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The government is exploring options for the chief guest at the Republic Day parade after US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-unable-to-attend-indias-republic-day-parade-due-to-scheduling-constraints-white-house-174292">Donald Trump turned down</a> its invite for the ceremony.

Sources said the government has in mind leaders from three countries including a head of state from a leading African nation.

"We have very little time left for deciding on the chief guest and the process will be completed soon," a source familiar with the development said.

Trump declined India's invitation&nbsp;to be the chief guest at the parade, citing pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

It came at a time when Indo-US ties have witnessed some strain after India went ahead and sealed a deal with Russia to procure a batch of S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding the US threat of punitive action under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).

The sources said India has already shortlisted names of two to three heads of state for extending invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.

Sources indicated that India was not exclusively looking at Trump's presence at the Republic Day celebrations and that various other options were also being explored.

In July, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet.<iframe data-google-container-id="6" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in June 2017.

Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations.

In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president.

This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations.

In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014.

The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.

The government is exploring options for the chief guest at the Republic Day parade after US President Donald Trump turned down its invite for the ceremony. Sources said the government has in mind leaders from three countries including a head of state from a leading African nation.

The government is exploring options for the chief guest at the Republic Day parade after US President Donald Trump turned down its invite for the ceremony. Sources said the government has in mind leaders from three countries including a head of state from a leading African nation. "We have very little time left for deciding on the chief guest and the process will be completed soon," a source familiar with the development said. Trump declined India's invitation to be the chief guest at the parade, citing pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. It came at a time when Indo-US ties have witnessed some strain after India went ahead and sealed a deal with Russia to procure a batch of S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding the US threat of punitive action under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). The sources said India has already shortlisted names of two to three heads of state for extending invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. Sources indicated that India was not exclusively looking at Trump's presence at the Republic Day celebrations and that various other options were also being explored. In July, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in June 2017. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.

India looks at alternatives as Trump rejects Republic Day invite: Report

India already has a 515-kilometre functional network of metro tracks in various cities and 15 more will soon have over 660 kilometres of tracks for rapid urban transportation, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

Interacting with the members of the Consultative Committee attached to the Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA) Ministry, Puri spoke about new urban transport initiatives in India.

According to a statement released by the housing and urban affairs minister, the state governments and union territories have been advised to prepare and submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) in line with the provisions in the Metro Rail Policy 2017.

"Hardeep S Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Housing and Urban Affairs has stated that more than 664 kms of metro rail projects in 15 cities are presently under various stages of implementation, while more than 515 kms of metro line are already operational in India," the statement said.

He said several new cities are now aspiring to have metro rail systems.

To bring together the technology and service providers, policy makers, officials in urban transport from India and abroad, the 11th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference is planned from November 2-4 at Nagpur, with the theme "Green Mobility" to disseminate up-to-date and best urban transport practices information to the cities, he added.

India already has a 515-kilometre functional network of metro tracks in various cities and 15 more will soon have over 660 kilometres of tracks for rapid urban transportation, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

India already has a 515-kilometre functional network of metro tracks in various cities and 15 more will soon have over 660 kilometres of tracks for rapid urban transportation, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday. Interacting with the members of the Consultative Committee attached to the Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA) Ministry, Puri spoke about new urban transport initiatives in India. According to a statement released by the housing and urban affairs minister, the state governments and union territories have been advised to prepare and submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) in line with the provisions in the Metro Rail Policy 2017. "Hardeep S Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Housing and Urban Affairs has stated that more than 664 kms of metro rail projects in 15 cities are presently under various stages of implementation, while more than 515 kms of metro line are already operational in India," the statement said. He said several new cities are now aspiring to have metro rail systems. To bring together the technology and service providers, policy makers, officials in urban transport from India and abroad, the 11th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference is planned from November 2-4 at Nagpur, with the theme "Green Mobility" to disseminate up-to-date and best urban transport practices information to the cities, he added.

Metro network to be extended to 15 new cities: Union minister

Asserting that he does not need the BJP's "certificate" to visit temples, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he understands the Hindu religion better than the saffron party does and he is a "nationalist leader" who respects every religion.

"I am not a 'Hinduwadi' leader, but a nationalist leader. I am a leader of every religion, every caste, every language and every class," he said.

A day after the BJP's barb that Gandhi was "exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism" with his temple visits in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and in other states earlier, the Congress leader retorted, "Are the country's temples the sole property of the BJP and the RSS? Have only Modi and Shah got the contract to visit temples?" Interacting with select journalists here, Gandhi said the BJP remains silent whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP president Amit Shah visit a temple wearing clothes as per that temple's tradition.

"But when Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia and I wear clothes as per the temple's tradition, it is said that we are exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism," he said.

Gandhi had started his two-day tour of Madhya Pradesh on Monday after offering prayers at Ujjain's famous Mahakaleshwar temple.

Hours after Gandhi's temple visit, BJP spokesman Sambit Patra had alleged, "...Rahul Gandhi is exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism continuously. To mislead the Hindus, he is sporting a "janeu" (sacred thread) over the shirt.

We demand that 'janeudhari' Rahul Gandhi clarify to which 'gotra' (clan) does he belong to.

" Talking to journalists here, Gandhi said, "If I feel like going to a temple and offering prayers to God then I will definitely visit it.

I don't need a certificate from the BJP. I understand Hindu religion better than the BJP does." Replying to a question, he said he visits mosques, gurudwaras, churches and other places of worship as he respects every religion.

Describing Hinduism and Hindutva as two different concepts, he said, "Hinduism is a liberal and progressive concept that teaches love and respect for others, while there are hatred, insecurity and anger in the foundation of the BJP's idea of Hindutva."

"The BJP has ownership of Hindutva. But no one can claim sole ownership of Hinduism because it is a great concept. No one group can have a monopoly over it...

We are a party which believes not in Hindutva, but in Hinduism," he said.

"When I visited temples during the Gujarat elections, the BJP went mad thinking how did I go there, although I had been to temples earlier. I had also visited Ayodhya," he said.

On a question regarding efforts to bring the issue of Ram temple into focus ahead of the upcoming polls, he said, "The Modi government has failed to fulfil the promises of ending corruption, bringing good days, providing jobs to youths and right prices to the farmers for their produce."

"This government can see only one way to save itself. But it will not be able to save itself," he said.

Asserting that he does not need the BJP's "certificate" to visit temples, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he understands the Hindu religion better than the saffron party does and he is a "nationalist leader" who respects every religion.

