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The Kashmir Police is investigating various social media accounts propagating videos of "executions" carried out by militants recently, Inspector General of Police (IGP) S P Pani said here Monday.

Militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen has released two such videos in which two civilians, abducted by the outfit, were killed in front of camera.

"These crimes (on-camera executions carried out by militants) are terror and gruesome crimes. Their propaganda on social media is also a crime. A case already stands registered in this matter and those propagating such type of content, there are some handles which are propagating them, we are investigating them,' Pani said.

The IGP Kashmir was speaking to reporters at the wreath-laying ceremony of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan at Humhama.

Head Constable Chandrika Prasad was killed in a militant attack on a CRPF camp in Kakapora area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district Sunday night.

Pani said police is seeking cooperation of the service-providers to nab people behind propagation of such videos.

"I am sure that with the cooperation of the service provider and other things, we will be able to nail them," he said.

Asked about the arrest of two women allegedly working as over-ground workers of militants, the IGP Kashmir said police is investigating their roles.

"The investigation is on. We will share the details of the investigation findings with you once they come," he said.&nbsp;

The Kashmir Police is investigating various social media accounts propagating videos of "executions" carried out by militants recently, Inspector General of Police (IGP) S P Pani said here Monday.

The Kashmir Police is investigating various social media accounts propagating videos of "executions" carried out by militants recently, Inspector General of Police (IGP) S P Pani said here Monday. Militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen has released two such videos in which two civilians, abducted by the outfit, were killed in front of camera. "These crimes (on-camera executions carried out by militants) are terror and gruesome crimes. Their propaganda on social media is also a crime. A case already stands registered in this matter and those propagating such type of content, there are some handles which are propagating them, we are investigating them,' Pani said. The IGP Kashmir was speaking to reporters at the wreath-laying ceremony of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan at Humhama. Head Constable Chandrika Prasad was killed in a militant attack on a CRPF camp in Kakapora area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district Sunday night. Pani said police is seeking cooperation of the service-providers to nab people behind propagation of such videos. "I am sure that with the cooperation of the service provider and other things, we will be able to nail them," he said. Asked about the arrest of two women allegedly working as over-ground workers of militants, the IGP Kashmir said police is investigating their roles. "The investigation is on. We will share the details of the investigation findings with you once they come," he said.

Police probing social media accounts propagating videos of 'executions' by terrorists: Kashmir IGP

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections.

"From today onwards the election campaign has finally begun in the state of Rajasthan. It has now initiated legally and formally for the coming general assembly polls. BJP is connected with the people from grass root level. The people of Rajasthan have always favoured development. I am fully assured that BJP will come to power again in the state," Raje told media here.

Raje further stated that the BJP will also bag the Tonk legislative constituency, from where Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot is contesting.

The assembly elections will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections. "From today onwards the election campaign has finally begun in the state of Rajasthan. It has now initiated legally and formally for the coming general assembly polls. BJP is connected with the people from grass root level. The people of Rajasthan have always favoured development. I am fully assured that BJP will come to power again in the state," Raje told media here. Raje further stated that the BJP will also bag the Tonk legislative constituency, from where Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot is contesting. The assembly elections will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Rajasthan: CM Raje flags off BJP's election campaign

The Bombay High Court is likely to take up for hearing a bunch of petitions on the issue of Maratha reservation in Maharashtra on Wednesday. 
Several petitions were filed in 2014 and 2015 after the then Congress-NCP government granted 16 per cent quota in government jobs and education to the Maratha community.

In November 2014, in an interim order, a division bench of the Bombay HC had stayed the then government's decision.

While some of the petitions opposed the government's decision, two petitions had sought immediate implementation of the quota.

Vinod Patil, one of the petitioners, mentioned the matter Monday before a division bench headed by Justice BP Dharmadhikari, seeking an urgent hearing. 
Justice Dharmadhikari said he will hear the petitions on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Maratha community had held protests across the state earlier this year demanding quota in jobs and educational institutions.

On Sunday, the Maharashtra government approved reservation in government jobs and educational institutes for members of the community.

The state's approval followed the recommendations by the State Backward Class Commission.

While hearing Patil's petition, the court had, however, in August this year directed the commission to submit a report on the progress in its research on whether the community deserved such reservation.

Patil has now sought that the commission's recommendations made to the state be submitted before the court.

He has also urged the court to direct the state to implement the quota for the Maratha community in a time-bound manner.&nbsp;

The Bombay High Court is likely to take up for hearing a bunch of petitions on the issue of Maratha reservation in Maharashtra on Wednesday. Several petitions were filed in 2014 and 2015 after the then Congress-NCP government granted 16 per cent quota in government jobs and education to the Maratha community.

The Bombay High Court is likely to take up for hearing a bunch of petitions on the issue of Maratha reservation in Maharashtra on Wednesday. Several petitions were filed in 2014 and 2015 after the then Congress-NCP government granted 16 per cent quota in government jobs and education to the Maratha community. In November 2014, in an interim order, a division bench of the Bombay HC had stayed the then government's decision. While some of the petitions opposed the government's decision, two petitions had sought immediate implementation of the quota. Vinod Patil, one of the petitioners, mentioned the matter Monday before a division bench headed by Justice BP Dharmadhikari, seeking an urgent hearing. Justice Dharmadhikari said he will hear the petitions on Wednesday. The Maratha community had held protests across the state earlier this year demanding quota in jobs and educational institutions. On Sunday, the Maharashtra government approved reservation in government jobs and educational institutes for members of the community. The state's approval followed the recommendations by the State Backward Class Commission. While hearing Patil's petition, the court had, however, in August this year directed the commission to submit a report on the progress in its research on whether the community deserved such reservation. Patil has now sought that the commission's recommendations made to the state be submitted before the court. He has also urged the court to direct the state to implement the quota for the Maratha community in a time-bound manner.

Maratha quota: Bombay HC likely to hear petitions on Wednesday

Supreme Court today asked <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-vs-cbi-deputy-sp-ashwini-gupta-moves-sc-challenging-repatriation-to-ib-178038">CBI director Alok Kumar Verma</a> to file his response "as quickly as possible" to the (Central Vigilance Commission) report on corruption charges against him.&nbsp;

Verma will now have to file his reply by 4pm today.

India's top court said it will not adjourn hearing fixed for Tuesday on the plea of CBI Director against government's decision to relieve him of his duties.

The court had ordered Verma to reply in a sealed cover after its hearing on Friday in which the top court had observed that the CVC report was &nbsp;"very uncomplimentary" on some charges against Alok Verma.

The CVC report was provided to Verma in a sealed cover and it refused to provide a copy to CBI special director Rakesh Asthana who had requested the document be given to him.

India's highest court said the CVC report on Alok Verma will also be given to Attorney General K K Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.&nbsp;

Supreme Court had directed that interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao not to take any policy decision after the government relieved Verma of his duties last month.

Verma and Asthana have made allegations of corruption against each other.

The top court had said former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik will oversee a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) inquiry into the allegations and counter allegations and the report has to be placed before it within two weeks.

Meanwhile, CBI officer probing FIR against Special Director Rakesh Asthana has moved Supreme Court seeking quashing of his transfer to Nagpur.

Manish Kumar Sinha, Indian Police Service(IPS) officer and head of the team investigating CBI special director Rakesh Asthana case in his petition asked for a SIT probe in Asthana's case.

Supreme Court had earlier refused to give an urgent hearing to a mentioning by CBI officer, Ashwini Kumar Gupta challenging his repatriation to Intelligence Bureau.

Supreme Court today asked CBI director Alok Kumar Verma to file his response "as quickly as possible" to the (Central Vigilance Commission) report on corruption charges against him.

Supreme Court today asked CBI director Alok Kumar Verma to file his response "as quickly as possible" to the (Central Vigilance Commission) report on corruption charges against him. Verma will now have to file his reply by 4pm today. India's top court said it will not adjourn hearing fixed for Tuesday on the plea of CBI Director against government's decision to relieve him of his duties. The court had ordered Verma to reply in a sealed cover after its hearing on Friday in which the top court had observed that the CVC report was "very uncomplimentary" on some charges against Alok Verma. The CVC report was provided to Verma in a sealed cover and it refused to provide a copy to CBI special director Rakesh Asthana who had requested the document be given to him. India's highest court said the CVC report on Alok Verma will also be given to Attorney General K K Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Supreme Court had directed that interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao not to take any policy decision after the government relieved Verma of his duties last month. Verma and Asthana have made allegations of corruption against each other. The top court had said former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik will oversee a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) inquiry into the allegations and counter allegations and the report has to be placed before it within two weeks. Meanwhile, CBI officer probing FIR against Special Director Rakesh Asthana has moved Supreme Court seeking quashing of his transfer to Nagpur. Manish Kumar Sinha, Indian Police Service(IPS) officer and head of the team investigating CBI special director Rakesh Asthana case in his petition asked for a SIT probe in Asthana's case. Supreme Court had earlier refused to give an urgent hearing to a mentioning by CBI officer, Ashwini Kumar Gupta challenging his repatriation to Intelligence Bureau.

Respond to CVC report today, won't adjourn next hearing: SC to CBI director Alok Verma

If you were here in Singapore for the first time on a brief visit last week, you could be excused for wondering if it's normal for thousands of police officers to be patrolling the streets and for scores of Special Operations Command and other police vehicles to be parked all over the city. You may also be wondering if traffic is always really this bad.

Actually, no. Singapore is typically very safe and the police is usually not seen much. Neither will you hear sirens piercing the air every few minutes like in some other cities. And it's uncommon for traffic jams to occur.

Last week, besides the leaders of the 10 ASEAN countries, some of world's top leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese Premier Li Keiqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and United States Vice President Mike Pence were in Singapore for the ASEAN Summit. Hence, the stepped-up security.

The world leaders who came, see this as a fantastic and convenient opportunity to meet at the sidelines of the summit to discuss bilateral issues especially ahead of the APEC Summit which takes place in Papua New Guinea immediately after the ASEAN conference. For example, President Putin met with Japan PM Abe as well as Vice President Pence. President Putin's attendance also allowed him to project Russia's desire to be a global influencer and show their willingness to engage with the region especially in economic matters.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organisation made up of 10 countries to promote and facilitate cooperation mainly in trade but also in security matters, education and culture integration and exchange. Meetings at various levels are held regularly with its secretariat located in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Together, ASEAN forms a market of US $2.6 trillion with a population of 622 million people. It is collectively the third largest economy in Asia after China and Japan and seventh largest in the world.

At the moment, the over-arching economic objective for the group is to achieve full economic integration by way of a single market fully connected with the global economy by 2025. Called the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), it is a free trade zone copying the European Union model loosely.

In his opening address as Chairman of ASEAN, a title and responsibility which rotates among the countries every year, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: "The international order is at a turning point. The existing free, open and rules-based multilateral system which has underpinned ASEAN's growth and stability, has come under stress. Countries, including major powers, are resorting to unilateral actions and bilateral deals, and even explicitly repudiating multilateral approaches and institutions."

Unsurprisingly, global trade uncertainties was one of the key subjects discussed at the summit.

However, the main economic topic on the agenda was the Regional Economic Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP). Other than the ASEAN countries, this agreement brings together China, Japan South Korea and, also Australia, New Zealand and India.

