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India today reacted strongly after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/just-political-will-needed-to-solve-kashimr-says-pm-imran-khan-during-kartarpur-ceremony-180007">Pakistan PM Imran Khan said</a> the Kashmir issue can be solved during his speech after laying the foundation stone of the Kartarpur corridor.

"Deeply regret that the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/navjot-sidhu-should-contest-election-in-pakistan-he-will-win-surely-says-imran-khan-179998"> Pakistan PM chose to politicise</a> the pious occasion meant to realise the long pending demand of Sikh community to develop Kartarpur corridor by making unwarranted reference to J&amp;K which is integral &amp; inalienable part of India," the external affairs ministry said.

During his speech, the Pakistan prime minister had said that the Kashmir issue can be solved and that "only political will was needed".

"Both the sides have committed mistakes, we will not be able to go forward...point scoring will continue," PM Imran Khan had said during his speech.

"Pakistan is reminded that it must fulfil its international obligations and take effective and credible action to stop providing shelter and all kind of support to cross-border terrorism from territories under its control," India's external affairs ministry said in a statement.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar said that Pakistan was indulging in all kinds of terrorist activities and cross-border terrorism. &nbsp;"It is not an enthusiasm or a laughter challenge from Sidhu," Javadekar added.

The minister also took&nbsp;a jibe at Sidhu saying: Sidhu referred to various domestic issues which is not done in any diplomatic relations. He praised Imran Khan more than what was due and praised him to the hilt."

Prime Minister Imran Khan had joked that former Indian cricketer and current Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu would win hands down if he contests elections in Pakistan's Punjab.&nbsp;

Imran had said he didn't understand why the cricketer-turned-politician was criticised during his oath-taking ceremony. "He was just talking about peace," Imran said, adding,"I hope we don't have to wait for Sidhu to become Indian prime minister for everlasting friendship between our nations."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vUvKQzSJbys" width="560"></iframe>

India today reacted strongly after Pakistan PM Imran Khan said the Kashmir issue can be solved during his speech after laying the foundation stone of the Kartarpur corridor.

India today reacted strongly after Pakistan PM Imran Khan said the Kashmir issue can be solved during his speech after laying the foundation stone of the Kartarpur corridor. "Deeply regret that the Pakistan PM chose to politicise the pious occasion meant to realise the long pending demand of Sikh community to develop Kartarpur corridor by making unwarranted reference to J&K which is integral & inalienable part of India," the external affairs ministry said. During his speech, the Pakistan prime minister had said that the Kashmir issue can be solved and that "only political will was needed". "Both the sides have committed mistakes, we will not be able to go forward...point scoring will continue," PM Imran Khan had said during his speech. "Pakistan is reminded that it must fulfil its international obligations and take effective and credible action to stop providing shelter and all kind of support to cross-border terrorism from territories under its control," India's external affairs ministry said in a statement. Union minister Prakash Javadekar said that Pakistan was indulging in all kinds of terrorist activities and cross-border terrorism. "It is not an enthusiasm or a laughter challenge from Sidhu," Javadekar added. The minister also took a jibe at Sidhu saying: Sidhu referred to various domestic issues which is not done in any diplomatic relations. He praised Imran Khan more than what was due and praised him to the hilt." Prime Minister Imran Khan had joked that former Indian cricketer and current Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu would win hands down if he contests elections in Pakistan's Punjab. Imran had said he didn't understand why the cricketer-turned-politician was criticised during his oath-taking ceremony. "He was just talking about peace," Imran said, adding,"I hope we don't have to wait for Sidhu to become Indian prime minister for everlasting friendship between our nations."

Regret Pak chose to politicise Kartarpur ceremony by making unwarranted reference to J&K: India

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said on Wednesday he is going to "break the jinx" of no party winning the third consecutive term by forming the next Congress government with full majority.

The nine-time MLA also alleged that opposition BJP, which is looking to open its account for the first time in the state, is pumping in huge money, mostly in the minority areas of Chakmas and Brus, to get votes.

"I am going to break the jinx because of our good work. I am coming with full majority," Thanhawla, who was with his wife Lal Riliani, told reporters after casting his vote at Zarkawt-II polling station in the state capital.

Neither the Congress nor its main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) could ever form the third consecutive government since Mizoram got a full statehood in 1987.

Zarkawt-II falls under Aizawl North-III constituency, from where the chief minister's younger brother and Health minister Lal Thanzara is contesting.

Spending nearly one hour at the polling booth, the couple interacted with some locals gathered in the area. They later had black tea and cookies sitting on a bench inside a garage among a bunch of kids with whom they also shared some lighter moments.

When pointed out to the opposition's main point of campaign to bring in a change due to "anti-incumbency", Thanhawla said: "They can talk anything. They have the right to talk, because ours is a free democratic country. Everybody has the right to express."

The four-time chief minister claimed that the Congress will win 27-37 seats in the ongoing Assembly elections.

On the possibility of the Congress taking support from the BJP, as the saffron party has been said to have suggested in case of a hung Assembly, Thanhawla said, "I am not open to that. By mistake, I thought I would be voting the BJP, but I could not make mistake."

The senior Congress leader also said the BJP is "unlikely to get single seat" this time.

Talking about the sensitive Chakma and Bru voters, Thanhawla said: "Chakma (area), we are winning again. Bru area, I don't know. If money power works... They have been lavished with huge amount of money."

Asked specifically who is putting in money in Chakma and Bru areas, he alleged: "The BJP of course... The leaders were called down somewhere by Himanta Biswa Sarma. They might have been lavished by huge sum of money."

Asked again, whether he meant that Assam Finance Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma is buying votes with money power, the chief minister said: "I am not saying that, but I do suspect that."

The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In 2013 Assembly elections, the Congress won 34 seats, while the main opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) had won five, and Mizoram People's Conference bagged one.

The Congress and the MNF have left no stones unturned to woo voters. On the other side, BJP has launched a spirited campaign to get power in this strategically important Northeastern state sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh. BJP president Amit Shah even declared that Christmas will be celebrated in Mizoram under the BJP rule this December.

Mizoram is being seen by BJP leaders as the "final frontier" in its "Congress-free Northeast" campaign as the saffron party has already secured power in Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, besides joining the ruling coalitions in Meghalaya and Nagaland.

While the Congress and MNF are contesting in all the 40 constituencies this time, the BJP is in the fray for 39 seats.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said on Wednesday he is going to "break the jinx" of no party winning the third consecutive term by forming the next Congress government with full majority.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said on Wednesday he is going to "break the jinx" of no party winning the third consecutive term by forming the next Congress government with full majority. The nine-time MLA also alleged that opposition BJP, which is looking to open its account for the first time in the state, is pumping in huge money, mostly in the minority areas of Chakmas and Brus, to get votes. "I am going to break the jinx because of our good work. I am coming with full majority," Thanhawla, who was with his wife Lal Riliani, told reporters after casting his vote at Zarkawt-II polling station in the state capital. Neither the Congress nor its main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) could ever form the third consecutive government since Mizoram got a full statehood in 1987. Zarkawt-II falls under Aizawl North-III constituency, from where the chief minister's younger brother and Health minister Lal Thanzara is contesting. Spending nearly one hour at the polling booth, the couple interacted with some locals gathered in the area. They later had black tea and cookies sitting on a bench inside a garage among a bunch of kids with whom they also shared some lighter moments. When pointed out to the opposition's main point of campaign to bring in a change due to "anti-incumbency", Thanhawla said: "They can talk anything. They have the right to talk, because ours is a free democratic country. Everybody has the right to express." The four-time chief minister claimed that the Congress will win 27-37 seats in the ongoing Assembly elections. On the possibility of the Congress taking support from the BJP, as the saffron party has been said to have suggested in case of a hung Assembly, Thanhawla said, "I am not open to that. By mistake, I thought I would be voting the BJP, but I could not make mistake." The senior Congress leader also said the BJP is "unlikely to get single seat" this time. Talking about the sensitive Chakma and Bru voters, Thanhawla said: "Chakma (area), we are winning again. Bru area, I don't know. If money power works... They have been lavished with huge amount of money." Asked specifically who is putting in money in Chakma and Bru areas, he alleged: "The BJP of course... The leaders were called down somewhere by Himanta Biswa Sarma. They might have been lavished by huge sum of money." Asked again, whether he meant that Assam Finance Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma is buying votes with money power, the chief minister said: "I am not saying that, but I do suspect that." The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In 2013 Assembly elections, the Congress won 34 seats, while the main opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) had won five, and Mizoram People's Conference bagged one. The Congress and the MNF have left no stones unturned to woo voters. On the other side, BJP has launched a spirited campaign to get power in this strategically important Northeastern state sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh. BJP president Amit Shah even declared that Christmas will be celebrated in Mizoram under the BJP rule this December. Mizoram is being seen by BJP leaders as the "final frontier" in its "Congress-free Northeast" campaign as the saffron party has already secured power in Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, besides joining the ruling coalitions in Meghalaya and Nagaland. While the Congress and MNF are contesting in all the 40 constituencies this time, the BJP is in the fray for 39 seats.

Will break the jinx by forming govt in Mizoram for third time: CM Thanhawla

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday allowed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alok-verma-case-leak-of-cbi-directors-confidential-reply-irks-supreme-court-178369">CBI Director Alok Verma </a>and Joint Director A K Sharma to inspect in the CVC's office the case file relating to FIR against the agency's Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

Justice Najmi Waziri asked Verma to go to Central Vigilance Commission's office on Thursday after his counsel said that there are allegations of malafide against him in Asthana's petition.

He also allowed Sharma to go to the CVC's office on Friday for inspecting the files.

The court extended till December 7 its order directing the CBI to maintain status quo regarding proceedings against Asthana, who has sought quashing of an FIR against him in a bribery case.

The court was hearing separate pleas of Asthana, Kumar and middleman Manoj Prasad seeking quashing of the FIR against them.

In the previous hearing, the counsel for Sharma said he had incriminating evidence against Asthana and would place it before the court in a sealed cover, to which the court had asked him to file it before the CBI. The probe agency will then place the documents before it.

The high court on October 23 ordered the CBI to maintain status quo on proceedings against Asthana. That was further extended on October 29 till November 1.

On November 1, the interim order was extended till November 14 and then to November 28. The October 23 order had made it clear that the agency would not take any coercive step against Asthana.

