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The government intends to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/govt-to-continue-pressing-rbi-for-relaxing-norms-funds-sources-175945">keep pressing demands</a> for the country's central bank to relax lending curbs and hand over surplus reserves even if it risks provoking a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-could-resign-on-november-19-report-175967">resignation by the bank's governor</a>, three sources familiar with the government's thinking told Reuters.

While there appeared to be a partial truce last week when the government said it respected the autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the sources said the government will turn up the heat at the bank's central board of directors meeting on Nov. 19.

And RBI Governor Urjit Patel will be a key focus of the pressure from a group of directors who support the government's position, according to the New Delhi-based sources, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

"We want the RBI governor to accept the priorities of the economy and to discuss these with board members," said one of the sources, a senior government official with direct knowledge of deliberations. "If he wants to take decisions unilaterally, it will be better for him to quit."

Investors and traders warn that if Patel quits it will create uncertainty and undermine India's already-weak financial markets. They have been hurt in recent weeks because of defaults by a major financing company.

A Finance Ministry spokesman declined to comment for this story.

The online financial publication Moneylife reported on Wednesday that Patel could resign at the central bank's next board meeting on Nov. 19, citing sources in touch with the governor.

Moneylife said that Patel was tired of the struggle with the government, and it was having a negative impact on his health.

The RBI did not respond to requests for comment for this article or in response to the Moneylife report.

'POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC'

Tensions between the two sides came to the fore last month when RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya gave a speech that blew the lid off a fractious dispute between the bank and the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on issues ranging from lending curbs to who controls the institution's reserves.

Acharya said that undermining central bank independence could be “potentially catastrophic”, and he even cited meddling by the Argentine government in the affairs of its central bank in 2010 – prompting big drops in that nation’s financial markets - as a sign of how bad things can get.

For its part, government officials say they have been increasingly frustrated by the intransigence of Patel and his team to address its demands and engage in constructive dialogue.

The RBI has consistently pushed back against calls from the government to hand over more money from its reserves to help fund the fiscal deficit.

The ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party is also keen to reduce curbs on the shadow banking sector and increase overall lending to small and medium-sized businesses. The aim is to help offset economic headwinds from low farm prices and high fuel prices ahead of a general election due by next May and key state elections in a few weeks.

"We will do everything to protect the interests of the economy," one of the members of the RBI central board told Reuters, noting the governor and his team would have to "explain, defend and justify" their decisions at the board meeting.

It is unclear, though, how the government will seek to exert pressure through the RBI's Central Board as the body is a largely symbolic one, which has never had a direct say in the bank's directives and policies, according to two additional sources with knowledge of the law under which the central bank operates.

"The role of the board has typically been to supervise the workings of the RBI, like internal audit and recruitment. But the RBI is not really accountable to the board for regulatory and operational issues," said one of the sources, saying this would only change if the government invokes Section 7 of the RBI Act allowing it to dictate policy to the central bank.

"We don't know whether the board will supersede the RBI in that case," said the source. "This kind of situation has never arisen before."

Still, the government sources say they will find ways to increase pressure on the RBI and Patel via the board before moving to invoke Section 7.

"Patel and his team must recognise the period of an invisible RBI board is over," one of the New Delhi-based sources said, noting that the RBI will sooner or later have to fall in line.

Patel's predecessor Raghuram Rajan defended the RBI's call for autonomy saying that the central bank's responsibility is to secure financial stability and it has the right to say "no" to government proposals that could lead to instability.

"The RBI is something like a seatbelt," Rajan, who is a professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, told CNBC-TV18.

"As a driver, being the government, it has the possibility of not putting on the seatbelt, but of course, if you don’t put on the seatbelt, you can get into an accident which can be quite severe."

N.R. Bhanumurthy, an economist at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, a New Delhi-based think tank, partly funded by the finance ministry, said the RBI and the government were dealing with the same problem though there was a difference of opinion on how to solve it.

"While the government is looking for short-term solutions, the RBI is focused on long-term solutions," he said, adding that despite disagreements, both could resolve their differences.

"If the RBI governor is forced to resign, it will be a huge setback for the economy."

The government intends to keep pressing demands for the country's central bank to relax lending curbs and hand over surplus reserves even if it risks provoking a resignation by the bank's governor, three sources familiar with the government's thinking told Reuters.

The government intends to keep pressing demands for the country's central bank to relax lending curbs and hand over surplus reserves even if it risks provoking a resignation by the bank's governor, three sources familiar with the government's thinking told Reuters. While there appeared to be a partial truce last week when the government said it respected the autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the sources said the government will turn up the heat at the bank's central board of directors meeting on Nov. 19. And RBI Governor Urjit Patel will be a key focus of the pressure from a group of directors who support the government's position, according to the New Delhi-based sources, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. "We want the RBI governor to accept the priorities of the economy and to discuss these with board members," said one of the sources, a senior government official with direct knowledge of deliberations. "If he wants to take decisions unilaterally, it will be better for him to quit." Investors and traders warn that if Patel quits it will create uncertainty and undermine India's already-weak financial markets. They have been hurt in recent weeks because of defaults by a major financing company. A Finance Ministry spokesman declined to comment for this story. The online financial publication Moneylife reported on Wednesday that Patel could resign at the central bank's next board meeting on Nov. 19, citing sources in touch with the governor. Moneylife said that Patel was tired of the struggle with the government, and it was having a negative impact on his health. The RBI did not respond to requests for comment for this article or in response to the Moneylife report. 'POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC' Tensions between the two sides came to the fore last month when RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya gave a speech that blew the lid off a fractious dispute between the bank and the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on issues ranging from lending curbs to who controls the institution's reserves. Acharya said that undermining central bank independence could be “potentially catastrophic”, and he even cited meddling by the Argentine government in the affairs of its central bank in 2010 – prompting big drops in that nation’s financial markets - as a sign of how bad things can get. For its part, government officials say they have been increasingly frustrated by the intransigence of Patel and his team to address its demands and engage in constructive dialogue. The RBI has consistently pushed back against calls from the government to hand over more money from its reserves to help fund the fiscal deficit. The ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party is also keen to reduce curbs on the shadow banking sector and increase overall lending to small and medium-sized businesses. The aim is to help offset economic headwinds from low farm prices and high fuel prices ahead of a general election due by next May and key state elections in a few weeks. "We will do everything to protect the interests of the economy," one of the members of the RBI central board told Reuters, noting the governor and his team would have to "explain, defend and justify" their decisions at the board meeting. It is unclear, though, how the government will seek to exert pressure through the RBI's Central Board as the body is a largely symbolic one, which has never had a direct say in the bank's directives and policies, according to two additional sources with knowledge of the law under which the central bank operates. "The role of the board has typically been to supervise the workings of the RBI, like internal audit and recruitment. But the RBI is not really accountable to the board for regulatory and operational issues," said one of the sources, saying this would only change if the government invokes Section 7 of the RBI Act allowing it to dictate policy to the central bank. "We don't know whether the board will supersede the RBI in that case," said the source. "This kind of situation has never arisen before." Still, the government sources say they will find ways to increase pressure on the RBI and Patel via the board before moving to invoke Section 7. "Patel and his team must recognise the period of an invisible RBI board is over," one of the New Delhi-based sources said, noting that the RBI will sooner or later have to fall in line. Patel's predecessor Raghuram Rajan defended the RBI's call for autonomy saying that the central bank's responsibility is to secure financial stability and it has the right to say "no" to government proposals that could lead to instability. "The RBI is something like a seatbelt," Rajan, who is a professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, told CNBC-TV18. "As a driver, being the government, it has the possibility of not putting on the seatbelt, but of course, if you don’t put on the seatbelt, you can get into an accident which can be quite severe." N.R. Bhanumurthy, an economist at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, a New Delhi-based think tank, partly funded by the finance ministry, said the RBI and the government were dealing with the same problem though there was a difference of opinion on how to solve it. "While the government is looking for short-term solutions, the RBI is focused on long-term solutions," he said, adding that despite disagreements, both could resolve their differences. "If the RBI governor is forced to resign, it will be a huge setback for the economy."

Government set to turn up heat on RBI Governor Urjit Patel: Sources

One of the two terrorists killed in Kashmir early Tuesday morning used to be an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-indian-army-soldier-believed-to-have-joined-hizbul-mujahideen-130908">Indian Army soldier</a>.&nbsp;

The two terrorists were identified as Mohammad Idrees Sultan alias Chota Abrar, a resident of Safanagri in Shopian, and Amir Hussain Rather alias Abu Sobaan, a resident of Awneera in Shopian.&nbsp;

"They were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit HM and were involved in terror attacks on security establishments and many other civilian atrocities in the area," PTI quoted a police spokesman as saying.&nbsp;

The spokesperson added that Sultan was an Indian Army deserter who had joined the militants in April this year.

Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Safanagri area of Zainapora of south Kashmir in the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday after havging got a tip off about the presence of militants in the area, the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

He added that as the search operation was going on, the hiding militants fired on the search party.&nbsp;

The spokesperson said the security forces returned fire, and the two militants were killed in the ensuing encounter.

Sultan, a sepoy with the 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI), had been posted at Katihar in Bihar when he went missing.&nbsp;

He had come home to Shopian on April 12 and then gone missing, police officials had said then.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

One of the two terrorists killed in Kashmir early Tuesday morning used to be an Indian Army soldier. The two terrorists were identified as Mohammad Idrees Sultan alias Chota Abrar, a resident of Safanagri in Shopian, and Amir Hussain Rather alias Abu Sobaan, a resident of Awneera in Shopian.

One of the two terrorists killed in Kashmir early Tuesday morning used to be an Indian Army soldier. The two terrorists were identified as Mohammad Idrees Sultan alias Chota Abrar, a resident of Safanagri in Shopian, and Amir Hussain Rather alias Abu Sobaan, a resident of Awneera in Shopian. "They were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit HM and were involved in terror attacks on security establishments and many other civilian atrocities in the area," PTI quoted a police spokesman as saying. The spokesperson added that Sultan was an Indian Army deserter who had joined the militants in April this year. Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Safanagri area of Zainapora of south Kashmir in the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday after havging got a tip off about the presence of militants in the area, the spokesperson said. He added that as the search operation was going on, the hiding militants fired on the search party. The spokesperson said the security forces returned fire, and the two militants were killed in the ensuing encounter. Sultan, a sepoy with the 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI), had been posted at Katihar in Bihar when he went missing. He had come home to Shopian on April 12 and then gone missing, police officials had said then. (With inputs from PTI)

One of 2 terrorists killed in Kashmir today used to be an Indian Army soldier

India pledged contributions of US $13.36 million for the various UN agencies and development activities, emphasising that the world organisation should have the necessary resources to finance its activities in a balanced manner.

