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A business trip by Donald J Trump Jr, the son of the US president, this year to India cost the American taxpayers about $100,000 in fees related to the Secret Service agents guarding him and other costs, according to a media report.

In February this year, Donald J Trump Jr, 40, had travelled to four Indian cities, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkatta, to promote the high-rise luxurious condos being build by the Trump organization, of which US president Donald Trump is the sole owner. Trump Jr is the vice president of his family-owned company.

The Washington Post reported on Thursday that it calculated this figure from the documents it obtained from the Department of Homeland through the Freedom of Information Act, which is similar to India's Right to Information Act.

The documents showed that "Trump Jr's February trip cost more than $97,805 for hotel rooms, airfare, car rental and overtime for Secret Service agents,"&nbsp;the daily reported.

The White House and Donald J Trump Jr did not immediately respond to the news report, which their political opponents on the social media alleged the Secret Service expenses for his trip to promote condos in India was misuse of tax payers money.

As per US laws, the President and his immediate family members are entitled to protection by the Secret Service. Same is the case with the former presidents and their family members too.

"Donald Trump Jr went to India to promote condo sales. His trip cost taxpayers almost $100,000. That's essentially the government spending money on the president's private business,"&nbsp;Citizens for Ethics, a watchdog, alleged in a tweet.

Because the president has not placed his assets in a blind trust, as other presidents have done, he still effectively controls his real estate empire and benefits from his children's travels, Jordan Libowitz, communications director for the Washington-based watchdog group told the Washington Post.

"The issue is that essentially the president still owns his businesses, and these trips are being done to make the president money. Essentially the government is spending money for the president's private businesses,"&nbsp;Libowitz told the daily. 
&nbsp;

A business trip by Donald J Trump Jr, the son of the US president, this year to India cost the American taxpayers about $100,000 in fees related to the Secret Service agents guarding him and other costs, according to a media report.

A business trip by Donald J Trump Jr, the son of the US president, this year to India cost the American taxpayers about $100,000 in fees related to the Secret Service agents guarding him and other costs, according to a media report. In February this year, Donald J Trump Jr, 40, had travelled to four Indian cities, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkatta, to promote the high-rise luxurious condos being build by the Trump organization, of which US president Donald Trump is the sole owner. Trump Jr is the vice president of his family-owned company. The Washington Post reported on Thursday that it calculated this figure from the documents it obtained from the Department of Homeland through the Freedom of Information Act, which is similar to India's Right to Information Act. The documents showed that "Trump Jr's February trip cost more than $97,805 for hotel rooms, airfare, car rental and overtime for Secret Service agents," the daily reported. The White House and Donald J Trump Jr did not immediately respond to the news report, which their political opponents on the social media alleged the Secret Service expenses for his trip to promote condos in India was misuse of tax payers money. As per US laws, the President and his immediate family members are entitled to protection by the Secret Service. Same is the case with the former presidents and their family members too. "Donald Trump Jr went to India to promote condo sales. His trip cost taxpayers almost $100,000. That's essentially the government spending money on the president's private business," Citizens for Ethics, a watchdog, alleged in a tweet. Because the president has not placed his assets in a blind trust, as other presidents have done, he still effectively controls his real estate empire and benefits from his children's travels, Jordan Libowitz, communications director for the Washington-based watchdog group told the Washington Post. "The issue is that essentially the president still owns his businesses, and these trips are being done to make the president money. Essentially the government is spending money for the president's private businesses," Libowitz told the daily.

Trump Jr's business trip to India cost US taxpayers nearly $100,000: Report

Bahadur, the domestic help of fashion designer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-double-murder-after-killing-3-accused-went-to-police-station-confessed-177525">Mala Lakhani</a>, who was killed along with her, would always tell her that "we will die together", Mala's elder sister Aarti said while waiting outside the mortuary at Safdarjung Hospital.

Family members said Mala, who ran a boutique called Tulsi Creations in Green Park, had been planning to retire from designing to learn pottery and buy a villa in Goa.

The words of Bahadur now almost seem prophetic, she said.&nbsp;

The bodies of 50-year-old Bahadur and 53-year old Mala, whom he treated like his sister, were found in her home in south Delhi's upmarket Vasant Kunj Enclave locality.

They were brutally stabbed to death by her tailor and his two accomplices at her following a dispute over unpaid dues.

"Bahadur would always joke that he will die along with Mala since he has been with us since our childhood. It's unfortunate that they both were killed so brutally," Aarti said.

Remembering him, Aarti said he was like a brother to them. Bahadur, a Nepalese national, had been with them for the last 45 years.&nbsp;

"He was an integral part of our family. He would be angry and instruct us like a brother," she said.

Aarti's husband Rahul Sharma recalled Bahadur as a very emotional person and remembered how he would call them by their first name.

"He would take care of the house and of everyone of us. We trusted him. He would hardly keep a tab on his salary which was usually deposited in his bank account," Sharma said.

Recalling Mala, Sharma said she wanted to get out of her monotonous life.

"She wanted to enjoy her life. She had made enough money and now wanted to travel the world. She had become healthier and took lot of care about her skin and looks," Sharma said.

The accused after killing Mala and Bahadur, ransacked the house but later surrendered to the police and confessed to the crime.

Aarti said Mala was the one who always ensured that the family stayed united.

"We were the best sisters. We would do anything for each other. In fact, Mala kept the entire family united. She would always take that effort to call us and make plans. Our family is finished," she said.

She was religious person and had recently started going to a gurudwara. She was also interested in singing, Aarti said.

Mala was planning to leave designing and wanted to retire and pursue other interest, she said.

"Mala was planning to learn pottery and for that she was planning to buy a villa in Goa. She and my elder daughter were planning to shift to Goa. My sister and daughter were like buddies. They were very close to each other", Aarti said.&nbsp;

Bahadur, the domestic help of fashion designer Mala Lakhani, who was killed along with her, would always tell her that "we will die together", Mala's elder sister Aarti said while waiting outside the mortuary at Safdarjung Hospital.

Bahadur, the domestic help of fashion designer Mala Lakhani, who was killed along with her, would always tell her that "we will die together", Mala's elder sister Aarti said while waiting outside the mortuary at Safdarjung Hospital. Family members said Mala, who ran a boutique called Tulsi Creations in Green Park, had been planning to retire from designing to learn pottery and buy a villa in Goa. The words of Bahadur now almost seem prophetic, she said. The bodies of 50-year-old Bahadur and 53-year old Mala, whom he treated like his sister, were found in her home in south Delhi's upmarket Vasant Kunj Enclave locality. They were brutally stabbed to death by her tailor and his two accomplices at her following a dispute over unpaid dues. "Bahadur would always joke that he will die along with Mala since he has been with us since our childhood. It's unfortunate that they both were killed so brutally," Aarti said. Remembering him, Aarti said he was like a brother to them. Bahadur, a Nepalese national, had been with them for the last 45 years. "He was an integral part of our family. He would be angry and instruct us like a brother," she said. Aarti's husband Rahul Sharma recalled Bahadur as a very emotional person and remembered how he would call them by their first name. "He would take care of the house and of everyone of us. We trusted him. He would hardly keep a tab on his salary which was usually deposited in his bank account," Sharma said. Recalling Mala, Sharma said she wanted to get out of her monotonous life. "She wanted to enjoy her life. She had made enough money and now wanted to travel the world. She had become healthier and took lot of care about her skin and looks," Sharma said. The accused after killing Mala and Bahadur, ransacked the house but later surrendered to the police and confessed to the crime. Aarti said Mala was the one who always ensured that the family stayed united. "We were the best sisters. We would do anything for each other. In fact, Mala kept the entire family united. She would always take that effort to call us and make plans. Our family is finished," she said. She was religious person and had recently started going to a gurudwara. She was also interested in singing, Aarti said. Mala was planning to leave designing and wanted to retire and pursue other interest, she said. "Mala was planning to learn pottery and for that she was planning to buy a villa in Goa. She and my elder daughter were planning to shift to Goa. My sister and daughter were like buddies. They were very close to each other", Aarti said.

Killed designer was planning to learn pottery, buy villa in Goa

The Jammu and Kashmir police recovered a bullet-riddled body of a civilian in Pulwama district; news agency ANi reported.

According to report the civilian, identified as Nadeem Manzoor was a resident of Safanagri Shopian. He was forcibly abducted and killed by the terrorists.

His bullet-riddled body was retrieved by police from Kilora, Pulwama.

The incident occurred in the intervening night of November 15-16.&nbsp;

The local police have&nbsp;registered a case and the investigation is underway.

The Jammu and Kashmir police recovered a bullet-riddled body of a civilian in Pulwama district; news agency ANi reported. According to report the civilian, identified as Nadeem Manzoor was a resident of Safanagri Shopian.

The Jammu and Kashmir police recovered a bullet-riddled body of a civilian in Pulwama district; news agency ANi reported. According to report the civilian, identified as Nadeem Manzoor was a resident of Safanagri Shopian. He was forcibly abducted and killed by the terrorists. His bullet-riddled body was retrieved by police from Kilora, Pulwama. The incident occurred in the intervening night of November 15-16. The local police have registered a case and the investigation is underway.

J&K: Terrorists forcibly abduct and kill civillian in Pulwama

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-will-face-no-confidence-vote-next-week-report-177714">UK PM May will face </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-will-face-no-confidence-vote-next-week-report-177714">no confidence</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-will-face-no-confidence-vote-next-week-report-177714"> vote next week: Report</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May will face a&nbsp;no-confidence vote&nbsp;next week with Conservative lawmakers expected to submit the 48 letters required to trigger a leadership contest on Friday, a reporter at the Daily Telegraph said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-cm-has-done-the-right-thing-by-not-allowing-cbi-in-his-state-mamata-banerjee-177702">Andhra CM has done the right thing by blocking CBI in his state: Mamata Banerjee</a>

Hours after the news that Chandrababu Naidu led Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn 'general consent' accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to exercise its authority in the state broke out, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that her AP counterpart has done the right thing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-temple-opens-amid-unprecedented-security-177720">Sabarimala temple opens amid unprecedented security&nbsp;</a>

Amid high security, the Sabarimala temple re-opened on Friday evening for the two-month long pilgrim season, even as Ayyappa devotees are firm against permitting entry of menstrual age women into the shrine.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-says-he-wont-suspend-parliament-after-rajapaksa-loses-another-confidence-vote-177696">Sirisena says he won't suspend parliament after Rajapaksa loses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-says-he-wont-suspend-parliament-after-rajapaksa-loses-another-confidence-vote-177696">confidence</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-says-he-wont-suspend-parliament-after-rajapaksa-loses-another-confidence-vote-177696"> vote</a>

Sri Lankan&nbsp;president on Friday said that he won`t suspend parliament "under any circumstances", after the prime minister he appointed lost his second confidence vote in three days.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-uk-court-says-to-consider-government-appeal-in-brexit-reversal-case-177728">Top UK court says to consider government appeal in Brexit reversal case</a>

Britain's Supreme Court said on Friday it would consider whether to hear an appeal from the British government which wants to stop Europe`s top court from examining a case seeking to determine whether the country can unilaterally reverse Brexit.