Asserting that he does not need the BJP's "certificate" to visit temples, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he understands the Hindu religion better than the saffron party does and he is a "nationalist leader" who respects every religion. "I am not a 'Hinduwadi' leader, but a nationalist leader. I am a leader of every religion, every caste, every language and every class," he said. A day after the BJP's barb that Gandhi was "exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism" with his temple visits in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and in other states earlier, the Congress leader retorted, "Are the country's temples the sole property of the BJP and the RSS? Have only Modi and Shah got the contract to visit temples?" Interacting with select journalists here, Gandhi said the BJP remains silent whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP president Amit Shah visit a temple wearing clothes as per that temple's tradition. "But when Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia and I wear clothes as per the temple's tradition, it is said that we are exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism," he said. Gandhi had started his two-day tour of Madhya Pradesh on Monday after offering prayers at Ujjain's famous Mahakaleshwar temple. Hours after Gandhi's temple visit, BJP spokesman Sambit Patra had alleged, "...Rahul Gandhi is exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism continuously. To mislead the Hindus, he is sporting a "janeu" (sacred thread) over the shirt. We demand that 'janeudhari' Rahul Gandhi clarify to which 'gotra' (clan) does he belong to. " Talking to journalists here, Gandhi said, "If I feel like going to a temple and offering prayers to God then I will definitely visit it. I don't need a certificate from the BJP. I understand Hindu religion better than the BJP does." Replying to a question, he said he visits mosques, gurudwaras, churches and other places of worship as he respects every religion. Describing Hinduism and Hindutva as two different concepts, he said, "Hinduism is a liberal and progressive concept that teaches love and respect for others, while there are hatred, insecurity and anger in the foundation of the BJP's idea of Hindutva." "The BJP has ownership of Hindutva. But no one can claim sole ownership of Hinduism because it is a great concept. No one group can have a monopoly over it... We are a party which believes not in Hindutva, but in Hinduism," he said. "When I visited temples during the Gujarat elections, the BJP went mad thinking how did I go there, although I had been to temples earlier. I had also visited Ayodhya," he said. On a question regarding efforts to bring the issue of Ram temple into focus ahead of the upcoming polls, he said, "The Modi government has failed to fulfil the promises of ending corruption, bringing good days, providing jobs to youths and right prices to the farmers for their produce." "This government can see only one way to save itself. But it will not be able to save itself," he said.

Don't need BJP's certificate to visit temples, says Rahul Gandhi

A lawyer, who was the first to drag the NDA government to the Supreme Court over Rafale aircraft deal, filed an interim plea seeking his PIL be heard after Assembly polls in five states which are scheduled in November, in order to counter an allegation that his was a politically-motivated petition.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is likely to hear the two PILs on Wednesday, filed by lawyers Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda, on India’s deal with France to buy the fighter jets. The lawyer mentioned Tuesday the plea before the bench, which asked him to provide its copy on Wednesday.

On October 10, the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, had directed the Centre to provide in a sealed cover the “details of the steps” taken in the decision making process, sans pricing and technical information, which led to the deal.

Sharma, who filed an interim plea in his pending PIL, has referred to certain media reports to allege that the French Dassault company “accepted to work with Reliance as an ‘imperative and obligatory’ condition for securing the fighter contract”.

Besides seeking nod to initiate the detailed arguments, the lawyer has also sought a direction to Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited and its head to file “all relevant documents of the Rafale deal belonging to them”.

The lawyer, in his PIL, has sought to quash the inter-government agreement between India and France on account of the violation of “defence procurement procedure” and subsequent registration of an FIR in the case.

The apex court had earlier termed the averments made in the two PILs as “grossly inadequate” and had made it clear that it was not issuing notice on them, but had wanted to satisfy itself about the legitimacy of the decision-making process.

The poll panel recently announced the dates for assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana which would conclude by November end.

A lawyer, who was the first to drag the NDA government to the Supreme Court over Rafale aircraft deal, filed an interim plea seeking his PIL be heard after Assembly polls in five states which are scheduled in November, in order to counter an allegation that his was a politically-motivated petition.

A lawyer, who was the first to drag the NDA government to the Supreme Court over Rafale aircraft deal, filed an interim plea seeking his PIL be heard after Assembly polls in five states which are scheduled in November, in order to counter an allegation that his was a politically-motivated petition. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is likely to hear the two PILs on Wednesday, filed by lawyers Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda, on India’s deal with France to buy the fighter jets. The lawyer mentioned Tuesday the plea before the bench, which asked him to provide its copy on Wednesday. On October 10, the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, had directed the Centre to provide in a sealed cover the “details of the steps” taken in the decision making process, sans pricing and technical information, which led to the deal. Sharma, who filed an interim plea in his pending PIL, has referred to certain media reports to allege that the French Dassault company “accepted to work with Reliance as an ‘imperative and obligatory’ condition for securing the fighter contract”. Besides seeking nod to initiate the detailed arguments, the lawyer has also sought a direction to Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited and its head to file “all relevant documents of the Rafale deal belonging to them”. The lawyer, in his PIL, has sought to quash the inter-government agreement between India and France on account of the violation of “defence procurement procedure” and subsequent registration of an FIR in the case. The apex court had earlier termed the averments made in the two PILs as “grossly inadequate” and had made it clear that it was not issuing notice on them, but had wanted to satisfy itself about the legitimacy of the decision-making process. The poll panel recently announced the dates for assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana which would conclude by November end.

Rafale case: Lawyer seeks hearing on PIL in Supreme Court after assembly polls in five states

Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution.

In the report, titled 'Air Pollution and Child Health: Prescribing Clean Air', deaths of about 600,000 children under 15 years of age in 2016 were attributed to the joint effects of ambient and household air pollution.

"Globally, 93 per cent of the world's children under 18 years of age are exposed to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels above WHO air quality guidelines, which include the 630 million of children under 5 years of age, and 1.8 billion of children under 15 years," the World Health Organisation (WHO) study released on Monday said.

Another report by Greenpeace presented a grim picture of India's pollution level.

The green body's report said three of the world's largest nitrogen oxide air pollution emission hotspots that contribute to formation of PM2.5 and ozone are in India with one in the Delhi-NCR.

Delhi-NCR, Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh, Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh and Talcher-Angul in Odisha are the hotspots identified. Sonbhadra and Singrauli combined have one hotspot.

The study said a total of 101,788 deaths under the age of five -- 54,893 were girls and 46,895 were boys -- were reported due to joint effects of exposure of children to ambient and household PM 2.5 and burden of disease by the country in 2016.

Out of the over 1 lakh deaths in the country in 2016, 60,987 were due to ambient air pollution (32,889 were girls and 28,097 boys), it said.

Industries, households, cars and trucks emit complex mixtures of air pollutants and form ambient air pollution.

Due to household air pollution in 2016, about 66,890 deaths of children below five years were reported out of which 36,073 were girls and 30,817 were boys, the WHO report said.

It said about 98 per cent of children under the age of five years in low- and middle-income countries, which include nations like India, were exposed to air pollution caused by finer particulate matters in 2016.

Household air pollution from cooking and ambient air pollution caused more than 50 per cent of acute lower respiratory infections in children under five years of age in low- and middle-income countries, it said.

