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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arizona congressional candidate claims she was sexually assaulted while repairing signs

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

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

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

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

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

SC asks Centre to frame mechanism against unethical pharma marketing practices

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

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

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

An encounter broke out on Saturday between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, ANI reported.

The encounter broke out after the terrorists fired upon the forces who retaliated.

According to local newspaper's report, the security officials were conducting door to door search during which terrorists hiding in a house opened fire at them.

Security forces have cordoned off the area.

The gunfight is on and further details are awaited.

An encounter broke out on Saturday between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, ANI reported. The encounter broke out after the terrorists fired upon the forces who retaliated.

An encounter broke out on Saturday between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, ANI reported. The encounter broke out after the terrorists fired upon the forces who retaliated. According to local newspaper's report, the security officials were conducting door to door search during which terrorists hiding in a house opened fire at them. Security forces have cordoned off the area. The gunfight is on and further details are awaited.

Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter between security forces and terrorists underway in Shopian

The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) will conduct an inquiry into the Amritsar train tragedy in which at least 60 people were killed earlier this month.

The matter has become a matter of great public discourse, especially raising concerns regarding the safety of people trespassing on railway tracks.&nbsp;

Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla held a meeting with Union Minister of Railways and Coal, Piyush Goyal and handed over a letter, requesting an inquiry by the CRS in the incident.

The Ministry of Railways has considered the request and other facts, circumstances and legal provisions.&nbsp;

As per the law, it is not mandatory, in such cases, for an inquiry to be conducted by the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), but it is not impermissible either.

In the past, CRS inquiries have been conducted in incidents where people have been run over by trains on railway tracks.

Although the Railways does not appear to be responsible in this incident, the issue of inquiry conducted by an independent and technically competent authority, not reporting to Ministry of Railways, was considered and a request was made to the CCRS to conduct an inquiry in this matter.

Considering this, the CCRS has ordered a statutory inquiry into the incident.

On October 20, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had ordered a magisterial inquiry under the Divisional Commissioner of Jalandhar to ascertain the cause of the accident.

The accident took place at the Dhobi Ghat ground in Choura Bazar near Jhoda Phatak area in Amritsar on October 19 after a speeding train ran over a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilt onto the railway tracks while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy.

The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) will conduct an inquiry into the Amritsar train tragedy in which at least 60 people were killed earlier this month. The matter has become a matter of great public discourse, especially raising concerns regarding the safety of people trespassing on railway tracks.

The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) will conduct an inquiry into the Amritsar train tragedy in which at least 60 people were killed earlier this month. The matter has become a matter of great public discourse, especially raising concerns regarding the safety of people trespassing on railway tracks. Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla held a meeting with Union Minister of Railways and Coal, Piyush Goyal and handed over a letter, requesting an inquiry by the CRS in the incident. The Ministry of Railways has considered the request and other facts, circumstances and legal provisions. As per the law, it is not mandatory, in such cases, for an inquiry to be conducted by the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), but it is not impermissible either. In the past, CRS inquiries have been conducted in incidents where people have been run over by trains on railway tracks. Although the Railways does not appear to be responsible in this incident, the issue of inquiry conducted by an independent and technically competent authority, not reporting to Ministry of Railways, was considered and a request was made to the CCRS to conduct an inquiry in this matter. Considering this, the CCRS has ordered a statutory inquiry into the incident. On October 20, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had ordered a magisterial inquiry under the Divisional Commissioner of Jalandhar to ascertain the cause of the accident. The accident took place at the Dhobi Ghat ground in Choura Bazar near Jhoda Phatak area in Amritsar on October 19 after a speeding train ran over a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilt onto the railway tracks while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy.

Amritsar train accident: Commission of Railway Safety to conduct inquiry

India has expressed regret that the work of the Human Rights Council is getting more contentious and difficult, as it voiced concern over instances of politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool.

India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tanmaya Lal mentioned that though the Human Rights Council continues to expand with growing number of resolutions and decisions, greater frequency of meetings and special sessions, the effectiveness of its work is, however, not always clear.

"While a very comprehensive normative framework of human rights treaties and Covenants has evolved, the work of the Human Rights Council and its associated procedures and mandates is, regrettably, getting more contentious and difficult," Lal said at the UN General Assembly session on Report of the Human Rights Council Friday.

He said more broadly, the global situation today is a troubled one, with growing concerns about the multiple challenges posed to the spirit of multilateralism due to ineffectiveness of the global governance mechanisms to find commonly acceptable solutions.

"The reasons for many of the difficulties surrounding the discussions on the human rights agenda are not hard to find. They flow from the often very divergent priorities and concerns of member states in terms of their levels of development, social and cultural contexts and governance systems," he said.

Lal noted that while the global discourse on human rights continues to evolve, fundamental contradictions remain. The relative prioritisation of the individual versus State, national sovereignty versus international norms and universal versus culture-specific approach, all evoke differing opinions.

"Constraints on national capacities to implement certain rights, instances of politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool, and perceived intrusiveness beyond mandated activities remain areas of concern," he said.

He further said while the work of the Human Rights Council continues to expand with growing number of resolutions and decisions, greater frequency of meetings and special sessions, the effectiveness of its work is, however, not always clear.&nbsp;

"There is also a proliferation of special procedures both on thematic and country-specific situations. Their effectiveness is also constrained by lack of, and opacity of funding, lack of a balanced representation in staffing, mistrust on some of them clearly exceeding their mandates and politicising their approach. Country-specific procedures have largely been counter-productive," he said.

"Instances of such mechanisms and offices operating on their own without any mandate and producing clearly biased documents only further harm the credibility of United Nations??," Lal said.

In June this year, India had rejected then Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's report on Kashmir in which he had called for an independent international probe into the human rights situation in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Lal had said then that the "so-called" report reflects the "clear bias of an official who was acting without any mandate whatsoever and relied on unverified sources of information."&nbsp;

Lal had said the report "was not even found fit to be considered by the membership of the forum where it was submitted."

At the Friday session, Lal pointed out that the palette of human rights ranges from individual to collective on one hand, and from civil and political, to economic and social and cultural rights to the right to development on the other.&nbsp;

"Agreement on not only the prioritisation and the interpretation of various rights but on the best way to promote and protect human rights, including in situations of possible gross and systematic violations, often remains elusive, especially if it clashes with the idea of sovereignty of nation states," he said.

Describing terrorism as one of the worst forms of violation of human rights, Lal said India has had to face repeated terrorist attacks on innocent people, emanating from beyond its borders, thinly veiled reference to Pakistan.&nbsp;

He said despite terrorism being acknowledged as one of the foremost global challenges, any meaningful collective response to address this menace continues to be thwarted by some.

He stressed that the human rights agenda must be pursued in a fair and equal manner with objectivity, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, non-selectivity and transparency.

"For the success of our collective and common cause or promoting and protecting human rights, our emphasis at the Human Rights Council and Treaty bodies, and Special Procedures and the OHCHR ?should not be confrontational but instead focus on achieving the desired results from a more inclusive, participatory and positive approach through dialogue and capacity building," he said.

India has expressed regret that the work of the Human Rights Council is getting more contentious and difficult, as it voiced concern over instances of politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool.

India has expressed regret that the work of the Human Rights Council is getting more contentious and difficult, as it voiced concern over instances of politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool. India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tanmaya Lal mentioned that though the Human Rights Council continues to expand with growing number of resolutions and decisions, greater frequency of meetings and special sessions, the effectiveness of its work is, however, not always clear. "While a very comprehensive normative framework of human rights treaties and Covenants has evolved, the work of the Human Rights Council and its associated procedures and mandates is, regrettably, getting more contentious and difficult," Lal said at the UN General Assembly session on Report of the Human Rights Council Friday. He said more broadly, the global situation today is a troubled one, with growing concerns about the multiple challenges posed to the spirit of multilateralism due to ineffectiveness of the global governance mechanisms to find commonly acceptable solutions. "The reasons for many of the difficulties surrounding the discussions on the human rights agenda are not hard to find. They flow from the often very divergent priorities and concerns of member states in terms of their levels of development, social and cultural contexts and governance systems," he said. Lal noted that while the global discourse on human rights continues to evolve, fundamental contradictions remain. The relative prioritisation of the individual versus State, national sovereignty versus international norms and universal versus culture-specific approach, all evoke differing opinions. "Constraints on national capacities to implement certain rights, instances of politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool, and perceived intrusiveness beyond mandated activities remain areas of concern," he said. He further said while the work of the Human Rights Council continues to expand with growing number of resolutions and decisions, greater frequency of meetings and special sessions, the effectiveness of its work is, however, not always clear. "There is also a proliferation of special procedures both on thematic and country-specific situations. Their effectiveness is also constrained by lack of, and opacity of funding, lack of a balanced representation in staffing, mistrust on some of them clearly exceeding their mandates and politicising their approach. Country-specific procedures have largely been counter-productive," he said. "Instances of such mechanisms and offices operating on their own without any mandate and producing clearly biased documents only further harm the credibility of United Nations??," Lal said. In June this year, India had rejected then Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's report on Kashmir in which he had called for an independent international probe into the human rights situation in Kashmir. Lal had said then that the "so-called" report reflects the "clear bias of an official who was acting without any mandate whatsoever and relied on unverified sources of information." Lal had said the report "was not even found fit to be considered by the membership of the forum where it was submitted." At the Friday session, Lal pointed out that the palette of human rights ranges from individual to collective on one hand, and from civil and political, to economic and social and cultural rights to the right to development on the other. "Agreement on not only the prioritisation and the interpretation of various rights but on the best way to promote and protect human rights, including in situations of possible gross and systematic violations, often remains elusive, especially if it clashes with the idea of sovereignty of nation states," he said. Describing terrorism as one of the worst forms of violation of human rights, Lal said India has had to face repeated terrorist attacks on innocent people, emanating from beyond its borders, thinly veiled reference to Pakistan. He said despite terrorism being acknowledged as one of the foremost global challenges, any meaningful collective response to address this menace continues to be thwarted by some. He stressed that the human rights agenda must be pursued in a fair and equal manner with objectivity, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, non-selectivity and transparency. "For the success of our collective and common cause or promoting and protecting human rights, our emphasis at the Human Rights Council and Treaty bodies, and Special Procedures and the OHCHR ?should not be confrontational but instead focus on achieving the desired results from a more inclusive, participatory and positive approach through dialogue and capacity building," he said.

India expresses concern over politicisation of human rights as foreign policy tool

Protestors squatted on railway tracks, pelted stones at vehicles and burnt tyres on roads in some districts in Assam during a 12-hour state-wide bandh Saturday called to protest the gunning down of five men in Tinsukia district.

The shutdown, which began at 5 am, mostly affected life in Barak Valley, which is predominantly inhabited by Bengali-speaking people, and parts of the Brahmaputra Valley, officials said.

