Premier League: Haaland wants Manchester City to 'try to enjoy the situation and win the game'

'Nidal Hasan's firing-squad execution to be livestreamed', says Pentagon; first US military execution since 1961

Trump's naked 23-karat gold statue unveiled near European Parliament

‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies

Thai Actors Fourth Nattawat, Gemini Norawit face racism accusations from Indian fans over viral Bollywood act

Nigeria govt rolls out 30-day NNPC petrol discount, insists it is not a subsidy

Captain Smit Machchhar on feet again, walks 10 steps as recovery continues after Flydubai flight attack

Fastest-growing Asian economies in 2026: Who tops the chart? Where does India rank?

A Love Other Than Yours: The temptation to cheat and what pushes people over the edge

Russia president Putin promises to 'do everything' to help settle Middle East conflict as US-Iran negotiations stall

‘Wait till you discover the other guy’: Rahul Gandhi takes a swipe as Musk's 'Ambani real boss of India' remark triggers X subscription cancellations

BTS agency HYBE announces first-ever Weverse Con Festival in India

Trump has a new 'enemy': Anyone who calls it 'artificial intelligence'. Here's what we wants instead

India at UN: Pak allows terror groups to operate from its soil

Air India, Air India Express increase fuel surcharge on domestic, international flights amid rising ATF costs

'Something truly catastrophic will happen': Former OpenAI researchers sound the alarm, claim they were fired for prioritising AI safety

Scientists find highly radioactive nuclear particles at Chernobyl 40 years after the disaster

Nana Patekar's #MeToo controversy: From Tanushree Dutta’s allegations to court ruling

Pakistan denies reports of PAF jets being used in attacks against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen

New York ICE shooting sparks protests as Mamdani to call on Trump to halt ICE operations

Atlantic hurricane Isaias could make landfall as a strong Category 2 storm, tornado warnings issued

From Kramatorsk buses to Yandex fire: Russia-Ukraine war in the last 48 hours

AUS vs SA: 'That's fine,' says Cummins on Khawaja's book contents about Sandpapergate

Who is Nana Patekar's wife Neelakanti? The bank officer who earned Rs 2,500 when he earned Rs 50

KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza to return in 2027 after hiatus, agency issues statement

French students light European bonfire, protests erupt in Belgium, Italy & Greece | Gravitas

France student protests: Over 500 arrested, govt promises 3,000 substitute teachers

Arizona congressional candidate claims she was sexually assaulted while repairing signs

New Cold War: Why is China buying more gold? Explained

OpenAI shuts down Russian, Iranian influence operations using ChatGPT to spread propaganda

'Understood consequences of a few mistakes': Ishan Kishan reflects on journey back to India team

435 House seats, 35 Senate races: The numbers behind US midterms 2026

Bangladesh named as Pakistan’s replacement for Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

SC asks Centre to frame mechanism against unethical pharma marketing practices

US suspends Microsoft, Infosys, Tata, Wipro from green card programme over alleged H-1B abuse

Trump honours Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella with top technology honour amid immigration scrutiny

Flydubai flight attack: Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to receive Israel's highest civilian bravery award for saving 174 lives

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every eligible citizen casts their vote in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, even if the number of electors is in single digits.

One such case has come to the fore in Bharatpur-Sonhat Assembly constituency. In polling booth number 143 in Sherandandh village of the constituency, there are only four voters, out of which three are from the same family.

District Election Officer NK Dugga said the polling party will reach there a day before polls and set a tent for voters.

To reach Sherandandh, a forest village, the ECI team will have to go an extra mile through rocky mountains for five to six kilometres and cross a river. The village, which is dependent on Panchayat Chandha, is situated around 15 km from the main road.

Due to the unavailability of proper roads, the election officials will be reaching the booth a day before the voting.

In Chhattisgarh, voting will be held in two phases. In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state on November 12, while the second phase of elections will be held on November 20.

Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every eligible citizen casts their vote in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, even if the number of electors is in single digits.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every eligible citizen casts their vote in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, even if the number of electors is in single digits. One such case has come to the fore in Bharatpur-Sonhat Assembly constituency. In polling booth number 143 in Sherandandh village of the constituency, there are only four voters, out of which three are from the same family. District Election Officer NK Dugga said the polling party will reach there a day before polls and set a tent for voters. To reach Sherandandh, a forest village, the ECI team will have to go an extra mile through rocky mountains for five to six kilometres and cross a river. The village, which is dependent on Panchayat Chandha, is situated around 15 km from the main road. Due to the unavailability of proper roads, the election officials will be reaching the booth a day before the voting. In Chhattisgarh, voting will be held in two phases. In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state on November 12, while the second phase of elections will be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.

This Chhattisgarh village has only 4 voters

A case has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate Narayan Tripathi on Tuesday for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the poll-bound state of Madhya Pradesh.

Tripathi had gone to file his nomination carrying a fee of Rs 10,000 in the form of Re 1 coins in a metal pot covered with a piece of red cloth, which, he claimed ,to have collected from the public as their blessings.

The metal pot in which Tripathi was carrying the coins looked similar to an urn used to carry the funeral ash, which allegedly has a religious implication.

Satna Returning Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Maihar HK Dhurve considered the gesture as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and registered a case against Tripathi under Section 125 A of the Representation of the People Act.

However, Tripathi said that an issue is being unnecessarily blown out of proportion by the Congress. "Congress is creating an issue out of this. I have not flouted any code of conduct," he claimed.

Tripathi carried his nomination fee in a total of 12 metal pots.

A case has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate Narayan Tripathi on Tuesday for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the poll-bound state of Madhya Pradesh.

A case has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate Narayan Tripathi on Tuesday for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the poll-bound state of Madhya Pradesh. Tripathi had gone to file his nomination carrying a fee of Rs 10,000 in the form of Re 1 coins in a metal pot covered with a piece of red cloth, which, he claimed ,to have collected from the public as their blessings. The metal pot in which Tripathi was carrying the coins looked similar to an urn used to carry the funeral ash, which allegedly has a religious implication. Satna Returning Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Maihar HK Dhurve considered the gesture as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and registered a case against Tripathi under Section 125 A of the Representation of the People Act. However, Tripathi said that an issue is being unnecessarily blown out of proportion by the Congress. "Congress is creating an issue out of this. I have not flouted any code of conduct," he claimed. Tripathi carried his nomination fee in a total of 12 metal pots.

MP Polls: BJP candidate carries coins in metal pot, case registered

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rbi-head-should-work-with-government-or-quit-says-rss-official-174773">Urjit Patel could resign</a> at the central bank's next board meeting on November 19, online financial publication Moneylife reported on Wednesday, citing sources in touch with the governor.

The government and RBI have been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/govt-to-continue-pressing-rbi-for-relaxing-norms-funds-sources-175945">fighting for weeks</a> over how much autonomy the RBI should have as the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to reduce curbs on lending and to gain access to the RBI's surplus reserves.

The rift worsened late last month when one of the bank's deputy governors said in a speech that undermining central bank independence could be “potentially catastrophic”.

Moneylife's report said if the feud escalates further, there is "a good chance" Patel will resign at the RBI's next meeting, saying he was tired of the struggle with the government, and it was having a negative impact on his health.

The report did not cite the number of sources. The RBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The story was written by veteran Indian financial journalist Sucheta Dalal who is well known for her investigative reporting. She is one of the founders of Moneylife.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that the government intends to keep pressing its demands even if it risks provoking a resignation by Patel, according to three sources familiar with the government's thinking.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel could resign at the central bank's next board meeting on November 19, online financial publication Moneylife reported on Wednesday, citing sources in touch with the governor.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel could resign at the central bank's next board meeting on November 19, online financial publication Moneylife reported on Wednesday, citing sources in touch with the governor. The government and RBI have been fighting for weeks over how much autonomy the RBI should have as the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to reduce curbs on lending and to gain access to the RBI's surplus reserves. The rift worsened late last month when one of the bank's deputy governors said in a speech that undermining central bank independence could be “potentially catastrophic”. Moneylife's report said if the feud escalates further, there is "a good chance" Patel will resign at the RBI's next meeting, saying he was tired of the struggle with the government, and it was having a negative impact on his health. The report did not cite the number of sources. The RBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The story was written by veteran Indian financial journalist Sucheta Dalal who is well known for her investigative reporting. She is one of the founders of Moneylife. Reuters reported on Tuesday that the government intends to keep pressing its demands even if it risks provoking a resignation by Patel, according to three sources familiar with the government's thinking.

RBI governor Urjit Patel could resign on November 19: Report

The Mizoram government employees on Tuesday told a visiting Election Commission team that they would not cooperate with the commission unless the chief electoral officer (CEO) S B Shashank was transferred before November 9.

In a letter submitted to the visiting three-member Election Commission team headed by Jharkhand CEO L Khiangte, the Federation of Mizoram Government Employees and Workers (FMGE and W) leaders said that the quantum of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) sought by Shashank was "illogical" as the state has the reputation of being the most peaceful in the country.

Moreover, the state also has a long history of holding peaceful and free elections as witnessed by the poll panel for years, they said.

Elections to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly are scheduled to be held on November 28 and the counting of votes on December 11.

"The scale of requisition of CAPF personnel for the coming election to the state Assembly sends a signal that the Commission and the CEO may not have faith in the employees of the state government in various processes of the election," the letter said.

It added that the Election Commission and the state CEO might consider bringing all sets of officials to handle various processes of the election if they do not have faith in the employees of the state government.

The FMGE and W also condemned the transfer of then Principal Secretary for Home Lalnunmawia Chuaungo outside the state due to the "false and unwarranted allegations" of Shashank.

The Mizoram government employees on Tuesday told a visiting Election Commission team that they would not cooperate with the commission unless the chief electoral officer (CEO) S B Shashank was transferred before November 9.

The Mizoram government employees on Tuesday told a visiting Election Commission team that they would not cooperate with the commission unless the chief electoral officer (CEO) S B Shashank was transferred before November 9. In a letter submitted to the visiting three-member Election Commission team headed by Jharkhand CEO L Khiangte, the Federation of Mizoram Government Employees and Workers (FMGE and W) leaders said that the quantum of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) sought by Shashank was "illogical" as the state has the reputation of being the most peaceful in the country. Moreover, the state also has a long history of holding peaceful and free elections as witnessed by the poll panel for years, they said. Elections to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly are scheduled to be held on November 28 and the counting of votes on December 11. "The scale of requisition of CAPF personnel for the coming election to the state Assembly sends a signal that the Commission and the CEO may not have faith in the employees of the state government in various processes of the election," the letter said. It added that the Election Commission and the state CEO might consider bringing all sets of officials to handle various processes of the election if they do not have faith in the employees of the state government. The FMGE and W also condemned the transfer of then Principal Secretary for Home Lalnunmawia Chuaungo outside the state due to the "false and unwarranted allegations" of Shashank.

