin, whose factory in Rajasthan churns out 1.2 million AC units per year. "ACs increase productivity and life expectancy. Everyone deserves an AC," he told AFP. Vicious circle The irony is that as humans try to stay cool, the refrigerants inside AC units and the generation of electricity needed to power the appliances are exacerbating global warming. In addition, studies including by the World Health Organisation and UN-Habitat show that the heat-generating motors inside AC units can themselves push up temperatures in urban areas, where the appliances are widely used, by a degree or more. As demand grows, the amount of energy consumed globally by AC units could triple by 2050, requiring new electricity capacity equivalent to the combined current capacity of the US, the EU and Japan, the International Energy Agency says. India currently generates about two-thirds of its electricity with coal and gas, and despite ambitious plans for renewable energy the country is set to remain highly dependent on hydrocarbons for decades to come. One possible source of hope is if Indians buy more energy-efficient AC units, and manufacturers like Daikin are promoting these over older technologies. But they are pricier, and Indian consumers that have AC are slow to upgrade, partly due to an ingrained culture of repairing devices rather than buying new ones. In June the Indian government issued an "advisory" to AC makers to keep the default setting at 24 degrees Celsius to save billions of units of electricity and reduce emissions. But for now the measure is not mandatory, and with many people expressing outrage, it is unclear how effective it will be. Bigger worries As the latest international climate change powwow COP24 gets underway in Poland this week, Behror electronics store owner Ram Vikas Yadav says his customers have bigger worries than global warming. "People want ACs to keep their homes cool," Yadav, who says his sales have rocket 150 per cent every year, told AFP. "This year I sold 300 ACs." Yadav said rural families, in particular, attracted by aggressive marketing by manufacturers, are ditching traditional ways to cool their homes. These include ceiling fans or air coolers -- a fan-run device that blows cool air off water-soaked pads, which are often a haven for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Laundryman Kumar too feels the summers have become hotter than usual in recent years, pushing him to invest in AC. "Scientists keep on saying such things but I can at least have some sound sleep now."

What's making the world hotter? India's AC explosion

The national capital woke up to a perceptible nip in the air on Tuesday with the minimum temperature hovering at 11 degree Celsius.

The day temperature will be around 26 degree Celsius, which is a notch below the season`s average. The humidity will oscillate between 70 per cent to 73 per cent. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts, partly cloudy skies will prevail throughout the day with the possibility of mist and shallow to moderate fog in the morning.

The onset of a more pronounced winter is expected in the national capital, North India and Gangetic plains tomorrow due to north-western disturbances, a system which brings in cold winds from the upper reaches of the country. Due to north-westerly winds, minimum temperatures of Bihar and Jharkhand may also drop marginally in the coming days.

However, the drop in temperatures has not had any impact on the air quality as it remained in `very poor` with the air quality index docking at 329.&nbsp;Delhi air quality is very poor. The weather conditions will continue to remain unfavourable.&nbsp;

Surface winds are moderate and temperature with mist is prevailing. The inversion layer is likely to come down further in the night. The system of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)-forecast is suggestive of a marginal increase for the next two days but level will remain in the very poor category.&nbsp;

There is a probability of formation of radiation fog as the sky is clear with enough humidity and cool vicinity," the forecasting agency added.

Taking cognizance of the increasing menace of air pollution in the national capital, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday had directed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal led-Delhi government to deposit Rs 25 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for not doing enough to check air pollution in the region.

The order from the green court came while hearing a bunch of petitions filed by the residents of Mundka village. The petitioners have alleged that the air pollution has increased due to the burning of plastic, leather, rubber, motor engine oil and other waste material as well as the continuous operation of illegal industrial units on agricultural lands in the Mundka and Neelwal villages of Delhi.

In the southern part of India, a trough can be seen running along the coast of Tamil Nadu. The easterly waves in this region have become active. It is expected that the region will continue to receive light to moderate rain showers for the next couple of days.

In the month of November, Cyclone Gaja devastated the state of Tamil Nadu. The wind speed was around 80 to 90 kilometres per hour. This cyclone, made a landfall in between Cuddalore and Pamban, around Nagapattinam on November 16.&nbsp;

This cyclone left a trail of destruction in the state, claiming the lives of as many as 46 people apart from causing widespread damage to property and livestock.

Even in 2015, which is considered as the year of nature`s fury for this southern state was hit by heavy rains and flood resulting n damaging several parts of Chennai and leading to over 340 deaths.&nbsp;

Not only that, scores of families were rendered homeless as their houses were swept away by the floods. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre declared it a calamity of severe nature.&nbsp;

The national capital woke up to a perceptible nip in the air on Tuesday with the minimum temperature hovering at 11 degree Celsius. The day temperature will be around 26 degree Celsius, which is a notch below the season`s average.