​​​​​​

&nbsp;

UK PM May will face no confidence vote next week: Report Prime Minister Theresa May will face a no-confidence vote next week with Conservative lawmakers expected to submit the 48 letters required to trigger a leadership contest on Friday, a reporter at the Daily Telegraph said.

UK PM May will face no confidence vote next week: Report Prime Minister Theresa May will face a no-confidence vote next week with Conservative lawmakers expected to submit the 48 letters required to trigger a leadership contest on Friday, a reporter at the Daily Telegraph said. Andhra CM has done the right thing by blocking CBI in his state: Mamata Banerjee Hours after the news that Chandrababu Naidu led Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn 'general consent' accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to exercise its authority in the state broke out, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that her AP counterpart has done the right thing. Sabarimala temple opens amid unprecedented security Amid high security, the Sabarimala temple re-opened on Friday evening for the two-month long pilgrim season, even as Ayyappa devotees are firm against permitting entry of menstrual age women into the shrine. Sirisena says he won't suspend parliament after Rajapaksa loses confidence vote Sri Lankan president on Friday said that he won`t suspend parliament "under any circumstances", after the prime minister he appointed lost his second confidence vote in three days. Top UK court says to consider government appeal in Brexit reversal case Britain's Supreme Court said on Friday it would consider whether to hear an appeal from the British government which wants to stop Europe`s top court from examining a case seeking to determine whether the country can unilaterally reverse Brexit.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Fuel prices continued to witness a slump in the national capital on Friday, with petrol and diesel now being sold at Rs 77.10 per litre and 71.93 respectively.

Compared to Wednesday, petrol and diesel prices witnessed a decrease of 0.18 paise and 0.16 paise respectively in Delhi.

In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 82.62 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.18) while diesel saw a fall of Rs 0.17 and is now being retailed at Rs 75.36.

The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil.

Petrol price has been cut by more than Rs 5.35 per litre and diesel by Rs 3.71 in the last 30 days in Mumbai.

The downward revision also comes on the back of multiple factors such as lower international crude oil cost and a recovery in the rupee against the US dollar.

Meanwhile, global oil prices regained a little composure on Thursday as it rose for the second consecutive session&nbsp;after their recent drubbing, helped by a decline in US&nbsp;fuel stockpiles and the possibility of a cut in OPEC output.

Brent crude&nbsp;futures rose 50 cents to settle at $66.62 a barrel. US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude&nbsp;futures rose 21 cents to settle at $56.46 a barrel.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Fuel prices continued to witness a slump in the national capital on Friday, with petrol and diesel now being sold at Rs 77.10 per litre and 71.93 respectively. Compared to Wednesday, petrol and diesel prices witnessed a decrease of 0.

Fuel prices continued to witness a slump in the national capital on Friday, with petrol and diesel now being sold at Rs 77.10 per litre and 71.93 respectively. Compared to Wednesday, petrol and diesel prices witnessed a decrease of 0.18 paise and 0.16 paise respectively in Delhi. In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 82.62 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.18) while diesel saw a fall of Rs 0.17 and is now being retailed at Rs 75.36. The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil. Petrol price has been cut by more than Rs 5.35 per litre and diesel by Rs 3.71 in the last 30 days in Mumbai. The downward revision also comes on the back of multiple factors such as lower international crude oil cost and a recovery in the rupee against the US dollar. Meanwhile, global oil prices regained a little composure on Thursday as it rose for the second consecutive session after their recent drubbing, helped by a decline in US fuel stockpiles and the possibility of a cut in OPEC output. Brent crude futures rose 50 cents to settle at $66.62 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 21 cents to settle at $56.46 a barrel. (With inputs from news agencies)

Petrol, diesel prices continue to fall in Delhi and Mumbai

Delhi’s homeless choke on air pollution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies".

The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win. These elections are about welfare of people of Madhya Pradesh."

"What did the four generations of a party do for our country? However, a tea-seller, did what not in just four years? "he added.

Underlining the initiatives taken by the Madhya Pradesh Government-led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the past 15 years, the Prime Minister said that the Congress would never speak of the good work Chouhan did during his three tenures.

He said that the Congress party was in power in Madhya Pradesh for so long, but did not do anything for the development of the people. One cannot draw a comparison between the development work done by the Congress party and the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.

"How can anyone trust Congress? When they were in power in MP and Chhattisgarh, they did not fulfill even what they had promised in their election manifesto," he added.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting will be held on December 11.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies". The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies". The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win. These elections are about welfare of people of Madhya Pradesh." "What did the four generations of a party do for our country? However, a tea-seller, did what not in just four years? "he added. Underlining the initiatives taken by the Madhya Pradesh Government-led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the past 15 years, the Prime Minister said that the Congress would never speak of the good work Chouhan did during his three tenures. He said that the Congress party was in power in Madhya Pradesh for so long, but did not do anything for the development of the people. One cannot draw a comparison between the development work done by the Congress party and the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. "How can anyone trust Congress? When they were in power in MP and Chhattisgarh, they did not fulfill even what they had promised in their election manifesto," he added. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting will be held on December 11.

Congress a manufacturer of lies: PM Modi in Madhya Pradesh

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue.

Giving a call for "BJP hatao, desh bachao", she said the BJP should be ousted from power for "failure on all fronts", adding her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), could play a vital role in saving the country from such destructions.

She also alleged that the BJP has been on a name changing spree to suit its political interests.

"BJP is not a game changer of India as claimed by its leaders but is a name changer and danger for the country," she said.

The BJP, however, refused to attach much importance to Banerjee's remarks and said the TMC being a small party does not have the stature to take on it.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, "We are not bothered about what she is saying against us. Her comments hardly matter to us."

Addressing a party meeting here, Banerjee said, "They (the NDA government) are destroying institutions. They are trying to change the way the RBI and the CBI function. The party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself become a statue after the coming Lok Sabha election."

She also extended her support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over the issue of withdrawing general consent to the CBI to exercise its authority in his state.

"What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," she said.

The BJP, she said, is "now left with only four agendas - mandir, NRC, statue and communal politics. After the elections they (BJP) themselves will turn into statues."

Banerjee said the TMC will contest all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the coming Lok Sabha elections and the "turning point" would be the rally of opposition parties convened by the TMC on January 19 next year.

"Most of the opposition parties have given their consent to attend the January 19 rally except one or two. We will win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is our pledge. We will oust the BJP and play a major role in saving the country.

"We are not interested in power but we know very well how to use power for the development of the people," she said.

"The BJP has crores (of rupees). We are a poor party but we will fight elections in some seats of Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura according to our strength," she said.

The TMC can fight in some more states but does not want to eat into some other parties' votes, Banerjee said.

She alleged that the BJP is trying to tamper with at least 40 per cent of the EVMs in the state, and asked her party workers and leaders to check and recheck the voter list and the machines "at least thrice".

"We have seen how EVMs malfunctioned during Maheshtala assembly bypoll," the chief minister said.

Maheshtala assembly bypoll was held in May where the TMC won.

Banerjee mocked BJP president Amit Shah's Rath yatra as "Ravan yatra" and asked TMC workers to carry out "purification and unity yatras" at all the places through which BJP's rath would pass.

On the issue of Assam NRC, she alleged that "dirty politics" is going on in the name of publication of the final draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) as names of genuine voters have been struck off the list.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue. Giving a call for "BJP hatao, desh bachao", she said the BJP should be ousted from power for "failure on all fronts", adding her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), could play a vital role in saving the country from such destructions. She also alleged that the BJP has been on a name changing spree to suit its political interests. "BJP is not a game changer of India as claimed by its leaders but is a name changer and danger for the country," she said. The BJP, however, refused to attach much importance to Banerjee's remarks and said the TMC being a small party does not have the stature to take on it. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, "We are not bothered about what she is saying against us. Her comments hardly matter to us." Addressing a party meeting here, Banerjee said, "They (the NDA government) are destroying institutions. They are trying to change the way the RBI and the CBI function. The party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself become a statue after the coming Lok Sabha election." She also extended her support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over the issue of withdrawing general consent to the CBI to exercise its authority in his state. "What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," she said. The BJP, she said, is "now left with only four agendas - mandir, NRC, statue and communal politics. After the elections they (BJP) themselves will turn into statues." Banerjee said the TMC will contest all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the coming Lok Sabha elections and the "turning point" would be the rally of opposition parties convened by the TMC on January 19 next year. "Most of the opposition parties have given their consent to attend the January 19 rally except one or two. We will win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is our pledge. We will oust the BJP and play a major role in saving the country. "We are not interested in power but we know very well how to use power for the development of the people," she said. "The BJP has crores (of rupees). We are a poor party but we will fight elections in some seats of Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura according to our strength," she said. The TMC can fight in some more states but does not want to eat into some other parties' votes, Banerjee said. She alleged that the BJP is trying to tamper with at least 40 per cent of the EVMs in the state, and asked her party workers and leaders to check and recheck the voter list and the machines "at least thrice". "We have seen how EVMs malfunctioned during Maheshtala assembly bypoll," the chief minister said. Maheshtala assembly bypoll was held in May where the TMC won. Banerjee mocked BJP president Amit Shah's Rath yatra as "Ravan yatra" and asked TMC workers to carry out "purification and unity yatras" at all the places through which BJP's rath would pass. On the issue of Assam NRC, she alleged that "dirty politics" is going on in the name of publication of the final draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) as names of genuine voters have been struck off the list.