Won't cooperate unless CEO is removed: Mizoram government staff

The Congress has issued its third list of 13 candidates for the November 28 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, which mainly comprises new faces.

The party has dropped Pandhurna Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA Jatan Uikey and replaced him with Neelesh Uikey.

Loyalists of Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath and Guna Member of Parliament or MP Jyotiraditya Scindia also found place on the list.

Both Scindia and Nath, the sitting lawmaker from Chhindwara seat, are believed to be the top contenders for the chief minister's post from the Congress.

With the latest list issued Monday night, the Congress has so far announced 184 nominees for the total 230 assembly constituencies.

The announcement for the remaining 46 candidates is awaited as only three days are left for filing nominations.

The Congress has been out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. The incumbent Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government is seeking a fourth straight term.

Among the 13 candidates, the Congress has fielded former state minister Deepak Saxena, a close confidante of Kamal Nath, from Chhindwara seat.

Another prominent nominee is Mahendra Singh Sisodiya, a loyalist of state Congress campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has been re-nominated from Bamori in Guna district.

The Congress seems to have reposed faith in the first-timers in its latest list.

Among the new nominees are Sunil Uikey from Junnardeo and Sujit Choudhary from Chourai assembly seat in Chhindwara district.

The Congress has also fielded Manoj Choudhary, a first-timer, from Hatpipalya in Dewas district.

Other candidates who would be contesting the polls as first-time Congress nominees are Shrikant Chaturvedi (Maihar) and Ramshankar Payasi (Rampur Baghelan) in Satna district.

Babita Saket who switched over to the Congress from BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) was allotted ticket from Mangavan seat in Rewa district.

The Congress has fielded Tilak Raj Singh and Sammati Prakash Saini from Manpur in Umaria district and Panagar in Jabalpur district respectively.

Jaipal Singh Jajji, who had lost the 2013 polls from Ashok Nagar seat, has been nominated from the same seat.

Arif Masood, who had lost from Bhopal Central constituency last time, has also been given a ticket.

The Congress announced its first list of 155 candidates on November 3 in which it re-nominated 46 lawmakers. A day after, it announced the second list of 16 candidates.

In the 230-member house, the Congress has 57 Members of Legislative Assembly.

The Congress has issued its third list of 13 candidates for the November 28 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, which mainly comprises new faces. The party has dropped Pandhurna Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA Jatan Uikey and replaced him with Neelesh Uikey.

The Congress has issued its third list of 13 candidates for the November 28 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, which mainly comprises new faces. The party has dropped Pandhurna Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA Jatan Uikey and replaced him with Neelesh Uikey. Loyalists of Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath and Guna Member of Parliament or MP Jyotiraditya Scindia also found place on the list. Both Scindia and Nath, the sitting lawmaker from Chhindwara seat, are believed to be the top contenders for the chief minister's post from the Congress. With the latest list issued Monday night, the Congress has so far announced 184 nominees for the total 230 assembly constituencies. The announcement for the remaining 46 candidates is awaited as only three days are left for filing nominations. The Congress has been out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. The incumbent Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government is seeking a fourth straight term. Among the 13 candidates, the Congress has fielded former state minister Deepak Saxena, a close confidante of Kamal Nath, from Chhindwara seat. Another prominent nominee is Mahendra Singh Sisodiya, a loyalist of state Congress campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has been re-nominated from Bamori in Guna district. The Congress seems to have reposed faith in the first-timers in its latest list. Among the new nominees are Sunil Uikey from Junnardeo and Sujit Choudhary from Chourai assembly seat in Chhindwara district. The Congress has also fielded Manoj Choudhary, a first-timer, from Hatpipalya in Dewas district. Other candidates who would be contesting the polls as first-time Congress nominees are Shrikant Chaturvedi (Maihar) and Ramshankar Payasi (Rampur Baghelan) in Satna district. Babita Saket who switched over to the Congress from BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) was allotted ticket from Mangavan seat in Rewa district. The Congress has fielded Tilak Raj Singh and Sammati Prakash Saini from Manpur in Umaria district and Panagar in Jabalpur district respectively. Jaipal Singh Jajji, who had lost the 2013 polls from Ashok Nagar seat, has been nominated from the same seat. Arif Masood, who had lost from Bhopal Central constituency last time, has also been given a ticket. The Congress announced its first list of 155 candidates on November 3 in which it re-nominated 46 lawmakers. A day after, it announced the second list of 16 candidates. In the 230-member house, the Congress has 57 Members of Legislative Assembly.

New faces dominate Congress' third list of candidates for Madhya Pradesh

A member of the transgender community filed nomination papers as an independent candidate from Indore 2 Assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday.

"Social and economic condition of street vendors, labourers and domestic servants in this constituency is worrisome. I am going to raise their voice," 29-year-old Bala Veshwar told reporters after filing her papers.

Veshwar, popularly known as Bala Didi, is testing the electoral waters for the first time.

Asked how she will take on experienced candidates of political parties in the November 28 Assembly polls, she said, "I am fully confident of winning as this constituency has a huge population of labourers.

"I want every poor person to be able to eke out living with dignity," Bala said.

BJP's Ramesh Mendola had won from Indore 2 in 2013 by defeating his nearest rival by 91,017 votes.

Meanwhile, MP Congress working president and MLA Jitu Patwari has filed nomination from his existing constituency Rau in Indore district.

Eleven others also filed nominations Tuesday in the district which has nine assembly seats, an election official said.

A member of the transgender community filed nomination papers as an independent candidate from Indore 2 Assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. "Social and economic condition of street vendors, labourers and domestic servants in this constituency is worrisome.

A member of the transgender community filed nomination papers as an independent candidate from Indore 2 Assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. "Social and economic condition of street vendors, labourers and domestic servants in this constituency is worrisome. I am going to raise their voice," 29-year-old Bala Veshwar told reporters after filing her papers. Veshwar, popularly known as Bala Didi, is testing the electoral waters for the first time. Asked how she will take on experienced candidates of political parties in the November 28 Assembly polls, she said, "I am fully confident of winning as this constituency has a huge population of labourers. "I want every poor person to be able to eke out living with dignity," Bala said. BJP's Ramesh Mendola had won from Indore 2 in 2013 by defeating his nearest rival by 91,017 votes. Meanwhile, MP Congress working president and MLA Jitu Patwari has filed nomination from his existing constituency Rau in Indore district. Eleven others also filed nominations Tuesday in the district which has nine assembly seats, an election official said.

Madhya Pradesh polls: Transgender candidate files nomination from Indore

Ahead of ticket distribution in poll-bound Rajasthan, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday accused the Congress of selling election tickets for money.

"Naam bade kaam khote, ticket ke liye lete hai daam mote (Big names involved in lowly deeds. They charge hefty sums for election tickets)," Shekhawat said at a press conference in Jaipur.

The Congress, however, rubbished the allegations, with its state unit in-charge Sachin Pilot blaming opponents for conspiring against the party.

"The allegations of discrimination in adding the names of candidates are baseless. All office bearers are working actively and doing hard work. The allegations related to ticket distribution in the media are baseless," he told reporters.

Briefing about the BJP's door-to-door campaign, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shekhawat said party workers had communicated the BJP's views at 42,688 out of the total 51,844 booths during its "Booth Mahasampark Abhiyan" and reached out to nearly 70 lakh families.

He said that the party would hold direct talks with the people across the state from November 8 to 11.

Ahead of ticket distribution in poll-bound Rajasthan, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday accused the Congress of selling election tickets for money.

Ahead of ticket distribution in poll-bound Rajasthan, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday accused the Congress of selling election tickets for money. "Naam bade kaam khote, ticket ke liye lete hai daam mote (Big names involved in lowly deeds. They charge hefty sums for election tickets)," Shekhawat said at a press conference in Jaipur. The Congress, however, rubbished the allegations, with its state unit in-charge Sachin Pilot blaming opponents for conspiring against the party. "The allegations of discrimination in adding the names of candidates are baseless. All office bearers are working actively and doing hard work. The allegations related to ticket distribution in the media are baseless," he told reporters. Briefing about the BJP's door-to-door campaign, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shekhawat said party workers had communicated the BJP's views at 42,688 out of the total 51,844 booths during its "Booth Mahasampark Abhiyan" and reached out to nearly 70 lakh families. He said that the party would hold direct talks with the people across the state from November 8 to 11.

Rajasthan elections: Union minister Shekhawat accuses Congress of selling election tickets

National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah Wednesday urged India and Pakistan to start a sustained dialogue process and advocated an Ireland-type settlement model to resolve the Kashmir issue.

"Abdullah impressed on the governments of India and Pakistan to start a sustained dialogue process and advocated an Ireland-type settlement model to resolve the procrastinated Jammu and Kashmir issue," an NC spokesman said.

He added that the NC chief said this while addressing a public gathering at Uri in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

Abdullah urged the Centre to restore autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest.

"Autonomy is the only way ahead to address the political and developmental deficit of all the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. It will secure the secular character of our state and strengthen the bonds of amity and brotherhood," he said.

The Member of Parliament from Srinagar also said a day would come when the people of the state would breathe in a peaceful atmosphere, without any insecurity.

"We should not feel disheartened. The current situation is grave, but we have witnessed even worst throughout the history. At one time in our history, people would not buy the idea that the autocratic rule will end. But a day came when democratic forces usurped the kings's throne with determination and struggle," he added.

Abdullah asked the people to keep the faith and follow the path shown by the prophet of Islam.

"In this hour of grief and uncertainty, we should not let anxiety and hopelessness overpower us. We should follow the teaching of the prophet of Islam in our day-to-day lives. Hopelessness is a curse," he said.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the NC had to face many challenges since its inception and that scores of party functionaries were "preyed upon by the monster of conflict".

"Our party was back-stabbed by many political shenanigans and turncoats, but history bears testimony to how they eventually faded on their own. The NC is a people's party, we owe our being to people and we are a grassroot-level party," he added.

Abdullah said the state's special status was "infringed upon by the machinations of national political parties, including the Congress and the BJP, and their attitude has not changed".