The bandh was called by the Sadou Asom Bengali Yuba Chatra Federation and several like-minded organisations to protest the incident on Thursday night, when five Bengali-speaking men, including three of a family, were killed by gunmen at Kheronibari village.

The Congress is supporting the bandh in Barak.

The BJP has extended its support to the stir in Hailakandi, district BJP president Subrata Nath said in a release.

Tinsukia and Dibrugarh were exempted from the purview of the bandh as the two districts had observed a strike on Friday. Shops, business establishments, educational institutions, private offices remained closed and vehicles kept off the roads in the Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Karimganj.

Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, who came out to impose the bandh in Silchar, was picked up by the police. He was released later, the officials said.

In Brahmaputra Valley, demonstrators shouting slogans and holding placards demanding security for Bengalis came out in large numbers in the railway town of Lumding in Hojai district and squatted on the train tracks near the station.

They tried to disrupt the movement of Brahmaputra Express and Guwahati-Silchar passenger trains but they were removed and the trains resumed their journeys, the sources said.

Commercial establishments kept their shutters down and vehicles did not ply in Hojai district.

Tyres were burnt on the roads by protesters in Hojai district leading to the detention of 30 people, the police said.

At Samoguri and Amoni in Hojai, bandh supporters blocked highways and pelted stones at vehicles damaging several buses and trucks, sources said.

There were reports of clashes between supporters of the bandh and those opposing it at Jogighopa in Bongaigaon district but the situation was brought under control by the police.

At Dalgaon in Darrang district, 17 people were detained when they tried to prevent normal movement of traffic.

The bandh had no impact in capital city Guwahati where normal life continued with offices, commercial establishments, educational institutions, banks remaining open and vehicles plying on the roads, the sources added.

The Assam Government had Friday directed district deputy commissioners (DC) to ensure normal functioning in all government establishments, vehicular movement of traffic, and business establishments.

All security agencies were to be kept on high alert to prevent any breach of peace which might lead to law and order issues, the order had said. 
Utmost vigil was to be maintained to prevent spread of any kind of rumour, hate mongering and communal discord, it said.

Protestors squatted on railway tracks, pelted stones at vehicles and burnt tyres on roads in some districts in Assam during a 12-hour state-wide bandh Saturday called to protest the gunning down of five men in Tinsukia district.

Protestors squatted on railway tracks, pelted stones at vehicles and burnt tyres on roads in some districts in Assam during a 12-hour state-wide bandh Saturday called to protest the gunning down of five men in Tinsukia district. The shutdown, which began at 5 am, mostly affected life in Barak Valley, which is predominantly inhabited by Bengali-speaking people, and parts of the Brahmaputra Valley, officials said. The bandh was called by the Sadou Asom Bengali Yuba Chatra Federation and several like-minded organisations to protest the incident on Thursday night, when five Bengali-speaking men, including three of a family, were killed by gunmen at Kheronibari village. The Congress is supporting the bandh in Barak. The BJP has extended its support to the stir in Hailakandi, district BJP president Subrata Nath said in a release. Tinsukia and Dibrugarh were exempted from the purview of the bandh as the two districts had observed a strike on Friday. Shops, business establishments, educational institutions, private offices remained closed and vehicles kept off the roads in the Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Karimganj. Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, who came out to impose the bandh in Silchar, was picked up by the police. He was released later, the officials said. In Brahmaputra Valley, demonstrators shouting slogans and holding placards demanding security for Bengalis came out in large numbers in the railway town of Lumding in Hojai district and squatted on the train tracks near the station. They tried to disrupt the movement of Brahmaputra Express and Guwahati-Silchar passenger trains but they were removed and the trains resumed their journeys, the sources said. Commercial establishments kept their shutters down and vehicles did not ply in Hojai district. Tyres were burnt on the roads by protesters in Hojai district leading to the detention of 30 people, the police said. At Samoguri and Amoni in Hojai, bandh supporters blocked highways and pelted stones at vehicles damaging several buses and trucks, sources said. There were reports of clashes between supporters of the bandh and those opposing it at Jogighopa in Bongaigaon district but the situation was brought under control by the police. At Dalgaon in Darrang district, 17 people were detained when they tried to prevent normal movement of traffic. The bandh had no impact in capital city Guwahati where normal life continued with offices, commercial establishments, educational institutions, banks remaining open and vehicles plying on the roads, the sources added. The Assam Government had Friday directed district deputy commissioners (DC) to ensure normal functioning in all government establishments, vehicular movement of traffic, and business establishments. All security agencies were to be kept on high alert to prevent any breach of peace which might lead to law and order issues, the order had said. Utmost vigil was to be maintained to prevent spread of any kind of rumour, hate mongering and communal discord, it said.

12-hour bandh affects normal life in some Assam districts

Fuel prices in the country reduced further on Saturday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 78.99 per litre&nbsp;in Delhi and Rs 84.49 per litre in Mumbai.

While the prices of petrol reduced by 19 paise in both the states, diesel prices reduced by 11 paise in Delhi and 12 paise in Mumbai.

The prices of diesel were revised to Rs 73.53 per litre in Delhi and Rs 77.06 per litre in Mumbai.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Petrol and diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> are Rs 78.99 (decrease by Rs 0.19) and Rs 73.53 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.11), respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> are Rs 84.49 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.19) and Rs 77.06 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.12), respectively. <a href="https://t.co/WstGj5FDjp">pic.twitter.com/WstGj5FDjp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1058525644202696704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Petrol prices on Thursday were recorded at Rs 79.18 per litre&nbsp;in Delhi, Rs 81.08 in Kolkata, Rs 84.68 in Mumbai and Rs 82.26 in Chennai.

While diesel prices were recorded at Rs 73.64 per litre in Delhi, Rs 75.50 in Kolkata, Rs 77.18 in Mumbai and Rs 77.85 in Chennai.

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 reduced further on Saturday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 78.99 per litre in Delhi and Rs 84.49 per litre in Mumbai. While the prices of petrol reduced by 19 paise in both the states, diesel prices reduced by 11 paise in Delhi and 12 paise in Mumbai.

Fuel prices in the country reduced further on Saturday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 78.99 per litre in Delhi and Rs 84.49 per litre in Mumbai. While the prices of petrol reduced by 19 paise in both the states, diesel prices reduced by 11 paise in Delhi and 12 paise in Mumbai. The prices of diesel were revised to Rs 73.53 per litre in Delhi and Rs 77.06 per litre in Mumbai. Petrol and diesel prices in #Delhi are Rs 78.99 (decrease by Rs 0.19) and Rs 73.53 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.11), respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in #Mumbai are Rs 84.49 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.19) and Rs 77.06 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.12), respectively. pic.twitter.com/WstGj5FDjp — ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 × Petrol prices on Thursday were recorded at Rs 79.18 per litre in Delhi, Rs 81.08 in Kolkata, Rs 84.68 in Mumbai and Rs 82.26 in Chennai. While diesel prices were recorded at Rs 73.64 per litre in Delhi, Rs 75.50 in Kolkata, Rs 77.18 in Mumbai and Rs 77.85 in Chennai. 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)

Petrol prices drop by 19 paise, reach Rs 78.99 per litre in Delhi, Rs 84.49 per litre in Mumbai

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday told the Supreme Court that divesting CBI director Alok Verma of his statutory powers and functions is "completely illegal and arbitrary".

In an interlocutory application filed in the pending petition, Kharge, who is also a member of the three-member selection committee which appoints the CBI director, said, "As a concerned stakeholder he brings to the attention of the court the brazen and illegal actions" of the political executive in interfering with the independent functioning of the CBI director.

The selection committee comprises the prime minister, the Chief Justice of India, and the leader of the opposition party / the single largest opposition party.

"The entire action of the central vigilance commission (CVC) vide its order October 23 and the DOPT vide order October 23 seeking to divest CBI director Alok Verma of his statutory powers and functions is completely illegal, arbitrary, punitive and without jurisdiction...," Kharge said.

Kharge, who is the leader of single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, said the provisions of Delhi Special Police Establishment Act (DSPE Act) clearly say that the tenure and terms of CBI director is protected and even the transfer cannot be effected without the consent of the committee.

He said the orders of the CVC and the DOPT divesting Verma of his powers, functions and duties is a "direct and concerted attempt" to impede the independent functioning of the CBI director.

Kharge, who claimed to have written a letter on October 25 to place on record that no meeting of the selection committee was convened to deliberate the issue, said, "It was also pointed out that the de facto transfer/divesting of the authority of the CBI director is illegal and mala fide."

In his petition settled by senior advocate Kapil Sibal and filed through advocate Devadatt Kamat, Kharge said CVC's order of October 23 is "completely without jurisdiction" as neither the DSPE Act nor the CVC Act, 2003 confers and empowers to divest the CBI director of his powers and duties.

Similarly, the central government cannot exercise any power under the DSPE Act which is in the derogation of the powers of the selection committee, Kharge said.

"It is submitted that the political executive vide order dated October 23 has completely negated the role of the statutory committee constituted under Section 4A of the DSPE Act which is entrusted with protecting the integrity of terms and tenure of the CBI director," Kharge said.

The veteran Congress leader said that he was neither consulted despite being a member of the selection committee nor was he part of any meeting or privy to any decision to divest Verma of his powers as the CBI director.

He sought quashing of CVC's and DOPT's October 23 orders.

Observing that the crisis in the CBI sparked by the internal feud should not linger on in the national interest, the Supreme Court had on October 26 set a two-week deadline for the CVC to complete its ongoing inquiry against CBI chief Verma and said a retired apex court judge will monitor the probe.

Both Verma and the CBI's number two Rakesh Asthana, a Special Director, were divested of their duties and sent on leave by the Centre on the intervening night of October 23 and October 24 in the wake of their bitter feud that triggered an unprecedented crisis in the 55-year history of the country's premier probe agency.

The court also made it clear that M Nageswara Rao, who is a Joint Director of the CBI, would only perform the routine tasks that are essential to keep the

CBI functional. Rao was given interim charge of looking after the duties of the CBI director after the top-level shake-up.

It said that all decisions taken by Rao be placed before it in a sealed cover on November 12, the next date of hearing.&nbsp;

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday told the Supreme Court that divesting CBI director Alok Verma of his statutory powers and functions is "completely illegal and arbitrary".

