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South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook arrived in Ayodhya Tuesday to attend Diwali festivities in the holy city and began her tour by offering tribute at the Queen Heo Memorial.

Kim visited the site, along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and attended a ground-breaking ceremony for upgrade and beautification of the memorial dedicated to the legendary princess of Ayodhya who went to Korea.

Later she went to the banks of the Saryu river to welcome artists donning the avatar of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, who arrived at Ram Katha Park in a ceremonial chopper as part of 'Ram Durbar'.

Kim garlanded 'Sita' as they descended from the helicopter and Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and Adityanath welcomed Lord Ram and Laxman by garlanding them.

Union Minister V K Singh also attended the grand event in Ayodhya. 
Kim's stand-alone visit to India, which began on November 4, has rekindled interest in the legendary princess who married a Korean king.

According to Korean legend, the Princess of Ayodhya went to Korea in 48 AD and married King Kim-Suro.

A large number of Koreans trace their ancestry to this legendary princess, who is known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok.

"The legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok binds the two countries together culturally, and her visit will further promote our people-to-people ties," a senior official at the cultural wing of the South Korean Embassy in India told PTI.

Huge hoardings, bearing message -- 'South Korean First lady Kim Jung-sook - Welcome to Ayodhya ' and her picture, have been put up across the city.

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South Korean first lady Kim-Jung Sook arrives at Queen Hau Park in Ayodhya <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> <a href="https://t.co/MvelaHJian">pic.twitter.com/MvelaHJian</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1059743047049793537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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South Korean first lady Kim-Jung Sook arrives at Queen Hau Park in Ayodhya <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> <a href="https://t.co/MvelaHJian">pic.twitter.com/MvelaHJian</a>
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South Korean first lady Kim-Jung Sook arrives at Queen Hau Park in Ayodhya <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> <a href="https://t.co/MvelaHJian">pic.twitter.com/MvelaHJian</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1059743047049793537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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An agreement regarding the Queen Suriratna Memorial Project was signed to facilitate upgrade and expansion of the existing monument commemorating Princess Suriratna (Queen Hur Hwang-ok).

In July, the two countries signed the agreement for expansion of the Suriratna memorial project.

Uttam Das, a seer from Ayodhya, told PTI, "It was a matter of honour for Ayodhya that she was visiting Ayodhya."

"A princess of Ayodhya had gone there around 2,000 years ago, and now the First Lady is visiting Ayodhya, life has sort of come full circle," he said.

Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon, South Korean envoy Shin Bongkil also took part in the celebrations.

South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook arrived in Ayodhya Tuesday to attend Diwali festivities in the holy city and began her tour by offering tribute at the Queen Heo Memorial.

South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook arrived in Ayodhya Tuesday to attend Diwali festivities in the holy city and began her tour by offering tribute at the Queen Heo Memorial. Kim visited the site, along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and attended a ground-breaking ceremony for upgrade and beautification of the memorial dedicated to the legendary princess of Ayodhya who went to Korea. Later she went to the banks of the Saryu river to welcome artists donning the avatar of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, who arrived at Ram Katha Park in a ceremonial chopper as part of 'Ram Durbar'. Kim garlanded 'Sita' as they descended from the helicopter and Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and Adityanath welcomed Lord Ram and Laxman by garlanding them. Union Minister V K Singh also attended the grand event in Ayodhya. Kim's stand-alone visit to India, which began on November 4, has rekindled interest in the legendary princess who married a Korean king. According to Korean legend, the Princess of Ayodhya went to Korea in 48 AD and married King Kim-Suro. A large number of Koreans trace their ancestry to this legendary princess, who is known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok. "The legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok binds the two countries together culturally, and her visit will further promote our people-to-people ties," a senior official at the cultural wing of the South Korean Embassy in India told PTI. Huge hoardings, bearing message -- 'South Korean First lady Kim Jung-sook - Welcome to Ayodhya ' and her picture, have been put up across the city. South Korean first lady Kim-Jung Sook arrives at Queen Hau Park in Ayodhya #Diwali pic.twitter.com/MvelaHJian — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 6, 2018 × South Korean first lady Kim-Jung Sook arrives at Queen Hau Park in Ayodhya #Diwali pic.twitter.com/MvelaHJian — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 6, 2018 × South Korean first lady Kim-Jung Sook arrives at Queen Hau Park in Ayodhya #Diwali pic.twitter.com/MvelaHJian — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 6, 2018 × An agreement regarding the Queen Suriratna Memorial Project was signed to facilitate upgrade and expansion of the existing monument commemorating Princess Suriratna (Queen Hur Hwang-ok). In July, the two countries signed the agreement for expansion of the Suriratna memorial project. Uttam Das, a seer from Ayodhya, told PTI, "It was a matter of honour for Ayodhya that she was visiting Ayodhya." "A princess of Ayodhya had gone there around 2,000 years ago, and now the First Lady is visiting Ayodhya, life has sort of come full circle," he said. Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon, South Korean envoy Shin Bongkil also took part in the celebrations.

South Korean first lady visits Queen Heo Memorial in Ayodhya, welcomes 'Ram Durbar' 

Buoyed by the victory in the bypolls, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress state president Dinesh Gundu Rao Tuesday asserted that they would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bypolls-congress-jds-combine-win-4-out-of-5-seats-175804">together against the BJP.</a>

The two leaders gave credit for the electoral success to the policies of the Congress-JD(S) coalition, which bagged two Lok Sabha seats and two assembly segments in the by-elections held on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy hailed the people for their support to the coalition government of the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress and said the two parties would contest the 2019 polls together in all the 28 constituencies in the state.

"We will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together. As we did this time, we will sit together to chalk out strategies to fight the Lok Sabha election in a coordinated manner," Kumaraswamy said.

"We took many pro-people measures which are at the stage of implementation. The benefits have not reached them yet," the chief minister said.&nbsp;

However, people liked our policies, be it the crop loan waiver or financial aid to the street vendors, he said.

At a separate press conference, Rao said their sounding victory was an indication that the people of Karnataka had given their approval to the coalition government's policies.

"It has rejected the BJP, its divisive politics and dictatorial tendencies. We will contest the 2019 election together," he said.

Rao charged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with forgetting its duty as a responsible opposition.

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The sweeping victory of the Congress - JD(S) alliance in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaBypolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaBypolls</a> is just a teaser for what is in store for the BJP next year. Congratulations to all the winners.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaRejectsBJP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaRejectsBJP</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1059709810457759744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The power-hungry BJP did not fulfil its responsibility of an opposition party. They set aside ethics and morality due to which they faced defeat at four places while its victory margin shrunk substantially in Shivamogga," Rao said.

Anitha Kumaraswamy, who won the election from the Ramanagara assembly constituency, gave credit for her victory to the tireless efforts of her chief minister husband Kumaraswamy, her father-in-law and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and Congress leaders.

Former chief minister Siddaramaiah tweeted, "A meaningful celebration of Naraka Chaturdashi in Ballari. People's march from darkness to light. Wishing the people of Karnataka a happy Deepawali."

Tuesday happened to be Naraka Chaturdashi, a festival to mark the death of Narakasura, who was killed by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. 
Siddaramaiah tweeted further, "My thanks to the people of Ballari. People have cursed the inhuman behaviour of Janardhana Reddy."&nbsp;

In the run-up to the polls, Janardhana Reddy had kicked up a storm, saying that God cursed Siddarmaiah with the loss of his son for him (Reddy) languishing in jail for four years, though nothing incriminating was found from him.

Reddy was criticised not only by the Congress leaders but also by the BJP, with its state chief B S Yeddyurappa even asking Reddy to apologise for his remarks.

Buoyed by the victory in the bypolls, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress state president Dinesh Gundu Rao Tuesday asserted that they would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together against the BJP.

Buoyed by the victory in the bypolls, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress state president Dinesh Gundu Rao Tuesday asserted that they would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together against the BJP. The two leaders gave credit for the electoral success to the policies of the Congress-JD(S) coalition, which bagged two Lok Sabha seats and two assembly segments in the by-elections held on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy hailed the people for their support to the coalition government of the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress and said the two parties would contest the 2019 polls together in all the 28 constituencies in the state. "We will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together. As we did this time, we will sit together to chalk out strategies to fight the Lok Sabha election in a coordinated manner," Kumaraswamy said. "We took many pro-people measures which are at the stage of implementation. The benefits have not reached them yet," the chief minister said. However, people liked our policies, be it the crop loan waiver or financial aid to the street vendors, he said. At a separate press conference, Rao said their sounding victory was an indication that the people of Karnataka had given their approval to the coalition government's policies. "It has rejected the BJP, its divisive politics and dictatorial tendencies. We will contest the 2019 election together," he said. Rao charged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with forgetting its duty as a responsible opposition. The sweeping victory of the Congress - JD(S) alliance in the #KarnatakaBypolls is just a teaser for what is in store for the BJP next year. Congratulations to all the winners.#KarnatakaRejectsBJP — Congress (@INCIndia) November 6, 2018 × "The power-hungry BJP did not fulfil its responsibility of an opposition party. They set aside ethics and morality due to which they faced defeat at four places while its victory margin shrunk substantially in Shivamogga," Rao said. Anitha Kumaraswamy, who won the election from the Ramanagara assembly constituency, gave credit for her victory to the tireless efforts of her chief minister husband Kumaraswamy, her father-in-law and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and Congress leaders. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah tweeted, "A meaningful celebration of Naraka Chaturdashi in Ballari. People's march from darkness to light. Wishing the people of Karnataka a happy Deepawali." Tuesday happened to be Naraka Chaturdashi, a festival to mark the death of Narakasura, who was killed by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Siddaramaiah tweeted further, "My thanks to the people of Ballari. People have cursed the inhuman behaviour of Janardhana Reddy." In the run-up to the polls, Janardhana Reddy had kicked up a storm, saying that God cursed Siddarmaiah with the loss of his son for him (Reddy) languishing in jail for four years, though nothing incriminating was found from him. Reddy was criticised not only by the Congress leaders but also by the BJP, with its state chief B S Yeddyurappa even asking Reddy to apologise for his remarks.

Karnataka bypolls: Elated over results, Congress-JD(S) say they will contest 2019 Lok Sabha polls together

In an emphatic endorsement of Karnataka's ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition by the voters, its candidates Tuesday won both the assembly constituencies and two of the three Lok Sabha seats in the bitterly fought by-polls held on Saturday.

The byelections came as a major setback for the main opposition BJP ahead of the 2019 elections with the party losing the Ballari Lok Sabha seat, considered a stronghold of the controversial mining barons — the Reddy brothers.

VS Ugrappa of the Congress won Ballari beating BJP's J Shantha, the sister of B Sriramulu, a key aide of the Reddys and former MP from there.

The BJP won only the Shivamogga parliamentary seat, the pocket borough of the Leader of the Opposition B S Yeddyurappa. His son BY Raghavendra beat Madhu Bangarappa of the JD(S). Madhu is the son of the late S Bangarappa, the former Congress chief minister.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha bagged the Ramanagara assembly seat by a spectacular margin of 1,09,137 against her nearest rival, the&nbsp;BJP's L&nbsp;Chandrashekar who had pulled out of the contest but officially still remains the party candidate.

Chandrashekhar had joined the BJP ahead of the polls and then returned to the Congress weeks later, leaving the saffron party red-faced and the field open for a walkover for Anitha Kumaraswamy.

Ramanagara seat fell vacant after Kumaraswamy preferred to retain Chennapatna, the other constituency from where he had won.

In Jamkhandi, Congress candidate Anand Nyamgouda defeated BJP's Srikant Kulkarni by a margin of 39,480 votes, riding a sympathy wave following his father and sitting MLA Siddu Nyamagouda's death in a road accident.

With Tuesday's victory, the Congress-JD(S) alliance's tally will go up to 120 seats in the 224 member assembly where the BJP has 104 MLAs.

In Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, JD(S) candidate L Shivarame Gowda has established a lead of a staggering 3.24 lakh votes over BJP candidate Siddaramaiah, a political greenhorn and a former civil servant.

Mandya is a stronghold of the Vokkaliga community to which JD(S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda belongs.

Elated over the performance of the ruling alliance candidates, jubilant Congress workers distributed sweets and broke coconuts at various places.

Karnataka Congress president Dinesh Gundu Rao claimed the results reflected the disenchantment of people with the BJP.

"Look at the margins...It's clear that people are fed up with the BJP. This anti-people, anti-farmer, anti-women government at the Centre must go.

"All forces need to come together to take on the BJP. BJP will be wiped out of Karnataka in 2019 (Lok Sabha polls). If it is wiped out in Karnataka, it will be wiped out in the entire south India," he said.

Karnataka is the only south Indian state where the BJP has been in power.

The by-elections for three Lok Sabha seats were necessitated after Yeddyurappa and Sriramulu of the BJP and C S Puttaraju of the JD(S) vacated Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya following their election to the assembly in May.