"The current situation is no different. People should remain watchful of crafty politicians who are products of these machinations. Self-respect and dignity of our state should not be bartered for a few pennies," he added.

National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah Wednesday urged India and Pakistan to start a sustained dialogue process and advocated an Ireland-type settlement model to resolve the Kashmir issue.

National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah Wednesday urged India and Pakistan to start a sustained dialogue process and advocated an Ireland-type settlement model to resolve the Kashmir issue. "Abdullah impressed on the governments of India and Pakistan to start a sustained dialogue process and advocated an Ireland-type settlement model to resolve the procrastinated Jammu and Kashmir issue," an NC spokesman said. He added that the NC chief said this while addressing a public gathering at Uri in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. Abdullah urged the Centre to restore autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. "Autonomy is the only way ahead to address the political and developmental deficit of all the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. It will secure the secular character of our state and strengthen the bonds of amity and brotherhood," he said. The Member of Parliament from Srinagar also said a day would come when the people of the state would breathe in a peaceful atmosphere, without any insecurity. "We should not feel disheartened. The current situation is grave, but we have witnessed even worst throughout the history. At one time in our history, people would not buy the idea that the autocratic rule will end. But a day came when democratic forces usurped the kings's throne with determination and struggle," he added. Abdullah asked the people to keep the faith and follow the path shown by the prophet of Islam. "In this hour of grief and uncertainty, we should not let anxiety and hopelessness overpower us. We should follow the teaching of the prophet of Islam in our day-to-day lives. Hopelessness is a curse," he said. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the NC had to face many challenges since its inception and that scores of party functionaries were "preyed upon by the monster of conflict". "Our party was back-stabbed by many political shenanigans and turncoats, but history bears testimony to how they eventually faded on their own. The NC is a people's party, we owe our being to people and we are a grassroot-level party," he added. Abdullah said the state's special status was "infringed upon by the machinations of national political parties, including the Congress and the BJP, and their attitude has not changed". "The current situation is no different. People should remain watchful of crafty politicians who are products of these machinations. Self-respect and dignity of our state should not be bartered for a few pennies," he added.

Farooq Abdullah urges India, Pak to start sustained dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue

Amid protests in Mizoram demanding the removal of the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged the Mizoram government to take all possible measures required to ensure peaceful polls in the state.

The Election Commission in a letter to the Mizoram government also informed that the Principal Secretary (Home) L Chuaungo has been removed from his post after observing the sequence of past two months and his role, in great detail.

Chuaungo's removal came after Shashank earlier complained to the EC about the interference of the state in the upcoming assembly elections.

He also mentioned Chuaungo's alleged involvement in the revision of the electoral rolls and using the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

The people of Mizoram have been protesting against Shashank, alleging that he is biased in conducting the upcoming Mizoram Assembly Elections.

In the complaint letter, he mentioned the alleged insensitivity regarding voting rights of the Bru community of Mizoram, who stay in relief camps in Tripura.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding Shashank's removal.

A three-member committee has also been constituted by the EC to look into the matter.Mizoram will go to polls on November 28.

Results will be declared on December 11. It is the only state in the North-East where the Congress party is currently in power.&nbsp;

Amid protests in Mizoram demanding the removal of the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged the Mizoram government to take all possible measures required to ensure peaceful polls in the state.

Amid protests in Mizoram demanding the removal of the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged the Mizoram government to take all possible measures required to ensure peaceful polls in the state. The Election Commission in a letter to the Mizoram government also informed that the Principal Secretary (Home) L Chuaungo has been removed from his post after observing the sequence of past two months and his role, in great detail. Chuaungo's removal came after Shashank earlier complained to the EC about the interference of the state in the upcoming assembly elections. He also mentioned Chuaungo's alleged involvement in the revision of the electoral rolls and using the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The people of Mizoram have been protesting against Shashank, alleging that he is biased in conducting the upcoming Mizoram Assembly Elections. In the complaint letter, he mentioned the alleged insensitivity regarding voting rights of the Bru community of Mizoram, who stay in relief camps in Tripura. Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding Shashank's removal. A three-member committee has also been constituted by the EC to look into the matter.Mizoram will go to polls on November 28. Results will be declared on December 11. It is the only state in the North-East where the Congress party is currently in power.

EC requests Mizoram government to ensure peaceful polls

The Election commission of India Wednesday set up a high-level committee headed by a deputy election commissioner to hold talks with protestors seeking ouster of the Mizoram poll panel chief.

In a statement, the ECI said it has accepted the broad contours of the resolution passed by the Mizoram's NGOs coordination committee, spearheading the protest, after its delegation's deliberations with the EC.

"The Election Commission has also decided to depute a high-level team led by Mizoram Deputy election Commissioner Sudeep Jain to hold further deliberations on their resolution," the statement said.

Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte, who is also a Mizo, has been included in the EC panel.&nbsp;

The ECI set up the panel hours after the protests demanding the ouster of Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank were called off in Aizawl by the NGO Coordination Committee Wednesday.

The protests were called off at 1 pm after the state election officials, including the Mizoram CEO, summoned by the ECI, left for New Delhi, state NGOs coordination committee chairman Vanlalruata said.

The CEO left for New Delhi by an evening flight. Earlier in the day, Shashank said he has been summoned by the Election Commission and would meet the poll panel in the national capital Thursday.

The agitation demanding his removal was launched Tuesday. It was resumed Wednesday morning by a large number of Young Mizo Association members demonstrating in front of the CEO's office from 8 am. The protestors later dispersed.

The Mizoram is slated to go to polls November 28 to elect its new assembly.

Vanlalruata said the NGOs' coordination committee would wait and watch the decision taken by the Election Commission of India on the state CEO.

"If Shashank comes back, the agitation will be relaunched," Vanlalruata said.

The state NGOs coordination committee, the apex body of civil societies and students' organisations of the north-eastern state, has been demanding that Shashank be replaced and transferred outside the state.

It has also demanded that 11,232 Bru voters lodged in six Tripura relief camps be allowed to exercise their franchise at their respective polling stations in

Mizoram and not in Tripura as committed by the poll panel in 2014.

The committee had called for Shashank's exit from the state shortly after the Election Commission (EC) removed the state's Principal Secretary (Home) Lalnunmawia Chuaungo.

He had allegedly sought deployment of additional central armed police forces (CAPF) in the state which did not go down well with the committee.

On Monday, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that "as people have lost faith in him (Shashank), the only solution for the smooth conduct of the 2008 assembly elections would be removal of CEO S B Shashank from office forthwith."

The meeting of a visiting three-member EC team, state government officials and the leaders of the NGOs coordination committee on the current standoff here Tuesday night had remained inconclusive as the team said the final call would be made by the commission.

The team members said they would submit their findings to the commission.

The agitators are also protesting against the removal of Chuaungo, a Mizoram native and Gujarat-cadre IAS officer.

Thousands of people from Bru community had fled Mizoram in 1997 following ethnic clashes. They have since been lodged in six relief camps in Tripura.

In the past too, the civil society organisations had opposed the Election Commission's decision to conduct electoral revision of Bru voters in Tripura relief camps.

They urged the EC to defranchise all Bru voters who chose to stay back in Tripura and did not return to Mizoram.

A 12-hour bandh was observed at Mamit town on Tuesday along the Mizoram-Tripura-Bangladesh border to support the agitation against the Mizoram CEO. Rallies and pickets were organised by the NGO Coordination Committee across the state.&nbsp;

The Election commission of India Wednesday set up a high-level committee headed by a deputy election commissioner to hold talks with protestors seeking ouster of the Mizoram poll panel chief.

The Election commission of India Wednesday set up a high-level committee headed by a deputy election commissioner to hold talks with protestors seeking ouster of the Mizoram poll panel chief. In a statement, the ECI said it has accepted the broad contours of the resolution passed by the Mizoram's NGOs coordination committee, spearheading the protest, after its delegation's deliberations with the EC. "The Election Commission has also decided to depute a high-level team led by Mizoram Deputy election Commissioner Sudeep Jain to hold further deliberations on their resolution," the statement said. Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte, who is also a Mizo, has been included in the EC panel. The ECI set up the panel hours after the protests demanding the ouster of Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank were called off in Aizawl by the NGO Coordination Committee Wednesday. The protests were called off at 1 pm after the state election officials, including the Mizoram CEO, summoned by the ECI, left for New Delhi, state NGOs coordination committee chairman Vanlalruata said. The CEO left for New Delhi by an evening flight. Earlier in the day, Shashank said he has been summoned by the Election Commission and would meet the poll panel in the national capital Thursday. The agitation demanding his removal was launched Tuesday. It was resumed Wednesday morning by a large number of Young Mizo Association members demonstrating in front of the CEO's office from 8 am. The protestors later dispersed. The Mizoram is slated to go to polls November 28 to elect its new assembly. Vanlalruata said the NGOs' coordination committee would wait and watch the decision taken by the Election Commission of India on the state CEO. "If Shashank comes back, the agitation will be relaunched," Vanlalruata said. The state NGOs coordination committee, the apex body of civil societies and students' organisations of the north-eastern state, has been demanding that Shashank be replaced and transferred outside the state. It has also demanded that 11,232 Bru voters lodged in six Tripura relief camps be allowed to exercise their franchise at their respective polling stations in Mizoram and not in Tripura as committed by the poll panel in 2014. The committee had called for Shashank's exit from the state shortly after the Election Commission (EC) removed the state's Principal Secretary (Home) Lalnunmawia Chuaungo. He had allegedly sought deployment of additional central armed police forces (CAPF) in the state which did not go down well with the committee. On Monday, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that "as people have lost faith in him (Shashank), the only solution for the smooth conduct of the 2008 assembly elections would be removal of CEO S B Shashank from office forthwith." The meeting of a visiting three-member EC team, state government officials and the leaders of the NGOs coordination committee on the current standoff here Tuesday night had remained inconclusive as the team said the final call would be made by the commission. The team members said they would submit their findings to the commission. The agitators are also protesting against the removal of Chuaungo, a Mizoram native and Gujarat-cadre IAS officer. Thousands of people from Bru community had fled Mizoram in 1997 following ethnic clashes. They have since been lodged in six relief camps in Tripura. In the past too, the civil society organisations had opposed the Election Commission's decision to conduct electoral revision of Bru voters in Tripura relief camps. They urged the EC to defranchise all Bru voters who chose to stay back in Tripura and did not return to Mizoram. A 12-hour bandh was observed at Mamit town on Tuesday along the Mizoram-Tripura-Bangladesh border to support the agitation against the Mizoram CEO. Rallies and pickets were organised by the NGO Coordination Committee across the state.