If completed, the RCEP will be the largest such trade agreement since the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) which was implemented in 1948. It will encompass 25 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP) of US $25 trillion, 45 per cent of the total population, 30 per cent of global income and 30 per cent of global trade. Many were expecting it to be wrapped up this year but at the summit it was announced that it will be delayed till 2019. Leaders at the summit, however, were quick to emphasise that negotiations are at its final stage.

The pact is seen as vital in securing the region's continued prosperity, especially after a trade war broke out between its vital trading partners, US and China.

Although Prime Minister Modi urged an early conclusion to RCEP talks, it is not clear at this stage what level of commitment India has in participating. The RCEP is a traditional trade pact which cuts tariffs on tradable goods whereas India's strength is in the services sector. India is believed to be holding up for better market access for its professionals and to the services sector than is currently offered.

India also complained that imports to India from ASEAN has grown faster than Indian exports to the bloc. New Delhi is reluctant to cut tariffs and open its markets in the face of strong opposition from its farming as well as steel and textiles industries. The dilemma facing India is exacerbated by the fact that strategic rival China is part of the agreement although China is an important trading partner as well.

On the other hand, ASEAN nations are increasingly investing in India, including in ports, highways, townships and food processing. It was noted at the summit that with the Modi government improving ease of doing business, investment and trade with ASEAN has grown. Despite good progress being made on the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway with an extension to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, ASEAN has called for better maritime, air, land and digital connectivity between ASEAN and India.

With the Indian general elections expected next year, the RCEP negotiations come at a sensitive time for PM Modi.

India is the sixth largest trading partner of ASEAN having signed the India-ASEAN FTA (free trade agreement) in 2010 and bilateral trade is valued at US$80 billion but this is seen by economists as far short of its true potential.

PM Lee of Singapore urged India to be part of RCEP saying: "Together with the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area, we hope that this will help us reach the ASEAN-India trade target of US $200 billion in total trade by 2022."

If India can address its national interests through the on-going talks, the RCEP is a promising vehicle that can help a reluctant India which traditionally shies away from trade pacts, expands its markets through incorporation into a truly open trading bloc.

If you were here in Singapore for the first time on a brief visit last week, you could be excused for wondering if it's normal for thousands of police officers to be patrolling the streets and for scores of Special Operations Command and other police vehicles to be parked all over the city.

If you were here in Singapore for the first time on a brief visit last week, you could be excused for wondering if it's normal for thousands of police officers to be patrolling the streets and for scores of Special Operations Command and other police vehicles to be parked all over the city. You may also be wondering if traffic is always really this bad. Actually, no. Singapore is typically very safe and the police is usually not seen much. Neither will you hear sirens piercing the air every few minutes like in some other cities. And it's uncommon for traffic jams to occur. Last week, besides the leaders of the 10 ASEAN countries, some of world's top leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese Premier Li Keiqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and United States Vice President Mike Pence were in Singapore for the ASEAN Summit. Hence, the stepped-up security. The world leaders who came, see this as a fantastic and convenient opportunity to meet at the sidelines of the summit to discuss bilateral issues especially ahead of the APEC Summit which takes place in Papua New Guinea immediately after the ASEAN conference. For example, President Putin met with Japan PM Abe as well as Vice President Pence. President Putin's attendance also allowed him to project Russia's desire to be a global influencer and show their willingness to engage with the region especially in economic matters. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organisation made up of 10 countries to promote and facilitate cooperation mainly in trade but also in security matters, education and culture integration and exchange. Meetings at various levels are held regularly with its secretariat located in Jakarta, Indonesia. Together, ASEAN forms a market of US $2.6 trillion with a population of 622 million people. It is collectively the third largest economy in Asia after China and Japan and seventh largest in the world. At the moment, the over-arching economic objective for the group is to achieve full economic integration by way of a single market fully connected with the global economy by 2025. Called the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), it is a free trade zone copying the European Union model loosely. In his opening address as Chairman of ASEAN, a title and responsibility which rotates among the countries every year, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: "The international order is at a turning point. The existing free, open and rules-based multilateral system which has underpinned ASEAN's growth and stability, has come under stress. Countries, including major powers, are resorting to unilateral actions and bilateral deals, and even explicitly repudiating multilateral approaches and institutions." Unsurprisingly, global trade uncertainties was one of the key subjects discussed at the summit. However, the main economic topic on the agenda was the Regional Economic Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP). Other than the ASEAN countries, this agreement brings together China, Japan South Korea and, also Australia, New Zealand and India. If completed, the RCEP will be the largest such trade agreement since the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) which was implemented in 1948. It will encompass 25 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP) of US $25 trillion, 45 per cent of the total population, 30 per cent of global income and 30 per cent of global trade. Many were expecting it to be wrapped up this year but at the summit it was announced that it will be delayed till 2019. Leaders at the summit, however, were quick to emphasise that negotiations are at its final stage. The pact is seen as vital in securing the region's continued prosperity, especially after a trade war broke out between its vital trading partners, US and China. Although Prime Minister Modi urged an early conclusion to RCEP talks, it is not clear at this stage what level of commitment India has in participating. The RCEP is a traditional trade pact which cuts tariffs on tradable goods whereas India's strength is in the services sector. India is believed to be holding up for better market access for its professionals and to the services sector than is currently offered. India also complained that imports to India from ASEAN has grown faster than Indian exports to the bloc. New Delhi is reluctant to cut tariffs and open its markets in the face of strong opposition from its farming as well as steel and textiles industries. The dilemma facing India is exacerbated by the fact that strategic rival China is part of the agreement although China is an important trading partner as well. On the other hand, ASEAN nations are increasingly investing in India, including in ports, highways, townships and food processing. It was noted at the summit that with the Modi government improving ease of doing business, investment and trade with ASEAN has grown. Despite good progress being made on the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway with an extension to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, ASEAN has called for better maritime, air, land and digital connectivity between ASEAN and India. With the Indian general elections expected next year, the RCEP negotiations come at a sensitive time for PM Modi. India is the sixth largest trading partner of ASEAN having signed the India-ASEAN FTA (free trade agreement) in 2010 and bilateral trade is valued at US$80 billion but this is seen by economists as far short of its true potential. PM Lee of Singapore urged India to be part of RCEP saying: "Together with the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area, we hope that this will help us reach the ASEAN-India trade target of US $200 billion in total trade by 2022." If India can address its national interests through the on-going talks, the RCEP is a promising vehicle that can help a reluctant India which traditionally shies away from trade pacts, expands its markets through incorporation into a truly open trading bloc.

ASEAN Summit: Is India serious about regional trade pact?

Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Manish Kumar Sinha, who was leading the team probing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Director Rakesh Asthana's case, moved Supreme Court against his transfer to Nagpur and pleaded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the case on Monday.

Sinha alleged that he was unjustly transferred to Nagpur in the wee hours of October 24 as his investigation was leading towards certain influential people.

His application terms the transfer "arbitrary, motivated and malafide" and one that is made "solely with the purpose and intent to victimise the officer as the investigation revealed cogent evidence against certain powerful persons."

The Apex Court denied listing the matter and asked Sinha's lawyer to be present in court on Tuesday when the main matter comes up for hearing instead.

In his application, Sinha claimed that there is a "deliberate, concerted attempt to change the course of investigation of the said FIR, there is reasonable apprehension/likelihood of tampering with evidence, exonerate the existing accused persons against whom there already exists overwhelming evidence and on the contrary, implicate/punish, as a first step of which the applicant was transferred to Nagpur twelve hundred kilometers away in a completely arbitrary manner in the name of so-called public interest, all those, like the Applicant herein, who were involved in the investigation and were merely discharging their duties, impartially, without fear or favour."

CBI had registered an FIR against Asthana on October 21 in an alleged bribery case. Thereafter the government sent him and CBI Director Alok Verma on leave after both traded bribery charges against each other.

Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Manish Kumar Sinha, who was leading the team probing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Director Rakesh Asthana's case, moved Supreme Court against his transfer to Nagpur and pleaded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the case on Monday.

Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Manish Kumar Sinha, who was leading the team probing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Director Rakesh Asthana's case, moved Supreme Court against his transfer to Nagpur and pleaded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the case on Monday. Sinha alleged that he was unjustly transferred to Nagpur in the wee hours of October 24 as his investigation was leading towards certain influential people. His application terms the transfer "arbitrary, motivated and malafide" and one that is made "solely with the purpose and intent to victimise the officer as the investigation revealed cogent evidence against certain powerful persons." The Apex Court denied listing the matter and asked Sinha's lawyer to be present in court on Tuesday when the main matter comes up for hearing instead. In his application, Sinha claimed that there is a "deliberate, concerted attempt to change the course of investigation of the said FIR, there is reasonable apprehension/likelihood of tampering with evidence, exonerate the existing accused persons against whom there already exists overwhelming evidence and on the contrary, implicate/punish, as a first step of which the applicant was transferred to Nagpur twelve hundred kilometers away in a completely arbitrary manner in the name of so-called public interest, all those, like the Applicant herein, who were involved in the investigation and were merely discharging their duties, impartially, without fear or favour." CBI had registered an FIR against Asthana on October 21 in an alleged bribery case. Thereafter the government sent him and CBI Director Alok Verma on leave after both traded bribery charges against each other.

Rakesh Asthana case: Investigating officer moves SC against his transfer

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple.

The Board, which manages the hill shrine, has cited lack of basic amenities among other things as the reason for seeking more time from the top court.

The announcement on the TDB's move came amid mounting tension against the backdrop of the stand-off over entry of women in the 10-50 age group, traditionally barred at the shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a celibate.

Pilgrims had said there was lack of adequate toilet facilities, causing immense difficulties especially to women, and rest rooms after the floods in August that had destroyed the infrastructure.

The top court had earlier refused to stay its verdict while agreeing to hear in open court a batch of petitions seeking review of its September 28 verdict by which it had lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in 4:1 verdict had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.&nbsp;

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple. The Board, which manages the hill shrine, has cited lack of basic amenities among other things as the reason for seeking more time from the top court. The announcement on the TDB's move came amid mounting tension against the backdrop of the stand-off over entry of women in the 10-50 age group, traditionally barred at the shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a celibate. Pilgrims had said there was lack of adequate toilet facilities, causing immense difficulties especially to women, and rest rooms after the floods in August that had destroyed the infrastructure. The top court had earlier refused to stay its verdict while agreeing to hear in open court a batch of petitions seeking review of its September 28 verdict by which it had lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in 4:1 verdict had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

Sabarimala: Travancore Devaswom Board moves SC seeking more time to implement verdict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Kundli-Manesar section of the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) western peripheral expressway.

He also inaugurated the 3.2 km-long Ballabhgarh-Mujesar Metro rail link, which would facilitate travel for people of Delhi and Faridabad, and laid the foundation stone of the Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, which will come up at Dudhola in Palwal district.

The inaugurations and foundation laying stone ceremonies were done through remote from Sultanpur village of this district.

The prime minister, on his arrival at Sultanpur village in this district, went around visual art exhibition pertaining to the KMP project.

Modi was briefed by the officials about the project.

He was accompanied by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Union ministers Rao Inderjit Singh, who is a Gurgaon MP, and Birender Singh.

Haryana Governor Satyadev Narayan Arya was also present on the occasion.