The national capital woke up to a perceptible nip in the air on Tuesday with the minimum temperature hovering at 11 degree Celsius. The day temperature will be around 26 degree Celsius, which is a notch below the season`s average. The humidity will oscillate between 70 per cent to 73 per cent. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts, partly cloudy skies will prevail throughout the day with the possibility of mist and shallow to moderate fog in the morning. The onset of a more pronounced winter is expected in the national capital, North India and Gangetic plains tomorrow due to north-western disturbances, a system which brings in cold winds from the upper reaches of the country. Due to north-westerly winds, minimum temperatures of Bihar and Jharkhand may also drop marginally in the coming days. However, the drop in temperatures has not had any impact on the air quality as it remained in `very poor` with the air quality index docking at 329. Delhi air quality is very poor. The weather conditions will continue to remain unfavourable. Surface winds are moderate and temperature with mist is prevailing. The inversion layer is likely to come down further in the night. The system of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)-forecast is suggestive of a marginal increase for the next two days but level will remain in the very poor category. There is a probability of formation of radiation fog as the sky is clear with enough humidity and cool vicinity," the forecasting agency added. Taking cognizance of the increasing menace of air pollution in the national capital, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday had directed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal led-Delhi government to deposit Rs 25 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for not doing enough to check air pollution in the region. The order from the green court came while hearing a bunch of petitions filed by the residents of Mundka village. The petitioners have alleged that the air pollution has increased due to the burning of plastic, leather, rubber, motor engine oil and other waste material as well as the continuous operation of illegal industrial units on agricultural lands in the Mundka and Neelwal villages of Delhi. In the southern part of India, a trough can be seen running along the coast of Tamil Nadu. The easterly waves in this region have become active. It is expected that the region will continue to receive light to moderate rain showers for the next couple of days. In the month of November, Cyclone Gaja devastated the state of Tamil Nadu. The wind speed was around 80 to 90 kilometres per hour. This cyclone, made a landfall in between Cuddalore and Pamban, around Nagapattinam on November 16. This cyclone left a trail of destruction in the state, claiming the lives of as many as 46 people apart from causing widespread damage to property and livestock. Even in 2015, which is considered as the year of nature`s fury for this southern state was hit by heavy rains and flood resulting n damaging several parts of Chennai and leading to over 340 deaths. Not only that, scores of families were rendered homeless as their houses were swept away by the floods. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre declared it a calamity of severe nature.

Cool breeze marks the onset of chilly winters in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today blasted the Congress for giving away Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/all-you-need-to-know-about-kartarpur-corridor-project-180005">Kartarpur</a> to Pakistan.

"The lust for power led to Partition in 1947, the division was also on lines of religion. Congress made these mistakes for the sake of power and their impatience led to this situation. And one of the results of this led to Kartarpur being given to Pakistan. The lack of vision and sensitivity on part of Congress led to this situation. Had they shown a little bit of prudence and maturity, a place just 3km from the border would not have gone to Pakistan," PM Modi said while addressing a rally in Hanumangarh, in poll-bound Rajasthan.

Then Congress leaders had no idea about importance of Guru Nanak Dev, therefore Kartarpur is in Pakistan today, the prime minister added.

He also said, "Even after 70 years, they (Congress) still ignored this. What they ignored for 70 years, we did it in our term and now every pilgrim will be able to visit the gurudwara. Congress should be as asked and be held accountable for this. It is my fate to rectify their mistakes. And my fate was made by the citizens of this country. If we can now go to Kartarpur today - who should be credited for this? Your vote.

Recently, both India and Pakistan announced the construction of the Kartarpur Corridor to connect the Sikh holy shrine in Pakistan to India On November 26, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu had laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last week held the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/big-hearted-friend-imran-kept-his-promise-sidhu-at-kartarpur-corridor-ceremony-in-pakistan-180010">groundbreaking ceremony</a> for the corridor, after his government reciprocated India's efforts to open the corridor.

The much-awaited corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district.

The corridor is expected to be ready before Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary next year.

