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Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress today, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother.

Hitting out at the Congress on Mr Babbar's remarks, he said, "When one doesn't have real issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother."

The Congress leader had kicked up a row in Indore on Thursday when he compared the falling value of rupee against US dollar with the age of the prime minister's mother.

Addressing a rally Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur, PM Modi, in an apparent dig at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said 125 crore people of the country were the "high-command" of his government, which was "not remote-controlled by a madam".

PM Modi claimed that "coffers of banks were emptied for the rich during the madam's government". "However, our government opened doors of banks for the needy youth," he said.

The prime minister asked why Congress was abusing Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who people fondly refer to as "maama".

Unlike Shivraj Chouhan, who is called 'maama' out of people's appreciation, Congress on the other hand "should worry about your own 'Maamas'. Ottavio Quattrocchai 'maama' and Warren Anderson 'maama' who were sent to America in a special airplane," he said, referring to the Bofors scandal and the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy.

He said the Congress was voted out of power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago because it indulged in dynastic politics and the politics of divisiveness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress today, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress today, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother. Hitting out at the Congress on Mr Babbar's remarks, he said, "When one doesn't have real issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother." The Congress leader had kicked up a row in Indore on Thursday when he compared the falling value of rupee against US dollar with the age of the prime minister's mother. Addressing a rally Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur, PM Modi, in an apparent dig at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said 125 crore people of the country were the "high-command" of his government, which was "not remote-controlled by a madam". PM Modi claimed that "coffers of banks were emptied for the rich during the madam's government". "However, our government opened doors of banks for the needy youth," he said. The prime minister asked why Congress was abusing Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who people fondly refer to as "maama". Unlike Shivraj Chouhan, who is called 'maama' out of people's appreciation, Congress on the other hand "should worry about your own 'Maamas'. Ottavio Quattrocchai 'maama' and Warren Anderson 'maama' who were sent to America in a special airplane," he said, referring to the Bofors scandal and the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy. He said the Congress was voted out of power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago because it indulged in dynastic politics and the politics of divisiveness.

He doesn't have real issues to talk about: PM Modi on Babbar's remark for his mother

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took offence Friday at what she described as the "sarcastic tone" of a reporter's question about the 2016 surgical strikes carried out by the Army on terror launch pads across the LoC.

During a press conference here, a reporter asked her as to why the NDA government was "tom-tomming" the operation two years later.&nbsp;

"I got hurt by the way...In a very sarcastic tone you asked the question," an upset Sitharaman said. "The word you used....'bin bajaye (tom-tomming)...I understand Hindi...."&nbsp;

During the ongoing campaign for Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah have repeatedly referred to the surgical strikes of September 2016 in which the Indian Army destroyed terrorist launch pads by crossing the Line of Control.

The reporter had asked her whether it was desirable to go public about the operation and if it was in the soldiers' interest and whether the Congress governments had never carried out such operations.

"Every citizen should glorify it. Should we be ashamed of attacking an enemy? They attacked our jawans with the help of terrorists. We targeted their (terrorists') camp," Sitharaman said.

"We should be proud of the soldiers who laid down their lives for our motherland. We should be proud of them. Should we be ashamed of it?" she asked.

"I got hurt by the way... In a very sarcastic tone, you asked the question...He may not have meant it," she said after other reporters tried to mollify her. 
If Congress governments of the past had ever carried out surgical strikes, the party should have glorified them as it is a matter of pride for the country, the minister said.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took offence Friday at what she described as the "sarcastic tone" of a reporter's question about the 2016 surgical strikes carried out by the Army on terror launch pads across the LoC.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took offence Friday at what she described as the "sarcastic tone" of a reporter's question about the 2016 surgical strikes carried out by the Army on terror launch pads across the LoC. During a press conference here, a reporter asked her as to why the NDA government was "tom-tomming" the operation two years later. "I got hurt by the way...In a very sarcastic tone you asked the question," an upset Sitharaman said. "The word you used....'bin bajaye (tom-tomming)...I understand Hindi...." During the ongoing campaign for Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah have repeatedly referred to the surgical strikes of September 2016 in which the Indian Army destroyed terrorist launch pads by crossing the Line of Control. The reporter had asked her whether it was desirable to go public about the operation and if it was in the soldiers' interest and whether the Congress governments had never carried out such operations. "Every citizen should glorify it. Should we be ashamed of attacking an enemy? They attacked our jawans with the help of terrorists. We targeted their (terrorists') camp," Sitharaman said. "We should be proud of the soldiers who laid down their lives for our motherland. We should be proud of them. Should we be ashamed of it?" she asked. "I got hurt by the way... In a very sarcastic tone, you asked the question...He may not have meant it," she said after other reporters tried to mollify her. If Congress governments of the past had ever carried out surgical strikes, the party should have glorified them as it is a matter of pride for the country, the minister said.

'I understand Hindi': Sitharaman upset with reporter's 'sarcastic' query on surgical strike

Indians are the most vacation-deprived (75 per cent) in the world and 41 per cent have not taken&nbsp;a vacation in past six months as they could not get time off work, according to a report.

Vacation deprivation is on the rise, and 75 per cent of Indian feel vacation deprived which is the highest in the world followed by South Korea (72 per cent) and Hong Kong (69 per cent), according to the annual Expedia 2018 Vacation Deprivation Report.

Indian workers also do not take all vacation days and rank five to leave their vacations unused after Japan, Italy, Australia, New Zealand. 
This research for the report was conducted on behalf of Expedia by Northstar Research Partners, in 19 countries among 11,144 employed adults aged 18 and over.

The survey was conducted online from September 19-28, 2018 across North America, Europe, South America and Asia-Pacific.

"We have seen an increase in support from Indian employers to take vacations. However, employees still do not avail their full vacation days as they feel they are missing out on important work decisions, fear of being seen as less committed or finding it difficult to co-ordinate time with their travel companion.

Our study also reflects that 18 per cent Indians feel that those who are successful at their job don't take vacation days," Expedia India marketing head Manmeet Ahluwalia said.

"We dug deeper to understand reasons which are keeping Indians away from taking vacations and realised that they are the least likely to get a free pass while vacationing. They are expected to be available to their colleagues and supervisors, making 34 per cent Indians check their mails at least once per day," he added.

For 64 per cent of Indians the impending workload after they come back from vacation is an important factor in deciding the length of their holiday, he said.

"Not surprised to know that 17 per cent of Indians have not taken any leave from past one year. These figures throws light on various factors resulting in making India the most vacation deprived nation in the world," he added.

However, 55 per cent Indians feel that vacation deprivation affect their productivity.

Though the feeling of vacation deprivation among Indians have gone up, their guilt associated with taking a vacation has gone down by 9 per cent to 63 per cent this year compared to the previous year.

One of the leading reasons people don't use their vacation time is because they're saving them for a big trip.

Indians are the most vacation-deprived (75 per cent) in the world and 41 per cent have not taken a vacation in past six months as they could not get time off work, according to a report.

Indians are the most vacation-deprived (75 per cent) in the world and 41 per cent have not taken a vacation in past six months as they could not get time off work, according to a report. Vacation deprivation is on the rise, and 75 per cent of Indian feel vacation deprived which is the highest in the world followed by South Korea (72 per cent) and Hong Kong (69 per cent), according to the annual Expedia 2018 Vacation Deprivation Report. Indian workers also do not take all vacation days and rank five to leave their vacations unused after Japan, Italy, Australia, New Zealand. This research for the report was conducted on behalf of Expedia by Northstar Research Partners, in 19 countries among 11,144 employed adults aged 18 and over. The survey was conducted online from September 19-28, 2018 across North America, Europe, South America and Asia-Pacific. "We have seen an increase in support from Indian employers to take vacations. However, employees still do not avail their full vacation days as they feel they are missing out on important work decisions, fear of being seen as less committed or finding it difficult to co-ordinate time with their travel companion. Our study also reflects that 18 per cent Indians feel that those who are successful at their job don't take vacation days," Expedia India marketing head Manmeet Ahluwalia said. "We dug deeper to understand reasons which are keeping Indians away from taking vacations and realised that they are the least likely to get a free pass while vacationing. They are expected to be available to their colleagues and supervisors, making 34 per cent Indians check their mails at least once per day," he added. For 64 per cent of Indians the impending workload after they come back from vacation is an important factor in deciding the length of their holiday, he said. "Not surprised to know that 17 per cent of Indians have not taken any leave from past one year. These figures throws light on various factors resulting in making India the most vacation deprived nation in the world," he added. However, 55 per cent Indians feel that vacation deprivation affect their productivity. Though the feeling of vacation deprivation among Indians have gone up, their guilt associated with taking a vacation has gone down by 9 per cent to 63 per cent this year compared to the previous year. One of the leading reasons people don't use their vacation time is because they're saving them for a big trip.

Indians feel most vacation deprived in the world: Report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday hit out at the Congress Saturday, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally here, Modi, in an apparent dig at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said 125 crore people of the country were the "high-command" of his government, which was "not remote-controlled by a madam".

Hitting out at the Congress on Babbar's remarks, he said, "When one doesn't have issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother."&nbsp;

The Congress leader had kicked up a row in Indore Thursday when he compared the falling value of rupee against US dollar with the age of the prime minister's mother.

Attacking Gandhi, Modi alleged that "coffers of banks were emptied for the rich during the madam's government". "However, our government opened doors of banks for the needy youth," Modi said.

The prime minister asked why the Congress was worried about Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan being called "mama".

"They are worried Shivraj is called mama...Why, don't you remember (Ottavio) Quattrocchi mama and Warren Anderson (then chairman of the Union Carbide) mama," he said, referring to the Bofors scandal and the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy.

He said the Congress was voted out of power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago because it indulged in the politics of divisiveness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday hit out at the Congress Saturday, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday hit out at the Congress Saturday, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother. Addressing a rally here, Modi, in an apparent dig at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said 125 crore people of the country were the "high-command" of his government, which was "not remote-controlled by a madam". Hitting out at the Congress on Babbar's remarks, he said, "When one doesn't have issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother." The Congress leader had kicked up a row in Indore Thursday when he compared the falling value of rupee against US dollar with the age of the prime minister's mother. Attacking Gandhi, Modi alleged that "coffers of banks were emptied for the rich during the madam's government". "However, our government opened doors of banks for the needy youth," Modi said. The prime minister asked why the Congress was worried about Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan being called "mama". "They are worried Shivraj is called mama...Why, don't you remember (Ottavio) Quattrocchi mama and Warren Anderson (then chairman of the Union Carbide) mama," he said, referring to the Bofors scandal and the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy. He said the Congress was voted out of power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago because it indulged in the politics of divisiveness.