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This western peripheral expressway had to be completed during commonwealth games, but we all know what was done back then, this expressway was also a victim of that: PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://t.co/yZbPHCdTK9">pic.twitter.com/yZbPHCdTK9</a>
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Earlier this year, Manesar to Palwal stretch of the KMP, whose entire length is 135.65 km, was opened for public, Khattar said on the occasion.

A sum of Rs 6,400 crore has been spent on the expressway project and 3,846 acres of land was acquired at a cost of Rs 2,788 crore, a Haryana government spokesperson said.

The length of the stretch from Kundli to Manesar is over 83 km. This stretch would have 14 major or minor bridges, 56 underpass or agricultural vehicular underpasses, seven intersections and seven toll plazas.

The expressway will decongest the road traffic from Delhi, especially reducing the number of trucks entering the national capital, thus helping in reducing pollution.

Besides, the project will also provide a high-speed link between northern Haryana and southern districts and give an uninterrupted high-speed link for traffic, especially commercial traffic, from Haryana to neighbouring states.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Haryana has blamed the previous Congress regime of delay in the KMP project.

The prime minister inaugurated the Rs 580 crore Metro link in Sultanpur village in the district.

Ballabhgarh becomes the fourth city in Haryana to get metro connectivity after Gurgaon, Faridabad and Bahadurgarh.

The skill university will come up over an area of 82.5 acres at a cost of Rs 989 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Kundli-Manesar section of the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) western peripheral expressway. He also inaugurated the 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Kundli-Manesar section of the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) western peripheral expressway. He also inaugurated the 3.2 km-long Ballabhgarh-Mujesar Metro rail link, which would facilitate travel for people of Delhi and Faridabad, and laid the foundation stone of the Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, which will come up at Dudhola in Palwal district. The inaugurations and foundation laying stone ceremonies were done through remote from Sultanpur village of this district. The prime minister, on his arrival at Sultanpur village in this district, went around visual art exhibition pertaining to the KMP project. Modi was briefed by the officials about the project. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Union ministers Rao Inderjit Singh, who is a Gurgaon MP, and Birender Singh. Haryana Governor Satyadev Narayan Arya was also present on the occasion. This western peripheral expressway had to be completed during commonwealth games, but we all know what was done back then, this expressway was also a victim of that: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/yZbPHCdTK9 — ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2018 × Earlier this year, Manesar to Palwal stretch of the KMP, whose entire length is 135.65 km, was opened for public, Khattar said on the occasion. A sum of Rs 6,400 crore has been spent on the expressway project and 3,846 acres of land was acquired at a cost of Rs 2,788 crore, a Haryana government spokesperson said. The length of the stretch from Kundli to Manesar is over 83 km. This stretch would have 14 major or minor bridges, 56 underpass or agricultural vehicular underpasses, seven intersections and seven toll plazas. The expressway will decongest the road traffic from Delhi, especially reducing the number of trucks entering the national capital, thus helping in reducing pollution. Besides, the project will also provide a high-speed link between northern Haryana and southern districts and give an uninterrupted high-speed link for traffic, especially commercial traffic, from Haryana to neighbouring states. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Haryana has blamed the previous Congress regime of delay in the KMP project. The prime minister inaugurated the Rs 580 crore Metro link in Sultanpur village in the district. Ballabhgarh becomes the fourth city in Haryana to get metro connectivity after Gurgaon, Faridabad and Bahadurgarh. The skill university will come up over an area of 82.5 acres at a cost of Rs 989 crore.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates KMP expressway, Ballabhgarh-Mujesar Metro rail link

The Australian High Commission has issued a warning for Indian nationals wanting to live permanently or seek permanent residency in Australia against organised contrived marriage scams targeting South Asians.

The High Commission asked Indians to be aware of the scam which targeted&nbsp;young Australian women, many of whom come from disadvantaged and low socio-economic backgrounds.&nbsp;

The warning comes after the Australian Border Force (ABF) shut down an elaborate contrived marriages syndicate operating out of Sydney.

The syndicate had a 32-year-old Indian national facing court over his alleged role as the main facilitator.4 Australian citizens are also facing charges for allegedly convincing individuals to fraudulently marry non-citizens seeking to obtain permanent residency.&nbsp;

ABF Acting Investigations Commander, Clinton Sims, said, "Those seeking a visa through a contrived marriage also need to understand that paying a facilitator will not buy them a permanent visa pathway in Australia."

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) has charged the 32- year-old Indian national with four counts of arranging a marriage to obtain permanent residence, contrary to Section 240 of the Migration Act 1958. The maximum penalty is a fine up to $210,000 and/or 10 years imprisonment.

The remaining four individuals have each been charged with offences under the Migration Act and Criminal Code.

An Australian High Commission release said, "While contrived marriages are not unique to any one nationality, this particular syndicate was attempting to illegally facilitate fake marriages with non-citizens in the South Asian community."

ABF also acted on contrived marriages in Victoria, with one individual sentenced to six months imprisonment for fraud offences against the Migration Act.

Earlier this year, the Australian High Commission had warned of a visa scam which was being allegedly perpetrated by an employment agency operating in south-west Delhi.

The Australian High Commission has issued a warning for Indian nationals wanting to live permanently or seek permanent residency in Australia against organised contrived marriage scams targeting South Asians.

The Australian High Commission has issued a warning for Indian nationals wanting to live permanently or seek permanent residency in Australia against organised contrived marriage scams targeting South Asians. The High Commission asked Indians to be aware of the scam which targeted young Australian women, many of whom come from disadvantaged and low socio-economic backgrounds. The warning comes after the Australian Border Force (ABF) shut down an elaborate contrived marriages syndicate operating out of Sydney. The syndicate had a 32-year-old Indian national facing court over his alleged role as the main facilitator.4 Australian citizens are also facing charges for allegedly convincing individuals to fraudulently marry non-citizens seeking to obtain permanent residency. ABF Acting Investigations Commander, Clinton Sims, said, "Those seeking a visa through a contrived marriage also need to understand that paying a facilitator will not buy them a permanent visa pathway in Australia." The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) has charged the 32- year-old Indian national with four counts of arranging a marriage to obtain permanent residence, contrary to Section 240 of the Migration Act 1958. The maximum penalty is a fine up to $210,000 and/or 10 years imprisonment. The remaining four individuals have each been charged with offences under the Migration Act and Criminal Code. An Australian High Commission release said, "While contrived marriages are not unique to any one nationality, this particular syndicate was attempting to illegally facilitate fake marriages with non-citizens in the South Asian community." ABF also acted on contrived marriages in Victoria, with one individual sentenced to six months imprisonment for fraud offences against the Migration Act. Earlier this year, the Australian High Commission had warned of a visa scam which was being allegedly perpetrated by an employment agency operating in south-west Delhi.

Be aware of fake marriage scams: Australian govt to Indians

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he and his party coterie is destroying every institution they can get their hands on.&nbsp;

Gandhi took to social media platform Twitter and said that even in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-pressure-on-rbi-will-become-abundantly-clear-in-monday-meeting-board-members-178018">RBI meet</a>, Narendra Modi's puppets will attempt to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rbi-board-members-meet-as-government-seeks-credit-liquidity-178115">destroy the RBI</a>.&nbsp;

"Mr Modi and his coterie of cronies, continue to destroy every institution they can get their hands on. Today, through his puppets at the RBI Board Meet he will attempt to destroy the RBI. I hope Mr Patel and his team have a spine and show him his place", Gandhi tweeted amid the ongoing rift with the government and the Reserve Bank of India.

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Mr Modi and his coterie of cronies, continue to destroy every institution they can get their hands on. Today, through his puppets at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RBIBoardMeet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RBIBoardMeet</a> he will attempt to destroy the RBI. I hope Mr Patel and his team have a spine and show him his place.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1064387123158093825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress has accused the Modi government of destroying every institution in the country and the latest one being the Reserve Bank of India.

The RBI's crucial board meeting today is expected to take up the liquidity crisis that has triggered a tiff between the government and the central bank.

The meeting is being held in the background of tension between the Centre and the RBI after Finance Ministry cited the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor.

The government on November 9 had said it was discussing an "appropriate" size of capital reserves that the central bank must maintain but denied seeking a massive capital transfer from the RBI.

Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg had also clarified that the government wasn't in any dire needs of funds and that there was no proposal to ask the RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 lakh crore.

(With inputs from PTI)

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he and his party coterie is destroying every institution they can get their hands on.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he and his party coterie is destroying every institution they can get their hands on. Gandhi took to social media platform Twitter and said that even in the RBI meet, Narendra Modi's puppets will attempt to destroy the RBI. "Mr Modi and his coterie of cronies, continue to destroy every institution they can get their hands on. Today, through his puppets at the RBI Board Meet he will attempt to destroy the RBI. I hope Mr Patel and his team have a spine and show him his place", Gandhi tweeted amid the ongoing rift with the government and the Reserve Bank of India. Mr Modi and his coterie of cronies, continue to destroy every institution they can get their hands on. Today, through his puppets at the #RBIBoardMeet he will attempt to destroy the RBI. I hope Mr Patel and his team have a spine and show him his place. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 19, 2018 × The Congress has accused the Modi government of destroying every institution in the country and the latest one being the Reserve Bank of India. The RBI's crucial board meeting today is expected to take up the liquidity crisis that has triggered a tiff between the government and the central bank. The meeting is being held in the background of tension between the Centre and the RBI after Finance Ministry cited the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor. The government on November 9 had said it was discussing an "appropriate" size of capital reserves that the central bank must maintain but denied seeking a massive capital transfer from the RBI. Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg had also clarified that the government wasn't in any dire needs of funds and that there was no proposal to ask the RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 lakh crore. (With inputs from PTI)

RBI board meeting: Rahul Gandhi says Urjit Patel and his team 'must show Narendra Modi his place'

The Bahrain government is likely to sign an agreement with India early next year for cooperation in space technology, a Bahraini minister has said.

In February next year, the Gulf nation, hopefully, will sign a pact with Indian space agency ISRO for training and research purposes, Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister for Transportation and Telecommunications, Bahrain, said.

“The national science and space agency (Bahrain) and ISRO will sign a MoU. It has been approved by the Bahrain government and is in its final stage. And hopefully, I will be in India shortly, maybe in the next air show in February to sign the MoU,” the minister, who also holds the space portfolio, said.

The agreement will be mainly for training purposes and both countries will cooperate on research and technology, he added.

“It is just a starting point. The government will send some Bahrainis to be trained in India from January for eight weeks…to study how they can design and build satellites,” Mohammed said.

Bahrain is also looking to forge closer economic ties with India to attract investment and tech companies.

“We are in continuous discussion with the private sector, CII and Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) which is the government agency to promote Bahrain and attract foreign direct investment, and India is one of the important markets for EDB. It has an office there. There will be a delegation there in December,” the minister said.

He further said India is an important market and it will become one of the superpowers in terms of economy.

On investment from India, he said: “I believe Indian companies are becoming bigger, they are expanding outside of India and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries offer them the best opportunity.”

“We are more focused on technology and knowledge-based industry and services.”

India is an important business partner for Bahrain, and the kingdom is keen to further strengthen the relations with the private sector in India.

The trade relationship between the two countries also prompted many Indians to set up their businesses there.