During the 2018 United Nations Pledging Conference for Development Activities here Monday, First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Mahesh Kumar said India has been a regular contributor to the UN since its founding and believes that the UN should have the necessary resources to finance its activities, in an appropriate and balanced manner.

India's pledged contributions include US $4.5 million to the UN Development Programme, five million dollars to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Near East, US $1.92 million to the World Food Programme.

US $790,000 to United Nations Children's Fund, US $500,000 to UN Population Fund, US $150,000 to UN Commission on Human Settlements Programme and US $100,000 each to UN Voluntary contribution for Financial and Technical Assistance for the implementation of Universal Periodic Review, UN Environment Programme and UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

Kumar said the list is not exhaustive and India is separately processing contribution for Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Torture and UN Volunteers.

About 19 countries pledged a total of US $425.69 million at the Pledging Conference, reflecting an increase from the 2017 amount of US $398.98 million.&nbsp; 
Chief of the Operational Activities Policy Branch in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs Zina Mounla said funding for humanitarian assistance has been increasing faster than funding for development-related activities.

In the past five years, funding for humanitarian activities has increased by 65 per cent compared to a 10 per cent rise in funding for development. 
Last year, India in association with the UN Office for South South Cooperation, established the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, a US $100 million development finance facility.&nbsp;

Earlier this year an additional Commonwealth Window of US $50 million was added to the Fund, to forge development partnership with developing countries members of the Commonwealth.&nbsp;

Together the Fund and the Commonwealth Window will provide US $150 million for development partnerships and this year, US $16 million were contributed in the Fund and the Window.

"These resources are non-earmarked in the spirit of sustained predictable funding for the SDGs and South South Cooperation," Kumar said. 
Since its establishment, 25 member states have partnered with the India Fund from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and, Asia and the Pacific regions.

In addition, India along with Brazil and South Africa have an active partnership with the United Nations Development Programme for fruitful South-South Cooperation to assist developing countries, mainly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), through the IBSA Trust Fund.

Kumar said sustainable funding remains the key in achieving the 17 goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).&nbsp;

"The ODA (Official Development Assistance) as a percentage of GNI (Gross national income) remains low; the commitment to the LDCs is far from being met by most DAC (Development Assistance Committee) members; and financing for small island developing states, and country programmable aid continues to decline. This is clearly in contrast to commitments made at various fora on issues of development financing."

He said around US $50 billion are channelised every year through the UN system, but around 65 per cent of these resources are earmarked. As a result, less than 25 per cent of the resources are utilized for development and technical cooperation.

India looks forward to the dialogue proposed with member states under the UN Development System reforms on funding compact which should improve funding practices to make voluntary funding more predictable, flexible, effective and efficient, and less earmarked.

India pledged contributions of US $13.36 million for the various UN agencies and development activities, emphasising that the world organisation should have the necessary resources to finance its activities in a balanced manner.

India pledged contributions of US $13.36 million for the various UN agencies and development activities, emphasising that the world organisation should have the necessary resources to finance its activities in a balanced manner. During the 2018 United Nations Pledging Conference for Development Activities here Monday, First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Mahesh Kumar said India has been a regular contributor to the UN since its founding and believes that the UN should have the necessary resources to finance its activities, in an appropriate and balanced manner. India's pledged contributions include US $4.5 million to the UN Development Programme, five million dollars to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Near East, US $1.92 million to the World Food Programme. US $790,000 to United Nations Children's Fund, US $500,000 to UN Population Fund, US $150,000 to UN Commission on Human Settlements Programme and US $100,000 each to UN Voluntary contribution for Financial and Technical Assistance for the implementation of Universal Periodic Review, UN Environment Programme and UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Kumar said the list is not exhaustive and India is separately processing contribution for Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Torture and UN Volunteers. About 19 countries pledged a total of US $425.69 million at the Pledging Conference, reflecting an increase from the 2017 amount of US $398.98 million. Chief of the Operational Activities Policy Branch in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs Zina Mounla said funding for humanitarian assistance has been increasing faster than funding for development-related activities. In the past five years, funding for humanitarian activities has increased by 65 per cent compared to a 10 per cent rise in funding for development. Last year, India in association with the UN Office for South South Cooperation, established the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, a US $100 million development finance facility. Earlier this year an additional Commonwealth Window of US $50 million was added to the Fund, to forge development partnership with developing countries members of the Commonwealth. Together the Fund and the Commonwealth Window will provide US $150 million for development partnerships and this year, US $16 million were contributed in the Fund and the Window. "These resources are non-earmarked in the spirit of sustained predictable funding for the SDGs and South South Cooperation," Kumar said. Since its establishment, 25 member states have partnered with the India Fund from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and, Asia and the Pacific regions. In addition, India along with Brazil and South Africa have an active partnership with the United Nations Development Programme for fruitful South-South Cooperation to assist developing countries, mainly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), through the IBSA Trust Fund. Kumar said sustainable funding remains the key in achieving the 17 goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "The ODA (Official Development Assistance) as a percentage of GNI (Gross national income) remains low; the commitment to the LDCs is far from being met by most DAC (Development Assistance Committee) members; and financing for small island developing states, and country programmable aid continues to decline. This is clearly in contrast to commitments made at various fora on issues of development financing." He said around US $50 billion are channelised every year through the UN system, but around 65 per cent of these resources are earmarked. As a result, less than 25 per cent of the resources are utilized for development and technical cooperation. India looks forward to the dialogue proposed with member states under the UN Development System reforms on funding compact which should improve funding practices to make voluntary funding more predictable, flexible, effective and efficient, and less earmarked.

India pledges contributions of $13.36 million for UN agencies, development activities

Firework sellers fume over fesitval 'eco-cracker' ban

As the counting of votes in three Lok Sabha and two legislative assembly constituencies gets underway, early trends have suggested that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in Shimoga parliamentary seat and trailing in the rest.

BJP's BY Raghavendra is leading over Janata Dal Secular's S Madhubangarappa by 3,906 votes at the end of the first round of counting in Shimoga parliamentary seat.

In Bellary, Congress' VS Ugrappa is leading over BJP's J Shantha, the sister of BJP leader Sreeramulu, by 45,808 votes after round three of counting, while in Mandya parliamentary seat, JD(S) is leading by 1,09,066 votes at the end of round five.

Congress' Anand Siddu Nyamagouda is leading over BJP's Kulkarni Shrikant Subrao by 7,149 votes after four rounds of counting in Jamkhandi assembly seat, while JD(S)'s Anitha Kumaraswamy is leading in Ramanagara assembly seat after third round of counting.

Counting of votes is still underway on all the five seats.

Elections in the three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies were held on November 3.

The by-poll was necessitated in Ramanagara after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who contested on two seats - Channapatna and Ramanagara - in the assembly elections earlier this year, decided to step down.

The Shimoga Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after former state chief minister and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa decided to contest the assembly election from Shikaripura.

The terms for the Bellary, Shimoga and Mandya seats will be too short considering the fact that the Lok Sabha elections are due next year.

As the counting of votes in three Lok Sabha and two legislative assembly constituencies gets underway, early trends have suggested that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in Shimoga parliamentary seat and trailing in the rest.

As the counting of votes in three Lok Sabha and two legislative assembly constituencies gets underway, early trends have suggested that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in Shimoga parliamentary seat and trailing in the rest. BJP's BY Raghavendra is leading over Janata Dal Secular's S Madhubangarappa by 3,906 votes at the end of the first round of counting in Shimoga parliamentary seat. In Bellary, Congress' VS Ugrappa is leading over BJP's J Shantha, the sister of BJP leader Sreeramulu, by 45,808 votes after round three of counting, while in Mandya parliamentary seat, JD(S) is leading by 1,09,066 votes at the end of round five. Congress' Anand Siddu Nyamagouda is leading over BJP's Kulkarni Shrikant Subrao by 7,149 votes after four rounds of counting in Jamkhandi assembly seat, while JD(S)'s Anitha Kumaraswamy is leading in Ramanagara assembly seat after third round of counting. Counting of votes is still underway on all the five seats. Elections in the three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies were held on November 3. The by-poll was necessitated in Ramanagara after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who contested on two seats - Channapatna and Ramanagara - in the assembly elections earlier this year, decided to step down. The Shimoga Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after former state chief minister and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa decided to contest the assembly election from Shikaripura. The terms for the Bellary, Shimoga and Mandya seats will be too short considering the fact that the Lok Sabha elections are due next year.

Karnataka bypolls: BJP leading in Shimoga, trailing in rest

Air quality in the national capital was recorded in the 'sever' category on Tuesday as the country gears up for Diwali.&nbsp;

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) on Tuesday showed hazardous smog levels that ranked as severe on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Some parts of the region managed staggering scores as high as 470.

Delhi's overall AQI at 8:10 am was recorded at 449. The AQI around Chandni Chowk recorded PM 10 levels at 437 and PM 2.5 at 425, while PM 1O levels were 396 and 470 around Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University area, respectively.

According to SAFAR, the air quality is likely to fall into the 'very poor' category with pollution likely to get stabilised.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Prominent pollutants PM 2.5 in 'Severe' category and PM 10 in 'Poor' category in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>'s Lodhi Road area. <a href="https://t.co/slo64xwuES">pic.twitter.com/slo64xwuES</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1059641292773380096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The weather in Delhi will be sunny with daytime temperature reaching 26-degree celsius. Night time temperature is expected to be 15-degree Celsius. The humidity in the air will be around 68 per cent with 9 kilometres per hour wind speed. The visibility throughout the day will be around 1.2 kilometres.

On Monday, air pollution in Delhi rose sharply with the AQI at least one spot being recorded at over 900.&nbsp;

The air quality index at Anand Vihar was recorded at 912 at 10 am on Monday. (Anything above 300 falls in the "hazardous" category).&nbsp;

A change in wind direction and rampant stubble burning in neighbouring states reportedly led to the dip.&nbsp;

Action needs to be taken to minimize the use of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-vehicles-contribute-nearly-40-to-air-pollution-in-delhi-action-needed-for-minimizing-their-use-cse-175689">private vehicles</a>, which contribute nearly 40 per cent to air pollution in Delhi, a green body said Monday as the air quality of the national capital nosedived to severe category.