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday told the Supreme Court that divesting CBI director Alok Verma of his statutory powers and functions is "completely illegal and arbitrary". In an interlocutory application filed in the pending petition, Kharge, who is also a member of the three-member selection committee which appoints the CBI director, said, "As a concerned stakeholder he brings to the attention of the court the brazen and illegal actions" of the political executive in interfering with the independent functioning of the CBI director. The selection committee comprises the prime minister, the Chief Justice of India, and the leader of the opposition party / the single largest opposition party. "The entire action of the central vigilance commission (CVC) vide its order October 23 and the DOPT vide order October 23 seeking to divest CBI director Alok Verma of his statutory powers and functions is completely illegal, arbitrary, punitive and without jurisdiction...," Kharge said. Kharge, who is the leader of single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, said the provisions of Delhi Special Police Establishment Act (DSPE Act) clearly say that the tenure and terms of CBI director is protected and even the transfer cannot be effected without the consent of the committee. He said the orders of the CVC and the DOPT divesting Verma of his powers, functions and duties is a "direct and concerted attempt" to impede the independent functioning of the CBI director. Kharge, who claimed to have written a letter on October 25 to place on record that no meeting of the selection committee was convened to deliberate the issue, said, "It was also pointed out that the de facto transfer/divesting of the authority of the CBI director is illegal and mala fide." In his petition settled by senior advocate Kapil Sibal and filed through advocate Devadatt Kamat, Kharge said CVC's order of October 23 is "completely without jurisdiction" as neither the DSPE Act nor the CVC Act, 2003 confers and empowers to divest the CBI director of his powers and duties. Similarly, the central government cannot exercise any power under the DSPE Act which is in the derogation of the powers of the selection committee, Kharge said. "It is submitted that the political executive vide order dated October 23 has completely negated the role of the statutory committee constituted under Section 4A of the DSPE Act which is entrusted with protecting the integrity of terms and tenure of the CBI director," Kharge said. The veteran Congress leader said that he was neither consulted despite being a member of the selection committee nor was he part of any meeting or privy to any decision to divest Verma of his powers as the CBI director. He sought quashing of CVC's and DOPT's October 23 orders. Observing that the crisis in the CBI sparked by the internal feud should not linger on in the national interest, the Supreme Court had on October 26 set a two-week deadline for the CVC to complete its ongoing inquiry against CBI chief Verma and said a retired apex court judge will monitor the probe. Both Verma and the CBI's number two Rakesh Asthana, a Special Director, were divested of their duties and sent on leave by the Centre on the intervening night of October 23 and October 24 in the wake of their bitter feud that triggered an unprecedented crisis in the 55-year history of the country's premier probe agency. The court also made it clear that M Nageswara Rao, who is a Joint Director of the CBI, would only perform the routine tasks that are essential to keep the CBI functional. Rao was given interim charge of looking after the duties of the CBI director after the top-level shake-up. It said that all decisions taken by Rao be placed before it in a sealed cover on November 12, the next date of hearing.

Divesting CBI director of powers 'illegal', 'arbitrary', Mallikarjun Kharge tells Supreme Court

A special CBI court in Mumbai on Saturday rejected bail plea of Indrani Mukerjea, prime accused in murder case of her daughter Sheena Bora.&nbsp;

Indrani had sought bail citing ill-health and alleged threat to her life. She is currently lodged at the city's Byculla women's prison for planning her daughter's murder.

A special CBI court, while rejecting Indrani's bail plea, observed that the accused was facing trial on a serious charge and several important witnesses like Rahul Mukerjea, Indrani's stepson, are yet to record their evidence in the case.

This was the second time the court rejected her bail plea.

Indrani in her application had mentioned two occasions when she was hospitalised -- once for suspected drug overdose and again in April when she complained of difficulty in breathing.

She had said someone inside the jail might have tried to poison her.

She was arrested in August 2015 for allegedly murdering her daughter Sheena on April 24, 2012.

Apart from Indrani, the others arrested in the case are her husband and former media baron Peter Mukerjea, and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna.

Indrani's driver, Shyamwar Rai, was also arrested in the case but he later turned approver. Rai's bail plea was rejected Friday.

The trial in the case began last year and over 10 witnesses have deposed so far.

(With inputs from PTI)

A special CBI court in Mumbai on Saturday rejected bail plea of Indrani Mukerjea, prime accused in murder case of her daughter Sheena Bora. Indrani had sought bail citing ill-health and alleged threat to her life.

A special CBI court in Mumbai on Saturday rejected bail plea of Indrani Mukerjea, prime accused in murder case of her daughter Sheena Bora. Indrani had sought bail citing ill-health and alleged threat to her life. She is currently lodged at the city's Byculla women's prison for planning her daughter's murder. A special CBI court, while rejecting Indrani's bail plea, observed that the accused was facing trial on a serious charge and several important witnesses like Rahul Mukerjea, Indrani's stepson, are yet to record their evidence in the case. This was the second time the court rejected her bail plea. Indrani in her application had mentioned two occasions when she was hospitalised -- once for suspected drug overdose and again in April when she complained of difficulty in breathing. She had said someone inside the jail might have tried to poison her. She was arrested in August 2015 for allegedly murdering her daughter Sheena on April 24, 2012. Apart from Indrani, the others arrested in the case are her husband and former media baron Peter Mukerjea, and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna. Indrani's driver, Shyamwar Rai, was also arrested in the case but he later turned approver. Rai's bail plea was rejected Friday. The trial in the case began last year and over 10 witnesses have deposed so far. (With inputs from PTI)

Sheena Bora case: Indrani Mukerjea's bail plea rejected

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani joined the Congress Saturday, saying the state needs the party chief Kamal Nath not Chouhan as the CM.

Masani is the brother of Chouhan's wife Sadhna Singh.

He joined the Congress in the presence of its Madhya Pradesh unit president Kamal Nath and another senior state leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and said the state needs a leader like Nath not Chouhan.

"Madhya Pradesh does not need Shivraj but Nath. We all know how Chhindwara has been developed and is identified with Kamal Nath. The state also needs to be identified with him," Masani said. Kamal Nath represents Chhindwara in the Lok Sabha.

While he lashed out at the BJP for ignoring "kaamdars" (those who toil) at the cost of "naamdars" (big names), he said he should not be projected as a family member of Chouhan but only as his relative.

"My name is Sanjay Singh Masani. My family lineage and 'gotra' are different," he said.

Kamal Nath told reporters that all sections of society are affected by Chouhan's misrule, and the decision of Masani to join the Congress is a reflection of people's wish to chart a new course of development in the state, he said.

The BJP has been in power in the state since 2003.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani joined the Congress Saturday, saying the state needs the party chief Kamal Nath not Chouhan as the CM.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani joined the Congress Saturday, saying the state needs the party chief Kamal Nath not Chouhan as the CM. Masani is the brother of Chouhan's wife Sadhna Singh. He joined the Congress in the presence of its Madhya Pradesh unit president Kamal Nath and another senior state leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and said the state needs a leader like Nath not Chouhan. "Madhya Pradesh does not need Shivraj but Nath. We all know how Chhindwara has been developed and is identified with Kamal Nath. The state also needs to be identified with him," Masani said. Kamal Nath represents Chhindwara in the Lok Sabha. While he lashed out at the BJP for ignoring "kaamdars" (those who toil) at the cost of "naamdars" (big names), he said he should not be projected as a family member of Chouhan but only as his relative. "My name is Sanjay Singh Masani. My family lineage and 'gotra' are different," he said. Kamal Nath told reporters that all sections of society are affected by Chouhan's misrule, and the decision of Masani to join the Congress is a reflection of people's wish to chart a new course of development in the state, he said. The BJP has been in power in the state since 2003.

Madhya Pradesh: CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law joins Congress

Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday reiterated that Aadhaar data cannot be breached, as it is stored in a safe and secure encrypted manner.

"Biometric data on Aadhaar is kept in safe and secure conditions in an encrypted form, and so strong that even for the billionth of a second it cannot be breached. The unique initiative of Aadhaar is that we do three crore authentications every three seconds. Aadhar Data is kept in secure conditions duly backed by a parliamentary law, so strong that if anyone tries to disclose the biometric details, he can be prosecuted and it can only happen in the case of compelling national security that too after the affirmation of a committee headed by the cabinet secretary," he said while speaking at a financial inclusion conference here.

Talking about the Centre's vision of complete digitisation, Prasad acknowledged that while financial inclusion is the goal, digitalisation is the medium."We created ecosystems, relaxed the laws, created incentives, removed the barriers for development. The philosophy of the Narendra Modi government is to create the enabling atmosphere so that people can do their business and pay taxes and with that our government would help the poor. Banking the unbanked, funding the unfunded and securing the unsecured is yet another philosophy of our government. India has opened 55 per cent global bank accounts since the Narendra Modi government came to power," he added.

Talking about the Centre's vision in the field of artificial intelligence, Prasad opined that India should become the centre of data analytics.

"According to a London-based think tank, India is among the top 20 global leaders in the digitalisation and e-governance sector. India should become the centre of the data analysis. Data analytics is the future." Prasad added.

Speaking about the digitalisation of the judiciary and courts, Prasad said that around 17,000 district courts and all the high courts have become digital. "Our data, IT and digital profile and services will become a benchmark on how IT can be used for transformation in a democracy," he added.

Prasad also said that through the Digital India programme, the Centre aims to empower ordinary citizens with the power of technology, a technology that is low-cost, developmental and inclusive.&nbsp;

Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday reiterated that Aadhaar data cannot be breached, as it is stored in a safe and secure encrypted manner.

Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday reiterated that Aadhaar data cannot be breached, as it is stored in a safe and secure encrypted manner. "Biometric data on Aadhaar is kept in safe and secure conditions in an encrypted form, and so strong that even for the billionth of a second it cannot be breached. The unique initiative of Aadhaar is that we do three crore authentications every three seconds. Aadhar Data is kept in secure conditions duly backed by a parliamentary law, so strong that if anyone tries to disclose the biometric details, he can be prosecuted and it can only happen in the case of compelling national security that too after the affirmation of a committee headed by the cabinet secretary," he said while speaking at a financial inclusion conference here. Talking about the Centre's vision of complete digitisation, Prasad acknowledged that while financial inclusion is the goal, digitalisation is the medium."We created ecosystems, relaxed the laws, created incentives, removed the barriers for development. The philosophy of the Narendra Modi government is to create the enabling atmosphere so that people can do their business and pay taxes and with that our government would help the poor. Banking the unbanked, funding the unfunded and securing the unsecured is yet another philosophy of our government. India has opened 55 per cent global bank accounts since the Narendra Modi government came to power," he added. Talking about the Centre's vision in the field of artificial intelligence, Prasad opined that India should become the centre of data analytics. "According to a London-based think tank, India is among the top 20 global leaders in the digitalisation and e-governance sector. India should become the centre of the data analysis. Data analytics is the future." Prasad added. Speaking about the digitalisation of the judiciary and courts, Prasad said that around 17,000 district courts and all the high courts have become digital. "Our data, IT and digital profile and services will become a benchmark on how IT can be used for transformation in a democracy," he added. Prasad also said that through the Digital India programme, the Centre aims to empower ordinary citizens with the power of technology, a technology that is low-cost, developmental and inclusive.