On November 1, both CBI and Asthana had opposed the plea of Additional Superintendent of Police S S Gurm, who has been transferred from Delhi to Jabalpur in the wake of a feud between Verma and Asthana, to be heard in the matter.

The CBI in its reply to the pleas of Asthana and DSP Devender Kumar had said allegations against them and others show cognisable offences.Kumar is out on bail at present.

The CBI had filed the replies in response to the notice issued to it on the petitions filed by Asthana and Kumar, who was granted bail by the trial court, against the filing of the case.

The agency had said it was "handicapped" in its probe against them as the case files and documents have been sent to the CVC for scrutiny following the Supreme Court's order directing the vigilance body to inquire against Verma.

Kumar, earlier the investigating officer in a case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, was arrested on the allegations of forgery in recording the statement of businessman Sathish Babu Sana who had alleged to have paid bribe to get relief in the case.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday allowed CBI Director Alok Verma and Joint Director A K Sharma to inspect in the CVC's office the case file relating to FIR against the agency's Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday allowed CBI Director Alok Verma and Joint Director A K Sharma to inspect in the CVC's office the case file relating to FIR against the agency's Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Justice Najmi Waziri asked Verma to go to Central Vigilance Commission's office on Thursday after his counsel said that there are allegations of malafide against him in Asthana's petition. He also allowed Sharma to go to the CVC's office on Friday for inspecting the files. The court extended till December 7 its order directing the CBI to maintain status quo regarding proceedings against Asthana, who has sought quashing of an FIR against him in a bribery case. The court was hearing separate pleas of Asthana, Kumar and middleman Manoj Prasad seeking quashing of the FIR against them. In the previous hearing, the counsel for Sharma said he had incriminating evidence against Asthana and would place it before the court in a sealed cover, to which the court had asked him to file it before the CBI. The probe agency will then place the documents before it. The high court on October 23 ordered the CBI to maintain status quo on proceedings against Asthana. That was further extended on October 29 till November 1. On November 1, the interim order was extended till November 14 and then to November 28. The October 23 order had made it clear that the agency would not take any coercive step against Asthana. On November 1, both CBI and Asthana had opposed the plea of Additional Superintendent of Police S S Gurm, who has been transferred from Delhi to Jabalpur in the wake of a feud between Verma and Asthana, to be heard in the matter. The CBI in its reply to the pleas of Asthana and DSP Devender Kumar had said allegations against them and others show cognisable offences.Kumar is out on bail at present. The CBI had filed the replies in response to the notice issued to it on the petitions filed by Asthana and Kumar, who was granted bail by the trial court, against the filing of the case. The agency had said it was "handicapped" in its probe against them as the case files and documents have been sent to the CVC for scrutiny following the Supreme Court's order directing the vigilance body to inquire against Verma. Kumar, earlier the investigating officer in a case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, was arrested on the allegations of forgery in recording the statement of businessman Sathish Babu Sana who had alleged to have paid bribe to get relief in the case.

CBI vs CBI: Delhi High Court allows Alok Verma, A K Sharma to inspect Rakesh Asthana's case files

Proving that age is just a number and nothing else, a significant number of people falling under the age group of 90 to 100 years, and even above, came to the polling stations to exercise their franchise in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Assembly polls on Wednesday.

Although a majority of these women were visibly fragile, their determination to contribute to strengthening democracy in the states was motivation enough to come out and cast their votes.

In Mizoram's Kawrthah, a 106-year-old woman arrived to cast her vote in a wheelchair along with a family member.

A number of people belonging to the Bru community including aged women queued up to vote in the Assembly elections. With a pale face and wrinkled skin, an elderly woman posed for the media showing her inked finger.

At present, over 12,000 Brus are living in six relief camps in Tripura. They are voting at Kanhmun village in Mamit district where 15 temporary polling stations have been set up. To safeguard the interest of the Bru community, special polling arrangements have been made across the state. Food and transport facilities are also being provided to those coming to vote.

In Madhya Pradesh's Agar Malwa district, a 101-year-old woman arrived at a polling booth to cast her vote.Guided by the motto of "no voter to be left behind", the Election Commission has made adequate arrangements for differently-abled persons to exercise their franchise. Volunteers have been trained to guide these people to cast their votes.

In Madhya Pradesh's Katni region, the Municipal Corporation has arranged pick-up and drop facilities for differently-abled voters.

Experts working for the upliftment of the disabled in the society believe that special machines for visually impaired and sign-language interpreters for those who cannot hear should be provided by the authorities to help them during the time of polling.

Voting enthusiasm also soared among the young minds, many of whom voted for the first time. In both the states, youngsters, including women, came out in large numbers.

A first-time woman voter standing outside a polling booth in Bhopal said that she is voting in the name of development.

"I am voting not only to contribute to democracy but also for the development of the region. It will be unfortunate for women that even after the smooth process of elections they are not exercising their franchise. Please vote to bring change in the society."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's younger son Kunal Chouhan also voted for the first time in Budani assembly constituency earlier in the morning and urged youngsters to do the same.

Around five crore eligible voters will decide the fate of 2,899 candidates contesting for 230 seats of Madhya Pradesh Assembly. In Mizoram as many as 209 candidates are contesting for the 40-member Legislative Assembly. Results would be declared on December 11.

Proving that age is just a number and nothing else, a significant number of people falling under the age group of 90 to 100 years, and even above, came to the polling stations to exercise their franchise in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Assembly polls on Wednesday.

Proving that age is just a number and nothing else, a significant number of people falling under the age group of 90 to 100 years, and even above, came to the polling stations to exercise their franchise in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Assembly polls on Wednesday. Although a majority of these women were visibly fragile, their determination to contribute to strengthening democracy in the states was motivation enough to come out and cast their votes. In Mizoram's Kawrthah, a 106-year-old woman arrived to cast her vote in a wheelchair along with a family member. A number of people belonging to the Bru community including aged women queued up to vote in the Assembly elections. With a pale face and wrinkled skin, an elderly woman posed for the media showing her inked finger. At present, over 12,000 Brus are living in six relief camps in Tripura. They are voting at Kanhmun village in Mamit district where 15 temporary polling stations have been set up. To safeguard the interest of the Bru community, special polling arrangements have been made across the state. Food and transport facilities are also being provided to those coming to vote. In Madhya Pradesh's Agar Malwa district, a 101-year-old woman arrived at a polling booth to cast her vote.Guided by the motto of "no voter to be left behind", the Election Commission has made adequate arrangements for differently-abled persons to exercise their franchise. Volunteers have been trained to guide these people to cast their votes. In Madhya Pradesh's Katni region, the Municipal Corporation has arranged pick-up and drop facilities for differently-abled voters. Experts working for the upliftment of the disabled in the society believe that special machines for visually impaired and sign-language interpreters for those who cannot hear should be provided by the authorities to help them during the time of polling. Voting enthusiasm also soared among the young minds, many of whom voted for the first time. In both the states, youngsters, including women, came out in large numbers. A first-time woman voter standing outside a polling booth in Bhopal said that she is voting in the name of development. "I am voting not only to contribute to democracy but also for the development of the region. It will be unfortunate for women that even after the smooth process of elections they are not exercising their franchise. Please vote to bring change in the society." Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's younger son Kunal Chouhan also voted for the first time in Budani assembly constituency earlier in the morning and urged youngsters to do the same. Around five crore eligible voters will decide the fate of 2,899 candidates contesting for 230 seats of Madhya Pradesh Assembly. In Mizoram as many as 209 candidates are contesting for the 40-member Legislative Assembly. Results would be declared on December 11.

People defy age to cast vote in Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh polls

As the BJP and the Congress slug it out in the battle for Rajasthan, a Third Front of seven parties is taking shape with its chief ministerial face and firebrand farmer leader Amra Ram asserting that it's time to end the state's two-party system of "divide, loot and rule".

'Comrade' Ram, as the CPM state secretary is called by his party colleagues, is confident that the mega alliance will put up a tough fight and said that it would not be surprising if they become a king-maker like the JDS in Karnataka.

Speaking from Godiyawas village in Danta Ramgarh during his campaign tour, the 63-year-old Left leader said there was a cycle in Rajasthan of the Congress and the BJP "looting" the state for alternate five years.

This time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will definitely lose but the Congress will not be able to win, he claimed.

The seven-party alliance called the Loktantrik Morcha, whose chief ministerial face is Ram, has got Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), Marxist Communist Party of India (United), Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal and Janata Dal (Secular).

Asserting that the representation by Left parties in the Rajasthan Assembly will touch a record high in these elections, Ram said, "It will not be a surprise that like in Karnataka, the two main parties are left high and dry and a third force heads the government."

Ram, who is also the vice president of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), had led a massive farmers' agitation against the state government last year and was in jail for several days.

"In the last five years, the BJP government has worked against everybody - farmers, workers and backwards. It did not fulfil even a single poll promise," Ram said.

When asked about the reason for being so upbeat even though his party drew a blank in the last election, he said the CPM has worked on making the government concede to the common man's demands in past five years - be it the issue of electricity rates, waiving farmers loans, fixing prices for farmers' produce, crop insurance scheme or the irrigation related issues.

Before the CPI got divided to form CPM, the party had a representation from five seats, he said, talking about the Left's past electoral performance in Rajasthan. In 2008, the CPM had won three seats.

Slamming the Congress for "peddling soft-Hindutva", Ram accused the party of staying silent and not playing the role of the largest opposition party inside the assembly.

He also took on the BJP saying it makes a fool of the people by talking about Hindutva and remembers Ram temple only during elections. The issue is neither of temple, nor the cow, the real issue is of people's lives, he added.

"Rajasthan is also number-1 in killing of innocent people by lynch mobs and there are several instances of atrocities on dalits - on all these issues the CPI(M) has played the role of the chief opposition party on the streets," Ram said.

He asserted that earlier whoever won from Left parties did so on their own credentials, but this time there was support for the party as a whole.

The CPM is fighting on 28 seats, while the CPI is fighting on 20 seats in the upcoming polls.

The alliance assumes significance as the constituent parties have influence in some pocket boroughs.

In 2008 elections, the Congress had stopped four short of majority, but later six legislators of Mayawati's BSP had defected to join the Ashok Gehlot government.

Ram, who has won from here once and thrice from the nearby constituency of Dhod that was later reserved, exuded confidence that the non-BJP, non-Congress front of the Loktantrik Morcha will do well.