Modi targets Congress, says coffers of banks were emptied for rich during 'madam's' govt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for the people of India and Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion of Guru Purab PM Modi said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai? Shayad Guru Nanak Dev Ji ke aashirwad se, Kartarpur ka corridor sirf corrdior nahi, jan jan ko jodne ka bahut bada karan ban sakta hai (Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji , Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people)."

''We do not wish bad for anyone…we believe in Vasudhev Kutumbkam,'' Modi said and added that the sacrifices of the Sikh gurus have built and protected the country.

This is the first comment by PM Modi on the Kartarpur corridor.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will jointly lay the foundation stone of the corridor project in Dera Baba Nanak area of Gurdaspur district on November 26.

The Union Cabinet had on Thursday decided to develop the corridor from Gurdaspur in Punjab to the International Border (IB) to facilitate the passage of pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan as part of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, next year.

The Centre also clarified that India's decision was not in response to any proposal from Pakistan.

"1947 me jo hua so hua.. kuchh aisi batein jo shayad sarkron aur senaon key beech hota hoga.. lekin jan jan ka judaw.. people to people contact ki ek takat hoti hai (Whatever happened in 1947, there are some things...Whatever happens between the governments, the armies happens.. but people to people contact has a power)," the Prime Minister said on Friday.

The Kartarpur Corridor project will be implemented as an integrated development project with funding by Government of India. India had approached Pakistan through its high commission in Delhi and urged it develop the corridor. Pakistan has also announced the development of corridor on its side of the border.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while briefing the Pakistani National Assembly on Friday, announced that Islamabad has decided to open the Kartarpur Corridor for the 550th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak next year. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side on November 28, 2018.

The gurdwara is significant for the Sikh community since Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life in Kartarpur till he died in 1539.

It is located around 2 km from the IB between both countries and can be seen from the Indian side.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for the people of India and Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion of Guru Purab PM Modi said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for the people of India and Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion of Guru Purab PM Modi said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai? Shayad Guru Nanak Dev Ji ke aashirwad se, Kartarpur ka corridor sirf corrdior nahi, jan jan ko jodne ka bahut bada karan ban sakta hai (Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji , Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people)." ''We do not wish bad for anyone…we believe in Vasudhev Kutumbkam,'' Modi said and added that the sacrifices of the Sikh gurus have built and protected the country. This is the first comment by PM Modi on the Kartarpur corridor. President Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will jointly lay the foundation stone of the corridor project in Dera Baba Nanak area of Gurdaspur district on November 26. The Union Cabinet had on Thursday decided to develop the corridor from Gurdaspur in Punjab to the International Border (IB) to facilitate the passage of pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan as part of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, next year. The Centre also clarified that India's decision was not in response to any proposal from Pakistan. "1947 me jo hua so hua.. kuchh aisi batein jo shayad sarkron aur senaon key beech hota hoga.. lekin jan jan ka judaw.. people to people contact ki ek takat hoti hai (Whatever happened in 1947, there are some things...Whatever happens between the governments, the armies happens.. but people to people contact has a power)," the Prime Minister said on Friday. The Kartarpur Corridor project will be implemented as an integrated development project with funding by Government of India. India had approached Pakistan through its high commission in Delhi and urged it develop the corridor. Pakistan has also announced the development of corridor on its side of the border. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while briefing the Pakistani National Assembly on Friday, announced that Islamabad has decided to open the Kartarpur Corridor for the 550th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak next year. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side on November 28, 2018. The gurdwara is significant for the Sikh community since Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life in Kartarpur till he died in 1539. It is located around 2 km from the IB between both countries and can be seen from the Indian side.

Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for people of India and Pakistan: PM Modi 

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant said Friday his party is pushing for construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya because it was promised by the BJP ahead of elections.

Speaking to a news channel on-board a flight to Uttar Pradesh, he said people of the country were promised that a Ram temple will be constructed in Ayodhya once the BJP comes to power at the Centre.

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya Saturday amid a clamour among Hindu outfits for bringing an ordinance to build Ram Temple.

The Sena, which is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) but has had strained ties with ally BJP, has demanded the Centre come out with an ordinance and declare a date for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

"We have promised to the people of the country that once we come to power Ram mandir will be constructed at Ayodhya," Sawant said.

"We are forgetting that promise. Therefore, Uddhav ji has taken this initiative. We have given the slogan 'Har Hindu ki yahi pukaar, pehle mandir phir sarkar'," he added.

Meanwhile, 12 Vibhag Pramukhs/Vibhag Sanghataks (office-bearers) of the party have been tasked with organising "maha aartis" (grand prayers) simultaneously at 6 pm Saturday at several temples in Mumbai to coincide with Thackeray's Ayodhya visit.

A Sena functionary, requesting anonymity, said the district administration in Ayodhya has denied permission to Thackeray to hold a rally on November 25 in the holy town of Uttar Pradesh.

"Uddhav ji will perform an evening maha aarti on the banks of river Sarayu on November 24 and the next day will visit the site of Ram temple in Ayodhya," he said.

The local administration has imposed CrPC section 144 in Ayodhya, restricting assembly of people, he said.

Meanwhile, former Sena MLC Ghanshyam Dube said before expanding its base in North India, the Sena should make Hindi- speaking people living in Mumbai feel safe.

Speaking to reporters in Vidhan Bhavan Thursday, he disclosed Sena founder Bal Thackeray had confided in him that he wanted to expand the Sena's support base in North India.

"However, after that the Sena leadership, for some strange reasons, did not trust me to do the job. Before the Ayodhya visit, the Sena should have first tried to make the North Indian community feel at home whose generations have lived here," Dube said.

According to a senior BJP minister in Maharashtra,the Sena is waiting for the results of assembly polls in three BJP -ruled states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh before taking a decision on continuing in the NDA.

The results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant said Friday his party is pushing for construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya because it was promised by the BJP ahead of elections. Speaking to a news channel on-board a flight to Uttar Pradesh, he said people of the country were promised that a Ram temple will be constructed in Ayodhya once the BJP comes to power at the Centre.

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant said Friday his party is pushing for construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya because it was promised by the BJP ahead of elections. Speaking to a news channel on-board a flight to Uttar Pradesh, he said people of the country were promised that a Ram temple will be constructed in Ayodhya once the BJP comes to power at the Centre. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya Saturday amid a clamour among Hindu outfits for bringing an ordinance to build Ram Temple. The Sena, which is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) but has had strained ties with ally BJP, has demanded the Centre come out with an ordinance and declare a date for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. "We have promised to the people of the country that once we come to power Ram mandir will be constructed at Ayodhya," Sawant said. "We are forgetting that promise. Therefore, Uddhav ji has taken this initiative. We have given the slogan 'Har Hindu ki yahi pukaar, pehle mandir phir sarkar'," he added. Meanwhile, 12 Vibhag Pramukhs/Vibhag Sanghataks (office-bearers) of the party have been tasked with organising "maha aartis" (grand prayers) simultaneously at 6 pm Saturday at several temples in Mumbai to coincide with Thackeray's Ayodhya visit. A Sena functionary, requesting anonymity, said the district administration in Ayodhya has denied permission to Thackeray to hold a rally on November 25 in the holy town of Uttar Pradesh. "Uddhav ji will perform an evening maha aarti on the banks of river Sarayu on November 24 and the next day will visit the site of Ram temple in Ayodhya," he said. The local administration has imposed CrPC section 144 in Ayodhya, restricting assembly of people, he said. Meanwhile, former Sena MLC Ghanshyam Dube said before expanding its base in North India, the Sena should make Hindi- speaking people living in Mumbai feel safe. Speaking to reporters in Vidhan Bhavan Thursday, he disclosed Sena founder Bal Thackeray had confided in him that he wanted to expand the Sena's support base in North India. "However, after that the Sena leadership, for some strange reasons, did not trust me to do the job. Before the Ayodhya visit, the Sena should have first tried to make the North Indian community feel at home whose generations have lived here," Dube said. According to a senior BJP minister in Maharashtra,the Sena is waiting for the results of assembly polls in three BJP -ruled states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh before taking a decision on continuing in the NDA. The results will be announced on December 11.

Ram temple in Ayodhya is a pre-poll promise: Shiv Sena MP

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Friday said his government plans to complete the construction of 30,000 kilometres of rural roads by June next year.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of the Indian Road Congress being held here.

He said these roads were being built under the aegis of the Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana and 10,000 kilometres had already been completed out of the 30,000 km planned.

"The Asian Development Bank (ADB), which was assessing the quality of roads, gave 95.5 percentage grading to these (rural) roads, indicating best quality," Fadnavis told the gathering.

Speaking on the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Corridor, Fadnavis claimed it would be the smartest expressway in the world and among the longest in the country.

The Rs 49,250-crore Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, alternatively referred to as a Super Communication Expressway, will be 700 kilometres long and will pass through 392 villages, spread over 11 districts.

"We are trying to make 22 smart cities along this expressway which will provide a huge boost to economic growth. Moreover, this expressway will connect 24 districts to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port near Mumbai," Fadnavis said.

He said work on the 22-kilometre long Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) between the metropolis and neighbouring Navi Mumbai had begun and it would be the longest sea bridge in the country.

"We expect to finish the project in four years," he added.

He said the state government is also working on building a coastal road from Nariman Point to Worli and a sea link from Versova in Mumbai to Virar in a neighbouring Palghar district.

Fadnavis cited a Deutsche Bank report which said that 51 per cent of all big infrastructure projects currently being executed in the country are located in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Friday said his government plans to complete the construction of 30,000 kilometres of rural roads by June next year.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Friday said his government plans to complete the construction of 30,000 kilometres of rural roads by June next year. He was speaking at the inaugural function of the Indian Road Congress being held here. He said these roads were being built under the aegis of the Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana and 10,000 kilometres had already been completed out of the 30,000 km planned. "The Asian Development Bank (ADB), which was assessing the quality of roads, gave 95.5 percentage grading to these (rural) roads, indicating best quality," Fadnavis told the gathering. Speaking on the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Corridor, Fadnavis claimed it would be the smartest expressway in the world and among the longest in the country. The Rs 49,250-crore Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, alternatively referred to as a Super Communication Expressway, will be 700 kilometres long and will pass through 392 villages, spread over 11 districts. "We are trying to make 22 smart cities along this expressway which will provide a huge boost to economic growth. Moreover, this expressway will connect 24 districts to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port near Mumbai," Fadnavis said. He said work on the 22-kilometre long Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) between the metropolis and neighbouring Navi Mumbai had begun and it would be the longest sea bridge in the country. "We expect to finish the project in four years," he added. He said the state government is also working on building a coastal road from Nariman Point to Worli and a sea link from Versova in Mumbai to Virar in a neighbouring Palghar district. Fadnavis cited a Deutsche Bank report which said that 51 per cent of all big infrastructure projects currently being executed in the country are located in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra plans to complete 30k km rural roads by June next year: CM Fadnavis

Voters who backed the YSR Congress and Telugu Desam party in the 2014 elections are likely to be the deciding factor in Huzurnagar constituency, from where Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy is seeking re-election.