Delhi authorities meanwhile have stepped up efforts to combat pollution which includes measures like halting construction activities and regulating traffic.

Air quality in the national capital was recorded in the 'sever' category on Tuesday as the country gears up for Diwali. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) on Tuesday showed hazardous smog levels that ranked as severe on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Air quality in the national capital was recorded in the 'sever' category on Tuesday as the country gears up for Diwali. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) on Tuesday showed hazardous smog levels that ranked as severe on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Some parts of the region managed staggering scores as high as 470. Delhi's overall AQI at 8:10 am was recorded at 449. The AQI around Chandni Chowk recorded PM 10 levels at 437 and PM 2.5 at 425, while PM 1O levels were 396 and 470 around Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University area, respectively. According to SAFAR, the air quality is likely to fall into the 'very poor' category with pollution likely to get stabilised. Prominent pollutants PM 2.5 in 'Severe' category and PM 10 in 'Poor' category in #Delhi's Lodhi Road area. pic.twitter.com/slo64xwuES — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2018 × The weather in Delhi will be sunny with daytime temperature reaching 26-degree celsius. Night time temperature is expected to be 15-degree Celsius. The humidity in the air will be around 68 per cent with 9 kilometres per hour wind speed. The visibility throughout the day will be around 1.2 kilometres. On Monday, air pollution in Delhi rose sharply with the AQI at least one spot being recorded at over 900. The air quality index at Anand Vihar was recorded at 912 at 10 am on Monday. (Anything above 300 falls in the "hazardous" category). A change in wind direction and rampant stubble burning in neighbouring states reportedly led to the dip. Action needs to be taken to minimize the use of private vehicles, which contribute nearly 40 per cent to air pollution in Delhi, a green body said Monday as the air quality of the national capital nosedived to severe category. Delhi authorities meanwhile have stepped up efforts to combat pollution which includes measures like halting construction activities and regulating traffic.

Delhi: Slight improvement in air quality

A photojournalist was injured in clashes at Kerala's Sabarimala temple on Tuesday after a woman devotee, suspected to be of menstrual age, tried to enter the temple.&nbsp;

As per news agency ANI, the injured person has been identified as Amrita TV cameraperson Biju. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kerala: Amrita TV cameraman Biju, injured during protests at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> over the entry of a woman devotee <a href="https://t.co/ZbOqsbXS6u">pic.twitter.com/ZbOqsbXS6u</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1059633073686487040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The violence only stopped when the police confirmed that she is 52-years-old and allowed her to visit the shrine. She later performed prayers at the temple under police protection.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Lalitha (Pic 1: in the centre), a 52-year-old woman devotee from Thrissur, whose entry to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalTemple</a> was opposed by protesters, offered prayers at the temple under police protection. She had come along with her family. <a href="https://t.co/RdJeWflhk4">pic.twitter.com/RdJeWflhk4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1059637779150319616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Sabarimala shrine <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-turns-police-fortress-as-ayyappa-temple-is-set-to-open-for-special-puja-175656">opened yesterday</a> for the second time in three weeks for a two-day special puja amid unprecedented security over fear of protests by those opposing the Supreme Court's order allowing women of all age groups into the temple.

Kerala police has deployed nearly two thousand three hundred police personnel over fears that those opposing the supreme court's order allowing women of all age groups into the temple may stage protests.

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Kerala: Visuals of protests from Sannidhaman in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/XN9wODeIgW">pic.twitter.com/XN9wODeIgW</a>
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However, the security arrangements have not gone down well with the devotees and right-wing activists who protested at several places against the restrictions at Sabarimala, considered the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa, a celibate.

A photojournalist was injured in clashes at Kerala's Sabarimala temple on Tuesday after a woman devotee, suspected to be of menstrual age, tried to enter the temple.

A photojournalist was injured in clashes at Kerala's Sabarimala temple on Tuesday after a woman devotee, suspected to be of menstrual age, tried to enter the temple. As per news agency ANI, the injured person has been identified as Amrita TV cameraperson Biju. Kerala: Amrita TV cameraman Biju, injured during protests at #SabarimalaTemple over the entry of a woman devotee pic.twitter.com/ZbOqsbXS6u — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2018 × The violence only stopped when the police confirmed that she is 52-years-old and allowed her to visit the shrine. She later performed prayers at the temple under police protection. #Kerala: Lalitha (Pic 1: in the centre), a 52-year-old woman devotee from Thrissur, whose entry to #SabarimalTemple was opposed by protesters, offered prayers at the temple under police protection. She had come along with her family. pic.twitter.com/RdJeWflhk4 — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2018 × The Sabarimala shrine opened yesterday for the second time in three weeks for a two-day special puja amid unprecedented security over fear of protests by those opposing the Supreme Court's order allowing women of all age groups into the temple. Kerala police has deployed nearly two thousand three hundred police personnel over fears that those opposing the supreme court's order allowing women of all age groups into the temple may stage protests. Kerala: Visuals of protests from Sannidhaman in #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/XN9wODeIgW — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2018 × However, the security arrangements have not gone down well with the devotees and right-wing activists who protested at several places against the restrictions at Sabarimala, considered the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa, a celibate.

Sabarimala: 1 injured in clashes after woman, thought to be of menstrual age, tries to enter temple

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced that very soon Faizabad will be renamed as Sri Ayodhya.

"Ayodhya is a symbol of our identity. It gets its significance and recognition because of Lord Rama," he said.

"Friends, Atithi Devo Bhava has been a major part of the Indian culture. I am grateful to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/south-korean-first-lady-visits-queen-heo-memorial-in-ayodhya-welcomes-ram-durbar-175833">South Korea</a> for accepting the Indian culture. Because of Narendra Modi, we are able to achieve new heights," Yogi Adityanath said in Ayodhya.

"Nobody can do injustice to Ayodhya. We will be constructing a new medical college in Ayodhya. It will be named after Raja Dashrath," Yogi Adityanath said.

Announcing that Faizabad district will be renamed as Sri Ayodhya, Adityanath said, "We should not limit our gods to mere chants and slogans."

Adityanath was speaking on the occasion of "Deepotsav" on Diwali eve.

He also announced setting up of a new airport in Ayodhya, named after Lord Ram, and a medical college in the name of King Dashrath, father of Lord Ram, in the district.

A section of the crowd was also heard chanting "Mandir ka nirman karao" (build a temple).

"Deepotsav is about starting a new tradition," Adityanath said at the event at Katha Park which was also attended by South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook.

Several projects, including redevelopment and beautification of 'Ram Ki Paidi' and stoppage of sewage disposal in Saryu river, were launched at the event.

(With inputs from PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced that very soon Faizabad will be renamed as Sri Ayodhya. "Ayodhya is a symbol of our identity. It gets its significance and recognition because of Lord Rama," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced that very soon Faizabad will be renamed as Sri Ayodhya. "Ayodhya is a symbol of our identity. It gets its significance and recognition because of Lord Rama," he said. "Friends, Atithi Devo Bhava has been a major part of the Indian culture. I am grateful to South Korea for accepting the Indian culture. Because of Narendra Modi, we are able to achieve new heights," Yogi Adityanath said in Ayodhya. "Nobody can do injustice to Ayodhya. We will be constructing a new medical college in Ayodhya. It will be named after Raja Dashrath," Yogi Adityanath said. Announcing that Faizabad district will be renamed as Sri Ayodhya, Adityanath said, "We should not limit our gods to mere chants and slogans." Adityanath was speaking on the occasion of "Deepotsav" on Diwali eve. He also announced setting up of a new airport in Ayodhya, named after Lord Ram, and a medical college in the name of King Dashrath, father of Lord Ram, in the district. A section of the crowd was also heard chanting "Mandir ka nirman karao" (build a temple). "Deepotsav is about starting a new tradition," Adityanath said at the event at Katha Park which was also attended by South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook. Several projects, including redevelopment and beautification of 'Ram Ki Paidi' and stoppage of sewage disposal in Saryu river, were launched at the event. (With inputs from PTI)

Faizabad district to be renamed as Ayodhya, announces UP chief minister

As pollution levels surged to "severe" and "hazardous" levels in New Delhi this week, there was little sign that residents of India's teeming capital were doing much to protect themselves.

The smog, which is expected to worsen in the next few days, exposed people to as much as 24 times the recommended limits for dangerous particles on Monday. But unlike in many Chinese cities, where face masks are a common sight when smog levels spike, it is still rare to see locals taking measures to reduce their exposure.

Toddlers stand at school bus stops in crisply ironed uniforms, while security guards, street sweepers, and rickshaw drivers spend many hours outside breathing in the filthy air - all without any attempt at protection.

Ask middle-class residents whether they have air purifiers in their homes and the answer is invariable no.

This is despite the extensive coverage of the capital's pollution crisis by local media, including numerous warnings from doctors about massive health hazards, especially for children, the sick and the elderly.

The apparent lack of concern about the toxic air - whether through ignorance, apathy or the blinding impact of poverty -gives federal and local politicians the cover they need for failing to vigorously address the problem, said pollution activists, social scientists and political experts.

Neither the governing party at the federal level nor the main opposition is in power in the capital, giving them little incentive to cooperate with the city authorities.

And while Delhi may have a population of more than 20 million, its importance at voting time - a national election is due by May next year - is insignificant in comparison with states such as neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, which has 220 million.

"The tragedy is that there is no political will at all either on the part of the federal government or the state government of Delhi and, as a result, we can see both blaming each other for the crisis that we are in," said Yogendra Yadav, a political polling expert. "Whatever little government action you get to see is because of the pressure that environmental activists and the Supreme Court get to exert."

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COCKTAIL OF FUMES

India's problems with smog extend far beyond Delhi - the nation of 1.3 billion has 14 out of the 15 most polluted cities in the world, according to the World Health Organisation.

But in the capital, at least, this was the year the problem was supposed to be addressed.

After a cocktail of toxic fumes enveloped the area in October and November last year, the Delhi city government declared it a public health emergency and its Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the Indian capital as a "gas chamber". Officials of the federal government said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office had asked them to ensure that it did not happen again.