Aadhaar data cannot be breached, reiterates Ravi Shankar Prasad

Taking a jibe at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for tilting towards the Congress party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday opined that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief should first save his seat before thinking about saving the country.

"First of all, Naidu talking about saving the country is a big thing. I believe that he must first try to save his own chair in the state. The current Andhra Pradesh government is unpopular and practices menaces like corruption. The TDP will surely loose upcoming 2019 elections," he told ANI.

Naidu quit the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance in March after a prolonged dispute over government`s refusal to grant "special category" status to Andhra Pradesh.

The TDP leader, since then, has leaned on the Congress and other opposition parties.

Madhav reiterated that by allying with the Congress, Naidu is destroying the legacy of his own party.

"This political outfit (TDP) was formed by N T Rama Rao in 1982 to weed out the Congress from the two Telugu speaking states- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He (Naidu) first backstabbed his father-in-law (N T Rama Rao) and became the chief minister, and now he is backstabbing his own party members," the BJP General Secretary added.

Madhav's remark came after Naidu, who met Congress president Rahul Gandhi earlier in the week to discuss a TDP-Congress alliance, had said the two parties were coming together to save the nation.

When asked about the upcoming Telangana Assembly elections, Madhav asserted that his party will surely emerge victorious by bagging the maximum number of seats.

"People in Telangana are really fed up with the present government. BJP is contesting with full strength with all 119 seats in the state and we are hopeful that Telangana would spring a surprise result in elections this year," he stated.

Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Taking a jibe at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for tilting towards the Congress party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday opined that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief should first save his seat before thinking about saving the country.

Taking a jibe at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for tilting towards the Congress party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday opined that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief should first save his seat before thinking about saving the country. "First of all, Naidu talking about saving the country is a big thing. I believe that he must first try to save his own chair in the state. The current Andhra Pradesh government is unpopular and practices menaces like corruption. The TDP will surely loose upcoming 2019 elections," he told ANI. Naidu quit the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance in March after a prolonged dispute over government`s refusal to grant "special category" status to Andhra Pradesh. The TDP leader, since then, has leaned on the Congress and other opposition parties. Madhav reiterated that by allying with the Congress, Naidu is destroying the legacy of his own party. "This political outfit (TDP) was formed by N T Rama Rao in 1982 to weed out the Congress from the two Telugu speaking states- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He (Naidu) first backstabbed his father-in-law (N T Rama Rao) and became the chief minister, and now he is backstabbing his own party members," the BJP General Secretary added. Madhav's remark came after Naidu, who met Congress president Rahul Gandhi earlier in the week to discuss a TDP-Congress alliance, had said the two parties were coming together to save the nation. When asked about the upcoming Telangana Assembly elections, Madhav asserted that his party will surely emerge victorious by bagging the maximum number of seats. "People in Telangana are really fed up with the present government. BJP is contesting with full strength with all 119 seats in the state and we are hopeful that Telangana would spring a surprise result in elections this year," he stated. Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Save your seat before saving country: Ram Madhav hits out at Andhra CM

India and other leading oil buyers will benefit from the waiver the United States has granted them from Iran sanctions, oil minister, Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday.

The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil when it re-imposes sanctions on Monday to try to force Iran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities. It did not name the countries which would benefit.

Pradhan said it won the waiver largely due to a forceful campaign by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India had been vocal at international forums about rising oil prices and its impact on the economy.

"In the current geopolitically challenging scenario, India has managed to convince international leaders," Pradhan told reporters in New Delhi.

Having abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is trying to cripple Iran's oil-dependent economy and force Tehran to quash not only its nuclear ambitions and its ballistic missile programme but its support for militant proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East.

China, India, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Japan have been top importers of Iran's oil, while Taiwan occasionally buys cargoes of Iranian crude but is not a major buyer.

Further details of the United States' decision on Iran sanctions will be released on Monday.

India and other leading oil buyers will benefit from the waiver the United States has granted them from Iran sanctions, oil minister, Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday.

India and other leading oil buyers will benefit from the waiver the United States has granted them from Iran sanctions, oil minister, Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday. The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil when it re-imposes sanctions on Monday to try to force Iran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities. It did not name the countries which would benefit. Pradhan said it won the waiver largely due to a forceful campaign by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India had been vocal at international forums about rising oil prices and its impact on the economy. "In the current geopolitically challenging scenario, India has managed to convince international leaders," Pradhan told reporters in New Delhi. Having abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, US President Donald Trump is trying to cripple Iran's oil-dependent economy and force Tehran to quash not only its nuclear ambitions and its ballistic missile programme but its support for militant proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East. China, India, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Japan have been top importers of Iran's oil, while Taiwan occasionally buys cargoes of Iranian crude but is not a major buyer. Further details of the United States' decision on Iran sanctions will be released on Monday.

India, other nations to benefit from US waiver on Iran oil buys: Dharmendra Pradhan

About 35 per cent voting was recorded Saturday during the first half of polling for the by-polls to three Lok Sabha and two assembly constituencies in Karnataka.

While the Lok Sabha constituencies of Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya have recorded 30.20, 35.72, 26.80 per cent voting, respectively, till 1 pm, the assembly segments of Ramanagara and Jamkhandi reported 39.81 and 43.50 per cent respectively.

Voting began at 7 am will go on till six in the evening.

A total of 54,54,275 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in about 6,450 polling stations.

There are 31 candidates in the fray in the five constituencies, though the contest is mainly between the Congress-JD(S) combine and the BJP. 
Counting of votes will be held on November 6.

Though the turnout was low during the initial few hours after polling began, it improved as the day progressed, officials said.

Barring reports about delay in voting due to technical issues at a couple of places, polling in all the five constituencies have been by and large peaceful so far, the officials said.

The by-elections are being seen as a litmus test for the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition as its outcome is expected to have a bearing on the state's political scenario.

The Congress and the JD(S), who came together in a post-poll alliance after the assembly elections in May threw up a hung House, have decided to face the polls unitedly against the BJP, which they perceive as their common rival.

While the Congress has fielded its candidates in Jamkhandi and Ballari, JD(S) is contesting in Shivamogga, Ramanagara and Mandya under an electoral understanding.

Among the prominent candidates in the fray is Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anita Kumaraswamy, who is expected to have a smooth sail as she is facing virtually no-contest in Ramanagara after BJP nominee L Chandrashekhar withdrew from the contest and rejoined the Congress, in a jolt days before the polls.

The BJP had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission about the development in Ramanagara and requested it to "annul" the elections immediately.

In Jamkhandi, Congress candidate Anand Nyamagowda, son of former MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, is pitted against Srikant Kulkarni of the BJP.

State BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa's son BY Raghavendra is testing his fortunes in Shivamogga against another former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of the JD(S).

Yeddyurappa and his family members were among the early birds to cast their vote at Shikaripura in the constituency.

In Ballari, senior BJP leader Sriramulu's sister J Shantha is contesting against V S Ugrappa of the Congress, considered an outsider.

In the Vokkaliga belt of Mandya, JD(S)'s Shivarame Gowda, is pitted against a fresh face in Dr Siddaramaiah, a retired commercial tax officer from the BJP.

The by-elections have been necessitated after Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga), Sriramalu (Ballari) and C S Puttaraju of JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May this year.

Bypolls to Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, while Ramanagara fell vacant after Kumaraswamy gave up the seat preferring to retain Chennapatna, the other constituency from where won.&nbsp;

About 35 per cent voting was recorded Saturday during the first half of polling for the by-polls to three Lok Sabha and two assembly constituencies in Karnataka.

About 35 per cent voting was recorded Saturday during the first half of polling for the by-polls to three Lok Sabha and two assembly constituencies in Karnataka. While the Lok Sabha constituencies of Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya have recorded 30.20, 35.72, 26.80 per cent voting, respectively, till 1 pm, the assembly segments of Ramanagara and Jamkhandi reported 39.81 and 43.50 per cent respectively. Voting began at 7 am will go on till six in the evening. A total of 54,54,275 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in about 6,450 polling stations. There are 31 candidates in the fray in the five constituencies, though the contest is mainly between the Congress-JD(S) combine and the BJP. Counting of votes will be held on November 6. Though the turnout was low during the initial few hours after polling began, it improved as the day progressed, officials said. Barring reports about delay in voting due to technical issues at a couple of places, polling in all the five constituencies have been by and large peaceful so far, the officials said. The by-elections are being seen as a litmus test for the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition as its outcome is expected to have a bearing on the state's political scenario. The Congress and the JD(S), who came together in a post-poll alliance after the assembly elections in May threw up a hung House, have decided to face the polls unitedly against the BJP, which they perceive as their common rival. While the Congress has fielded its candidates in Jamkhandi and Ballari, JD(S) is contesting in Shivamogga, Ramanagara and Mandya under an electoral understanding. Among the prominent candidates in the fray is Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anita Kumaraswamy, who is expected to have a smooth sail as she is facing virtually no-contest in Ramanagara after BJP nominee L Chandrashekhar withdrew from the contest and rejoined the Congress, in a jolt days before the polls. The BJP had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission about the development in Ramanagara and requested it to "annul" the elections immediately. In Jamkhandi, Congress candidate Anand Nyamagowda, son of former MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, is pitted against Srikant Kulkarni of the BJP. State BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa's son BY Raghavendra is testing his fortunes in Shivamogga against another former chief minister S Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa of the JD(S). Yeddyurappa and his family members were among the early birds to cast their vote at Shikaripura in the constituency. In Ballari, senior BJP leader Sriramulu's sister J Shantha is contesting against V S Ugrappa of the Congress, considered an outsider. In the Vokkaliga belt of Mandya, JD(S)'s Shivarame Gowda, is pitted against a fresh face in Dr Siddaramaiah, a retired commercial tax officer from the BJP. The by-elections have been necessitated after Yeddyurappa (Shivamogga), Sriramalu (Ballari) and C S Puttaraju of JD(S) (Mandya) resigned as MPs on their election to the assembly in May this year. Bypolls to Jamkhandi assembly seat was caused by the death of Congress MLA Siddu Nyamagouda, while Ramanagara fell vacant after Kumaraswamy gave up the seat preferring to retain Chennapatna, the other constituency from where won.

About 35% polling reported till 1pm in Karnataka by-polls

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday moved Supreme Court over Centre's decision to send CBI director Alok Verma on leave, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Kharge contended that the Centre's action of sending CBI director on leave illegal, the report added.

He said that&nbsp;It's a clear-cut PMO's direct involvement in autonomous body and added&nbsp;he had filed a petition before SC requesting them to quash the order of Centre as it's illegal.&nbsp;

The Centre should've called a meeting of all 3-PM, CJI and me, he said and added without a meeting, without committee's consent, they overnight asked him to go on leave indefinitely, he said.&nbsp;

The Congress leader also said that CVC does not have the power to act against CBI director, who is appointed by a committee of PM, CJI and leader of the Opposition party.&nbsp;

CBI director Alok Verma, who has been involved in a bitter feud with the agency's No. 2 officer Rakesh Asthana, was sent on leave on October 23 
and M Nageshwar Rao, a joint director within the CBI, was given the charge as the interim CBI director.