YSRC, which has chosen not to contest the December 7 Telangana Assembly election, and TDP candidates polled more than 25,000 votes each in this segment in the previous poll.

The TDP of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is a partner in the Congress-led alliance along with CPI and TJS, named "Praja Kutami" (People's Front), for the upcoming Telangana election giving a boost to Reddy's electoral prospects.

But, at the same time, YSRC leaders said the supporters of their outfit would not support Reddy as the Congress has allied with TDP, its arch-rival in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, and their votes would go to the TRS.

Reddy, a former pilot in Indian Air Force, is betting on the "anti-incumbency factor" and the support of the alliance partners while his opponent Saidi Reddy (TRS), an NRI and IT professional, is counting on beneficiaries of various government schemes in the constituency.

Uttam Kumar Reddy won the Huzurnagar seat by a margin of 23,924 votes over his nearest TRS rival Kasoju Sankaramma in the previous election in which YSRC contestant G Srikanth Reddy polled 29,657 votes, and Telugu Desam Party candidate Swamy Goud Vangala 25,353 votes.

"Our cadre and YSRC sympathisers would never vote for Congress as it tied up with TDP which is our arch-rival in Andhra Pradesh. 
So we would vote for the TRS candidate.

And as such voters of this constituency lost faith in sitting MLA Uttam Kumar Reddy as many housing projects which were initiated when he was the Housing Minister (in undivided Andhra Pradesh) either did not take off or bills have not been paid for beneficiaries," Srikanth Reddy told PTI.

The Congress is also wooing Shankaramma who was denied ticket this time by TRS by expressing sympathy that she was neglected by her party. 
Her son Srikantha Chary self-immolated during the agitation for separate statehood for Telangana.

"Entire Telangana remembered the treatment (by denying ticket this time) meted out to Sankaramma by TRS leadership. Congress party would suitably accommodate her in future.

As a candidate of People's Front, I am going win with 60,000 to 70000 majority from this constituency. We hope people of Huzurnagar will bless us with the highest majority.

As we do not have children, me and my wife always treat the people of this constituency as our family members and children," the TPCC chief had said at the time of filing his nomination.

Reddy is seeking re-election for the fifth time. In 1999 and 2004 he contested from Kodad while in 2009 and 2014 he was elected from Huzurnagar. 
His wife Pamdavathi who represented Kodad in 2014 is contesting again.

Independent political analyst Telakapalli Ravi said majority of the "committed" TDP voters may vote for Uttam Kumar Reddy as they are strongly opposed to TRS.

"The very idea of Congress and the TDP sailing together, leaving the decades-old difference, is to defeat the TRS. 
There is a chunk of committed voters of TDP in Telangana.

They may vote for Congress candidates," Ravi says.

Saidi Reddy said there are over 90,000 beneficiaries under various government programmes such as pension scheme and 'Rythu Bandhu.'

"They (the beneficiaries) would certainly vote for me.&nbsp;Also people see Congress as an opportunist as it is going along with TDP which is considered as a party with anti-Telangana stance. There is a notion in the voters of this constituency that Uttam Kumar Reddy is not accessible to common people," Saidi Reddy said.

Saidi Reddy worked in Jamaica and Canada over the last decade and returned in 2015.

Since then, he has been nurturing Huzurnagar constituency.&nbsp;

Voters who backed the YSR Congress and Telugu Desam party in the 2014 elections are likely to be the deciding factor in Huzurnagar constituency, from where Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy is seeking re-election.

Voters who backed the YSR Congress and Telugu Desam party in the 2014 elections are likely to be the deciding factor in Huzurnagar constituency, from where Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy is seeking re-election. YSRC, which has chosen not to contest the December 7 Telangana Assembly election, and TDP candidates polled more than 25,000 votes each in this segment in the previous poll. The TDP of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is a partner in the Congress-led alliance along with CPI and TJS, named "Praja Kutami" (People's Front), for the upcoming Telangana election giving a boost to Reddy's electoral prospects. But, at the same time, YSRC leaders said the supporters of their outfit would not support Reddy as the Congress has allied with TDP, its arch-rival in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, and their votes would go to the TRS. Reddy, a former pilot in Indian Air Force, is betting on the "anti-incumbency factor" and the support of the alliance partners while his opponent Saidi Reddy (TRS), an NRI and IT professional, is counting on beneficiaries of various government schemes in the constituency. Uttam Kumar Reddy won the Huzurnagar seat by a margin of 23,924 votes over his nearest TRS rival Kasoju Sankaramma in the previous election in which YSRC contestant G Srikanth Reddy polled 29,657 votes, and Telugu Desam Party candidate Swamy Goud Vangala 25,353 votes. "Our cadre and YSRC sympathisers would never vote for Congress as it tied up with TDP which is our arch-rival in Andhra Pradesh. So we would vote for the TRS candidate. And as such voters of this constituency lost faith in sitting MLA Uttam Kumar Reddy as many housing projects which were initiated when he was the Housing Minister (in undivided Andhra Pradesh) either did not take off or bills have not been paid for beneficiaries," Srikanth Reddy told PTI. The Congress is also wooing Shankaramma who was denied ticket this time by TRS by expressing sympathy that she was neglected by her party. Her son Srikantha Chary self-immolated during the agitation for separate statehood for Telangana. "Entire Telangana remembered the treatment (by denying ticket this time) meted out to Sankaramma by TRS leadership. Congress party would suitably accommodate her in future. As a candidate of People's Front, I am going win with 60,000 to 70000 majority from this constituency. We hope people of Huzurnagar will bless us with the highest majority. As we do not have children, me and my wife always treat the people of this constituency as our family members and children," the TPCC chief had said at the time of filing his nomination. Reddy is seeking re-election for the fifth time. In 1999 and 2004 he contested from Kodad while in 2009 and 2014 he was elected from Huzurnagar. His wife Pamdavathi who represented Kodad in 2014 is contesting again. Independent political analyst Telakapalli Ravi said majority of the "committed" TDP voters may vote for Uttam Kumar Reddy as they are strongly opposed to TRS. "The very idea of Congress and the TDP sailing together, leaving the decades-old difference, is to defeat the TRS. There is a chunk of committed voters of TDP in Telangana. They may vote for Congress candidates," Ravi says. Saidi Reddy said there are over 90,000 beneficiaries under various government programmes such as pension scheme and 'Rythu Bandhu.' "They (the beneficiaries) would certainly vote for me. Also people see Congress as an opportunist as it is going along with TDP which is considered as a party with anti-Telangana stance. There is a notion in the voters of this constituency that Uttam Kumar Reddy is not accessible to common people," Saidi Reddy said. Saidi Reddy worked in Jamaica and Canada over the last decade and returned in 2015. Since then, he has been nurturing Huzurnagar constituency.

Will Telangana Congress chief get re-elected? YSRC, TDP voters hold key

A French NGO called Sherpa has sought a clarification over the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India and has filed a complaint with France's Financial Prosecutor's Office.&nbsp;

In a press release, published on its Facebook account, the NGO states that the complaint was filed on October 26&nbsp;"to clarify under which conditions 36 fighter aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation were sold to India in 2016 and the choice of its Indian partner, Reliance, a group led by a close partner of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi."

The complaint closely follows another complaint "lodged on the 4th of October 2018 by a former Indian Minister and an anti-corruption lawyer with the Central Bureau of Investigation in New Delhi."

The NGO, in its statement, informed that the complaint filed by the Indian minister was lodged against PM Modi for "abuse of authority" and " grant of undue advantages " in connection with the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

The release concluded by stating that the NGO expects the French Public Prosecutor's Office to "promptly investigate the seriousness of the facts and the presumptions on the reported offences."

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Sherpa, an NGO based in France, describes itself as an organisation with the "mission to protect and defend victims of economic crimes drawing on the power of the law and to fight against the new forms of impunity linked to globalization." It calls its motive to fight "economic crimes."

The Opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal, alleging that the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale.&nbsp;

The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries.&nbsp;

The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it. The Rafale deal row escalated when former French President Francois Hollande, while on a trip to India, said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name and that France had no role in the selection of Anil Ambani's company.

In an interview with news agency ANI, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier said, "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-i-dont-lie-we-chose-ambani-by-ourselves-says-dassault-ceo-trappier-177000">We chose Ambani by ourselves</a>. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance." 
&nbsp;

A French NGO called Sherpa has sought a clarification over the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India and has filed a complaint with France's Financial Prosecutor's Office.

A French NGO called Sherpa has sought a clarification over the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India and has filed a complaint with France's Financial Prosecutor's Office. In a press release, published on its Facebook account, the NGO states that the complaint was filed on October 26 "to clarify under which conditions 36 fighter aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation were sold to India in 2016 and the choice of its Indian partner, Reliance, a group led by a close partner of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi." The complaint closely follows another complaint "lodged on the 4th of October 2018 by a former Indian Minister and an anti-corruption lawyer with the Central Bureau of Investigation in New Delhi." The NGO, in its statement, informed that the complaint filed by the Indian minister was lodged against PM Modi for "abuse of authority" and " grant of undue advantages " in connection with the Rafale deal. The release concluded by stating that the NGO expects the French Public Prosecutor's Office to "promptly investigate the seriousness of the facts and the presumptions on the reported offences." × Sherpa, an NGO based in France, describes itself as an organisation with the "mission to protect and defend victims of economic crimes drawing on the power of the law and to fight against the new forms of impunity linked to globalization." It calls its motive to fight "economic crimes." The Opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal, alleging that the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale. The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries. The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it. The Rafale deal row escalated when former French President Francois Hollande, while on a trip to India, said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name and that France had no role in the selection of Anil Ambani's company. In an interview with news agency ANI, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier said, "We chose Ambani by ourselves. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance."

French NGO files complaint, seeks clarification on terms of Rafale deal 

Expressing his gratitude to the central government over its initiative to develop the proposed Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday hoped that the corridor would "yield undeniable and implicit change and thaw" in the relations, adding that it will "build bridges, burn animosity and will act as a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries."

In a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Sidhu wrote, "It fills my heart with joy unspeakable on learning that the Government of India has agreed to build a corridor for pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib on 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. As a Sikh devotee and as a man committed to the cause of Punjab and its people, I am extremely grateful and indebted for the steps initiated by the Government of India."