“Located at the heart of the Middle East, Bahrain is the natural gateway to the Gulf region, with strong, efficient and cost-effective pan-GCC transport links and direct access to Saudi Arabia – the region’s largest market,” Bahraini officials said.

The Bahrain government is likely to sign an agreement with India early next year for cooperation in space technology, a Bahraini minister has said. In February next year, the Gulf nation, hopefully, will sign a pact with Indian space agency ISRO for training and research purposes, Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister for Transportation and Telecommunications, Bahrain, said.

The Bahrain government is likely to sign an agreement with India early next year for cooperation in space technology, a Bahraini minister has said. In February next year, the Gulf nation, hopefully, will sign a pact with Indian space agency ISRO for training and research purposes, Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister for Transportation and Telecommunications, Bahrain, said. “The national science and space agency (Bahrain) and ISRO will sign a MoU. It has been approved by the Bahrain government and is in its final stage. And hopefully, I will be in India shortly, maybe in the next air show in February to sign the MoU,” the minister, who also holds the space portfolio, said. The agreement will be mainly for training purposes and both countries will cooperate on research and technology, he added. “It is just a starting point. The government will send some Bahrainis to be trained in India from January for eight weeks…to study how they can design and build satellites,” Mohammed said. Bahrain is also looking to forge closer economic ties with India to attract investment and tech companies. “We are in continuous discussion with the private sector, CII and Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) which is the government agency to promote Bahrain and attract foreign direct investment, and India is one of the important markets for EDB. It has an office there. There will be a delegation there in December,” the minister said. He further said India is an important market and it will become one of the superpowers in terms of economy. On investment from India, he said: “I believe Indian companies are becoming bigger, they are expanding outside of India and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries offer them the best opportunity.” “We are more focused on technology and knowledge-based industry and services.” India is an important business partner for Bahrain, and the kingdom is keen to further strengthen the relations with the private sector in India. The trade relationship between the two countries also prompted many Indians to set up their businesses there. “Located at the heart of the Middle East, Bahrain is the natural gateway to the Gulf region, with strong, efficient and cost-effective pan-GCC transport links and direct access to Saudi Arabia – the region’s largest market,” Bahraini officials said.

India, Bahrain likely to ink pact for cooperation in space technology

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine.

The Congress levelled the allegation as a three-member party delegation comprising former state ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Adoor Prakash and V S Sivakumar left for Sabarimala to study the situation there.

"The Sabarimala Sannidhanam has virtually turned into a fortress, where the entry of devotees of Lord Ayyappa are being restricted," Radhakrishnan, who is also a legislator, told reporters here.

Prakash, representing the Konni Assembly constituency, claimed that heavy police deployment at Sabarimala was disrupting the normal flow of devotees.

"The government, using the police force, is creating a terror-like atmosphere in the name of ensuring security of the Lord Ayyappa shrine," he alleged.

Sivakumar, a former Devaswom minister, alleged that the government had not taken any step to provide basic facilities for the huge number of pilgrims visiting the temple.

The MLA from Thiruvananthapuram said devotees face a lot of hardship due to lack of basic facilities at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam.

Before heading to Sabarimala, the Congress leaders alleged that the state government was not interested in setting up necessary infrastructure and security for the pilgrims and instead was only interested in creating hardships for them.

Amid tight security, thousands of pilgrims paid their obeisance at the Lord Ayyappa shrine on Saturday, which was also the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrischikom'. The temple opened on Friday evening for the two-month annual pilgrimage season even as the stand-off over entry of women of menstruating age into the temple continued.

The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed protests by devotees when it was opened for monthly pujas for eight days in October and early this month against the LDF government's attempt to implement the apex court verdict allowing women of all age groups to pray at the shrine.

Social activist Trupti Desai, who arrived at Kochi airport Friday en route Sabarimala, was forced to return to Maharashtra after she faced an over 13-hour protest.

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine.

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine. The Congress levelled the allegation as a three-member party delegation comprising former state ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Adoor Prakash and V S Sivakumar left for Sabarimala to study the situation there. "The Sabarimala Sannidhanam has virtually turned into a fortress, where the entry of devotees of Lord Ayyappa are being restricted," Radhakrishnan, who is also a legislator, told reporters here. Prakash, representing the Konni Assembly constituency, claimed that heavy police deployment at Sabarimala was disrupting the normal flow of devotees. "The government, using the police force, is creating a terror-like atmosphere in the name of ensuring security of the Lord Ayyappa shrine," he alleged. Sivakumar, a former Devaswom minister, alleged that the government had not taken any step to provide basic facilities for the huge number of pilgrims visiting the temple. The MLA from Thiruvananthapuram said devotees face a lot of hardship due to lack of basic facilities at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam. Before heading to Sabarimala, the Congress leaders alleged that the state government was not interested in setting up necessary infrastructure and security for the pilgrims and instead was only interested in creating hardships for them. Amid tight security, thousands of pilgrims paid their obeisance at the Lord Ayyappa shrine on Saturday, which was also the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrischikom'. The temple opened on Friday evening for the two-month annual pilgrimage season even as the stand-off over entry of women of menstruating age into the temple continued. The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed protests by devotees when it was opened for monthly pujas for eight days in October and early this month against the LDF government's attempt to implement the apex court verdict allowing women of all age groups to pray at the shrine. Social activist Trupti Desai, who arrived at Kochi airport Friday en route Sabarimala, was forced to return to Maharashtra after she faced an over 13-hour protest.

CPI(M)-led Kerala govt creating terror-like atmosphere in name of security of Sabarimala temple: Congress

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea claiming that a key witness in the sensational Kathua gang rape-and-murder case was allegedly tortured in custody by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with a separate rape case.

A bench comprising justices A M Khanwilkar and Deepak Gupta rejected the petition filed by a close relative of Talib Hussain, a key witness in the Kathua case, on the ground that the petitioner failed to appear before it despite the court's order.

In January, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community was allegedly abducted and gang raped in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district.&nbsp;

Petitioner M A Khan had approached the top court alleging that his relative Hussain was tortured in custody by the state police after being arrested in connection with a separate rape case.

Advocate Shoeb Alam, representing the Jammu and Kashmir Police, had last month denied in the top court the allegations levelled in the petition and had said since Hussain has been granted bail, the plea has become infructuous.

On October 22, the court had asked Khan to appear before it on November 13 to respond to the application filed by his advocate seeking his discharge from the case.

"Despite our order dated October 22, the writ petitioner (Khan) has chosen not to appear before this court to respond to the application for discharge filed by Sunil Fernandes, advocate on record for the petitioner.&nbsp;

"In the circumstances, the writ petition is dismissed for non-prosecution," the bench said in its November 13 order.

In his plea, Khan had alleged that Hussain was kept in illegal detention by police and was subjected to custodial torture.

The apex court had earlier transferred the trial in the Kathua gang rape and murder case from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in Punjab.

The state police's crime branch had filed the main charge sheet against seven persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district in the gang rape and murder case.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea claiming that a key witness in the sensational Kathua gang rape-and-murder case was allegedly tortured in custody by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with a separate rape case.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea claiming that a key witness in the sensational Kathua gang rape-and-murder case was allegedly tortured in custody by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with a separate rape case. A bench comprising justices A M Khanwilkar and Deepak Gupta rejected the petition filed by a close relative of Talib Hussain, a key witness in the Kathua case, on the ground that the petitioner failed to appear before it despite the court's order. In January, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community was allegedly abducted and gang raped in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Petitioner M A Khan had approached the top court alleging that his relative Hussain was tortured in custody by the state police after being arrested in connection with a separate rape case. Advocate Shoeb Alam, representing the Jammu and Kashmir Police, had last month denied in the top court the allegations levelled in the petition and had said since Hussain has been granted bail, the plea has become infructuous. On October 22, the court had asked Khan to appear before it on November 13 to respond to the application filed by his advocate seeking his discharge from the case. "Despite our order dated October 22, the writ petitioner (Khan) has chosen not to appear before this court to respond to the application for discharge filed by Sunil Fernandes, advocate on record for the petitioner. "In the circumstances, the writ petition is dismissed for non-prosecution," the bench said in its November 13 order. In his plea, Khan had alleged that Hussain was kept in illegal detention by police and was subjected to custodial torture. The apex court had earlier transferred the trial in the Kathua gang rape and murder case from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in Punjab. The state police's crime branch had filed the main charge sheet against seven persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district in the gang rape and murder case.

Supreme Court dismisses plea alleging custodial torture of key Kathua rape-murder case witness

There are promises that are made in a poll season and most of them remain promises, but in the election season of this small hill state, all major political parties say they are serious when it comes to liquor -- whether to ban it or not, and whether to ban it fully or partially.

Mizoram will vote on November 28 for 40 assembly seats to decide who will form the next government in this highly-literate and Christian-majority state.

The state has a total population of about 10 lakh people only, but elections here are being seen as very important for the Congress and and Mizoram National Party (MNF), who have ruled Mizoram ever since it became a full-fledged state in 1987, as also for the BJP that sees it as the 'final frontier' in the North-East.

While the ruling Congress is against total prohibition, the main opposition MNF wants a complete ban. The BJP has taken a middle path by proposing to ban the liquor coming from outside the state and encourage only locally produced ones.

"It (liquor) is an epidemic, a big plague in Mizoram. We are going to solve the drug and alcohol problem by a total prohibition of liquor. We will fight totally against the drugs," MNF President and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga told PTI in an interview.

When the state Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla was in office for his third term, he introduced the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act banning sale and consumption of alcohol effective from February 20, 1997.

In 2007, the Act was amended during the MNF chief minister Zoramthanga's rule to allow wine to be made from guavas and grapes, but with restrictions on the alcohol content and the volume possessed.

During Thanhawla's fifth term, Mizoram repealed prohibition on July 10, 2014.

The powerful Presbyterian Church had organised mass prayers in all member churches across the state twice that year against repeal of the prohibition. 
The MLPC Act came into force from January 15, 2015, while the first wine shop under the new law was opened on March 16, 2015.

Congress Spokesperson Lallian Chhunga said: "We had a socio-economic survey in September and it found that liquor is a minor issue. MNF wants to make it a big issue. But I don't know how far they have succeeded in it. I am not sure if they are really convinced to swing votes on their favour over the liquor issue."

Some local entrepreneurs favour alcoholic beverages being allowed here.

"Youths do not like total prohibition. MNF and ZPM (Zoram People's Movement) are for total prohibition. Congress can gain from this," Aizawl-based journalist-turned-entrepreneur Joseph Lalhriatpuia said.

Restaurant owner Lalremruata said liquor is not an issue and parties talk about it only in elections.

Zoramthanga, however, claimed around 500 policemen and 6,500-7000 others have died at a young age since 2015 due to excessive drinking.

"It is a thing that matters most. It has become a headache of every parent, every wife. Not only the church, it is practically the headache of every family because they have a problem as liquor is not only easily available, but also of fourth-grade quality," he added.

According to the Mizoram Excise &amp; Narcotics Department website, deaths due to liquor consumption have been on a rise from 9 in 2015 to 22 in 2016 and to 59 in 2017.

Mizoram BJP President J V Hluna said, "We will not import IMFL to Mizoram. Liquor consumption will not be banned, but locally produced liquor (will be allowed). We will legalise local products and export them too."

People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM), a new party contesting polls for the first time, said total prohibition is not a solution.