But steps taken so far have failed to make much difference, and now there is finger-pointing between Modi's administration, the Delhi city government, and the governments of states around the capital.

As this year's crisis has worsened, environment ministers from Punjab and Haryana - whose farmers' stubble-burning is a major contributor to the haze - failed to turn up for a meeting called by the federal environment ministry last week, sending their civil servants instead.

The farmers have been torching their fields as they get ready for new plantings, despite being offered government subsidies on machinery that would allow them to mulch the material into the ground without lighting fires.

Farmers say the subsidies were not enough to cover the price of the machinery, the cost of running it, and the additional labour needed, especially given higher fuel prices.

India had planned to reduce crop burning by up to 70 per cent this year but only a 30 per cent drop has been visible so far, according to a government statement last Thursday.

Blaming that as the main reason behind New Delhi's poisonous air, a spokesman for the city government said: "We can't take steps in isolation in Delhi; we can't build a wall."

The federal government, meanwhile, has attacked the city for doing little to control pollution from dust, vehicles and industries.

Certainly, there has been little done to reduce the number of heavily polluting vehicles on the roads in and around Delhi despite threats that have been made but not followed through, including one from the Supreme Court-appointed Environmental Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) to ban all private vehicles from the city.

And while the nation's top court has issued a ruling trying to restrict the use of fireworks on the night of the Hindu festival Diwali, which is on Wednesday, few expect it to be enforced. For one thing, the court's edict that only "green", less-polluting firecrackers can be let off between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. is likely to be ignored because there are no "green" fireworks for sale in the city.

WAKE-UP CALL?

Most officials expect to wake up to even worse pollution on Nov. 8, as smoke from the festivities mixes with the smog from other sources to create a deadly cocktail. Light seasonal winds and a lack of rain at this time of year means pollution can linger for weeks, as it did last year.

But Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is more concerned about the impact of weak farm incomes, high fuel prices, and whether job creation has been adequate as issues at the polls.

"A holistic approach in the current climate is difficult to envisage as political divisiveness means that politicians are not looking for enduring solutions," said Pavan K Varma, an official from a regional party in the state of Bihar and former diplomat who lives in Delhi.

Neither is it in the BJP's interests, or in the interest of the main opposition Congress party, to help Kejriwal's New Delhi government. In 2015, Kejriwal's anti-establishment Aam Aadmi (Common Man) Party, campaigning on an anti-corruption platform, crushed the BJP and Congress to take control of the city.

For Delhi's doctors, it is a nightmare.

This year, the number of patients with severe lung problems has already gone up by up by 25 per cent and is expected to increase further after Diwali, said Doctor Desh Deepak, a chest physician at government-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

"It's tragic that children are suffering and we'll destroy a whole generation if we don't take cognizance of the fact that pollution needs to be tackled on a war footing," said Dr Neeraj Jain, head of chest medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi.

Dipankar Gupta, a leading sociologist who has written books on Indian society, said only heavy state intervention was likely to solve the problem. He pointed to an improvement in the pollution levels in Beijing last year because of strict government measures to curb polluting industries near the Chinese capital.

But that state crackdown still seems a long way from happening in India.&nbsp;

The EPCA has announced a variety of steps between Nov. 1-10 as part of an emergency package, including the use of water sprinklers and a complete ban on construction.

But most environmental experts say it is far too little, too late, and is not addressing the biggest pollution sources.

Modi has not publicly addressed the health crisis that has engulfed the capital.

The grim prognosis means that foreign organizations, including embassies in Delhi, are finding it difficult to get top talent to come to the city.

"Staff with young children are increasingly choosing not to come which wasn't the case a few years ago," a Western diplomat told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Most of the city's residents are poor, however, and more worried about making enough money to buy food than pollution.

"The daily grind ... leaves no room to think about the haze and smog," said Vimla Devi, who works as a maid in the suburbs of Delhi.

As pollution levels surged to "severe" and "hazardous" levels in New Delhi this week, there was little sign that residents of India's teeming capital were doing much to protect themselves.

As pollution levels surged to "severe" and "hazardous" levels in New Delhi this week, there was little sign that residents of India's teeming capital were doing much to protect themselves. The smog, which is expected to worsen in the next few days, exposed people to as much as 24 times the recommended limits for dangerous particles on Monday. But unlike in many Chinese cities, where face masks are a common sight when smog levels spike, it is still rare to see locals taking measures to reduce their exposure. Toddlers stand at school bus stops in crisply ironed uniforms, while security guards, street sweepers, and rickshaw drivers spend many hours outside breathing in the filthy air - all without any attempt at protection. Ask middle-class residents whether they have air purifiers in their homes and the answer is invariable no. This is despite the extensive coverage of the capital's pollution crisis by local media, including numerous warnings from doctors about massive health hazards, especially for children, the sick and the elderly. The apparent lack of concern about the toxic air - whether through ignorance, apathy or the blinding impact of poverty -gives federal and local politicians the cover they need for failing to vigorously address the problem, said pollution activists, social scientists and political experts. Neither the governing party at the federal level nor the main opposition is in power in the capital, giving them little incentive to cooperate with the city authorities. And while Delhi may have a population of more than 20 million, its importance at voting time - a national election is due by May next year - is insignificant in comparison with states such as neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, which has 220 million. "The tragedy is that there is no political will at all either on the part of the federal government or the state government of Delhi and, as a result, we can see both blaming each other for the crisis that we are in," said Yogendra Yadav, a political polling expert. "Whatever little government action you get to see is because of the pressure that environmental activists and the Supreme Court get to exert." × COCKTAIL OF FUMES India's problems with smog extend far beyond Delhi - the nation of 1.3 billion has 14 out of the 15 most polluted cities in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. But in the capital, at least, this was the year the problem was supposed to be addressed. After a cocktail of toxic fumes enveloped the area in October and November last year, the Delhi city government declared it a public health emergency and its Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the Indian capital as a "gas chamber". Officials of the federal government said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office had asked them to ensure that it did not happen again. But steps taken so far have failed to make much difference, and now there is finger-pointing between Modi's administration, the Delhi city government, and the governments of states around the capital. As this year's crisis has worsened, environment ministers from Punjab and Haryana - whose farmers' stubble-burning is a major contributor to the haze - failed to turn up for a meeting called by the federal environment ministry last week, sending their civil servants instead. The farmers have been torching their fields as they get ready for new plantings, despite being offered government subsidies on machinery that would allow them to mulch the material into the ground without lighting fires. Farmers say the subsidies were not enough to cover the price of the machinery, the cost of running it, and the additional labour needed, especially given higher fuel prices. India had planned to reduce crop burning by up to 70 per cent this year but only a 30 per cent drop has been visible so far, according to a government statement last Thursday. Blaming that as the main reason behind New Delhi's poisonous air, a spokesman for the city government said: "We can't take steps in isolation in Delhi; we can't build a wall." The federal government, meanwhile, has attacked the city for doing little to control pollution from dust, vehicles and industries. Certainly, there has been little done to reduce the number of heavily polluting vehicles on the roads in and around Delhi despite threats that have been made but not followed through, including one from the Supreme Court-appointed Environmental Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) to ban all private vehicles from the city. And while the nation's top court has issued a ruling trying to restrict the use of fireworks on the night of the Hindu festival Diwali, which is on Wednesday, few expect it to be enforced. For one thing, the court's edict that only "green", less-polluting firecrackers can be let off between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. is likely to be ignored because there are no "green" fireworks for sale in the city. WAKE-UP CALL? Most officials expect to wake up to even worse pollution on Nov. 8, as smoke from the festivities mixes with the smog from other sources to create a deadly cocktail. Light seasonal winds and a lack of rain at this time of year means pollution can linger for weeks, as it did last year. But Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is more concerned about the impact of weak farm incomes, high fuel prices, and whether job creation has been adequate as issues at the polls. "A holistic approach in the current climate is difficult to envisage as political divisiveness means that politicians are not looking for enduring solutions," said Pavan K Varma, an official from a regional party in the state of Bihar and former diplomat who lives in Delhi. Neither is it in the BJP's interests, or in the interest of the main opposition Congress party, to help Kejriwal's New Delhi government. In 2015, Kejriwal's anti-establishment Aam Aadmi (Common Man) Party, campaigning on an anti-corruption platform, crushed the BJP and Congress to take control of the city. For Delhi's doctors, it is a nightmare. This year, the number of patients with severe lung problems has already gone up by up by 25 per cent and is expected to increase further after Diwali, said Doctor Desh Deepak, a chest physician at government-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. "It's tragic that children are suffering and we'll destroy a whole generation if we don't take cognizance of the fact that pollution needs to be tackled on a war footing," said Dr Neeraj Jain, head of chest medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Dipankar Gupta, a leading sociologist who has written books on Indian society, said only heavy state intervention was likely to solve the problem. He pointed to an improvement in the pollution levels in Beijing last year because of strict government measures to curb polluting industries near the Chinese capital. But that state crackdown still seems a long way from happening in India. The EPCA has announced a variety of steps between Nov. 1-10 as part of an emergency package, including the use of water sprinklers and a complete ban on construction. But most environmental experts say it is far too little, too late, and is not addressing the biggest pollution sources. Modi has not publicly addressed the health crisis that has engulfed the capital. The grim prognosis means that foreign organizations, including embassies in Delhi, are finding it difficult to get top talent to come to the city. "Staff with young children are increasingly choosing not to come which wasn't the case a few years ago," a Western diplomat told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Most of the city's residents are poor, however, and more worried about making enough money to buy food than pollution. "The daily grind ... leaves no room to think about the haze and smog," said Vimla Devi, who works as a maid in the suburbs of Delhi.

Deadly political calculations: Why India isn't fixing its toxic smog problem

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya Tuesday dismissed allegations of nepotism in his party even as he asserted the "right" of the deserving kin of politicians to demand ticket for contesting elections.

Vijayvargiya's remarks came against the backdrop of reports that his son Akash is staking claim for a ticket from Indore for the November 28 assembly elections.

The senior BJP leader is an MLA from Mhow assembly constituency in Indore district.

"Is it a crime to be born in a political family? Kin of politicians can also enter politics. If a member of a political family proves himself and demands ticket on the basis of his credentials, it is his right to do so," he told reporters.

Responding to a query,Vijayvargiya said he had not sought ticket for his son Akash.

However, he claimed that an internal survey conducted by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has found Akash eligible as a prospective nominee from four constituencies in Indore.