EC sets up panel to look into Mizos' demand for ouster of state poll panel chief

Congress on Wednesday released its fourth list of candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh, who recently joined hands with the Rahul Gandhi-led party, has been given a ticket from Waraseoni, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Congress, earlier in the day, released its third of candidates for poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. The list included a flurry of new faces and included 13 candidates.&nbsp;

The party has dropped Pandhurna Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA Jatan Uikey and replaced him with Neelesh Uikey, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan's brother in law Sanjay Singh to contest from Waraseoni on a Congress ticket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/assemblyelections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#assemblyelections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z5ZgKLelHx">https://t.co/Z5ZgKLelHx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1060189994973839361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Loyalists of Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath and Guna Member of Parliament or MP Jyotiraditya Scindia also found place on the list.

Both Scindia and Nath, the sitting lawmaker from Chhindwara seat, are believed to be the top contenders for the chief minister's post from the Congress.

With the latest list issued Monday night, the Congress has so far announced 184 nominees for the total 230 assembly constituencies.

The announcement for the remaining 46 candidates is awaited, only three days are left for filing nominations.

The BJP-ruled state has a total of 230 assembly seats, the Congress has 57 MLAs in Madhya Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Congress on Wednesday released its fourth list of candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh, who recently joined hands with the Rahul Gandhi-led party, has been given a ticket from Waraseoni, news agency ANI reported.

Congress on Wednesday released its fourth list of candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh, who recently joined hands with the Rahul Gandhi-led party, has been given a ticket from Waraseoni, news agency ANI reported. Congress, earlier in the day, released its third of candidates for poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. The list included a flurry of new faces and included 13 candidates. The party has dropped Pandhurna Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA Jatan Uikey and replaced him with Neelesh Uikey, news agency PTI reported. Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan's brother in law Sanjay Singh to contest from Waraseoni on a Congress ticket #assemblyelections2018 https://t.co/Z5ZgKLelHx — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2018 × Loyalists of Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath and Guna Member of Parliament or MP Jyotiraditya Scindia also found place on the list. Both Scindia and Nath, the sitting lawmaker from Chhindwara seat, are believed to be the top contenders for the chief minister's post from the Congress. With the latest list issued Monday night, the Congress has so far announced 184 nominees for the total 230 assembly constituencies. The announcement for the remaining 46 candidates is awaited, only three days are left for filing nominations. The BJP-ruled state has a total of 230 assembly seats, the Congress has 57 MLAs in Madhya Pradesh. (With inputs from agencies)

Madhya Pradesh polls: Congress releases fourth list, CM Chouhan's brother-in-law to contest from Waraseoni

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asked the Delhi Police to change its attitude and treat the people in a friendlier manner.

He said that the police officials should pay more attention towards this."If someone comes to the police station to lodge a complaint, can`t we talk to them politely? If a complainant is waiting for hours, can`t we ask them for water?" Singh asked.

Singh`s comments came while addressing the gathering on the occasion of the flagging off a fleet of 300 modified motorcycles-- Raftaar of Delhi Police--to tackle street crimes and make the city safer for women.

The Home Minister also asked the Delhi Police to become a role model for other states Police forces. He also asked it to take stern action against those involved in criminal activities.

Singh said, "I will ask Police Commissioner to ensure arrangements of tea stalls for complainants at police stations if possible and the Home Ministry will provide funds for it. Why can`t police personnel present themselves as role models?"

Speaking about enhancing the strength of the police, Singh said that the Home Ministry is considering filling up 12,000 posts out of which approval has been given for the recruitment of 4,000 posts.

The Home Minister said that 300 more such modified motorcycles would be inducted soon in the Delhi Police for better patrolling.These motorcycles are equipped with modern communications technology, GPS and alarm system.

Delhi LG Anil Baijal and Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik were also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asked the Delhi Police to change its attitude and treat the people in a friendlier manner. He said that the police officials should pay more attention towards this.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asked the Delhi Police to change its attitude and treat the people in a friendlier manner. He said that the police officials should pay more attention towards this."If someone comes to the police station to lodge a complaint, can`t we talk to them politely? If a complainant is waiting for hours, can`t we ask them for water?" Singh asked. Singh`s comments came while addressing the gathering on the occasion of the flagging off a fleet of 300 modified motorcycles-- Raftaar of Delhi Police--to tackle street crimes and make the city safer for women. The Home Minister also asked the Delhi Police to become a role model for other states Police forces. He also asked it to take stern action against those involved in criminal activities. Singh said, "I will ask Police Commissioner to ensure arrangements of tea stalls for complainants at police stations if possible and the Home Ministry will provide funds for it. Why can`t police personnel present themselves as role models?" Speaking about enhancing the strength of the police, Singh said that the Home Ministry is considering filling up 12,000 posts out of which approval has been given for the recruitment of 4,000 posts. The Home Minister said that 300 more such modified motorcycles would be inducted soon in the Delhi Police for better patrolling.These motorcycles are equipped with modern communications technology, GPS and alarm system. Delhi LG Anil Baijal and Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik were also present on the occasion.

Rajnath asks Delhi Police to treat people politely

Congress leader and former Union minister Kapil Sibal has accused the CEO of French aviation company Dassault of trying to hide the truth in the 2016 sale of 36 Rafale planes to India and warned that the company is "falling into its own trap."

"Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier has deliberately tried in recent interviews to 'muddy the waters' over the Rafale deal and Dassault now is trying to hide the truth. Unfortunately it is falling into its own trap," Sibal told reporters here Tuesday night.

"I would warn Dassault that the more they continue to hide the deal, the more likely it is that they will get into serious trouble in time to come," he said.

He said, "we are asking the CEO of Dassault not to muddy the water. We want an inquiry as there is corruption at the highest level in the deal."

Congress party has escalated its campaign against the Modi government over the Rafale deal in recent weeks, with its president Rahul Gandhi alleging that the government forced Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the deal.

However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false.

Under Indian defence procurement rules, foreign companies winning contracts must "offset" or reinvest half the total value - in this case around eight billion euros - in joint ventures or purchases with Indian firms.

Sibal said he was also worried about "what is happening in the economic field and sought to know why the banks are selling their non-productive assets to two or three entities and who is backing the bidders.

"There are various forms of corruption, some hidden and some open."&nbsp;

Congress leader and former Union minister Kapil Sibal has accused the CEO of French aviation company Dassault of trying to hide the truth in the 2016 sale of 36 Rafale planes to India and warned that the company is "falling into its own trap.

Congress leader and former Union minister Kapil Sibal has accused the CEO of French aviation company Dassault of trying to hide the truth in the 2016 sale of 36 Rafale planes to India and warned that the company is "falling into its own trap." "Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier has deliberately tried in recent interviews to 'muddy the waters' over the Rafale deal and Dassault now is trying to hide the truth. Unfortunately it is falling into its own trap," Sibal told reporters here Tuesday night. "I would warn Dassault that the more they continue to hide the deal, the more likely it is that they will get into serious trouble in time to come," he said. He said, "we are asking the CEO of Dassault not to muddy the water. We want an inquiry as there is corruption at the highest level in the deal." Congress party has escalated its campaign against the Modi government over the Rafale deal in recent weeks, with its president Rahul Gandhi alleging that the government forced Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the deal. However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false. Under Indian defence procurement rules, foreign companies winning contracts must "offset" or reinvest half the total value - in this case around eight billion euros - in joint ventures or purchases with Indian firms. Sibal said he was also worried about "what is happening in the economic field and sought to know why the banks are selling their non-productive assets to two or three entities and who is backing the bidders. "There are various forms of corruption, some hidden and some open."

Sibal accuses Dassault Aviation's CEO of trying to hide truth in Rafale deal

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-democrats-scent-victory-over-trumps-republicans-in-congress-175944">US midterms: Democrats scent victory over Trump's Republicans in Congress</a>

Democrats began to scent a big night in the US midterm elections Tuesday with early results pointing to them seizing the House of Representatives from the Republicans in what would be a dramatic rebuke to President Donald Trump.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-snatch-first-congress-seats-from-republicans-in-us-midterms-175929">Democrats snatch first Congress seats from Republicans in US midterms</a>

Democrats seized their first two Republican-held seats of the US midterm elections Tuesday, networks projected, flipping House seats in Virginia and Florida seen as crucial to the opposition party's effort to regain a majority in the chamber.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-exempts-indian-backed-chabahar-port-in-iran-from-sanctions-175922">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-exempts-indian-backed-chabahar-port-in-iran-from-sanctions-175922"> exempts Indian-backed Chabahar port in Iran from sanctions</a>

The United States said Tuesday it would exempt Iran's Indian-backed port of Chabahar from new sanctions on Tehran, recognizing the value of the project to Afghanistan.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vice-president-mike-pences-brother-greg-elected-to-us-congress-175932">Vice-President Mike Pence's older brother Greg elected to US Congress</a>

Greg Pence, the older brother of US Vice President Mike Pence, won a seat in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday soon after polls began closing in the midterm elections. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/metoo-brexit-environment-inspire-new-dictionary-entries-175923">Metoo</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/metoo-brexit-environment-inspire-new-dictionary-entries-175923">, Brexit are now in the dictionary, 'single-use' is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/metoo-brexit-environment-inspire-new-dictionary-entries-175923">word</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/metoo-brexit-environment-inspire-new-dictionary-entries-175923"> of the year</a>

"Single-use" was named the Collins Dictionary word of the year on Wednesday, following a four-fold increase in usage since 2013 in a reflection of increased concerns about sustainability.

US midterms: Democrats scent victory over Trump's Republicans in Congress Democrats began to scent a big night in the US midterm elections Tuesday with early results pointing to them seizing the House of Representatives from the Republicans in what would be a dramatic rebuke to President Donald Trump.

US midterms: Democrats scent victory over Trump's Republicans in Congress Democrats began to scent a big night in the US midterm elections Tuesday with early results pointing to them seizing the House of Representatives from the Republicans in what would be a dramatic rebuke to President Donald Trump. Democrats snatch first Congress seats from Republicans in US midterms Democrats seized their first two Republican-held seats of the US midterm elections Tuesday, networks projected, flipping House seats in Virginia and Florida seen as crucial to the opposition party's effort to regain a majority in the chamber. US exempts Indian-backed Chabahar port in Iran from sanctions The United States said Tuesday it would exempt Iran's Indian-backed port of Chabahar from new sanctions on Tehran, recognizing the value of the project to Afghanistan. Vice-President Mike Pence's older brother Greg elected to US Congress Greg Pence, the older brother of US Vice President Mike Pence, won a seat in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday soon after polls began closing in the midterm elections. Metoo, Brexit are now in the dictionary, 'single-use' is word of the year "Single-use" was named the Collins Dictionary word of the year on Wednesday, following a four-fold increase in usage since 2013 in a reflection of increased concerns about sustainability.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan Wednesday said his party Makkal Needhi Maiam was ready to face the bypolls for 20 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu whenever they were held.