Verma has also challenged the Centre's decision in the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday moved Supreme Court over Centre's decision to send CBI director Alok Verma on leave, news agency PTI reported. Kharge contended that the Centre's action of sending CBI director on leave illegal, the report added.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday moved Supreme Court over Centre's decision to send CBI director Alok Verma on leave, news agency PTI reported. Kharge contended that the Centre's action of sending CBI director on leave illegal, the report added. He said that It's a clear-cut PMO's direct involvement in autonomous body and added he had filed a petition before SC requesting them to quash the order of Centre as it's illegal. The Centre should've called a meeting of all 3-PM, CJI and me, he said and added without a meeting, without committee's consent, they overnight asked him to go on leave indefinitely, he said. The Congress leader also said that CVC does not have the power to act against CBI director, who is appointed by a committee of PM, CJI and leader of the Opposition party. CBI director Alok Verma, who has been involved in a bitter feud with the agency's No. 2 officer Rakesh Asthana, was sent on leave on October 23 and M Nageshwar Rao, a joint director within the CBI, was given the charge as the interim CBI director. Verma has also challenged the Centre's decision in the Supreme Court.

Mallikarjun Kharge moves SC over Centre's decision to send CBI director on leave

A criminal defamation complaint has been filed in Delhi's Patiala House Court against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his alleged remark 'Modi is like a scorpion on Shivling'.

The court has adjourned the hearing in the matter for November 16, reported ANI.

Tharoor, who made the remark during an event in Bengaluru, attributed it to an unnamed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) source.&nbsp;

"There's an extraordinarily striking metaphor expressed by an unnamed RSS source to a journalist, that, "Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a Shivling, you can't remove him with your hand &amp; you cannot hit it with a chappal either," Tharoor reportedly said at the event.&nbsp;

Tharoor reportedly made the controversial comment while addressing the audience at the Bangalore Literature Festival (BLF). He also read a few pages from his new book, The Paradoxical Prime Minister, on the occasion.&nbsp;

The book is highly critical of Modi calling him a ''paradoxical man who says one thing and does another''. &nbsp;

A criminal defamation complaint has been filed in Delhi's Patiala House Court against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his alleged remark 'Modi is like a scorpion on Shivling'.

A criminal defamation complaint has been filed in Delhi's Patiala House Court against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his alleged remark 'Modi is like a scorpion on Shivling'. The court has adjourned the hearing in the matter for November 16, reported ANI. Tharoor, who made the remark during an event in Bengaluru, attributed it to an unnamed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) source. "There's an extraordinarily striking metaphor expressed by an unnamed RSS source to a journalist, that, "Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a Shivling, you can't remove him with your hand & you cannot hit it with a chappal either," Tharoor reportedly said at the event. Tharoor reportedly made the controversial comment while addressing the audience at the Bangalore Literature Festival (BLF). He also read a few pages from his new book, The Paradoxical Prime Minister, on the occasion. The book is highly critical of Modi calling him a ''paradoxical man who says one thing and does another''.

Criminal defamation complaint filed against Tharoor for 'Modi is like a scorpion' taunt

As the Sabarimala temple is set to open its gate for a special prayer on November 5, Pathanamthitta district collector has decided to impose Section 144 in various parts around the temple.

Section 144 will be imposed in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavunkal from November 4-6.

The authorities will also increase the police presence in the area to avoid the break out of any potential clash.

Clashes between police and protesters broke out when the temple opened its gate for the first time in October since the Supreme Court's ruling.

For centuries, the Sabarimala temple in Kerala has banned women and girls between the age&nbsp;of 10 and 50 from entering the holy site.&nbsp;

Entry to women was restricted even after the apex Court's ruling that allowed women the right to worship in the temple.

The police have arrested over 3500 protesters in connection with the violence that erupted in the state in the wake of the protests last month.

Around 529 cases have also been registered across the state.

As the Sabarimala temple is set to open its gate for a special prayer on November 5, Pathanamthitta district collector has decided to impose Section 144 in various parts around the temple.

As the Sabarimala temple is set to open its gate for a special prayer on November 5, Pathanamthitta district collector has decided to impose Section 144 in various parts around the temple. Section 144 will be imposed in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and Elavunkal from November 4-6. The authorities will also increase the police presence in the area to avoid the break out of any potential clash. Clashes between police and protesters broke out when the temple opened its gate for the first time in October since the Supreme Court's ruling. For centuries, the Sabarimala temple in Kerala has banned women and girls between the age of 10 and 50 from entering the holy site. Entry to women was restricted even after the apex Court's ruling that allowed women the right to worship in the temple. The police have arrested over 3500 protesters in connection with the violence that erupted in the state in the wake of the protests last month. Around 529 cases have also been registered across the state.

Section 144 to be imposed around Sabarimala temple ahead of special prayer

Voter turnout has been dismal so far - ranging over&nbsp;24 per cent - on poll day Saturday for the by-elections to the three Lok Sabha and two Assembly seats.&nbsp;

While the&nbsp;Bellary Lok Sabha constituency registered a voter turnout of 24.58 per cent. The voter turnout stood at 22.3 per cent in Jamkhandi, 21.5 per cent in Ramanagara, 17.37 per cent&nbsp;in Shimoga and 14.3 per cent in Mandya, a media report stated.

The Bellary, Shimoga, Mandya (Lok Sabha), Jamkhandi and Ramanagara (Assembly) bypolls are widely seen as an acid test for the Congress-JD(S) coalition that is taking on arch-rival BJP. &nbsp;

The voter turn out recorded&nbsp;till 9 am in&nbsp;parliamentary constituencies Bellary was 4.40 per cent, Shimoga 8.61 per cent&nbsp;and Mandya 4.18 per cent. Legislative assembly constituencies Jamkhandi 9 per cent and Ramnagar 8 per cent.&nbsp;

A total of 54 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise today.&nbsp;

There are a total 31 candidates in the fray in all the five constituencies, though the contest is mainly between the Congress-JDS combine and the BJP.&nbsp;

Voting began at 7 am across the five constituencies and will go on till 6 pm. Counting of votes will be on Tuesday.

Voter turnout has been dismal so far - ranging over 24 per cent - on poll day Saturday for the by-elections to the three Lok Sabha and two Assembly seats. While the Bellary Lok Sabha constituency registered a voter turnout of 24.

Voter turnout has been dismal so far - ranging over 24 per cent - on poll day Saturday for the by-elections to the three Lok Sabha and two Assembly seats. While the Bellary Lok Sabha constituency registered a voter turnout of 24.58 per cent. The voter turnout stood at 22.3 per cent in Jamkhandi, 21.5 per cent in Ramanagara, 17.37 per cent in Shimoga and 14.3 per cent in Mandya, a media report stated. The Bellary, Shimoga, Mandya (Lok Sabha), Jamkhandi and Ramanagara (Assembly) bypolls are widely seen as an acid test for the Congress-JD(S) coalition that is taking on arch-rival BJP. The voter turn out recorded till 9 am in parliamentary constituencies Bellary was 4.40 per cent, Shimoga 8.61 per cent and Mandya 4.18 per cent. Legislative assembly constituencies Jamkhandi 9 per cent and Ramnagar 8 per cent. A total of 54 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise today. There are a total 31 candidates in the fray in all the five constituencies, though the contest is mainly between the Congress-JDS combine and the BJP. Voting began at 7 am across the five constituencies and will go on till 6 pm. Counting of votes will be on Tuesday.

Karnataka bypolls: Voter turnout dismal so far

Tigress Avni, believed to have been responsible for the deaths of 13 people in Maharashtra in the past two years, was shot dead in Yavatmal district of the state as part of an operation, police said Saturday.

The tigress, T1, as she was known officially, was killed Friday night, they said.

"Avni was shot dead by sharp-shooter Asgar Ali, son of famous sharp-shooter Nawab Shafat Ali, at compartment no 149 of Borati forest under the jurisdiction of the Ralegaon police station," a police official said.

"Avni, who was known in Pandharkawda forest area, had killed 13 people over the last two years in the region," he said.

In September this year, the Supreme Court had said Avni could be shot at sight, which prompted a flurry of online petitions seeking pardon for the tigress.

For more than three months, Forest Department officials were planning to catch her with the help of latest technology. Trained sniffer dogs, trap cameras, drones and a hang-glider, expert trackers, sharp-shooters and around 200 ground personnel were roped in for the task, he said.

The Forest Department Friday carried out the operation in Borati with the help of sharp-shooter Asgar Ali, he said.

"Urine of another tigress and American perfume was spread in some part of the compartment, following which Avni came by sniffing it," the official said.

"The forest officials initially tried to nab her alive. However, due to dense forest and darkness, they were unable to do so and finally a bullet was fired in which the tigress fell on the spot," he said.

"After she became motionless, forest officials went closer to her and later rushed her to a hospital in Nagpur, where she was declared dead," the official said. 
The post-mortem was in progress, he said.

In October, an elephant that was part of a group hunting a man-eating tigress in Maharashtra ran astray overnight and trampled a woman to death.

Tigress Avni, believed to have been responsible for the deaths of 13 people in Maharashtra in the past two years, was shot dead in Yavatmal district of the state as part of an operation, police said Saturday.

Tigress Avni, believed to have been responsible for the deaths of 13 people in Maharashtra in the past two years, was shot dead in Yavatmal district of the state as part of an operation, police said Saturday. The tigress, T1, as she was known officially, was killed Friday night, they said. "Avni was shot dead by sharp-shooter Asgar Ali, son of famous sharp-shooter Nawab Shafat Ali, at compartment no 149 of Borati forest under the jurisdiction of the Ralegaon police station," a police official said. "Avni, who was known in Pandharkawda forest area, had killed 13 people over the last two years in the region," he said. In September this year, the Supreme Court had said Avni could be shot at sight, which prompted a flurry of online petitions seeking pardon for the tigress. For more than three months, Forest Department officials were planning to catch her with the help of latest technology. Trained sniffer dogs, trap cameras, drones and a hang-glider, expert trackers, sharp-shooters and around 200 ground personnel were roped in for the task, he said. The Forest Department Friday carried out the operation in Borati with the help of sharp-shooter Asgar Ali, he said. "Urine of another tigress and American perfume was spread in some part of the compartment, following which Avni came by sniffing it," the official said. "The forest officials initially tried to nab her alive. However, due to dense forest and darkness, they were unable to do so and finally a bullet was fired in which the tigress fell on the spot," he said. "After she became motionless, forest officials went closer to her and later rushed her to a hospital in Nagpur, where she was declared dead," the official said. The post-mortem was in progress, he said. In October, an elephant that was part of a group hunting a man-eating tigress in Maharashtra ran astray overnight and trampled a woman to death.