NDA destroying institutions like CBI, RBI; BJP will be reduced to a statue after 2019 polls: Mamata

Amid high security, the Sabarimala temple re-opened on Friday evening for the two-month long pilgrim season, even as Ayyappa devotees are firm against permitting entry of menstrual age women into the shrine.

There is a heavy deployment of police personnel in and around Sabarimala temple as it opened at 5 pm this evening for the "Mandala Makkaravillakku" puja in the backdrop of protests witnessed during the previous two occasions when the shrine opened.

IGP Vijay Saleem has asked police personnel to follow strict dress code at Sabarimala, while exemption has been given to cops at the holy 18 steps. 
Over 15,000 personnel, including women police personnel and 860 women civil police officers, would be deployed during the season, when lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country are expected to throng the shrine.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC banning assembly of four or more people is also in force in and around Sabarimala from midnight Thursday for a week.

Meanwhile, heavy rains are lashing Sabarimala and nearby areas and devotees have not yet been allowed to leave for Pamba from here, a key base camp enroute to the temple.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses will transport the pilgrims to Pamba, about 20 km from here, and no private vehicles will be allowed.

This is the third time the shrine is opening since the apex court lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group, though no girl or woman pilgrim in the age group could offer prayers so far following stiff resistance by devotees and activists, opposing any change in the temple traditions.

As consensus eluded a crucial all-party meeting called by Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan Thursday to resolve the issue, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) which manages the shrine, is meeting legal experts today on the possibility of filing a petition in the apex court seeking time to implement the September 28 order.

Amid high security, the Sabarimala temple re-opened on Friday evening for the two-month long pilgrim season, even as Ayyappa devotees are firm against permitting entry of menstrual age women into the shrine.

Amid high security, the Sabarimala temple re-opened on Friday evening for the two-month long pilgrim season, even as Ayyappa devotees are firm against permitting entry of menstrual age women into the shrine. There is a heavy deployment of police personnel in and around Sabarimala temple as it opened at 5 pm this evening for the "Mandala Makkaravillakku" puja in the backdrop of protests witnessed during the previous two occasions when the shrine opened. IGP Vijay Saleem has asked police personnel to follow strict dress code at Sabarimala, while exemption has been given to cops at the holy 18 steps. Over 15,000 personnel, including women police personnel and 860 women civil police officers, would be deployed during the season, when lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country are expected to throng the shrine. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC banning assembly of four or more people is also in force in and around Sabarimala from midnight Thursday for a week. Meanwhile, heavy rains are lashing Sabarimala and nearby areas and devotees have not yet been allowed to leave for Pamba from here, a key base camp enroute to the temple. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses will transport the pilgrims to Pamba, about 20 km from here, and no private vehicles will be allowed. This is the third time the shrine is opening since the apex court lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group, though no girl or woman pilgrim in the age group could offer prayers so far following stiff resistance by devotees and activists, opposing any change in the temple traditions. As consensus eluded a crucial all-party meeting called by Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan Thursday to resolve the issue, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) which manages the shrine, is meeting legal experts today on the possibility of filing a petition in the apex court seeking time to implement the September 28 order.

Sabarimala temple opens amid unprecedented security 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Friday confirmed that 11 people have lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja.

He also announced that the government will give Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those injured severely and Rs 25,000 to people who have suffered minor injuries.

The Chief Minister further said that the amount of damage that has been caused due to the cyclone has not been ascertained as yet.&nbsp; 
“The most affected districts of Tamil Nadu are Thiruvaarur, Nagapattinam, Thanjore, Cudallore, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram,” Palaniswami said while addressing a press conference.

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Tamil Nadu: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Thiruvarur's Kokaladi village affected due to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GajaCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GajaCyclone</a> <a href="https://t.co/2yR2WzKt4p">pic.twitter.com/2yR2WzKt4p</a>
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Elaborating upon the measures that the state government is taking in the cyclonic storm, he said: “The state government is working on war footing to ensure that everything is fine at the earliest. We have also taken precautionary steps to avoid any more damages or calamities. Around 82,000 people are staying in 421 relief camps. Indian Administrative Services officials are on the ground to ensure rescue and relief operations are executed properly.”

Palaniswami also informed that officials have been explained how to deal with issues related to cyclone Gaja.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a>: Houses and electric poles damaged and trees uprooted due to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GajaCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GajaCyclone</a> in Thiruvarur's Kokaladi village <a href="https://t.co/P7Q26DMDQF">pic.twitter.com/P7Q26DMDQF</a>
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Earlier today Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Palaniswami over the current situation in the state.

Cyclone Gaja crossed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranniyam on Thursday evening and unleashed mayhem in several districts of the state including Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Thanjavur.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Friday confirmed that 11 people have lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja. He also announced that the government will give Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those injured severely and Rs 25,000 to people who have suffered minor injuries.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Friday confirmed that 11 people have lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja. He also announced that the government will give Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those injured severely and Rs 25,000 to people who have suffered minor injuries. The Chief Minister further said that the amount of damage that has been caused due to the cyclone has not been ascertained as yet. “The most affected districts of Tamil Nadu are Thiruvaarur, Nagapattinam, Thanjore, Cudallore, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram,” Palaniswami said while addressing a press conference. Tamil Nadu: #Visuals from Thiruvarur's Kokaladi village affected due to #GajaCyclone pic.twitter.com/2yR2WzKt4p — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 × Elaborating upon the measures that the state government is taking in the cyclonic storm, he said: “The state government is working on war footing to ensure that everything is fine at the earliest. We have also taken precautionary steps to avoid any more damages or calamities. Around 82,000 people are staying in 421 relief camps. Indian Administrative Services officials are on the ground to ensure rescue and relief operations are executed properly.” Palaniswami also informed that officials have been explained how to deal with issues related to cyclone Gaja. #TamilNadu: Houses and electric poles damaged and trees uprooted due to #GajaCyclone in Thiruvarur's Kokaladi village pic.twitter.com/P7Q26DMDQF — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 × Earlier today Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Palaniswami over the current situation in the state. Cyclone Gaja crossed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranniyam on Thursday evening and unleashed mayhem in several districts of the state including Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Thanjavur.

Cyclone Gaja claims 11 lives, Tamil Nadu CM announces compensation

Karnataka Chief Minister H D KumaraswamyFriday said his government would not protect anyone involved in illegal activities, as he flayed the BJP for accusing him of "adjustment" by not acting on a legislature panel report on alleged irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project.

"I have seen that a BJP MLA while demanding action based on House Committee on NICE, has accused me of adjustment (in the case). They (BJP) are the ones who taught me adjustment politics," Kumaraswamy told reporters here.

Kumaraswamy said during the tenure of the BJP-JD(S) coalition government in 2006 headed by him, when he brought a subject before the cabinet to scrap the project, BJP ministers had boycotted it.

"Where was their commitment then?" he asked.

State BJP general secretary and MLA C T Ravi Thursday had demanded that the coalition government implement the House committee report on alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project (BMIC) by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises(NICE).

He had reportedly accused Kumaraswamy and his government of "adjustment" in the case.

Kumaraswamy said, his government will not protect anyone involved in illegal activity related cases.

"It has just been five-and-half months after this coalition government coming to power, give us some time. How we will work, how our programmes are...By implementing our programmes we will answer them. I need not do politics by adjustment," he said.

Asked if the government will act on the House committee report, the chief minister said, the report is yet to be accepted by the Assembly.

"There is time, we will take decision accordingly."

In its report tabled in the Assembly in December 2016, the 11-member committee, headed by the then Law ministerJayachandra to look into the alleged violations, concluded that 16 of 22 articles in the framework agreement had been violated by the private partner NICE.

It had also recommended an inquiry by CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), the vigilance commission or an investigative agency of equal standing.

NICE is the implementing agency of the BMIC project, which includes developing the 111-km four-lane expressway, five townships and supporting infrastructure.

Former MLA and businessman Ashok Kheny is the Managing Director of Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited. He joined the Congress ahead of assembly polls in May.

While in opposition, Kumaraswamy and his party were staunch critics of the BMIC project and had demanded action based on the House panel report.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D KumaraswamyFriday said his government would not protect anyone involved in illegal activities, as he flayed the BJP for accusing him of "adjustment" by not acting on a legislature panel report on alleged irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D KumaraswamyFriday said his government would not protect anyone involved in illegal activities, as he flayed the BJP for accusing him of "adjustment" by not acting on a legislature panel report on alleged irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project. "I have seen that a BJP MLA while demanding action based on House Committee on NICE, has accused me of adjustment (in the case). They (BJP) are the ones who taught me adjustment politics," Kumaraswamy told reporters here. Kumaraswamy said during the tenure of the BJP-JD(S) coalition government in 2006 headed by him, when he brought a subject before the cabinet to scrap the project, BJP ministers had boycotted it. "Where was their commitment then?" he asked. State BJP general secretary and MLA C T Ravi Thursday had demanded that the coalition government implement the House committee report on alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project (BMIC) by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises(NICE). He had reportedly accused Kumaraswamy and his government of "adjustment" in the case. Kumaraswamy said, his government will not protect anyone involved in illegal activity related cases. "It has just been five-and-half months after this coalition government coming to power, give us some time. How we will work, how our programmes are...By implementing our programmes we will answer them. I need not do politics by adjustment," he said. Asked if the government will act on the House committee report, the chief minister said, the report is yet to be accepted by the Assembly. "There is time, we will take decision accordingly." In its report tabled in the Assembly in December 2016, the 11-member committee, headed by the then Law ministerJayachandra to look into the alleged violations, concluded that 16 of 22 articles in the framework agreement had been violated by the private partner NICE. It had also recommended an inquiry by CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), the vigilance commission or an investigative agency of equal standing. NICE is the implementing agency of the BMIC project, which includes developing the 111-km four-lane expressway, five townships and supporting infrastructure. Former MLA and businessman Ashok Kheny is the Managing Director of Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited. He joined the Congress ahead of assembly polls in May. While in opposition, Kumaraswamy and his party were staunch critics of the BMIC project and had demanded action based on the House panel report.

None involved in illegal activities would be protected: Kumaraswamy

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government.

Addressing a poll rally, Shah credited the Modi government with giving impetus to boosting the country's security.

"When the Congress was in power and Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, Pakistani terrorists used to infiltrate, explode bombs and go back," he said.There was anger across the country after the 2016 Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. But this was not the regime of Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh). Modi ji ordered our jawans to conduct surgical strikes and take revenge," Shah said.