Bypolls to Jamkhandi seat was necessitated following the death of sitting Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, while Ramanagara fellvacant after Kumaraswamy gave it up.&nbsp;

In an emphatic endorsement of Karnataka's ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition by the voters, its candidates Tuesday won both the assembly constituencies and two of the three Lok Sabha seats in the bitterly fought by-polls held on Saturday.

In an emphatic endorsement of Karnataka's ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition by the voters, its candidates Tuesday won both the assembly constituencies and two of the three Lok Sabha seats in the bitterly fought by-polls held on Saturday. The byelections came as a major setback for the main opposition BJP ahead of the 2019 elections with the party losing the Ballari Lok Sabha seat, considered a stronghold of the controversial mining barons — the Reddy brothers. VS Ugrappa of the Congress won Ballari beating BJP's J Shantha, the sister of B Sriramulu, a key aide of the Reddys and former MP from there. The BJP won only the Shivamogga parliamentary seat, the pocket borough of the Leader of the Opposition B S Yeddyurappa. His son BY Raghavendra beat Madhu Bangarappa of the JD(S). Madhu is the son of the late S Bangarappa, the former Congress chief minister. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha bagged the Ramanagara assembly seat by a spectacular margin of 1,09,137 against her nearest rival, the BJP's L Chandrashekar who had pulled out of the contest but officially still remains the party candidate. Chandrashekhar had joined the BJP ahead of the polls and then returned to the Congress weeks later, leaving the saffron party red-faced and the field open for a walkover for Anitha Kumaraswamy. Ramanagara seat fell vacant after Kumaraswamy preferred to retain Chennapatna, the other constituency from where he had won. In Jamkhandi, Congress candidate Anand Nyamgouda defeated BJP's Srikant Kulkarni by a margin of 39,480 votes, riding a sympathy wave following his father and sitting MLA Siddu Nyamagouda's death in a road accident. With Tuesday's victory, the Congress-JD(S) alliance's tally will go up to 120 seats in the 224 member assembly where the BJP has 104 MLAs. In Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, JD(S) candidate L Shivarame Gowda has established a lead of a staggering 3.24 lakh votes over BJP candidate Siddaramaiah, a political greenhorn and a former civil servant. Mandya is a stronghold of the Vokkaliga community to which JD(S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda belongs. Elated over the performance of the ruling alliance candidates, jubilant Congress workers distributed sweets and broke coconuts at various places. Karnataka Congress president Dinesh Gundu Rao claimed the results reflected the disenchantment of people with the BJP. "Look at the margins...It's clear that people are fed up with the BJP. This anti-people, anti-farmer, anti-women government at the Centre must go. "All forces need to come together to take on the BJP. BJP will be wiped out of Karnataka in 2019 (Lok Sabha polls). If it is wiped out in Karnataka, it will be wiped out in the entire south India," he said. Karnataka is the only south Indian state where the BJP has been in power. The by-elections for three Lok Sabha seats were necessitated after Yeddyurappa and Sriramulu of the BJP and C S Puttaraju of the JD(S) vacated Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya following their election to the assembly in May. Bypolls to Jamkhandi seat was necessitated following the death of sitting Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, while Ramanagara fellvacant after Kumaraswamy gave it up.

Karnataka bypolls: Congress-JD(S) combine wins 4 out of 5 seats

The First Lady of South Korea, Kim Jung-sook, arrived at the Amausi Airport in Lucknow to a rousing reception Monday evening.

She was received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who welcomed her with a bouquet.

Kim, who arrived in India Sunday on a four-day visit, was scheduled to participate in Diwali festivities and the ground-breaking ceremony of a memorial for a Korean queen in Ayodhya on Monday.

"Affectionate bonding. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on the First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Mrs Kim Jung-sook. India and ROK (Republic of Korea) share a special strategic partnership since 2015 and our relations have deepened and diversified in recent years," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had tweeted earlier.

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Affectionate bonding. 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> calls on the First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Mrs Kim Jung-sook. India and ROK share a special strategic partnership since 2015 and our relations have deepened and diversified in recent years. <a href="https://t.co/qnC8iVgfbK">pic.twitter.com/qnC8iVgfbK</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1059312889029365760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The First Lady's participation in the festivities in Ayodhya will showcase our close civilisational links as well as the ongoing deepening engagement between our two countries," the MEA had said last week.

According to Korean legends, princess Suriratna from Ayodhya had travelled to Korea, married king Kim Suro and became queen Heo Hwang-ok some 2,000 years ago.

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Strengthening people to people ties. 
 
First Lady of Republic of Korea, Mrs Kim Jung-sook met with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. PM welcomed her to India and recalled the successful visit of President <a href="https://twitter.com/moonriver365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moonriver365</a> to India in June 2018. <a href="https://t.co/CF87FCd1oH">pic.twitter.com/CF87FCd1oH</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1059418742466232320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The First Lady of South Korea will also attend the "Deepotsav" event in Ayodhya Tuesday evening.

She will leave for Agra Wednesday for a visit to the Taj Mahal, before flying back home.

The First Lady of South Korea, Kim Jung-sook, arrived at the Amausi Airport in Lucknow to a rousing reception Monday evening. She was received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who welcomed her with a bouquet.

The First Lady of South Korea, Kim Jung-sook, arrived at the Amausi Airport in Lucknow to a rousing reception Monday evening. She was received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who welcomed her with a bouquet. Kim, who arrived in India Sunday on a four-day visit, was scheduled to participate in Diwali festivities and the ground-breaking ceremony of a memorial for a Korean queen in Ayodhya on Monday. "Affectionate bonding. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on the First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Mrs Kim Jung-sook. India and ROK (Republic of Korea) share a special strategic partnership since 2015 and our relations have deepened and diversified in recent years," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had tweeted earlier. Affectionate bonding. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on the First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Mrs Kim Jung-sook. India and ROK share a special strategic partnership since 2015 and our relations have deepened and diversified in recent years. pic.twitter.com/qnC8iVgfbK — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 5, 2018 × "The First Lady's participation in the festivities in Ayodhya will showcase our close civilisational links as well as the ongoing deepening engagement between our two countries," the MEA had said last week. According to Korean legends, princess Suriratna from Ayodhya had travelled to Korea, married king Kim Suro and became queen Heo Hwang-ok some 2,000 years ago. Strengthening people to people ties. First Lady of Republic of Korea, Mrs Kim Jung-sook met with PM @narendramodi. PM welcomed her to India and recalled the successful visit of President @moonriver365 to India in June 2018. pic.twitter.com/CF87FCd1oH — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 5, 2018 × The First Lady of South Korea will also attend the "Deepotsav" event in Ayodhya Tuesday evening. She will leave for Agra Wednesday for a visit to the Taj Mahal, before flying back home.

South Korean first lady Kim Jung-Sook to attend Ayodhya 'deepotsav' today

Over 1,200 candidates will fight it out for 90 seats in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly polls where besides the BJP and the Congress, smaller parties have also thrown their hat in the ring.

In the two-phase elections, voting for 18 seats spread across eight Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts, will be held on November 12 and for the other 72 seats on November 20. The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

This time, the coalition between the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) has added another dimension to the electoral politics of Chhattisgarh, which has always been dominated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress.

While 190 candidates are in the fray for the first phase of polls, 1,101 nominees will battle it out in the second phase of the state elections. 
After the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers for the second phase of polls expired on Monday, 1,101 candidates are in the fray for 72 seats, a public relation officer at the office of state's Chief Electoral Officer here said.

As many as 2,655 nominations were filed for the second phase and of them, papers of 1,249 candidates were found valid after scrutiny. Of these, 148 candidates withdrew their nominations, leaving 1,101 aspirants for the polls on November 20, he said.

The deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers for the first phase of polls had ended on October 26.

With this, total 1,291 candidates are in fray now for the two-phase Chhattisgarh Assembly elections.

BJP state general secretary Santosh Pandey said his party has set a target to win 65 plus out of the total 90 seats this time and that they are "confident of achieving it".

"Booth-level workers have been asked to inform people about welfare schemes of the Centre and the state government and put in all their efforts to register victory for the fourth consecutive term," he said.&nbsp;

Chief of the state Congress communication wing Shailesh Nitin Trivedi also exuded confidence that his party will win the elections this time.

He said the Congress has fielded seniors as well as youth leaders to ensure victory.

"The party, during its campaign, has been highlighting the 15-year misrule of the Raman Singh government and reaching out to people. It is a well-planned strategy to win the election with a thumping majority," he added.

The first phase of voting will cover Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Jagdalpur, Keshkal, Chitrakot, Dantewada, Bijapur, Konta, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji and Mohla-Manpur seats.

The highest number of 30 candidates will lock horns in the Rajnandgaon constituency, while the lowest number of five nominees will fight it out in Bastar and Kondagaon seats each.

The keenly-watched constituency will be Rajnandgaon, where Chief Minister Raman Singh of the ruling BJP and Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, are in the fray.

Stakes are very high for the BJP on these 18 seats as it had lost 12 of them in the last polls in 2013.

In the last Assembly polls, of the total 90 seats, the BJP had won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP 1 and independent 1.

Prominent candidates from the BJP for the November 20 polls include nine incumbent ministers - Brijmohan Agrawal (Raipur city south seat), Rajesh Munat (Raipur city west), Amar Agrawal (Bilaspur), Bhaiyyalal Rajwade (Baikunthpur), Ramsevak Paikra (Pratappur), Punnulal Mohile (Mungeli), Prem Prakash Pandey (Bhilai Nagar), Dayaldas Baghel (Nawagarh) and Ajay Chandrakar (Kurud) besides BJP state president Dharamlal Kaushik (Bilha). 
The key Congress candidates include its state chief Bhupesh Baghel (Patan), Leader of Opposition in the Assembly T S Singhdeo (Ambikapur), party MP from Durg Lok Sabha seat Tamradhwaj Sahu (Durg rural) and former Union minister Charandas Mahant (Shakti).

Besides, Ajit Jogi is contesting from Marwahi, his wife Renu Jogi from Kota while his daughter-in-law Richa Jogi is a BSP nominee from Akaltara seat. 
In the second phase, the highest number of 46 nominees will contest in the Raipur city south seat, while the lowest number of six will fight in the Bindranavagarh seat.

Of the 90 Assembly segments, 51 are general while 10 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 29 for Scheduled Tribes.

As per the final electoral rolls, total 1,85,59,936 voters, including 92,95,301 males, 92,49,459 females and 1,059 third gender voters, will be exercising their franchise.

There are 19 constituencies where more than two ballot units will be used in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as more than 16 candidates are in the fray there.

Similarly, more than three ballot units will be used in three constituencies as over 32 candidates are contesting from there.

Over 1,200 candidates will fight it out for 90 seats in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly polls where besides the BJP and the Congress, smaller parties have also thrown their hat in the ring.

Over 1,200 candidates will fight it out for 90 seats in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly polls where besides the BJP and the Congress, smaller parties have also thrown their hat in the ring. In the two-phase elections, voting for 18 seats spread across eight Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts, will be held on November 12 and for the other 72 seats on November 20. The counting of votes will be held on December 11. This time, the coalition between the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) has added another dimension to the electoral politics of Chhattisgarh, which has always been dominated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress. While 190 candidates are in the fray for the first phase of polls, 1,101 nominees will battle it out in the second phase of the state elections. After the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers for the second phase of polls expired on Monday, 1,101 candidates are in the fray for 72 seats, a public relation officer at the office of state's Chief Electoral Officer here said. As many as 2,655 nominations were filed for the second phase and of them, papers of 1,249 candidates were found valid after scrutiny. Of these, 148 candidates withdrew their nominations, leaving 1,101 aspirants for the polls on November 20, he said. The deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers for the first phase of polls had ended on October 26. With this, total 1,291 candidates are in fray now for the two-phase Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. BJP state general secretary Santosh Pandey said his party has set a target to win 65 plus out of the total 90 seats this time and that they are "confident of achieving it". "Booth-level workers have been asked to inform people about welfare schemes of the Centre and the state government and put in all their efforts to register victory for the fourth consecutive term," he said. Chief of the state Congress communication wing Shailesh Nitin Trivedi also exuded confidence that his party will win the elections this time. He said the Congress has fielded seniors as well as youth leaders to ensure victory. "The party, during its campaign, has been highlighting the 15-year misrule of the Raman Singh government and reaching out to people. It is a well-planned strategy to win the election with a thumping majority," he added. The first phase of voting will cover Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Jagdalpur, Keshkal, Chitrakot, Dantewada, Bijapur, Konta, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji and Mohla-Manpur seats. The highest number of 30 candidates will lock horns in the Rajnandgaon constituency, while the lowest number of five nominees will fight it out in Bastar and Kondagaon seats each. The keenly-watched constituency will be Rajnandgaon, where Chief Minister Raman Singh of the ruling BJP and Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, are in the fray. Stakes are very high for the BJP on these 18 seats as it had lost 12 of them in the last polls in 2013. In the last Assembly polls, of the total 90 seats, the BJP had won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP 1 and independent 1. Prominent candidates from the BJP for the November 20 polls include nine incumbent ministers - Brijmohan Agrawal (Raipur city south seat), Rajesh Munat (Raipur city west), Amar Agrawal (Bilaspur), Bhaiyyalal Rajwade (Baikunthpur), Ramsevak Paikra (Pratappur), Punnulal Mohile (Mungeli), Prem Prakash Pandey (Bhilai Nagar), Dayaldas Baghel (Nawagarh) and Ajay Chandrakar (Kurud) besides BJP state president Dharamlal Kaushik (Bilha). The key Congress candidates include its state chief Bhupesh Baghel (Patan), Leader of Opposition in the Assembly T S Singhdeo (Ambikapur), party MP from Durg Lok Sabha seat Tamradhwaj Sahu (Durg rural) and former Union minister Charandas Mahant (Shakti). Besides, Ajit Jogi is contesting from Marwahi, his wife Renu Jogi from Kota while his daughter-in-law Richa Jogi is a BSP nominee from Akaltara seat. In the second phase, the highest number of 46 nominees will contest in the Raipur city south seat, while the lowest number of six will fight in the Bindranavagarh seat. Of the 90 Assembly segments, 51 are general while 10 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 29 for Scheduled Tribes. As per the final electoral rolls, total 1,85,59,936 voters, including 92,95,301 males, 92,49,459 females and 1,059 third gender voters, will be exercising their franchise. There are 19 constituencies where more than two ballot units will be used in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as more than 16 candidates are in the fray there. Similarly, more than three ballot units will be used in three constituencies as over 32 candidates are contesting from there.