"We have had total prohibition two times in Mizoram. During the MNF insurgency, they prohibited liquor from the jungle. They killed so many local liquor vendors, but liquor was there. After that, the government's total prohibition came, but liquor was there. So, the issue is not prohibition," PRISM President Vanlalruata said.

Favouring control than prohibition, PRISM leader said people need to be made aware about ill affects of liquor and some changes can be made in the MLPC Act.

"Liquor is an election issue. Most of the church leaders and church activists are anti-liquor. But, most youths don't like prohibition," Vanlalruata said. 
Zoramthanga, Hluna and Vanlalruata also pitched for home-made rice beer or locally produced liquor.

MNF leader and candidate from Aizawl East-II constituency Robert Romawia Royte said gains for the state government from allowing liquor is less than the loss it causes.

Stating that liquor consumption is against the Bible, Royte further said: "Men are dying in Mizoram. Number of widows is increasing. We have a peculiar situation, where male voters are less than the women voters."

Mizoram has total 7.68 lakh registered voters -- 3.74 lakh are men and 3.93 lakh are women.

Except Mamit district, rest all seven districts -- Kolasib, Aizawl, Champhai, Serchhip, Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Siaha -- have higher number of female voters.

The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing the third consecutive term. In 2013 Assembly elections, the Congress won 34 seats, while the MNF had five and Mizoram People's Conference bagged one.

While Congress and MNF are contesting in all the 40 constituencies this time, BJP is fighting in 39 seats and PRISM has put up candidates in 15 seats.

There are promises that are made in a poll season and most of them remain promises, but in the election season of this small hill state, all major political parties say they are serious when it comes to liquor -- whether to ban it or not, and whether to ban it fully or partially.

There are promises that are made in a poll season and most of them remain promises, but in the election season of this small hill state, all major political parties say they are serious when it comes to liquor -- whether to ban it or not, and whether to ban it fully or partially. Mizoram will vote on November 28 for 40 assembly seats to decide who will form the next government in this highly-literate and Christian-majority state. The state has a total population of about 10 lakh people only, but elections here are being seen as very important for the Congress and and Mizoram National Party (MNF), who have ruled Mizoram ever since it became a full-fledged state in 1987, as also for the BJP that sees it as the 'final frontier' in the North-East. While the ruling Congress is against total prohibition, the main opposition MNF wants a complete ban. The BJP has taken a middle path by proposing to ban the liquor coming from outside the state and encourage only locally produced ones. "It (liquor) is an epidemic, a big plague in Mizoram. We are going to solve the drug and alcohol problem by a total prohibition of liquor. We will fight totally against the drugs," MNF President and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga told PTI in an interview. When the state Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla was in office for his third term, he introduced the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act banning sale and consumption of alcohol effective from February 20, 1997. In 2007, the Act was amended during the MNF chief minister Zoramthanga's rule to allow wine to be made from guavas and grapes, but with restrictions on the alcohol content and the volume possessed. During Thanhawla's fifth term, Mizoram repealed prohibition on July 10, 2014. The powerful Presbyterian Church had organised mass prayers in all member churches across the state twice that year against repeal of the prohibition. The MLPC Act came into force from January 15, 2015, while the first wine shop under the new law was opened on March 16, 2015. Congress Spokesperson Lallian Chhunga said: "We had a socio-economic survey in September and it found that liquor is a minor issue. MNF wants to make it a big issue. But I don't know how far they have succeeded in it. I am not sure if they are really convinced to swing votes on their favour over the liquor issue." Some local entrepreneurs favour alcoholic beverages being allowed here. "Youths do not like total prohibition. MNF and ZPM (Zoram People's Movement) are for total prohibition. Congress can gain from this," Aizawl-based journalist-turned-entrepreneur Joseph Lalhriatpuia said. Restaurant owner Lalremruata said liquor is not an issue and parties talk about it only in elections. Zoramthanga, however, claimed around 500 policemen and 6,500-7000 others have died at a young age since 2015 due to excessive drinking. "It is a thing that matters most. It has become a headache of every parent, every wife. Not only the church, it is practically the headache of every family because they have a problem as liquor is not only easily available, but also of fourth-grade quality," he added. According to the Mizoram Excise & Narcotics Department website, deaths due to liquor consumption have been on a rise from 9 in 2015 to 22 in 2016 and to 59 in 2017. Mizoram BJP President J V Hluna said, "We will not import IMFL to Mizoram. Liquor consumption will not be banned, but locally produced liquor (will be allowed). We will legalise local products and export them too." People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM), a new party contesting polls for the first time, said total prohibition is not a solution. "We have had total prohibition two times in Mizoram. During the MNF insurgency, they prohibited liquor from the jungle. They killed so many local liquor vendors, but liquor was there. After that, the government's total prohibition came, but liquor was there. So, the issue is not prohibition," PRISM President Vanlalruata said. Favouring control than prohibition, PRISM leader said people need to be made aware about ill affects of liquor and some changes can be made in the MLPC Act. "Liquor is an election issue. Most of the church leaders and church activists are anti-liquor. But, most youths don't like prohibition," Vanlalruata said. Zoramthanga, Hluna and Vanlalruata also pitched for home-made rice beer or locally produced liquor. MNF leader and candidate from Aizawl East-II constituency Robert Romawia Royte said gains for the state government from allowing liquor is less than the loss it causes. Stating that liquor consumption is against the Bible, Royte further said: "Men are dying in Mizoram. Number of widows is increasing. We have a peculiar situation, where male voters are less than the women voters." Mizoram has total 7.68 lakh registered voters -- 3.74 lakh are men and 3.93 lakh are women. Except Mamit district, rest all seven districts -- Kolasib, Aizawl, Champhai, Serchhip, Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Siaha -- have higher number of female voters. The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing the third consecutive term. In 2013 Assembly elections, the Congress won 34 seats, while the MNF had five and Mizoram People's Conference bagged one. While Congress and MNF are contesting in all the 40 constituencies this time, BJP is fighting in 39 seats and PRISM has put up candidates in 15 seats.

To raise a toast or not: Liquor a poll issue on platter of all Mizoram parties

Amid rising election campaign heat in Mizoram, the state's BJP unit chief J V Hulna has claimed that Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of Congress wanted to join the saffron party along with some other party MLAs before the poll process started, a claim dismissed by the ruling party leaders as a "joke".

The Mizoram BJP president also claimed that most of the elected Congress MLAs will join his party after the poll results for the state are out on December 11. The elections are scheduled to be held on November 28 for 40 assembly states of the state, where the Congress has been in power since 2008.

The BJP has never won an assembly election in this small hill state with a population of just about 10 lakh people, including nearly 7.68 lakh voters, but it is seen by the saffron party as the "final frontier" in the North-East as it is in power in all other states of the region -- either by winning polls or joining ruling alliances.

The BJP president Amit Shah recently declared that Mizoram, a Christian-majority state, will celebrate Christmas this December under the BJP rule. 
"Lal Thanhawla himself, before this election, and his followers contacted the central leadership (of BJP) to merge the whole Congress in the state, just like the Arunachal Pradesh. They were in contact with them," Hluna told PTI.

"They did not contact me, they contacted our leaders in Delhi. From them, I learnt that Lal Thanhawla was willing to join BJP," he added.

In September 2016, the Congress lost its government in Arunachal Pradesh when 43 of its MLAs led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu defected wholesale and merged with the People's Party of Arunachal, just two months after it had regained power following the Supreme Court's judgement.

A senior leader of the principal opposition party in Mizoram, Mizo National Front (MNF), also made similar allegations against the chief minister and said that the deal fell through as the Congress leader's "demands" were rejected by the BJP's central leaders.

Thanhawla, a nine-time MLA, could not be contacted for his reactions despite repeated attempts, but a senior minister of his Cabinet termed the allegations as the "funniest jokes ever known".

On condition of anonymity, an MNF leader, who is also contesting the Mizoram Assembly elections from a constituency in the capital city, claimed that Thanhawla had contacted a senior central leader of the BJP and had sought the Chief Minister's post for his daughter and the Governor's post for himself in return of joining the BJP with party MLAs.

"But these demands were rejected outright," he said.

When asked about these claims, Hluna said: "These points, I don't know. But I know that he (Thanhawla) had contacted (Home Minister) Rajnath Singh. And from them, I learnt Lal Thanhawla did not mind joining BJP. That's the thing. But his demands, I do not know."

Going a step further, the state BJP president asserted that most of the elected Congress MLAs after the results are declared will join the BJP as Thanhawla's "ideology is to join central ruling party, whether Congress or BJP".

"So after elections, all elected MLAs of Congress will join our party. They will merge with our party, if they really follow Lal Thanhawla's teaching," he said.

Asked further how can he be so sure about all the Congress MLAs joining the BJP, Hluna said: "May not all, but most of them... (will join) within this year." 
The former MLA said that for the benefit of the Mizo people, the ideology of any chief minister, whether he from the Congress or the MNF or the BJP, is to be with the ruling party at the Centre as Mizoram is a very poor and interior state.

While Thanhawla could not be contacted despite repeated attempts for his reaction on these allegations, the state's Finance Minister Lalsawta vehemently dismissed these claims.

"Don't make me laugh. Many inventions are there, but that wild allegation -- that is the funniest allegation I have ever known," he said.

On claims about Congress MLAs joining BJP post-result, the senior ruling party leader said: "I have confidence in my colleagues, my Congress candidates. That is the second funniest joke you have given me this afternoon. You will be digging your own political grave if you join BJP once you get elected as a Congress MLA."

Lalsawta, however, said Mizoram would wants to have cordial and good relationships with the Centre like any other state.

Asked about a series of resignations by senior Congress leaders from the assembly and party in the last two months, the minister said there have been various reasons.

"They did not find a promising constituency for themselves. They had to migrate," he said.

At least five Congress MLAs have resigned from the assembly and the party in the run-up to the polls and joined other parties.

Those having resigned include state's home minister R Lalzirliana, former health minister Lalrinliana Sailo, former fisheries minister Buddha Dhan Chakma and MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte. Besides, Mizoram assembly speaker Hiphei resigned earlier this month to join the BJP.

With days left for the elections, Congress and the MNF are leaving no stones unturned to woo the voters, while BJP has launched a spirited campaign to get power in this strategically important North Eastern state sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Amid rising election campaign heat in Mizoram, the state's BJP unit chief J V Hulna has claimed that Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of Congress wanted to join the saffron party along with some other party MLAs before the poll process started, a claim dismissed by the ruling party leaders as a "joke".