"Our slogan will be 'takht badal do, taj badal do, beimanon ka raj badal do (change the throne, change the crown, change the rule of the corrupt)'," he said with a smile on his face.

Ram is pitted against Congress's Virendra Singh and the BJP's Harish Chandra Kumawat.

Rajasthan will be voting for its 200-member assembly on December 7 and counting will take place on December 11.

As the BJP and the Congress slug it out in the battle for Rajasthan, a Third Front of seven parties is taking shape with its chief ministerial face and firebrand farmer leader Amra Ram asserting that it's time to end the state's two-party system of "divide, loot and rule".

As the BJP and the Congress slug it out in the battle for Rajasthan, a Third Front of seven parties is taking shape with its chief ministerial face and firebrand farmer leader Amra Ram asserting that it's time to end the state's two-party system of "divide, loot and rule". 'Comrade' Ram, as the CPM state secretary is called by his party colleagues, is confident that the mega alliance will put up a tough fight and said that it would not be surprising if they become a king-maker like the JDS in Karnataka. Speaking from Godiyawas village in Danta Ramgarh during his campaign tour, the 63-year-old Left leader said there was a cycle in Rajasthan of the Congress and the BJP "looting" the state for alternate five years. This time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will definitely lose but the Congress will not be able to win, he claimed. The seven-party alliance called the Loktantrik Morcha, whose chief ministerial face is Ram, has got Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), Marxist Communist Party of India (United), Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal and Janata Dal (Secular). Asserting that the representation by Left parties in the Rajasthan Assembly will touch a record high in these elections, Ram said, "It will not be a surprise that like in Karnataka, the two main parties are left high and dry and a third force heads the government." Ram, who is also the vice president of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), had led a massive farmers' agitation against the state government last year and was in jail for several days. "In the last five years, the BJP government has worked against everybody - farmers, workers and backwards. It did not fulfil even a single poll promise," Ram said. When asked about the reason for being so upbeat even though his party drew a blank in the last election, he said the CPM has worked on making the government concede to the common man's demands in past five years - be it the issue of electricity rates, waiving farmers loans, fixing prices for farmers' produce, crop insurance scheme or the irrigation related issues. Before the CPI got divided to form CPM, the party had a representation from five seats, he said, talking about the Left's past electoral performance in Rajasthan. In 2008, the CPM had won three seats. Slamming the Congress for "peddling soft-Hindutva", Ram accused the party of staying silent and not playing the role of the largest opposition party inside the assembly. He also took on the BJP saying it makes a fool of the people by talking about Hindutva and remembers Ram temple only during elections. The issue is neither of temple, nor the cow, the real issue is of people's lives, he added. "Rajasthan is also number-1 in killing of innocent people by lynch mobs and there are several instances of atrocities on dalits - on all these issues the CPI(M) has played the role of the chief opposition party on the streets," Ram said. He asserted that earlier whoever won from Left parties did so on their own credentials, but this time there was support for the party as a whole. The CPM is fighting on 28 seats, while the CPI is fighting on 20 seats in the upcoming polls. The alliance assumes significance as the constituent parties have influence in some pocket boroughs. In 2008 elections, the Congress had stopped four short of majority, but later six legislators of Mayawati's BSP had defected to join the Ashok Gehlot government. Ram, who has won from here once and thrice from the nearby constituency of Dhod that was later reserved, exuded confidence that the non-BJP, non-Congress front of the Loktantrik Morcha will do well. "Our slogan will be 'takht badal do, taj badal do, beimanon ka raj badal do (change the throne, change the crown, change the rule of the corrupt)'," he said with a smile on his face. Ram is pitted against Congress's Virendra Singh and the BJP's Harish Chandra Kumawat. Rajasthan will be voting for its 200-member assembly on December 7 and counting will take place on December 11.

Rajasthan polls: In BJP vs Congress fight, a Third Front takes shape

Air India has waived charges for carrying relief materials to victims of cyclone Gaja on its flights from the national capital to Chennai, following an order from Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu.&nbsp;

Cyclone Gaja crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam on November 16, leaving more than 60 people dead and causing widespread damage.

Prabhu ordered Air India to waive cargo charges for the relief material that is being sent to Tamil Nadu to help victims of the cyclone and the airline management has agreed to it, according to an official release.

Tamil Nadu Bhawan in the national capital would coordinate and authorise the relief material that is to be transferred to Chennai. “We will extend any sort of help to provide relief to the cyclone-affected areas of Tamil Nadu,” Prabhu said.

The minister said that keeping in view the severe damage that the cyclone has caused to the people of Tamil Nadu, it has been decided to waive any charges for the transfer of relief material to the affected people via Air India flights.

“I have ordered Air India to provide this relief and I am happy that they have agreed to provide much-needed relief,” he added.

Air India has waived charges for carrying relief materials to victims of cyclone Gaja on its flights from the national capital to Chennai, following an order from Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Air India has waived charges for carrying relief materials to victims of cyclone Gaja on its flights from the national capital to Chennai, following an order from Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu. Cyclone Gaja crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam on November 16, leaving more than 60 people dead and causing widespread damage. Prabhu ordered Air India to waive cargo charges for the relief material that is being sent to Tamil Nadu to help victims of the cyclone and the airline management has agreed to it, according to an official release. Tamil Nadu Bhawan in the national capital would coordinate and authorise the relief material that is to be transferred to Chennai. “We will extend any sort of help to provide relief to the cyclone-affected areas of Tamil Nadu,” Prabhu said. The minister said that keeping in view the severe damage that the cyclone has caused to the people of Tamil Nadu, it has been decided to waive any charges for the transfer of relief material to the affected people via Air India flights. “I have ordered Air India to provide this relief and I am happy that they have agreed to provide much-needed relief,” he added.

Air India waives charges for carrying relief material for cyclone Gaja victims

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram.

The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-2018-madhya-pradesh-registers-21-voter-turnout-mizoram-29-till-11-am-179928">27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram.</a>

The two states are undergoing polls to elect their legislative members.

Mizoram, one of the four states where the Congress is in power at present besides Punjab and the union territory of Puducherry and part of a coalition in Karnataka, is the last remaining bastion for Congress in the northeast.

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Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 58% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Mizoram. <a href="https://t.co/RBTlRG4vlR">pic.twitter.com/RBTlRG4vlR</a>
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The campaign has been high decibel, often marked by bitter personal attacks, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading the charge of their parties.

In Madhya Pradesh, the contest is mainly between the BJP and Congress through the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party are also in the fray.

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Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 50% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Madhya Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/EygrEhDZxa">pic.twitter.com/EygrEhDZxa</a>
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Apart from Modi`s appeal, the BJP is banking on the image of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and its organisational structure. Party President Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and union ministers Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley campaigned in the state.&nbsp;

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram.

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram. The two states are undergoing polls to elect their legislative members. Mizoram, one of the four states where the Congress is in power at present besides Punjab and the union territory of Puducherry and part of a coalition in Karnataka, is the last remaining bastion for Congress in the northeast. Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 58% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Mizoram. pic.twitter.com/RBTlRG4vlR — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × The campaign has been high decibel, often marked by bitter personal attacks, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading the charge of their parties. In Madhya Pradesh, the contest is mainly between the BJP and Congress through the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party are also in the fray. Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 50% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Madhya Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/EygrEhDZxa — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Apart from Modi`s appeal, the BJP is banking on the image of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and its organisational structure. Party President Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and union ministers Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley campaigned in the state.

Assembly polls: Madhya Pradesh registers 50% voter turnout, Mizoram 58% till 3 pm

The Indian and Russian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-s-400-air-defence-system-deal-to-be-delivered-by-2020-169580">armies conducted their bi-annual</a> joint military exercise, 'INDRA 2018', on Tuesday (November 27) in northern city of Jhansi aimed at boosting defence cooperation between the two countries.

The fifth army of the Russian Federation and the Indian army's mechanized infantry battalion with as many as 500 soldiers, 250 from each side took part in the exercise.

The drills in the exercise under the banner of the United Nations aimed to emphasise training to enhance team building, house intervention, peacemaking operations, and strengthening special tactical operations and learn about arms and ammunition.

Russian major general Oleg Tsekove said: Today was the third part (of the exercise) and we saw how Indian and Russian units act together in a live tactical situation in the field."

"The exercise today has proved one more time that it is possible to fight terrorism together, and this is what was shown today by Russian and Indian units," the Russian general added.

Military ties between the two countries date back to the Soviet era, when India entirely depended on Moscow to equip its armed forces. The United States has since taken over as India's top arms supplier.

Lt General R P Singh, commander of Sudharshan Chakra brigade said: "The exercise was conducted on a joint level so that the armies of Russia and India can understand the potential of each other and in times of need under the United Nations multinational force can work together."

The Indian and Russian armies conducted their bi-annual joint military exercise, 'INDRA 2018', on Tuesday (November 27) in northern city of Jhansi aimed at boosting defence cooperation between the two countries.

The Indian and Russian armies conducted their bi-annual joint military exercise, 'INDRA 2018', on Tuesday (November 27) in northern city of Jhansi aimed at boosting defence cooperation between the two countries. The fifth army of the Russian Federation and the Indian army's mechanized infantry battalion with as many as 500 soldiers, 250 from each side took part in the exercise. The drills in the exercise under the banner of the United Nations aimed to emphasise training to enhance team building, house intervention, peacemaking operations, and strengthening special tactical operations and learn about arms and ammunition. Russian major general Oleg Tsekove said: Today was the third part (of the exercise) and we saw how Indian and Russian units act together in a live tactical situation in the field." "The exercise today has proved one more time that it is possible to fight terrorism together, and this is what was shown today by Russian and Indian units," the Russian general added. Military ties between the two countries date back to the Soviet era, when India entirely depended on Moscow to equip its armed forces. The United States has since taken over as India's top arms supplier. Lt General R P Singh, commander of Sudharshan Chakra brigade said: "The exercise was conducted on a joint level so that the armies of Russia and India can understand the potential of each other and in times of need under the United Nations multinational force can work together."