Maharashtra: 'Man-eater' tigress Avni, responsible for deaths of 13 people, shot dead

The BJP has alleged that the BJD government has neglected the farm sector forcing many farmers to commit suicide in Odisha.

The government is not supporting farmers by providing easy finance and for that reason they take loans from private money lenders at very high rate of interest, BJP state unit chief Basant Panda told reporters here Friday.

"Many farmers who faced crop failure were unable to repay loans and faced huge debt burden forcing them to commit suicide," the BJP leader said.

The government has also "failed" to make available inputs like nutrients, seeds and irrigation facilities to the farmers, he said adding that the farmers are also denied the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed by the Centre for their produces.

Showing a list of farmers who allegedly committed suicide, he urged the state government to grant compensation to the kin of the deceased peasants at the earliest.

He also demanded interest-free loan to farmers saying similar facility was being extended to the peasants in several BJP ruled states.

He also alleged that illegal practices were being adopted by the millers during paddy procurement and the state government remained a silent spectator.

"The state is actually being ruled by a coterie on the third floor (chief ministers office in the secretariat) and the millers are influencing officials to exploit the farmers," the BJP leader alleged.

Panda also alleged that the state government had declared drought in some pockets of nine districts without undertaking field visits.

Dismissing Panda's allegations, BJD leader Arun Sahoo said Odisha had bagged the national 'Krishi Karman Award' four times and the packages given to farmers in the state were much better than other states.&nbsp;

The BJP has alleged that the BJD government has neglected the farm sector forcing many farmers to commit suicide in Odisha. The government is not supporting farmers by providing easy finance and for that reason they take loans from private money lenders at very high rate of interest, BJP state unit chief Basant Panda told reporters here Friday.

The BJP has alleged that the BJD government has neglected the farm sector forcing many farmers to commit suicide in Odisha. The government is not supporting farmers by providing easy finance and for that reason they take loans from private money lenders at very high rate of interest, BJP state unit chief Basant Panda told reporters here Friday. "Many farmers who faced crop failure were unable to repay loans and faced huge debt burden forcing them to commit suicide," the BJP leader said. The government has also "failed" to make available inputs like nutrients, seeds and irrigation facilities to the farmers, he said adding that the farmers are also denied the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed by the Centre for their produces. Showing a list of farmers who allegedly committed suicide, he urged the state government to grant compensation to the kin of the deceased peasants at the earliest. He also demanded interest-free loan to farmers saying similar facility was being extended to the peasants in several BJP ruled states. He also alleged that illegal practices were being adopted by the millers during paddy procurement and the state government remained a silent spectator. "The state is actually being ruled by a coterie on the third floor (chief ministers office in the secretariat) and the millers are influencing officials to exploit the farmers," the BJP leader alleged. Panda also alleged that the state government had declared drought in some pockets of nine districts without undertaking field visits. Dismissing Panda's allegations, BJD leader Arun Sahoo said Odisha had bagged the national 'Krishi Karman Award' four times and the packages given to farmers in the state were much better than other states.

BJP blames Odisha government for suicide of farmers

Delhi's air quality remained in the very poor category at 368 on Friday despite government's effort to stop pollution.

The PM2.5 level was recorded at 210. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres).&nbsp;

The authorities also detected stubble burning in Uttar Pradesh for the first time this season after Punjab and Haryana which they said may add to the pollution woes of the national capital.

The air quality on Saturday stood at the very unhealthy category at 260.

Though there was a significant reduction from yesterday's recorded AQI in the morning hours, the forecast for next week hints on the AQI ranging at an average of 250.

The state pollution control bodies have been directed to initiate criminal prosecution against violators of air pollution norms and odd-even may come into effect if the air quality worsens.

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. 
&nbsp;

Delhi's air quality remained in the very poor category at 368 on Friday despite government's effort to stop pollution. The PM2.5 level was recorded at 210. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres).

Delhi's air quality remained in the very poor category at 368 on Friday despite government's effort to stop pollution. The PM2.5 level was recorded at 210. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres). The authorities also detected stubble burning in Uttar Pradesh for the first time this season after Punjab and Haryana which they said may add to the pollution woes of the national capital. The air quality on Saturday stood at the very unhealthy category at 260. Though there was a significant reduction from yesterday's recorded AQI in the morning hours, the forecast for next week hints on the AQI ranging at an average of 250. The state pollution control bodies have been directed to initiate criminal prosecution against violators of air pollution norms and odd-even may come into effect if the air quality worsens. 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.

Delhi air quality remains very poor

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, a self-professed "Shiv-bhakt", is on a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, the mythical meditation-abode of Shiva and his consort, Parvati. A pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar is considered to be the most sacred according to many Hindus, but only a few are able to go on it, as it is both arduous and expensive.&nbsp;

Located at a height of more than 6,000 metres, the mountain and the lakes that are spread around it are revered by Buddhists and Jains as well. This is hardly surprising as the origin, history and development of these three religions is intimately intertwined. &nbsp;

With elections in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram just months away the Congress scion’s trek to the holy site is being seen as yet another ‘temple-run’ by his opponents in the BJP. &nbsp;

The BJP’s charge is simple and a repeat of their attack on the Congress during the Gujarat and Karnataka assembly elections where Rahul had visited a string of important monasteries and temples ahead of elections in the two states. BJP charges Rahul with opportunism, saying that Gandhi goes to temples only for votes and not because he is actually a devout Hindu. Rahul’s critics among left-liberals decry his visits such as the latest as appeasement of &nbsp;BJP’s politics of Hindutva, labelling it ‘soft Hindutva’.&nbsp;

More recently, Congress’s spokesperson Randeep Surjewala proclaimed that his party’s DNA consists of ‘Brahmins’. He was speaking at a rally organised to reach out to the influential Brahmin community in Haryana’s Kurukshetra. It seems the grand old party has decided to adopt the BJP’s strategy of espousing religion to woo the Indian voter in the upcoming state elections and the general elections in 2019. &nbsp;

It is also clear now that the top leadership in the Congress has finally decided to counter the BJP’s successful campaign to label it as a party mainly for Muslims and minorities. In this the BJP has effectively made use of past statements and comments made by a slew of Congress leaders like Digvijay Singh, Salman Khurshid, and Sushil Kumar Shinde. For the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage too, Rahul has been pilloried by BJP leaders who call it nothing but a ‘gimmick’ and its spokesperson Sambit Patra even suggests a ‘secret love for China’ being behind the visit. &nbsp;

Congress’s playing of the Hindu card is as critics say, a specious and cynical move, but at the same time it gives credence to the view that party is now out of the morass that engulfed it in the wake of 2014. It is adopting different strategies to woo different communities while retaining its image as a secular party that fought for and won independence from the British. &nbsp;As far as Rahul’s latest pilgrimage is concerned he had announced it after his aircraft had to make an emergency landing after a sudden mid-air snag while campaigning during Karnataka elections. &nbsp;

Whether or not Rahul’s apparently new-found religious devotion is politically motivated, one thing is clear, his so-called temple-runs are giving the BJP sleepless nights. However, it remains to be seen if Rahul’s "Shiv-bhakti" will get him the political boons he hopes for in order to save the Congress, which is facing an existential crisis.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With elections in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram just months away the Congress scion’s trek to the holy site is being seen as yet another ‘temple-run’ by his opponents in the BJP.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, a self-professed "Shiv-bhakt", is on a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, the mythical meditation-abode of Shiva and his consort, Parvati. A pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar is considered to be the most sacred according to many Hindus, but only a few are able to go on it, as it is both arduous and expensive. Located at a height of more than 6,000 metres, the mountain and the lakes that are spread around it are revered by Buddhists and Jains as well. This is hardly surprising as the origin, history and development of these three religions is intimately intertwined. With elections in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram just months away the Congress scion’s trek to the holy site is being seen as yet another ‘temple-run’ by his opponents in the BJP. The BJP’s charge is simple and a repeat of their attack on the Congress during the Gujarat and Karnataka assembly elections where Rahul had visited a string of important monasteries and temples ahead of elections in the two states. BJP charges Rahul with opportunism, saying that Gandhi goes to temples only for votes and not because he is actually a devout Hindu. Rahul’s critics among left-liberals decry his visits such as the latest as appeasement of BJP’s politics of Hindutva, labelling it ‘soft Hindutva’. More recently, Congress’s spokesperson Randeep Surjewala proclaimed that his party’s DNA consists of ‘Brahmins’. He was speaking at a rally organised to reach out to the influential Brahmin community in Haryana’s Kurukshetra. It seems the grand old party has decided to adopt the BJP’s strategy of espousing religion to woo the Indian voter in the upcoming state elections and the general elections in 2019. It is also clear now that the top leadership in the Congress has finally decided to counter the BJP’s successful campaign to label it as a party mainly for Muslims and minorities. In this the BJP has effectively made use of past statements and comments made by a slew of Congress leaders like Digvijay Singh, Salman Khurshid, and Sushil Kumar Shinde. For the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage too, Rahul has been pilloried by BJP leaders who call it nothing but a ‘gimmick’ and its spokesperson Sambit Patra even suggests a ‘secret love for China’ being behind the visit. Congress’s playing of the Hindu card is as critics say, a specious and cynical move, but at the same time it gives credence to the view that party is now out of the morass that engulfed it in the wake of 2014. It is adopting different strategies to woo different communities while retaining its image as a secular party that fought for and won independence from the British. As far as Rahul’s latest pilgrimage is concerned he had announced it after his aircraft had to make an emergency landing after a sudden mid-air snag while campaigning during Karnataka elections. Whether or not Rahul’s apparently new-found religious devotion is politically motivated, one thing is clear, his so-called temple-runs are giving the BJP sleepless nights. However, it remains to be seen if Rahul’s "Shiv-bhakti" will get him the political boons he hopes for in order to save the Congress, which is facing an existential crisis. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Will 'Shiv-bhakti' save the Congress?

With assembly and general elections a few months away, politics and politicking are taking a centre stage in India. The past few days have been significant in subtle ways. &nbsp;

First of all, a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, Yoga guru and FMCG tycoon Ramdev has said that he is not going to support any political party in the coming elections.&nbsp;

Ramdev’s statement reflects the growing public resentment against the central government for rising fuel prices and inflation. Petrol and diesel prices are at more than Rs 80 and Rs 70 in most states in India and it is having a cascading effect on the prices of essential commodities, which in turn is causing severe hardship to people who are already reeling under an economic slump. &nbsp;

Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat both appear to be operating in tandem in softening the hard Hindutva edges that people associate with the present government. Bhagwat emphasised that RSS doesn't support a ‘mukt’ Bharat, referring obliquely to BJP’s promise of a ‘Congress-mukt Bharat’. Bhagwat, in fact, said that the RSS welcomes even those who oppose the outfit. 
 