He said that the Kartarpur corridor has been a "long-standing demand of the Sikh community across the globe" and the recent step taken by the Centre "has brought a new ray of hope among pilgrims who anxiously await to pay obeisance at the historical Gurudwara Sahib across the border."

Recalling his meeting with Swaraj a few months ago, Sidhu added that he asked the central government to take up the issue of developing the corridor with Pakistan.

"During my visit to Pakistan, I was made aware about intent of Pakistan for opening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 550th Parkash Utsav celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and this was further authenticated by Information Minister of Pakistan Fawad Chaudhary and yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi further augmented the fact that the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is set to lay foundation stone for the corridor on their side on 28 November 2018," Sidhu wrote in the letter.

Underscoring that the positive steps by both the countries are "a great respite for the followers of Guru's (Nanak Dev) timeless teachings, and for the people of Punjab", the cricketer-turned-politician further said.

"I wish that the Government of India writes formally to Pakistan on visa and other related issues for easy passage for pilgrims once the corridor is complete," Sidhu said.

Earlier today, Sidhu took credit for the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan saying that it was his hug to Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit to Khan's swearing-in ceremony in August that pushed the Centre to take initiative in developing the proposed corridor.

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a Note Verbale to the Pakistan government urging it to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in its territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib.

The cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved to build and develop the proposed corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border.

This would allow pilgrims from India to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.Sidhu's visit to Pakistan had turned controversial when he hugged General Bajwa during Khan`s oath-taking ceremony drawing flak from various quarters.

Expressing his gratitude to the central government over its initiative to develop the proposed Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday hoped that the corridor would "yield undeniable and implicit change and thaw" in the relations, adding that it will "build bridges, burn animosity and will act as a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries.

Expressing his gratitude to the central government over its initiative to develop the proposed Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday hoped that the corridor would "yield undeniable and implicit change and thaw" in the relations, adding that it will "build bridges, burn animosity and will act as a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries." In a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Sidhu wrote, "It fills my heart with joy unspeakable on learning that the Government of India has agreed to build a corridor for pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib on 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. As a Sikh devotee and as a man committed to the cause of Punjab and its people, I am extremely grateful and indebted for the steps initiated by the Government of India." He said that the Kartarpur corridor has been a "long-standing demand of the Sikh community across the globe" and the recent step taken by the Centre "has brought a new ray of hope among pilgrims who anxiously await to pay obeisance at the historical Gurudwara Sahib across the border." Recalling his meeting with Swaraj a few months ago, Sidhu added that he asked the central government to take up the issue of developing the corridor with Pakistan. "During my visit to Pakistan, I was made aware about intent of Pakistan for opening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 550th Parkash Utsav celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and this was further authenticated by Information Minister of Pakistan Fawad Chaudhary and yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi further augmented the fact that the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is set to lay foundation stone for the corridor on their side on 28 November 2018," Sidhu wrote in the letter. Underscoring that the positive steps by both the countries are "a great respite for the followers of Guru's (Nanak Dev) timeless teachings, and for the people of Punjab", the cricketer-turned-politician further said. "I wish that the Government of India writes formally to Pakistan on visa and other related issues for easy passage for pilgrims once the corridor is complete," Sidhu said. Earlier today, Sidhu took credit for the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan saying that it was his hug to Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit to Khan's swearing-in ceremony in August that pushed the Centre to take initiative in developing the proposed corridor. On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a Note Verbale to the Pakistan government urging it to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in its territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. The cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved to build and develop the proposed corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border. This would allow pilgrims from India to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.Sidhu's visit to Pakistan had turned controversial when he hugged General Bajwa during Khan`s oath-taking ceremony drawing flak from various quarters.

Hope Kartarpur corridor acts as soothing balm for India, Pakistan: Sidhu

Foreign Minister of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid will arrive today on a four-day visit, with an aim to repair the bilateral ties which came under severe strain during the previous government in the island nation.

Officials said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will hold extensive talks with Mr Shahid on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on November 17 in Male.

During their meeting, PM Modi and Mohamed Solih vowed to renew close ties and friendship between the two countries and agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region.

Mohamed Solih, as the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, had surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in the presidential election held on September 23.

India-Maldives ties came under strain under &nbsp;Abdulla Yameen who was perceived to be close to China. Some decisions by &nbsp;Abdulla Yameen including imposition of restrictions on work visas for Indians and signing of a new Free Trade Agreement with Beijing also did not go down well with New Delhi.

Relations between India and the Maldives deteriorated further after &nbsp;Abdulla Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 this year.

India had criticised his decision and asked his government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The emergency lasted for 45 days.

Foreign Minister of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid will arrive today on a four-day visit, with an aim to repair the bilateral ties which came under severe strain during the previous government in the island nation.

Foreign Minister of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid will arrive today on a four-day visit, with an aim to repair the bilateral ties which came under severe strain during the previous government in the island nation. Officials said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will hold extensive talks with Mr Shahid on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on November 17 in Male. During their meeting, PM Modi and Mohamed Solih vowed to renew close ties and friendship between the two countries and agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region. Mohamed Solih, as the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, had surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in the presidential election held on September 23. India-Maldives ties came under strain under Abdulla Yameen who was perceived to be close to China. Some decisions by Abdulla Yameen including imposition of restrictions on work visas for Indians and signing of a new Free Trade Agreement with Beijing also did not go down well with New Delhi. Relations between India and the Maldives deteriorated further after Abdulla Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 this year. India had criticised his decision and asked his government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The emergency lasted for 45 days.

Maldivian foreign minister to visit India today

Two men lost their lives on Friday at the newly-inaugurated Signature Bridge in Delhi after their bikes rammed into a divider.

The bikers&nbsp;fell off the bridge and died on the spot after their two-wheeler hit the divider. They were driving at high speed when one of the man's foot allegedly got caught in a stray wire from a streetlight causing the accident.

<img alt="Signature bridge" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e7aa6bf-04a1-41cc-87c6-d3fa38566917" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_0.jpg" />

The incident occurred at 9 am in the morning. Both men&nbsp;were driving from Usmanpur to Timarpur.

Police have launched its investigation as it tried to identify the deceased through bike registration number.

This is the first accident at the bridge which opened for public on November 4.

Described as the engineering marvel, the Signature Bridge project aims to reduce travel time and traffic congestion between the north-eastern and northern parts of the national capital.

The bridge, built over the Yamuna River, is the first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge in India.&nbsp;The bridge also has 5.5-foot-high viewing gallery. 
&nbsp;

Two men lost their lives on Friday at the newly-inaugurated Signature Bridge in Delhi after their bikes rammed into a divider. The bikers fell off the bridge and died on the spot after their two-wheeler hit the divider.

Two men lost their lives on Friday at the newly-inaugurated Signature Bridge in Delhi after their bikes rammed into a divider. The bikers fell off the bridge and died on the spot after their two-wheeler hit the divider. They were driving at high speed when one of the man's foot allegedly got caught in a stray wire from a streetlight causing the accident. The incident occurred at 9 am in the morning. Both men were driving from Usmanpur to Timarpur. Police have launched its investigation as it tried to identify the deceased through bike registration number. This is the first accident at the bridge which opened for public on November 4. Described as the engineering marvel, the Signature Bridge project aims to reduce travel time and traffic congestion between the north-eastern and northern parts of the national capital. The bridge, built over the Yamuna River, is the first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge in India. The bridge also has 5.5-foot-high viewing gallery.

2 men killed in accident on Delhi's Signature Bridge

6 terrorists gunned down in Anantnag encounter; search operation still on

The residents of national capital woke up to a misty morning with the minimum temperature settling at 11.3-degree Celsius.

According to the Meteorological department, the humidity level recorded at 8.30 am was 88 per cent. The weather department forecast clear skies for rest of the day.

"The skies will remain clear and the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 29 degrees Celsius," the official said.

However, the air quality continued to remain in 'very poor' category.

Over the past few weeks, the air quality in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) has remained in the same category with PM (particulate matter) 2.5 hitting an average of 300 during morning hours, according to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR).&nbsp;

The overall air quality on Friday recorded at 302 at 8:30 am.

At Dhirpur, the AQI was 337, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 306.&nbsp;

Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 327, 168 and 282 respectively.

Due to increase in the PM 10 levels, regions such as Dwarka, Mundaka, Rohini and Anand Vihar registered "severe" air-quality.

Delhites are finding it tough to carry out their daily activities owing to the hazardous air quality.

Taking the cognisance of the prevailing situation, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has made certain recommendations to the Supreme Court to combat the menace of air pollution.

In its dossier, the CPCB recommended banning of industrial, construction and demolition activities in the major hotspot areas where air quality plummeted.&nbsp;

The organization has also stated that stringent actions must be taken against the defaulters breaching pollution laws put in place by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, traffic police and other agencies. Delhi, which is home to approx 19 million people, is reeling under the menace of air pollution from the past couple of years.&nbsp;

The region faced a major air quality crisis last year as pollution levels shot through the roof and even forced the shutdown of schools. Moreover, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had described the capital as a gas chamber and local administration was compelled to declare a public health emergency.

(With inputs from news agencies)

The residents of national capital woke up to a misty morning with the minimum temperature settling at 11.3-degree Celsius. According to the Meteorological department, the humidity level recorded at 8.

The residents of national capital woke up to a misty morning with the minimum temperature settling at 11.3-degree Celsius. According to the Meteorological department, the humidity level recorded at 8.30 am was 88 per cent. The weather department forecast clear skies for rest of the day. "The skies will remain clear and the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 29 degrees Celsius," the official said. However, the air quality continued to remain in 'very poor' category. Over the past few weeks, the air quality in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) has remained in the same category with PM (particulate matter) 2.5 hitting an average of 300 during morning hours, according to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR). The overall air quality on Friday recorded at 302 at 8:30 am. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 337, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 306. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 327, 168 and 282 respectively. Due to increase in the PM 10 levels, regions such as Dwarka, Mundaka, Rohini and Anand Vihar registered "severe" air-quality. Delhites are finding it tough to carry out their daily activities owing to the hazardous air quality. Taking the cognisance of the prevailing situation, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has made certain recommendations to the Supreme Court to combat the menace of air pollution. In its dossier, the CPCB recommended banning of industrial, construction and demolition activities in the major hotspot areas where air quality plummeted. The organization has also stated that stringent actions must be taken against the defaulters breaching pollution laws put in place by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, traffic police and other agencies. Delhi, which is home to approx 19 million people, is reeling under the menace of air pollution from the past couple of years. The region faced a major air quality crisis last year as pollution levels shot through the roof and even forced the shutdown of schools. Moreover, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had described the capital as a gas chamber and local administration was compelled to declare a public health emergency. (With inputs from news agencies)

Misty morning in Delhi, air quality remains in 'very poor' category

Days after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-mehbooba-mufti-writes-to-governor-stakes-claim-to-form-government-178644">dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir</a>, the Congress demanded&nbsp;that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule".