The WHO report examines the heavy toll of both ambient (outside) and household air pollution on the health of the children across world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, like India.

"In low- and middle-income countries around the world, 98% of all children under 5 are exposed to PM2.5 levels above WHO air quality guidelines. In comparison, in high-income countries, 52% of children under 5 are exposed to levels above WHO air quality guidelines," the study says.

<iframe data-google-container-id="6" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>The PM2.5 (or particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres present in the air), also called "fine particulates", can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (those with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres).

PM2.5 poses greater harm as being finer, it can easily be inhaled into the respiratory tract.

The PM2.5 has reached dangerous levels in New Delhi in the last two weeks. On Monday, a thick blanket of haze engulfed the city, and an overall air quality index of 348 was recorded, which falls in the very poor category, according to data of the Central Pollution Control Board.

The report noted that air pollution is one of the leading threats to child health, accounting for almost one in 10 deaths in children under five years of age.

"Polluted air is poisoning millions of children and ruining their lives," WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

"This is inexcusable. Every child should be able to breathe clean air so they can grow and fulfil their full potential," the official said.

Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, WHO, said, "Air Pollution is stunting our children's brains, affecting their health in more ways than we suspected."

"But there are many straight-forward ways to reduce emissions of dangerous pollutants," Neira said.

The WHO report cited a case study that investigated whether exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with low birth weight in an integrated rural-urban, mother-child cohort in Tamil Nadu.

"The researchers recruited 1,285 women in the first trimester of pregnancy in primary health care centres and urban health posts and followed them until the birth of their child to collect data on maternal health, prenatal care, exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and the birthweight of the child," the study said.

D Saha, an environmentalist, said India is a tropical country and the influence of natural dust is much higher as compared with developed countries.

"The self neutralization of natural dust is much higher as compared to the emitted pollutants," he said.

The report, launched ahead of the WHO's first ever Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, revealed that when pregnant women are exposed to polluted air, they are more likely to give birth prematurely and have small, low birthweight children.

Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution.

Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution. In the report, titled 'Air Pollution and Child Health: Prescribing Clean Air', deaths of about 600,000 children under 15 years of age in 2016 were attributed to the joint effects of ambient and household air pollution. "Globally, 93 per cent of the world's children under 18 years of age are exposed to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels above WHO air quality guidelines, which include the 630 million of children under 5 years of age, and 1.8 billion of children under 15 years," the World Health Organisation (WHO) study released on Monday said. Another report by Greenpeace presented a grim picture of India's pollution level. The green body's report said three of the world's largest nitrogen oxide air pollution emission hotspots that contribute to formation of PM2.5 and ozone are in India with one in the Delhi-NCR. Delhi-NCR, Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh, Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh and Talcher-Angul in Odisha are the hotspots identified. Sonbhadra and Singrauli combined have one hotspot. The study said a total of 101,788 deaths under the age of five -- 54,893 were girls and 46,895 were boys -- were reported due to joint effects of exposure of children to ambient and household PM 2.5 and burden of disease by the country in 2016. Out of the over 1 lakh deaths in the country in 2016, 60,987 were due to ambient air pollution (32,889 were girls and 28,097 boys), it said. Industries, households, cars and trucks emit complex mixtures of air pollutants and form ambient air pollution. Due to household air pollution in 2016, about 66,890 deaths of children below five years were reported out of which 36,073 were girls and 30,817 were boys, the WHO report said. It said about 98 per cent of children under the age of five years in low- and middle-income countries, which include nations like India, were exposed to air pollution caused by finer particulate matters in 2016. Household air pollution from cooking and ambient air pollution caused more than 50 per cent of acute lower respiratory infections in children under five years of age in low- and middle-income countries, it said. The WHO report examines the heavy toll of both ambient (outside) and household air pollution on the health of the children across world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, like India. "In low- and middle-income countries around the world, 98% of all children under 5 are exposed to PM2.5 levels above WHO air quality guidelines. In comparison, in high-income countries, 52% of children under 5 are exposed to levels above WHO air quality guidelines," the study says. The PM2.5 (or particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres present in the air), also called "fine particulates", can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (those with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres). PM2.5 poses greater harm as being finer, it can easily be inhaled into the respiratory tract. The PM2.5 has reached dangerous levels in New Delhi in the last two weeks. On Monday, a thick blanket of haze engulfed the city, and an overall air quality index of 348 was recorded, which falls in the very poor category, according to data of the Central Pollution Control Board. The report noted that air pollution is one of the leading threats to child health, accounting for almost one in 10 deaths in children under five years of age. "Polluted air is poisoning millions of children and ruining their lives," WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. "This is inexcusable. Every child should be able to breathe clean air so they can grow and fulfil their full potential," the official said. Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, WHO, said, "Air Pollution is stunting our children's brains, affecting their health in more ways than we suspected." "But there are many straight-forward ways to reduce emissions of dangerous pollutants," Neira said. The WHO report cited a case study that investigated whether exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with low birth weight in an integrated rural-urban, mother-child cohort in Tamil Nadu. "The researchers recruited 1,285 women in the first trimester of pregnancy in primary health care centres and urban health posts and followed them until the birth of their child to collect data on maternal health, prenatal care, exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and the birthweight of the child," the study said. D Saha, an environmentalist, said India is a tropical country and the influence of natural dust is much higher as compared with developed countries. "The self neutralization of natural dust is much higher as compared to the emitted pollutants," he said. The report, launched ahead of the WHO's first ever Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, revealed that when pregnant women are exposed to polluted air, they are more likely to give birth prematurely and have small, low birthweight children.

Over 100,000 Indian children under 5 died from air pollution in 2016: WHO

Interim CBI Chief M Nageswara Rao Tuesday denied any irregularities in the investments made by his wife in a private company.

In a signed statement, Rao, a 1986-batch IPS officer from Odisha, said all the transactions and investments made by him or his wife, Mannem Sandhya, have been given to the competent authorities, and everything has been mentioned in his annual property return filed mandatorily with the government.

Denying all reports and giving a chronological order of events, Rao said his wife had taken a loan of Rs 25 lakh from Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd, a company which belonged to "our longtime friend Praveen Agarwal for the purchase of an immovable property in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh".

Rao's innings as interim CBI chief came to an abrupt halt after the Supreme Court had Friday last refrained him from taking a policy decision and submit in a sealed envelope about the administrative decision undertaken by him.

He was made interim chief last week after the government intervened and sent CBI Director Alok Verma and his second-in-command Rakesh Asthana on leave toll corruption cases against them were probed.

Giving details, Rao said the property was purchased by her with her cousin Dr R K Rana Babu on September 18, 2010.

He said a year later, his wife sold some acres of land from her inherited agricultural property for an amount of Rs 30.72 lakh and two months later sold more land for an amount of Rs 27.90 lakh.