1,291 candidates in fray for high-octane Chhattisgarh polls

Karnataka's ruling Congress-JD(S) is set to clinch four of the five seats&nbsp;that went to the polls last weekend.

The Congress has won 1 of the 3 Lok Sabha seats being contested, and leads in another. It has also won the two assembly seats&nbsp;being contested.&nbsp;

That left the BJP with just one win — in Shivamogga, where its state party chief B S Yeddyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra was ahead of former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of JD(S) by 36,351 votes.

Making inroads in the BJP-held Ballari Lok Saba constituency, Congress' V S Ugrappa was leading over BJP's J Shantha by 1,74,294 votes, officials said.

Shantha is the sister of B Sriramulu, who gave up the seat after being elected to the state assembly in the polls in May this year.

JD(S) candidate L Shivarame Gowda established an unassailable lead of 99,198 votes against the BJP's new face Dr Siddaramaiah, a former official, in the party bastion of Mandya in the Vokkaliga belt in the old Mysuru region.

Of the three Lok Sabha seats that went to the by-polls, BJP had held Shivamogga and Ballari and JD(S) Mandya.

In the Ramanagara assembly seat, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha Kumaraswamy established a huge lead of 71,613 votes over BJP's L Chandrashekar, who pulled out of the contest but officially still remains the party candidate.

Chandrashekhar joined the BJP ahead of the polls but returned to the Congress weeks later, leaving the saffron party red-faced. 
Facing a no-contest, it will be a walkover for Anitha Kumaraswamy.

In the Jamkhandi assembly segment in north Karnataka, Congress candidate Anand Nyamgouda was ahead of BJP's Srikant Kulkarni by a margin of 32,933 votes, riding on a sympathy wave following his father and sitting MLA Siddu Nyamagoudas death in a road accident.

The Ramanagara assembly seat was held by the JD(S) and Jamkhandi by the Congress.

The parliamentary by-elections were necessitated after BJP's Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga) and Sriramalu (Ballari), and C S Puttaraju of the JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May.

The by-election to the Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda. The Ramanagara seat fell vacant after

Kumaraswamy gave up the seat, preferring Chennapatna, the other constituency from where he had won.

The by-elections are being seen as a popularity test of the Congress-JD(S) coalition, cobbled together after the May assembly polls that threw up a fractured verdict.

The BJP and the Congress-JD(S) combine launched an all out offensive to break into each other's bastions to gain advantage before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Karnataka's ruling Congress-JD(S) is set to clinch four of the five seats that went to the polls last weekend. The Congress has won 1 of the 3 Lok Sabha seats being contested, and leads in another.

Karnataka's ruling Congress-JD(S) is set to clinch four of the five seats that went to the polls last weekend. The Congress has won 1 of the 3 Lok Sabha seats being contested, and leads in another. It has also won the two assembly seats being contested. That left the BJP with just one win — in Shivamogga, where its state party chief B S Yeddyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra was ahead of former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of JD(S) by 36,351 votes. Making inroads in the BJP-held Ballari Lok Saba constituency, Congress' V S Ugrappa was leading over BJP's J Shantha by 1,74,294 votes, officials said. Shantha is the sister of B Sriramulu, who gave up the seat after being elected to the state assembly in the polls in May this year. JD(S) candidate L Shivarame Gowda established an unassailable lead of 99,198 votes against the BJP's new face Dr Siddaramaiah, a former official, in the party bastion of Mandya in the Vokkaliga belt in the old Mysuru region. Of the three Lok Sabha seats that went to the by-polls, BJP had held Shivamogga and Ballari and JD(S) Mandya. In the Ramanagara assembly seat, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha Kumaraswamy established a huge lead of 71,613 votes over BJP's L Chandrashekar, who pulled out of the contest but officially still remains the party candidate. Chandrashekhar joined the BJP ahead of the polls but returned to the Congress weeks later, leaving the saffron party red-faced. Facing a no-contest, it will be a walkover for Anitha Kumaraswamy. In the Jamkhandi assembly segment in north Karnataka, Congress candidate Anand Nyamgouda was ahead of BJP's Srikant Kulkarni by a margin of 32,933 votes, riding on a sympathy wave following his father and sitting MLA Siddu Nyamagoudas death in a road accident. The Ramanagara assembly seat was held by the JD(S) and Jamkhandi by the Congress. The parliamentary by-elections were necessitated after BJP's Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga) and Sriramalu (Ballari), and C S Puttaraju of the JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May. The by-election to the Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda. The Ramanagara seat fell vacant after Kumaraswamy gave up the seat, preferring Chennapatna, the other constituency from where he had won. The by-elections are being seen as a popularity test of the Congress-JD(S) coalition, cobbled together after the May assembly polls that threw up a fractured verdict. The BJP and the Congress-JD(S) combine launched an all out offensive to break into each other's bastions to gain advantage before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Karnataka bypolls: Congress-JD(S) combine win 4 out of 5 seats

Yogesh Kumar wheezes after life-saving surgery to remove a diseased lung, but his doctors wonder how long he can last outside hospital breathing some of the world's dirtiest air.

Smog is blamed for the deaths of more than one million Indians every year and Delhi -- which on Monday had emergency pollution levels more than 35 times the World Health Organisation safe limit -- has the worst air of any global capital.

Every November, hospital wards fill with gasping patients as the tell-tale thick grey haze which hit on Monday shrouds the city of 20 million.&nbsp;

"Delhi air is like a death sentence for him," said Srinivas K. Gopinath, a thoracic surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram hospital in the Indian capital where 29-year-old Kumar was treated.

Gopinath fears for his patient, who survived tuberculosis but is now at the mercy of another invisible killer.

As cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, Delhi's levels of PM2.5 -- particles so tiny they can enter the lungs and bloodstream -- soar dangerously.

One of the worst times is around the Hindu festival of Diwali as smoke from millions of crackers set off by festive revellers mingles with car exhaust, factory emissions, construction dust and smoke from crop fires in nearby states.

Pollution readings can reach so high they do not register on scientific instruments.

In the Anand Vihar suburb, the PM2.5 level rocketed to 908 on Monday. The WHO sets 25 as its recommended average safe level.&nbsp;

Kumar is due to be discharged from hospital around the time of the festival on Wednesday.

"Inside (the hospital) the air quality is maintained, but once he steps out the bad air will start affecting him," Gopinath told AFP.

"His resistance is weak. He has only one lung which is now really precious. Imagine having to cope up with such bad air with only one lung."

'Black lungs'

But Kumar is far from alone.

Children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments like asthma suffer the most from Delhi's smog, which lingers until late February.

Exposure to toxic air kills hundreds of thousands of children every year, the WHO said in an October report.

Children breathe more rapidly than adults, taking twice as much polluted air into their tiny bodies.

It has devastating effects on children in Delhi, say doctors.

"A child who is born in Delhi is taking in gulps of bad air which is equivalent to smoking 20 to 25 cigarettes on the first day of his life," said Arvind Kumar, a prominent Delhi lung surgeon.

For years the surgeon has tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness about the dangers of air pollution, which the WHO last month likened to the tobacco epidemic.

On hospital grounds this weekend Arvind Kumar ordered the installation of giant, artificial lungs fitted with filters to demonstrate the damaging effects of smog.

Many of the patients he sees already bear physical scars from breathing a lifetime of Delhi air.

"These are non-smokers, but even they have black lungs," he told AFP.

"Even teenagers have black spots on their lungs. This is frightening."

Despite Delhi's smog reappearing every winter, official efforts to combat it have been ineffectual.

Emergency measures such as banning construction, cutting down traffic and prohibiting the use of diesel generators have had little effect.

More long-term solutions remain elusive. State governments have refused to cooperate on root causes of the crisis, such as farmers using fire to clear their land on the outskirts of Delhi.

Surgeon Kumar said pollution needed to be tackled at its source.

"Everything else is just eyewash," he said.

Yogesh Kumar wheezes after life-saving surgery to remove a diseased lung, but his doctors wonder how long he can last outside hospital breathing some of the world's dirtiest air.

Yogesh Kumar wheezes after life-saving surgery to remove a diseased lung, but his doctors wonder how long he can last outside hospital breathing some of the world's dirtiest air. Smog is blamed for the deaths of more than one million Indians every year and Delhi -- which on Monday had emergency pollution levels more than 35 times the World Health Organisation safe limit -- has the worst air of any global capital. Every November, hospital wards fill with gasping patients as the tell-tale thick grey haze which hit on Monday shrouds the city of 20 million. "Delhi air is like a death sentence for him," said Srinivas K. Gopinath, a thoracic surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram hospital in the Indian capital where 29-year-old Kumar was treated. Gopinath fears for his patient, who survived tuberculosis but is now at the mercy of another invisible killer. As cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, Delhi's levels of PM2.5 -- particles so tiny they can enter the lungs and bloodstream -- soar dangerously. One of the worst times is around the Hindu festival of Diwali as smoke from millions of crackers set off by festive revellers mingles with car exhaust, factory emissions, construction dust and smoke from crop fires in nearby states. Pollution readings can reach so high they do not register on scientific instruments. In the Anand Vihar suburb, the PM2.5 level rocketed to 908 on Monday. The WHO sets 25 as its recommended average safe level. Kumar is due to be discharged from hospital around the time of the festival on Wednesday. "Inside (the hospital) the air quality is maintained, but once he steps out the bad air will start affecting him," Gopinath told AFP. "His resistance is weak. He has only one lung which is now really precious. Imagine having to cope up with such bad air with only one lung." 'Black lungs' But Kumar is far from alone. Children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments like asthma suffer the most from Delhi's smog, which lingers until late February. Exposure to toxic air kills hundreds of thousands of children every year, the WHO said in an October report. Children breathe more rapidly than adults, taking twice as much polluted air into their tiny bodies. It has devastating effects on children in Delhi, say doctors. "A child who is born in Delhi is taking in gulps of bad air which is equivalent to smoking 20 to 25 cigarettes on the first day of his life," said Arvind Kumar, a prominent Delhi lung surgeon. For years the surgeon has tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness about the dangers of air pollution, which the WHO last month likened to the tobacco epidemic. On hospital grounds this weekend Arvind Kumar ordered the installation of giant, artificial lungs fitted with filters to demonstrate the damaging effects of smog. Many of the patients he sees already bear physical scars from breathing a lifetime of Delhi air. "These are non-smokers, but even they have black lungs," he told AFP. "Even teenagers have black spots on their lungs. This is frightening." Despite Delhi's smog reappearing every winter, official efforts to combat it have been ineffectual. Emergency measures such as banning construction, cutting down traffic and prohibiting the use of diesel generators have had little effect. More long-term solutions remain elusive. State governments have refused to cooperate on root causes of the crisis, such as farmers using fire to clear their land on the outskirts of Delhi. Surgeon Kumar said pollution needed to be tackled at its source. "Everything else is just eyewash," he said.

Polluted Delhi air akin to 'death sentence', say doctors

As the Lord Ayyappa temple is all <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-temple-to-open-amid-high-security-today-175540">set to open Monday</a> evening for a monthly puja, a thick security cover is in place in and around Sabarimala, which had witnessed protests last month after the Supreme Court permitted women of menstrual age group to offer prayers at the shrine.

Devotees, who arrived at Erumeli since Sunday evening, protested this morning for not being allowed to leave for Pamba and Sannidhanam. They blocked traffic chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam'.