Watch: India, Russia conduct joint military exercise in Uttar Pradesh

India, Russia hold joint military exercise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad.&nbsp;

The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

"We are not responding to it (Pakistan's invitation to Modi to the SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC," ANI quoted Swaraj as saying.&nbsp;

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EAM Sushma Swaraj: We are not responding to it( invitation by Pakistan for SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue, so we will not participate in SAARC <a href="https://t.co/ufb2H9UDuD">pic.twitter.com/ufb2H9UDuD</a>
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Swaraj had earlier said that India and Pakistan were not going to start talking just becuase they are in the process of opening the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179875">Kartarpur Corridor</a>.&nbsp;

The foundation stone-laying ceremony fo the corridor is taking place today in Kartarpur, Pakistan.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-not-connected-with-dialogue-process-with-pak-sushma-swaraj-179919">Terror and talks cannot go together</a>, Swaraj said.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Faisal recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan had said in his victory speech that if India takes one step forward, Pakistan would take two.

The 2016 SAARC summit was also supposed to have been held in Islamabad.&nbsp;

But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances".

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad. The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad. The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "We are not responding to it (Pakistan's invitation to Modi to the SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC," ANI quoted Swaraj as saying. EAM Sushma Swaraj: We are not responding to it( invitation by Pakistan for SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue, so we will not participate in SAARC pic.twitter.com/ufb2H9UDuD — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Swaraj had earlier said that India and Pakistan were not going to start talking just becuase they are in the process of opening the Kartarpur Corridor. The foundation stone-laying ceremony fo the corridor is taking place today in Kartarpur, Pakistan. Terror and talks cannot go together, Swaraj said. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Faisal recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan had said in his victory speech that if India takes one step forward, Pakistan would take two. The 2016 SAARC summit was also supposed to have been held in Islamabad. But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances". The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative. (With inputs from PTI)

Modi turns down Pakistan invite to SAARC summit

India's Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Kartarpur Corridor is not connected with dialogue process with Pakistan.

India has been asking for a corridor, which will facilitate visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, for many years and she said she was happy that Pakistan had for the first time responded positively.

"But that does not mean that bilateral talks will start only on this," she said, adding that terror and talks can't go together.

Swaraj, who is campaigning in Hyderabad ahead of the Telangana elections on December 7, was addressing a press conference.

"The moment Pakistan stops terrorist activities in India, the dialogue can start but the dialogue is not connected with only the Kartarpur corridor," she said.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179875">lay the foundation stone</a> for the Kartarpur corridor on Wednesday.

Pakistan had invited Swaraj for the ceremony but she expressed her inability to attend the deremony due to prior commitments. The minister had said that India would be represented by Union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri.

Pakistan had also invited Punjab Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sidhus-decision-to-visit-pakistan-his-way-of-thinking-amarinder-singh-179604">Captain Amarinder Singh</a> and his cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu. While Singh declined to attend the event, citing continued terrorist attacks in his state and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan's armed forces, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/hope-that-kartarpur-corridor-will-be-a-bridge-of-peace-between-india-pakistan-navjot-singh-sidhu-179759">Sidhu left for Pakistan</a> on Tuesday.

The foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor was laid at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Singh on Monday.

The corridor will facilitate easy passage for Sikh pilgrims to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.

The decision to build passage from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border was taken by the Union Cabinet on November 22.

It has been a long-pending demand of the Sikh community.

Kartarpur is located in Shakargarh in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, had spent more than 18 years of his life there.

The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is located on the banks of the Ravi river, about three-four kilometres from the border in Pakistan.

India's Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Kartarpur Corridor is not connected with dialogue process with Pakistan. India has been asking for a corridor, which will facilitate visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, for many years and she said she was happy that Pakistan had for the first time responded positively.

India's Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Kartarpur Corridor is not connected with dialogue process with Pakistan. India has been asking for a corridor, which will facilitate visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, for many years and she said she was happy that Pakistan had for the first time responded positively. "But that does not mean that bilateral talks will start only on this," she said, adding that terror and talks can't go together. Swaraj, who is campaigning in Hyderabad ahead of the Telangana elections on December 7, was addressing a press conference. "The moment Pakistan stops terrorist activities in India, the dialogue can start but the dialogue is not connected with only the Kartarpur corridor," she said. Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will lay the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor on Wednesday. Pakistan had invited Swaraj for the ceremony but she expressed her inability to attend the deremony due to prior commitments. The minister had said that India would be represented by Union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri. Pakistan had also invited Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and his cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu. While Singh declined to attend the event, citing continued terrorist attacks in his state and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan's armed forces, Sidhu left for Pakistan on Tuesday. The foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor was laid at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Singh on Monday. The corridor will facilitate easy passage for Sikh pilgrims to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. The decision to build passage from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border was taken by the Union Cabinet on November 22. It has been a long-pending demand of the Sikh community. Kartarpur is located in Shakargarh in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, had spent more than 18 years of his life there. The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is located on the banks of the Ravi river, about three-four kilometres from the border in Pakistan.

Kartarpur Corridor not connected with dialogue process with Pak: Sushma Swaraj

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/editor-shujaat-bukhari-shot-dead-but-rising-kashmir-hits-stands-144544">the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari</a> in June.

A second terrorist was also killed in the encounter that broke out&nbsp;in Budgam district's Chathergam village on Wednesday morning.

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Budgam Encounter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Naveed Jatt and another terrorist gunned down by security forces. Jatt was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/lWcLJwOCFp">pic.twitter.com/lWcLJwOCFp</a>
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Television news reports said clashes broke out between the security forces and locals after Jatt's killing.&nbsp;

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Two CRPF personnel were injured in stone pelting while encounter between security forces and terrorists was underway in Budgam (deferred visuals) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/woUCaWeIt0">pic.twitter.com/woUCaWeIt0</a>
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A K Bhatt, GOC Army’s 15 Corps: In an operation this morning in Budgam, 2 terrorists were killed. One of them is Naveed Jatt, he was believed to be involved in the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari. 2 of our men were also injured &amp; taken to hospital, both are out of danger. <a href="https://t.co/oyXkGmY7UG">pic.twitter.com/oyXkGmY7UG</a>
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&nbsp;Jatt was the second terrorist thought to have been involved in Bukhari's assassination to be killed.

LeT commander Azad Ahmed Malik was among six terrorists killed in an encounter last week. Police say he too was involved in Bukhari's killing.

Bukhari, editor of the Rising Kashmir newspaper, was shot dead outside his office in Srinagar's Press Enclave in June. Two of his (PSOs) personal security officers were shot dead along with him. (An attempt had been made on Bukhari's life earlier.)&nbsp;

Bukhari, 50, had at the time been about to leave for an iftar party.&nbsp;

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Lashkar e Taiba Commander Naveed Jatt, who was involved in the assassination of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari was gunned down by security forces in Budgam earlier today ( pic source: J&amp;K Police)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/cfe6oh8sdc">pic.twitter.com/cfe6oh8sdc</a>
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Jatt was a Pakistani and had escaped from police custody from a Srinagar hospital on February 6 this year. 
 
&nbsp;

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari in June.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari in June. A second terrorist was also killed in the encounter that broke out in Budgam district's Chathergam village on Wednesday morning. Budgam Encounter #UPDATE: Naveed Jatt and another terrorist gunned down by security forces. Jatt was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/lWcLJwOCFp — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Television news reports said clashes broke out between the security forces and locals after Jatt's killing. Two CRPF personnel were injured in stone pelting while encounter between security forces and terrorists was underway in Budgam (deferred visuals) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/woUCaWeIt0 — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × A K Bhatt, GOC Army’s 15 Corps: In an operation this morning in Budgam, 2 terrorists were killed. One of them is Naveed Jatt, he was believed to be involved in the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari. 2 of our men were also injured & taken to hospital, both are out of danger. pic.twitter.com/oyXkGmY7UG — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Jatt was the second terrorist thought to have been involved in Bukhari's assassination to be killed. LeT commander Azad Ahmed Malik was among six terrorists killed in an encounter last week. Police say he too was involved in Bukhari's killing. Bukhari, editor of the Rising Kashmir newspaper, was shot dead outside his office in Srinagar's Press Enclave in June. Two of his (PSOs) personal security officers were shot dead along with him. (An attempt had been made on Bukhari's life earlier.) Bukhari, 50, had at the time been about to leave for an iftar party. Lashkar e Taiba Commander Naveed Jatt, who was involved in the assassination of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari was gunned down by security forces in Budgam earlier today ( pic source: J&K Police)#JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/cfe6oh8sdc — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Jatt was a Pakistani and had escaped from police custody from a Srinagar hospital on February 6 this year.

J&K: Terrorist thought responsible for journalist Shujaat Bukhari's killing shot dead

With poll campaign at its peak in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/from-strong-to-sticky-wicket-why-retaining-power-in-telangana-wont-be-a-cakewalk-for-kcr-179734">Telangana</a>, voters in caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's home turf Gajwel seem to be divided between the talks of development by the ruling party and Opposition's allegations of an "unreachable" head of the government.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kcr-walking-congress-path-thinks-he-can-win-elections-without-doing-any-work-modi-in-telanagana-179719">KCR</a>, as Rao is popularly known as, is seeking re-election from Gajwel in Siddipet district, after winning in 2014 with a margin of nearly 20,000 votes. 
While KCR's supporters go at length to talk about his government's development agenda, many others in the constituency allege they are not able to reach him when in need.

"Development is clearly visible. We have got better roads, regular power supply and more importantly tap water in each house. A lot has been done under the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/telangana-assembly-elections-2018-why-its-difficult-to-overthrow-k-c-rao-178990"> KCR rule</a>. The only minus point is our leader is inaccessible to people," said a guava seller in Pragnapur.

He said there is a feeling that the chief minister does not spend "enough time" in his constituency and villagers have to communicate through his representatives to get any work done.

A Vinay, an under-graduate Commerce student in the newly-build kindergarten to post-graduate government campus, said he is not a voter yet, but feels the Congress candidate's availability in the area is much more.

"Our chief minister does not meet us and we feel a distance is growing despite some good work," he added.

At the same time, Ganesh Lagishetty, a tea seller on the Gajwel-Pragnapur road, argued it does not matter whether the chief minister is in the area or not. 
"What matters is development and that is happening," he said.

Earlier, water was supplied through tankers and now each house has got tap water facility, while overall infrastructure in the area has improved, he added.&nbsp;

A section of Muslim community also appeared happy with the welfare schemes, especially a hike in the government remuneration to 'imams' in mosques, but some are upset over non-implementation of 12 per cent reservation to minorities.