"The Congress did not care about the country's security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives," he said.

Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, "they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family".

"An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea seller's family but is now the prime minister. Shivraj Singh (Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who took birth in a poor family of farmers, is working from the last 15 years to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said.

"One does not need to have a family to work and go ahead in the BJP. What is needed is the ability and resolve to serve people," he said.

Shah sought to know who was the "senapati" (army chief) of the opposition party in Madhya Pradesh poll arena. There is only a Raja (Digvijay Singh), a maharaja (Jyotiraditya Scindia), and an industrialist (Kamal Nath) and the Congress is fighting polls on their strength," he said.

"Congress had left Madhya Pradesh as one of the most backward states but I can proudly say today that Shivraj Singh has made it into a developed state," he said.

"The 'Maharaja' (Scindia) asks what has Modi done for Madhya Pradesh, but does not know how much has the state changed. This is because he does not step out of his palace in Gwalior," Shah said.

"He (Scindia) does not know what benefits the poor farmers received. I want to ask the Congress president, what did he give Madhya Pradesh for 10 years when the UPA was in power at the Centre," Shah said.

The 13th Finance Commission under the UPA regime gave the state 1,34,190 crore, but the 14th Finance Commission, under the Modi government allocated it Rs 3,44,126 crore, the BJP chief said.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government. Addressing a poll rally, Shah credited the Modi government with giving impetus to boosting the country's security. "When the Congress was in power and Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, Pakistani terrorists used to infiltrate, explode bombs and go back," he said.There was anger across the country after the 2016 Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. But this was not the regime of Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh). Modi ji ordered our jawans to conduct surgical strikes and take revenge," Shah said. "The Congress did not care about the country's security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives," he said. Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, "they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family". "An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea seller's family but is now the prime minister. Shivraj Singh (Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who took birth in a poor family of farmers, is working from the last 15 years to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said. "One does not need to have a family to work and go ahead in the BJP. What is needed is the ability and resolve to serve people," he said. Shah sought to know who was the "senapati" (army chief) of the opposition party in Madhya Pradesh poll arena. There is only a Raja (Digvijay Singh), a maharaja (Jyotiraditya Scindia), and an industrialist (Kamal Nath) and the Congress is fighting polls on their strength," he said. "Congress had left Madhya Pradesh as one of the most backward states but I can proudly say today that Shivraj Singh has made it into a developed state," he said. "The 'Maharaja' (Scindia) asks what has Modi done for Madhya Pradesh, but does not know how much has the state changed. This is because he does not step out of his palace in Gwalior," Shah said. "He (Scindia) does not know what benefits the poor farmers received. I want to ask the Congress president, what did he give Madhya Pradesh for 10 years when the UPA was in power at the Centre," Shah said. The 13th Finance Commission under the UPA regime gave the state 1,34,190 crore, but the 14th Finance Commission, under the Modi government allocated it Rs 3,44,126 crore, the BJP chief said.

Congress didn't care for nation's security when it ruled: Amit Shah

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday.

The officials said the finance department has released Rs 32.5 crore to the state election department.

Of the Rs 52.75 crore election budget, Rs 37.75 crore will be disbursed to eight district election offices, while Rs 4 crore will go to the state election directorate.

The officials said Rs 11 crore was the total estimate for expenses to be incurred on deployment of 40 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), which was regarded as on the higher side.

The expenditure for the state assembly election is to be borne entirely by the state government, they said, adding Rs 24.30 crore was spent in the 2013 state assembly polls.&nbsp;

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday.

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday. The officials said the finance department has released Rs 32.5 crore to the state election department. Of the Rs 52.75 crore election budget, Rs 37.75 crore will be disbursed to eight district election offices, while Rs 4 crore will go to the state election directorate. The officials said Rs 11 crore was the total estimate for expenses to be incurred on deployment of 40 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), which was regarded as on the higher side. The expenditure for the state assembly election is to be borne entirely by the state government, they said, adding Rs 24.30 crore was spent in the 2013 state assembly polls.

Mizoram government allocates Rs 52.75 cr for poll expenses

The CBI has registered a disproportionate assets case against retired deputy manager of Punjab National Bank (PNB) Gokulnath Shetty, a key accused in the Rs 11,400-crore scam involving Nirav Modi, for allegedly amassing wealth 200 per cent more than his known sources of income, officials said Friday.

The case was registered by the CBI's Anti Corruption Branch in Mumbai against Shetty and his wife Ashalata for allegedly amassing a large number of moveable and immoveable properties during the period between April 1, 2011 and May 31, 2017, the day he retired.

According to the CBI FIR, the couple had amassed disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 2.63 crore during the period.

Shetty and his wife Ashalata, who is a clerk with Indian Bank, "had acquired disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 2.63 crore, which are 238.44 per cent disproportionate to their known sources of income", the CBI FIR alleged.

It also said that Ashalata had "been found to have actively assisted her husband in the concealment and acquisition of assets raised from ill-gotten wealth and thereby has abetted the offence of possession of disproportionate assets by a public servant".

Shetty was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February this year after the banking fraud involving billionaire jewellers Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi surfaced.

The scam surfaced when companies of Nirav Modi and Choksi approached PNB's Brady Road branch, Mumbai, in January this year seeking Letter of Understanding (LoU) for payments to suppliers.

The official handling the case sought 100 per cent cash guarantee before any such letter could be issued to which the company officials said no such guarantee was sought in the past.

The official checked the records which did not show such an LoU to Modi or Choksi's company which led to suspicion.

It is alleged that Shetty had been bypassing PNB's core banking system and issuing LoUs fraudulently for seven years.

An LoU is a guarantee which is given by an issuing bank to Indian banks having branches abroad to grant a short-term credit to the applicant. In case of default, the bank issuing the LoU has to pay the liability to credit giving bank along with accruing interest.

Shetty allegedly sent messages of these LoUs using an international messaging system for banking systems called SWIFT (Society for Worldwide

Interbank Financial Telecommunication), which is used to pass instructions among banks globally to transfer funds.

It is estimated that millions of messages are sent daily using the SWIFT technology globally wherein every member bank can send or receive messages of financial transactions to another bank worldwide.

The PNB officials allegedly sent these messages to Indian banks -- Canara Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of India, Axis Bank, Allahabad Bank -- located in Antwerp, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Mauritius, Frankfurt without making entries in the banking software about the LoUs.

These LoUs and Letters of Credits (LC) worth Rs 11,384 crore were getting renewed or issued afresh for six years without the bank's knowledge.

The Indian banks abroad did not mind as their money was safe (under guarantee from PNB) and increasing because of the accruing interest.

The party was spoiled in January this year when the first renewal arose after the retirement of Shetty, the officials said.

An alarmed bank dug out all such LoUs and LCs showing a mammoth liability towards other banks.

The conniving officer also issued Foreign Letters of Credit by entering a smaller amount in trade finance module of Core Banking Solutions (CBS) system and generating the reference number and a SWIFT message was sent for the amount, the bank alleged.&nbsp;

The CBI has registered a disproportionate assets case against retired deputy manager of Punjab National Bank (PNB) Gokulnath Shetty, a key accused in the Rs 11,400-crore scam involving Nirav Modi, for allegedly amassing wealth 200 per cent more than his known sources of income, officials said Friday.

The CBI has registered a disproportionate assets case against retired deputy manager of Punjab National Bank (PNB) Gokulnath Shetty, a key accused in the Rs 11,400-crore scam involving Nirav Modi, for allegedly amassing wealth 200 per cent more than his known sources of income, officials said Friday. The case was registered by the CBI's Anti Corruption Branch in Mumbai against Shetty and his wife Ashalata for allegedly amassing a large number of moveable and immoveable properties during the period between April 1, 2011 and May 31, 2017, the day he retired. According to the CBI FIR, the couple had amassed disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 2.63 crore during the period. Shetty and his wife Ashalata, who is a clerk with Indian Bank, "had acquired disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 2.63 crore, which are 238.44 per cent disproportionate to their known sources of income", the CBI FIR alleged. It also said that Ashalata had "been found to have actively assisted her husband in the concealment and acquisition of assets raised from ill-gotten wealth and thereby has abetted the offence of possession of disproportionate assets by a public servant". Shetty was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February this year after the banking fraud involving billionaire jewellers Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi surfaced. The scam surfaced when companies of Nirav Modi and Choksi approached PNB's Brady Road branch, Mumbai, in January this year seeking Letter of Understanding (LoU) for payments to suppliers. The official handling the case sought 100 per cent cash guarantee before any such letter could be issued to which the company officials said no such guarantee was sought in the past. The official checked the records which did not show such an LoU to Modi or Choksi's company which led to suspicion. It is alleged that Shetty had been bypassing PNB's core banking system and issuing LoUs fraudulently for seven years. An LoU is a guarantee which is given by an issuing bank to Indian banks having branches abroad to grant a short-term credit to the applicant. In case of default, the bank issuing the LoU has to pay the liability to credit giving bank along with accruing interest. Shetty allegedly sent messages of these LoUs using an international messaging system for banking systems called SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), which is used to pass instructions among banks globally to transfer funds. It is estimated that millions of messages are sent daily using the SWIFT technology globally wherein every member bank can send or receive messages of financial transactions to another bank worldwide. The PNB officials allegedly sent these messages to Indian banks -- Canara Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of India, Axis Bank, Allahabad Bank -- located in Antwerp, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Mauritius, Frankfurt without making entries in the banking software about the LoUs. These LoUs and Letters of Credits (LC) worth Rs 11,384 crore were getting renewed or issued afresh for six years without the bank's knowledge. The Indian banks abroad did not mind as their money was safe (under guarantee from PNB) and increasing because of the accruing interest. The party was spoiled in January this year when the first renewal arose after the retirement of Shetty, the officials said. An alarmed bank dug out all such LoUs and LCs showing a mammoth liability towards other banks. The conniving officer also issued Foreign Letters of Credit by entering a smaller amount in trade finance module of Core Banking Solutions (CBS) system and generating the reference number and a SWIFT message was sent for the amount, the bank alleged.

CBI registers DA case against retired PNB official accused in Nirav Modi case

Hours after the news that Chandrababu Naidu led Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn 'general consent' accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to exercise its authority in the state broke out, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that her AP counterpart has done the right thing.

''Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has done the right thing in saying that he won't allow Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in his state,'' Banerjee was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

A 'confidential' government order to this effect, issued by Principal Secretary (Home) A R Anuradha on November 8, was "leaked" late Thursday night.

Banerjee said that BJP is history changer, name changer, note changer, institution changer but not a game changer.&nbsp;

''The country is in danger. BJP project as if they have given birth to the nation but they were nowhere during independence,'' she said.&nbsp;

The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. 
Ever since he snapped ties with the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in March this year, Naidu had been alleging that the centre was misusing agencies like the CBI to target political opponents.

The recent raids by Income Tax authorities on some business establishments, run by those close to the ruling Telugu Desam Party in the state, have left Naidu red-faced.

Subsequently, he announced that his government would not provide police cover to the IT officials for conducting the raids.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Hours after the news that Chandrababu Naidu led Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn 'general consent' accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to exercise its authority in the state broke out, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that her AP counterpart has done the right thing.

Hours after the news that Chandrababu Naidu led Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn 'general consent' accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to exercise its authority in the state broke out, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that her AP counterpart has done the right thing. ''Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has done the right thing in saying that he won't allow Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in his state,'' Banerjee was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. A 'confidential' government order to this effect, issued by Principal Secretary (Home) A R Anuradha on November 8, was "leaked" late Thursday night. Banerjee said that BJP is history changer, name changer, note changer, institution changer but not a game changer. ''The country is in danger. BJP project as if they have given birth to the nation but they were nowhere during independence,'' she said. The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. Ever since he snapped ties with the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in March this year, Naidu had been alleging that the centre was misusing agencies like the CBI to target political opponents. The recent raids by Income Tax authorities on some business establishments, run by those close to the ruling Telugu Desam Party in the state, have left Naidu red-faced. Subsequently, he announced that his government would not provide police cover to the IT officials for conducting the raids.

Andhra CM has done the right thing by blocking CBI in his state: Mamata Banerjee

India and China should boost military exchanges and improve mutual trust and properly manage and control any "disparities", Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has said.

Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra, who headed the Indian delegation at the ninth India-China Annual Defence and Security Dialogue here on November 13, called on Wei on Thursday.

At the dialogue, held over a year after the 73-day Doklam military standoff in the Sikkim sector, top defence officials of India and China agreed on the importance of maintaining peace in the border areas while implementing the consensus reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the Wuhan summit in April.

While meeting with Mitra, Wei said China and India see far more common interests than divergencies between each other, stressing that the two countries should boost military exchanges, improve mutual trust in the security field and properly manage and control any "disparities", state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

Mitra said India's relationship with China is one of its most important bilateral relationships, the report said.

He hoped they will further develop relations between the two countries and two militaries.

At the dialogue, both sides agreed on enhancing defence exchanges and interactions at different levels between the two militaries, an Indian Embassy press release said here on Thursday.

The dialogue was held between the defence delegations headed by Mitra and Lt General Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission.

At the talks, Mitra was accompanied by senior officials of the ministry of defence and the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

The defence dialogue was held ahead of the 21st round of border talks between the Special Representatives of the two countries in the Chinese city of Dujiangyan on November 23-24.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi are the designated Special Representatives for the border talks.

India and China should boost military exchanges and improve mutual trust and properly manage and control any "disparities", Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has said.

India and China should boost military exchanges and improve mutual trust and properly manage and control any "disparities", Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has said. Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra, who headed the Indian delegation at the ninth India-China Annual Defence and Security Dialogue here on November 13, called on Wei on Thursday. At the dialogue, held over a year after the 73-day Doklam military standoff in the Sikkim sector, top defence officials of India and China agreed on the importance of maintaining peace in the border areas while implementing the consensus reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the Wuhan summit in April. While meeting with Mitra, Wei said China and India see far more common interests than divergencies between each other, stressing that the two countries should boost military exchanges, improve mutual trust in the security field and properly manage and control any "disparities", state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday. Mitra said India's relationship with China is one of its most important bilateral relationships, the report said. He hoped they will further develop relations between the two countries and two militaries. At the dialogue, both sides agreed on enhancing defence exchanges and interactions at different levels between the two militaries, an Indian Embassy press release said here on Thursday. The dialogue was held between the defence delegations headed by Mitra and Lt General Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission. At the talks, Mitra was accompanied by senior officials of the ministry of defence and the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The defence dialogue was held ahead of the 21st round of border talks between the Special Representatives of the two countries in the Chinese city of Dujiangyan on November 23-24. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi are the designated Special Representatives for the border talks.

India, China should boost military exchanges: Chinese defence minister

India's former information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari is currently the general secretary of the foreign affairs department of the Congress. He spoke to WION on the current foreign policy initiative of the BJP government.

Q: How will you evaluate PM Modi’s foreign policy initiative?

A: PM has done something unique. He has turned diplomacy and mass outreach into a spectacle which has not yielded any dividends for India.

Q: Why have our relationships deteriorated in South Asia?

A: India today stands very isolated in its neighbourhood. This government over the past four years has had no policy towards Pakistan. The blockade of Nepal was absolutely ill-conceived.

In so far as Sri Lanka is concerned, the government is not on top of the rapid developments which are taking place on the island. There has been a genuine growing Chinese influence in South Asia which the government has not been able to push back.

Q: Is India safer today?

A: If the question is that if India’s security concerns are being&nbsp;better taken care of then in the past, then the answer is no. It is because at the moment India has unsettled strategic situation in both the eastern and western borders.

Q: Does India require a new strategic framework with China?

A: India requires a new strategic framework so far as its foreign policy is concerned. The UPA government and those that&nbsp;preceded it understood the global power dynamic and were successful in balancing competing world powers like US, Russia, China or even Japan.

Q: Prime Minister Modi conducted meetings with his Chinese and Russian counterparts which had no structured agendas. Do such meetings work?

A: If PM believes that non-structured summit review of global events and developments helps to enhance his personal understanding as to how leadership in China and Russia view regional and other developments then it is entirely within his purview.&nbsp;

However, the point is India’s strategic objectives cannot be served by such opaque conversations in which the establishment or other stakeholders of Indian foreign policy do not find a place or are not even given a readout on what has actually transpired.

Q: Did the Indian engagement with China substantially change under Narendra Modi?

A: There has been a substantial deterioration and Doklam was the high point of that deterioration.

In the past three decades there had not been stand-off of that dimension with China. After the breakthrough in relations with China under Rajiv Gandhi, successive prime minister’s like PV Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh took the relationship forward.

There was an anticipation that this relationship would actually consolidate and grow from strength to strength but what you really see is an estrangement of another dimension which is being played out.

Q: Has "cultural diplomacy" worked which has been the hallmark of this administration?

A: Soft power can only complement hard power. India has been a soft power in terms of its music, films and traditional arts and culture but that has not been utilised in an optimal manner.

The reason is that when you have reports on social divisiveness splashed across papers in the western world, whatever soft power you may try would falter. People understand that there is a huge difference between what is your intent back at home and what you want to project as India’s image abroad.

Q:&nbsp;Is&nbsp;our foreign policy becoming hostage to domestic politics?

A: Unfortunately, yes. Our&nbsp;foreign policy initiatives and strategic initiatives are being used to score domestic brownie points and both have become a casualty.

Q: Did surgical strikes restore deterrence with Pakistan?

A: Many surgical strikes took place before the much publicised surgical strike two year ago. The intention was to change the behaviour of Pakistan. Post-Uri, the cross-border operation seemed to be aimed at domestic audiences rather than at Pakistan and that is why nothing much altered including incursions from across the border.

Q: &nbsp;Has Indian QUAD and South East Asian initiative worked?

A: To be fair to this government, they have tried to reach out to various governments with similar concerns on the&nbsp;South China Sea which is witnessing aggressive manifestation of the Chinese state. How far we have been able to secure the concerns is an open issue.

&nbsp;

India's former information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari is currently the general secretary of the foreign affairs department of the Congress. He spoke to WION on the current foreign policy initiative of the BJP government.

India's former information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari is currently the general secretary of the foreign affairs department of the Congress. He spoke to WION on the current foreign policy initiative of the BJP government. Q: How will you evaluate PM Modi’s foreign policy initiative? A: PM has done something unique. He has turned diplomacy and mass outreach into a spectacle which has not yielded any dividends for India. Q: Why have our relationships deteriorated in South Asia? A: India today stands very isolated in its neighbourhood. This government over the past four years has had no policy towards Pakistan. The blockade of Nepal was absolutely ill-conceived. In so far as Sri Lanka is concerned, the government is not on top of the rapid developments which are taking place on the island. There has been a genuine growing Chinese influence in South Asia which the government has not been able to push back. Q: Is India safer today? A: If the question is that if India’s security concerns are being better taken care of then in the past, then the answer is no. It is because at the moment India has unsettled strategic situation in both the eastern and western borders. Q: Does India require a new strategic framework with China? A: India requires a new strategic framework so far as its foreign policy is concerned. The UPA government and those that preceded it understood the global power dynamic and were successful in balancing competing world powers like US, Russia, China or even Japan. Q: Prime Minister Modi conducted meetings with his Chinese and Russian counterparts which had no structured agendas. Do such meetings work? A: If PM believes that non-structured summit review of global events and developments helps to enhance his personal understanding as to how leadership in China and Russia view regional and other developments then it is entirely within his purview. However, the point is India’s strategic objectives cannot be served by such opaque conversations in which the establishment or other stakeholders of Indian foreign policy do not find a place or are not even given a readout on what has actually transpired. Q: Did the Indian engagement with China substantially change under Narendra Modi? A: There has been a substantial deterioration and Doklam was the high point of that deterioration. In the past three decades there had not been stand-off of that dimension with China. After the breakthrough in relations with China under Rajiv Gandhi, successive prime minister’s like PV Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh took the relationship forward. There was an anticipation that this relationship would actually consolidate and grow from strength to strength but what you really see is an estrangement of another dimension which is being played out. Q: Has "cultural diplomacy" worked which has been the hallmark of this administration? A: Soft power can only complement hard power. India has been a soft power in terms of its music, films and traditional arts and culture but that has not been utilised in an optimal manner. The reason is that when you have reports on social divisiveness splashed across papers in the western world, whatever soft power you may try would falter. People understand that there is a huge difference between what is your intent back at home and what you want to project as India’s image abroad. Q: Is our foreign policy becoming hostage to domestic politics? A: Unfortunately, yes. Our foreign policy initiatives and strategic initiatives are being used to score domestic brownie points and both have become a casualty. Q: Did surgical strikes restore deterrence with Pakistan? A: Many surgical strikes took place before the much publicised surgical strike two year ago. The intention was to change the behaviour of Pakistan. Post-Uri, the cross-border operation seemed to be aimed at domestic audiences rather than at Pakistan and that is why nothing much altered including incursions from across the border. Q: Has Indian QUAD and South East Asian initiative worked? A: To be fair to this government, they have tried to reach out to various governments with similar concerns on the South China Sea which is witnessing aggressive manifestation of the Chinese state. How far we have been able to secure the concerns is an open issue.