"Thus she received a total amount of Rs 58. 62 lakh as sale proceeds during 2011. This along with Rs 1.38 lakh from personal savings and a total of Rs 60 lakh was sent to Angela Mercantile Private limited in 2011, who after deducting the loan amount retained the balance of Rs 35 lakh as an investment," he said.

Rao added that in July 2014, a little less than three years of the investment, the Kolkata-based company returned to her a total of Rs 41.33 lakh which included an interest of Rs 6.33 lakh.

Interim CBI Chief M Nageswara Rao Tuesday denied any irregularities in the investments made by his wife in a private company. In a signed statement, Rao, a 1986-batch IPS officer from Odisha, said all the transactions and investments made by him or his wife, Mannem Sandhya, have been given to the competent authorities, and everything has been mentioned in his annual property return filed mandatorily with the government.

Interim CBI Chief M Nageswara Rao Tuesday denied any irregularities in the investments made by his wife in a private company. In a signed statement, Rao, a 1986-batch IPS officer from Odisha, said all the transactions and investments made by him or his wife, Mannem Sandhya, have been given to the competent authorities, and everything has been mentioned in his annual property return filed mandatorily with the government. Denying all reports and giving a chronological order of events, Rao said his wife had taken a loan of Rs 25 lakh from Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd, a company which belonged to "our longtime friend Praveen Agarwal for the purchase of an immovable property in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh". Rao's innings as interim CBI chief came to an abrupt halt after the Supreme Court had Friday last refrained him from taking a policy decision and submit in a sealed envelope about the administrative decision undertaken by him. He was made interim chief last week after the government intervened and sent CBI Director Alok Verma and his second-in-command Rakesh Asthana on leave toll corruption cases against them were probed. Giving details, Rao said the property was purchased by her with her cousin Dr R K Rana Babu on September 18, 2010. He said a year later, his wife sold some acres of land from her inherited agricultural property for an amount of Rs 30.72 lakh and two months later sold more land for an amount of Rs 27.90 lakh. "Thus she received a total amount of Rs 58. 62 lakh as sale proceeds during 2011. This along with Rs 1.38 lakh from personal savings and a total of Rs 60 lakh was sent to Angela Mercantile Private limited in 2011, who after deducting the loan amount retained the balance of Rs 35 lakh as an investment," he said. Rao added that in July 2014, a little less than three years of the investment, the Kolkata-based company returned to her a total of Rs 41.33 lakh which included an interest of Rs 6.33 lakh.

Interim CBI chief Nageswara Rao denies irregularities in wife's investments

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be on a day-long maiden visit to India today during which he will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, besides participating in the India-Italy Technology Summit.

The highlight of the visit will be the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The summit will focus on a number of areas including healthcare, aerospace, education, clean technology, renewable energy and information and communication technology.

During the Conte-Modi talks, focus is expected to be on discussing ways to boost trade and investment.<iframe data-google-container-id="6" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

The bilateral trade between the countries increased to US $10.5 billion in 2017-18 from US $8.8 billion in the previous fiscal.

Italy is India's fifth largest trading partner in the European Union and the annual trade turnover between the two countries was USD 10.4 billion in 2017-18. Over 600 Italian companies are operating in India.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be on a day-long maiden visit to India today during which he will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, besides participating in the India-Italy Technology Summit.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be on a day-long maiden visit to India today during which he will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, besides participating in the India-Italy Technology Summit. The highlight of the visit will be the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The summit will focus on a number of areas including healthcare, aerospace, education, clean technology, renewable energy and information and communication technology. During the Conte-Modi talks, focus is expected to be on discussing ways to boost trade and investment. The bilateral trade between the countries increased to US $10.5 billion in 2017-18 from US $8.8 billion in the previous fiscal. Italy is India's fifth largest trading partner in the European Union and the annual trade turnover between the two countries was USD 10.4 billion in 2017-18. Over 600 Italian companies are operating in India.

On Italy prime minister-PM Modi bilateral talks, trade, energy on agenda

Microsoft routinely shared financial details of the customers of Indian banks with the US government, the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-dna-money-exclusive-microsoft-shared-indian-bank-customers-data-with-us-intel-2680752">DNA newspaper has reported</a>.&nbsp;

The report said the details shared were of customers of banks that have moved to Microsoft's Office 365 cloud-based email service. And that Microsoft was bound by US law — under the US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and if a US national security letter is issued — to share the information as and when asked.&nbsp;

The DNA report added that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-very-upset-with-rbi-for-making-rift-public-sources-174359">Reserve Bank of India</a> has flagged the data sharing in its Risk Assessment Report (RAR), which has been placed before the banks’ audit committees for responses.&nbsp;

And that according to the responses the RBI has got, the banks are aware that their customers' financial details are being shared with US security and intelligence agencies.&nbsp;

The report added that the customers themselves may not be in the know.&nbsp;

Microsoft did not respond to the specific questions DNA sent it, but firmly defended its position on privacy.&nbsp;

A Microsoft spokesperson told DNA Money, “No government has direct access to any of our users’ data. Data privacy is a top priority for us. We never provide customer data unless we receive a legally valid warrant, order or subpoena about specific accounts or individual identifiers that we have reviewed and consider legally appropriate and consistent with the rule of law and our Microsoft principles. Absent extraordinary circumstances, in the vast majority of cases we redirect governments to seek data directly from commercial customers or to allow us to tell our commercial customers when the government seeks their data.”

Microsoft routinely shared financial details of the customers of Indian banks with the US government, the DNA newspaper has reported. The report said the details shared were of customers of banks that have moved to Microsoft's Office 365 cloud-based email service.

Microsoft routinely shared financial details of the customers of Indian banks with the US government, the DNA newspaper has reported. The report said the details shared were of customers of banks that have moved to Microsoft's Office 365 cloud-based email service. And that Microsoft was bound by US law — under the US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and if a US national security letter is issued — to share the information as and when asked. The DNA report added that the Reserve Bank of India has flagged the data sharing in its Risk Assessment Report (RAR), which has been placed before the banks’ audit committees for responses. And that according to the responses the RBI has got, the banks are aware that their customers' financial details are being shared with US security and intelligence agencies. The report added that the customers themselves may not be in the know. Microsoft did not respond to the specific questions DNA sent it, but firmly defended its position on privacy. A Microsoft spokesperson told DNA Money, “No government has direct access to any of our users’ data. Data privacy is a top priority for us. We never provide customer data unless we receive a legally valid warrant, order or subpoena about specific accounts or individual identifiers that we have reviewed and consider legally appropriate and consistent with the rule of law and our Microsoft principles. Absent extraordinary circumstances, in the vast majority of cases we redirect governments to seek data directly from commercial customers or to allow us to tell our commercial customers when the government seeks their data.”