"At this point of time, we can say bypolls may be conducted. I do not know whether it will be held definitely. Suppose, if it is conducted, Makkal Needhi Maiam is ready to face it", he said.

Haasan was addressing reporters here on the occasion of his 64th birthday.

Bypolls are due in the 20 constituencies, which have fallen vacant following the Madras High Court last month upholding the disqualification of the 18 AIADMK MLAs who back Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader TTV Dhinakaran and in view of demise of two sitting members, including DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi.

Answering a question, Haasan said his basic objective was to facilitate healthy politics.

"When you say healthy politics, it also holds the meaning of being scam free. If we do healthy politics, everyone can strongly hope that all sectors will see growth", he said.

The popular actor said, "I do not make any promises wherever I go. But, I receive it from them (people) instead. They all unanimously promised me that they made a mistake by accepting money for vote and that they will not do that again. I hope they will fulfil it", he said.

He dismissed the allegation of local Congress leader 'Karate' Thiagarajan that his party was acting like a "mouth piece" of BJP.

In his birthday message to his party members and followers released on Sunday, Haasan has slammed "existing political parties and politicians" for viewing welfare as 'alms' and charged that they indulge in corruption as if it is their full-time occupation.

The actor had also exhorted them to take up welfare activities rather than meeting him to wish him on his birthday.&nbsp;

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan Wednesday said his party Makkal Needhi Maiam was ready to face the bypolls for 20 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu whenever they were held.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan Wednesday said his party Makkal Needhi Maiam was ready to face the bypolls for 20 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu whenever they were held. "At this point of time, we can say bypolls may be conducted. I do not know whether it will be held definitely. Suppose, if it is conducted, Makkal Needhi Maiam is ready to face it", he said. Haasan was addressing reporters here on the occasion of his 64th birthday. Bypolls are due in the 20 constituencies, which have fallen vacant following the Madras High Court last month upholding the disqualification of the 18 AIADMK MLAs who back Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader TTV Dhinakaran and in view of demise of two sitting members, including DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi. Answering a question, Haasan said his basic objective was to facilitate healthy politics. "When you say healthy politics, it also holds the meaning of being scam free. If we do healthy politics, everyone can strongly hope that all sectors will see growth", he said. The popular actor said, "I do not make any promises wherever I go. But, I receive it from them (people) instead. They all unanimously promised me that they made a mistake by accepting money for vote and that they will not do that again. I hope they will fulfil it", he said. He dismissed the allegation of local Congress leader 'Karate' Thiagarajan that his party was acting like a "mouth piece" of BJP. In his birthday message to his party members and followers released on Sunday, Haasan has slammed "existing political parties and politicians" for viewing welfare as 'alms' and charged that they indulge in corruption as if it is their full-time occupation. The actor had also exhorted them to take up welfare activities rather than meeting him to wish him on his birthday.

My party ready to face Tamil Nadu bypolls: Kamal Haasan

After UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to name Faizabad distrct as Ayodhya, he comfirmed on Wednesday that a grand statue of Lord Ram will soon be built in Ayodhya.

“Sri Ram ki ek darshaniya murti sthapit ho,bhumi ke anusar uske bare mein charcha karenge. Pujaniya murti mandir mein hogi, lekin ek darshaniya murti jo yahan ki pehchan ban sake. Hum wo sari vyavasthaein karenge jisse astha ka samman bhi ho aur Ayodhya ki pehchan ban sake (The establishment of Sri Ram's visiting statue will be discussed as per land requirements. The statue will be placed in the temple, but it will be the identity of Ayodhya. We'll arrange all the nesseccities to make the statue the pride of Ayodhya),” said the chief minister.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sri Ram ki ek darshaniya murti sthapit ho,bhumi ke anusar uske bare mein charcha karenge. Pujaniya murti mandir mein hogi, lekin ek darshaniya murti jo yahan ki pehchan ban sake. Hum wo sari vyavasthaein karenge jisse astha ka samman bhi ho aur Ayodhya ki pehchan ban sake: UP CM <a href="https://t.co/7j30uWNeWX">pic.twitter.com/7j30uWNeWX</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1060052829677805568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He made the announcement while addressing the crowd at "Deepotsav" on Diwali eve.

The Uttar Pradesh government had announced its intention to build a landmark statue of Lord Ram last year, but there has been no progress since.&nbsp; 
Adityanath informed that the land for the statue has already been identified, which will be built through partial crowd-funding.

While the airport will be named after Lord Ram, the medical college will be named after Raja Dasrath, the father of Lord Ram in the epic Ramayana.

After UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to name Faizabad distrct as Ayodhya, he comfirmed on Wednesday that a grand statue of Lord Ram will soon be built in Ayodhya.

After UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to name Faizabad distrct as Ayodhya, he comfirmed on Wednesday that a grand statue of Lord Ram will soon be built in Ayodhya. “Sri Ram ki ek darshaniya murti sthapit ho,bhumi ke anusar uske bare mein charcha karenge. Pujaniya murti mandir mein hogi, lekin ek darshaniya murti jo yahan ki pehchan ban sake. Hum wo sari vyavasthaein karenge jisse astha ka samman bhi ho aur Ayodhya ki pehchan ban sake (The establishment of Sri Ram's visiting statue will be discussed as per land requirements. The statue will be placed in the temple, but it will be the identity of Ayodhya. We'll arrange all the nesseccities to make the statue the pride of Ayodhya),” said the chief minister. Sri Ram ki ek darshaniya murti sthapit ho,bhumi ke anusar uske bare mein charcha karenge. Pujaniya murti mandir mein hogi, lekin ek darshaniya murti jo yahan ki pehchan ban sake. Hum wo sari vyavasthaein karenge jisse astha ka samman bhi ho aur Ayodhya ki pehchan ban sake: UP CM pic.twitter.com/7j30uWNeWX — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 7, 2018 × He made the announcement while addressing the crowd at "Deepotsav" on Diwali eve. The Uttar Pradesh government had announced its intention to build a landmark statue of Lord Ram last year, but there has been no progress since. Adityanath informed that the land for the statue has already been identified, which will be built through partial crowd-funding. While the airport will be named after Lord Ram, the medical college will be named after Raja Dasrath, the father of Lord Ram in the epic Ramayana.

Will build grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya soon, says Yogi Adityanath

The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered three cases, including one against the ruling AAP's MLA Amanatullah Khan, in connection with the ruckus at the inaugural function of Signature Bridge.

The cases have been referred to the Crime Branch of Delhi Police for investigation.

Three cases have been registered at New Usmanpur police station under North East district in connection with the incidents during the inauguration of the Signature Bridge, Delhi Police said in a statement.

The cases have been registered on complaints of Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari, his colleague B N Jha and an an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) worker Taukir, it said.

"All the three cases are being referred to crime branch for further investigation," the statement said.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Eastern Range) Ravindra Yadav said a case has been registered against Khan on a complaint filed by Tiwari.

The state BJP president alleged in his complaint that Khan pushed him down and threatened to shoot him.

Tiwari and his supporters allegedly got into a scuffle with AAP members and police at the inaugural event of the newly-built Signature Bridge here on Sunday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader had gone to the event to stage a protest for allegedly not being invited to the inauguration despite being Member of Parliament from the area.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain had directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Manoj Parida to lodge a police complaint against Tiwari for allegedly indulging in violence at the Signature Bridge inauguration.

In his note to Parida, Jain said Tiwari and his associates indulged in hooliganism to overawe the highest functionaries of the government at the event where Chief 
Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other cabinet ministers were present.

"Manoj Tiwari and his associates formed unlawful assembly, forcibly entered (reached the) dias with the intention to attack and harm the chief minister and council of ministers and create ruckus, obstructed and assaulted public servant..." Jain said in the note.

"It is therefore directed that home department immediately lodges a formal complaint with the CP (commissioner of police) and concerned DCP/police station against Manoj Tiwari and his associates..." he said.

Jain said a CD containing various videos of the event showed the "lawlessness" Tiwari and his associates indulged in.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the Delhi Police of "inaction" in dealing with those responsible for the ruckus at the event and demanded that it register a case against Tiwari.

In a letter written to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, he asked why Tiwari had not been booked even 48 hours after the incident.

He said the police in the country, particularly in Delhi, worked under "tremendous political pressure".

Earlier on Tuesday, BJP leaders and workers staged protests across Delhi, demanding Khan's arrest and waved black flags at Kejriwal in Nand Nagri, where he had gone to attend an official function.

The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered three cases, including one against the ruling AAP's MLA Amanatullah Khan, in connection with the ruckus at the inaugural function of Signature Bridge.

The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered three cases, including one against the ruling AAP's MLA Amanatullah Khan, in connection with the ruckus at the inaugural function of Signature Bridge. The cases have been referred to the Crime Branch of Delhi Police for investigation. Three cases have been registered at New Usmanpur police station under North East district in connection with the incidents during the inauguration of the Signature Bridge, Delhi Police said in a statement. The cases have been registered on complaints of Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari, his colleague B N Jha and an an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) worker Taukir, it said. "All the three cases are being referred to crime branch for further investigation," the statement said. Joint Commissioner of Police (Eastern Range) Ravindra Yadav said a case has been registered against Khan on a complaint filed by Tiwari. The state BJP president alleged in his complaint that Khan pushed him down and threatened to shoot him. Tiwari and his supporters allegedly got into a scuffle with AAP members and police at the inaugural event of the newly-built Signature Bridge here on Sunday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader had gone to the event to stage a protest for allegedly not being invited to the inauguration despite being Member of Parliament from the area. Earlier in the day, Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain had directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Manoj Parida to lodge a police complaint against Tiwari for allegedly indulging in violence at the Signature Bridge inauguration. In his note to Parida, Jain said Tiwari and his associates indulged in hooliganism to overawe the highest functionaries of the government at the event where Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other cabinet ministers were present. "Manoj Tiwari and his associates formed unlawful assembly, forcibly entered (reached the) dias with the intention to attack and harm the chief minister and council of ministers and create ruckus, obstructed and assaulted public servant..." Jain said in the note. "It is therefore directed that home department immediately lodges a formal complaint with the CP (commissioner of police) and concerned DCP/police station against Manoj Tiwari and his associates..." he said. Jain said a CD containing various videos of the event showed the "lawlessness" Tiwari and his associates indulged in. AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the Delhi Police of "inaction" in dealing with those responsible for the ruckus at the event and demanded that it register a case against Tiwari. In a letter written to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, he asked why Tiwari had not been booked even 48 hours after the incident. He said the police in the country, particularly in Delhi, worked under "tremendous political pressure". Earlier on Tuesday, BJP leaders and workers staged protests across Delhi, demanding Khan's arrest and waved black flags at Kejriwal in Nand Nagri, where he had gone to attend an official function.