"We have been waiting since last evening. We were told that we would be allowed to leave at 6 am. Now, they are telling us that KSRTC buses will be allowed to leave only by 12 pm. We have come to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. Please allow us to go," an angry devotee said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Devotees begin the trek from Nilakkal base camp to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>. The temple will open today evening and will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. <a href="https://t.co/nK47UGMang">pic.twitter.com/nK47UGMang</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1059290721868492801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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If private vehicles are not being allowed, they should be taken in the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses to Pamba, the devotee said.

Media personnel have also not been allowed to leave Nilackal for Pamba and 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex) from the base camp here till 9 am this morning.

Director General of Police (DGP) Loknath Behara has said no restriction of any sort has been imposed on media persons.

"To ensure necessary protection to the media, we are not allowing them now. As soon as security arrangements are complete, media will be allowed in Sabarimala and nearby places," he said.

At least 15 women police personnel, who are over 50 years of age, have been deployed at 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex).

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPc, banning assembly of four or more people, is in force at Pamba, Nilackal, Elavungal, and Sannidhanam for 72 hours from midnight Saturday.

Around <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tight-security-in-sabarimala-as-temple-opens-monday-for-special-puja-175454">2,300 personnel</a>, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed to ensure smooth 'darshan' and security of devotees.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Police deployed at Nilakkal base camp as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> is scheduled to open for prayers today evening. <a href="https://t.co/iq7LWFD237">pic.twitter.com/iq7LWFD237</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1059293947825213440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pathnamthitta Superintendent of Police T Narayanan told PTI that all arrangements have been made for devotees to have smooth 'darshan'.

This is the second time the hill temple would open for 'darshan' after the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-doors-shut-supreme-court-order-makes-no-difference-to-womens-right-to-pray-172880&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjD76WdvbzeAhWKQI8KHf04C2k4ChAWCCAwCQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0a394vKAMd4aqFPoGZ_Fwv">Supreme Court allowed entry of women</a> of all age groups into it.

The temple had witnessed high drama last month following frenzied protests leading to around a dozen women in the age group of 10-50 being prevented from reaching it and police and the agitators fighting a pitched battle over the LDF government's decision to implement the court order.

The shrine would open at 5 pm this evening for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" special puja slated for Tuesday, marking the birthday of last king of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, and close at 10 pm on that day.

Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and chief priest Unnikrishnan Namboodiri would jointly open the temple doors and light the lamp at the 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum).

Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said the state government would ensure complete protection to believers.

So far, no women in the 'barred' age group had approached police for protection to offer prayers at the hill shrine, he said.

The Pandalam royal family, closely associated with the Ayyappa shrine, said it was "pained" at the heavy security in and around Sabarimala.

"Saddened that devotees will have to offer prayers at the shrine amid thick police cover," it said.

Protesting the apex court verdict, a 'prayer yagna' will be held in Pathnamthitta, the family said.

So far, 3,731 people have been arrested and 545 cases registered in connection with the last month's violence.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and various Hindu outfits are on a warpath against the Left-front government over its decision not to seek a review of the top court verdict.

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&nbsp;

As the Lord Ayyappa temple is all set to open Monday evening for a monthly puja, a thick security cover is in place in and around Sabarimala, which had witnessed protests last month after the Supreme Court permitted women of menstrual age group to offer prayers at the shrine.

As the Lord Ayyappa temple is all set to open Monday evening for a monthly puja, a thick security cover is in place in and around Sabarimala, which had witnessed protests last month after the Supreme Court permitted women of menstrual age group to offer prayers at the shrine. Devotees, who arrived at Erumeli since Sunday evening, protested this morning for not being allowed to leave for Pamba and Sannidhanam. They blocked traffic chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam'. "We have been waiting since last evening. We were told that we would be allowed to leave at 6 am. Now, they are telling us that KSRTC buses will be allowed to leave only by 12 pm. We have come to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. Please allow us to go," an angry devotee said. #Kerala: Devotees begin the trek from Nilakkal base camp to #SabarimalaTemple. The temple will open today evening and will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. pic.twitter.com/nK47UGMang — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × If private vehicles are not being allowed, they should be taken in the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses to Pamba, the devotee said. Media personnel have also not been allowed to leave Nilackal for Pamba and 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex) from the base camp here till 9 am this morning. Director General of Police (DGP) Loknath Behara has said no restriction of any sort has been imposed on media persons. "To ensure necessary protection to the media, we are not allowing them now. As soon as security arrangements are complete, media will be allowed in Sabarimala and nearby places," he said. At least 15 women police personnel, who are over 50 years of age, have been deployed at 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex). Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPc, banning assembly of four or more people, is in force at Pamba, Nilackal, Elavungal, and Sannidhanam for 72 hours from midnight Saturday. Around 2,300 personnel, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed to ensure smooth 'darshan' and security of devotees. #Kerala: Police deployed at Nilakkal base camp as #SabarimalaTemple is scheduled to open for prayers today evening. pic.twitter.com/iq7LWFD237 — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × Pathnamthitta Superintendent of Police T Narayanan told PTI that all arrangements have been made for devotees to have smooth 'darshan'. This is the second time the hill temple would open for 'darshan' after the Supreme Court allowed entry of women of all age groups into it. The temple had witnessed high drama last month following frenzied protests leading to around a dozen women in the age group of 10-50 being prevented from reaching it and police and the agitators fighting a pitched battle over the LDF government's decision to implement the court order. The shrine would open at 5 pm this evening for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" special puja slated for Tuesday, marking the birthday of last king of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, and close at 10 pm on that day. Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and chief priest Unnikrishnan Namboodiri would jointly open the temple doors and light the lamp at the 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum). Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said the state government would ensure complete protection to believers. So far, no women in the 'barred' age group had approached police for protection to offer prayers at the hill shrine, he said. The Pandalam royal family, closely associated with the Ayyappa shrine, said it was "pained" at the heavy security in and around Sabarimala. "Saddened that devotees will have to offer prayers at the shrine amid thick police cover," it said. Protesting the apex court verdict, a 'prayer yagna' will be held in Pathnamthitta, the family said. So far, 3,731 people have been arrested and 545 cases registered in connection with the last month's violence. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and various Hindu outfits are on a warpath against the Left-front government over its decision not to seek a review of the top court verdict.

Kerala's Sabarimala to reopen today: 2,300 cops including commando team deployed

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Rajpur assembly constituency, Devi Singh Patel, passed away after suffering a heart attack.

The BJP leader breathed his last today at 5 am in a Barwani hospital, three weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

The four-time legislator was contesting against Congress leader Bala Bachchan from Rajpur assembly constituency.

Patel was elected three times as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Madhya Pradesh's Anjad assembly constituency.

He became the MLA for the first time in 1989.

The BJP leader will be cremated in his native place Bandrakachchh in Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Rajpur assembly constituency, Devi Singh Patel, passed away after suffering a heart attack. The BJP leader breathed his last today at 5 am in a Barwani hospital, three weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Rajpur assembly constituency, Devi Singh Patel, passed away after suffering a heart attack. The BJP leader breathed his last today at 5 am in a Barwani hospital, three weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in the state. The four-time legislator was contesting against Congress leader Bala Bachchan from Rajpur assembly constituency. Patel was elected three times as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Madhya Pradesh's Anjad assembly constituency. He became the MLA for the first time in 1989. The BJP leader will be cremated in his native place Bandrakachchh in Madhya Pradesh.

BJP candidate Devi Singh Patel from Madhya Pradesh's Raipur passes away

Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the season Monday, two days ahead of Diwali, when pollution levels reached eight times the permissible limit and inched towards 'severe plus emergency' category due to a change in wind direction and rampant stubble burning in neighbouring states.

As a thick blanket of haze engulfed the national capital, experts warned that the air quality is likely to worsen further due to local factors during the festival while doctors said the impact of air pollution on public health can be compared to smoking 15-20 cigarettes a day.

According to a warning issued by the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the national capital's air quality is expected to deteriorate to 'severe plus emergency' category after Diwali and it will be "bad" on November 8 even if "partial toxic crackers" are burned compared to last year.

Even as the Centre said factors like weather, wind speed and stubble burning in states were not under its control but it was making efforts to improve the air quality, opposition Congress accused the NDA and AAP governments of putting Delhittes at the risk of "death by breath".

Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said while pollution was reaching hazardous levels in Delhi, the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were only interested in scoring political points and one-upmanship.

Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan warned that strict action will be taken against people violating anti pollution norms. While Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain directed all agencies to be on alert and take all possible measures to control air pollution.&nbsp;

As air pollution dipped to alarming levels, Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director at the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment, questioned when the authorities were ramping up emergency actions on all sectors, why should vehicles be spared.

"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," she said during a Facebook Live online programme titled 'Season of Smog'.

The PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres) and PM10 concentrations touched 365 and 503 respectively, touching the 'severe-plus emergency' category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.&nbsp; 
PM2.5 levels above 300 and PM10 levels above 430 are considered "severe-plus emergency" category.

According to the standards of World Health Organisation, the permissible PM2.5 limit is 25 g/m3 while&nbsp;PM10&nbsp;level is 50&nbsp;?g/m3. India's official permissible PM2.5 limit is 60 g/m3 while&nbsp;PM10&nbsp;level is 100 g/m3.

Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 434, eight times the permissable limit according to Indian standards.&nbsp;

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

Officials attributed the sudden deterioration in the air quality to a change in wind direction, which is now blowing from the northwestern region towards Delhi and bringing dust and smoke from stubble burning in neighbouring states with it.&nbsp;

The overall AQI Monday was registered at 418, a drastic decline from a day before when the AQI was moderate at 171.

As the spike in air pollution levels left Delhiites breathless, experts have asked people to report violators of pollution norms to authorities and said each citizen can make a difference by minimising the use of private vehicles. Doctors here have also expressed concern over the rise in the number of patients suffering from respiratory problems.

As thick haze engulfed the national capital two days ahead of Diwali, foreign tourists visiting Delhi complained of having a tough time due to the rising levels of air pollution in the city with some even cutting short their trips citing health concerns.

Some even said the pollution masks were turning out to be useless and the poor air quality has led them to visit hospitals in Delhi as they were experiencing symptoms of breathlessness, allergy and irritation.

Meanwhile, a penalty of over Rs 12 lakh was imposed on violators Monday by the teams deployed to monitor implementation of measures to combat pollution in the Delhi NCR under the Clean Air Campaign, the CPCB said.

The highest number of complaints related to illegal construction and demolition activities stood at 91.

The Delhi Police has seized over 3,500 kg of firecrackers from various parts of the city since October 23 and arrested 26 persons for storing them without a license.

The police have also registered 29 cases following the Supreme Court order on the sale of old firecrackers.&nbsp;

According to an RTI filed by a resident welfare association body, there has been "very little" coordination between authorities responsible for ensuring pollution checks as per the norms listed under the Graded Response Action Plan and the Comprehensive Action Plan.

Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the season Monday, two days ahead of Diwali, when pollution levels reached eight times the permissible limit and inched towards 'severe plus emergency' category due to a change in wind direction and rampant stubble burning in neighbouring states.

Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the season Monday, two days ahead of Diwali, when pollution levels reached eight times the permissible limit and inched towards 'severe plus emergency' category due to a change in wind direction and rampant stubble burning in neighbouring states. As a thick blanket of haze engulfed the national capital, experts warned that the air quality is likely to worsen further due to local factors during the festival while doctors said the impact of air pollution on public health can be compared to smoking 15-20 cigarettes a day. According to a warning issued by the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the national capital's air quality is expected to deteriorate to 'severe plus emergency' category after Diwali and it will be "bad" on November 8 even if "partial toxic crackers" are burned compared to last year. Even as the Centre said factors like weather, wind speed and stubble burning in states were not under its control but it was making efforts to improve the air quality, opposition Congress accused the NDA and AAP governments of putting Delhittes at the risk of "death by breath". Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said while pollution was reaching hazardous levels in Delhi, the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were only interested in scoring political points and one-upmanship. Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan warned that strict action will be taken against people violating anti pollution norms. While Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain directed all agencies to be on alert and take all possible measures to control air pollution. As air pollution dipped to alarming levels, Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director at the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment, questioned when the authorities were ramping up emergency actions on all sectors, why should vehicles be spared. "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," she said during a Facebook Live online programme titled 'Season of Smog'. The PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres) and PM10 concentrations touched 365 and 503 respectively, touching the 'severe-plus emergency' category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. PM2.5 levels above 300 and PM10 levels above 430 are considered "severe-plus emergency" category. According to the standards of World Health Organisation, the permissible PM2.5 limit is 25 g/m3 while PM10 level is 50 ?g/m3. India's official permissible PM2.5 limit is 60 g/m3 while PM10 level is 100 g/m3. Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 434, eight times the permissable limit according to Indian standards. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". Officials attributed the sudden deterioration in the air quality to a change in wind direction, which is now blowing from the northwestern region towards Delhi and bringing dust and smoke from stubble burning in neighbouring states with it. The overall AQI Monday was registered at 418, a drastic decline from a day before when the AQI was moderate at 171. As the spike in air pollution levels left Delhiites breathless, experts have asked people to report violators of pollution norms to authorities and said each citizen can make a difference by minimising the use of private vehicles. Doctors here have also expressed concern over the rise in the number of patients suffering from respiratory problems. As thick haze engulfed the national capital two days ahead of Diwali, foreign tourists visiting Delhi complained of having a tough time due to the rising levels of air pollution in the city with some even cutting short their trips citing health concerns. Some even said the pollution masks were turning out to be useless and the poor air quality has led them to visit hospitals in Delhi as they were experiencing symptoms of breathlessness, allergy and irritation. Meanwhile, a penalty of over Rs 12 lakh was imposed on violators Monday by the teams deployed to monitor implementation of measures to combat pollution in the Delhi NCR under the Clean Air Campaign, the CPCB said. The highest number of complaints related to illegal construction and demolition activities stood at 91. The Delhi Police has seized over 3,500 kg of firecrackers from various parts of the city since October 23 and arrested 26 persons for storing them without a license. The police have also registered 29 cases following the Supreme Court order on the sale of old firecrackers. According to an RTI filed by a resident welfare association body, there has been "very little" coordination between authorities responsible for ensuring pollution checks as per the norms listed under the Graded Response Action Plan and the Comprehensive Action Plan.