Government has no policy towards Pak, India isloated in its neighbourhood: Congress leader Manish Tewari to WION

Prohibitory orders were clamped in three police districts of the city and security beefed up in view of the Assam secretariat gherao programme called by several organisations on Friday against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Barricades were placed around the secretariat and Assam Police and CRPF forces were deployed in large numbers to prevent the protestors from staging their Sankalpa Shikha Jatra against the Bill.

The 'Janata Bhawan Gherao' called by the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), a peasant organisation, and Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP), a student organisation, was likely to see the participation of 68 other organisations from other parts of the state during the day, the organisors said.

KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi along with members of 70 organisations staged a protest meeting on the premises of the Dispur Press Club, adjacent to the secretariat, accusing the Sarbananda Sonowal-led BJP Assam government of working against the interests of indigenous people of the state by supporting the bill.

The bill threatens the identity, language and culture of the indigenous people and unity of Assam, he charged.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Large sections of people, organisations in the northeast and leading political party AGP, which is an ally of the ruling BJP, are opposed to the bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971 as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants irrespective of religion.

Prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC had been imposed in the three police districts of Guwahati city with immediate effect on Thursday, ahead of the gherao programme against the Citizen (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Other speakers at the meeting alleged that protestors who had taken out motorcycle rallies from different parts of the state were not allowed to proceed to Guwahati.

Stating that the organisers had prior police permission for holding the meeting, the demonstrators accused the administration of imposing the prohibitory order "to muzzle the democratic voice of the citizens".

Accusing the chief minister of functioning "under the orders of the RSS", the speakers urged Sonowal to "give up his Hitlerian rule as it was against the people of Assam".

Bike rallies starting from Jonai, Diphu, Sadiya and Dhubri were allowed to proceed to Guwahati one at a time and not in a group as permission for Friday's meeting was given for a gathering of 1,000 people and it had already exceeded that number, police said.

Protestors travelling from Sadia, Dhubri and Diphu travelling by trains to participate in the protest alleged that they were not allowed to board trains and instead detained to prevent them from proceeding further.

Assam Director General of Police Dr Kuladhar Saikia had Thursday warned that the administration would take strong action against anyone trying to break the law and strict vigil would also be kept in Guwahati.

Prohibitory orders were clamped in three police districts of the city and security beefed up in view of the Assam secretariat gherao programme called by several organisations on Friday against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Prohibitory orders were clamped in three police districts of the city and security beefed up in view of the Assam secretariat gherao programme called by several organisations on Friday against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. Barricades were placed around the secretariat and Assam Police and CRPF forces were deployed in large numbers to prevent the protestors from staging their Sankalpa Shikha Jatra against the Bill. The 'Janata Bhawan Gherao' called by the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), a peasant organisation, and Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP), a student organisation, was likely to see the participation of 68 other organisations from other parts of the state during the day, the organisors said. KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi along with members of 70 organisations staged a protest meeting on the premises of the Dispur Press Club, adjacent to the secretariat, accusing the Sarbananda Sonowal-led BJP Assam government of working against the interests of indigenous people of the state by supporting the bill. The bill threatens the identity, language and culture of the indigenous people and unity of Assam, he charged. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955. Large sections of people, organisations in the northeast and leading political party AGP, which is an ally of the ruling BJP, are opposed to the bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971 as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants irrespective of religion. Prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC had been imposed in the three police districts of Guwahati city with immediate effect on Thursday, ahead of the gherao programme against the Citizen (Amendment) Bill, 2016. Other speakers at the meeting alleged that protestors who had taken out motorcycle rallies from different parts of the state were not allowed to proceed to Guwahati. Stating that the organisers had prior police permission for holding the meeting, the demonstrators accused the administration of imposing the prohibitory order "to muzzle the democratic voice of the citizens". Accusing the chief minister of functioning "under the orders of the RSS", the speakers urged Sonowal to "give up his Hitlerian rule as it was against the people of Assam". Bike rallies starting from Jonai, Diphu, Sadiya and Dhubri were allowed to proceed to Guwahati one at a time and not in a group as permission for Friday's meeting was given for a gathering of 1,000 people and it had already exceeded that number, police said. Protestors travelling from Sadia, Dhubri and Diphu travelling by trains to participate in the protest alleged that they were not allowed to board trains and instead detained to prevent them from proceeding further. Assam Director General of Police Dr Kuladhar Saikia had Thursday warned that the administration would take strong action against anyone trying to break the law and strict vigil would also be kept in Guwahati.

Security beefed up for secretariat gherao programme in Assam

In what can be seen as a confrontation with the Centre, the Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn the 'general consent'&nbsp;to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct raids and carry out investigations on central establishments in Andhra Pradesh.

As per rules under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act of 1946, in accordance with which the CBI was formed, the investigating agency has complete jurisdiction over Delhi. But it can also enter the other states with the 'General Consent'&nbsp;of that state's government.

In the absence of the permission now, the CBI cannot interfere with any case that takes place within the limits of Andhra Pradesh.

The Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government has also vested the state investigation agency with the responsibility of CBI duties in the state.

The Andhra government Order was passed on November 8, three months after it gave the general consent to the CBI to exercise its powers and jurisdiction in the state.

The development comes after Naidu pulled out from the National Democratic Alliance over demands for 'special status'&nbsp;to Andhra Pradesh.

In the aftermath, he accused the Centre of bringing down the reputation and credibility of CBI for its own gains.

The move of Andhra Pradesh shutting its door for the CBI is seen as an instance of shadow-boxing between the Centre and state under the federal system, especially when Naidu is pulling no stops to unite the non-BJP parties with the slogan "Save Democracy - Save Nation".

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) spokesperson, Lanka Dinakar, told ANI, "This decision has been taken in wake of incidents happening in CBI since last six months. It lost its independence due to involvement of Modi-led union government which is using CBI as tools against political opponents by means of preparing fabricated statements."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was quick to endorse the Andhra government's decision. "Chandrababu Naidu has done the right thing in saying he wouldn`t allow CBI in his state. The BJP can be 'note changer', but it's not a game changer," she said. 
&nbsp;

In what can be seen as a confrontation with the Centre, the Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn the 'general consent' to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct raids and carry out investigations on central establishments in Andhra Pradesh.

In what can be seen as a confrontation with the Centre, the Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn the 'general consent' to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct raids and carry out investigations on central establishments in Andhra Pradesh. As per rules under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act of 1946, in accordance with which the CBI was formed, the investigating agency has complete jurisdiction over Delhi. But it can also enter the other states with the 'General Consent' of that state's government. In the absence of the permission now, the CBI cannot interfere with any case that takes place within the limits of Andhra Pradesh. The Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government has also vested the state investigation agency with the responsibility of CBI duties in the state. The Andhra government Order was passed on November 8, three months after it gave the general consent to the CBI to exercise its powers and jurisdiction in the state. The development comes after Naidu pulled out from the National Democratic Alliance over demands for 'special status' to Andhra Pradesh. In the aftermath, he accused the Centre of bringing down the reputation and credibility of CBI for its own gains. The move of Andhra Pradesh shutting its door for the CBI is seen as an instance of shadow-boxing between the Centre and state under the federal system, especially when Naidu is pulling no stops to unite the non-BJP parties with the slogan "Save Democracy - Save Nation". Telugu Desam Party (TDP) spokesperson, Lanka Dinakar, told ANI, "This decision has been taken in wake of incidents happening in CBI since last six months. It lost its independence due to involvement of Modi-led union government which is using CBI as tools against political opponents by means of preparing fabricated statements." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was quick to endorse the Andhra government's decision. "Chandrababu Naidu has done the right thing in saying he wouldn`t allow CBI in his state. The BJP can be 'note changer', but it's not a game changer," she said.

Andhra government withdraws consent for CBI jurisdiction in state

The Hyderabad Police has booked Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) workers for allegedly violating the model code of conduct while filing nomination papers for Telangana Assembly elections.

Two cases were registered against the workers on Thursday-one for violating guidelines and permission given by the Returning Officer during filing the nomination and other for flying drone without permission.

Speaking to ANI, Sultan Bazar Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chetana said, "We have received a complaint from Election Commission flying squad team stating that on November 15 AIMIM candidate Ahmed Balala came to the Returning Officer`s office to file his nomination. AIMIM workers took out a massive rally and few workers were also seen flying drone camera which is now banned."

"Two cases have been registered against AIMIM workers for flying drone camera and violating guidelines and permission given by the Returning Officer. We have held one person in connection with the case, and are investigating the matter," he added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers from Malakpet constituency also protested against the matter.

The elections in the state are slated to be held on December 7 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11. The 119-member state assembly was dissolved prematurely on September 6 on the recommendation of Rao-led Telangana government. 
&nbsp;

The Hyderabad Police has booked Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) workers for allegedly violating the model code of conduct while filing nomination papers for Telangana Assembly elections.

The Hyderabad Police has booked Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) workers for allegedly violating the model code of conduct while filing nomination papers for Telangana Assembly elections. Two cases were registered against the workers on Thursday-one for violating guidelines and permission given by the Returning Officer during filing the nomination and other for flying drone without permission. Speaking to ANI, Sultan Bazar Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chetana said, "We have received a complaint from Election Commission flying squad team stating that on November 15 AIMIM candidate Ahmed Balala came to the Returning Officer`s office to file his nomination. AIMIM workers took out a massive rally and few workers were also seen flying drone camera which is now banned." "Two cases have been registered against AIMIM workers for flying drone camera and violating guidelines and permission given by the Returning Officer. We have held one person in connection with the case, and are investigating the matter," he added. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers from Malakpet constituency also protested against the matter. The elections in the state are slated to be held on December 7 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11. The 119-member state assembly was dissolved prematurely on September 6 on the recommendation of Rao-led Telangana government.