PM Modi too did his own outreach towards minorities by meeting the spiritual head of the influential Bohra Muslims in Indore. &nbsp;At this meeting, Modi praised the Bohras for their patriotism subtly indicating that all are welcome in the BJP irrespective of religion.&nbsp;

Finally, as elections draw nearer in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Congress and BJP are gearing up and fine-tuning election campaign strategies.

In Madhya Pradesh, traditional infighting between Congress factions is yet to cease and the public, though, wanting a change from the BJP, remains wary of this factionalism. Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched the Congress’s election campaign from capital Bhopal.

The Kailash Mansarovar-returned Gandhi scion led a roadshow of thousands of supporters through the winding streets of old Bhopal and even stopped at a famous tea shop. But most noteworthy was the positioning of Gandhi and Congress&nbsp;posters and cutouts in the city showed Rahul in a Janeu&nbsp;offering holy water on a Shivling against the backdrop of Kailash mountain, considered sacred for millions of Hindus.

Projecting Rahul Gandhi as a devout 'Shiv-bhakt' might be expedient for the Congress but it is also alienating some of its supporters who are neither Hindu nor supporters of overt religiosity in politics.&nbsp;

However it seems the Congress has made up its mind- it would do anything, even emulate the BJP to win back its former stronghold.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

As elections draw nearer in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Congress and BJP are gearing up and fine-tuning election campaign strategies.

With assembly and general elections a few months away, politics and politicking are taking a centre stage in India. The past few days have been significant in subtle ways. First of all, a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, Yoga guru and FMCG tycoon Ramdev has said that he is not going to support any political party in the coming elections. Ramdev’s statement reflects the growing public resentment against the central government for rising fuel prices and inflation. Petrol and diesel prices are at more than Rs 80 and Rs 70 in most states in India and it is having a cascading effect on the prices of essential commodities, which in turn is causing severe hardship to people who are already reeling under an economic slump. Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat both appear to be operating in tandem in softening the hard Hindutva edges that people associate with the present government. Bhagwat emphasised that RSS doesn't support a ‘mukt’ Bharat, referring obliquely to BJP’s promise of a ‘Congress-mukt Bharat’. Bhagwat, in fact, said that the RSS welcomes even those who oppose the outfit. PM Modi too did his own outreach towards minorities by meeting the spiritual head of the influential Bohra Muslims in Indore. At this meeting, Modi praised the Bohras for their patriotism subtly indicating that all are welcome in the BJP irrespective of religion. Finally, as elections draw nearer in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Congress and BJP are gearing up and fine-tuning election campaign strategies. In Madhya Pradesh, traditional infighting between Congress factions is yet to cease and the public, though, wanting a change from the BJP, remains wary of this factionalism. Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched the Congress’s election campaign from capital Bhopal. The Kailash Mansarovar-returned Gandhi scion led a roadshow of thousands of supporters through the winding streets of old Bhopal and even stopped at a famous tea shop. But most noteworthy was the positioning of Gandhi and Congress posters and cutouts in the city showed Rahul in a Janeu offering holy water on a Shivling against the backdrop of Kailash mountain, considered sacred for millions of Hindus. Projecting Rahul Gandhi as a devout 'Shiv-bhakt' might be expedient for the Congress but it is also alienating some of its supporters who are neither Hindu nor supporters of overt religiosity in politics. However it seems the Congress has made up its mind- it would do anything, even emulate the BJP to win back its former stronghold. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Politicking begins in full earnest ahead of elections

Delhi chokes on 'poor' air as haze blankets Indian capital

The Congress on Thursday released its manifesto for the upcoming Mizoram Assembly polls and promised to provide free laptops to students who have cleared Class 10 and above if it returns to power in the state.

In the election manifesto released by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, the party also pledged to continue with its two flagship programmes for farmers and youths.

Mizoram is the only state in the northeast where the Congress has a government and BJP leaders have asserted they would make concerted efforts to oust the opposition party from the eight northeastern states.

Thanhawla, also the party's state unit president, has been the chief minister since 2008.

If voted to power in Mizoram for the third consecutive time, students who clear the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) exam for Class 10 and above will be given laptops every year, the party manifesto said.

Initially, however, they would be distributed among those students above the HSLC without jobs, it said.

The party also promised to continue with its New Land Use Policy (NLUP) for the farmers and New Economic Development Policy (NEDP) for unemployed youths.

The NLUP was launched in January 2011 to end the wasteful practice of shifting or 'jhum' cultivation - process of clearing land by burning its natural vegetation before growing crops.

A beneficiary of the NLUP gets around Rs 1 lakh. The party said the grant would be raised.

It said the NEDP would also be continued with special thrust on entrepreneurship development for the youths.

The Congress manifesto also promised housing for the poor in rural areas and residential quarters for employees of police and education departments.

It also promised to set up more rehabilitation centres for drug addicts and alcoholics across the state.

Polling will be held in Mizoram on November 28.

Results will be declared on December 11 along with four other states.

The Congress on Thursday released its manifesto for the upcoming Mizoram Assembly polls and promised to provide free laptops to students who have cleared Class 10 and above if it returns to power in the state.

The Congress on Thursday released its manifesto for the upcoming Mizoram Assembly polls and promised to provide free laptops to students who have cleared Class 10 and above if it returns to power in the state. In the election manifesto released by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, the party also pledged to continue with its two flagship programmes for farmers and youths. Mizoram is the only state in the northeast where the Congress has a government and BJP leaders have asserted they would make concerted efforts to oust the opposition party from the eight northeastern states. Thanhawla, also the party's state unit president, has been the chief minister since 2008. If voted to power in Mizoram for the third consecutive time, students who clear the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) exam for Class 10 and above will be given laptops every year, the party manifesto said. Initially, however, they would be distributed among those students above the HSLC without jobs, it said. The party also promised to continue with its New Land Use Policy (NLUP) for the farmers and New Economic Development Policy (NEDP) for unemployed youths. The NLUP was launched in January 2011 to end the wasteful practice of shifting or 'jhum' cultivation - process of clearing land by burning its natural vegetation before growing crops. A beneficiary of the NLUP gets around Rs 1 lakh. The party said the grant would be raised. It said the NEDP would also be continued with special thrust on entrepreneurship development for the youths. The Congress manifesto also promised housing for the poor in rural areas and residential quarters for employees of police and education departments. It also promised to set up more rehabilitation centres for drug addicts and alcoholics across the state. Polling will be held in Mizoram on November 28. Results will be declared on December 11 along with four other states.

Mizoram polls: Congress releases manifesto, promises laptops to students

The Congress on Thursday released its fifth and final list of 19 candidates for this month's Chhattisgarh Assembly election.

Party MLA Gurmukh Singh Hora, Lok Sabha MP Tamradhwaj Sahu and popular Chhattisgarhi singer Mamta Chandrakar feature in the list.

The party has thus announced candidates for all the 90 seats in the state.

Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases - on November 12 and November 20 - and the results will be announced on December 11.

The opposition party had earlier nominated Pratima Chandrakar from the Durg Rural seat, but now she has been replaced by Tamradhwaj Sahu, the Congress MP from Durg.

Renu Jogi, the MLA from Kota and the wife of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, has been denied a ticket this time. Former police officer Vibhor Singh will be the Congress candidate from Kota.

The party has fielded new faces to take on four prominent state ministers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Shailesh Pandey of the Congress will face minister Amar Agrawal in Bilaspur. Kanhaiya Agrawal will take on minister Brijmohan Agrawal in the Raipur City South constituency.

Laxmikanta Sahu, a woman Congress leader, has been fielded against minister Ajay Chandrakar in Kurud, while Gurdayal Singh Banjare will take on minister Dayaldas Baghel in Nawagarh.

The other new faces in the Congress's list are - Mamta Chandrakar (Pandariya), Rajendra Shukla (Bilha), Anil Kumar Chandra (Jaijaipur), Sangeeta Sinha (Sanjari Balod), Kunwar Singh Nishad (Gundardehi), Prakash Nayak (Raigarh), Ashish Chhabra (Bemetara) and Chakradhar Prasad Sidar (Lailunga-ST).

Anita Sharma, wife of Congress leader Yogendra Sharma, who was killed in a Naxal attack in the Jhiram Valley in May 2013, has been fielded again from Dharsiwa. She had lost to the BJP's Devji Bhai Patel in the 2013 Assembly polls.

Congress MLA from Dhamtari, Gurmukh Singh Hora, has been renominated from the same seat.

Other candidates in the list are Devendra Bahadur Singh (Basna), Kuldeep Juneja (Raipur City North) and Badruddin Qureshi (Vaishali Nagar).

The Congress is seeking to oust the BJP, which has been ruling the state since 2003.

In the 2013 polls, the BJP had won 49 seats, the Congress 39 and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and an Independent candidate had won a seat each.

Former Congress leader Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J) has formed an alliance with the Mayawati-led BSP and the Communist Party of India (CPI) this time.

The Congress on Thursday released its fifth and final list of 19 candidates for this month's Chhattisgarh Assembly election. Party MLA Gurmukh Singh Hora, Lok Sabha MP Tamradhwaj Sahu and popular Chhattisgarhi singer Mamta Chandrakar feature in the list.

The Congress on Thursday released its fifth and final list of 19 candidates for this month's Chhattisgarh Assembly election. Party MLA Gurmukh Singh Hora, Lok Sabha MP Tamradhwaj Sahu and popular Chhattisgarhi singer Mamta Chandrakar feature in the list. The party has thus announced candidates for all the 90 seats in the state. Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases - on November 12 and November 20 - and the results will be announced on December 11. The opposition party had earlier nominated Pratima Chandrakar from the Durg Rural seat, but now she has been replaced by Tamradhwaj Sahu, the Congress MP from Durg. Renu Jogi, the MLA from Kota and the wife of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, has been denied a ticket this time. Former police officer Vibhor Singh will be the Congress candidate from Kota. The party has fielded new faces to take on four prominent state ministers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Shailesh Pandey of the Congress will face minister Amar Agrawal in Bilaspur. Kanhaiya Agrawal will take on minister Brijmohan Agrawal in the Raipur City South constituency. Laxmikanta Sahu, a woman Congress leader, has been fielded against minister Ajay Chandrakar in Kurud, while Gurdayal Singh Banjare will take on minister Dayaldas Baghel in Nawagarh. The other new faces in the Congress's list are - Mamta Chandrakar (Pandariya), Rajendra Shukla (Bilha), Anil Kumar Chandra (Jaijaipur), Sangeeta Sinha (Sanjari Balod), Kunwar Singh Nishad (Gundardehi), Prakash Nayak (Raigarh), Ashish Chhabra (Bemetara) and Chakradhar Prasad Sidar (Lailunga-ST). Anita Sharma, wife of Congress leader Yogendra Sharma, who was killed in a Naxal attack in the Jhiram Valley in May 2013, has been fielded again from Dharsiwa. She had lost to the BJP's Devji Bhai Patel in the 2013 Assembly polls. Congress MLA from Dhamtari, Gurmukh Singh Hora, has been renominated from the same seat. Other candidates in the list are Devendra Bahadur Singh (Basna), Kuldeep Juneja (Raipur City North) and Badruddin Qureshi (Vaishali Nagar). The Congress is seeking to oust the BJP, which has been ruling the state since 2003. In the 2013 polls, the BJP had won 49 seats, the Congress 39 and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and an Independent candidate had won a seat each. Former Congress leader Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J) has formed an alliance with the Mayawati-led BSP and the Communist Party of India (CPI) this time.