AAP legislator booked for ruckus during Signature Bridge inauguration in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he would celebrate Diwali with Army jawans and share pictures of his experience.

Responding to Diwali greetings from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special."

He said he would share the photos of the same Wednesday evening.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Bibi, my friend, thank you so much for the Diwali wishes. 
 
Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special. 
 
I will share photos of the same tomorrow evening. :) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a> <a href="https://t.co/gnouOA3QGt">https://t.co/gnouOA3QGt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1059842760159694849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Modi also thanked Bibi, as Netanyahu is called, for the Diwali wishes.

Sources in the government had Monday said that the prime minister would offer prayers at the Kedarnath shrine on Wednesday.

"On behalf of the people of Israel, I would like to wish my dear friend @narendramodi and the people of India a joyous Diwali. May this luminous festival of lights bring you happiness and prosperity. Reply to this tweet with the name of the city where you're celebrating!," the Israel premier had tweeted.

After becoming the prime minister in 2014, Modi had spent Diwali at Siachen with Army jawans.

In 2015, he had visited the Punjab border on Diwali. His visit had coincided with 50 years of the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

The next year, Modi was in Himachal Pradesh, where he spent time with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel at a border outpost.

He had spent his fourth Diwali as prime minister with soldiers at Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he would celebrate Diwali with Army jawans and share pictures of his experience. Responding to Diwali greetings from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he would celebrate Diwali with Army jawans and share pictures of his experience. Responding to Diwali greetings from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special." He said he would share the photos of the same Wednesday evening. Bibi, my friend, thank you so much for the Diwali wishes. Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special. I will share photos of the same tomorrow evening. :) @netanyahu https://t.co/gnouOA3QGt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2018 × Modi also thanked Bibi, as Netanyahu is called, for the Diwali wishes. Sources in the government had Monday said that the prime minister would offer prayers at the Kedarnath shrine on Wednesday. "On behalf of the people of Israel, I would like to wish my dear friend @narendramodi and the people of India a joyous Diwali. May this luminous festival of lights bring you happiness and prosperity. Reply to this tweet with the name of the city where you're celebrating!," the Israel premier had tweeted. After becoming the prime minister in 2014, Modi had spent Diwali at Siachen with Army jawans. In 2015, he had visited the Punjab border on Diwali. His visit had coincided with 50 years of the 1965 Indo-Pak war. The next year, Modi was in Himachal Pradesh, where he spent time with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel at a border outpost. He had spent his fourth Diwali as prime minister with soldiers at Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

PM Modi in Kedarnath today, will spend Diwali with soldiers

Pollution Levels rise in New Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Kedarnath on Diwali

The so-called Samosa Caucus - informal group of the Indian Americans in the US Congress - failed to increase its strength, even as its all four incumbent members were most likely to be re-elected to the House of Representative in the highly polarised midterm elections held Tuesday.

None of the more than half a dozen new Indian Americans candidates, many of whom caught national attention by giving tough fight to their opponents and outraising them in the fund raisers, could make it to the House of Representatives, which is equivalent to Lok Sabha in the Indian parliament.

However, Indian-Americans picked up more seats in the State assemblies. The community sent its member Ram Villivalam for the first time to the Illinois Senate and also elected a Muslim Indian-American Mujtaba Mohammed to the North Carolina State Senate.

Chicago-born Villivalam, elected unopposed, also became the first Asian-American State Senator and the first South Asian-American member of Illinois General Assembly ever. 
 
For the first time, more than 100 Indian-Americans had entered the race in this mid-term elections, of which over 50 were on the ballot on Tuesday.&nbsp; Among them 12, including four incumbents, were running for the House and one for the Senate: a record in itself.

In the eighth Congressional District of Illinois Raja Krishnamoorthi defeated his Republican Indian-American rival Jitender Diganvker. Krishnamoorthi would serve second term in the US House of Representatives.

Pramila Jayapal, the first Indian American to be elected to the House of Representative in 2016, registered her second consecutive win from the seventh Congressional District of Washington State. In little less than two years, she has emerged nationally as the champion of immigrants, workers and human rights.

Ro Khanna was expected to easily sailed through the race for the House of Representatives from the 17th Congressional District of California as he took an impressive lead over his GOP rival Ron Cohen. He was elected for the first time in 2016.

Three-term Congressman Ami Bera, the senior-most among lawmakers in the Samosa caucus, had taken a lead of about 2,500 votes over his Republican rival Andrew Grant, with over 96 per cent of the votes being counted in the seventh Congressional District of California.&nbsp;

Notably, his previous three electoral victories came only after recounting of votes which took several weeks before the results were finally declared.

Indian-American of Tibetan descent Aftab Pureval, 35, lost to GOP incumbent Steve Chabot. He was the first Democrat to get elected as the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in more than 100 years.&nbsp;

Indian-American woman Anita Malik lost to her Republican incumbent in the sixth District of Arizona, while Hiral Tipirneni was trailing behind GOP rival Debbie Lesko in the early tabulations.

Former State Department diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni lost to his GOP incumbent Pete Olson from the 22nd Congressional District of Texas.

A five-time incumbent, Rep Olson defeated his Indian-American Democratic challenger in the most heated 22nd Congressional District that the opposition had hoped to flip due to a large Asian-American population.

The 40-year-old relied heavily on his ability to connect with the district's diverse population to give Democrats hope that he could pull off an upset in the district.&nbsp;

About 20 per cent of the population here is of Asian heritage - more than any other district in Texas.

Sanjay Patel, who runs a successful consulting business, lost to Republican Congressman Bill Posey, who has been winning the eighth Congressional District of Florida continuously since 2009.&nbsp;

In the first Congressional District of Arkansas Democratic Chintan Desai lost to Republican incumbent Rick Crawford, while Republican Harry Arora lost to incumbent Jim Himes in the fourth Congressional District of Connecticut.

Successful entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai, who fought the Massachusetts Senate race as an independent, came a distant third. Democratic leader Elizabeth Warren registered a comprehensive win over her Republican rival Geoff Diehl to re-enter the US Senate.

Democratic Nima Kulkarni defeated Joshua Neubert from the GOP to make her maiden entry into the Kentucky Assembly from State District 40. A practicing and recognized lawyer, she owns Indus Law Firm specializing in immigration, employment and business law.

Mujtaba Mohammed entered the North Carolina State Senate from the Senate District 38. A former staff attorney at the Council for Children's Rights and assistant public defender, Mohammed defeated Richard Rivette.

Incumbent Jay Chaudhuri, an accomplished entrepreneur, was re-elected to North Carolina Senate from the State Senate District 15.

Republican Niraj Atani, 27, registered his third consecutive electoral victory from Ohio House 42nd District. He is the youngest Indian-American elected official in the US. He also is the second Indian-American state elected official in Ohio history, and the first Indian-American Republican.

"Representing the community in which I was born and raised is an incredible honour. I work hard every day to make it achievable for all Ohioans to have the opportunity to make their American Dream a reality," Atani said in a statement.

In Washington State, Manka Dhingra and Vandana Slatter were re-elected for the State Senate. Among others re-elected at the State level are Sabi Kumar in Tennessee and Ash Kalra (California).&nbsp;

The so-called Samosa Caucus - informal group of the Indian Americans in the US Congress - failed to increase its strength, even as its all four incumbent members were most likely to be re-elected to the House of Representative in the highly polarised midterm elections held Tuesday.

The so-called Samosa Caucus - informal group of the Indian Americans in the US Congress - failed to increase its strength, even as its all four incumbent members were most likely to be re-elected to the House of Representative in the highly polarised midterm elections held Tuesday. None of the more than half a dozen new Indian Americans candidates, many of whom caught national attention by giving tough fight to their opponents and outraising them in the fund raisers, could make it to the House of Representatives, which is equivalent to Lok Sabha in the Indian parliament. However, Indian-Americans picked up more seats in the State assemblies. The community sent its member Ram Villivalam for the first time to the Illinois Senate and also elected a Muslim Indian-American Mujtaba Mohammed to the North Carolina State Senate. Chicago-born Villivalam, elected unopposed, also became the first Asian-American State Senator and the first South Asian-American member of Illinois General Assembly ever. For the first time, more than 100 Indian-Americans had entered the race in this mid-term elections, of which over 50 were on the ballot on Tuesday. Among them 12, including four incumbents, were running for the House and one for the Senate: a record in itself. In the eighth Congressional District of Illinois Raja Krishnamoorthi defeated his Republican Indian-American rival Jitender Diganvker. Krishnamoorthi would serve second term in the US House of Representatives. Pramila Jayapal, the first Indian American to be elected to the House of Representative in 2016, registered her second consecutive win from the seventh Congressional District of Washington State. In little less than two years, she has emerged nationally as the champion of immigrants, workers and human rights. Ro Khanna was expected to easily sailed through the race for the House of Representatives from the 17th Congressional District of California as he took an impressive lead over his GOP rival Ron Cohen. He was elected for the first time in 2016. Three-term Congressman Ami Bera, the senior-most among lawmakers in the Samosa caucus, had taken a lead of about 2,500 votes over his Republican rival Andrew Grant, with over 96 per cent of the votes being counted in the seventh Congressional District of California. Notably, his previous three electoral victories came only after recounting of votes which took several weeks before the results were finally declared. Indian-American of Tibetan descent Aftab Pureval, 35, lost to GOP incumbent Steve Chabot. He was the first Democrat to get elected as the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in more than 100 years. Indian-American woman Anita Malik lost to her Republican incumbent in the sixth District of Arizona, while Hiral Tipirneni was trailing behind GOP rival Debbie Lesko in the early tabulations. Former State Department diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni lost to his GOP incumbent Pete Olson from the 22nd Congressional District of Texas. A five-time incumbent, Rep Olson defeated his Indian-American Democratic challenger in the most heated 22nd Congressional District that the opposition had hoped to flip due to a large Asian-American population. The 40-year-old relied heavily on his ability to connect with the district's diverse population to give Democrats hope that he could pull off an upset in the district. About 20 per cent of the population here is of Asian heritage - more than any other district in Texas. Sanjay Patel, who runs a successful consulting business, lost to Republican Congressman Bill Posey, who has been winning the eighth Congressional District of Florida continuously since 2009. In the first Congressional District of Arkansas Democratic Chintan Desai lost to Republican incumbent Rick Crawford, while Republican Harry Arora lost to incumbent Jim Himes in the fourth Congressional District of Connecticut. Successful entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai, who fought the Massachusetts Senate race as an independent, came a distant third. Democratic leader Elizabeth Warren registered a comprehensive win over her Republican rival Geoff Diehl to re-enter the US Senate. Democratic Nima Kulkarni defeated Joshua Neubert from the GOP to make her maiden entry into the Kentucky Assembly from State District 40. A practicing and recognized lawyer, she owns Indus Law Firm specializing in immigration, employment and business law. Mujtaba Mohammed entered the North Carolina State Senate from the Senate District 38. A former staff attorney at the Council for Children's Rights and assistant public defender, Mohammed defeated Richard Rivette. Incumbent Jay Chaudhuri, an accomplished entrepreneur, was re-elected to North Carolina Senate from the State Senate District 15. Republican Niraj Atani, 27, registered his third consecutive electoral victory from Ohio House 42nd District. He is the youngest Indian-American elected official in the US. He also is the second Indian-American state elected official in Ohio history, and the first Indian-American Republican. "Representing the community in which I was born and raised is an incredible honour. I work hard every day to make it achievable for all Ohioans to have the opportunity to make their American Dream a reality," Atani said in a statement. In Washington State, Manka Dhingra and Vandana Slatter were re-elected for the State Senate. Among others re-elected at the State level are Sabi Kumar in Tennessee and Ash Kalra (California).