Amid rising election campaign heat in Mizoram, the state's BJP unit chief J V Hulna has claimed that Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of Congress wanted to join the saffron party along with some other party MLAs before the poll process started, a claim dismissed by the ruling party leaders as a "joke". The Mizoram BJP president also claimed that most of the elected Congress MLAs will join his party after the poll results for the state are out on December 11. The elections are scheduled to be held on November 28 for 40 assembly states of the state, where the Congress has been in power since 2008. The BJP has never won an assembly election in this small hill state with a population of just about 10 lakh people, including nearly 7.68 lakh voters, but it is seen by the saffron party as the "final frontier" in the North-East as it is in power in all other states of the region -- either by winning polls or joining ruling alliances. The BJP president Amit Shah recently declared that Mizoram, a Christian-majority state, will celebrate Christmas this December under the BJP rule. "Lal Thanhawla himself, before this election, and his followers contacted the central leadership (of BJP) to merge the whole Congress in the state, just like the Arunachal Pradesh. They were in contact with them," Hluna told PTI. "They did not contact me, they contacted our leaders in Delhi. From them, I learnt that Lal Thanhawla was willing to join BJP," he added. In September 2016, the Congress lost its government in Arunachal Pradesh when 43 of its MLAs led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu defected wholesale and merged with the People's Party of Arunachal, just two months after it had regained power following the Supreme Court's judgement. A senior leader of the principal opposition party in Mizoram, Mizo National Front (MNF), also made similar allegations against the chief minister and said that the deal fell through as the Congress leader's "demands" were rejected by the BJP's central leaders. Thanhawla, a nine-time MLA, could not be contacted for his reactions despite repeated attempts, but a senior minister of his Cabinet termed the allegations as the "funniest jokes ever known". On condition of anonymity, an MNF leader, who is also contesting the Mizoram Assembly elections from a constituency in the capital city, claimed that Thanhawla had contacted a senior central leader of the BJP and had sought the Chief Minister's post for his daughter and the Governor's post for himself in return of joining the BJP with party MLAs. "But these demands were rejected outright," he said. When asked about these claims, Hluna said: "These points, I don't know. But I know that he (Thanhawla) had contacted (Home Minister) Rajnath Singh. And from them, I learnt Lal Thanhawla did not mind joining BJP. That's the thing. But his demands, I do not know." Going a step further, the state BJP president asserted that most of the elected Congress MLAs after the results are declared will join the BJP as Thanhawla's "ideology is to join central ruling party, whether Congress or BJP". "So after elections, all elected MLAs of Congress will join our party. They will merge with our party, if they really follow Lal Thanhawla's teaching," he said. Asked further how can he be so sure about all the Congress MLAs joining the BJP, Hluna said: "May not all, but most of them... (will join) within this year." The former MLA said that for the benefit of the Mizo people, the ideology of any chief minister, whether he from the Congress or the MNF or the BJP, is to be with the ruling party at the Centre as Mizoram is a very poor and interior state. While Thanhawla could not be contacted despite repeated attempts for his reaction on these allegations, the state's Finance Minister Lalsawta vehemently dismissed these claims. "Don't make me laugh. Many inventions are there, but that wild allegation -- that is the funniest allegation I have ever known," he said. On claims about Congress MLAs joining BJP post-result, the senior ruling party leader said: "I have confidence in my colleagues, my Congress candidates. That is the second funniest joke you have given me this afternoon. You will be digging your own political grave if you join BJP once you get elected as a Congress MLA." Lalsawta, however, said Mizoram would wants to have cordial and good relationships with the Centre like any other state. Asked about a series of resignations by senior Congress leaders from the assembly and party in the last two months, the minister said there have been various reasons. "They did not find a promising constituency for themselves. They had to migrate," he said. At least five Congress MLAs have resigned from the assembly and the party in the run-up to the polls and joined other parties. Those having resigned include state's home minister R Lalzirliana, former health minister Lalrinliana Sailo, former fisheries minister Buddha Dhan Chakma and MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte. Besides, Mizoram assembly speaker Hiphei resigned earlier this month to join the BJP. With days left for the elections, Congress and the MNF are leaving no stones unturned to woo the voters, while BJP has launched a spirited campaign to get power in this strategically important North Eastern state sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Mizoram BJP chief alleges CM Thanhawla wanted to join saffron party, Congress calls it 'joke'

The BJP in Telangana Sunday released the fifth list of 19 candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

With the release of the fifth list, the party has so far announced the names of 112 candidates out of 119 seats member assembly.

Telangana is going to polls on December 7.

Party chief Amit Shah had launched the election campaign on September 15 at Mahabubnagar and addressed another rally at Karimnagar last month.

He had also addressed a Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha national convention last month.

The BJP had five MLAs in the recently dissolved state assembly and all of them have been renominated.

Telangana Assembly was dissolved on September six, more than eight months ahead of the expiry of its term, on the recommendation of (now) Caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who opted to go for early elections.&nbsp;

The BJP in Telangana Sunday released the fifth list of 19 candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. With the release of the fifth list, the party has so far announced the names of 112 candidates out of 119 seats member assembly.

The BJP in Telangana Sunday released the fifth list of 19 candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. With the release of the fifth list, the party has so far announced the names of 112 candidates out of 119 seats member assembly. Telangana is going to polls on December 7. Party chief Amit Shah had launched the election campaign on September 15 at Mahabubnagar and addressed another rally at Karimnagar last month. He had also addressed a Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha national convention last month. The BJP had five MLAs in the recently dissolved state assembly and all of them have been renominated. Telangana Assembly was dissolved on September six, more than eight months ahead of the expiry of its term, on the recommendation of (now) Caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who opted to go for early elections.

BJP releases fifth list of candidates for Telangana polls

A 42-year-old man, said to be TRS worker, allegedly committed suicide here leaving behind a purported suicide note, urging voters to re-elect TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao as Telangana Chief Minister.

He also urged them to re-elect MLA Vivekananda, police said Sunday.

The man had earlier made a vain attempt to commit suicide during the separate Telangana agitation.

The body of T Guruvappa was found hanging Saturday in a small room in Nizampet area, police said. 
&nbsp;

A 42-year-old man, said to be TRS worker, allegedly committed suicide here leaving behind a purported suicide note, urging voters to re-elect TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao as Telangana Chief Minister.

A 42-year-old man, said to be TRS worker, allegedly committed suicide here leaving behind a purported suicide note, urging voters to re-elect TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao as Telangana Chief Minister. He also urged them to re-elect MLA Vivekananda, police said Sunday. The man had earlier made a vain attempt to commit suicide during the separate Telangana agitation. The body of T Guruvappa was found hanging Saturday in a small room in Nizampet area, police said.

Man found hanging; note asks public to make TRS chief as CM

BJP president Amit Shah will hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21 here, Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore here said on Sunday.

The main event will be held at Tagore School auditorium in the state capital where nearly 4,000 youths will participate. The event will be live streamed and Shah will take questions from youths present there and also from those at six other locations, Bharatpur, Udaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, Ajmer and Bikaner, he said at a press conference.

Apart from these places, town hall meetings will be held in other 200 locations across the state where youths will be present, Rathore said, adding questions from youths who will be present at these locations will be registered beforehand and they will not be able to ask question during the programme.

"India is emerging as a strong nation due to the vision and energy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Youth understand this. Social media has brought awareness among people on issues, be it political or any other. BJP has always has held dialogues with youth and therefore the party present is going to communicate with the state's youths on November 21," he said.

Rathore said that questions can be asked through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

Assembly polls in Rajasthan will be held on December 7.

BJP president Amit Shah will hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21 here, Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore here said on Sunday. The main event will be held at Tagore School auditorium in the state capital where nearly 4,000 youths will participate.

BJP president Amit Shah will hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21 here, Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore here said on Sunday. The main event will be held at Tagore School auditorium in the state capital where nearly 4,000 youths will participate. The event will be live streamed and Shah will take questions from youths present there and also from those at six other locations, Bharatpur, Udaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, Ajmer and Bikaner, he said at a press conference. Apart from these places, town hall meetings will be held in other 200 locations across the state where youths will be present, Rathore said, adding questions from youths who will be present at these locations will be registered beforehand and they will not be able to ask question during the programme. "India is emerging as a strong nation due to the vision and energy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Youth understand this. Social media has brought awareness among people on issues, be it political or any other. BJP has always has held dialogues with youth and therefore the party present is going to communicate with the state's youths on November 21," he said. Rathore said that questions can be asked through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Assembly polls in Rajasthan will be held on December 7.

Amit Shah to hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21: Rajyavardhan Rathore

Opposition leader Sharad Yadav said on Sunday the BJP's hope to return to power at the Centre will be buried in the same states -- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- which had propelled it to a big win in 2014, and asserted that the Congress will trump the saffron party in all the five poll-bound states.

The results of the assembly polls, including BJP-ruled Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, will lay the foundation for the Lok Sabha elections next year, he told PTI in an interview.

People want to get rid of the Narendra Modi-led government as it has not fulfilled a single promise made to them in 2014, Yadav claimed.

Accusing Prime Minister Modi of resorting to "sentimental" ploys like raking up his tea-seller background while his party colleagues talk of building Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Loktantrik Janta Dal patron said this shows the BJP has nothing to talk about its government's achievements.

"The Congress is in the driving seats in all the five states. People are under distress and want to defeat the BJP. The results of these (assembly) polls will lay the foundation stone for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," he said.

Working to forge an alliance of opposition parties and win over new allies against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Yadav said they will be united in 2019.

"The BJP had captured Delhi on the back of its win in the Gangetic plains (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar). Its hope of returning to power in 2019 will be buried in the same plains," he said.

The NDA had won 104 of the 120 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in 2014 but a likely alliance of the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samajwadi Party has made things much more challenging for the BJP in the politically most crucial state that sends 80 members to the lower house of Parliament.

The BJP has boosted its prospects in Bihar by allying with Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar, who had fought against it in 2014, but the opposition is working to shore up its support by wooing leaders in the NDA camp.

Yadav had recently met RLSP leader and BJP ally Upendra Kushwaha, and there is speculation that his Loktantrik Janata Dal and the RLSP may merge to boost the opposition alliance.

He declined to comment on the matter but Kushwaha's drift from the NDA is becoming increasingly evident as he said on Saturday that the number of seats offered to him by the BJP for the Lok Sabha polls is not "respectable", setting the deadline of November 30 to the saffron party to sort out the matter.

Attacking Modi for "chasing the Congress with a lathi day in and day out" while "not fulfilling his promises", Yadav said the prime minister rakes up sentimental issues like his tea-seller background to target the main opposition party.

The Congress was defeated in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the subsequent assembly elections. There cannot be a bigger punishment for a party than this, he said.

"People elected you (BJP) to power and punished them (Congress). Still, you are chasing them with a lathi day in and out. You do not do your work. You attack them (the Congress) everyday but do not fulfil your promises. People have become so distressed," Yadav said.

Whether it was the BJP's promise on generating employment or boosting the economy and cleaning the Ganga river, none of it has been fulfilled, he claimed and alleged that instead, measures like demonetisation hit people hard and the GST "destroyed" small traders.

These are the real issues on the ground, besides distress of farmers and high oil prices, he said while reiterating that the assembly polls will boost the opposition and set the tone for the Lok Sabha polls.

Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are due on November 26, and in Rajasthan and Telangana on December 7.

Chhattisgarh had gone to the polls for 18 seats on November 12 and polling for the remaining 72 seats will be held on November 20. Counting of votes for all the five states is due on December 11.

Opposition leader Sharad Yadav said on Sunday the BJP's hope to return to power at the Centre will be buried in the same states -- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- which had propelled it to a big win in 2014, and asserted that the Congress will trump the saffron party in all the five poll-bound states.