Microsoft routinely shared Indian banks' customers' financial details with US govt: Report

Madhya Pradesh&nbsp;Chief&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Shivraj Singh&nbsp;Chouhan on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation suit against&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;president&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi after his remarks&nbsp;Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son’s name appearing in the Panama Papers.&nbsp;

The Congress president had accused Chouhan of presiding over "rampant corruption" and claimed that the serving Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son was named in the Panama papers.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan threatened to file a criminal defamation suit against&nbsp;Gandhi for making "frivolous and mala fide statements" regarding an alleged involvement of him and his family in the Vyapam scam and Panama Papers cases.

Issuing the warning to the Congress chief through a tweet on Monday night, Chouhan said that he would take criminal action for maximum damages against Gandhi.

"@RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and mala fide statements. Let the law take its own course now," the Chief Minister wrote on Twitter.

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Mr <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> 
You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. 
 
Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and malafide statements. 
 
Let law take its own course now.
— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChouhanShivraj/status/1056975919104045057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Launching an attack on Chouhan, the Congress supremo had said, "Shivraj Singh, also known as Mamaji, his son has been named in the Panama papers. Even a country like Pakistan punished its former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif when he was named in the Panama papers. But here no action has been taken place as of now."

'Panama Paper Leaks' was first reported in 2016 where reportedly 500 Indians were named in the documents of Mossack Fonseca - a Panama-based law firm known for their services in incorporating firms in offshore jurisdictions.

Madhya Pradesh will vote on November 28 for a new assembly. The Congress aims at defeating the ruling BJP, which has been in power in the state for 15 years.

(With inputs from ANI)

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation suit against Congress president Rahul Gandhi after his remarks Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son’s name appearing in the Panama Papers.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation suit against Congress president Rahul Gandhi after his remarks Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son’s name appearing in the Panama Papers. The Congress president had accused Chouhan of presiding over "rampant corruption" and claimed that the serving Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son was named in the Panama papers. Shivraj Singh Chouhan threatened to file a criminal defamation suit against Gandhi for making "frivolous and mala fide statements" regarding an alleged involvement of him and his family in the Vyapam scam and Panama Papers cases. Issuing the warning to the Congress chief through a tweet on Monday night, Chouhan said that he would take criminal action for maximum damages against Gandhi. "@RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and mala fide statements. Let the law take its own course now," the Chief Minister wrote on Twitter. Mr @RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and malafide statements. Let law take its own course now. — ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) October 29, 2018 × Launching an attack on Chouhan, the Congress supremo had said, "Shivraj Singh, also known as Mamaji, his son has been named in the Panama papers. Even a country like Pakistan punished its former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif when he was named in the Panama papers. But here no action has been taken place as of now." 'Panama Paper Leaks' was first reported in 2016 where reportedly 500 Indians were named in the documents of Mossack Fonseca - a Panama-based law firm known for their services in incorporating firms in offshore jurisdictions. Madhya Pradesh will vote on November 28 for a new assembly. The Congress aims at defeating the ruling BJP, which has been in power in the state for 15 years. (With inputs from ANI)

Shivraj Singh Chouhan files criminal defamation suit against Rahul Gandhi

The Bombay High Court Monday refused to stay framing of charges by the trial court against Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit and other accused persons in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case. A bench of Justices S S Shinde and AS Gadkari, however, agreed to hear next month, a petition filed by Purohit, one of the seven accused in the case, challenging his prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

It directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) counsel Sandesh Patil to file a reply to Purohit’s plea by November 21, the next date of hearing.

The bench refused Purohit’s request for staying the proceedings in the trial court, noting that in the past, both the Supreme Court and the Bombay HC had passed orders directing the trial court to expedite the hearing in the case.

Framing of charges is a process after which the trial in a criminal case starts.

The trial court, the special NIA court in the present case, is scheduled to begin framing of charges against Purohit and other accused Tuesday. Six persons were killed and over a 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a power loom town located about 200 km from here in North Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008.

Besides Purohit, the other accused case are Pragya Singh Thakur, Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sameer Kulkarni, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sudhakar Chaturvedi. All of them will face trial under the UAPA since earlier this month, the special NIA court had rejected their pleas on the applicability of the anti-terror law against them.

On December 27 last year, the special NIA court had dismissed the pleas filed by Purohit, Thakur and the others seeking that they be discharged from the case.

Discharge is a pre-trial process in a criminal case.

At the time, the special court had dropped stringent charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused, but had said they will face charges under the UAPA and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including murder and criminal conspiracy.

Purohit, however, has argued through his counsel Shrikant Shivade that he cannot be prosecuted in the case since the sanction granted by the government to prosecute him was “wrong in law”.

A prior government sanction for Purohit’s prosecution was required since he was a serving army officer at the time of his arrest.

On January 17, 2009, such a sanction was issued by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Maharashtra home department.

Shivade, however, has maintained that under the UAPA, the state law and judiciary department, which is the sanctioning authority, has to constitute an appropriate authority and seek its report first.

In his case, the sanction was given in January 2009, but the authority was appointed only in October 2010, he has argued.

The sanction in Purohit’s case thus, was not valid under the UAPA, Shivade has maintained.

The Bombay High Court Monday refused to stay framing of charges by the trial court against Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit and other accused persons in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case.

The Bombay High Court Monday refused to stay framing of charges by the trial court against Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit and other accused persons in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case. A bench of Justices S S Shinde and AS Gadkari, however, agreed to hear next month, a petition filed by Purohit, one of the seven accused in the case, challenging his prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). It directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) counsel Sandesh Patil to file a reply to Purohit’s plea by November 21, the next date of hearing. The bench refused Purohit’s request for staying the proceedings in the trial court, noting that in the past, both the Supreme Court and the Bombay HC had passed orders directing the trial court to expedite the hearing in the case. Framing of charges is a process after which the trial in a criminal case starts. The trial court, the special NIA court in the present case, is scheduled to begin framing of charges against Purohit and other accused Tuesday. Six persons were killed and over a 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a power loom town located about 200 km from here in North Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. Besides Purohit, the other accused case are Pragya Singh Thakur, Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sameer Kulkarni, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sudhakar Chaturvedi. All of them will face trial under the UAPA since earlier this month, the special NIA court had rejected their pleas on the applicability of the anti-terror law against them. On December 27 last year, the special NIA court had dismissed the pleas filed by Purohit, Thakur and the others seeking that they be discharged from the case. Discharge is a pre-trial process in a criminal case. At the time, the special court had dropped stringent charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused, but had said they will face charges under the UAPA and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including murder and criminal conspiracy. Purohit, however, has argued through his counsel Shrikant Shivade that he cannot be prosecuted in the case since the sanction granted by the government to prosecute him was “wrong in law”. A prior government sanction for Purohit’s prosecution was required since he was a serving army officer at the time of his arrest. On January 17, 2009, such a sanction was issued by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Maharashtra home department. Shivade, however, has maintained that under the UAPA, the state law and judiciary department, which is the sanctioning authority, has to constitute an appropriate authority and seek its report first. In his case, the sanction was given in January 2009, but the authority was appointed only in October 2010, he has argued. The sanction in Purohit’s case thus, was not valid under the UAPA, Shivade has maintained.