"Many 'imams' are poor and don't have own house to live and have no other source of income. It is a big relief that the TRS government has raised our salary from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000," said Mohammud Kumail Ashraf, an imam in one of the biggest mosques in the constituency.

Admitting that KCR maintains distance with people, Ashraf hoped that the TRS government would keep its reservation promise if elected again.&nbsp;

Samiyuddin, who sells fruits in front of the newly-built 'Integrated Market' that would be opened formally after the election, said he believes KCR will come to power again as many feel that the welfare schemes could be stalled if another party wins.

B Ashok, a political science lecturer in a private college, said, "There is 50:50 chance. The youth are disappointed as the TRS government did not provide jobs promised in 2014 polls."&nbsp;

Vinay Kumar, a farmer who grows corn and cotton in five acres in Remangooda village, is happy that he has got 45 per cent subsidy to buy a tractor that costs Rs 10 lakh, canal water for irrigation and Rs 4,000 per acre incentive under the Rythu Bandhu scheme for both kharif and rabi seasons.

Promising to cast his vote only for KCR, 60-year-old shepherd Illaya Poushalaya said no government had ever given 21 goats at a subsidised rate.&nbsp;

A confident KCR and his party members are heavily relying on the development work and welfare projects undertaken by the government.

In Gajwel, KCR is up against Vanteru Pratap Reddy, a local strongman who has defected to the Congress from the TDP and has been campaigning ever since the Assembly was dissolved on September 6, months before he was announced as a candidate.

Akula Vijaya from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and S Srinivas from the Bahujan Left Front (BLF) are also in the fray.

Meanwhile, Reddy allegedly attempted to set himself on fire on Monday after a search was conducted at his house in Kompally following a complaint that cash meant for distribution to voters was hidden there.

On the other side, the man tasked with ensuring TRS' win in the constituency is KCR's nephew and one of his most trusted confidantes T Harish Rao, who was also irrigation minister in the last government.

Asked if KCR's 'inaccessible' nature will dent his chances of winning the assembly polls, Harish Rao said: "Our opponents in Gajwel have no issue to raise and therefore asking people if chief minister meets people or not. If they claim to be more connected with people, why have they not build roads and given water, power, pension and other basic facilities in their 60 years of regime?"

"What development work have they done by being connected with people and what has not been done by KCR by not being accessible. Let people decide and vote," he said.

Asserting that that KCR will get a sweeping majority of over one lakh votes, he said it would be interesting to see if opponents will be able to save their deposits or not.

In 2014, the TRS chief had won the seat by a margin of 19,366 votes against Reddy, who had contested on a TDP ticket.

It would be interesting to see if vote transfer takes place from TDP to Congress on Reddy's personal charisma. In the last election, Congress polled 17.46 per cent votes, while Reddy got 34.48 per cent. KCR's vote share was 44.42 per cent.

With poll campaign at its peak in Telangana, voters in caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's home turf Gajwel seem to be divided between the talks of development by the ruling party and Opposition's allegations of an "unreachable" head of the government.

With poll campaign at its peak in Telangana, voters in caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's home turf Gajwel seem to be divided between the talks of development by the ruling party and Opposition's allegations of an "unreachable" head of the government. KCR, as Rao is popularly known as, is seeking re-election from Gajwel in Siddipet district, after winning in 2014 with a margin of nearly 20,000 votes. While KCR's supporters go at length to talk about his government's development agenda, many others in the constituency allege they are not able to reach him when in need. "Development is clearly visible. We have got better roads, regular power supply and more importantly tap water in each house. A lot has been done under the KCR rule. The only minus point is our leader is inaccessible to people," said a guava seller in Pragnapur. He said there is a feeling that the chief minister does not spend "enough time" in his constituency and villagers have to communicate through his representatives to get any work done. A Vinay, an under-graduate Commerce student in the newly-build kindergarten to post-graduate government campus, said he is not a voter yet, but feels the Congress candidate's availability in the area is much more. "Our chief minister does not meet us and we feel a distance is growing despite some good work," he added. At the same time, Ganesh Lagishetty, a tea seller on the Gajwel-Pragnapur road, argued it does not matter whether the chief minister is in the area or not. "What matters is development and that is happening," he said. Earlier, water was supplied through tankers and now each house has got tap water facility, while overall infrastructure in the area has improved, he added. A section of Muslim community also appeared happy with the welfare schemes, especially a hike in the government remuneration to 'imams' in mosques, but some are upset over non-implementation of 12 per cent reservation to minorities. "Many 'imams' are poor and don't have own house to live and have no other source of income. It is a big relief that the TRS government has raised our salary from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000," said Mohammud Kumail Ashraf, an imam in one of the biggest mosques in the constituency. Admitting that KCR maintains distance with people, Ashraf hoped that the TRS government would keep its reservation promise if elected again. Samiyuddin, who sells fruits in front of the newly-built 'Integrated Market' that would be opened formally after the election, said he believes KCR will come to power again as many feel that the welfare schemes could be stalled if another party wins. B Ashok, a political science lecturer in a private college, said, "There is 50:50 chance. The youth are disappointed as the TRS government did not provide jobs promised in 2014 polls." Vinay Kumar, a farmer who grows corn and cotton in five acres in Remangooda village, is happy that he has got 45 per cent subsidy to buy a tractor that costs Rs 10 lakh, canal water for irrigation and Rs 4,000 per acre incentive under the Rythu Bandhu scheme for both kharif and rabi seasons. Promising to cast his vote only for KCR, 60-year-old shepherd Illaya Poushalaya said no government had ever given 21 goats at a subsidised rate. A confident KCR and his party members are heavily relying on the development work and welfare projects undertaken by the government. In Gajwel, KCR is up against Vanteru Pratap Reddy, a local strongman who has defected to the Congress from the TDP and has been campaigning ever since the Assembly was dissolved on September 6, months before he was announced as a candidate. Akula Vijaya from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and S Srinivas from the Bahujan Left Front (BLF) are also in the fray. Meanwhile, Reddy allegedly attempted to set himself on fire on Monday after a search was conducted at his house in Kompally following a complaint that cash meant for distribution to voters was hidden there. On the other side, the man tasked with ensuring TRS' win in the constituency is KCR's nephew and one of his most trusted confidantes T Harish Rao, who was also irrigation minister in the last government. Asked if KCR's 'inaccessible' nature will dent his chances of winning the assembly polls, Harish Rao said: "Our opponents in Gajwel have no issue to raise and therefore asking people if chief minister meets people or not. If they claim to be more connected with people, why have they not build roads and given water, power, pension and other basic facilities in their 60 years of regime?" "What development work have they done by being connected with people and what has not been done by KCR by not being accessible. Let people decide and vote," he said. Asserting that that KCR will get a sweeping majority of over one lakh votes, he said it would be interesting to see if opponents will be able to save their deposits or not. In 2014, the TRS chief had won the seat by a margin of 19,366 votes against Reddy, who had contested on a TDP ticket. It would be interesting to see if vote transfer takes place from TDP to Congress on Reddy's personal charisma. In the last election, Congress polled 17.46 per cent votes, while Reddy got 34.48 per cent. KCR's vote share was 44.42 per cent.

Assembly elections 2018: In KCR's home turf Gajewal, it's development vs 'unreachable' CM

As the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) makes a determined bid to retain power in Telangana, party leader K T Rama Rao expressed confidence people will cast "decisive votes" in its favour in the upcoming assembly polls, asserting that his father and interim chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao is enough to neutralise any anti-incumbency sentiment against the party.

Claiming that people in the country's newest state that took birth in 2014 are aware of the TRS government's developmental work, Rao said the party is banking on his father and his vision to come to power again, hoping to get 100 seats in the 119-member house.

Popularly known as KTR, the 42-year-old is contesting for the third time from Sircilla constituency, 140 km from Hyderabad, in the December 7 assembly polls. He won with over 53,000 votes against a Congress candidate in the 2014 assembly elections.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, Rao said, "People realise that this is the election where KCR (as the chief minister is popularly known as) gets elected as chief minister. For that to happen, they have to vote for MLAs. Whatever anti-incumbency or dissatisfaction that could be against incumbent MLAs, that will be eclipsed by KCR."

He said the Opposition has been pointing out "blemishes" in the TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) manifesto, but the people have to decide finally.

"You can look at the moon and point out the brightness it exudes. You can also point out the small blemishes the moon has. So, the Opposition always has to point out the blemishes in our manifesto and those promises that our party has not fulfilled," Rao added.

Exuding confidence that people will cast "decisive votes", Rao who is one of the most popular faces in the state and a potential successor of K Chandrashekar Rao, said let people judge TRS' performance and cast their vote.

He said the party has laid a strong foundation in the state, but admitted there were some issues in implementing all its promises.

"There are going to be issues. But we already have a foot in the elections and we are going on polls on December 7. Let them (Opposition) give their agenda and we will give ours. Let people decide. We believe we played a strong foundation," he said.

Asked if the TRS was depending on KCR's image to retain power, Rao said, "We are banking on good governance by KCR. We are banking on pro-poor policies of TRS. We are banking on a combination of welfare and development which never been seen in any state."

On former finance minister P Chidambaram's allegation that Telangana chief minister has failed to deliver the goods and left behind Rs 2.20 lakh crore debt on the people, Rao said, "Mr Chidambaram being a learned man should not mislead people. We do not need Chidambaram's certificate. We don't need Congress party's certificate. We need certificate from the people."

The state debt-to-GDP ratio is 22 per cent that is lower than the country's average and than that of many other states, he added.

Rao also rejected suggestions that there is a power tussle within the family and said his father will be the chief minister for the next 10-15 years.

On the party's promise of offering 1 lakh government jobs, the TRS leader said, "We have filled 38,000 posts. Let me remind you, this is the highest number any government has filled in the past. The previous government has filled on an average 9,000 jobs annually."

He further said the 'Rythu Bandhu Scheme' was a revolutionary scheme lauded by the UN as well as renowned farm scientist M S Swaminathan and chief economic advisor Arvind Subramanian but the Opposition was finding "loopholes".

"I pity their intellectual bankruptcy. ...These jokers (Congress and TDP) who ruled us for 70 years could not conceive a programme like this," he said.

The TRS leader further said the party has turned a power-deficit state into a power-surplus state, irrigation projects are near 90 per cent completion and the state government has brought 38 lakh hectares under irrigation.