Delhi records season's worst air quality; experts warn of further dip during Diwali

Vrindavan widows celebrate Diwali with lamps, fireworks and rangoli

Delhi pollution crosses hazardous levels

After a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhiites-breathe-easy-as-air-quality-improves-authorities-warn-deterioration-from-monday-175523">relatively clean Sunday</a>, air pollution in Delhi rose sharply on Monday 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;

<img alt="Delhi AQI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a918f5d-daa1-4014-abce-eb56d4d9646b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aqi.JPG" />

(Delhi's AQI levels on Monday morning.)

The AQI at ITI Shahdra meanwhile was recorded at 879 and in South Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 604.&nbsp;

The dip in air quality had been foretold by Delhi officials.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/air-pollution-it-is-time-for-resolute-action-175228">It's time for resolute action on air pollution</a>

The overall air quality index (AQI) on Sunday was recorded at 181, which falls in the "moderate" category. On Sunday morning it was 231, which falls in the "poor" category, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data had said.

The improvement in air quality can be attributed to the increase in surface wind speed to five kmph. This flushed out pollutants, an official of the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) had said.

The reduction in base emission is also suggestive of a more pronounced effect of control measures taken by authorities, the official said.&nbsp;

SAFAR also said there is a large possibility of an increase in moisture from Monday evening, which might lead to an increase in the pollution level.

Delhi authorities meanwhile have stepped up efforts to combat pollution which includes measures like halting construction activities and regulating traffic.

There is a halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also directed the Transport Department and the Traffic Police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10.

An aggressive 10-day-long 'Clean Air Campaign' from November 1 to 10 has also been launched to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action.

Based on 368 complaints, a total fine of Rs 83,55,000 was imposed on Sunday itself by 52 teams in the national capital, said the CPCB.

It said a total of 119 complaints of construction and demolition activities were received.

Other complaints included that of vehicular emission, traffic congestion, industrial emission, open or garbage burning, leaf burning, road dust, unpaved road, fire in landfill sites, air pollution from generators among others, the CPCB said.

It said a total of 52 complaints were received through social media and e-mail while 316 complaints through the 'Sameer app' that has been developed by the CPCB.

Officials said about 43 teams attended to 248 complaints in Delhi. Two teams attended to 11 complaints in Gurgaon, two teams to 31 complaints in Faridabad and two teams to five complaints in Noida and Greater Noida. Three teams attended 21 complaints in Ghaziabad.

On Friday and Saturday, a total penalty of Rs 80 lakh was imposed on violators.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

After a relatively clean Sunday, air pollution in Delhi rose sharply on Monday 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.

After a relatively clean Sunday, air pollution in Delhi rose sharply on Monday 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). (Delhi's AQI levels on Monday morning.) The AQI at ITI Shahdra meanwhile was recorded at 879 and in South Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 604. The dip in air quality had been foretold by Delhi officials. Also read: It's time for resolute action on air pollution The overall air quality index (AQI) on Sunday was recorded at 181, which falls in the "moderate" category. On Sunday morning it was 231, which falls in the "poor" category, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data had said. The improvement in air quality can be attributed to the increase in surface wind speed to five kmph. This flushed out pollutants, an official of the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) had said. The reduction in base emission is also suggestive of a more pronounced effect of control measures taken by authorities, the official said. SAFAR also said there is a large possibility of an increase in moisture from Monday evening, which might lead to an increase in the pollution level. Delhi authorities meanwhile have stepped up efforts to combat pollution which includes measures like halting construction activities and regulating traffic. There is a halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also directed the Transport Department and the Traffic Police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10. An aggressive 10-day-long 'Clean Air Campaign' from November 1 to 10 has also been launched to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action. Based on 368 complaints, a total fine of Rs 83,55,000 was imposed on Sunday itself by 52 teams in the national capital, said the CPCB. It said a total of 119 complaints of construction and demolition activities were received. Other complaints included that of vehicular emission, traffic congestion, industrial emission, open or garbage burning, leaf burning, road dust, unpaved road, fire in landfill sites, air pollution from generators among others, the CPCB said. It said a total of 52 complaints were received through social media and e-mail while 316 complaints through the 'Sameer app' that has been developed by the CPCB. Officials said about 43 teams attended to 248 complaints in Delhi. Two teams attended to 11 complaints in Gurgaon, two teams to 31 complaints in Faridabad and two teams to five complaints in Noida and Greater Noida. Three teams attended 21 complaints in Ghaziabad. On Friday and Saturday, a total penalty of Rs 80 lakh was imposed on violators. (With inputs from PTI)

After relatively clean Sunday, air pollution rises sharply in Delhi

As part of its vigil against the illegal supply of money and other valuables ahead of elections, unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh, two kilograms of gold and two quintals of silver were seized by Rajasthan Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

The consignment was seized on Saturday night from Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express at Ajmer, Jaipur and Beawar stations.

Following a tip-off about the presence of hawala money in the parcels being loaded in trains, a team of the ATS in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) searched the luggage coaches and seized the consignment.

A GRP officer Ramavatar said, "We were monitoring the luggage loaded in the trains since few times. We received inputs from the ATS about the unaccounted cash and valuables items in Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express. Hence, along with the ATS, we conducted a raid in the train."

Rajasthan is slated to go for polls on December 7, and counting of votes will be done on December 11.&nbsp;

As part of its vigil against the illegal supply of money and other valuables ahead of elections, unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh, two kilograms of gold and two quintals of silver were seized by Rajasthan Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

As part of its vigil against the illegal supply of money and other valuables ahead of elections, unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh, two kilograms of gold and two quintals of silver were seized by Rajasthan Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The consignment was seized on Saturday night from Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express at Ajmer, Jaipur and Beawar stations. Following a tip-off about the presence of hawala money in the parcels being loaded in trains, a team of the ATS in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) searched the luggage coaches and seized the consignment. A GRP officer Ramavatar said, "We were monitoring the luggage loaded in the trains since few times. We received inputs from the ATS about the unaccounted cash and valuables items in Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express. Hence, along with the ATS, we conducted a raid in the train." Rajasthan is slated to go for polls on December 7, and counting of votes will be done on December 11.

Unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh seized in poll-bound Rajasthan

With just over a week for the first phase of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-lacks-leadership-strategy-and-principle-amit-shah-in-chhattisgarh-rally-175481">Chhattisgarh assembly elections</a>, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-amit-shah-asks-rahul-gandhi-to-clear-stand-on-raj-babbars-naxalism-remark-175450">incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP), which is ruling the state for the last 15 years, is seeking to win its fourth electoral term, while the Congress will aim to dethrone the Chief Minister Raman Singh-led government and win the polls.

In the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, there are two phases of voting.

In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state.

On a closer look, 18 out of 12 seats are located in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-naxals-will-shun-violence-if-bsp-regains-power-says-mayawati-175427">Naxal-affected </a>Bastar division and six are located in Rajnandgaon district.

As many as 192 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the state assembly elections.

The first phase of the assembly elections assumes plenty of significance as both the arch-rival parties, BJP and Congress, are going all out to woo the people for votes while engaging in a political mudslinging amongst each other.

Let us now chronicle the journey as to why the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is so special.

It is well known that the Bastar division, on the one hand, is very popular in Chhattisgarh due to its beauty, while on the other hand, the region has suffered from decades-long Naxal violence.

In the previous assembly elections held in 2013, the BJP, although retained power in the state, it, however, lost its mark in the Bastar division and the Congress gained the upper hand in the region.

Out of a total of 12 seats, the Congress grabbed eight seats while the BJP mustered only four seats in its account.

In the past five years, the Raman Singh-led government has stated that it has undertaken plenty of development work in Bastar.

In fact, there are many assembly constituencies in Bastar division, where tickets have been given to the old faces of the party.

The same situation also persists in Rajanandgaon district. The BJP has decided to field new faces in the region, which has six constituencies.But the most anticipated electoral battle will be witnessed in Rajnandgaon seat where incumbent state chief minister Raman Singh is pitted against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s niece Karuna Shukla, who was also a part of the BJP for over 30 years, before switching to Congress in 2014. While Singh has won thrice from Rajnandgaon, it is to be seen whether the three-time chief minister will continue his winning spree or whether Shukla will play party pooper, if she emerges victorious.

The BJP government has claimed to take strict steps in tackling Naxalism. However, local residents of Bastar are still struggling with the decades-long problem. This factor could harm BJP`s prospects in winning a record fourth term in the assembly polls.

There is a saying in Chhattisgarhi language that if a niece or nephew wins, celebrations will happen in the same house. In Dantewada seat of Bastar division, seven candidates from different parties are not only from the same family but are each other`s relatives, who will be contesting against each other in the first phase of the assembly polls.

BJP candidate Bhima Mandavi is the brother-in-law of Congress candidate Devti Karma.

Also, Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate Nandaram Sori and Devti share a brother-sister relationship. Devti also shares an interesting connection, as she is the aunt of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Ballu Bhawani. Independent candidate Jaya Kashyap is Devti`s niece.

Lastly, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Keshav Netam and Sundaru Kunjam share a nephew-uncle relationship with Bhawani.

Amid constant threats by Naxalites to boycott polls, there is an atmosphere of fear in Bastar Division. For instance, in Konta seat, many candidates have refrained from filing their nomination forms. In 2008 assembly elections, only four candidates were in the fray.

In this year`s and 2013 polls, six candidates each will contest from this seat.

In Chitrakoot, where the number of candidates was 22 in 2013 polls, the number has fallen down to just 10 in this year`s assembly elections. In Jagdalpur seat, where 38 candidates had tried their luck in the previous elections, this time only 26 of them are in the fray.

Other constituencies such as Kanker, Kesh Kal, Bastar and Narayanpur will also see less participation of candidates in the upcoming polls.

The Antagarh seat is a bright spot in the Naxal-affected Bastar division, where the number of candidates has seen an increase.

In the 2008 assembly elections, only six candidates were in the fray and the number increased to eight in 2013.

Now, 15 candidates will try their luck in this year`s assembly elections.

The second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is slated to be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

With just over a week for the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle.