Malegaon blast case: Bombay High Court declines to stay framing of charges against Lt Col Purohit

The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Bihar Police why former state minister Manju Verma, who had stepped down in the wake of the Muzaffurpur shelter home scandal, has not been arrested in a case related to recovery of ammunition from her residence.

The former minister's husband Chandrashekhar Verma surrendered before a Begusarai court on Monday in connection with the arms case.

A bench of Justices M B Lokur, S A Nazeer and Deepak Gupta also directed that Brajesh Thakur, prime accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual abuse case, be shifted to the Patiala high security jail in Punjab from Bihar's Bhagalpur jail.

The alleged sexual exploitation of the girls was first highlighted in an audit report submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to the state's social welfare department.&nbsp;

The apex court had earlier termed as "horrible" and "scary" details placed before it about the investigation into the case.&nbsp;

The apex court had also taken note of the allegations referred by CBI against Thakur and issued notice to him to explain why he should not be transferred to a jail outside the state.

The CBI in its report had alleged that Thakur is an influential person and a mobile phone was recovered from him inside the jail where he is currently lodged under judicial custody.&nbsp;

The top court had also asked the Bihar Police to investigate the former minister and her husband Chandrashekhar Verma in connection with the recovery of huge quantity of ammunition from them.

Verma had to resign as the minister of Social Welfare from the Bihar government in the wake of the Muzzafarpur shelter home sexual abuse case.

The apex court had on September 18 stayed a Patna High Court order to set up a fresh CBI team to probe the case, saying such a move would not only be detrimental to the ongoing investigation but also to victims.

It had said that there was no reason now to change the existing investigating team, which was set up by the CBI Director, and directed the investigation to continue under the same team which was set up on July 30.

Earlier, the bench had said that the investigation seems to be going in the right direction and had also asked the Income Tax Department to look into assets of the NGO which was running the shelter home and its owner Thakur.

The apex court had also noted that no allegations were made against the team probing the case with regard to the manner in which the investigation was being conducted.

The sexual abuse of 34 of the 42 inmates was confirmed in their medical examination. The TISS audit report had said that many girls at the shelter home had complained of sexual abuse.

An FIR was lodged against 11 people, including Thakur, on May 31. The probe was later taken over by the CBI.

A special investigation team was formed to probe the complaints. The NGO running the shelter home in Muzaffarpur was blacklisted and the girls were shifted to shelter homes in Patna and Madhubani. Women staff members of the shelter home and Thakur were among those who were arrested by the police in connection with the case.

The apex court had earlier taken cognizance of the matter after it received a letter from one Ranvijay Kumar, who had expressed concern that the alleged victims were subjected to media interviews.

The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Bihar Police why former state minister Manju Verma, who had stepped down in the wake of the Muzaffurpur shelter home scandal, has not been arrested in a case related to recovery of ammunition from her residence.

The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Bihar Police why former state minister Manju Verma, who had stepped down in the wake of the Muzaffurpur shelter home scandal, has not been arrested in a case related to recovery of ammunition from her residence. The former minister's husband Chandrashekhar Verma surrendered before a Begusarai court on Monday in connection with the arms case. A bench of Justices M B Lokur, S A Nazeer and Deepak Gupta also directed that Brajesh Thakur, prime accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual abuse case, be shifted to the Patiala high security jail in Punjab from Bihar's Bhagalpur jail. The alleged sexual exploitation of the girls was first highlighted in an audit report submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to the state's social welfare department. The apex court had earlier termed as "horrible" and "scary" details placed before it about the investigation into the case. The apex court had also taken note of the allegations referred by CBI against Thakur and issued notice to him to explain why he should not be transferred to a jail outside the state. The CBI in its report had alleged that Thakur is an influential person and a mobile phone was recovered from him inside the jail where he is currently lodged under judicial custody. The top court had also asked the Bihar Police to investigate the former minister and her husband Chandrashekhar Verma in connection with the recovery of huge quantity of ammunition from them. Verma had to resign as the minister of Social Welfare from the Bihar government in the wake of the Muzzafarpur shelter home sexual abuse case. The apex court had on September 18 stayed a Patna High Court order to set up a fresh CBI team to probe the case, saying such a move would not only be detrimental to the ongoing investigation but also to victims. It had said that there was no reason now to change the existing investigating team, which was set up by the CBI Director, and directed the investigation to continue under the same team which was set up on July 30. Earlier, the bench had said that the investigation seems to be going in the right direction and had also asked the Income Tax Department to look into assets of the NGO which was running the shelter home and its owner Thakur. The apex court had also noted that no allegations were made against the team probing the case with regard to the manner in which the investigation was being conducted. The sexual abuse of 34 of the 42 inmates was confirmed in their medical examination. The TISS audit report had said that many girls at the shelter home had complained of sexual abuse. An FIR was lodged against 11 people, including Thakur, on May 31. The probe was later taken over by the CBI. A special investigation team was formed to probe the complaints. The NGO running the shelter home in Muzaffarpur was blacklisted and the girls were shifted to shelter homes in Patna and Madhubani. Women staff members of the shelter home and Thakur were among those who were arrested by the police in connection with the case. The apex court had earlier taken cognizance of the matter after it received a letter from one Ranvijay Kumar, who had expressed concern that the alleged victims were subjected to media interviews.

Muzaffarpur shelter homes case: SC asks why Bihar ex-minister has not been arrested

A Doordarshan cameraman has been killed in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar.&nbsp;The attack took place in Aranpur in Dantewada district.&nbsp;

The cameraman&nbsp;was identified as Achutyanand Sahu.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> A Doordarshan cameraman has been killed in an attack by Naxals in Dantewada's Aranpur <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/N2y4ed00xI">https://t.co/N2y4ed00xI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057167668342648832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Two security personnel were also killed in the attack, and two injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Today our patrolling party was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur. Two of our personnel were martyred, and a DD cameraman was also injured and later succumbed. Two more personnel injured," DIG P Sundarraj said.&nbsp;

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Today our patrolling party was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur. Two of our personnel were martyred, and a DD cameraman was also injured and later succumbed. Two more personnel injured: DIG P Sundarraj <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZgZMF6xdRJ">pic.twitter.com/ZgZMF6xdRJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057174913289719808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZiqbwiNbNs">pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057178317009362945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While a number of security personnel have fallen to Naxal attacks over the years, the insurgents are generally not known to attack journalists.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh however will be going to the polls in November of this year.&nbsp;The Doordarshan crew were in the state to report on the upcoming elections. It is likely that they were accompanying the police patrol party.&nbsp;

The government meanwhile said they would "look after"&nbsp;Sahu's family, and that they salute "those mediapersons who go for coverage in such dangerous situations".&nbsp;

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Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZiqbwiNbNs">pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057178317009362945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A Doordarshan cameraman has been killed in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar. The attack took place in Aranpur in Dantewada district. The cameraman was identified as Achutyanand Sahu.