Informal group of Indian-Americans, 'Samosa Caucus', fails to increase its strength in US midterm

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/a-week-after-acquittal-asia-bibi-still-in-prison-176073">Asia Bibi still in prison a week after Pakistan Supreme Court orders her acquittal</a>

One week after the country's highest court ordered her release, Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian who has spent eight years on death row for blasphemy was still in prison Wednesday, with no immediate prospect of freedom.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-it-sees-no-prospects-for-better-russia-us-ties-176060">Kremlin says it sees no prospects for better Russia-US ties</a>

The Kremlin on Wednesday said it saw no bright prospects for an improvement in ties between Russia and the United States any time soon, as Moscow braced for a new raft of US sanctions.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gets-a-boost-of-confidence-but-imf-bailout-still-on-the-cards-176072">Pakistan gets a boost of confidence but IMF bailout still on cards</a>

The Pakistani finance minister's bullish comments declaring the end of an economic crisis have bolstered confidence ahead of crunch talks with the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday, but the country is still likely to need a bailout.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hal-not-contending-to-be-offset-partner-of-any-firm-chairman-176067">HAL not contending to be offset partner of any firm: Chairman</a>

Amid a political slugfest over the Rafale fighter jet deal, state-run HAL's Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan Wednesday said the aircraft manufacturing company is contending not to be an offset partner of any original equipment manufacturer.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-loss-of-us-house-leaves-republicans-more-tied-to-trump-than-ever-176063">Loss of US House leaves Republicans more tied to Trump than ever: Report</a>

Republicans' loss of control of the US House of Representatives will leave the party with a more conservative congressional caucus that is even more bound to President Donald Trump and more united around his provocative rhetoric and hardline agenda.

&nbsp;

Asia Bibi still in prison a week after Pakistan Supreme Court orders her acquittal One week after the country's highest court ordered her release, Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian who has spent eight years on death row for blasphemy was still in prison Wednesday, with no immediate prospect of freedom.

Asia Bibi still in prison a week after Pakistan Supreme Court orders her acquittal One week after the country's highest court ordered her release, Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian who has spent eight years on death row for blasphemy was still in prison Wednesday, with no immediate prospect of freedom. Kremlin says it sees no prospects for better Russia-US ties The Kremlin on Wednesday said it saw no bright prospects for an improvement in ties between Russia and the United States any time soon, as Moscow braced for a new raft of US sanctions. Pakistan gets a boost of confidence but IMF bailout still on cards The Pakistani finance minister's bullish comments declaring the end of an economic crisis have bolstered confidence ahead of crunch talks with the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday, but the country is still likely to need a bailout. HAL not contending to be offset partner of any firm: Chairman Amid a political slugfest over the Rafale fighter jet deal, state-run HAL's Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan Wednesday said the aircraft manufacturing company is contending not to be an offset partner of any original equipment manufacturer. Loss of US House leaves Republicans more tied to Trump than ever: Report Republicans' loss of control of the US House of Representatives will leave the party with a more conservative congressional caucus that is even more bound to President Donald Trump and more united around his provocative rhetoric and hardline agenda.

Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Kiren Rijiju Wednesday took stock of the situation arising out of clashes between Army and Arunachal Pradesh Police personnel here.

Some soldiers had allegedly vandalised the Bomdila police station and assaulted police personnel and civilians last week.

"The Defence Minister (Sitharaman) and I looked into the ongoing conflict between the army and state police personnel. I appeal everyone not to treat it as army versus police and civil administration issue," Rijiju, the Union minister of state for home, told PTI.

Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, said the unfortunate incident that happened at Bomdila on November 2 should be settled amicably through proper understanding.

"Both the army and the police are serving the nation with utmost dedication. An incident can't be allowed to tarnish the image of the great institutions," he said.

Both Sitharaman and Rijiju also met members of the civil society as part of confidence building measures.

Sitharaman is visiting Arunachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali along with soldiers posted in the forward areas along the Sino-Indian border.

The incident happened when a group of soldiers allegedly misbehaved with civilians and police personnel at the Buddha Mahotsav celebrations in Bomdila, officials said.

Following this, the local station house officer went to the spot and two soldiers were brought to police station.

After that some soldiers allegedly vandalised the Bomdila police station, assaulted police personnel and civilians, they said.

Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Kiren Rijiju Wednesday took stock of the situation arising out of clashes between Army and Arunachal Pradesh Police personnel here.

Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Kiren Rijiju Wednesday took stock of the situation arising out of clashes between Army and Arunachal Pradesh Police personnel here. Some soldiers had allegedly vandalised the Bomdila police station and assaulted police personnel and civilians last week. "The Defence Minister (Sitharaman) and I looked into the ongoing conflict between the army and state police personnel. I appeal everyone not to treat it as army versus police and civil administration issue," Rijiju, the Union minister of state for home, told PTI. Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, said the unfortunate incident that happened at Bomdila on November 2 should be settled amicably through proper understanding. "Both the army and the police are serving the nation with utmost dedication. An incident can't be allowed to tarnish the image of the great institutions," he said. Both Sitharaman and Rijiju also met members of the civil society as part of confidence building measures. Sitharaman is visiting Arunachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali along with soldiers posted in the forward areas along the Sino-Indian border. The incident happened when a group of soldiers allegedly misbehaved with civilians and police personnel at the Buddha Mahotsav celebrations in Bomdila, officials said. Following this, the local station house officer went to the spot and two soldiers were brought to police station. After that some soldiers allegedly vandalised the Bomdila police station, assaulted police personnel and civilians, they said.

Sitharaman, Rijiju take stock of Army-police clash issue in Arunachal

Delhi's air quality Wednesday oscillated between "poor" and "very poor" categories as authorities warned of severe deterioration of air quality even if "partial toxic crackers" are burned compared to last year.

The overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 281, which falls in the "poor" category, according the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) recorded the overall air quality index at 319, which falls in "very poor" category. 
Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Noida and Greater Noida recorded "poor" quality air, according to the CPCB.

Eleven areas of Delhi recorded "very poor" air quality while 24 areas recorded "poor" air quality, according to the CPCB data.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

The PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 143 while the PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) was recorded at 281 in Delhi, according to the CPCB data.

The SAFAR has predicted worse quality air for Wednesday evening and Thursday.

"The highest levels of PM10 and PM2.5 are expected between 11AM to 3AM on Wednesday and Thursday. Air Quality will be bad on Thursday and start to improve from Friday even if partial toxic crackers as compared to 2017 is burned," the government-run agency warned.

According to the SAFAR, both stubble burning in surrounding states of Delhi and firecrackers are causing deterioration of air quality in the national capital.

"The fire counts are seen to be very high but it is a combination of stubble burning and widespread firecrackers in that region and need not be confused with stubble only fire," the SAFAR said in a report Wednesday.

It also said that the combination of several rapidly changing weather parameters is playing a key role in controlling the air pollution at this time.

Delhi's air quality is expected to deteriorate to "severe plus emergency" category after Diwali, SAFAR said.

"Even if 50 per cent of the total load of toxic firecrackers as compared to Diwali 2017 is added, the prevailing weather conditions will aggravate the high smoke level and make air quality to persist in severe range for at least two days on November 8 and November 9," it said in a report.

SAFAR has also predicted that the PM10 concentration of Delhi is expected to reach 575 and PM2.5 to 378 on Thursday, recording the worst air quality of the year if fire crackers are burnt, it said.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology said the winds coming from north-westerly direction is bringing the influence of biomass burning to Delhi-NCR which may continue up to Thursday morning.

"The increase in PM2.5 concentration is due to change in wind direction, decrease in wind speeds and contribution from biomass burning," the IITM said.

Delhi's air quality Wednesday oscillated between "poor" and "very poor" categories as authorities warned of severe deterioration of air quality even if "partial toxic crackers" are burned compared to last year.