With just over a week for the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle. The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is ruling the state for the last 15 years, is seeking to win its fourth electoral term, while the Congress will aim to dethrone the Chief Minister Raman Singh-led government and win the polls. In the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, there are two phases of voting. In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state. On a closer look, 18 out of 12 seats are located in Naxal-affected Bastar division and six are located in Rajnandgaon district. As many as 192 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the state assembly elections. The first phase of the assembly elections assumes plenty of significance as both the arch-rival parties, BJP and Congress, are going all out to woo the people for votes while engaging in a political mudslinging amongst each other. Let us now chronicle the journey as to why the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is so special. It is well known that the Bastar division, on the one hand, is very popular in Chhattisgarh due to its beauty, while on the other hand, the region has suffered from decades-long Naxal violence. In the previous assembly elections held in 2013, the BJP, although retained power in the state, it, however, lost its mark in the Bastar division and the Congress gained the upper hand in the region. Out of a total of 12 seats, the Congress grabbed eight seats while the BJP mustered only four seats in its account. In the past five years, the Raman Singh-led government has stated that it has undertaken plenty of development work in Bastar. In fact, there are many assembly constituencies in Bastar division, where tickets have been given to the old faces of the party. The same situation also persists in Rajanandgaon district. The BJP has decided to field new faces in the region, which has six constituencies.But the most anticipated electoral battle will be witnessed in Rajnandgaon seat where incumbent state chief minister Raman Singh is pitted against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s niece Karuna Shukla, who was also a part of the BJP for over 30 years, before switching to Congress in 2014. While Singh has won thrice from Rajnandgaon, it is to be seen whether the three-time chief minister will continue his winning spree or whether Shukla will play party pooper, if she emerges victorious. The BJP government has claimed to take strict steps in tackling Naxalism. However, local residents of Bastar are still struggling with the decades-long problem. This factor could harm BJP`s prospects in winning a record fourth term in the assembly polls. There is a saying in Chhattisgarhi language that if a niece or nephew wins, celebrations will happen in the same house. In Dantewada seat of Bastar division, seven candidates from different parties are not only from the same family but are each other`s relatives, who will be contesting against each other in the first phase of the assembly polls. BJP candidate Bhima Mandavi is the brother-in-law of Congress candidate Devti Karma. Also, Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate Nandaram Sori and Devti share a brother-sister relationship. Devti also shares an interesting connection, as she is the aunt of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Ballu Bhawani. Independent candidate Jaya Kashyap is Devti`s niece. Lastly, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Keshav Netam and Sundaru Kunjam share a nephew-uncle relationship with Bhawani. Amid constant threats by Naxalites to boycott polls, there is an atmosphere of fear in Bastar Division. For instance, in Konta seat, many candidates have refrained from filing their nomination forms. In 2008 assembly elections, only four candidates were in the fray. In this year`s and 2013 polls, six candidates each will contest from this seat. In Chitrakoot, where the number of candidates was 22 in 2013 polls, the number has fallen down to just 10 in this year`s assembly elections. In Jagdalpur seat, where 38 candidates had tried their luck in the previous elections, this time only 26 of them are in the fray. Other constituencies such as Kanker, Kesh Kal, Bastar and Narayanpur will also see less participation of candidates in the upcoming polls. The Antagarh seat is a bright spot in the Naxal-affected Bastar division, where the number of candidates has seen an increase. In the 2008 assembly elections, only six candidates were in the fray and the number increased to eight in 2013. Now, 15 candidates will try their luck in this year`s assembly elections. The second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is slated to be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.

Know why first phase of Chhattisgarh polls is special

Mizoram Assembly Speaker Hiphei would resign from the Congress and join the BJP Monday, a senior leader of the saffron party claimed Sunday.

Hiphei, a veteran leader, was elected to the Assembly from the Palak constituency.

"He (Hiphei) would first tender his resignation as the speaker and then from the primary membership of the Congress. He will then join our party," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said on the condition of anonymity.

He added that Hiphei had recently met the central leaders of the saffron party.

Mizoram, the only state in the north-east under Congress rule, will go to the polls on November 28.

Several senior Congress leaders recently left the party and joined the opposition Mizo National Front.

Mizoram Assembly Speaker Hiphei would resign from the Congress and join the BJP Monday, a senior leader of the saffron party claimed Sunday. Hiphei, a veteran leader, was elected to the Assembly from the Palak constituency.

Mizoram Assembly Speaker Hiphei would resign from the Congress and join the BJP Monday, a senior leader of the saffron party claimed Sunday. Hiphei, a veteran leader, was elected to the Assembly from the Palak constituency. "He (Hiphei) would first tender his resignation as the speaker and then from the primary membership of the Congress. He will then join our party," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said on the condition of anonymity. He added that Hiphei had recently met the central leaders of the saffron party. Mizoram, the only state in the north-east under Congress rule, will go to the polls on November 28. Several senior Congress leaders recently left the party and joined the opposition Mizo National Front.

BJP leader claims Mizoram speaker will quit Congress and join saffron party

South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook met Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday as they discussed ways to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Kim is visiting India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi and she will be the chief guest at the 'Deepotsav' event being organised by the Uttar Pradesh government and the ground-breaking ceremony of the new memorial of queen Suriratna (Heo Hwang-ok) in Ayodhya on Tuesday.

In their meeting on Monday, Modi and Kim discussed the deep civilisational and spiritual links between India and Korea, and exchanged views on promoting people-to-people exchanges, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

She also congratulated the prime minister on being awarded the Seoul Peace Prize.

The prime minister said this honour truly belongs to the people of India.

Modi also warmly recalled the successful visit of President Moon Jae-in to India in July 2018, which imparted fresh momentum to India-Korea Special Strategic Partnership.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had called on Kim.

The Korean first lady also interacted with school students here on Monday, the first of her official engagements during her India visit.

Kim arrived here Sunday on a four-day visit.

"Affectionate bonding. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on the First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Mrs Kim Jung-sook. India and ROK (Republic of Korea) share a special strategic partnership since 2015 and our relations have deepened and diversified in recent years," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

After her meeting with Swaraj, the first lady visited the ASN Senior Secondary school in East Delhi where she interacted with students.

The school has a tie-up with South Korea's Jeonnam (Chonnam) Foreign Language High School since 2015 and the institutes have an exchange programme for their students and teachers.

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Delhi: South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook met wife of President Ram Nath Kovind, Savita Kovind earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/fqdy5AzwCG">pic.twitter.com/fqdy5AzwCG</a>
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Addressing a group of students, Kim urged them to study hard and help in the growth of their nations.

The future generation will help in further cementing the Indo-Korean ties, she said.

With the political leadership in India and Korea working to strengthen ties, the students will get more opportunities to visit each others countries, she said.

The Korean first lady will visit Lucknow and from there, on Tuesday, she will leave for Ayodhya where she will attend the ground-breaking ceremony of the Queen Suriratna memorial.

"The First Lady's participation in the festivities in Ayodhya will showcase our close civilisational links as well as the ongoing deepening engagement between our two countries," the MEA had said last week.

According to Korean legends, Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya had travelled to Korea and married King Kim Suro and became Queen Heo Hwang-ok some 2000 years ago.

The South Korean First Lady will also attend the 'Deepotsav' event in the evening on Tuesday.

Kim will leave for Agra on Wednesday for a visit to the Taj Mahal before heading home.

South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook met Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday as they discussed ways to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook met Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday as they discussed ways to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Kim is visiting India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi and she will be the chief guest at the 'Deepotsav' event being organised by the Uttar Pradesh government and the ground-breaking ceremony of the new memorial of queen Suriratna (Heo Hwang-ok) in Ayodhya on Tuesday. In their meeting on Monday, Modi and Kim discussed the deep civilisational and spiritual links between India and Korea, and exchanged views on promoting people-to-people exchanges, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. She also congratulated the prime minister on being awarded the Seoul Peace Prize. The prime minister said this honour truly belongs to the people of India. Modi also warmly recalled the successful visit of President Moon Jae-in to India in July 2018, which imparted fresh momentum to India-Korea Special Strategic Partnership. Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had called on Kim. The Korean first lady also interacted with school students here on Monday, the first of her official engagements during her India visit. Kim arrived here Sunday on a four-day visit. "Affectionate bonding. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on the First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Mrs Kim Jung-sook. India and ROK (Republic of Korea) share a special strategic partnership since 2015 and our relations have deepened and diversified in recent years," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. After her meeting with Swaraj, the first lady visited the ASN Senior Secondary school in East Delhi where she interacted with students. The school has a tie-up with South Korea's Jeonnam (Chonnam) Foreign Language High School since 2015 and the institutes have an exchange programme for their students and teachers. South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook arrives in Lucknow. pic.twitter.com/82XnQSZM9T — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 5, 2018 × Delhi: South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook met wife of President Ram Nath Kovind, Savita Kovind earlier today. pic.twitter.com/fqdy5AzwCG — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × Addressing a group of students, Kim urged them to study hard and help in the growth of their nations. The future generation will help in further cementing the Indo-Korean ties, she said. With the political leadership in India and Korea working to strengthen ties, the students will get more opportunities to visit each others countries, she said. The Korean first lady will visit Lucknow and from there, on Tuesday, she will leave for Ayodhya where she will attend the ground-breaking ceremony of the Queen Suriratna memorial. "The First Lady's participation in the festivities in Ayodhya will showcase our close civilisational links as well as the ongoing deepening engagement between our two countries," the MEA had said last week. According to Korean legends, Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya had travelled to Korea and married King Kim Suro and became Queen Heo Hwang-ok some 2000 years ago. The South Korean First Lady will also attend the 'Deepotsav' event in the evening on Tuesday. Kim will leave for Agra on Wednesday for a visit to the Taj Mahal before heading home.

South Korean first lady meets PM, interacts with school students

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh Monday exhorted upon the officers of the state police to give attention to “neutralising terrorism” and timely “disposal of criminal cases”.

Lauding his men for their dedication in the rescue operations launched after the recent snowfall and ensuring a smooth and hassle-free ‘Darbar Move’– a practice under which the government functions six months each in Srinagar and Jammu, the DGP said whenever faced with a challenge, the state police has come out with flying colours.

“The officers should give attention to disposal of criminal cases, curbing the bovine and narcotics smuggling and neutralising terrorism,” Singh said at a high-level meeting here.

Civil Secretariat – the seat of Jammu and Kashmir government, Raj Bhavan and other offices reopened here after functioning for six months in Srinagar during the summer season.

The DGP impressed upon the officers to continue their good work and also hailed their contribution as first responders.

“Police personnel have to help the people sometimes at the cost of their own comforts,” he said, advising the officers to work on the positions with more dedication.

After paying homage to police martyrs at a memorial here in the morning, the DGP reached police headquarters and received a ceremonial guard of honour.

“All wings are important and all jobs designated for the respective posts are important,” Singh said and impressed upon the officers to strengthen the jawans of the state police, as strong and capable constables will make the force stronger.

He asked the officers to conduct formal inspections of police stations and administrative inspections of the offices.

The DGP further highlighted that work was on to modernize the force and provide housing infrastructure, equipment and training to its personnel.

“Police is working on modernisation and up-gradation of police control room Jammu and other units,” he said, adding efforts would be made to strengthen the city, highway and border grid.

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh Monday exhorted upon the officers of the state police to give attention to “neutralising terrorism” and timely “disposal of criminal cases”.

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh Monday exhorted upon the officers of the state police to give attention to “neutralising terrorism” and timely “disposal of criminal cases”. Lauding his men for their dedication in the rescue operations launched after the recent snowfall and ensuring a smooth and hassle-free ‘Darbar Move’– a practice under which the government functions six months each in Srinagar and Jammu, the DGP said whenever faced with a challenge, the state police has come out with flying colours. “The officers should give attention to disposal of criminal cases, curbing the bovine and narcotics smuggling and neutralising terrorism,” Singh said at a high-level meeting here. Civil Secretariat – the seat of Jammu and Kashmir government, Raj Bhavan and other offices reopened here after functioning for six months in Srinagar during the summer season. The DGP impressed upon the officers to continue their good work and also hailed their contribution as first responders. “Police personnel have to help the people sometimes at the cost of their own comforts,” he said, advising the officers to work on the positions with more dedication. After paying homage to police martyrs at a memorial here in the morning, the DGP reached police headquarters and received a ceremonial guard of honour. “All wings are important and all jobs designated for the respective posts are important,” Singh said and impressed upon the officers to strengthen the jawans of the state police, as strong and capable constables will make the force stronger. He asked the officers to conduct formal inspections of police stations and administrative inspections of the offices. The DGP further highlighted that work was on to modernize the force and provide housing infrastructure, equipment and training to its personnel. “Police is working on modernisation and up-gradation of police control room Jammu and other units,” he said, adding efforts would be made to strengthen the city, highway and border grid.

Focus on neutralising terrorism: J&K top cop tells officers

Karnataka Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan Monday said Muslims were not against Ram temple at Ayodhya but pitched for construction of both Mandir and Masjid.

Khan, who is from the Congress in the party’s coalition government with the Janata Dal-Secular, hit out at the BJP for raking up the issue for political reasons, ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

“Muslims are not against the construction of Ram Mandir, we want Ram Mandir, also Babri Masjid,” Khan said.

“What we want is peace. Muslims have never opposed Ram Mandir. We have two wishes- one side we want Masjid, one side we want Ram Mandir.”

Khan’s statement comes days after another Congress MLA and former minister Roshan Baig asked, “If Ram Mandir is not constructed in India, will it be built in Pakistan” and said Muslims respected the sentiments of “Hindu brothers.”

The chorus for bringing in a law to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya is growing louder among the Sangh Parivar following the Supreme Court’s decision to defer hearing on the RamJanmabhoomi land dispute case to January.

Pointing out that the case was pending before the Supreme Court, the Minister said, there was no use in talking about it, as the issue has to be decided in the court.

Flaying the BJP for “politicising” the issue ahead of Lok Sabha elections, he questioned as to why the saffron party did not remember about the Mandir for the last four-and-a-half years after they came to power at the Centre.

“All of a sudden they want to construct Ram Mandir. What happened for the last four-and-a-half years? Elections (Lok Sabha) are due in five or six months, now they remember Ram Mandir, Babri Masjid issue,” he said.

Reiterating that Muslims were not opposed to Ram Mandir, Khan said, “what we want is the construction of both Mandir and Masjid.”