A Doordarshan cameraman has been killed in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar. The attack took place in Aranpur in Dantewada district. The cameraman was identified as Achutyanand Sahu. #UPDATE A Doordarshan cameraman has been killed in an attack by Naxals in Dantewada's Aranpur #Chhattisgarh https://t.co/N2y4ed00xI — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 × Two security personnel were also killed in the attack, and two injured. "Today our patrolling party was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur. Two of our personnel were martyred, and a DD cameraman was also injured and later succumbed. Two more personnel injured," DIG P Sundarraj said. Today our patrolling party was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur. Two of our personnel were martyred, and a DD cameraman was also injured and later succumbed. Two more personnel injured: DIG P Sundarraj #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/ZgZMF6xdRJ — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 × Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 × While a number of security personnel have fallen to Naxal attacks over the years, the insurgents are generally not known to attack journalists. Chhattisgarh however will be going to the polls in November of this year. The Doordarshan crew were in the state to report on the upcoming elections. It is likely that they were accompanying the police patrol party. The government meanwhile said they would "look after" Sahu's family, and that they salute "those mediapersons who go for coverage in such dangerous situations". Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 × (This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.)

Doordarshan cameraman killed in Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters.&nbsp;

BJP cadres also took out marches to offices of the Superintendents of Police in all district headquarters to condemn the government for arresting the agitators.

Addressing party workers here, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged the ruling CPI(M) was on the road to "liquidation" and the party's graph was coming down.

Former Union minister and party's lone MLA in the state assembly, O Rajagopal, was also present.

Veteran Marxist leader M M Lawrence's grandson was among the protesters.&nbsp;

Over 3,500 people have so far been arrested and 529 cases registered in connection with the protests and demonstrations against the implementation of the Supreme court verdict allowing women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple.

BJP national president Amit Shah, who was in Kerala on October 27 had extended full support to the devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into the shrine.&nbsp;

The saffron party had announced that it would be taking out a 'Rath Yatra' from Kasaragod to Pathnamthitta, where the Sabarimala temple is located, from November 8 to 13 to "save the customs and traditions" of the hill shrine.

The temple had witnessed high drama after around a dozen women in the 10-50 age group were prevented by protesting devotees from entering it after the temple doors were opened for monthly pujas between October 17 and 22.

The Lord Ayyappa temple's three month-long pilgrim season is commencing from November 17 and the state government has reiterated that all devotees would be allowed to offer prayers at the shrine.

The temple will also open for a day on November 5 for a special pooja.&nbsp;

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters.

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters. BJP cadres also took out marches to offices of the Superintendents of Police in all district headquarters to condemn the government for arresting the agitators. Addressing party workers here, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged the ruling CPI(M) was on the road to "liquidation" and the party's graph was coming down. Former Union minister and party's lone MLA in the state assembly, O Rajagopal, was also present. Veteran Marxist leader M M Lawrence's grandson was among the protesters. Over 3,500 people have so far been arrested and 529 cases registered in connection with the protests and demonstrations against the implementation of the Supreme court verdict allowing women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple. BJP national president Amit Shah, who was in Kerala on October 27 had extended full support to the devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into the shrine. The saffron party had announced that it would be taking out a 'Rath Yatra' from Kasaragod to Pathnamthitta, where the Sabarimala temple is located, from November 8 to 13 to "save the customs and traditions" of the hill shrine. The temple had witnessed high drama after around a dozen women in the 10-50 age group were prevented by protesting devotees from entering it after the temple doors were opened for monthly pujas between October 17 and 22. The Lord Ayyappa temple's three month-long pilgrim season is commencing from November 17 and the state government has reiterated that all devotees would be allowed to offer prayers at the shrine. The temple will also open for a day on November 5 for a special pooja.

BJP begins dawn-to-dusk hunger strike over arrest of Sabarimala protesters

CBI officer AK Bassi, who had been investigating Special Director Rakesh Asthana, has moved the Supreme Court challenging his transfer.&nbsp;

Bassi was transferred to Port Blair in the Andamans after the government sent <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-vs-cbi-alok-verma-did-not-back-up-allegations-against-rakesh-asthana-says-goverment-173201">CBI Director Alok Verma</a> and Special Director Rakesh Asthana (the agency's second in command) on leave.&nbsp;

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AK Bassi says he has incriminating evidence against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RakeshAsthana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RakeshAsthana</a> in bribery case and asks Supreme Court to call for evidence of technical surveillance. Bassi also seeks setting up a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to investigate charges against Asthana. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBI</a> <a href="https://t.co/M1glPWvhE4">https://t.co/M1glPWvhE4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057141776488775680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Verma and Asthana had been feuding with both accusing the other of corruption.&nbsp;

Verma had written to the CVC in 2017 before Asthana joined the agency saying he was being investigated, by the CBI, on corruption charges. And that he should therefore not be inducted into the CBI.&nbsp;

After Asthana was inducted into the CBI, he wrote to the CVC and the Cabinet Secretary saying Verma was guilty of corruption. Asthana is seen as being close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.&nbsp;

Asthana was the police officer who probed the Godhra train-burning case, which led to the Gujarat riots of 2002. He had also probed the Sohrabuddin Shaikh fake encounter case in which Amit Shah was an accused. The BJP president was later dismissed from the case.&nbsp;

Two weeks ago, the CBI filed an FIR against Asthana. In the FIR, Asthana was accused of asking for a bribe to let the businessman Satish Sana off the hook in the Moin Qureshi case.&nbsp;

On Monday, the Supreme Court refused to give Bassi an urgent hearing.&nbsp;

Bassi said he had incriminating evidence against Asthana. Bassi also aksed for the setting up of a Special Investigation Team to probe the bribery charge against Asthana.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

CBI officer AK Bassi, who had been investigating Special Director Rakesh Asthana, has moved the Supreme Court challenging his transfer. Bassi was transferred to Port Blair in the Andamans after the government sent CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana (the agency's second in command) on leave.