"If my party finds it is right, it would make my son a nominee," he said.

Vijayvargiya also said the BJP didn't endorse dynastic politics unlike in the Congress "where only a member of the Gandhi family runs the party irrespective of his political eligibility".

When asked about Rahul Gandhi dubbing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "thief" in public rallies, the BJP leader said the Congress chief was "polluting" the political atmosphere of the country by using "unparliamentary language".

"Usage of such language is the hallmark of the Congress," he said.

Gandhi has been firing barbs at the prime minister in election rallies in Madhya Pradesh over Rafale deal, where he had said the "Chowkidar Chor Hai" (the watchman is a thief)".

Meanwhile, BJP sources said the ticket distribution for nine seats in Indore district is getting delayed due to a reported tussle between local MP and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Vijayvargiya.

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya Tuesday dismissed allegations of nepotism in his party even as he asserted the "right" of the deserving kin of politicians to demand ticket for contesting elections.

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya Tuesday dismissed allegations of nepotism in his party even as he asserted the "right" of the deserving kin of politicians to demand ticket for contesting elections. Vijayvargiya's remarks came against the backdrop of reports that his son Akash is staking claim for a ticket from Indore for the November 28 assembly elections. The senior BJP leader is an MLA from Mhow assembly constituency in Indore district. "Is it a crime to be born in a political family? Kin of politicians can also enter politics. If a member of a political family proves himself and demands ticket on the basis of his credentials, it is his right to do so," he told reporters. Responding to a query,Vijayvargiya said he had not sought ticket for his son Akash. However, he claimed that an internal survey conducted by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has found Akash eligible as a prospective nominee from four constituencies in Indore. "If my party finds it is right, it would make my son a nominee," he said. Vijayvargiya also said the BJP didn't endorse dynastic politics unlike in the Congress "where only a member of the Gandhi family runs the party irrespective of his political eligibility". When asked about Rahul Gandhi dubbing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "thief" in public rallies, the BJP leader said the Congress chief was "polluting" the political atmosphere of the country by using "unparliamentary language". "Usage of such language is the hallmark of the Congress," he said. Gandhi has been firing barbs at the prime minister in election rallies in Madhya Pradesh over Rafale deal, where he had said the "Chowkidar Chor Hai" (the watchman is a thief)". Meanwhile, BJP sources said the ticket distribution for nine seats in Indore district is getting delayed due to a reported tussle between local MP and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Vijayvargiya.

Deserving kin of politicians have right to seek poll ticket: BJP general secretary

It is an alliance that took shape in just a few hours of discussion and the former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi wants it to continue till the 2019 general elections by projecting his ally and BSP supremo Mayawati as the prime ministerial candidate.

"Mayawatiji deserves to be the country's prime minister. She is appropriate for the post and she has the potential," Jogi said.

Describing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief as a natural leader, the bureaucrat-turned-politician told PTI in an interview, "There are various things that work in her favour. She is a woman, a Dalit and also has an experience of serving as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh four times."

Jogi, 72, is the chief ministerial candidate of the alliance. He had earlier served as Chhattisgarh's first chief minister as a Congress leader between 2000 and 2003 after the tribal-dominated state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh.

However, the Congress could not return to power after Jogi's tenure ended and the BJP leader Raman Singh has served as its chief minister for nearly 15 years since then. One reason many cite for Congress' failure to come back to power in the state is infighting among various state leaders. Jogi left the Congress in 2016.

While Chhattisgarh has always seen a two-way fight between the arch rivals BJP and Congress, Jogi-Mayawati alliance has become a keenly-watched third force this time. Even Chief Minister Singh, a BJP stalwart in the state where elections for 90 assembly seats would be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20, has acknowledged that Jogi would impact the Bharatiya Janata Party as well as the Congress.

The BSP has one MLA in the outgoing assembly, while its vote share fell to 4.27 per cent in 2013. However, combining of forces between Jogi and Mayawati is being seen as having a multiplier effect, especially in terms of caste equations.

Out of 90 total seats, 29 are reserved for tribals and 10 for Scheduled Castes. In the non-reserved seats, the population of SCs is more than 10 per cent in 40 assemblies. Besides, the other backward classes constitute about 48 per cent of the state's population.

While Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party is known to attract Dalit voters, Jogi himself is said to have a stronghold among voters from his caste base of Mahars and Satnamis.

Pitching Mayawati's name for the prime minister, Jogi said the BSP supremo deserves the country's top post and she is an appropriate candidate for it.

"The alliance between these two parties is a natural alliance and it will last beyond 2019 general elections," Jogi said.

When asked how the alliance was formed between the two parties, Jogi said it took just a few hours to forge the partnership as both parties are almost on the same page ideologically.

"I met Mayawatiji and we discussed for few hours and then decided to contest the election together for the state assembly and I will be the chief ministerial candidate," Jogi said.

Talking about the two-phase polls, Jogi said the real contest would be between the JCC-BSP alliance and the ruling BJP, while he termed the Congress a "spent force".

The Congress has no organisation, no workers in the state and above all it is without any leader, he said.

Jogi's daughter-in-law Richa Jogi is contesting on BSP ticket from Akaltara constituency in Janjgir-Champa district.&nbsp;

Till recently, the four-member Jogi family was representing three different political parties.

While Jogi and his son are in the JCC, Jogi's wife -- Renu Jogi -- was with the Congress before being denied ticket and has now switched sides to his husband's party.&nbsp;

Many poll pundits feel Jogi could also play the role of a kingmaker in Chhattisgarh in case of a hung verdict, while his alignment with Mayawati could give him a noticeable say for the Lok Sabha elections next year, especially during of alignment of non-BJP forces to take on the saffron party.

Jogi is known to have some influence in Madhya Pradesh as well, besides Chhattisgarh and the two states together account for 40 Lok Sabha seats, including 15 reserved for SC/ST candidates.

In UP, where Mayawati is a strong force, there are total 80 Lok Sabha seats, including 17 reserved for SC.

Mayawati's party also has some presence in several other states and union territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Bihar, besides Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The 62-year Dalit leader served as chief minister for three brief periods, first being in 1995, before she had a full five-year tenure during 2007-2012. However, her last tenure was also marked with allegations of corruption.

Besides, she has had three terms each in Lok Sabha and in Rajya Sabha.

In the last Lok Sabha polls in 2014, the BSP did not get a single seat but it was the third largest party in terms of vote share (over 4 per cent with nearly 2.3 crore voters).

The party candidates came second on as many as 34 seats, while its vote share in Uttar Pradesh was nearly 20 per cent.

The BSP had won 21 Lok Sabha seats in 2009 elections. In the Uttar Pradesh assembly, the BSP had got 206 out of 403 assembly seats in 2007, but the tally took a deep plunge to 80 in 2012 and even deeper to just 19 in the 2017 state elections.

Jogi's alliance with Mayawati is seen as significant as the Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh was also being wooed by the Congress and other opposition parties for a broader non-BJP alliance ahead of the 2019 general elections to give a united fight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is an alliance that took shape in just a few hours of discussion and the former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi wants it to continue till the 2019 general elections by projecting his ally and BSP supremo Mayawati as the prime ministerial candidate.

It is an alliance that took shape in just a few hours of discussion and the former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi wants it to continue till the 2019 general elections by projecting his ally and BSP supremo Mayawati as the prime ministerial candidate. "Mayawatiji deserves to be the country's prime minister. She is appropriate for the post and she has the potential," Jogi said. Describing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief as a natural leader, the bureaucrat-turned-politician told PTI in an interview, "There are various things that work in her favour. She is a woman, a Dalit and also has an experience of serving as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh four times." Jogi, 72, is the chief ministerial candidate of the alliance. He had earlier served as Chhattisgarh's first chief minister as a Congress leader between 2000 and 2003 after the tribal-dominated state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. However, the Congress could not return to power after Jogi's tenure ended and the BJP leader Raman Singh has served as its chief minister for nearly 15 years since then. One reason many cite for Congress' failure to come back to power in the state is infighting among various state leaders. Jogi left the Congress in 2016. While Chhattisgarh has always seen a two-way fight between the arch rivals BJP and Congress, Jogi-Mayawati alliance has become a keenly-watched third force this time. Even Chief Minister Singh, a BJP stalwart in the state where elections for 90 assembly seats would be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20, has acknowledged that Jogi would impact the Bharatiya Janata Party as well as the Congress. The BSP has one MLA in the outgoing assembly, while its vote share fell to 4.27 per cent in 2013. However, combining of forces between Jogi and Mayawati is being seen as having a multiplier effect, especially in terms of caste equations. Out of 90 total seats, 29 are reserved for tribals and 10 for Scheduled Castes. In the non-reserved seats, the population of SCs is more than 10 per cent in 40 assemblies. Besides, the other backward classes constitute about 48 per cent of the state's population. While Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party is known to attract Dalit voters, Jogi himself is said to have a stronghold among voters from his caste base of Mahars and Satnamis. Pitching Mayawati's name for the prime minister, Jogi said the BSP supremo deserves the country's top post and she is an appropriate candidate for it. "The alliance between these two parties is a natural alliance and it will last beyond 2019 general elections," Jogi said. When asked how the alliance was formed between the two parties, Jogi said it took just a few hours to forge the partnership as both parties are almost on the same page ideologically. "I met Mayawatiji and we discussed for few hours and then decided to contest the election together for the state assembly and I will be the chief ministerial candidate," Jogi said. Talking about the two-phase polls, Jogi said the real contest would be between the JCC-BSP alliance and the ruling BJP, while he termed the Congress a "spent force". The Congress has no organisation, no workers in the state and above all it is without any leader, he said. Jogi's daughter-in-law Richa Jogi is contesting on BSP ticket from Akaltara constituency in Janjgir-Champa district. Till recently, the four-member Jogi family was representing three different political parties. While Jogi and his son are in the JCC, Jogi's wife -- Renu Jogi -- was with the Congress before being denied ticket and has now switched sides to his husband's party. Many poll pundits feel Jogi could also play the role of a kingmaker in Chhattisgarh in case of a hung verdict, while his alignment with Mayawati could give him a noticeable say for the Lok Sabha elections next year, especially during of alignment of non-BJP forces to take on the saffron party. Jogi is known to have some influence in Madhya Pradesh as well, besides Chhattisgarh and the two states together account for 40 Lok Sabha seats, including 15 reserved for SC/ST candidates. In UP, where Mayawati is a strong force, there are total 80 Lok Sabha seats, including 17 reserved for SC. Mayawati's party also has some presence in several other states and union territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Bihar, besides Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The 62-year Dalit leader served as chief minister for three brief periods, first being in 1995, before she had a full five-year tenure during 2007-2012. However, her last tenure was also marked with allegations of corruption. Besides, she has had three terms each in Lok Sabha and in Rajya Sabha. In the last Lok Sabha polls in 2014, the BSP did not get a single seat but it was the third largest party in terms of vote share (over 4 per cent with nearly 2.3 crore voters). The party candidates came second on as many as 34 seats, while its vote share in Uttar Pradesh was nearly 20 per cent. The BSP had won 21 Lok Sabha seats in 2009 elections. In the Uttar Pradesh assembly, the BSP had got 206 out of 403 assembly seats in 2007, but the tally took a deep plunge to 80 in 2012 and even deeper to just 19 in the 2017 state elections. Jogi's alliance with Mayawati is seen as significant as the Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh was also being wooed by the Congress and other opposition parties for a broader non-BJP alliance ahead of the 2019 general elections to give a united fight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Took just few hours to forge alliance with Mayawati, will project her as PM candidate: Ajit Jogi

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is mulling inducing artificial rain in Delhi after Diwali to wash away hazardous pollutants that is plaguing the national capital.