Karnataka Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan Monday said Muslims were not against Ram temple at Ayodhya but pitched for construction of both Mandir and Masjid. Khan, who is from the Congress in the party’s coalition government with the Janata Dal-Secular, hit out at the BJP for raking up the issue for political reasons, ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Karnataka Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan Monday said Muslims were not against Ram temple at Ayodhya but pitched for construction of both Mandir and Masjid. Khan, who is from the Congress in the party’s coalition government with the Janata Dal-Secular, hit out at the BJP for raking up the issue for political reasons, ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. “Muslims are not against the construction of Ram Mandir, we want Ram Mandir, also Babri Masjid,” Khan said. “What we want is peace. Muslims have never opposed Ram Mandir. We have two wishes- one side we want Masjid, one side we want Ram Mandir.” Khan’s statement comes days after another Congress MLA and former minister Roshan Baig asked, “If Ram Mandir is not constructed in India, will it be built in Pakistan” and said Muslims respected the sentiments of “Hindu brothers.” The chorus for bringing in a law to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya is growing louder among the Sangh Parivar following the Supreme Court’s decision to defer hearing on the RamJanmabhoomi land dispute case to January. Pointing out that the case was pending before the Supreme Court, the Minister said, there was no use in talking about it, as the issue has to be decided in the court. Flaying the BJP for “politicising” the issue ahead of Lok Sabha elections, he questioned as to why the saffron party did not remember about the Mandir for the last four-and-a-half years after they came to power at the Centre. “All of a sudden they want to construct Ram Mandir. What happened for the last four-and-a-half years? Elections (Lok Sabha) are due in five or six months, now they remember Ram Mandir, Babri Masjid issue,” he said. Reiterating that Muslims were not opposed to Ram Mandir, Khan said, “what we want is the construction of both Mandir and Masjid.”

Muslims not against Ram Mandir, want both temple, Masjid: Congress leader

Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Monday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 78.56 per litre in Delhi and Rs 84.06 per litre in Mumbai.

While the prices of petrol reduced by 22 paise in the two states, diesel witnessed a reduction of 20 paise in Delhi and 21 paise in Mumbai.

Diesel prices&nbsp;were&nbsp;revised to Rs Rs 73.16 per litre in Delhi and Rs 76.67 per litre in Mumbai.

Petrol prices on Sunday were recorded at Rs 78.78 per litre in Delhi, Rs 80.68 in Kolkata, Rs 84.28 in Mumbai and Rs 81.84 in Chennai.

While diesel prices were recorded at Rs 73.36 per litre in Delhi, Rs 75.22 in Kolkata, Rs 76.88 in Mumbai and Rs 77.55 in Chennai.

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Petrol and diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> are Rs 78.56 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.22) and Rs 73.16 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.20), respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> are Rs 84.06 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.22) and Rs 76.67 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.21), respectively. <a href="https://t.co/qeniXI7nMs">pic.twitter.com/qeniXI7nMs</a>
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The fuel prices in the country have witnessed a relentless hike since the past few months in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket.

In a bid to ease the crunch caused by soaring fuel prices, finance minister Arun Jaitley on October 2&nbsp;announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices.

The ministry had curbed the excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre.&nbsp;

The fuel rate in the country is revised every single day based on global oil prices. State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise the prices with effect from 6 am on a daily basis.&nbsp;

The government allowed revision of fuel rates on a daily basis since mid-June last year to reflect changes in costs instantly.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Monday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 78.56 per litre in Delhi and Rs 84.06 per litre in Mumbai. While the prices of petrol reduced by 22 paise in the two states, diesel witnessed a reduction of 20 paise in Delhi and 21 paise in Mumbai.

Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Monday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 78.56 per litre in Delhi and Rs 84.06 per litre in Mumbai. While the prices of petrol reduced by 22 paise in the two states, diesel witnessed a reduction of 20 paise in Delhi and 21 paise in Mumbai. Diesel prices were revised to Rs Rs 73.16 per litre in Delhi and Rs 76.67 per litre in Mumbai. Petrol prices on Sunday were recorded at Rs 78.78 per litre in Delhi, Rs 80.68 in Kolkata, Rs 84.28 in Mumbai and Rs 81.84 in Chennai. While diesel prices were recorded at Rs 73.36 per litre in Delhi, Rs 75.22 in Kolkata, Rs 76.88 in Mumbai and Rs 77.55 in Chennai. Petrol and diesel prices in #Delhi are Rs 78.56 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.22) and Rs 73.16 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.20), respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in #Mumbai are Rs 84.06 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.22) and Rs 76.67 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.21), respectively. pic.twitter.com/qeniXI7nMs — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × The fuel prices in the country have witnessed a relentless hike since the past few months in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket. In a bid to ease the crunch caused by soaring fuel prices, finance minister Arun Jaitley on October 2 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices. The ministry had curbed the excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre. The fuel rate in the country is revised every single day based on global oil prices. State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise the prices with effect from 6 am on a daily basis. The government allowed revision of fuel rates on a daily basis since mid-June last year to reflect changes in costs instantly. (With inputs from agencies)

Fuel prices further slashed; petrol selling at Rs 78.56 per litre, diesel 73.16 in Delhi

Nearly 10 workers from India died every day in Gulf countries during the last six years, which translates to 117 deaths for every billion USD remitted to the country from there, a voluntary group said based on analysis of RTI responses.

Venkatesh Nayak from Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) had sought data from External Affairs Ministry about the death of Indian workers in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates from January 1, 2012, to about mid-2018.

The data was provided by Indian missions in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia but the Embassy in the UAE refused to give information. The Indian embassy referred to data on their website which was only 2014 onwards.

In order to fill gaps, Nayak used data provided in Parliamentary questions in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

“Available data indicate, at least 24,570 Indian Workers died in the six Gulf countries between 2012 and mid-2018. This number could increase if the complete figures for Kuwait and UAE are made available publicly. This amounts to more than 10 deaths per day during this period,” he said.

He said Indians working in Gulf countries accounted for more than half of the remittance that India received from all over the world between 2012 and 2017.

“While India received a total of USD 410.33 billion in remittances from the world over, remittances from the Gulf countries accounted for USD 209.07 billion,” he said.

His analysis showed there were more than 187 deaths for every USD billion received from Oman during 2012-17, more than 183 deaths for every USD billion received from Bahrain and 162 deaths for every USD billion received from Saudi Arabia.

Qatar accounted for more than 74 deaths for every USD billion received while the lowest figure of 71 deaths for every USD billion received was from UAE, he said.

“The above comparison is not an attempt to label the remittances from the Gulf as blood money. Instead, the purpose of this comparative analysis is to highlight the shockingly large number of deaths of Indian Workers in Gulf countries. This phenomenon requires urgent examination,” he said.

Nearly 10 workers from India died every day in Gulf countries during the last six years, which translates to 117 deaths for every billion USD remitted to the country from there, a voluntary group said based on analysis of RTI responses.

Nearly 10 workers from India died every day in Gulf countries during the last six years, which translates to 117 deaths for every billion USD remitted to the country from there, a voluntary group said based on analysis of RTI responses. Venkatesh Nayak from Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) had sought data from External Affairs Ministry about the death of Indian workers in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates from January 1, 2012, to about mid-2018. The data was provided by Indian missions in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia but the Embassy in the UAE refused to give information. The Indian embassy referred to data on their website which was only 2014 onwards. In order to fill gaps, Nayak used data provided in Parliamentary questions in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. “Available data indicate, at least 24,570 Indian Workers died in the six Gulf countries between 2012 and mid-2018. This number could increase if the complete figures for Kuwait and UAE are made available publicly. This amounts to more than 10 deaths per day during this period,” he said. He said Indians working in Gulf countries accounted for more than half of the remittance that India received from all over the world between 2012 and 2017. “While India received a total of USD 410.33 billion in remittances from the world over, remittances from the Gulf countries accounted for USD 209.07 billion,” he said. His analysis showed there were more than 187 deaths for every USD billion received from Oman during 2012-17, more than 183 deaths for every USD billion received from Bahrain and 162 deaths for every USD billion received from Saudi Arabia. Qatar accounted for more than 74 deaths for every USD billion received while the lowest figure of 71 deaths for every USD billion received was from UAE, he said. “The above comparison is not an attempt to label the remittances from the Gulf as blood money. Instead, the purpose of this comparative analysis is to highlight the shockingly large number of deaths of Indian Workers in Gulf countries. This phenomenon requires urgent examination,” he said.

Nearly 10 workers died every day in Gulf during last six years: Report

Delhiites breathed easy Sunday after air quality significantly improved due to increased wind speed and control measures implemented by the government, even as authorities warned of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-holds-breath-as-burning-farms-herald-pollution-season-172590">severe deterioration from Monday</a>.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>'s Mandir Marg at 707, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 676 &amp; Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at 681 under 'Hazardous' category in Air Quality Index <a href="https://t.co/ZXTCZdFmRt">pic.twitter.com/ZXTCZdFmRt</a>
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On Sunday, a total fine of Rs 83,55,000 was imposed on violators by the teams deployed to monitor implementation of measures to combat pollution in the Delhi NCR under the campaign.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/air-pollution-it-is-time-for-resolute-action-175228">It's time for resolute action on air pollution</a>

The overall air quality index (AQI) on Sunday was recorded at 181, which falls in the 'moderate' category. In the morning it was 231, which falls in the 'poor' category, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data said.

The improvement in air quality can be attributed to the increase in surface wind speed to five kmph. This flushed out pollutants, an official of the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said.

The reduction in base emission is also suggestive of a more pronounced effect of control measures taken by authorities, the official said.

On Friday, the AQI was 370, which came down to 336 on Saturday, according to the CPCB. It has been found that PM 2.5 emission reduced "from 432 ton per day to 370 ton per day to reproduce the observed level with realistic met parameters, a decline in base emission by 14 per cent in Delhi and nearby domain", the official said. 
PM 2.5 are particles in the air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres.

The SAFAR also said there is a large possibility of an increase in moisture from Monday evening, which might lead to an increase in the pollution level.

"The AQI is predicted to be in the lower range of very poor Monday as the atmosphere is relatively clean," the official said.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) said fire counts in the northwest region of India were significantly less on Saturday as compared to Thursday but warned of a sharp increase in PM2.5 concentration from Monday.

"If significant stubble burning continues on Sunday and Monday in the NW (northwest) region of India then its impact is very likely over Delhi and AQI may reach the upper end of the very poor category.

"The northwest wind direction may bring the influence of biomass fire on Tuesday and Wednesday," the IITM said.

Delhi authorities have stepped up efforts to combat pollution which includes measures like halting construction activities and regulating traffic.

There is a halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also directed the Transport Department and the Traffic Police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10.

An aggressive 10-day-long 'Clean Air Campaign' from November 1 to 10 has also been launched to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action.

Based on 368 complaints, a total fine of Rs 83,55,000 was imposed on Sunday itself by 52 teams in the national capital, said the CPCB.

It said a total of 119 complaints of construction and demolition activities were received.

Other complaints included that of vehicular emission, traffic congestion, industrial emission, open or garbage burning, leaf burning, road dust, unpaved road, fire in landfill sites, air pollution from generators among others, the CPCB said.

It said a total of 52 complaints were received through social media and e-mail while 316 complaints through the 'Sameer app' that has been developed by the CPCB.

Officials said about 43 teams attended to 248 complaints in Delhi. Two teams attended to 11 complaints in Gurgaon, two teams to 31 complaints in Faridabad and two teams to five complaints in Noida and Greater Noida. Three teams attended 21 complaints in Ghaziabad.

On Friday and Saturday, a total penalty of Rs 80 lakh was imposed on violators.

The teams are visiting different parts of Delhi and adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Noida.

Delhiites welcomed the improvement in the air quality which has been severe for the last three weeks.

"I have sent my children to play outside after weeks. I hope the air quality finally improves and we see a clean Diwali," said Sarita Mathur, a Mayur Vihar resident.

Another resident, Ritu Kumar, said she has gone on a walk for the first time this month due to improved air quality.

D Saha, former additional director and head of air quality management division at the CPCB, said, "No drastic change in pollution level is anticipated as the ground level emissions are under control due to various administrative and regulatory measures, and we are likely to have a clean Diwali."&nbsp;

Delhiites breathed easy Sunday after air quality significantly improved due to increased wind speed and control measures implemented by the government, even as authorities warned of severe deterioration from Monday.