Stating that farmers' suicides are declining rapidly in the state, Rao said, "Union Minister of State for Agriculture Purshottam Rupala has said it on record on the floor of Parliament that 1,500 or 1,600, subject to correction, farmers suicides have come down by 54 per cent last year to 645. We also want to see a situation in Telangana that there are zero farmers' suicides."

Asked about the Opposition's allegation that the TRS was becoming a party of Reddy community as half of the candidates fielded by it belong to that caste, Rao said these are baseless allegations.

"We do not divide communities in Telangana based on caste, creed or religion," he added.

As the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) makes a determined bid to retain power in Telangana, party leader K T Rama Rao expressed confidence people will cast "decisive votes" in its favour in the upcoming assembly polls, asserting that his father and interim chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao is enough to neutralise any anti-incumbency sentiment against the party.

As the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) makes a determined bid to retain power in Telangana, party leader K T Rama Rao expressed confidence people will cast "decisive votes" in its favour in the upcoming assembly polls, asserting that his father and interim chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao is enough to neutralise any anti-incumbency sentiment against the party. Claiming that people in the country's newest state that took birth in 2014 are aware of the TRS government's developmental work, Rao said the party is banking on his father and his vision to come to power again, hoping to get 100 seats in the 119-member house. Popularly known as KTR, the 42-year-old is contesting for the third time from Sircilla constituency, 140 km from Hyderabad, in the December 7 assembly polls. He won with over 53,000 votes against a Congress candidate in the 2014 assembly elections. In an exclusive interview to PTI, Rao said, "People realise that this is the election where KCR (as the chief minister is popularly known as) gets elected as chief minister. For that to happen, they have to vote for MLAs. Whatever anti-incumbency or dissatisfaction that could be against incumbent MLAs, that will be eclipsed by KCR." He said the Opposition has been pointing out "blemishes" in the TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) manifesto, but the people have to decide finally. "You can look at the moon and point out the brightness it exudes. You can also point out the small blemishes the moon has. So, the Opposition always has to point out the blemishes in our manifesto and those promises that our party has not fulfilled," Rao added. Exuding confidence that people will cast "decisive votes", Rao who is one of the most popular faces in the state and a potential successor of K Chandrashekar Rao, said let people judge TRS' performance and cast their vote. He said the party has laid a strong foundation in the state, but admitted there were some issues in implementing all its promises. "There are going to be issues. But we already have a foot in the elections and we are going on polls on December 7. Let them (Opposition) give their agenda and we will give ours. Let people decide. We believe we played a strong foundation," he said. Asked if the TRS was depending on KCR's image to retain power, Rao said, "We are banking on good governance by KCR. We are banking on pro-poor policies of TRS. We are banking on a combination of welfare and development which never been seen in any state." On former finance minister P Chidambaram's allegation that Telangana chief minister has failed to deliver the goods and left behind Rs 2.20 lakh crore debt on the people, Rao said, "Mr Chidambaram being a learned man should not mislead people. We do not need Chidambaram's certificate. We don't need Congress party's certificate. We need certificate from the people." The state debt-to-GDP ratio is 22 per cent that is lower than the country's average and than that of many other states, he added. Rao also rejected suggestions that there is a power tussle within the family and said his father will be the chief minister for the next 10-15 years. On the party's promise of offering 1 lakh government jobs, the TRS leader said, "We have filled 38,000 posts. Let me remind you, this is the highest number any government has filled in the past. The previous government has filled on an average 9,000 jobs annually." He further said the 'Rythu Bandhu Scheme' was a revolutionary scheme lauded by the UN as well as renowned farm scientist M S Swaminathan and chief economic advisor Arvind Subramanian but the Opposition was finding "loopholes". "I pity their intellectual bankruptcy. ...These jokers (Congress and TDP) who ruled us for 70 years could not conceive a programme like this," he said. The TRS leader further said the party has turned a power-deficit state into a power-surplus state, irrigation projects are near 90 per cent completion and the state government has brought 38 lakh hectares under irrigation. Stating that farmers' suicides are declining rapidly in the state, Rao said, "Union Minister of State for Agriculture Purshottam Rupala has said it on record on the floor of Parliament that 1,500 or 1,600, subject to correction, farmers suicides have come down by 54 per cent last year to 645. We also want to see a situation in Telangana that there are zero farmers' suicides." Asked about the Opposition's allegation that the TRS was becoming a party of Reddy community as half of the candidates fielded by it belong to that caste, Rao said these are baseless allegations. "We do not divide communities in Telangana based on caste, creed or religion," he added.

People will cast 'decisive' vote in favour of TRS to retain power in Telangana, says KCR's son

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 49 per cent in Mizoram.

The turnout&nbsp;till&nbsp;11 am was recorded as 21 per cent in MP while 29 per cent in Mizoram.

The two states are undergoing<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-polling-begins-in-mizoram-179865"> polls</a> to elect their legislative members.

Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mizoram-polls-litmus-test-for-cm-thanhawla-bjp-looks-to-uproot-congress-from-last-bastion-in-northeast-179767">legislative assembly</a>&nbsp;began at 7 am, while Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am.

However,&nbsp;Maoist-affected Balaghat district in MP went to poll at 7 am.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mizoram-polls-litmus-test-for-cm-thanhawla-bjp-looks-to-uproot-congress-from-last-bastion-in-northeast-179767">Mizoram</a>&nbsp;is one of three states currently under Congress rule, while the BJP has been in power in Madhya&nbsp;Pradesh for the last 15 years. The BJP has never formed a government in Mizoram.

The Congress and the MNF (Mizoram's second party) are contesting all 40 constituencies in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fighting in 39 seats.

The battle for power in Madhya Pradesh's 230 seats is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also in the fray.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded candidates in all 230 seats, while the Congress is contesting 229 seats.

Congress leader&nbsp;Jyotiraditya Scindia said that he had written to the Election Commission&nbsp;demanding an extension of voting in Madhya Pradesh after several complaints of EVM malfunctioning were reported in the polling booth.&nbsp;

Shivraj Singh Chauhan who had been ruling the state for the past three terms expressed his confidence over winning the elections for the fourth time.

He said, "We’re 100 per cent certain that BJP will forma government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality".

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We’re 100% certain that BJP will form government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan after casting his vote in Budhni <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/RNQMYXBFQs">pic.twitter.com/RNQMYXBFQs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067627947014664192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "I&nbsp;assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people".&nbsp;

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I assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people: Jyotiraditya Scindia after casting his vote at a polling booth in Gwalior <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/AeswowBZTU">pic.twitter.com/AeswowBZTU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067652700542767104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The election day also witnessed an unfortunate death of one election commission in Guna while two others in Indore.&nbsp;

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One Election Commission official in Guna, and two in Indore have passed away due to cardiac arrest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067644614021181440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Update?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Update</a> Election Commission announces Rs 10 lakh each compensation for the kin of the EC officials who passed away while on election duty <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/7Qv1XJvwIS">https://t.co/7Qv1XJvwIS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067658619846578176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 49 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 11 am was recorded as 21 per cent in MP while 29 per cent in Mizoram.

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 49 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 11 am was recorded as 21 per cent in MP while 29 per cent in Mizoram. The two states are undergoing polls to elect their legislative members. Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member legislative assembly began at 7 am, while Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am. However, Maoist-affected Balaghat district in MP went to poll at 7 am. Mizoram is one of three states currently under Congress rule, while the BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh for the last 15 years. The BJP has never formed a government in Mizoram. The Congress and the MNF (Mizoram's second party) are contesting all 40 constituencies in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fighting in 39 seats. The battle for power in Madhya Pradesh's 230 seats is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also in the fray. The BJP has fielded candidates in all 230 seats, while the Congress is contesting 229 seats. Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said that he had written to the Election Commission demanding an extension of voting in Madhya Pradesh after several complaints of EVM malfunctioning were reported in the polling booth. Shivraj Singh Chauhan who had been ruling the state for the past three terms expressed his confidence over winning the elections for the fourth time. He said, "We’re 100 per cent certain that BJP will forma government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality". We’re 100% certain that BJP will form government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan after casting his vote in Budhni #MadhyaPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/RNQMYXBFQs — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × While Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "I assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people". I assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people: Jyotiraditya Scindia after casting his vote at a polling booth in Gwalior #MadhyaPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/AeswowBZTU — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × The election day also witnessed an unfortunate death of one election commission in Guna while two others in Indore. One Election Commission official in Guna, and two in Indore have passed away due to cardiac arrest #MadhyaPradeshElections — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × #Update Election Commission announces Rs 10 lakh each compensation for the kin of the EC officials who passed away while on election duty #MadhyaPradeshElections https://t.co/7Qv1XJvwIS — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 ×

Assembly election 2018: Madhya Pradesh registers 27% voter turnout, Mizoram 49% till 1 pm

Incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accompanied by wife Sadhna Singh and his sons Kartikey and Kunal, cast their votes at a polling station in Budhni while expressing confidence in the party's victory in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-polling-begins-in-mizoram-179865">ongoing assembly polls</a>.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Chouhan said that he has set a target of bagging 200 seats, for which lakhs of volunteers are working day and night.

"I am 100 per cent sure that BJP will come to power for the fourth time and will have absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats this time and lakhs of volunteers are working to achieve this goal.

Speaking about his Congress opponent Arun Yadav, Chouhan said that the party has done a "lot of injustice" to him.

"They (Congress) first removed him from the post of state unit president and then gave him a ticket from Budhni," he claimed.

Voting for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-elections-2018-congress-banking-on-anti-incumbent-sentiment-in-madhya-pradesh-179899">230 assembly seats</a> has commenced in Madhya Pradesh today. In the view of polling, Chouhan and his wife, Sadhna, urged all people to cast their votes in favour of the BJP if they want to continue seeing development in the state.

"I appeal to people that this vote is not only a vote but a vote for development. Your one vote can change the future of Madhya Pradesh. Your one vote can uplift the poor, women, girls in the society. Your one vote can improve the lives of farmers. Your one vote can provide free medical treatments to the needy. I request you all to vote for us," said Chouhan.

While Chouhan's younger son, Kunal, refused to comment on any political aspect, he urged the youth to exercise their franchise in order to make their state developed.