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the Governor's rule in the state as a "de facto Modi rule".

"The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721"> Governor's (Satya Pal Malik)</a> rule in Kashmir is (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi rule. It is BJP rule," he told reporters here.

"BJP, in collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ran the show in J&amp;K and Ladakh from behind the curtain. It is all the more important today that democracy is restored there," Surjewala said.

"Only elections can pave the way for formation of people's government in J&amp;K," he said, adding, "So Modi-ji and the Governor should get elections held as soon as possible."

"This is our direct and clear demand," Surjewala said.

The Governor abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Wednesday night, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival NC and the Congress.

This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.

Besides slamming the move, Surjewala also targeted the Modi government for "pushing J&amp;K and Ladakh into deep violence".

Neither the Pakistan-exported terrorism stopped nor did violence cease, Surjewala alleged.

"Neither ceasefire violation by Pakistani Army stopped nor was the prime minister with 56-inch chest able to stop Pakistan from exporting extremists," the Congress leader added. 
&nbsp;

Days after the dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress demanded that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule".

Days after the dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress demanded that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule". Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the Governor's rule in the state as a "de facto Modi rule". "The Governor's (Satya Pal Malik) rule in Kashmir is (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi rule. It is BJP rule," he told reporters here. "BJP, in collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ran the show in J&K and Ladakh from behind the curtain. It is all the more important today that democracy is restored there," Surjewala said. "Only elections can pave the way for formation of people's government in J&K," he said, adding, "So Modi-ji and the Governor should get elections held as soon as possible." "This is our direct and clear demand," Surjewala said. The Governor abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Wednesday night, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival NC and the Congress. This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties. Besides slamming the move, Surjewala also targeted the Modi government for "pushing J&K and Ladakh into deep violence". Neither the Pakistan-exported terrorism stopped nor did violence cease, Surjewala alleged. "Neither ceasefire violation by Pakistani Army stopped nor was the prime minister with 56-inch chest able to stop Pakistan from exporting extremists," the Congress leader added.

Governor rule in J&K 'de facto' Modi rule, says Congress as it seeks fresh polls soon

A day after India and Pakistan announced that they will be building Kartarpur corridor on the respective sides of the border, India slammed Pakistan for not giving consular access to its diplomats to meet the Indian Sikh Yatris. New Delhi lodged a strong protest with Islamabad that despite having been granted prior travel permission by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan the Consular officials of the High Commission of India were "harassed and denied access".

In a statement India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said,"We have shared our grave concern that this is the third consecutive visit of the Indian Sikh pilgrims when Pakistan has prevented the Indian High Commission officials from meeting the visiting Indian nationals on the pretext of security in order to deflect attention from Pakistan’s violation of the international legal instruments and conventions like the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963."

Indian diplomats were denied access to meet Indian Pilgrims on November 21 and 22 at Gurudwara Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda.

India also said that "this is also in breach of the letter and spirit of the 1974 Bilateral Protocol on visit to religious shrines and the Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan, 1992."

The treatment is in contrast to the treatment met out to Pakistani High Commissioner and the Consular officials in New Delhi who have been provided full access to meet the Pakistani pilgrims who are currently in India on a pilgrimage to Kalyar Sharif.

India also raised the issue of Pakistan supporting pro-Khalistani groups with Khalistani flags being waved&nbsp;at Nagar kirtans at religious places like Nankana Sahib. Expressing "grave concern" at these developments New Delhi said Islamabad is trying to "incite communal disharmony and intolerance and promote secessionist tendencies with the objective of undermining India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."&nbsp;

Calling Pakistan to not allow its territory to be used for any "hostile propaganda and support for secessionist tendencies against India", India reminded the country to keep the commitments made by it under the Simla Agreement, 1972 and Lahore Declaration, 1999.

On Thursday, India announced that it will be making the Kartarpur Corridor and the foundation stone will be laid on November 26&nbsp;by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh. The Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will be laying stone its side of Kartarpur Corridor on November 28.

Kartarpur Gurudwara is just 3 kilometres away from the Indian border and can be seen from across the border. It is holy for Sikhs since Guru Nanak Dev ji spent 18 years of his life. It was a long-standing demand of the Sikh community and India had been pursuing it for a long time for Pakistan to build a corridor till the Gurudwara.&nbsp;

A day after India and Pakistan announced that they will be building Kartarpur corridor on the respective sides of the border, India slammed Pakistan for not giving consular access to its diplomats to meet the Indian Sikh Yatris.

A day after India and Pakistan announced that they will be building Kartarpur corridor on the respective sides of the border, India slammed Pakistan for not giving consular access to its diplomats to meet the Indian Sikh Yatris. New Delhi lodged a strong protest with Islamabad that despite having been granted prior travel permission by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan the Consular officials of the High Commission of India were "harassed and denied access". In a statement India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said,"We have shared our grave concern that this is the third consecutive visit of the Indian Sikh pilgrims when Pakistan has prevented the Indian High Commission officials from meeting the visiting Indian nationals on the pretext of security in order to deflect attention from Pakistan’s violation of the international legal instruments and conventions like the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963." Indian diplomats were denied access to meet Indian Pilgrims on November 21 and 22 at Gurudwara Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda. India also said that "this is also in breach of the letter and spirit of the 1974 Bilateral Protocol on visit to religious shrines and the Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan, 1992." The treatment is in contrast to the treatment met out to Pakistani High Commissioner and the Consular officials in New Delhi who have been provided full access to meet the Pakistani pilgrims who are currently in India on a pilgrimage to Kalyar Sharif. India also raised the issue of Pakistan supporting pro-Khalistani groups with Khalistani flags being waved at Nagar kirtans at religious places like Nankana Sahib. Expressing "grave concern" at these developments New Delhi said Islamabad is trying to "incite communal disharmony and intolerance and promote secessionist tendencies with the objective of undermining India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity." Calling Pakistan to not allow its territory to be used for any "hostile propaganda and support for secessionist tendencies against India", India reminded the country to keep the commitments made by it under the Simla Agreement, 1972 and Lahore Declaration, 1999. On Thursday, India announced that it will be making the Kartarpur Corridor and the foundation stone will be laid on November 26 by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh. The Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will be laying stone its side of Kartarpur Corridor on November 28. Kartarpur Gurudwara is just 3 kilometres away from the Indian border and can be seen from across the border. It is holy for Sikhs since Guru Nanak Dev ji spent 18 years of his life. It was a long-standing demand of the Sikh community and India had been pursuing it for a long time for Pakistan to build a corridor till the Gurudwara.

India slams Pakistan for not granting diplomatic access to Indian Sikh pilgrims

Three of seven fishermen who were arrested earlier in the day in connection with the alleged killing of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/family-pays-tribute-to-american-john-allen-chau-who-was-christian-missionary-wilderness-emt-killed-by-sentinelese-tribe-in-andaman-island-178684">American preacher John Allen Chau</a>&nbsp;in Andaman were taken into police&nbsp;custody on Thursday.

Police will interrogate the accused to investigate various aspects of the case including the sequence of events, the sea route followed for North <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tourist-killed-by-isolated-tribe-in-andaman-and-nicobars-north-sentinel-island-7-arrested-178559">Sentinal Island</a>, the location where the victim landed and the place of incidence, the location where John Allen Chau was last seen.

Further, the personal journal of Chau will be analysed afresh accordingly.

It will also be ascertained whether the victim had taken the help of the fishermen or others to venture to the North Sentinal Island on an earlier occasion.

To make the picture clearer, one another police team is being sent to the North Sentinal Island waters.

As the case pertains to the ultra-sensitive tribal group-Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), the police are also taking help of Anthropologists, Academics, Forest department experts etc to guide and assist the police during the investigation of the case.

The deceased was allegedly killed in North Sentinel Island of Andaman which is home to the Sentinelese, a native tribe which is completely against outsiders` intervention in their life.

"On the basis of the information received by an email of the US Consulate, Chennai on 19 November, the Andaman and Nicobar police immediately lodged a missing report.

The police have apprehended seven people who supported John Allen Chau and actively facilitated him to go to north Sentinelese Island," said Andaman and Nicobar Director General of Police Deependra Pathak.

Two cases have been registered in the connection.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Three of seven fishermen who were arrested earlier in the day in connection with the alleged killing of American preacher John Allen Chau in Andaman were taken into police custody on Thursday.

Three of seven fishermen who were arrested earlier in the day in connection with the alleged killing of American preacher John Allen Chau in Andaman were taken into police custody on Thursday. Police will interrogate the accused to investigate various aspects of the case including the sequence of events, the sea route followed for North Sentinal Island, the location where the victim landed and the place of incidence, the location where John Allen Chau was last seen. Further, the personal journal of Chau will be analysed afresh accordingly. It will also be ascertained whether the victim had taken the help of the fishermen or others to venture to the North Sentinal Island on an earlier occasion. To make the picture clearer, one another police team is being sent to the North Sentinal Island waters. As the case pertains to the ultra-sensitive tribal group-Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), the police are also taking help of Anthropologists, Academics, Forest department experts etc to guide and assist the police during the investigation of the case. The deceased was allegedly killed in North Sentinel Island of Andaman which is home to the Sentinelese, a native tribe which is completely against outsiders` intervention in their life. "On the basis of the information received by an email of the US Consulate, Chennai on 19 November, the Andaman and Nicobar police immediately lodged a missing report. The police have apprehended seven people who supported John Allen Chau and actively facilitated him to go to north Sentinelese Island," said Andaman and Nicobar Director General of Police Deependra Pathak. Two cases have been registered in the connection.

US national's death in Andaman: 3 accused taken into police custody

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday tore into Telangana's TRS government, saying it neglected minorities, women, students with Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao working only for himself and those close to him.

Development expected after Telangana's formation has not happened under TRS, she further said.

CM&nbsp;Rao cared only for himself and his own people leaving the child (Telangana) to suffer, she told an election rally at Medchal near in Telangana.

''Mothers know how important it is to look after a newborn baby. It is unfortunate that after the birth of Telangana, your responsibility fell into the hands of those who cared for themselves, but not for you,'' she said.

The UPA chairperson said that Congress is committed to special category status for Andhra Pradesh.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who also addressed the rally, said the TRS rule in Telangana was all set to end.