Delhiites breathed easy Sunday after air quality significantly improved due to increased wind speed and control measures implemented by the government, even as authorities warned of severe deterioration from Monday. #Delhi's Mandir Marg at 707, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 676 & Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at 681 under 'Hazardous' category in Air Quality Index pic.twitter.com/ZXTCZdFmRt — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × On Sunday, a total fine of Rs 83,55,000 was imposed on violators by the teams deployed to monitor implementation of measures to combat pollution in the Delhi NCR under the campaign. Also read: It's time for resolute action on air pollution The overall air quality index (AQI) on Sunday was recorded at 181, which falls in the 'moderate' category. In the morning it was 231, which falls in the 'poor' category, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data said. The improvement in air quality can be attributed to the increase in surface wind speed to five kmph. This flushed out pollutants, an official of the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said. The reduction in base emission is also suggestive of a more pronounced effect of control measures taken by authorities, the official said. On Friday, the AQI was 370, which came down to 336 on Saturday, according to the CPCB. It has been found that PM 2.5 emission reduced "from 432 ton per day to 370 ton per day to reproduce the observed level with realistic met parameters, a decline in base emission by 14 per cent in Delhi and nearby domain", the official said. PM 2.5 are particles in the air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres. The SAFAR also said there is a large possibility of an increase in moisture from Monday evening, which might lead to an increase in the pollution level. "The AQI is predicted to be in the lower range of very poor Monday as the atmosphere is relatively clean," the official said. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) said fire counts in the northwest region of India were significantly less on Saturday as compared to Thursday but warned of a sharp increase in PM2.5 concentration from Monday. "If significant stubble burning continues on Sunday and Monday in the NW (northwest) region of India then its impact is very likely over Delhi and AQI may reach the upper end of the very poor category. "The northwest wind direction may bring the influence of biomass fire on Tuesday and Wednesday," the IITM said. Delhi authorities have stepped up efforts to combat pollution which includes measures like halting construction activities and regulating traffic. There is a halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also directed the Transport Department and the Traffic Police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10. An aggressive 10-day-long 'Clean Air Campaign' from November 1 to 10 has also been launched to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action. Based on 368 complaints, a total fine of Rs 83,55,000 was imposed on Sunday itself by 52 teams in the national capital, said the CPCB. It said a total of 119 complaints of construction and demolition activities were received. Other complaints included that of vehicular emission, traffic congestion, industrial emission, open or garbage burning, leaf burning, road dust, unpaved road, fire in landfill sites, air pollution from generators among others, the CPCB said. It said a total of 52 complaints were received through social media and e-mail while 316 complaints through the 'Sameer app' that has been developed by the CPCB. Officials said about 43 teams attended to 248 complaints in Delhi. Two teams attended to 11 complaints in Gurgaon, two teams to 31 complaints in Faridabad and two teams to five complaints in Noida and Greater Noida. Three teams attended 21 complaints in Ghaziabad. On Friday and Saturday, a total penalty of Rs 80 lakh was imposed on violators. The teams are visiting different parts of Delhi and adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Noida. Delhiites welcomed the improvement in the air quality which has been severe for the last three weeks. "I have sent my children to play outside after weeks. I hope the air quality finally improves and we see a clean Diwali," said Sarita Mathur, a Mayur Vihar resident. Another resident, Ritu Kumar, said she has gone on a walk for the first time this month due to improved air quality. D Saha, former additional director and head of air quality management division at the CPCB, said, "No drastic change in pollution level is anticipated as the ground level emissions are under control due to various administrative and regulatory measures, and we are likely to have a clean Diwali."

Delhi pollution: Authorities say air quality will deteriorate severely from today

The indigenous INS Arihant India’s first nuclear-powered submarine successfully completed its first deterrence patrol.&nbsp;

The INS Arihant completes India's nuclear triad by adding maritime strike capability to land- and air-based delivery platforms. All the big five nuclear nations -- the US, Russia, France, China and the UK -- are already full-fledged nuclear triad powers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A nuclear triad is a three-pronged military force structure that consists of land-launched nuclear missiles, nuclear-missile-armed submarines and strategic aircraft with nuclear bombs and missiles.

Nuclear-triad simply means that the country now has the capability to launch nuclear strikes on the enemy from air, land and sea.&nbsp; &nbsp;

India is now capable of delivering nuclear weapons by aircraft, ballistic missiles and submarine-launched missiles.

India's quest for its indigenous nuclear submarine began in the late 1990s under a top-secret project called Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV). The plan was to build three such submarines.

In 2009, Arihant was launched into the water at the ship-building centre in Visakhapatnam. In 2013, the nuclear reactor of the submarine went critical. Since then, the submarine has gone numerous trials including missile firing trials as early as March this year.

The second nuclear submarine, INS Aridhaman is already under construction.

Arihant is integrated with "K" (named after former president APJ Abdul Kalam) series of missiles.

While the K-15 has a 750-km range, the K-4 can go up to 3,500-km. The K-5 has a much higher range. However, it is not confirmed whether the full integration of missiles have taken place or not.

The DRDO completed the development of the over 700km-range BO-5 missiles recently and they would be fired from the Arihant during its sea trials. The organization is also preparing to develop the longer-range K-4 underwater missile in near future and some of its trials have been completed successfully.

INS Arihant will be the lead ship of the Arihant-class of N-submarines. Nuclear ballistic missiles fired by it can travel up to a range of 3,500 kilometres.

The indigenous INS Arihant India’s first nuclear-powered submarine successfully completed its first deterrence patrol. The INS Arihant completes India's nuclear triad by adding maritime strike capability to land- and air-based delivery platforms.

The indigenous INS Arihant India’s first nuclear-powered submarine successfully completed its first deterrence patrol. The INS Arihant completes India's nuclear triad by adding maritime strike capability to land- and air-based delivery platforms. All the big five nuclear nations -- the US, Russia, France, China and the UK -- are already full-fledged nuclear triad powers. A nuclear triad is a three-pronged military force structure that consists of land-launched nuclear missiles, nuclear-missile-armed submarines and strategic aircraft with nuclear bombs and missiles. Nuclear-triad simply means that the country now has the capability to launch nuclear strikes on the enemy from air, land and sea. India is now capable of delivering nuclear weapons by aircraft, ballistic missiles and submarine-launched missiles. India's quest for its indigenous nuclear submarine began in the late 1990s under a top-secret project called Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV). The plan was to build three such submarines. In 2009, Arihant was launched into the water at the ship-building centre in Visakhapatnam. In 2013, the nuclear reactor of the submarine went critical. Since then, the submarine has gone numerous trials including missile firing trials as early as March this year. The second nuclear submarine, INS Aridhaman is already under construction. Arihant is integrated with "K" (named after former president APJ Abdul Kalam) series of missiles. While the K-15 has a 750-km range, the K-4 can go up to 3,500-km. The K-5 has a much higher range. However, it is not confirmed whether the full integration of missiles have taken place or not. The DRDO completed the development of the over 700km-range BO-5 missiles recently and they would be fired from the Arihant during its sea trials. The organization is also preparing to develop the longer-range K-4 underwater missile in near future and some of its trials have been completed successfully. INS Arihant will be the lead ship of the Arihant-class of N-submarines. Nuclear ballistic missiles fired by it can travel up to a range of 3,500 kilometres.

INS Arihant: India’s nuclear triad explained

Kerala's Sabarimala temple will open for a second time today following the Supreme Court&nbsp;verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages.

The temple will open at 5 pm today and then close again tomorrow evening.

To prevent any further clashes, the authorities have deployed over 2,300 police personnel outside the temple premises. And section 144 which prohibits the assembly of more than four people has been imposed in Pamba and Nilakkal.

Women between the ages of 10 and 50 had earlier been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sanctity-of-sabarimala-temple-should-be-preserved-devotees-172199">banned from visiting the temple</a> because worshippers&nbsp;believe the temple deity Lord Ayappa is celibate.&nbsp;The Supreme Court recently overturned the ban.&nbsp;

Huge protests by Hindu groups however followed, with male worshippers preventing about a dozen women who tried from entering the temple.&nbsp;

On&nbsp;Sunday, a day before the opening of the temple, Congress party leaders held a protest against the Supreme Court verdict in Pathanamthitta district.

Meanwhile, the police have not received any request from any woman asking assistance to visit Sabarimala's sanctum sanctorum.&nbsp;

Kerala's Sabarimala temple will open for a second time today following the Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages. The temple will open at 5 pm today and then close again tomorrow evening.

Kerala's Sabarimala temple will open for a second time today following the Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages. The temple will open at 5 pm today and then close again tomorrow evening. To prevent any further clashes, the authorities have deployed over 2,300 police personnel outside the temple premises. And section 144 which prohibits the assembly of more than four people has been imposed in Pamba and Nilakkal. Women between the ages of 10 and 50 had earlier been banned from visiting the temple because worshippers believe the temple deity Lord Ayappa is celibate. The Supreme Court recently overturned the ban. Huge protests by Hindu groups however followed, with male worshippers preventing about a dozen women who tried from entering the temple. On Sunday, a day before the opening of the temple, Congress party leaders held a protest against the Supreme Court verdict in Pathanamthitta district. Meanwhile, the police have not received any request from any woman asking assistance to visit Sabarimala's sanctum sanctorum.

Kerala's Sabarimala temple to reopen today, 2,300 cops deployed outside

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-prince-probe-into-khashoggi-killing-will-exonerate-crown-prince-salman-175527">Saudi prince: Probe into Khashoggi killing will exonerate Crown Prince Salman</a>

Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a top international businessman from the kingdom, said on Sunday that an official investigation into the death of journalist&nbsp;Jamal Khashoggi&nbsp;will exonerate the country's leader.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-elections-2018-trump-democrats-in-frenzied-final-push-ahead-of-us-elections-175521">'You gotta get to the polls on Tuesday, and you gotta vote,' Trump tells electorate before US midterm elections</a>

Donald Trump and his Democratic rivals made frenzied, final pushes to motivate their core voters Sunday ahead of&nbsp;contentious midterm elections&nbsp;seen as a referendum on the president's divisive first two years in office.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhiites-breathe-easy-as-air-quality-improves-authorities-warn-deterioration-from-monday-175523">Delhi pollution: Authorities say air quality will deteriorate severely from today</a>

Delhiites breathed easy Sunday after air quality significantly improved due to increased wind speed and control measures implemented by the government, even as authorities warned of severe deterioration from Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-on-iran-toughest-ever-take-force-monday-175530">US sanctions on Iran, 'toughest ever,' take force today</a>

The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-further-slashed-petrol-selling-at-7856-per-litre-diesel-7316-175531">Fuel prices further slashed; petrol selling at 78.56 per litre, diesel 73.16</a>

Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Monday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 78.56 per litre in Delhi and Rs 84.06 per litre in Mumbai.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Saudi prince: Probe into Khashoggi killing will exonerate Crown Prince Salman Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a top international businessman from the kingdom, said on Sunday that an official investigation into the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi will exonerate the country's leader.

Saudi prince: Probe into Khashoggi killing will exonerate Crown Prince Salman Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a top international businessman from the kingdom, said on Sunday that an official investigation into the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi will exonerate the country's leader. 'You gotta get to the polls on Tuesday, and you gotta vote,' Trump tells electorate before US midterm elections Donald Trump and his Democratic rivals made frenzied, final pushes to motivate their core voters Sunday ahead of contentious midterm elections seen as a referendum on the president's divisive first two years in office. Delhi pollution: Authorities say air quality will deteriorate severely from today Delhiites breathed easy Sunday after air quality significantly improved due to increased wind speed and control measures implemented by the government, even as authorities warned of severe deterioration from Monday. US sanctions on Iran, 'toughest ever,' take force today The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran. Fuel prices further slashed; petrol selling at 78.56 per litre, diesel 73.16 Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Monday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 78.56 per litre in Delhi and Rs 84.06 per litre in Mumbai.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend the festival of Diwali in Kedarnath, sources said on Monday. Prime Minister Modi, after assuming office in 2014, has primarily spent the festival every year with soldiers and security personnel at different parts of the country.

Last year, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel posted in Gurez at Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district and a day later he visited Kedarnath to inaugurate various development projects.

In 2016, Prime Minister Modi met jawans of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITPB), the Indian Army and Dogra Scouts in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh on the day of Diwali. In 2015, he visited the Dograi War Memorial in Khasa, Amritsar to celebrate Diwali with the troops.

Months after becoming Prime Minister in 2014, he had paid a surprise visit to the Siachen Base Camp to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers deployed at the World's highest battlefield.

The festival of lights, Diwali, will be celebrated on November 7 this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend the festival of Diwali in Kedarnath, sources said on Monday. Prime Minister Modi, after assuming office in 2014, has primarily spent the festival every year with soldiers and security personnel at different parts of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend the festival of Diwali in Kedarnath, sources said on Monday. Prime Minister Modi, after assuming office in 2014, has primarily spent the festival every year with soldiers and security personnel at different parts of the country. Last year, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel posted in Gurez at Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district and a day later he visited Kedarnath to inaugurate various development projects. In 2016, Prime Minister Modi met jawans of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITPB), the Indian Army and Dogra Scouts in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh on the day of Diwali. In 2015, he visited the Dograi War Memorial in Khasa, Amritsar to celebrate Diwali with the troops. Months after becoming Prime Minister in 2014, he had paid a surprise visit to the Siachen Base Camp to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers deployed at the World's highest battlefield. The festival of lights, Diwali, will be celebrated on November 7 this year.

PM Narendra Modi likely to celebrate Diwali at Kedarnath

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