Delhi's air quality Wednesday oscillated between "poor" and "very poor" categories as authorities warned of severe deterioration of air quality even if "partial toxic crackers" are burned compared to last year. The overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 281, which falls in the "poor" category, according the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) recorded the overall air quality index at 319, which falls in "very poor" category. Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Noida and Greater Noida recorded "poor" quality air, according to the CPCB. Eleven areas of Delhi recorded "very poor" air quality while 24 areas recorded "poor" air quality, according to the CPCB data. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". The PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 143 while the PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) was recorded at 281 in Delhi, according to the CPCB data. The SAFAR has predicted worse quality air for Wednesday evening and Thursday. "The highest levels of PM10 and PM2.5 are expected between 11AM to 3AM on Wednesday and Thursday. Air Quality will be bad on Thursday and start to improve from Friday even if partial toxic crackers as compared to 2017 is burned," the government-run agency warned. According to the SAFAR, both stubble burning in surrounding states of Delhi and firecrackers are causing deterioration of air quality in the national capital. "The fire counts are seen to be very high but it is a combination of stubble burning and widespread firecrackers in that region and need not be confused with stubble only fire," the SAFAR said in a report Wednesday. It also said that the combination of several rapidly changing weather parameters is playing a key role in controlling the air pollution at this time. Delhi's air quality is expected to deteriorate to "severe plus emergency" category after Diwali, SAFAR said. "Even if 50 per cent of the total load of toxic firecrackers as compared to Diwali 2017 is added, the prevailing weather conditions will aggravate the high smoke level and make air quality to persist in severe range for at least two days on November 8 and November 9," it said in a report. SAFAR has also predicted that the PM10 concentration of Delhi is expected to reach 575 and PM2.5 to 378 on Thursday, recording the worst air quality of the year if fire crackers are burnt, it said. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology said the winds coming from north-westerly direction is bringing the influence of biomass burning to Delhi-NCR which may continue up to Thursday morning. "The increase in PM2.5 concentration is due to change in wind direction, decrease in wind speeds and contribution from biomass burning," the IITM said.

Delhi's air quality oscillating between 'poor' and 'very poor': Authorities

Amid a political slugfest over the Rafale fighter jet deal, state-run HAL's Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan Wednesday said the aircraft manufacturing company is contending not to be an offset partner of any original equipment manufacturer.

But it would like to be a "total technology transfer partner" for production of aircraft, he said.

Madhavan's reply came when he was asked to clarify on one among many charges that defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had been deprived of an offset contract from the Rafale deal.

"We are not contending to be an offset partner to any OEM, rather HAL would like to be a total technology transfer partner for production of aircraft," he told PTI here.

He also said HAL's basic focus was on manufacturing of aircraft, helicopters, associated accessories and their repair and overhaul, and not in garnering offset business.

Production of aircraft from transfer of technology is totally different from offsets, according to him.

Some portion of the offset business from various other programmes were being administered at the HAL, but it does not form a major business, Madhavan said.

"HAL will continue to get these offset business," he added.

The Congress recently accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets.

It alleged that the government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal.

However, the Reliance Group, in a statement, has said Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, and has accused the Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains.

Reliance has also said the Indian government, the French government, Dassault and Reliance have clarified on multiple occasions that there was no offset contract for Rs 30,000 crore to Reliance as alleged by the Congress.

Earlier, in an interaction with the media on November 2, Madhavan had said that the HAL was completely out of the Rafale deal, but at one point of time, it was part of it, which did not kick-off.

"We are not in that (Rafale) business now. We were in it at one point of time. It is a direct purchase by the government and (I) cannot make any comments on pricing and policy changes," he had said.

Escalating his campaign against the Modi government over the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi last month accused it of destroying the "strategic asset", state-run aerospace company HAL, and told its employees that "Rafale is your right."

In an interaction, Gandhi had sought to reach out to present and former HAL employees, alleging that "temples of modern India are being attacked and destroyed; we cannot allow it to be done."

The Congress has also been demanding answers on why the HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime.

However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false.&nbsp;

Amid a political slugfest over the Rafale fighter jet deal, state-run HAL's Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan Wednesday said the aircraft manufacturing company is contending not to be an offset partner of any original equipment manufacturer.

Amid a political slugfest over the Rafale fighter jet deal, state-run HAL's Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan Wednesday said the aircraft manufacturing company is contending not to be an offset partner of any original equipment manufacturer. But it would like to be a "total technology transfer partner" for production of aircraft, he said. Madhavan's reply came when he was asked to clarify on one among many charges that defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had been deprived of an offset contract from the Rafale deal. "We are not contending to be an offset partner to any OEM, rather HAL would like to be a total technology transfer partner for production of aircraft," he told PTI here. He also said HAL's basic focus was on manufacturing of aircraft, helicopters, associated accessories and their repair and overhaul, and not in garnering offset business. Production of aircraft from transfer of technology is totally different from offsets, according to him. Some portion of the offset business from various other programmes were being administered at the HAL, but it does not form a major business, Madhavan said. "HAL will continue to get these offset business," he added. The Congress recently accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets. It alleged that the government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal. However, the Reliance Group, in a statement, has said Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, and has accused the Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains. Reliance has also said the Indian government, the French government, Dassault and Reliance have clarified on multiple occasions that there was no offset contract for Rs 30,000 crore to Reliance as alleged by the Congress. Earlier, in an interaction with the media on November 2, Madhavan had said that the HAL was completely out of the Rafale deal, but at one point of time, it was part of it, which did not kick-off. "We are not in that (Rafale) business now. We were in it at one point of time. It is a direct purchase by the government and (I) cannot make any comments on pricing and policy changes," he had said. Escalating his campaign against the Modi government over the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi last month accused it of destroying the "strategic asset", state-run aerospace company HAL, and told its employees that "Rafale is your right." In an interaction, Gandhi had sought to reach out to present and former HAL employees, alleging that "temples of modern India are being attacked and destroyed; we cannot allow it to be done." The Congress has also been demanding answers on why the HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime. However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false.

HAL not contending to be offset partner of any firm: Chairman

Democrat candidates Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland broke new ground on Tuesday, becoming the first Native American women elected to Congress, US networks projected.

Davids, 38, of Kansas, is an attorney by training and a former mixed martial arts fighter. She is also openly lesbian, in a state that is traditionally conservative. She defeated Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder.

Haaland, 57, of New Mexico, beat Janice Arnold-Jones, a Republican, and Lloyd Princeton, a Libertarian.

The two women were among a record number of Native Americans who ran in the midterm elections for congressional seats, governor's offices, state legislatures and other elected posts.

"Strong, Resilient, Indigenous," reads the t-shirt worn by Davids in one of her campaign ads for election in the state's 3rd congressional district, which includes Kansas City and its southern suburbs.

Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe, is a well-known community activist in her solidly Democratic district, working tirelessly to encourage Native Americans -- who make up two percent of the US population -- to vote.

She cut her teeth working as a volunteer for John Kerry's presidential campaign in 2004 -- making endless cold calls to rally Native Americans to vote.

Since then, she has not stopped campaigning: she worked full-time as a volunteer for Barack Obama, and on dozens of local and state campaigns. She ran for lieutenant governor and served one term as the state party chair.

"We need real people who are talking about our issues and know what it feels like," Haaland told AFP in an interview ahead of the elections, in which she ran in New Mexico's 1st congressional district seat.

"We have people in Congress right now who... don't know what it's like" to be without food or proper health care, she said.

She said although her disdain for President Donald Trump's policies on immigration, health care and other issues motivated her to run, that was not the only reason.

Haaland and Davids join a number of Democrats who have flipped seats in the House of Representatives, helping their party seize control of the lower chamber from the Republicans and dealing a stern rebuke to Trump.

Democrat candidates Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland broke new ground on Tuesday, becoming the first Native American women elected to Congress, US networks projected.

Democrat candidates Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland broke new ground on Tuesday, becoming the first Native American women elected to Congress, US networks projected. Davids, 38, of Kansas, is an attorney by training and a former mixed martial arts fighter. She is also openly lesbian, in a state that is traditionally conservative. She defeated Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder. Haaland, 57, of New Mexico, beat Janice Arnold-Jones, a Republican, and Lloyd Princeton, a Libertarian. The two women were among a record number of Native Americans who ran in the midterm elections for congressional seats, governor's offices, state legislatures and other elected posts. "Strong, Resilient, Indigenous," reads the t-shirt worn by Davids in one of her campaign ads for election in the state's 3rd congressional district, which includes Kansas City and its southern suburbs. Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe, is a well-known community activist in her solidly Democratic district, working tirelessly to encourage Native Americans -- who make up two percent of the US population -- to vote. She cut her teeth working as a volunteer for John Kerry's presidential campaign in 2004 -- making endless cold calls to rally Native Americans to vote. Since then, she has not stopped campaigning: she worked full-time as a volunteer for Barack Obama, and on dozens of local and state campaigns. She ran for lieutenant governor and served one term as the state party chair. "We need real people who are talking about our issues and know what it feels like," Haaland told AFP in an interview ahead of the elections, in which she ran in New Mexico's 1st congressional district seat. "We have people in Congress right now who... don't know what it's like" to be without food or proper health care, she said. She said although her disdain for President Donald Trump's policies on immigration, health care and other issues motivated her to run, that was not the only reason. Haaland and Davids join a number of Democrats who have flipped seats in the House of Representatives, helping their party seize control of the lower chamber from the Republicans and dealing a stern rebuke to Trump.

US elects first Native American women to Congress

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news

This Chhattisgarh village has only 4 voters

MP Polls: BJP candidate carries coins in metal pot, case registered

RBI governor Urjit Patel could resign on November 19: Report

Won't cooperate unless CEO is removed: Mizoram government staff

New faces dominate Congress' third list of candidates for Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh polls: Transgender candidate files nomination from Indore

Rajasthan elections: Union minister Shekhawat accuses Congress of selling election tickets

Farooq Abdullah urges India, Pak to start sustained dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue

EC requests Mizoram government to ensure peaceful polls

EC sets up panel to look into Mizos' demand for ouster of state poll panel chief

Madhya Pradesh polls: Congress releases fourth list, CM Chouhan's brother-in-law to contest from Waraseoni

Rajnath asks Delhi Police to treat people politely

Sibal accuses Dassault Aviation's CEO of trying to hide truth in Rafale deal

News brief: Big stories of the day

My party ready to face Tamil Nadu bypolls: Kamal Haasan

Will build grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya soon, says Yogi Adityanath

AAP legislator booked for ruckus during Signature Bridge inauguration in Delhi

PM Modi in Kedarnath today, will spend Diwali with soldiers

Pollution Levels rise in New Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Kedarnath on Diwali

Informal group of Indian-Americans, 'Samosa Caucus', fails to increase its strength in US midterm

News brief: Big stories of the day

Sitharaman, Rijiju take stock of Army-police clash issue in Arunachal

Delhi's air quality oscillating between 'poor' and 'very poor': Authorities

HAL not contending to be offset partner of any firm: Chairman

US elects first Native American women to Congress