Opposition leader Sharad Yadav said on Sunday the BJP's hope to return to power at the Centre will be buried in the same states -- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- which had propelled it to a big win in 2014, and asserted that the Congress will trump the saffron party in all the five poll-bound states. The results of the assembly polls, including BJP-ruled Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, will lay the foundation for the Lok Sabha elections next year, he told PTI in an interview. People want to get rid of the Narendra Modi-led government as it has not fulfilled a single promise made to them in 2014, Yadav claimed. Accusing Prime Minister Modi of resorting to "sentimental" ploys like raking up his tea-seller background while his party colleagues talk of building Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Loktantrik Janta Dal patron said this shows the BJP has nothing to talk about its government's achievements. "The Congress is in the driving seats in all the five states. People are under distress and want to defeat the BJP. The results of these (assembly) polls will lay the foundation stone for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," he said. Working to forge an alliance of opposition parties and win over new allies against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Yadav said they will be united in 2019. "The BJP had captured Delhi on the back of its win in the Gangetic plains (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar). Its hope of returning to power in 2019 will be buried in the same plains," he said. The NDA had won 104 of the 120 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in 2014 but a likely alliance of the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samajwadi Party has made things much more challenging for the BJP in the politically most crucial state that sends 80 members to the lower house of Parliament. The BJP has boosted its prospects in Bihar by allying with Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar, who had fought against it in 2014, but the opposition is working to shore up its support by wooing leaders in the NDA camp. Yadav had recently met RLSP leader and BJP ally Upendra Kushwaha, and there is speculation that his Loktantrik Janata Dal and the RLSP may merge to boost the opposition alliance. He declined to comment on the matter but Kushwaha's drift from the NDA is becoming increasingly evident as he said on Saturday that the number of seats offered to him by the BJP for the Lok Sabha polls is not "respectable", setting the deadline of November 30 to the saffron party to sort out the matter. Attacking Modi for "chasing the Congress with a lathi day in and day out" while "not fulfilling his promises", Yadav said the prime minister rakes up sentimental issues like his tea-seller background to target the main opposition party. The Congress was defeated in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the subsequent assembly elections. There cannot be a bigger punishment for a party than this, he said. "People elected you (BJP) to power and punished them (Congress). Still, you are chasing them with a lathi day in and out. You do not do your work. You attack them (the Congress) everyday but do not fulfil your promises. People have become so distressed," Yadav said. Whether it was the BJP's promise on generating employment or boosting the economy and cleaning the Ganga river, none of it has been fulfilled, he claimed and alleged that instead, measures like demonetisation hit people hard and the GST "destroyed" small traders. These are the real issues on the ground, besides distress of farmers and high oil prices, he said while reiterating that the assembly polls will boost the opposition and set the tone for the Lok Sabha polls. Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are due on November 26, and in Rajasthan and Telangana on December 7. Chhattisgarh had gone to the polls for 18 seats on November 12 and polling for the remaining 72 seats will be held on November 20. Counting of votes for all the five states is due on December 11.

Congress in driving seats in state polls, BJP's bid to return to power in 2019 will fail: Sharad Yadav

The Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for speaking about a video purportedly featuring its Madhya Pradesh unit chief, Kamal Nath, at an election rally in Chhindwara Sunday.

Nath is a nine-time Lok Sabha MP of the Congress from Chhindwara.

Targeting Nath over a video that went viral on the social media, Modi, in his speech, said the state Congress chief had said the winnability of a candidate was the most important factor for him, rather than whether he was corrupt, a goon or facing criminal cases.

The prime minister went on to ask the gathering, "Should Madhya Pradesh be saved from such people (Congress candidates) or not? Should the state go into such hands?"

Reacting to Modi's speech, the Congress said it had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) about the "doctored and edited" video.

"Narendra Modi, who is holding the top post of prime minister, has dished out lies in Chhindwara on the basis of this doctored video," Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja said.

Seeking an apology from the prime minister, he said the opposition party would also file also a complaint with the EC in this regard (Modi's reference to the video).

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

The Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for speaking about a video purportedly featuring its Madhya Pradesh unit chief, Kamal Nath, at an election rally in Chhindwara Sunday.

The Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for speaking about a video purportedly featuring its Madhya Pradesh unit chief, Kamal Nath, at an election rally in Chhindwara Sunday. Nath is a nine-time Lok Sabha MP of the Congress from Chhindwara. Targeting Nath over a video that went viral on the social media, Modi, in his speech, said the state Congress chief had said the winnability of a candidate was the most important factor for him, rather than whether he was corrupt, a goon or facing criminal cases. The prime minister went on to ask the gathering, "Should Madhya Pradesh be saved from such people (Congress candidates) or not? Should the state go into such hands?" Reacting to Modi's speech, the Congress said it had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) about the "doctored and edited" video. "Narendra Modi, who is holding the top post of prime minister, has dished out lies in Chhindwara on the basis of this doctored video," Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja said. Seeking an apology from the prime minister, he said the opposition party would also file also a complaint with the EC in this regard (Modi's reference to the video). The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Congress hits out at PM for Kamal Nath video reference at poll rally

Roads, power and water are no longer poll issues in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh this time unlike in 2003, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here Sunday.&nbsp;

He was addressing a 'Prabuddhjan Sammelan' (intellectuals' meet) organised by the BJP, which was attended by doctors, lawyers, businessmen and other professionals.

"Sadak, bijli, pani (roads, power, water) are no more issues in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled on November 28," Jaitley said.

"The Assembly elections of 2003 (when the Congress was in power) were fought on three issues, roads, power and water. The condition of roads was very poor then and I was advised by partymen to travel from one district to another by helicopter or train and not by road," he said.

The Union minister said that in fifteen years, the BJP government in the state had improved the quality of roads and strengthened road connectivity, power and water supply.

In agriculture sector, Madhya Pradesh had replaced Punjab and become the "foodgrain bowl" of the country, he said.

The state, under the BJP rule, has shed its "Bimaru" (backward, laggard) tag and become "aspirational", Jaitley said.

He also claimed there was no social or economic discontent in the country. "Had there been discontent, opposition parties would have launched a movement against the government," he said.

Roads, power and water are no longer poll issues in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh this time unlike in 2003, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here Sunday. He was addressing a 'Prabuddhjan Sammelan' (intellectuals' meet) organised by the BJP, which was attended by doctors, lawyers, businessmen and other professionals.

Roads, power and water are no longer poll issues in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh this time unlike in 2003, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here Sunday. He was addressing a 'Prabuddhjan Sammelan' (intellectuals' meet) organised by the BJP, which was attended by doctors, lawyers, businessmen and other professionals. "Sadak, bijli, pani (roads, power, water) are no more issues in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled on November 28," Jaitley said. "The Assembly elections of 2003 (when the Congress was in power) were fought on three issues, roads, power and water. The condition of roads was very poor then and I was advised by partymen to travel from one district to another by helicopter or train and not by road," he said. The Union minister said that in fifteen years, the BJP government in the state had improved the quality of roads and strengthened road connectivity, power and water supply. In agriculture sector, Madhya Pradesh had replaced Punjab and become the "foodgrain bowl" of the country, he said. The state, under the BJP rule, has shed its "Bimaru" (backward, laggard) tag and become "aspirational", Jaitley said. He also claimed there was no social or economic discontent in the country. "Had there been discontent, opposition parties would have launched a movement against the government," he said.

Roads, power, water no issues in MP election: Arun Jaitley

Two terrorists were Sunday killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Based on a credible input about the presence of terrorists, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces at dawn in Rebban area of Zainapora in the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said.

He said as the search operation was going on, the search party was fired&nbsp;upon by hiding terrorists.

The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter in which two terrorists were killed, the spokesman said.

He said the bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter and their identities are being ascertained.

Incriminating material including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesman said, adding police have registered a case and initiated investigation in the matter.

No collateral damage took place during the encounter, he said.&nbsp;

Two terrorists were Sunday killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Based on a credible input about the presence of terrorists, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces at dawn in Rebban area of Zainapora in the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said.

Two terrorists were Sunday killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Based on a credible input about the presence of terrorists, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces at dawn in Rebban area of Zainapora in the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said. He said as the search operation was going on, the search party was fired upon by hiding terrorists. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter in which two terrorists were killed, the spokesman said. He said the bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter and their identities are being ascertained. Incriminating material including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesman said, adding police have registered a case and initiated investigation in the matter. No collateral damage took place during the encounter, he said.

Jammu and Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in encounter

Senior Gujarat-cadre IAS officer G C Murmu was Saturday named as the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, as part of a major bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre.

Mr Murmu, a 1985 batch IAS officer, is at present Special Secretary in the Department of Revenue.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Murmu as the officer on special duty in the Department of Expenditure, an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said.

"The officer will take over as Secretary, Department of Expenditure on superannuation of A N Jha on January 21 next year," it said.

Apart from Mr Murmu, the department has also transferred eight other senior IAS officers.

Senior IAS officer Upma Chawdhry, Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs on superannuation of Amarendra Kumar Dubey on December 31.

AB Pandey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), was appointed as Secretary, Department of Revenue on superannuation of Hasmukh Adhia on November 30. He will continue to hold the additional charge of CEO, UIDAI and Chairman, Goods and Services Tax network until further orders, the DoPT said.

It has approved the appointment of N Sivasailam, special secretary in the Department of Telecommunications as special secretary (Logistics), Department of Commerce.

Sumanta Chaudhuri, Managing Director at Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare has been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Coal vice Inder Jit Singh.

Orders for a new assignment for Mr Singh are being issued separately, according to the notification.

Chhabilendra Roul, Special Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education was appointed as officer on special duty in the Department of Fertilizers. Roul will take over as Secretary, Department of Fertilizers on superannuation of Bharathi S Sihag on December 31.

Yogendra Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director, Food Corporation of India was named as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism on superannuation of Rashmi Verma on November 30.

Shalini Prasad, Special Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been appointed as Member Secretary, Tariff Commission, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion in the existing vacancy by temporarily upgrading the post to the level of Secretary.

Ashok Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary of Lok Sabha Secretariat, has been named as Secretary, National Commission for Schedule tribes in the vacancy caused due to superannuation of Raghav Chandra, the DoPT added.

Senior Gujarat-cadre IAS officer G C Murmu was Saturday named as the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, as part of a major bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre.

Senior Gujarat-cadre IAS officer G C Murmu was Saturday named as the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, as part of a major bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre. Mr Murmu, a 1985 batch IAS officer, is at present Special Secretary in the Department of Revenue. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Murmu as the officer on special duty in the Department of Expenditure, an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said. "The officer will take over as Secretary, Department of Expenditure on superannuation of A N Jha on January 21 next year," it said. Apart from Mr Murmu, the department has also transferred eight other senior IAS officers. Senior IAS officer Upma Chawdhry, Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs on superannuation of Amarendra Kumar Dubey on December 31. AB Pandey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), was appointed as Secretary, Department of Revenue on superannuation of Hasmukh Adhia on November 30. He will continue to hold the additional charge of CEO, UIDAI and Chairman, Goods and Services Tax network until further orders, the DoPT said. It has approved the appointment of N Sivasailam, special secretary in the Department of Telecommunications as special secretary (Logistics), Department of Commerce. Sumanta Chaudhuri, Managing Director at Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare has been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Coal vice Inder Jit Singh. Orders for a new assignment for Mr Singh are being issued separately, according to the notification. Chhabilendra Roul, Special Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education was appointed as officer on special duty in the Department of Fertilizers. Roul will take over as Secretary, Department of Fertilizers on superannuation of Bharathi S Sihag on December 31. Yogendra Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director, Food Corporation of India was named as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism on superannuation of Rashmi Verma on November 30. Shalini Prasad, Special Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been appointed as Member Secretary, Tariff Commission, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion in the existing vacancy by temporarily upgrading the post to the level of Secretary. Ashok Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary of Lok Sabha Secretariat, has been named as Secretary, National Commission for Schedule tribes in the vacancy caused due to superannuation of Raghav Chandra, the DoPT added.