Only one man ran Telangana for five years; did everything to benefit his family, said, Rahul. &nbsp;

''When people of Telangana dreamed of forming the state, it was Sonia Gandhi Ji who stood by the people. If Telangana was formed, it was the public who formed it with their sweat and blood. Sonia Gandhi Ji also had a hand in its formation,'' added Rahul.&nbsp;

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday tore into Telangana's TRS government, saying it neglected minorities, women, students with Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao working only for himself and those close to him.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday tore into Telangana's TRS government, saying it neglected minorities, women, students with Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao working only for himself and those close to him. Development expected after Telangana's formation has not happened under TRS, she further said. CM Rao cared only for himself and his own people leaving the child (Telangana) to suffer, she told an election rally at Medchal near in Telangana. ''Mothers know how important it is to look after a newborn baby. It is unfortunate that after the birth of Telangana, your responsibility fell into the hands of those who cared for themselves, but not for you,'' she said. The UPA chairperson said that Congress is committed to special category status for Andhra Pradesh. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who also addressed the rally, said the TRS rule in Telangana was all set to end. Only one man ran Telangana for five years; did everything to benefit his family, said, Rahul. ''When people of Telangana dreamed of forming the state, it was Sonia Gandhi Ji who stood by the people. If Telangana was formed, it was the public who formed it with their sweat and blood. Sonia Gandhi Ji also had a hand in its formation,'' added Rahul.

Sonia, Rahul slam TRS president Chandrasekhar Rao in his home turf

Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the Kerala government Friday informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the Sabarimala hill shrine.

The suggestion was made when the court was hearing a petition moved by four women devotees seeking protection for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine besides facilities for smooth pilgrimage in the wake of the recent Supreme Court judgement.

In their PIL, the four women, in their 20s and 30s, suggested devoting two to three days exclusively to women of all ages "who are desirous to go to Sabarimala after ridding the shrine, its premises and nearby towns from the goons and henchmen" opposing entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

The petition, filed by Reshma Nishanth, Shanila Sajeesh, Dhanya V S and Surya M, came up before a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar.

During the hearing, the state government, in line with the suggestion made by the women, informed the court that two days could be set apart for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine during the pilgrimage season.

The petitioners said they were ardent devotees of Lord Ayyappa and have been observing the customary "vritham" (the mandatory austerities for visiting Sabarimala) adorning the ritual chain and wearing black dresses after the Supreme Court pronounced its judgement opening the hill temple to all women irrespective of age.

The petitioners said they very much wanted to go and pray at the shrine. But due to the protests by some people with the support of leaders of the BJP, the Congress and temple head priest, they could not enter the shrine, they alleged.

They sought a directive to the government to ensure facilities and arrangements for smooth pilgrimage for all women and to provide adequate and sufficient protection to them for entering the temple fearlessly and freely in compliance with the apex court judgment.

Meanwhile, another division bench Friday ordered the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the shrine, not to divert funds to the state government without prior permission of the court.

A bench of justices P R Ramachandra Menon and N Anil Kumar issued the order in the light of complaints that expenses for food and accommodation for the police deployed at the temple were met by the TDB.

The state government claimed that the expenses were met by the government. However, the TDB expressed its willingness to provide food and accommodation to the police at Sannidhanam, the temple complex.

Hundreds of police personnel have been deployed in Sabarimala following protests by Ayyappa devotees opposing the September 28 apex court order.

The temple was opened on November 16 for the over-two-month-long pilgrimage season amid tension.

Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the Kerala government Friday informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the Sabarimala hill shrine.

Amid the stand-off over entry of women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple, the Kerala government Friday informed the High Court that two days could be set apart for women pilgrims of all ages to offer prayers at the Sabarimala hill shrine. The suggestion was made when the court was hearing a petition moved by four women devotees seeking protection for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine besides facilities for smooth pilgrimage in the wake of the recent Supreme Court judgement. In their PIL, the four women, in their 20s and 30s, suggested devoting two to three days exclusively to women of all ages "who are desirous to go to Sabarimala after ridding the shrine, its premises and nearby towns from the goons and henchmen" opposing entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. The petition, filed by Reshma Nishanth, Shanila Sajeesh, Dhanya V S and Surya M, came up before a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar. During the hearing, the state government, in line with the suggestion made by the women, informed the court that two days could be set apart for women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine during the pilgrimage season. The petitioners said they were ardent devotees of Lord Ayyappa and have been observing the customary "vritham" (the mandatory austerities for visiting Sabarimala) adorning the ritual chain and wearing black dresses after the Supreme Court pronounced its judgement opening the hill temple to all women irrespective of age. The petitioners said they very much wanted to go and pray at the shrine. But due to the protests by some people with the support of leaders of the BJP, the Congress and temple head priest, they could not enter the shrine, they alleged. They sought a directive to the government to ensure facilities and arrangements for smooth pilgrimage for all women and to provide adequate and sufficient protection to them for entering the temple fearlessly and freely in compliance with the apex court judgment. Meanwhile, another division bench Friday ordered the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the shrine, not to divert funds to the state government without prior permission of the court. A bench of justices P R Ramachandra Menon and N Anil Kumar issued the order in the light of complaints that expenses for food and accommodation for the police deployed at the temple were met by the TDB. The state government claimed that the expenses were met by the government. However, the TDB expressed its willingness to provide food and accommodation to the police at Sannidhanam, the temple complex. Hundreds of police personnel have been deployed in Sabarimala following protests by Ayyappa devotees opposing the September 28 apex court order. The temple was opened on November 16 for the over-two-month-long pilgrimage season amid tension.

Two days can be set apart for women to pray at Sabarimala: Kerala govt tells high court

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Friday launched year-long celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, and called upon people to set aside their religious and political differences to join his government in making it memorable.

Addressing a large gathering in Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district, where Nanak Dev spent over 14 years of his early life, Singh exhorted the people to reconnect with his teachings, principles and ideals.

Greeting people on the occasion of 'Gurpurab', he invited people from across the world to participate in the celebrations.

As part of the celebrations, Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore inaugurated an exhibition, 'From Rabab to Nagara', curated by historian Mohinder Singh, the director of Delhi-based National Institute of Punjab Studies.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and many senior Congress leaders, including Asha Kumari and Sunil Jakhar, were present on the occasion.

Manmohan Singh, Badnore and the chief minister laid the foundation stones of 26 development projects worth Rs 150 crore on the occasion.

The projects included upgrade of infrastructure in the historic towns of Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Baba Nanak and Batala.

The chief minister also announced projects and welfare schemes to the tune of Rs 3,312 crore to help pilgrims and to commemorate the historic occasion.

Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469. His 549th birth anniversary falls on Friday.

Noting that considerations of caste, creed and inequality are again rampant in the society, he said, "We need to rise above these on the path shown by Guru Sahib. If Punjab has to regain its number one position in the country, we need to maintain 'bhai-chara' (brotherhood) and 'saanjh' (amity) and not get divided on different lines."

"The Punjab government will observe the event as a non-political and bi-partisan affair," the chief minister said.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for acceding to various requests of the state government with regard to the celebrations.

He hailed the Centre's decision to develop the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan.

He said a long-pending demand of Punjab was on the verge of fulfilment and on November 26, he would join the President to lay the foundation stone of the corridor.

He also thanked the Government of Pakistan for reciprocating on the issue and said his government would also contribute, as may be required, to ensure timely completion of the project.

Addressing the gathering, former prime minister Manmohan Singh expressed gratitude to Amarinder Singh and his government for giving him the opportunity to be part of this special moment.

He expressed hope that all would rise above petty considerations of communalism and hatred to celebrate the event in a befitting manner. 
The former prime minister exhorted the people to participate in the year-long celebrations with full enthusiasm and gaiety, regardless of caste, colour, creed and religion.

Governor Badnore said it was a matter of pride for him to be part of the auspicious occasion. He called for universal brotherhood as the key message of the commemorative events.

Badnore said the Railway Ministry would run special trains on the religious circuit relating to the life of Guru Nanak Dev for the convenience of the pilgrims.

Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev, who was also present, presented a book, 'We the Sikhs around the world', relating to 100 Gurdwaras across the globe, to Manmohan Singh, Badnore and Amarinder Singh.

Earlier, Manmohan Singh, along with his wife Gursharan Kaur, Badnore and Amarinder Singh paid obeisance at the historic Gurdwara Ber Sahib here. 
Former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal also paid obeisance at Gurdwara Ber Sahib.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Friday launched year-long celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, and called upon people to set aside their religious and political differences to join his government in making it memorable.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Friday launched year-long celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, and called upon people to set aside their religious and political differences to join his government in making it memorable. Addressing a large gathering in Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district, where Nanak Dev spent over 14 years of his early life, Singh exhorted the people to reconnect with his teachings, principles and ideals. Greeting people on the occasion of 'Gurpurab', he invited people from across the world to participate in the celebrations. As part of the celebrations, Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore inaugurated an exhibition, 'From Rabab to Nagara', curated by historian Mohinder Singh, the director of Delhi-based National Institute of Punjab Studies. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and many senior Congress leaders, including Asha Kumari and Sunil Jakhar, were present on the occasion. Manmohan Singh, Badnore and the chief minister laid the foundation stones of 26 development projects worth Rs 150 crore on the occasion. The projects included upgrade of infrastructure in the historic towns of Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Baba Nanak and Batala. The chief minister also announced projects and welfare schemes to the tune of Rs 3,312 crore to help pilgrims and to commemorate the historic occasion. Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469. His 549th birth anniversary falls on Friday. Noting that considerations of caste, creed and inequality are again rampant in the society, he said, "We need to rise above these on the path shown by Guru Sahib. If Punjab has to regain its number one position in the country, we need to maintain 'bhai-chara' (brotherhood) and 'saanjh' (amity) and not get divided on different lines." "The Punjab government will observe the event as a non-political and bi-partisan affair," the chief minister said. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for acceding to various requests of the state government with regard to the celebrations. He hailed the Centre's decision to develop the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan. He said a long-pending demand of Punjab was on the verge of fulfilment and on November 26, he would join the President to lay the foundation stone of the corridor. He also thanked the Government of Pakistan for reciprocating on the issue and said his government would also contribute, as may be required, to ensure timely completion of the project. Addressing the gathering, former prime minister Manmohan Singh expressed gratitude to Amarinder Singh and his government for giving him the opportunity to be part of this special moment. He expressed hope that all would rise above petty considerations of communalism and hatred to celebrate the event in a befitting manner. The former prime minister exhorted the people to participate in the year-long celebrations with full enthusiasm and gaiety, regardless of caste, colour, creed and religion. Governor Badnore said it was a matter of pride for him to be part of the auspicious occasion. He called for universal brotherhood as the key message of the commemorative events. Badnore said the Railway Ministry would run special trains on the religious circuit relating to the life of Guru Nanak Dev for the convenience of the pilgrims. Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev, who was also present, presented a book, 'We the Sikhs around the world', relating to 100 Gurdwaras across the globe, to Manmohan Singh, Badnore and Amarinder Singh. Earlier, Manmohan Singh, along with his wife Gursharan Kaur, Badnore and Amarinder Singh paid obeisance at the historic Gurdwara Ber Sahib here. Former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal also paid obeisance at Gurdwara Ber Sahib.