Captain Amarinder Singh government in Punjab has already announced a slew of development projects to upgrade infrastructure and other facilities for the pilgrims expected to visit the area to mark the Guru Nanak's birth anniversary. The state government has already kicked off year-long celebrations on November 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today blasted the Congress for giving away Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur to Pakistan. "The lust for power led to Partition in 1947, the division was also on lines of religion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today blasted the Congress for giving away Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur to Pakistan. "The lust for power led to Partition in 1947, the division was also on lines of religion. Congress made these mistakes for the sake of power and their impatience led to this situation. And one of the results of this led to Kartarpur being given to Pakistan. The lack of vision and sensitivity on part of Congress led to this situation. Had they shown a little bit of prudence and maturity, a place just 3km from the border would not have gone to Pakistan," PM Modi said while addressing a rally in Hanumangarh, in poll-bound Rajasthan. Then Congress leaders had no idea about importance of Guru Nanak Dev, therefore Kartarpur is in Pakistan today, the prime minister added. He also said, "Even after 70 years, they (Congress) still ignored this. What they ignored for 70 years, we did it in our term and now every pilgrim will be able to visit the gurudwara. Congress should be as asked and be held accountable for this. It is my fate to rectify their mistakes. And my fate was made by the citizens of this country. If we can now go to Kartarpur today - who should be credited for this? Your vote. Recently, both India and Pakistan announced the construction of the Kartarpur Corridor to connect the Sikh holy shrine in Pakistan to India On November 26, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu had laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last week held the groundbreaking ceremony for the corridor, after his government reciprocated India's efforts to open the corridor. The much-awaited corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. The corridor is expected to be ready before Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary next year. Captain Amarinder Singh government in Punjab has already announced a slew of development projects to upgrade infrastructure and other facilities for the pilgrims expected to visit the area to mark the Guru Nanak's birth anniversary. The state government has already kicked off year-long celebrations on November 23.

Kartarpur went to Pakistan due to lack of vision of Congress leaders: PM Modi

The poverty-stricken parents Of two minor girls in Jharkhand who were allegedly sold off to a brick-kiln owner in West Bengal have said that they left behind their daughters in the care of the businessman so that they could be looked after by his family, police said.

A section of the media had reported Monday that a tribal couple at Toranghatu village in Jagannathpur sub-division of the district had sold off their two daughters, both minors, for Rs 1,500 each to a brick-kiln owner of Howrah, three years ago.

A probe has been ordered by the West Singhbhum district administration.

Jagannathpur Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Prabhat Ranjan Barwar told that a police team had met the parents at their village on Monday.

A team will be proceeding to Howrah on Tuesday to trace the girls, he said. 
The SDPO said the parents, who used to work in the Howrah brick-kiln, told the police that they had initially kept one of the daughters with their employer so that they could be looked after properly.

After returning to their village, they decided to send their second daughter to the brick-kiln owner's family for her proper care.

The couple, however, denied having sold off their children to the businessman, the SDPO said.

The block development officer (BDO) concerned and the police have been directed to probe the incident and submit a report soon, Sub-Divisional Officer of Jagannathpur, Smrita Kumari had said Monday.

"I have also asked the Child Welfare Committee to look into the incident," she said.

Necessary action would be taken against the culprits on the basis of the findings, the officer had said.

"Though it is a three-year-old case, the incident came to our notice after a section of the media reported it on Monday," an official of the district administration said.

The poverty-stricken parents Of two minor girls in Jharkhand who were allegedly sold off to a brick-kiln owner in West Bengal have said that they left behind their daughters in the care of the businessman so that they could be looked after by his family, police said.

The poverty-stricken parents Of two minor girls in Jharkhand who were allegedly sold off to a brick-kiln owner in West Bengal have said that they left behind their daughters in the care of the businessman so that they could be looked after by his family, police said. A section of the media had reported Monday that a tribal couple at Toranghatu village in Jagannathpur sub-division of the district had sold off their two daughters, both minors, for Rs 1,500 each to a brick-kiln owner of Howrah, three years ago. A probe has been ordered by the West Singhbhum district administration. Jagannathpur Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Prabhat Ranjan Barwar told that a police team had met the parents at their village on Monday. A team will be proceeding to Howrah on Tuesday to trace the girls, he said. The SDPO said the parents, who used to work in the Howrah brick-kiln, told the police that they had initially kept one of the daughters with their employer so that they could be looked after properly. After returning to their village, they decided to send their second daughter to the brick-kiln owner's family for her proper care. The couple, however, denied having sold off their children to the businessman, the SDPO said. The block development officer (BDO) concerned and the police have been directed to probe the incident and submit a report soon, Sub-Divisional Officer of Jagannathpur, Smrita Kumari had said Monday. "I have also asked the Child Welfare Committee to look into the incident," she said. Necessary action would be taken against the culprits on the basis of the findings, the officer had said. "Though it is a three-year-old case, the incident came to our notice after a section of the media reported it on Monday," an official of the district administration said.

Tribal couple denies selling off daughters to brick-kiln owner

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