Telangana polls: AIMIM workers booked for violating model code of conduct

With less than a month to go for the Rajasthan assembly elections, the demand for campaign materials is soaring high across the state as political parties try to outdo each other in the public's eye.

Political parties are ordering personalized election promotional cutouts, hoardings, banners, stickers and many other campaign materials.

Other than the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), many other political parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are also ordering such promotional materials.

Banners made of cloth, as well as paper, are being ordered in bulk, while statues of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot are also in high demand.

A number of shopkeepers are complaining that due to the Goods and Services Tax, there is some downtrend in the market but they are hoping sales will escalate as the election date inches closer.

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.

With less than a month to go for the Rajasthan assembly elections, the demand for campaign materials is soaring high across the state as political parties try to outdo each other in the public's eye.

With less than a month to go for the Rajasthan assembly elections, the demand for campaign materials is soaring high across the state as political parties try to outdo each other in the public's eye. Political parties are ordering personalized election promotional cutouts, hoardings, banners, stickers and many other campaign materials. Other than the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), many other political parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are also ordering such promotional materials. Banners made of cloth, as well as paper, are being ordered in bulk, while statues of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot are also in high demand. A number of shopkeepers are complaining that due to the Goods and Services Tax, there is some downtrend in the market but they are hoping sales will escalate as the election date inches closer. 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: Campaign materials on high demand as election-day closes in

Congress Party workers gathered outside the residence of party President Rahul Gandhi to stage a protest after the list of candidates for Rajasthan Assembly Elections was released and were detained by police.

One of the disgruntled party workers said, "Instead of parachute candidates, I request him (Rahul Gandhi) to give tickets to those who gave blood and toil to the Congress.

The Congress released its first list of 152 candidates for the Rajasthan assembly elections. The list includes the names of Sachin Pilot, the leader of opposition in the state, and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot.

After detailed deliberations at the party's Central Election Committee, it was decided that Pilot, who is the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief, will contest from Tonk, while Gehlot will contest from his home turf - Sardarpura constituency.

Meanwhile, senior party leaders CP Joshi and Giriraj Vyas will contest from Nathdwara and Udaipur, respectively.

On Thursday, former Hyderabad Mayor and Congress leader Banda Karthika Reddy, along with her husband Chandra Reddy, sat in protest outside Gandhi's residence after she was denied a ticket to contest the forthcoming Telangana assembly elections.

The Congress leader, who was elected as the first woman Mayor of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation in 2009, said that she has given 30 years of dedicated service to the party, despite which she was overlooked.

Reddy was later detained by the police.

Single phase elections in both Telangana and Rajasthan will be held on December 7, and counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Congress Party workers gathered outside the residence of party President Rahul Gandhi to stage a protest after the list of candidates for Rajasthan Assembly Elections was released and were detained by police.

Congress Party workers gathered outside the residence of party President Rahul Gandhi to stage a protest after the list of candidates for Rajasthan Assembly Elections was released and were detained by police. One of the disgruntled party workers said, "Instead of parachute candidates, I request him (Rahul Gandhi) to give tickets to those who gave blood and toil to the Congress. The Congress released its first list of 152 candidates for the Rajasthan assembly elections. The list includes the names of Sachin Pilot, the leader of opposition in the state, and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot. After detailed deliberations at the party's Central Election Committee, it was decided that Pilot, who is the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief, will contest from Tonk, while Gehlot will contest from his home turf - Sardarpura constituency. Meanwhile, senior party leaders CP Joshi and Giriraj Vyas will contest from Nathdwara and Udaipur, respectively. On Thursday, former Hyderabad Mayor and Congress leader Banda Karthika Reddy, along with her husband Chandra Reddy, sat in protest outside Gandhi's residence after she was denied a ticket to contest the forthcoming Telangana assembly elections. The Congress leader, who was elected as the first woman Mayor of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation in 2009, said that she has given 30 years of dedicated service to the party, despite which she was overlooked. Reddy was later detained by the police. Single phase elections in both Telangana and Rajasthan will be held on December 7, and counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Congress workers protest against ticket distribution outside Rahul Gandhi's residence, detained

The Congress late Thursday night released its first list of 152 candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections, fielding former chief minister Ashok Gehlot from Sardarpura and state party president Sachin Pilot from Tonk seat.

Gehlot and Pilot had on Wednesday made their intentions clear that they would contest the assembly polls along with senior state leaders.

Former National Commission for Women chief Girija Vyas will contest from Udaipur, while senior party leader C P Joshi will be party nominee from the Nathdwara assembly seat.

The Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Rameshwar Lal Dudi, is the Congress's candidate from the Nokha assembly seat.

AICC Secretary Harish Chaudhary will contest the polls from the Baytoo seat.&nbsp;

Former BJP MP Harish Meena, who had switched over to the Congress on Wednesday, has been fielded from Deoli Uniara.&nbsp;

The party's central election committee General Secretary Mukul Wasnik released the list after hectic deliberations with senior state leaders and the party leadership.

Sources said the list was reportedly delayed over differences on the distribution of party tickets.

The notification for the polls was issued on Monday.&nbsp;

The Congress late Thursday night released its first list of 152 candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections, fielding former chief minister Ashok Gehlot from Sardarpura and state party president Sachin Pilot from Tonk seat.

The Congress late Thursday night released its first list of 152 candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections, fielding former chief minister Ashok Gehlot from Sardarpura and state party president Sachin Pilot from Tonk seat. Gehlot and Pilot had on Wednesday made their intentions clear that they would contest the assembly polls along with senior state leaders. Former National Commission for Women chief Girija Vyas will contest from Udaipur, while senior party leader C P Joshi will be party nominee from the Nathdwara assembly seat. The Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Rameshwar Lal Dudi, is the Congress's candidate from the Nokha assembly seat. AICC Secretary Harish Chaudhary will contest the polls from the Baytoo seat. Former BJP MP Harish Meena, who had switched over to the Congress on Wednesday, has been fielded from Deoli Uniara. The party's central election committee General Secretary Mukul Wasnik released the list after hectic deliberations with senior state leaders and the party leadership. Sources said the list was reportedly delayed over differences on the distribution of party tickets. The notification for the polls was issued on Monday.

Rajasthan polls: Congress releases 1st list of 152 candidates

With just a few hours remaining in Sabarimala Temple's reopening today, security has been beefed up in areas around Sabarimala. Authorities have imposed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/section-144-to-be-imposed-around-sabarimala-temple-ahead-of-special-prayer-175250">section 144 </a>of Criminal Procedure Code in the towns of Nilakkal Pamba, and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure.&nbsp;

The Sabarimala temple will reopen at 5 pm today for the two-month-long annual pilgrim season. The temple is opening for the third time since the Supreme Court lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group, however, no girl or woman in the restricted age group has been allowed to offer prayers so far following <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/photojournalist-injured-in-clashes-after-woman-tried-to-enter-sabarimala-temple-175754">stiff resistance by devotees and activists</a>, opposing any change in the temple traditions.

According to a report by ANI, over 15,000 personnel, including women police personnel and 860 women civil police officers, have been deployed for the season, when lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country are expected to throng the shrine.

State director general of police Loknath Behara said that security has been doubled at Sabarimala and nearby areas for the season, compared to the previous two occasions when the temple opened last month and early this month.

Meanwhile, social activist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-tension-prevails-at-kochi-airport-trupti-desai-arrives-to-visit-temple-177618">Trupti Desai who has vowed to enter Sabarimala arrived&nbsp;from Pune</a> early in the morning today. Since then she has been kept inside the airport following the agitation staged by large number of protestors gathered outside the airport. &nbsp;

Upon reaching the airport, she faced a protest by hundreds of&nbsp;people chanting Ayyapa hymns gathered outside the Cochin International Airport.&nbsp;

One protester even said that they would not allow Trupti to go outside the airport even if police kill him, ANI reported.

Trupti Desai has also said that she booked a taxi a few times but agitators have threatened the drivers that "their vehicles will be vandalised if they offer to drive her."

"We reached Cochin airport at 4:30 am. Protests were being held outside. We booked taxi 2-3 times but drivers have been threatened that their vehicle will be vandalised if they offer us a drive. Police have said that we can't go outside now," ANI quoted Trupti as saying.

She further said that she will not return until she offers her prayers at&nbsp;the temple.

"Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Protests being held here. Does this mean protesters are scared that we'll reach Sabarimala once we reach Nilakkal, or, are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have 'darshan'&nbsp;(prayer offering),"&nbsp;she added.

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Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Protests being held here. Does this mean protesters are scared that we'll reach <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sabarimala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sabarimala</a> once we reach Nilakkal, or, are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have 'darshan': T Desai <a href="https://t.co/AeevWB5gZu">pic.twitter.com/AeevWB5gZu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1063301698104504320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Trupti on Wednesday had written&nbsp;a letter to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that she would not leave the state if she was&nbsp;not allowed to enter the Sabarimala Temple and had also asked for security during the visit.

To attain a common ground on the Sabarimala row, Kerala chief minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-bound-to-implement-supreme-court-verdict-kerala-cm-on-sabarimala-177515"> Pinayri Vijayan</a>&nbsp;had called for the all-party meeting on November 15th.&nbsp;

However, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-kerala-govt-wonders-if-women-can-visit-temple-on-separate-days-from-men-177566">opposition parties in the state -- Congress and the BJP --&nbsp;walked out of the meet</a>.

On 28 September, the Supreme Court had quashed the age-old ban on entry of menstruating women into the temple, by allowing women of all ages to worship at the shrine. This is the third time that the temple will open after the top court lifted restrictions.&nbsp;

So far 3,505 protesters have been arrested and around 529 cases registered in connection with a series of incidents of violence in the state after the opening of the temple gates in October.&nbsp;

(With inputs from news agencies) 
&nbsp;

With just a few hours remaining in Sabarimala Temple's reopening today, security has been beefed up in areas around Sabarimala. Authorities have imposed section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code in the towns of Nilakkal Pamba, and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure.