A senior CPCB official said they are in talks with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for inducing artificial rain after Diwali when the pollution is expected to reach "severe-plus emergency" stage.

The official said they are waiting for meteorological conditions to become stable and then use cloud seeding for inducing artificial rain.

Cloud seeding is the process of combining different kinds of chemical agents including silver iodide, dry ice and even common table salt with existing clouds in an effort to thicken the clouds and increase the chance of rain or snowfall.

An IIT Kanpur professor said weather conditions are being monitored to become favourable for creating artificial rain.

"We are supporting the project by providing salt mix for inducing artificial rain. The weatherman is monitoring weather conditions to become favourable for creating artificial rain," the IIT Kanpur professor, who is part of the project, said.

In 2016, the government tried to explore the possibility of cloud seeding for artificial rain but the plan never worked out. Last year, the government has proposed the possibility of reducing dust by watering Delhi from a helicopter to Union Minister Harsh Vardhan.

Delhi's air quality has again deteriorated to alarming levels in the past three weeks.

Delhi's air quality was recorded in 'very poor' category on Tuesday as wind continued to blow from regions where there is rampant stubble burning, authorities said, warning of severe spike in pollution levels after Diwali even if "partial toxic crackers" are burnt compared to last year.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 394, which falls in the 'very poor' category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.&nbsp;

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is mulling inducing artificial rain in Delhi after Diwali to wash away hazardous pollutants that is plaguing the national capital.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is mulling inducing artificial rain in Delhi after Diwali to wash away hazardous pollutants that is plaguing the national capital. A senior CPCB official said they are in talks with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for inducing artificial rain after Diwali when the pollution is expected to reach "severe-plus emergency" stage. The official said they are waiting for meteorological conditions to become stable and then use cloud seeding for inducing artificial rain. Cloud seeding is the process of combining different kinds of chemical agents including silver iodide, dry ice and even common table salt with existing clouds in an effort to thicken the clouds and increase the chance of rain or snowfall. An IIT Kanpur professor said weather conditions are being monitored to become favourable for creating artificial rain. "We are supporting the project by providing salt mix for inducing artificial rain. The weatherman is monitoring weather conditions to become favourable for creating artificial rain," the IIT Kanpur professor, who is part of the project, said. In 2016, the government tried to explore the possibility of cloud seeding for artificial rain but the plan never worked out. Last year, the government has proposed the possibility of reducing dust by watering Delhi from a helicopter to Union Minister Harsh Vardhan. Delhi's air quality has again deteriorated to alarming levels in the past three weeks. Delhi's air quality was recorded in 'very poor' category on Tuesday as wind continued to blow from regions where there is rampant stubble burning, authorities said, warning of severe spike in pollution levels after Diwali even if "partial toxic crackers" are burnt compared to last year. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 394, which falls in the 'very poor' category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.

CPCB mulling using artificial rain in Delhi to tackle pollution after Diwali

The Enforcement Directorate has attached 11 properties worth over Rs 56 crores of fugitive diamond jeweller Nirav Modi in Dubai in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

The central probe agency said the assets were in the name of "Modi and his group company M/s Firestar Diamond FZE and they bear a market value of USD 7.79 million, which is equivalent to Rs. 56.8 crore".

The ED has issued a provisional order for attachment of these assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Last month, the agency had attached assets worth Rs. 637 crore of Nirav Modi and his family members, including two apartments at New York's iconic Central Park.

Sources in the agency said the ED would soon get multiple letters rogatory (judicial requests) issued by a Mumbai court for the legal formalisation of the attachment of these assets in coordination with its counterpart in Dubai.

Once the LRs were issued, India could freeze the foreign assets of an accused as part of a global legal cooperation in criminal matters, they added.

Nirav Modi has been absconding since the alleged bank fraud, by far the biggest in the country, came to light early this year and an Interpol arrest warrant was recently notified against him even as India is working to get him extradited from the UK, where he was last reported to have been based.

The agency has attached assets worth over Rs. 700 crores of Nirav Modi and his family in the country till now. It has also filed a charge sheet against the fugitive diamond jeweller, alleging that he laundered and diverted over Rs. 6,400 crores of bank funds to dummy companies abroad, which were under his and his family's control.

Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being probed under various criminal laws, following a complaint by the PNB that they cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs. 13,000 crores with the purported involvement of some of its employees.

The Enforcement Directorate has attached 11 properties worth over Rs 56 crores of fugitive diamond jeweller Nirav Modi in Dubai in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

The Enforcement Directorate has attached 11 properties worth over Rs 56 crores of fugitive diamond jeweller Nirav Modi in Dubai in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. The central probe agency said the assets were in the name of "Modi and his group company M/s Firestar Diamond FZE and they bear a market value of USD 7.79 million, which is equivalent to Rs. 56.8 crore". The ED has issued a provisional order for attachment of these assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Last month, the agency had attached assets worth Rs. 637 crore of Nirav Modi and his family members, including two apartments at New York's iconic Central Park. Sources in the agency said the ED would soon get multiple letters rogatory (judicial requests) issued by a Mumbai court for the legal formalisation of the attachment of these assets in coordination with its counterpart in Dubai. Once the LRs were issued, India could freeze the foreign assets of an accused as part of a global legal cooperation in criminal matters, they added. Nirav Modi has been absconding since the alleged bank fraud, by far the biggest in the country, came to light early this year and an Interpol arrest warrant was recently notified against him even as India is working to get him extradited from the UK, where he was last reported to have been based. The agency has attached assets worth over Rs. 700 crores of Nirav Modi and his family in the country till now. It has also filed a charge sheet against the fugitive diamond jeweller, alleging that he laundered and diverted over Rs. 6,400 crores of bank funds to dummy companies abroad, which were under his and his family's control. Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being probed under various criminal laws, following a complaint by the PNB that they cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs. 13,000 crores with the purported involvement of some of its employees.

Enforcement Directorate seeks attachment of Nirav Modi's Rs 56 crore Dubai assets

A new world record was set in the holy city of Ayodhya on the eve of Diwali Tuesday with over three lakh 'diyas' or earthen lamps lit up simultaneously on the banks of the Saryu river, officials said.

Rishi Nath, official adjudicator of the Guinness World Records, made the announcement that the record was created at the Deepotsav event on the ghats here.&nbsp;

"A total of 3,01,152 diyas were lit up simultaneously for a period of five minutes, which is a new record," Nath said in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi

Adityanath and South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook.

The target was to illuminate a total of 3.35 lakh diyas on both sides of ghats at Ram Ki Paidi here.

"It beat the earlier record set in Haryana in 2016, where at an event 1,50,009 diyas were lit," Nath said and hailed the new record as "phenomenal".&nbsp;

A new world record was set in the holy city of Ayodhya on the eve of Diwali Tuesday with over three lakh 'diyas' or earthen lamps lit up simultaneously on the banks of the Saryu river, officials said.

A new world record was set in the holy city of Ayodhya on the eve of Diwali Tuesday with over three lakh 'diyas' or earthen lamps lit up simultaneously on the banks of the Saryu river, officials said. Rishi Nath, official adjudicator of the Guinness World Records, made the announcement that the record was created at the Deepotsav event on the ghats here. "A total of 3,01,152 diyas were lit up simultaneously for a period of five minutes, which is a new record," Nath said in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook. The target was to illuminate a total of 3.35 lakh diyas on both sides of ghats at Ram Ki Paidi here. "It beat the earlier record set in Haryana in 2016, where at an event 1,50,009 diyas were lit," Nath said and hailed the new record as "phenomenal".

Over 3 lakh diyas lit on banks of Saryu river in new world record

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested an executive of a firm linked to fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi on Monday in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, officials said.

They added that Deepak Kulkarni was arrested&nbsp;from the Kolkata airport after he landed from Hong Kong.

Deepak Kulkarni was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and was expected to be produced before a court on Tuesday, the officials said, adding that the ED would seek his transit remand to take him to Mumbai, where the case was registered.

Kulkarni was linked to the overseas businesses of Mehul Choksi, one of the main accused in the case, and the ED had notified a Look-out Circular (LoC) against him, the officials said.

He was a director in a Hong Kong-based "dummy" firm linked to Choksi, an official said, adding that the ED had named him in a chargesheet filed against the fugitive jeweller earlier this year and a Mumbai court had also issued a non-bailable warrant against him.<iframe data-google-container-id="6" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

Mehul Choksi, his nephew and diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year, following a complaint from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of some of its employees.