Congress releases final list of 19 candidates for Chhattisgarh polls

Two pro-talk ULFA leaders were arrested in Assam Friday for their “provocative remarks” as a massive combing operation was launched to nab those behind the gunning down of five persons in Tinsukia district with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal blaming “hate speeches” by political parties for the killings.

The Assam government announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a job for the next of the kin of the deceased. Though the police suspect that the gunmen belonged to the ULFA (Independent) faction as they were dressed in battle fatigue, ‘publicity department’ member of the outlawed group Romel Asom, in an e-mailed statement, however, denied its involvement in Thursday’s incident.

In neighbouring West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress organised protest marches and sought a court-monitored inquiry into the killing of the five Bengali-speaking individuals. They also called for the resignation of the Assam chief minister over the incident. Left parties, too, took to the streets in Kolkata to protest the killings.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep anguish over the incident and said: “a sense of sadness descended on my mind seeing innocent and poor persons being killed in a village in Assam”.

She changed her display picture to black on Twitter along with other leaders of her party. “I don’t know why these people were killed, but one thing is for sure, the ominous signals have started surfacing,” she said. The TMC also sought to link the attack as a “fallout of the draconian NRC exercise”.

Over 40 lakh people are facing deportation from India as their names have been excluded in the NRC draft, TMC Youth Congress president and MP Abhisekh Banerjee told a rally in Kolkata. He sought a court-monitored inquiry into the incident. On Thursday night, a group of assailants called out six villagers of Kheronibari.

They then took them to the edge of Dhola-Sadiya bridge in the area and opened indiscriminate fire, killing five of them on spot, police said, adding one of them survived the firing.

Sahadeb Namasudra, in his early 20s, said he had a “providential escape” as he fell off the edge of the bridge, where the gunmen had lined them up. Though he did not sustain injuries, he fell unconscious out of fear and nervousness.

On regaining consciousness, he found one of the five persons still alive beside him, Namasudra claimed, adding the man died before any arrangement for help could be made.

Chief Minister Sonowal warned of strong action against those who make inflammatory statements. “The perpetrators of this dastardly violence will not go scot-free. We will not tolerate such cowardly act,” he said.

“For this situation today, I hold responsible a section of political parties, organisations, news media, social media and people’s representatives for their inflammatory statements,” Sonowal told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting in Guwahati.

Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said several operations were underway to nab the culprits. He said pro-talk ULFA leaders Jiten Dutta and Mrinal Hazarika were arrested for making provocative statements. Asked about the involvement of ULFA factions in the killings, the DGP said, “It isn’t about taking random names. We will take action as per law.”

Political parties and organisations across Assam condemned the killings and demanded that the culprits be immediately nabbed. A bandh, called by All Assam Bengali Federation, was observed on Friday in Tinsukia district. Vehicles were off roads and shops were closed. No untoward incident was reported in the morning, a police officer said.

The ruling BJP said the incident was a result of the Congress party continuously making provocative statements on sensitive issues such as the NRC and the Citizenship Bill.

Assam BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass also criticised a section of the media for broadcasting provocative statements uninterruptedly, thereby vitiating the atmosphere. He asked the Assam government to set up a judicial probe into the incident.

Countering the BJP leader’s claims, veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi said the Sonowal-led government has failed to maintain law and order in the state. He also sought a CBI probe into Thursday’s incident.

Two pro-talk ULFA leaders were arrested in Assam Friday for their “provocative remarks” as a massive combing operation was launched to nab those behind the gunning down of five persons in Tinsukia district with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal blaming “hate speeches” by political parties for the killings.

Two pro-talk ULFA leaders were arrested in Assam Friday for their “provocative remarks” as a massive combing operation was launched to nab those behind the gunning down of five persons in Tinsukia district with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal blaming “hate speeches” by political parties for the killings. The Assam government announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a job for the next of the kin of the deceased. Though the police suspect that the gunmen belonged to the ULFA (Independent) faction as they were dressed in battle fatigue, ‘publicity department’ member of the outlawed group Romel Asom, in an e-mailed statement, however, denied its involvement in Thursday’s incident. In neighbouring West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress organised protest marches and sought a court-monitored inquiry into the killing of the five Bengali-speaking individuals. They also called for the resignation of the Assam chief minister over the incident. Left parties, too, took to the streets in Kolkata to protest the killings. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep anguish over the incident and said: “a sense of sadness descended on my mind seeing innocent and poor persons being killed in a village in Assam”. She changed her display picture to black on Twitter along with other leaders of her party. “I don’t know why these people were killed, but one thing is for sure, the ominous signals have started surfacing,” she said. The TMC also sought to link the attack as a “fallout of the draconian NRC exercise”. Over 40 lakh people are facing deportation from India as their names have been excluded in the NRC draft, TMC Youth Congress president and MP Abhisekh Banerjee told a rally in Kolkata. He sought a court-monitored inquiry into the incident. On Thursday night, a group of assailants called out six villagers of Kheronibari. They then took them to the edge of Dhola-Sadiya bridge in the area and opened indiscriminate fire, killing five of them on spot, police said, adding one of them survived the firing. Sahadeb Namasudra, in his early 20s, said he had a “providential escape” as he fell off the edge of the bridge, where the gunmen had lined them up. Though he did not sustain injuries, he fell unconscious out of fear and nervousness. On regaining consciousness, he found one of the five persons still alive beside him, Namasudra claimed, adding the man died before any arrangement for help could be made. Chief Minister Sonowal warned of strong action against those who make inflammatory statements. “The perpetrators of this dastardly violence will not go scot-free. We will not tolerate such cowardly act,” he said. “For this situation today, I hold responsible a section of political parties, organisations, news media, social media and people’s representatives for their inflammatory statements,” Sonowal told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting in Guwahati. Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said several operations were underway to nab the culprits. He said pro-talk ULFA leaders Jiten Dutta and Mrinal Hazarika were arrested for making provocative statements. Asked about the involvement of ULFA factions in the killings, the DGP said, “It isn’t about taking random names. We will take action as per law.” Political parties and organisations across Assam condemned the killings and demanded that the culprits be immediately nabbed. A bandh, called by All Assam Bengali Federation, was observed on Friday in Tinsukia district. Vehicles were off roads and shops were closed. No untoward incident was reported in the morning, a police officer said. The ruling BJP said the incident was a result of the Congress party continuously making provocative statements on sensitive issues such as the NRC and the Citizenship Bill. Assam BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass also criticised a section of the media for broadcasting provocative statements uninterruptedly, thereby vitiating the atmosphere. He asked the Assam government to set up a judicial probe into the incident. Countering the BJP leader’s claims, veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi said the Sonowal-led government has failed to maintain law and order in the state. He also sought a CBI probe into Thursday’s incident.

Assam killings: 2 held for ‘provocative remarks’, ULFA (I) denies role

The Congress would contest 95 seats in the coming elections to the 119-member Telangana assembly, leaving the remaining to partners of the proposed grand alliance, AICC In-Charge of the state R C Khuntia said on Thursday.

The list of the party candidates would be released on November 8 or 9, he told reporters in New Delhi.

The Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI have decided to forge an alliance for the December 7 elections and are currently engaged in seat-sharing talks.

"We will fight in 95 seats and the rest will go to the other alliance partners. Of the 95 seats, we were supposed to take up 62 seats for discussion today, but took up only 57 seats. Rest will be taken up latter. The full list will be declared on November 8 night or November 9," Khuntia said.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Uttam Kumar Reddy and other senior leaders are camping in Delhi for talks with AICC leaders, including party president Rahul Gandhi.

Party sources said the Telangana leaders submitted a list of probable candidates to Gandhi for his approval.

Reddy said discussions were held on the seat sharing and candidates and the final decision will be taken by Gandhi.

He also said the Congress chief has formally approved the alliance in the state.

On seat sharing, he said an agreement had been reached with TDP under which it would contest 14 seats. Discussions were still on with reagard to the seats to be allocated to the TJS and CPI, he added.

The ruling TRS party has announced 107 candidates so far while the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM has declared nominees for eight seats. The latter was expected to declare candidates for another two or three seats shortly.

BJP, which is positioning itself as the alternative to the ruling TRS, is going it alone in the polls.

The Congress would contest 95 seats in the coming elections to the 119-member Telangana assembly, leaving the remaining to partners of the proposed grand alliance, AICC In-Charge of the state R C Khuntia said on Thursday.

The Congress would contest 95 seats in the coming elections to the 119-member Telangana assembly, leaving the remaining to partners of the proposed grand alliance, AICC In-Charge of the state R C Khuntia said on Thursday. The list of the party candidates would be released on November 8 or 9, he told reporters in New Delhi. The Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI have decided to forge an alliance for the December 7 elections and are currently engaged in seat-sharing talks. "We will fight in 95 seats and the rest will go to the other alliance partners. Of the 95 seats, we were supposed to take up 62 seats for discussion today, but took up only 57 seats. Rest will be taken up latter. The full list will be declared on November 8 night or November 9," Khuntia said. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Uttam Kumar Reddy and other senior leaders are camping in Delhi for talks with AICC leaders, including party president Rahul Gandhi. Party sources said the Telangana leaders submitted a list of probable candidates to Gandhi for his approval. Reddy said discussions were held on the seat sharing and candidates and the final decision will be taken by Gandhi. He also said the Congress chief has formally approved the alliance in the state. On seat sharing, he said an agreement had been reached with TDP under which it would contest 14 seats. Discussions were still on with reagard to the seats to be allocated to the TJS and CPI, he added. The ruling TRS party has announced 107 candidates so far while the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM has declared nominees for eight seats. The latter was expected to declare candidates for another two or three seats shortly. BJP, which is positioning itself as the alternative to the ruling TRS, is going it alone in the polls.

Congress to contest 95 seats in Telangana, leaves 24 to allies

india-news

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

india news