Kartikey Chouhan, the elder son of the incumbent chief minister, also reiterated that the BJP will defeat all rival political quarters and win over 200 seats in the elections this time. "Last time, we three came for casting votes and won the elections. But this time, we four have come and I am confident that BJP will win for the fourth time," he added.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pro-incumbency-at-work-in-madhya-pradesh-says-shivraj-singh-chouhan-179768">In Madhya Pradesh</a>, voting, which began at 8am, will conclude at 5pm. However, the timing for polling in Baihar, Lanji and Parswada assembly constituencies of Balaghat district has been set from 7am to 3pm.

Around five crore eligible voters will decide the fate of 2,899 candidates contesting for 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in order to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls. Around one lakh 80 thousand security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the region.

Incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accompanied by wife Sadhna Singh and his sons Kartikey and Kunal, cast their votes at a polling station in Budhni while expressing confidence in the party's victory in the ongoing assembly polls.

Incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accompanied by wife Sadhna Singh and his sons Kartikey and Kunal, cast their votes at a polling station in Budhni while expressing confidence in the party's victory in the ongoing assembly polls. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Chouhan said that he has set a target of bagging 200 seats, for which lakhs of volunteers are working day and night. "I am 100 per cent sure that BJP will come to power for the fourth time and will have absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats this time and lakhs of volunteers are working to achieve this goal. Speaking about his Congress opponent Arun Yadav, Chouhan said that the party has done a "lot of injustice" to him. "They (Congress) first removed him from the post of state unit president and then gave him a ticket from Budhni," he claimed. Voting for 230 assembly seats has commenced in Madhya Pradesh today. In the view of polling, Chouhan and his wife, Sadhna, urged all people to cast their votes in favour of the BJP if they want to continue seeing development in the state. "I appeal to people that this vote is not only a vote but a vote for development. Your one vote can change the future of Madhya Pradesh. Your one vote can uplift the poor, women, girls in the society. Your one vote can improve the lives of farmers. Your one vote can provide free medical treatments to the needy. I request you all to vote for us," said Chouhan. While Chouhan's younger son, Kunal, refused to comment on any political aspect, he urged the youth to exercise their franchise in order to make their state developed. Kartikey Chouhan, the elder son of the incumbent chief minister, also reiterated that the BJP will defeat all rival political quarters and win over 200 seats in the elections this time. "Last time, we three came for casting votes and won the elections. But this time, we four have come and I am confident that BJP will win for the fourth time," he added. In Madhya Pradesh, voting, which began at 8am, will conclude at 5pm. However, the timing for polling in Baihar, Lanji and Parswada assembly constituencies of Balaghat district has been set from 7am to 3pm. Around five crore eligible voters will decide the fate of 2,899 candidates contesting for 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in order to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls. Around one lakh 80 thousand security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the region.

'Abki baar 200 paar': Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan confident of victory in Assembly polls

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has slapped Rs 5-crore fine on the West Bengal government for "failing to comply" with its two-year-old directive to improve air quality in Kolkata and Howrah.

The NGT Eastern Zone principal bench comprising Judges S P Wangdi and non-judicial member Nagin Nanda on Tuesday said the fine should be paid within two weeks of the order to the Central Pollution Control Board, failing which, the government will have to pay an additional Rs 1-crore as fine for every month's delay to the CPCB.

The order was given in the wake of West Bengal government not enforcing several measures recommended by the NGT in an earlier order in 2016 to check air pollution, the bench observed.

In the order, the NGT had recommended measures like introducing alternative mechanism to put a lid on high number of polluting diesel vehicles in the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah, introducing remote sensing device (RSD) to monitor smoke emission, increasing number of computerised air monitoring stations from the existing ones.

The other measures include introducing the system of allowing private vehicles with odd and even registration numbers on specific days in the week, monitoring entry of non-BS 4 commercial vehicles to twin cities, stop burning of waste in dumping sites in different parts of state.

The green body in subsequent sittings in the intervening period of two years had sought to know if the West Bengal government's Environment department and the West Bengal Pollution Control Board had taken any steps towards the direction.

The NGT had passed the 2016 order on the basis of a report submitted by an expert committee but environmentalist Subhas Datta had moved a contempt petition recently which led to imposition of the fine by the tribunal.

The NGT on Tuesday also directed the West Bengal chief secretary to file an affidavit by January 8, 2019 regarding the follow-up action plan and payment of fine.

Environmentalist S M Ghosh said this was the culmination of a 20-year-old battle by environmentalists with a writ petition on health hazard caused by pollution first filed in 1999 at the Calcutta high court by him, another petition on the same issue filed by environmentalist Subhas Dutta in HC in 2006 and the case being transferred to NGT East bench in 2014.&nbsp;

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has slapped Rs 5-crore fine on the West Bengal government for "failing to comply" with its two-year-old directive to improve air quality in Kolkata and Howrah.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has slapped Rs 5-crore fine on the West Bengal government for "failing to comply" with its two-year-old directive to improve air quality in Kolkata and Howrah. The NGT Eastern Zone principal bench comprising Judges S P Wangdi and non-judicial member Nagin Nanda on Tuesday said the fine should be paid within two weeks of the order to the Central Pollution Control Board, failing which, the government will have to pay an additional Rs 1-crore as fine for every month's delay to the CPCB. The order was given in the wake of West Bengal government not enforcing several measures recommended by the NGT in an earlier order in 2016 to check air pollution, the bench observed. In the order, the NGT had recommended measures like introducing alternative mechanism to put a lid on high number of polluting diesel vehicles in the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah, introducing remote sensing device (RSD) to monitor smoke emission, increasing number of computerised air monitoring stations from the existing ones. The other measures include introducing the system of allowing private vehicles with odd and even registration numbers on specific days in the week, monitoring entry of non-BS 4 commercial vehicles to twin cities, stop burning of waste in dumping sites in different parts of state. The green body in subsequent sittings in the intervening period of two years had sought to know if the West Bengal government's Environment department and the West Bengal Pollution Control Board had taken any steps towards the direction. The NGT had passed the 2016 order on the basis of a report submitted by an expert committee but environmentalist Subhas Datta had moved a contempt petition recently which led to imposition of the fine by the tribunal. The NGT on Tuesday also directed the West Bengal chief secretary to file an affidavit by January 8, 2019 regarding the follow-up action plan and payment of fine. Environmentalist S M Ghosh said this was the culmination of a 20-year-old battle by environmentalists with a writ petition on health hazard caused by pollution first filed in 1999 at the Calcutta high court by him, another petition on the same issue filed by environmentalist Subhas Dutta in HC in 2006 and the case being transferred to NGT East bench in 2014.

NGT slaps Rs 5 crore fine on West Bengal government for failing to curb air pollution

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the CBI to take over the probe into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates at 16 shelter homes in Bihar.

A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur transferred the investigation, being conducted by Bihar police, to the CBI while dismissing the state government's request to not transfer the probe.

The apex court said the report of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) raises grave concern about 17 shelter homes in Bihar and CBI must look into all of them.

CBI told the bench, also comprising Justice S A Nazeer and Justice Deepak Gupta, that in principle, it was ready to take over the investigation.

The agency is already investigating the Muzaffarpur shelter home case, in which it is expected to file a charge sheet by December 7, the court was told.

The apex court also said CBI officers probing the shelter home cases in Bihar shall not be transferred without its prior permission.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the CBI to take over the probe into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates at 16 shelter homes in Bihar. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur transferred the investigation, being conducted by Bihar police, to the CBI while dismissing the state government's request to not transfer the probe.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the CBI to take over the probe into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of inmates at 16 shelter homes in Bihar. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur transferred the investigation, being conducted by Bihar police, to the CBI while dismissing the state government's request to not transfer the probe. The apex court said the report of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) raises grave concern about 17 shelter homes in Bihar and CBI must look into all of them. CBI told the bench, also comprising Justice S A Nazeer and Justice Deepak Gupta, that in principle, it was ready to take over the investigation. The agency is already investigating the Muzaffarpur shelter home case, in which it is expected to file a charge sheet by December 7, the court was told. The apex court also said CBI officers probing the shelter home cases in Bihar shall not be transferred without its prior permission.

Supreme Court transfers 16 Bihar shelter home abuse cases to CBI

Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning.

Speaking to ANI over the phone, Banjarahills ACP KS Rao said that the transgender community on Tuesday night approached the police complaining of Chandramukhi`s missing since morning.

The police have registered a case and investigations are underway.

"We have formed a special team to search Chandramukhi. We are monitoring the CCTV. There is no suspicion on anyone," the police said.

On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination from Goshamahal constituency.

Chandramukhi`s opponent is sitting legislator Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies.

The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning.

Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning. Speaking to ANI over the phone, Banjarahills ACP KS Rao said that the transgender community on Tuesday night approached the police complaining of Chandramukhi`s missing since morning. The police have registered a case and investigations are underway. "We have formed a special team to search Chandramukhi. We are monitoring the CCTV. There is no suspicion on anyone," the police said. On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination from Goshamahal constituency. Chandramukhi`s opponent is sitting legislator Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

India assembly elections 2018: Trans-woman contesting Telangana poll missing

As the voting kick-started in Madhya Pradesh, multiple instances of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) malfunctioning have been reported, thus temporarily stalling the polling process.

In Mohana booth number 55, the EVM has stopped working and no voter has been able to cast vote since morning, while in Ujjain, two EVMs were replaced due to errors. In Alirajpur, a total of 11 VVPAT machines were replaced and polling was resumed. In Burhanpur, five VVPATs and two EVMs were replaced after being found defective.

Meanwhile, in Bhopal Central region, two EVMs were reported to be faulty, following which a team of the Election Commission was sent to replace machines.

Campaign material was seized from a person said to be a BJP polling agent from a booth in Saint Mary's, Bhopal, as it was within 200 metres of a polling booth. The police have arrested one person with regards to the case.

Amid tight security, Madhya Pradesh is voting for a new assembly today. The voting is being underway at 65,341 polling booths, which have been set up for the single-phase elections to 230 seats of the state Assembly. As many as 2,000 booths will entirely be operated by women staff. Special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their votes.

A total of 5,04,95,251 voters including 1389 third gender will cast their votes to decide the fortune of as many as 2,907 candidates, who are in the fray. The State Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that polling takes place in a free and fair manner.

The result of the poll will be declared on December 11.

As the voting kick-started in Madhya Pradesh, multiple instances of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) malfunctioning have been reported, thus temporarily stalling the polling process.