Amarinder launches year-long celebrations of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-attempt-to-cross-border-as-trump-threatens-to-temporarily-close-us-mexico-border-178865">Migrants attempt to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-attempt-to-cross-border-as-trump-threatens-to-temporarily-close-us-mexico-border-178865">cross </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-attempt-to-cross-border-as-trump-threatens-to-temporarily-close-us-mexico-border-178865">border</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-attempt-to-cross-border-as-trump-threatens-to-temporarily-close-us-mexico-border-178865"> as Trump threatens to temporarily close US-Mexico border</a>

As President Trump threatened to close the US-Mexico border, hundreds of Central American migrants walked towards Tijuana San Ysidro crossing point from Tijuana into California as tensions mounted over the asylum issue in the US border town.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-t20-2018-semi-final-england-thrash-india-178881">Women's T20 2018: England thrash India in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-t20-2018-semi-final-england-thrash-india-178881">semi-final</a>

England Women outclassed Indian Women to enter the final of Women's World T20 2018 by registering an easy win against 'Women in Blue' at Antigua's Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-encounter-underway-in-anantnag-2-3-terrorist-trapped-178862">J&amp;K: 6 terrorists gunned down in Anantnag encounter; search operation is still on</a>

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-again-stops-indian-officials-from-entering-gurudwara-in-lahore-178872">Pakistan again stops Indian officials from entering Gurudwara in Lahore</a>

Pakistan once again stopped Indian High Commission officials from meeting India pilgrims visiting gurudwara Sacha Sauda In Farooqabad near Lahore.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tourists-death-in-andaman-3-accused-taken-into-police-custody-178874">US tourist's death in Andaman: 3 accused taken into police custody</a>

Three of seven fishermen who were arrested earlier in the day in connection with the alleged killing of American Tourist John Allen Chau were taken into police custody on Thursday.

&nbsp;

Migrants attempt to cross border as Trump threatens to temporarily close US-Mexico border As President Trump threatened to close the US-Mexico border, hundreds of Central American migrants walked towards Tijuana San Ysidro crossing point from Tijuana into California as tensions mounted over the asylum issue in the US border town.

Migrants attempt to cross border as Trump threatens to temporarily close US-Mexico border As President Trump threatened to close the US-Mexico border, hundreds of Central American migrants walked towards Tijuana San Ysidro crossing point from Tijuana into California as tensions mounted over the asylum issue in the US border town. Women's T20 2018: England thrash India in semi-final England Women outclassed Indian Women to enter the final of Women's World T20 2018 by registering an easy win against 'Women in Blue' at Antigua's Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. J&K: 6 terrorists gunned down in Anantnag encounter; search operation is still on An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. Pakistan again stops Indian officials from entering Gurudwara in Lahore Pakistan once again stopped Indian High Commission officials from meeting India pilgrims visiting gurudwara Sacha Sauda In Farooqabad near Lahore. US tourist's death in Andaman: 3 accused taken into police custody Three of seven fishermen who were arrested earlier in the day in connection with the alleged killing of American Tourist John Allen Chau were taken into police custody on Thursday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Taking a dig at the Congress for not declaring its chief ministerial face for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition party was an army without a commander in the state.

Shah also slammed former prime minister Manmohan Singh over his recent criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that the latter had enhanced the country's prestige in the world.

"In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is contesting the election under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. But who is the chief ministerial face of the Congress?... It is an army without a commander," the BJP chief said at an election rally in Seoni district's Lakhnadon.

"Who is the commander of the (Congress) army? A king, an emperor and a tired industrialist...Rahul (Gandhi) should tell which of these is the commander of the army," Shah said, in an apparent reference to Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath respectively.

Targeting Manmohan Singh, he claimed that the former prime minister visited more foreign countries than Modi, but the latter's visits get noticed as he is warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora abroad.

"I heard Kamal Nath was saying that Modiji goes abroad quite often. Even I felt that he goes very often. But then I thought I must check the record of the prime minister's visits abroad and I found that he has visited fewer countries than Singh," Shah said.

"A journalist then informed me that when Singh used to go abroad, he used to carry two typed speeches in English and sometimes he used to read in Malaysia the speech meant to be read in Thailand and the one meant for Malaysia in Thailand. Neither the people of that country nor the people here would get to know about it," he added.

The BJP president said when Modi visited countries like the US, China, Japan, France, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, among others, he was welcomed amidst chants of 'Modi, Modi'.

"This is neither to welcome Modi, nor a BJP leader, but it is meant for the people of Madhya Pradesh and the country's 125 crore people. Modi has raised the country's prestige in the world," Shah said.&nbsp;

Taking a dig at the Congress for not declaring its chief ministerial face for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition party was an army without a commander in the state.

Taking a dig at the Congress for not declaring its chief ministerial face for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition party was an army without a commander in the state. Shah also slammed former prime minister Manmohan Singh over his recent criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that the latter had enhanced the country's prestige in the world. "In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is contesting the election under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. But who is the chief ministerial face of the Congress?... It is an army without a commander," the BJP chief said at an election rally in Seoni district's Lakhnadon. "Who is the commander of the (Congress) army? A king, an emperor and a tired industrialist...Rahul (Gandhi) should tell which of these is the commander of the army," Shah said, in an apparent reference to Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath respectively. Targeting Manmohan Singh, he claimed that the former prime minister visited more foreign countries than Modi, but the latter's visits get noticed as he is warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora abroad. "I heard Kamal Nath was saying that Modiji goes abroad quite often. Even I felt that he goes very often. But then I thought I must check the record of the prime minister's visits abroad and I found that he has visited fewer countries than Singh," Shah said. "A journalist then informed me that when Singh used to go abroad, he used to carry two typed speeches in English and sometimes he used to read in Malaysia the speech meant to be read in Thailand and the one meant for Malaysia in Thailand. Neither the people of that country nor the people here would get to know about it," he added. The BJP president said when Modi visited countries like the US, China, Japan, France, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, among others, he was welcomed amidst chants of 'Modi, Modi'. "This is neither to welcome Modi, nor a BJP leader, but it is meant for the people of Madhya Pradesh and the country's 125 crore people. Modi has raised the country's prestige in the world," Shah said.

Congress is an army without commander in MP: BJP chief Amit Shah

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti have denied allegations of the CBI and ED before a Delhi court that they have been evasive and non-cooperative in the probe in the Aircel-Maxis case.

The submissions have been made by the father-son duo in their rejoinder filed in response to the replies of the probe agencies.

The CBI and ED, in their replies to the anticipatory bail pleas of Chidambarams, had alleged that they were not cooperating in the investigations.

The rejoinder submissions by the father-son duo have been filed before Special Judge O P Saini.

The Chidambarams, in their rejoinders filed through advocates P K Dubey and Arshdeep Singh, said the allegations made by both the CBI and the ED were "unsubstantiated" and there was no need of their custodial interrogation, as sought by the agencies.

The court has extended till November 26 the protection from arrest to both the accused in both the cases filed by the CBI and the ED.

In their replies, both the agencies maintained that Chidambarams' custodial interrogation was necessary as they were evasive and non-cooperative in the probe.

P Chidambaram filed his anticipatory bail application in May this year. His protection from arrest has been extended from time to time.

"We have to meet a deadline and they are not cooperating," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI and the ED, had told the court.

The agencies sought the custodial interrogation of the accused, saying they have not been cooperating and, therefore, making it difficult to complete the investigation in a time-bound manner as directed by the Supreme Court.

The senior Congress leader and his son have come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore.

In its charge sheet filed earlier in the case against former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran and others, the CBI alleged that P Chidambaram granted FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) approval in March 2006 to Mauritius-based Global Communication Services Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Maxis.

The Maran brothers and the other accused named in the CBI charge sheet were discharged by the special court, which said the agency had failed to produce any material against them to proceed with the trial.

The ED is also probing a separate money-laundering case in the Aircel-Maxis matter, in which P Chidambaram and Karti have been questioned by the agency and currently their anticipatory bail is pending.&nbsp;

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti have denied allegations of the CBI and ED before a Delhi court that they have been evasive and non-cooperative in the probe in the Aircel-Maxis case.

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti have denied allegations of the CBI and ED before a Delhi court that they have been evasive and non-cooperative in the probe in the Aircel-Maxis case. The submissions have been made by the father-son duo in their rejoinder filed in response to the replies of the probe agencies. The CBI and ED, in their replies to the anticipatory bail pleas of Chidambarams, had alleged that they were not cooperating in the investigations. The rejoinder submissions by the father-son duo have been filed before Special Judge O P Saini. The Chidambarams, in their rejoinders filed through advocates P K Dubey and Arshdeep Singh, said the allegations made by both the CBI and the ED were "unsubstantiated" and there was no need of their custodial interrogation, as sought by the agencies. The court has extended till November 26 the protection from arrest to both the accused in both the cases filed by the CBI and the ED. In their replies, both the agencies maintained that Chidambarams' custodial interrogation was necessary as they were evasive and non-cooperative in the probe. P Chidambaram filed his anticipatory bail application in May this year. His protection from arrest has been extended from time to time. "We have to meet a deadline and they are not cooperating," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI and the ED, had told the court. The agencies sought the custodial interrogation of the accused, saying they have not been cooperating and, therefore, making it difficult to complete the investigation in a time-bound manner as directed by the Supreme Court. The senior Congress leader and his son have come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore. In its charge sheet filed earlier in the case against former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran and others, the CBI alleged that P Chidambaram granted FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) approval in March 2006 to Mauritius-based Global Communication Services Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Maxis. The Maran brothers and the other accused named in the CBI charge sheet were discharged by the special court, which said the agency had failed to produce any material against them to proceed with the trial. The ED is also probing a separate money-laundering case in the Aircel-Maxis matter, in which P Chidambaram and Karti have been questioned by the agency and currently their anticipatory bail is pending.

Aircel-Maxis case: P Chidambaram, son deny allegations of non-cooperation levelled by CBI, ED

A new technology has been developed to assess the rise of water level in rivers and reservoirs by rain and can help state governments to minutely monitor the impact of rainfall, IMD chief K J Ramesh said, in the aftermath of the deadliest deluge in Kerala.

The technology called the 'Impact Based Forecasting Approach' which shows "pre-event scenario" can help authorities in taking real-time decisions, he said.

"We should be able to generate a scenario where we can take decisions to release water or not release it. It will be helpful for every state authority to take decision. We can run this system in pre-event scenario. We are now in a position to use to this technology into service," Ramesh said at an event organised by the Centre for Science and Environment.