Both Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi are absconding since the case was registered by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested an executive of a firm linked to fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi on Monday in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, officials said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested an executive of a firm linked to fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi on Monday in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, officials said. They added that Deepak Kulkarni was arrested from the Kolkata airport after he landed from Hong Kong. Deepak Kulkarni was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and was expected to be produced before a court on Tuesday, the officials said, adding that the ED would seek his transit remand to take him to Mumbai, where the case was registered. Kulkarni was linked to the overseas businesses of Mehul Choksi, one of the main accused in the case, and the ED had notified a Look-out Circular (LoC) against him, the officials said. He was a director in a Hong Kong-based "dummy" firm linked to Choksi, an official said, adding that the ED had named him in a chargesheet filed against the fugitive jeweller earlier this year and a Mumbai court had also issued a non-bailable warrant against him. Mehul Choksi, his nephew and diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year, following a complaint from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs. 13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of some of its employees. Both Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi are absconding since the case was registered by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Mehul Choksi's associate Deepak Kulkarni arrested in Kolkata over PNB fraud

Action needs to be taken to minimize the use of private vehicles, which contribute nearly 40 per cent to air pollution in Delhi, a green body said Monday as the air quality of the national capital nosedived to severe category.

Anumita Roychowdhury, an executive director at the Delhi-based think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said when the authorities are ramping up emergency actions on all sectors why should vehicles be spared. She said traffic would increase due to Diwali shopping until November 7 which would further worsen the air quality and action needs to be taken against the vehicles.

“The proposed action on private vehicles has to be seen within the larger context of how we are gradually ramping up emergency actions on all sectors. Today when we have gone to the extent of shutting power plants, brick kilns, hot mix plants and even gensets, the cars are actually coming last.

“So to say to make an exception to cars is very wrong keeping in mind that all the new estimates are showing that private vehicles contribute towards 40 per cent of pollution,” Roychowdhury said during CSE’s Facebook Live programme on air pollution ‘Season of Smog’.

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated drastically to severe Monday.

The overall air quality index on Monday was registered at 418, a sharp decline from a day before when the AQI was moderate at 171. The Supreme-Court appointed Environment Protection Control Authority last week proposed a ban on use of private vehicles in case of further deterioration of air quality.

“Diwali marketing is going to intensify and we have to take action on vehicles and these are temporary measures. It also means that all of us have to take responsibility to take public transport,” Roychowdhury added. Roychowdhury also said people can play a crucial role in building up pressure on authorities and demand action from them.

“Public participation is critical to keep up pressure on public and demand action. People can also play a role in combating pollution by reducing footprint, carpooling, public transport and increasing use of cycles for transportation,” she said. A thick haze has engulfed the national capital two days ahead of Diwali, following which, experts have warned, the air quality is likely to worsen further due to local factors.

Action needs to be taken to minimize the use of private vehicles, which contribute nearly 40 per cent to air pollution in Delhi, a green body said Monday as the air quality of the national capital nosedived to severe category.

Action needs to be taken to minimize the use of private vehicles, which contribute nearly 40 per cent to air pollution in Delhi, a green body said Monday as the air quality of the national capital nosedived to severe category. Anumita Roychowdhury, an executive director at the Delhi-based think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said when the authorities are ramping up emergency actions on all sectors why should vehicles be spared. She said traffic would increase due to Diwali shopping until November 7 which would further worsen the air quality and action needs to be taken against the vehicles. “The proposed action on private vehicles has to be seen within the larger context of how we are gradually ramping up emergency actions on all sectors. Today when we have gone to the extent of shutting power plants, brick kilns, hot mix plants and even gensets, the cars are actually coming last. “So to say to make an exception to cars is very wrong keeping in mind that all the new estimates are showing that private vehicles contribute towards 40 per cent of pollution,” Roychowdhury said during CSE’s Facebook Live programme on air pollution ‘Season of Smog’. Delhi’s air quality deteriorated drastically to severe Monday. The overall air quality index on Monday was registered at 418, a sharp decline from a day before when the AQI was moderate at 171. The Supreme-Court appointed Environment Protection Control Authority last week proposed a ban on use of private vehicles in case of further deterioration of air quality. “Diwali marketing is going to intensify and we have to take action on vehicles and these are temporary measures. It also means that all of us have to take responsibility to take public transport,” Roychowdhury added. Roychowdhury also said people can play a crucial role in building up pressure on authorities and demand action from them. “Public participation is critical to keep up pressure on public and demand action. People can also play a role in combating pollution by reducing footprint, carpooling, public transport and increasing use of cycles for transportation,” she said. A thick haze has engulfed the national capital two days ahead of Diwali, following which, experts have warned, the air quality is likely to worsen further due to local factors.

Private vehicles contribute nearly 40% to air pollution in Delhi, action needed for minimising their use: CSE

The ruling Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance, which has seen rough patches time and again, is all set to undergo its first litmus test as counting of votes cast during the recently-held by-polls has begun.

Results for bypolls held in Shimoga, Bellary and Mandya Lok Sabha seats, and Ramanagara and Jamakhandi legislative assembly seats will be declared later today.

Elections in the three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies were held on November 3.

At the end of the stipulated voting period, &nbsp;Bellary parliamentary constituency had recorded the highest voter turnout (63.85 per cent) among the three Lok Sabha constituencies while Mandya saw the least (53.93 per cent). Among the assembly constituencies, Jamakhandi recorded 81.58 per cent while Ramanagara saw 73. 71 per cent voter turnout.

While JD(S) candidates contested from Mandya and Shimoga Lok Sabha seats and the Ramanagara assembly constituency, the Congress fielded candidates in the Bellary Lok Sabha seat and Jamakhandi assembly seat.

In Ramanagara, the JD (S) fielded Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha Kumaraswamy. The by-poll was necessitated after Kumaraswamy, who contested on two seats - Channapatna and Ramanagara - in the assembly elections earlier this year, decided to resign from Ramanagara.

The Shimoga Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after former state chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader BS Yeddyurappa decided not to contest the assembly election from Shikaripura.

The terms for the Bellary, Shimoga and Mandya seats will be too short considering the fact that the Lok Sabha elections are due next year.&nbsp;

The ruling Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance, which has seen rough patches time and again, is all set to undergo its first litmus test as counting of votes cast during the recently-held by-polls has begun.

The ruling Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance, which has seen rough patches time and again, is all set to undergo its first litmus test as counting of votes cast during the recently-held by-polls has begun. Results for bypolls held in Shimoga, Bellary and Mandya Lok Sabha seats, and Ramanagara and Jamakhandi legislative assembly seats will be declared later today. Elections in the three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies were held on November 3. At the end of the stipulated voting period, Bellary parliamentary constituency had recorded the highest voter turnout (63.85 per cent) among the three Lok Sabha constituencies while Mandya saw the least (53.93 per cent). Among the assembly constituencies, Jamakhandi recorded 81.58 per cent while Ramanagara saw 73. 71 per cent voter turnout. While JD(S) candidates contested from Mandya and Shimoga Lok Sabha seats and the Ramanagara assembly constituency, the Congress fielded candidates in the Bellary Lok Sabha seat and Jamakhandi assembly seat. In Ramanagara, the JD (S) fielded Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha Kumaraswamy. The by-poll was necessitated after Kumaraswamy, who contested on two seats - Channapatna and Ramanagara - in the assembly elections earlier this year, decided to resign from Ramanagara. The Shimoga Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after former state chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader BS Yeddyurappa decided not to contest the assembly election from Shikaripura. The terms for the Bellary, Shimoga and Mandya seats will be too short considering the fact that the Lok Sabha elections are due next year.

Karnataka bypolls: High stakes for Cong-JD(S) alliance as counting of votes begins

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/for-trump-supporters-elections-a-battle-to-protect-a-leader-under-siege-175721">US midterms: For Trump supporters, elections a battle to protect leader under siege</a>

For many Americans, Tuesday's congressional midterm elections are a referendum on Republican President Donald Trump’s divisive persona, hard-line policies and pugnacious politics.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-blasphemy-lawyer-says-eu-un-made-him-leave-against-my-wishes-175720">Asia Bibi's lawyer says EU, UN made him leave Pakistan 'against my wishes'</a>

The Pakistani lawyer who saved a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy from death row said Monday that the UN and EU made him leave the country "against my wishes" because his life was at risk.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-go-slow-on-sanctions-on-irans-oil-keep-prices-down-trump-175735">Want to go slow on sanctions on Iran's oil, keep prices down: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he wants to impose sanctions on Iran's oil gradually, citing concerns about shocking energy markets and causing global price spikes.

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Fox News, NBC and Facebook have pulled a Trump campaign ad branded racist, which equates a convicted Mexican murderer with Central American migrants en route to the US border.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-build-first-nuclear-research-reactor-175718">Saudi Arabia to build </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-build-first-nuclear-research-reactor-175718">first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-build-first-nuclear-research-reactor-175718"> nuclear reactor</a>

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday laid the foundation stone for the kingdom's first nuclear research reactor, state media said, as the kingdom seeks to diversify its energy mix.

US midterms: For Trump supporters, elections a battle to protect leader under siege For many Americans, Tuesday's congressional midterm elections are a referendum on Republican President Donald Trump’s divisive persona, hard-line policies and pugnacious politics.

US midterms: For Trump supporters, elections a battle to protect leader under siege For many Americans, Tuesday's congressional midterm elections are a referendum on Republican President Donald Trump’s divisive persona, hard-line policies and pugnacious politics. Asia Bibi's lawyer says EU, UN made him leave Pakistan 'against my wishes' The Pakistani lawyer who saved a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy from death row said Monday that the UN and EU made him leave the country "against my wishes" because his life was at risk. Want to go slow on sanctions on Iran's oil, keep prices down: Trump US President Donald Trump on Monday said he wants to impose sanctions on Iran's oil gradually, citing concerns about shocking energy markets and causing global price spikes. Facebook, US networks drop Trump campaign ad judged to be racist Fox News, NBC and Facebook have pulled a Trump campaign ad branded racist, which equates a convicted Mexican murderer with Central American migrants en route to the US border. Saudi Arabia to build first nuclear reactor Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday laid the foundation stone for the kingdom's first nuclear research reactor, state media said, as the kingdom seeks to diversify its energy mix.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Israel's parliament will renew debate next week on a bill that would make it easier to sentence Palestinian attackers to death, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Tuesday while vowing to have it passed.

"After over three years of a stubborn struggle, the death penalty for terrorist law will finally be brought to the law committee next Wednesday (November 14), and then for its first reading in the Knesset plenum," Lieberman said on Twitter.

"We won't relent or stop until completing the mission."

The bill, which passed a preliminary vote by the full parliament in January, would ease the requirements military courts in the occupied West Bank must meet to sentence Palestinians convicted of "terrorist" crimes to death.&nbsp;

As the law stands now, a panel of three military judges must unanimously approve any death penalty in military courts.