With just a few hours remaining in Sabarimala Temple's reopening today, security has been beefed up in areas around Sabarimala. Authorities have imposed section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code in the towns of Nilakkal Pamba, and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure. The Sabarimala temple will reopen at 5 pm today for the two-month-long annual pilgrim season. The temple is opening for the third time since the Supreme Court lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group, however, no girl or woman in the restricted age group has been allowed to offer prayers so far following stiff resistance by devotees and activists, opposing any change in the temple traditions. According to a report by ANI, over 15,000 personnel, including women police personnel and 860 women civil police officers, have been deployed for the season, when lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country are expected to throng the shrine. State director general of police Loknath Behara said that security has been doubled at Sabarimala and nearby areas for the season, compared to the previous two occasions when the temple opened last month and early this month. Meanwhile, social activist Trupti Desai who has vowed to enter Sabarimala arrived from Pune early in the morning today. Since then she has been kept inside the airport following the agitation staged by large number of protestors gathered outside the airport. Upon reaching the airport, she faced a protest by hundreds of people chanting Ayyapa hymns gathered outside the Cochin International Airport. One protester even said that they would not allow Trupti to go outside the airport even if police kill him, ANI reported. Trupti Desai has also said that she booked a taxi a few times but agitators have threatened the drivers that "their vehicles will be vandalised if they offer to drive her." "We reached Cochin airport at 4:30 am. Protests were being held outside. We booked taxi 2-3 times but drivers have been threatened that their vehicle will be vandalised if they offer us a drive. Police have said that we can't go outside now," ANI quoted Trupti as saying. She further said that she will not return until she offers her prayers at the temple. "Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Protests being held here. Does this mean protesters are scared that we'll reach Sabarimala once we reach Nilakkal, or, are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have 'darshan' (prayer offering)," she added. Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Protests being held here. Does this mean protesters are scared that we'll reach #Sabarimala once we reach Nilakkal, or, are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have 'darshan': T Desai pic.twitter.com/AeevWB5gZu — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 × Trupti on Wednesday had written a letter to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that she would not leave the state if she was not allowed to enter the Sabarimala Temple and had also asked for security during the visit. To attain a common ground on the Sabarimala row, Kerala chief minister Pinayri Vijayan had called for the all-party meeting on November 15th. However, the opposition parties in the state -- Congress and the BJP -- walked out of the meet. On 28 September, the Supreme Court had quashed the age-old ban on entry of menstruating women into the temple, by allowing women of all ages to worship at the shrine. This is the third time that the temple will open after the top court lifted restrictions. So far 3,505 protesters have been arrested and around 529 cases registered in connection with a series of incidents of violence in the state after the opening of the temple gates in October. (With inputs from news agencies)

Sabarimala Temple set to reopen, social activist Trupti Desai vows to enter

The Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed several "misconceptions" between the two countries which would enable them to work together on many issues like globalisation, India's envoy here has said.&nbsp;

In Wuhan, Modi and Xi spoke to each other for almost 10 hours, which is characterised as a strategic communication by both sides, Ambassador Gautam Bambawale said.

"Both leaders were very keen to have this kind of (informal) meeting. The reason why we did an informal summit was that we wanted the two leaders to talk to each other for the maximum amount of time," he said on the April 27-28 summit.&nbsp;

"We removed several misconceptions may have about each other. I think a lot of things bring India and China can do together. There are only few things where we differ with each other," Bambawale told the state-run China Global Television Network on Thursday.

He said both the countries are beneficiaries of multilateralism and India is a votary for globalisation like China.

The two countries agree that they are developing countries who are focused on improving the living standards of about 2.4 billion people. 
"India and China have similar view points on global issues. We both want to have an open system where multilateral system works," he said, adding that both the countries can work on many issues like globalisation.&nbsp;

He said the issue that divides the two countries is the unresolved boundary question.

"But even as we work for the resolution of the boundary problem between us, we have agreed that we will maintain peace and tranquillity at our borders and for the last 30 years we have succeeded in that," he said.&nbsp;

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC). While China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute covered Aksai Chin area which was occupied by China during the 1962 war.

Bambawale is retiring later this month and will be succeeded by India's current Ambassador to Myanmar, Vikram Misri.&nbsp;

To a question about Japan and China deciding to undertake a joint project in third countries, Bambawale said New Delhi and Beijing are also trying out such a cooperation and pointed to the recent decision to jointly train Afghan diplomats.

"At the Wuhan summit, Xi and Modi have agreed that India and China will do a joint project in Afghanistan. Here is yet another example of two Asian countries working together to help another Asian country. So, I think the future is bright as far as this aspect is concerned," he said.&nbsp;

To a question about India-China trade and investment moving to a fast lane, he said, "Yes, I agree, not just trade but also investments increasing between India and China".

"We are seeing more Chinese companies interested in investing in India and beginning to invest in India," he said and pointed to big strides made by Chinese companies like Xiaomi.&nbsp;

Huawei too has a research base in India employing about 6,000 Indian engineers.

He also spoke about Indian films like Dangal making big inroads in China.&nbsp;

He said film star Aamir Khan has become a "superstar" in China.

He said efforts are being made by both countries to increase people-to-people contacts.

The Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed several "misconceptions" between the two countries which would enable them to work together on many issues like globalisation, India's envoy here has said.

The Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed several "misconceptions" between the two countries which would enable them to work together on many issues like globalisation, India's envoy here has said. In Wuhan, Modi and Xi spoke to each other for almost 10 hours, which is characterised as a strategic communication by both sides, Ambassador Gautam Bambawale said. "Both leaders were very keen to have this kind of (informal) meeting. The reason why we did an informal summit was that we wanted the two leaders to talk to each other for the maximum amount of time," he said on the April 27-28 summit. "We removed several misconceptions may have about each other. I think a lot of things bring India and China can do together. There are only few things where we differ with each other," Bambawale told the state-run China Global Television Network on Thursday. He said both the countries are beneficiaries of multilateralism and India is a votary for globalisation like China. The two countries agree that they are developing countries who are focused on improving the living standards of about 2.4 billion people. "India and China have similar view points on global issues. We both want to have an open system where multilateral system works," he said, adding that both the countries can work on many issues like globalisation. He said the issue that divides the two countries is the unresolved boundary question. "But even as we work for the resolution of the boundary problem between us, we have agreed that we will maintain peace and tranquillity at our borders and for the last 30 years we have succeeded in that," he said. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC). While China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute covered Aksai Chin area which was occupied by China during the 1962 war. Bambawale is retiring later this month and will be succeeded by India's current Ambassador to Myanmar, Vikram Misri. To a question about Japan and China deciding to undertake a joint project in third countries, Bambawale said New Delhi and Beijing are also trying out such a cooperation and pointed to the recent decision to jointly train Afghan diplomats. "At the Wuhan summit, Xi and Modi have agreed that India and China will do a joint project in Afghanistan. Here is yet another example of two Asian countries working together to help another Asian country. So, I think the future is bright as far as this aspect is concerned," he said. To a question about India-China trade and investment moving to a fast lane, he said, "Yes, I agree, not just trade but also investments increasing between India and China". "We are seeing more Chinese companies interested in investing in India and beginning to invest in India," he said and pointed to big strides made by Chinese companies like Xiaomi. Huawei too has a research base in India employing about 6,000 Indian engineers. He also spoke about Indian films like Dangal making big inroads in China. He said film star Aamir Khan has become a "superstar" in China. He said efforts are being made by both countries to increase people-to-people contacts.

Modi-Xi summit in Wuhan removed several misconceptions between India and China: Indian envoy

India Thursday handed over to Maldivian Coast Guard one of its ships after carrying out major refit on it, the Indian Navy said.

"Maldivian Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Huravee successfully completed her refit at Naval Dockyard,&nbsp;Visakhapatnam, and the ship was formally handed over to the island nation,"&nbsp;a Navy spokesperson said&nbsp;

The handing over of the ship comes two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays a day-long visit to Maldives to attend the swearing-in ceremony of new Maldivian president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Modi's visit is seen as an indication of an attempt by New Delhi to mend bilateral ties, which nosedived during the outgoing Abdulla Yameen government.

India-Maldives ties came under strain under Yameen and the relations deteriorated further after he imposed emergency in the island nation on February 5 this year.&nbsp;

Maldives is an important country for India's maritime security and there have been concerns in India over China's growing influence over the country in the last few years.&nbsp;

The Navy spokesperson said the four-month long refit of Huravee was part of an initiative by the Indian Navy to enhance its outreach to friendly foreign navies in the Indian Ocean Region.

"The ship had arrived at Visakhapatnam on 12 Jul 18 and successfully completed her refit on Nov 14," the official said.&nbsp;

"Major repairs were undertaken on the ship's hull, main propulsion and auxiliaries. In addition number of systems and equipment were upgraded for better performance and reliability," he said.&nbsp;

India Thursday handed over to Maldivian Coast Guard one of its ships after carrying out major refit on it, the Indian Navy said. "Maldivian Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Huravee successfully completed her refit at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, and the ship was formally handed over to the island nation," a Navy spokesperson said The handing over of the ship comes two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays a day-long visit to Maldives to attend the swearing-in ceremony of new Maldivian president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

India Thursday handed over to Maldivian Coast Guard one of its ships after carrying out major refit on it, the Indian Navy said. "Maldivian Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Huravee successfully completed her refit at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, and the ship was formally handed over to the island nation," a Navy spokesperson said The handing over of the ship comes two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays a day-long visit to Maldives to attend the swearing-in ceremony of new Maldivian president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Modi's visit is seen as an indication of an attempt by New Delhi to mend bilateral ties, which nosedived during the outgoing Abdulla Yameen government. India-Maldives ties came under strain under Yameen and the relations deteriorated further after he imposed emergency in the island nation on February 5 this year. Maldives is an important country for India's maritime security and there have been concerns in India over China's growing influence over the country in the last few years. The Navy spokesperson said the four-month long refit of Huravee was part of an initiative by the Indian Navy to enhance its outreach to friendly foreign navies in the Indian Ocean Region. "The ship had arrived at Visakhapatnam on 12 Jul 18 and successfully completed her refit on Nov 14," the official said. "Major repairs were undertaken on the ship's hull, main propulsion and auxiliaries. In addition number of systems and equipment were upgraded for better performance and reliability," he said.

Indian navy refits Maldivian Coast Guard ship

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