The heavy downpour that ravaged Kerala for a fortnight ending August 21 caused death of around 500 people and economic damages worth over Rs 40,000 crore.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in the state assembly that there were "lapses" on the part of the IMD's rain forecast.&nbsp;

The IMD had forecast an estimated 98.5 mm rain in the state between 9 and 15 August, but Kerala received was 352.2 mm of rainfall, Vijayan said.

The IMD director general admitted that excessive rainfall that led to floods in Kerala were a result of climate change and in terms of rainfall it was very heavy.

"The number of cyclones have increased from 10 to 18 every year as reported in Nature magazine and secondly quantum of precipitation which was 13 days has come down to 10 days," he said.

There is another technology which would help in identifying warm ocean segments that are contributing to the rapid intensification of the systems.

Cyclone Ockhi's unpredictability was due to such warm ocean segments, following which the technology was developed in October, Ramesh said.

Ockhi is the first severe cyclonic storm in almost 40 years to have travelled about 2,400 kilometres from the Bay of Bengal to as far as the Gujarat coast, a senior Met Department official said.

Ockhi, which formed as a depression over southwest Bay of Bengal on November 29 last year, intensified into a cyclone off the Kanyakumari coast in Tamil Nadu on November 30 and travelled up to the Gujarat coast before it dissipated on December 6 after weakening into a low pressure area.

CSE Director General Sunita Narain stressed on the need to plan "deliberately for drainage" to prevent disasters like Kerala floods.

"Every river, pond, paddy field and city should be mapped and protected at all costs," Narain said.

"Every home, institution, village and city must be required to do rainwater harvesting so that rain can be channelised and recharged," she said.

A new technology has been developed to assess the rise of water level in rivers and reservoirs by rain and can help state governments to minutely monitor the impact of rainfall, IMD chief K J Ramesh said, in the aftermath of the deadliest deluge in Kerala.

A new technology has been developed to assess the rise of water level in rivers and reservoirs by rain and can help state governments to minutely monitor the impact of rainfall, IMD chief K J Ramesh said, in the aftermath of the deadliest deluge in Kerala. The technology called the 'Impact Based Forecasting Approach' which shows "pre-event scenario" can help authorities in taking real-time decisions, he said. "We should be able to generate a scenario where we can take decisions to release water or not release it. It will be helpful for every state authority to take decision. We can run this system in pre-event scenario. We are now in a position to use to this technology into service," Ramesh said at an event organised by the Centre for Science and Environment. The heavy downpour that ravaged Kerala for a fortnight ending August 21 caused death of around 500 people and economic damages worth over Rs 40,000 crore. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in the state assembly that there were "lapses" on the part of the IMD's rain forecast. The IMD had forecast an estimated 98.5 mm rain in the state between 9 and 15 August, but Kerala received was 352.2 mm of rainfall, Vijayan said. The IMD director general admitted that excessive rainfall that led to floods in Kerala were a result of climate change and in terms of rainfall it was very heavy. "The number of cyclones have increased from 10 to 18 every year as reported in Nature magazine and secondly quantum of precipitation which was 13 days has come down to 10 days," he said. There is another technology which would help in identifying warm ocean segments that are contributing to the rapid intensification of the systems. Cyclone Ockhi's unpredictability was due to such warm ocean segments, following which the technology was developed in October, Ramesh said. Ockhi is the first severe cyclonic storm in almost 40 years to have travelled about 2,400 kilometres from the Bay of Bengal to as far as the Gujarat coast, a senior Met Department official said. Ockhi, which formed as a depression over southwest Bay of Bengal on November 29 last year, intensified into a cyclone off the Kanyakumari coast in Tamil Nadu on November 30 and travelled up to the Gujarat coast before it dissipated on December 6 after weakening into a low pressure area. CSE Director General Sunita Narain stressed on the need to plan "deliberately for drainage" to prevent disasters like Kerala floods. "Every river, pond, paddy field and city should be mapped and protected at all costs," Narain said. "Every home, institution, village and city must be required to do rainwater harvesting so that rain can be channelised and recharged," she said.

IMD develops technology to assess rise of water level in rivers, reservoirs by rain

Pakistan once again stopped Indian High Commission officials from meeting India pilgrims visiting gurudwara Sacha Sauda In Farooqabad near Lahore.

As the Sikh community observes the 550th birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev at Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials posing as Sikhs stopped the entry of Indian diplomats from Islamabad led by Ranjit Singh (in black Band Gala Suite) and Sunil Kumar.

They were also insulted outside the holy place, ANI reported said.

The officials were stopped from entering the Gurudwara and a group of ISI sponsored Sikhs walked the diplomats out of the Gurudwara premises.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-envoy-to-pakistan-not-allowed-to-meet-sikh-pilgrims-india-lodges-protests-130568">India-Pak agree to build Kartarpur corridor, Imran Khan to break ground on November 28</a>

In a video, the Indian diplomat, who himself is a Sikh was found saying, "There are many gurudwaras in India and other parts of the world, but there are no restrictions on anywhere. We have witnessed this for the first time that someone is being stopped from entering Guru's House. This is a violation of sanctity of Gurudwara".

When the Indian diplomat asked Pakistani officials to allow them to enter the gurudwara premises as a normal pilgrim, Gopal Singh Chawla, Chairman of Punjabi Sikh Sangat kept arguing with him and asked him to come some other day.

Others who were in the group including Ramesh Singh Arora, ex-MPA and Tara Singh Pardhan, told the Indian diplomats that "they are helpless" and that they cannot allow them to enter the gurudwara.

While Pakistan prevented Indian High Commission officials to meet Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan, India recently allowed Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood to travel to 'Sirhind Sharif'&nbsp;to take part in the chaddar-laying ceremony, along with the pilgrims from Pakistan.&nbsp;

In June,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-cancels-indian-envoys-ajay-bisaria-lecture-in-lahore-169655"> Indian envoy Ajay Bisaria</a> was also stopped from visiting Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hasan Abdal. The Pakistani government had claimed that Bisaria was stopped from visiting the gurdwara because of security reasons as Sikh yatris from India did not want to meet him.

The ties between the two countries had strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based groups in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

Last month, India called off a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in New York, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad releasing postage stamps "glorifying" Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan once again stopped Indian High Commission officials from meeting India pilgrims visiting gurudwara Sacha Sauda In Farooqabad near Lahore. As the Sikh community observes the 550th birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev at Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials posing as Sikhs stopped the entry of Indian diplomats from Islamabad led by Ranjit Singh (in black Band Gala Suite) and Sunil Kumar.

Pakistan once again stopped Indian High Commission officials from meeting India pilgrims visiting gurudwara Sacha Sauda In Farooqabad near Lahore. As the Sikh community observes the 550th birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev at Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials posing as Sikhs stopped the entry of Indian diplomats from Islamabad led by Ranjit Singh (in black Band Gala Suite) and Sunil Kumar. They were also insulted outside the holy place, ANI reported said. The officials were stopped from entering the Gurudwara and a group of ISI sponsored Sikhs walked the diplomats out of the Gurudwara premises. Also read: India-Pak agree to build Kartarpur corridor, Imran Khan to break ground on November 28 In a video, the Indian diplomat, who himself is a Sikh was found saying, "There are many gurudwaras in India and other parts of the world, but there are no restrictions on anywhere. We have witnessed this for the first time that someone is being stopped from entering Guru's House. This is a violation of sanctity of Gurudwara". When the Indian diplomat asked Pakistani officials to allow them to enter the gurudwara premises as a normal pilgrim, Gopal Singh Chawla, Chairman of Punjabi Sikh Sangat kept arguing with him and asked him to come some other day. Others who were in the group including Ramesh Singh Arora, ex-MPA and Tara Singh Pardhan, told the Indian diplomats that "they are helpless" and that they cannot allow them to enter the gurudwara. While Pakistan prevented Indian High Commission officials to meet Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan, India recently allowed Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood to travel to 'Sirhind Sharif' to take part in the chaddar-laying ceremony, along with the pilgrims from Pakistan. In June, Indian envoy Ajay Bisaria was also stopped from visiting Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hasan Abdal. The Pakistani government had claimed that Bisaria was stopped from visiting the gurdwara because of security reasons as Sikh yatris from India did not want to meet him. The ties between the two countries had strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based groups in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Last month, India called off a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in New York, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad releasing postage stamps "glorifying" Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan again stops Indian officials from entering Gurudwara in Lahore

A total of 189 women candidates, including 50 from the BJP and the Congress, will be contesting the upcoming Rajasthan assembly elections, the highest number in the last 10 years.

After at least 579 candidates withdrawing their nominations for the December 7 elections on Thursday, 2,873 candidates have been left in the fray.

Of the 189 women candidates, 23 are from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 27 are from the Congress.

The BJP has fielded sitting MLAs Anita Bhadel, Kiran Maheshwari, Anita Singh, Sushil Kanwar, Manju Baghmar, Kamsa, Suryakanta Vyas and chief minister Vasundhara Raje, among others.

Sitting MLA Shakuntala Rawat, former Union minister Girija Vyas, discus thrower and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Krishna Poonia, former MLA Zahida Khan are among the Congress' candidates contesting the elections.

Since Rajasthan's first assembly elections in 1952, which saw only four women contesting, there has been a nearly 50-fold increase in the number of female candidates.

It is also the highest number of women candidates contesting in the last 10 years with 69 in 1998, 118 in 2003, 154 in 2008 and 166 in 2013.

A total of 189 women candidates, including 50 from the BJP and the Congress, will be contesting the upcoming Rajasthan assembly elections, the highest number in the last 10 years.

A total of 189 women candidates, including 50 from the BJP and the Congress, will be contesting the upcoming Rajasthan assembly elections, the highest number in the last 10 years. After at least 579 candidates withdrawing their nominations for the December 7 elections on Thursday, 2,873 candidates have been left in the fray. Of the 189 women candidates, 23 are from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 27 are from the Congress. The BJP has fielded sitting MLAs Anita Bhadel, Kiran Maheshwari, Anita Singh, Sushil Kanwar, Manju Baghmar, Kamsa, Suryakanta Vyas and chief minister Vasundhara Raje, among others. Sitting MLA Shakuntala Rawat, former Union minister Girija Vyas, discus thrower and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Krishna Poonia, former MLA Zahida Khan are among the Congress' candidates contesting the elections. Since Rajasthan's first assembly elections in 1952, which saw only four women contesting, there has been a nearly 50-fold increase in the number of female candidates. It is also the highest number of women candidates contesting in the last 10 years with 69 in 1998, 118 in 2003, 154 in 2008 and 166 in 2013.

189 women candidates in fray for Rajasthan Assembly polls

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