The new bill, planned by members of Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party at his behest, would change the requirement to a majority instead of unanimity.

Israel has not carried out any executions since 1962, when Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was hanged.

Israel abolished the use of capital punishment for murder in civil courts in 1954, though it can still, in theory, be applied for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, treason and crimes against the Jewish people.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for the death penalty in certain cases.

But a senior member of Netanyahu's party said Tuesday that he would object to the bill since the Israeli security establishment opposed it.

"I won't support imposing the death penalty before there's a serious debate and decision in the government and security cabinet," Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz wrote on Twitter.

"According to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), Shin Bet (internal security service) and all the security establishment not only would (the death penalty) not help the fight against terror, it would cause great damage," he said.

A law to sentence "terrorists" to death was one of Lieberman's election promises in 2015, and government support for it was a condition for Yisrael Beitenu joining Netanyahu's coalition.&nbsp;

Israeli elections are expected to be called in the coming months and politicians have been ramping up campaign rhetoric.

The Palestinian government on Tuesday said the bill was "a public invitation to commit murder, and execution, and carry out massacres against our Palestinian people."&nbsp;

"This is a clear breach of laws, international and humanitarian," a statement from the Palestinian government said.&nbsp;

Israel's parliament will renew debate next week on a bill that would make it easier to sentence Palestinian attackers to death, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Tuesday while vowing to have it passed.

Israel's parliament will renew debate next week on a bill that would make it easier to sentence Palestinian attackers to death, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Tuesday while vowing to have it passed. "After over three years of a stubborn struggle, the death penalty for terrorist law will finally be brought to the law committee next Wednesday (November 14), and then for its first reading in the Knesset plenum," Lieberman said on Twitter. "We won't relent or stop until completing the mission." The bill, which passed a preliminary vote by the full parliament in January, would ease the requirements military courts in the occupied West Bank must meet to sentence Palestinians convicted of "terrorist" crimes to death. As the law stands now, a panel of three military judges must unanimously approve any death penalty in military courts. The new bill, planned by members of Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party at his behest, would change the requirement to a majority instead of unanimity. Israel has not carried out any executions since 1962, when Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was hanged. Israel abolished the use of capital punishment for murder in civil courts in 1954, though it can still, in theory, be applied for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, treason and crimes against the Jewish people. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for the death penalty in certain cases. But a senior member of Netanyahu's party said Tuesday that he would object to the bill since the Israeli security establishment opposed it. "I won't support imposing the death penalty before there's a serious debate and decision in the government and security cabinet," Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz wrote on Twitter. "According to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), Shin Bet (internal security service) and all the security establishment not only would (the death penalty) not help the fight against terror, it would cause great damage," he said. A law to sentence "terrorists" to death was one of Lieberman's election promises in 2015, and government support for it was a condition for Yisrael Beitenu joining Netanyahu's coalition. Israeli elections are expected to be called in the coming months and politicians have been ramping up campaign rhetoric. The Palestinian government on Tuesday said the bill was "a public invitation to commit murder, and execution, and carry out massacres against our Palestinian people." "This is a clear breach of laws, international and humanitarian," a statement from the Palestinian government said.

Israel lawmakers to debate death penalty for Palestinian 'terrorists'

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday said a verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute may be a prerogative of the Supreme Court but a grand temple for Lord Ram will be built.

He also said&nbsp;installation of a grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya should not be linked to construction of a Ram temple.

It will now be impossible to install a single stone bearing the name of Mughal emperor Babur, the BJP leader said, days after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) declared it will not hesitate to launch an agitation for Ram temple at Ayodhya if needed.

"I have clearly said time and again on the issue of construction of a temple in Ayodhya that whenever there is a verdict on Ayodhya, it is the prerogative of the Supreme Court. But a grand temple for Ram Lalla will be built," Maurya told PTI.

"Now, it is simply impossible to install even a single stone bearing the name of Babur there," he added.

Stating that neither the petitioner nor the government can do anything in a matter pending before the court,&nbsp;Maurya said the installation of a grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya should not be linked to construction of a Ram temple.

He was referring to Ayodhya Mayor Rishikesh Upadhyay statement last week that there is a proposal to install a 151-metre-tall statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Saryu river in the town.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to make an announcement on this on the occasion of "Dev Deepawali", the mayor said.

In Maurya's view, the matter should be seen as one linked to the development of Ayodhya.

He said building Lord Ram's statue and the Ram Temple movement are two different issues.

"We feel Ayodhya should be developed, and every devotee of Lord Ram also feels the same. In the past 15 years, there has been no development of Ayodhya. After our government was formed, the development of Ayodhya started. Ayodhya will be developed keeping in mind the devotion and faith which Ayodhya Naath (Lord Ram) commands," he said.

Hitting out at previous governments, the deputy chief minister said the government has worked to revive things related to the life of Lord Ram such as the Saryu 'aarti' and the Deepotsav, which had led to a continuous flow of people from different parts of India and the world into the town.

In a broadside against Rahul Gandhi, he said people of the country are questioning the 'janeudhari'&nbsp;(sacred Brahmanical thread) national president of the Congress and are seeking answers.

"On the one hand, he visits various temples only to mislead the people and, on the other, senior leaders of his party urge the Supreme Court not to hear the case until 2019. He must explain his intention behind this," Maurya said.

&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday said a verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute may be a prerogative of the Supreme Court but a grand temple for Lord Ram will be built.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday said a verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute may be a prerogative of the Supreme Court but a grand temple for Lord Ram will be built. He also said installation of a grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya should not be linked to construction of a Ram temple. It will now be impossible to install a single stone bearing the name of Mughal emperor Babur, the BJP leader said, days after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) declared it will not hesitate to launch an agitation for Ram temple at Ayodhya if needed. "I have clearly said time and again on the issue of construction of a temple in Ayodhya that whenever there is a verdict on Ayodhya, it is the prerogative of the Supreme Court. But a grand temple for Ram Lalla will be built," Maurya told PTI. "Now, it is simply impossible to install even a single stone bearing the name of Babur there," he added. Stating that neither the petitioner nor the government can do anything in a matter pending before the court, Maurya said the installation of a grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya should not be linked to construction of a Ram temple. He was referring to Ayodhya Mayor Rishikesh Upadhyay statement last week that there is a proposal to install a 151-metre-tall statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Saryu river in the town. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to make an announcement on this on the occasion of "Dev Deepawali", the mayor said. In Maurya's view, the matter should be seen as one linked to the development of Ayodhya. He said building Lord Ram's statue and the Ram Temple movement are two different issues. "We feel Ayodhya should be developed, and every devotee of Lord Ram also feels the same. In the past 15 years, there has been no development of Ayodhya. After our government was formed, the development of Ayodhya started. Ayodhya will be developed keeping in mind the devotion and faith which Ayodhya Naath (Lord Ram) commands," he said. Hitting out at previous governments, the deputy chief minister said the government has worked to revive things related to the life of Lord Ram such as the Saryu 'aarti' and the Deepotsav, which had led to a continuous flow of people from different parts of India and the world into the town. In a broadside against Rahul Gandhi, he said people of the country are questioning the 'janeudhari' (sacred Brahmanical thread) national president of the Congress and are seeking answers. "On the one hand, he visits various temples only to mislead the people and, on the other, senior leaders of his party urge the Supreme Court not to hear the case until 2019. He must explain his intention behind this," Maurya said.

Lord Ram's statue should not be linked with Ram temple: Keshav Maurya

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter between terrorist and security forces in Shopian's Sadnagri in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

The operation began early morning on Tuesday and lasted for over an hour.&nbsp;

The identity of the terrorists has not been revealed yet.&nbsp;

There have been no collateral damages in the encounter.

Meanwhile, two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.&nbsp;

The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Khudpora area on Saturday evening following information about the presence of the militants there, a police officer said.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter between terrorist and security forces in Shopian's Sadnagri in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning. The operation began early morning on Tuesday and lasted for over an hour.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter between terrorist and security forces in Shopian's Sadnagri in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning. The operation began early morning on Tuesday and lasted for over an hour. The identity of the terrorists has not been revealed yet. There have been no collateral damages in the encounter. Meanwhile, two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Khudpora area on Saturday evening following information about the presence of the militants there, a police officer said.

J&K: Two terrorists killed in encounter in Shopian's Sadnagri

Petrol and diesel prices in New Delhi witnessed a fall of 14 paise and 9 paise respectively on Tuesday as compared to Monday.

Petrol is now being sold at Rs 78.42 per litre, while diesel is being retailed at Rs 73.07 per litre in the national capital.

In Mumbai, the prices of petrol and diesel are Rs 83.92 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.14) and Rs 76.57 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.10), respectively.

In Chennai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 81.46 per litre and Rs 77.24 per litre respectively. While in Kolkata, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 80.33 per litre and Rs 74.93 per litre respectively.&nbsp;

Oil prices fell on Monday as the start to US&nbsp;sanctions against Iran`s fuel exports was softened by waivers that will allow some countries to still import Iranian crude, at least temporarily.

Fuel prices had earlier witnessed a relentless hike in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket.

In this regard, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had on October 4 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre and urged respective state governments to slash the same amount at their end.

Petrol and diesel prices in New Delhi witnessed a fall of 14 paise and 9 paise respectively on Tuesday as compared to Monday. Petrol is now being sold at Rs 78.42 per litre, while diesel is being retailed at Rs 73.

Petrol and diesel prices in New Delhi witnessed a fall of 14 paise and 9 paise respectively on Tuesday as compared to Monday. Petrol is now being sold at Rs 78.42 per litre, while diesel is being retailed at Rs 73.07 per litre in the national capital. In Mumbai, the prices of petrol and diesel are Rs 83.92 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.14) and Rs 76.57 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.10), respectively. In Chennai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 81.46 per litre and Rs 77.24 per litre respectively. While in Kolkata, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 80.33 per litre and Rs 74.93 per litre respectively. Oil prices fell on Monday as the start to US sanctions against Iran`s fuel exports was softened by waivers that will allow some countries to still import Iranian crude, at least temporarily. Fuel prices had earlier witnessed a relentless hike in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket. In this regard, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had on October 4 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre and urged respective state governments to slash the same amount at their end.

Fuel pries down again, petrol at Rs 78.42 per litre in Delhi, diesel at Rs 73.07 per litre

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