Aadhaar body head AB Pandey to replace Hasmukh Adhia as revenue secretary

Premier engineering and science institute BITS Pilani has announced that it received a $1 million pledge from a US-based alumni couple for its campus programmes, the largest individual donation ever received by the institution.&nbsp;

The couple -- Prashanth and Anuradha Palakurthi -- made the announcement on Friday, during the ruby anniversary celebrations of Prashanth's 1978-83 batch.

More than 200 alumni of the batch have gathered from all over the world to relive their campus memories in the desert town of Pilani in Rajasthan from November 16-18.

Warmly welcoming the contribution, Prof Souvik Bhattacharyya, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, termed the announcement by the Palakurthi's as "momentous and a game-changing gesture".

"With this pledge, BITS Pilani is launching a campaign to set up Rs 100 crore Research Endowment Fund. This fund would help provide an additional thrust to Research by way of attracting research-driven faculty, post-doctoral fellows and research scholars," he said.&nbsp;

Prof Bhattacharyya said the donation will also help "provide seed fund support to new faculty, and help set up advanced research labs to pursue institutional research agenda."

"I believe Prashanth and Anuradha have started a brilliant endeavour to propel BITS Pilani to the next level; I understand they will continue to support and I invite other eminent Alumni to support us in our efforts," Mr Bhattacharyya said at the event.

Prashanth Palakurthi is the Founder and CEO of US-based Reflexis Systems, and his wife Anuradha, the founder of Juju Productions, is a professional singer and radio personality in the United States.

Speaking at the gala event commemorating 40 years of his entry to BITS Pilani, Mr Prashanth said that "we wanted to give back to our alma mater which gave us so much and where we started our journey."

Anuradha, who joined BITS in 1984, said the institute has needs in several areas including infrastructure and research.&nbsp;

"We hope our contribution is followed up by many more from the family of hugely successful alumni, " she said.

At the event, Ms Anuradha also performed JuJu Productions' first live show, titled Desert Storm, accompanied by a 42-member musical band from Bollywood.

Prof A K Sarkar, Campus Director, Pilani, applauded the donation and said, "The Research Endowment Fund would be instrumental for our journey to pursue our agenda for Institute of Eminence (IoE) in the years to come".

"The gesture by Prashant showcases the love and emotional bonding that BITSians across the globe have for their alma mater. His contribution would go a long way in inspiring other alumni to give back to BITS in tangible and intangible ways, said Prof Arya Kumar, Dean Alumni Relations.&nbsp;

BITS Pilani was conferred the 'Institute of Eminence (IoE)' status in July by the Union government alongside IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay.&nbsp;

BITS Pilani operates from four campuses at Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad and Dubai and features in prestigious international and national ranking such as QS Asia ranking.

Recently it broke into the World top 500 ranks when it was ranked 401-500 in THE 2019 Subject Ranking for Life Sciences.&nbsp;

Premier engineering and science institute BITS Pilani has announced that it received a $1 million pledge from a US-based alumni couple for its campus programmes, the largest individual donation ever received by the institution.

Premier engineering and science institute BITS Pilani has announced that it received a $1 million pledge from a US-based alumni couple for its campus programmes, the largest individual donation ever received by the institution. The couple -- Prashanth and Anuradha Palakurthi -- made the announcement on Friday, during the ruby anniversary celebrations of Prashanth's 1978-83 batch. More than 200 alumni of the batch have gathered from all over the world to relive their campus memories in the desert town of Pilani in Rajasthan from November 16-18. Warmly welcoming the contribution, Prof Souvik Bhattacharyya, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, termed the announcement by the Palakurthi's as "momentous and a game-changing gesture". "With this pledge, BITS Pilani is launching a campaign to set up Rs 100 crore Research Endowment Fund. This fund would help provide an additional thrust to Research by way of attracting research-driven faculty, post-doctoral fellows and research scholars," he said. Prof Bhattacharyya said the donation will also help "provide seed fund support to new faculty, and help set up advanced research labs to pursue institutional research agenda." "I believe Prashanth and Anuradha have started a brilliant endeavour to propel BITS Pilani to the next level; I understand they will continue to support and I invite other eminent Alumni to support us in our efforts," Mr Bhattacharyya said at the event. Prashanth Palakurthi is the Founder and CEO of US-based Reflexis Systems, and his wife Anuradha, the founder of Juju Productions, is a professional singer and radio personality in the United States. Speaking at the gala event commemorating 40 years of his entry to BITS Pilani, Mr Prashanth said that "we wanted to give back to our alma mater which gave us so much and where we started our journey." Anuradha, who joined BITS in 1984, said the institute has needs in several areas including infrastructure and research. "We hope our contribution is followed up by many more from the family of hugely successful alumni, " she said. At the event, Ms Anuradha also performed JuJu Productions' first live show, titled Desert Storm, accompanied by a 42-member musical band from Bollywood. Prof A K Sarkar, Campus Director, Pilani, applauded the donation and said, "The Research Endowment Fund would be instrumental for our journey to pursue our agenda for Institute of Eminence (IoE) in the years to come". "The gesture by Prashant showcases the love and emotional bonding that BITSians across the globe have for their alma mater. His contribution would go a long way in inspiring other alumni to give back to BITS in tangible and intangible ways, said Prof Arya Kumar, Dean Alumni Relations. BITS Pilani was conferred the 'Institute of Eminence (IoE)' status in July by the Union government alongside IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay. BITS Pilani operates from four campuses at Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad and Dubai and features in prestigious international and national ranking such as QS Asia ranking. Recently it broke into the World top 500 ranks when it was ranked 401-500 in THE 2019 Subject Ranking for Life Sciences.

Indian-Origin couple in US donates $1 million to BITS-Pilani

A jawan of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) was killed and two others were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district Sunday, police said.

The incident took place between Bhejji and Elarmadgu villages when a team of the DRG, the state police's anti-Naxal force, was conducting a search operation, Sukma Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Meena told.

When the patrolling team was cordoning off the forest between Bheji and Elarmadgu, located around 500 km from state capital Raipur, the rebels triggered the blast, he said.

"Assistant Constable Karram Dara was seriously injured in the explosion, while two others sustained minor injuries," Meena said, adding that reinforcement was rushed to the spot immediately.

"Dara succumbed to his injuries while being airlifted to Raipur. The two other injured jawans were admitted at (a hospital in) Raipur and said to be out of danger," he said.

An operation was underway to trace the ultras involved in the attack, the SP added.

IEDs or home-made bombs are frequently used by Maoists to target security personnel in Chhattisgarh.

Sukma was among the over half-a-dozen districts, most of them Naxal-affected, where polling was held in the first phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly election on November 12.

The first phase of the polls covered 18 of the 90 Assembly seats in the state and the remaining constituencies will vote on November 20 in the second and final round of polling in the state. The election results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

A jawan of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) was killed and two others were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district Sunday, police said.

A jawan of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) was killed and two others were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district Sunday, police said. The incident took place between Bhejji and Elarmadgu villages when a team of the DRG, the state police's anti-Naxal force, was conducting a search operation, Sukma Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Meena told. When the patrolling team was cordoning off the forest between Bheji and Elarmadgu, located around 500 km from state capital Raipur, the rebels triggered the blast, he said. "Assistant Constable Karram Dara was seriously injured in the explosion, while two others sustained minor injuries," Meena said, adding that reinforcement was rushed to the spot immediately. "Dara succumbed to his injuries while being airlifted to Raipur. The two other injured jawans were admitted at (a hospital in) Raipur and said to be out of danger," he said. An operation was underway to trace the ultras involved in the attack, the SP added. IEDs or home-made bombs are frequently used by Maoists to target security personnel in Chhattisgarh. Sukma was among the over half-a-dozen districts, most of them Naxal-affected, where polling was held in the first phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly election on November 12. The first phase of the polls covered 18 of the 90 Assembly seats in the state and the remaining constituencies will vote on November 20 in the second and final round of polling in the state. The election results will be announced on December 11.

Jawan killed in IED blast in Chhattisgarh; two injured

As part of the cross visits during Harbour Phase of the ongoing 25th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-18) at Visakhapatnam, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Edwin Leong along with CO 185 Squadron Col Lim Yu Chuan and Commanding Officer of Steadfast LTC Edwin Chen visited Indian Navy Ships Sahyadri and Shakti on Saturday.

Indian Naval personnel from Eastern Fleet visited RSS Formidable and the visitors were given a conducted tour of the ship.&nbsp;

An Ops Conference was also organised for the Operations Teams of all participating ships to discuss the activities during the second Sea Phase scheduled from November 19 to 21.

In order to enhance people to people interaction, friendly sports fixtures between RSN and Indian Navy personnel of participating ships were conducted at Visakhapatnam. Personnel from the RSN are also participating in the Friendship Run (10K) during the Vizag-Navy Marathon later today.

To mark the historic Silver Jubilee of SIMBEX, Naval Chiefs from both the participating countries would also be in Visakhapatnam to participate in the Silver Jubilee Commemoration Ceremony scheduled on November 19.&nbsp;

An unveiling of the SIMBEX logo and release of commemorative Indian Special Postage Cover and Singaporean Postage Stamp are also scheduled during the ceremony.

Defence Ministers of both India and Singapore will witness the high-intensity final sea phase of the exercises scheduled in the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

As part of the cross visits during Harbour Phase of the ongoing 25th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-18) at Visakhapatnam, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Edwin Leong along with CO 185 Squadron Col Lim Yu Chuan and Commanding Officer of Steadfast LTC Edwin Chen visited Indian Navy Ships Sahyadri and Shakti on Saturday.

As part of the cross visits during Harbour Phase of the ongoing 25th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-18) at Visakhapatnam, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Edwin Leong along with CO 185 Squadron Col Lim Yu Chuan and Commanding Officer of Steadfast LTC Edwin Chen visited Indian Navy Ships Sahyadri and Shakti on Saturday. Indian Naval personnel from Eastern Fleet visited RSS Formidable and the visitors were given a conducted tour of the ship. An Ops Conference was also organised for the Operations Teams of all participating ships to discuss the activities during the second Sea Phase scheduled from November 19 to 21. In order to enhance people to people interaction, friendly sports fixtures between RSN and Indian Navy personnel of participating ships were conducted at Visakhapatnam. Personnel from the RSN are also participating in the Friendship Run (10K) during the Vizag-Navy Marathon later today. To mark the historic Silver Jubilee of SIMBEX, Naval Chiefs from both the participating countries would also be in Visakhapatnam to participate in the Silver Jubilee Commemoration Ceremony scheduled on November 19. An unveiling of the SIMBEX logo and release of commemorative Indian Special Postage Cover and Singaporean Postage Stamp are also scheduled during the ceremony. Defence Ministers of both India and Singapore will witness the high-intensity final sea phase of the exercises scheduled in the Bay of Bengal.

Singapore Navy officers visit INS Sahyadri, Shakti at Vishakapatnam

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