As the voting kick-started in Madhya Pradesh, multiple instances of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) malfunctioning have been reported, thus temporarily stalling the polling process. In Mohana booth number 55, the EVM has stopped working and no voter has been able to cast vote since morning, while in Ujjain, two EVMs were replaced due to errors. In Alirajpur, a total of 11 VVPAT machines were replaced and polling was resumed. In Burhanpur, five VVPATs and two EVMs were replaced after being found defective. Meanwhile, in Bhopal Central region, two EVMs were reported to be faulty, following which a team of the Election Commission was sent to replace machines. Campaign material was seized from a person said to be a BJP polling agent from a booth in Saint Mary's, Bhopal, as it was within 200 metres of a polling booth. The police have arrested one person with regards to the case. Amid tight security, Madhya Pradesh is voting for a new assembly today. The voting is being underway at 65,341 polling booths, which have been set up for the single-phase elections to 230 seats of the state Assembly. As many as 2,000 booths will entirely be operated by women staff. Special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their votes. A total of 5,04,95,251 voters including 1389 third gender will cast their votes to decide the fortune of as many as 2,907 candidates, who are in the fray. The State Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that polling takes place in a free and fair manner. The result of the poll will be declared on December 11.

Faulty EVMs, VVPATs halt polling in few constituencies in Madhya Pradesh

Delhi Police have arrested a man caught with a bullet in his pocket during his visit to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday morning.&nbsp;

The man, identified as Imran, told police that he found the bullet&nbsp;in the donation given to a mosque, kept it in his wallet and later forgot about it, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Imran meanwhile has been arrested under the Arms Act.

"He's a caretaker at Baoli masjid in Karol Bagh. He says someone had dropped it in donation box 2 months back. He didn't inform police&amp;carried it with intention of throwing it away: ADCP Harinder Singh," the police said.

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A live cartridge was found in pocket of one of the men. We arrested him (pic 2). He's a caretaker at Baoli masjid in Karol Bagh. He says someone had dropped it in donation box 2 months back.He didn't inform police&amp;carried it with intention of throwing it away: ADCP Harinder Singh <a href="https://t.co/wQkaE5oG8h">pic.twitter.com/wQkaE5oG8h</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067298375308140544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, he was among the clerics who had gone to the CM with a request to increase Waqf Board salaries.

The incident comes just a week after a man threw red pepper powder at him inside the Delhi Secretariat last Tuesday.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, last Wednesday, reacted to the chilli powder attack, stating that it was not the first time when he was being attacked.&nbsp;

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I've been attacked 4 times in 2 yrs. It's not minor issue.These attacks aren't taking place,they're being ordered.Humlog inki aankhon ka roda ban chuke hain.Yelog milke mujhe marwana chahte hain. Ye baar-baar humlogo ke upar hamle karwa rahe hain: Delhi CM on chilli powder attack <a href="https://t.co/vT4BW8Jshg">pic.twitter.com/vT4BW8Jshg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065202851071369219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kejriwal added that the attacks on him on are not a minor issue and that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/these-attacks-arent-taking-place-theyre-being-ordered-delhi-cm-kejriwal-178616">he thinks those are being ordered</a>.&nbsp;

"I've been attacked four times in two years. It's not a minor issue. These attacks aren't taking place, they're being ordered," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;

He said that these attacks are aimed at taking his life.

 
&nbsp;

Delhi Police have arrested a man caught with a bullet in his pocket during his visit to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday morning. The man, identified as Imran, told police that he found the bullet in the donation given to a mosque, kept it in his wallet and later forgot about it, news agency ANI reported.

Delhi Police have arrested a man caught with a bullet in his pocket during his visit to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday morning. The man, identified as Imran, told police that he found the bullet in the donation given to a mosque, kept it in his wallet and later forgot about it, news agency ANI reported. Imran meanwhile has been arrested under the Arms Act. "He's a caretaker at Baoli masjid in Karol Bagh. He says someone had dropped it in donation box 2 months back. He didn't inform police&carried it with intention of throwing it away: ADCP Harinder Singh," the police said. A live cartridge was found in pocket of one of the men. We arrested him (pic 2). He's a caretaker at Baoli masjid in Karol Bagh. He says someone had dropped it in donation box 2 months back.He didn't inform police&carried it with intention of throwing it away: ADCP Harinder Singh pic.twitter.com/wQkaE5oG8h — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × According to reports, he was among the clerics who had gone to the CM with a request to increase Waqf Board salaries. The incident comes just a week after a man threw red pepper powder at him inside the Delhi Secretariat last Tuesday. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, last Wednesday, reacted to the chilli powder attack, stating that it was not the first time when he was being attacked. I've been attacked 4 times in 2 yrs. It's not minor issue.These attacks aren't taking place,they're being ordered.Humlog inki aankhon ka roda ban chuke hain.Yelog milke mujhe marwana chahte hain. Ye baar-baar humlogo ke upar hamle karwa rahe hain: Delhi CM on chilli powder attack pic.twitter.com/vT4BW8Jshg — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2018 × Kejriwal added that the attacks on him on are not a minor issue and that he thinks those are being ordered. "I've been attacked four times in two years. It's not a minor issue. These attacks aren't taking place, they're being ordered," Kejriwal said. He said that these attacks are aimed at taking his life.

Delhi Police arrest cleric caught with bullet while visiting CM Kejriwal

People residing in Delhi and National Capital Region are reeling under the impact of breathing polluted air from the past couple of months due to vehicular pollution, crop residue burning and climate change.

As per the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded 349 on Tuesday, falling under the 'very poor'&nbsp;quality category.

The fog will lift in the morning with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 31 degrees Celsius and 13-degree Celsius, respectively.

Humidity in the region has plummeted to 60 per cent with a wind speed of 8 kilometres per hour. AQI between the range of 0-50 is considered good while the range beyond 500 is contemplated as hazardous.

The air quality index between the range 51 to 100 is marked as satisfactory while 101-200 range is touted as moderate.

The range of 201-300 comes under the category of poor whereas 401-500 range is considered as severe. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 387 at 8:45 am, while in Mathura Road area, it dipped to 'very poor'&nbsp;at 361.

Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 356, 335 and 326, respectively. Experts have predicted that the air pollution will continue to engulf the capital and its nearby region from the next couple of days.

"The air quality is very poor and will remain very poor with a gradually increasing trend for the next two days without any major episode and then likely to decline. The AQI will remain in the very poor category only. The increase is attributed to declining in wind speed as compared to past two days. Tomorrow, the sky is likely to be hazy /cloudy (not good for aq). All other meteorological factors are unfavourable and likely to remain so at least for the next two days. The contribution from stubble biomass has almost seized, " the forecasting agency stated.

In order to prevent the smog-haze issue, the pollution-hit cities can follow in Singapore's footsteps which also faced a similar issue in 2015.

In order to provide relief to its citizens, the Singapore government introduced the Haze Subsidy scheme, which provided affordable treatment for haze-related conditions to elderly, children and poor.

The climate change has also adversely affected the snow-laden peaks and landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.

The untimely snowfall in Lahul Spiti which is at least 3000 metres above the sea level, has resulted in the loss of crops such as cabbage, apple, potatoes etc. This area usually receives heavy snowfall between the month of December and April.

People residing in Delhi and National Capital Region are reeling under the impact of breathing polluted air from the past couple of months due to vehicular pollution, crop residue burning and climate change.

People residing in Delhi and National Capital Region are reeling under the impact of breathing polluted air from the past couple of months due to vehicular pollution, crop residue burning and climate change. As per the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded 349 on Tuesday, falling under the 'very poor' quality category. The fog will lift in the morning with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 31 degrees Celsius and 13-degree Celsius, respectively. Humidity in the region has plummeted to 60 per cent with a wind speed of 8 kilometres per hour. AQI between the range of 0-50 is considered good while the range beyond 500 is contemplated as hazardous. The air quality index between the range 51 to 100 is marked as satisfactory while 101-200 range is touted as moderate. The range of 201-300 comes under the category of poor whereas 401-500 range is considered as severe. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 387 at 8:45 am, while in Mathura Road area, it dipped to 'very poor' at 361. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 356, 335 and 326, respectively. Experts have predicted that the air pollution will continue to engulf the capital and its nearby region from the next couple of days. "The air quality is very poor and will remain very poor with a gradually increasing trend for the next two days without any major episode and then likely to decline. The AQI will remain in the very poor category only. The increase is attributed to declining in wind speed as compared to past two days. Tomorrow, the sky is likely to be hazy /cloudy (not good for aq). All other meteorological factors are unfavourable and likely to remain so at least for the next two days. The contribution from stubble biomass has almost seized, " the forecasting agency stated. In order to prevent the smog-haze issue, the pollution-hit cities can follow in Singapore's footsteps which also faced a similar issue in 2015. In order to provide relief to its citizens, the Singapore government introduced the Haze Subsidy scheme, which provided affordable treatment for haze-related conditions to elderly, children and poor. The climate change has also adversely affected the snow-laden peaks and landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. The untimely snowfall in Lahul Spiti which is at least 3000 metres above the sea level, has resulted in the loss of crops such as cabbage, apple, potatoes etc. This area usually receives heavy snowfall between the month of December and April.

Delhiites gasp for breath as air quality remains unhealthy

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls.

The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states.&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated.

"3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed.

1.80 lakh security personnel and 3,00,782 government employees have been deployed on poll duty at 65,367 booths set up across the state.

Madhya Pradesh has a 230-member Assembly and total 2,907 candidates are in the fray for the contest.

The BJP is contesting on all the 230 seats, while the Congress has fielded 229 candidates.

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister. The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls.

The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019.

Meanwhile, all arrangements are in place in Mizoram for the voting.

The Congress and the main opposition, the MNF, have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats.

(With inputs from agencies)

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls. The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states.

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls. The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states. Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated. "3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed. 1.80 lakh security personnel and 3,00,782 government employees have been deployed on poll duty at 65,367 booths set up across the state. Madhya Pradesh has a 230-member Assembly and total 2,907 candidates are in the fray for the contest. The BJP is contesting on all the 230 seats, while the Congress has fielded 229 candidates. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister. The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls. The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019. Meanwhile, all arrangements are in place in Mizoram for the voting. The Congress and the main opposition, the MNF, have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

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