CBI officer AK Bassi, who had been investigating Special Director Rakesh Asthana, has moved the Supreme Court challenging his transfer. Bassi was transferred to Port Blair in the Andamans after the government sent CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana (the agency's second in command) on leave. AK Bassi says he has incriminating evidence against #RakeshAsthana in bribery case and asks Supreme Court to call for evidence of technical surveillance. Bassi also seeks setting up a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to investigate charges against Asthana. #CBI https://t.co/M1glPWvhE4 — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 × Verma and Asthana had been feuding with both accusing the other of corruption. Verma had written to the CVC in 2017 before Asthana joined the agency saying he was being investigated, by the CBI, on corruption charges. And that he should therefore not be inducted into the CBI. After Asthana was inducted into the CBI, he wrote to the CVC and the Cabinet Secretary saying Verma was guilty of corruption. Asthana is seen as being close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. Asthana was the police officer who probed the Godhra train-burning case, which led to the Gujarat riots of 2002. He had also probed the Sohrabuddin Shaikh fake encounter case in which Amit Shah was an accused. The BJP president was later dismissed from the case. Two weeks ago, the CBI filed an FIR against Asthana. In the FIR, Asthana was accused of asking for a bribe to let the businessman Satish Sana off the hook in the Moin Qureshi case. On Monday, the Supreme Court refused to give Bassi an urgent hearing. Bassi said he had incriminating evidence against Asthana. Bassi also aksed for the setting up of a Special Investigation Team to probe the bribery charge against Asthana.

CBI vs CBI: Officer investigating Asthana moves SC, says he has evidence of bribery

Addressing the Make in India event in Tokyo, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-going-through-massive-transformative-phase-today-modi-in-japan-174086">Prime Minister Modi</a> on Monday highlighted the ease of doing business in&nbsp;India and also invited the Japanese to invest in the country.

Prime Minister Modi said in order to promote the "ease of doing business"&nbsp;in the country, the Indian government has started ranking its 36 states and Union territories. The ranking&nbsp;has resulted in a healthy competition between the states and the UTs and has already started giving better results".

PM Modi said, "Some years ago, I spoke about making a mini-Japan in India. It's a matter of great happiness for me that today, you are working in an even larger number in India".

He further said, "When I took over the responsibility of the government in 2014, India was at 140th position in the 'ease of doing business' ranking of the World Bank. Now India has reached 100th position and we are working towards better ranking".

Highlighting the benefits of doing business in India, PM Modi said that low-cost manufacturing and competitive labour cost would further enhance the ease of doing business in the country. Inviting the Japanese businessmen to invest in India, he said Indian software and Japanese hardware&nbsp;will&nbsp;give great results together.

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भारत में व्यापार करने का एक फायदा Low cost manufacturing भी है। उसके पीछे भारत में Competitive Labour Cost एक बहुत बड़ी ताकत है। 
 
उसी तरह से हमारी IT industry एक बहुत बड़ी शक्ति है। मैंने पहले भी यहां आकर कहा है, हमारा Software और आपका Hardware मिल जाए, तो कमाल हो सकता है: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1056777368876941312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Referring to the new technological inventions like the AI, IoT, 3D Printing, Robotics in India, PM Modi said that the country was moving towards Industry 4.0. He said India&nbsp;and Japan's collaboration was going to yield better results for the two countries in the field of Electric Mobility.

The Prime Minister finally concluded by inviting Japanese businessmen to invest in the country and said he has always talked about Strong India-Strong Japan.

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मैं हमेशा ही Strong India – Strong Japan की बात करता रहा हूं। 
 
मैं आज इस अवसर पर जापान के उद्यमी वर्ग का भारत पर विशेष विश्वास करने के लिए आभार व्यक्त करता हूं। 
 
मैं आप सभी को भारत में निवेश की गति बढ़ाने के लिए भी आमंत्रित करना चाहूंगा: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1056778645585285120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The "Make in India: India-Japan Partnership in Africa and Digital Partnership"&nbsp;seminar held in Tokyo was also attended by&nbsp;National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

Addressing the Make in India event in Tokyo, Prime Minister Modi on Monday highlighted the ease of doing business in India and also invited the Japanese to invest in the country.

Addressing the Make in India event in Tokyo, Prime Minister Modi on Monday highlighted the ease of doing business in India and also invited the Japanese to invest in the country. Prime Minister Modi said in order to promote the "ease of doing business" in the country, the Indian government has started ranking its 36 states and Union territories. The ranking has resulted in a healthy competition between the states and the UTs and has already started giving better results". PM Modi said, "Some years ago, I spoke about making a mini-Japan in India. It's a matter of great happiness for me that today, you are working in an even larger number in India". He further said, "When I took over the responsibility of the government in 2014, India was at 140th position in the 'ease of doing business' ranking of the World Bank. Now India has reached 100th position and we are working towards better ranking". Highlighting the benefits of doing business in India, PM Modi said that low-cost manufacturing and competitive labour cost would further enhance the ease of doing business in the country. Inviting the Japanese businessmen to invest in India, he said Indian software and Japanese hardware will give great results together. भारत में व्यापार करने का एक फायदा Low cost manufacturing भी है। उसके पीछे भारत में Competitive Labour Cost एक बहुत बड़ी ताकत है। उसी तरह से हमारी IT industry एक बहुत बड़ी शक्ति है। मैंने पहले भी यहां आकर कहा है, हमारा Software और आपका Hardware मिल जाए, तो कमाल हो सकता है: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 29, 2018 × Referring to the new technological inventions like the AI, IoT, 3D Printing, Robotics in India, PM Modi said that the country was moving towards Industry 4.0. He said India and Japan's collaboration was going to yield better results for the two countries in the field of Electric Mobility. The Prime Minister finally concluded by inviting Japanese businessmen to invest in the country and said he has always talked about Strong India-Strong Japan. मैं हमेशा ही Strong India – Strong Japan की बात करता रहा हूं। मैं आज इस अवसर पर जापान के उद्यमी वर्ग का भारत पर विशेष विश्वास करने के लिए आभार व्यक्त करता हूं। मैं आप सभी को भारत में निवेश की गति बढ़ाने के लिए भी आमंत्रित करना चाहूंगा: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 29, 2018 × The "Make in India: India-Japan Partnership in Africa and Digital Partnership" seminar held in Tokyo was also attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

PM Modi urges Japan to invest in India

The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-is-ayodhya-case-related-to-2019-elections-pm-modi-asks-kapil-sibal-26043?amp">Ayodhya-Babri Masjid dispute</a> case till January 2019.

The decision on a daily basis in the case will be taken in January, the apex court's hearing said.&nbsp;

The court has however not given any final date for the hearing or the bench.&nbsp;

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Supreme Court adjourns the matter till January 2019 to fix the date of hearing in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a> title suit <a href="https://t.co/wZxixh9RVz">https://t.co/wZxixh9RVz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056794584045572096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Supreme Court's decision pertains to a&nbsp;batch of pleas challenging the Allahabad High Court's 2010 verdict by which the disputed land on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid area in Ayodhya was divided into three parts.

The three-judge high court bench, in a 2:1 majority ruling, had ordered that the 2.77 acres of land be partitioned equally among three parties - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

The issue of whether a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mosque-can-be-built-at-distance-from-disputed-babri-masjid-site-shia-waqf-board-to-top-court-18715?amp">mosque is integral to Islam</a> had cropped up when the three-judge bench was hearing the appeals filed against the Allahabad High Court's verdict.

On September 27, the apex court had declined to refer to a five-judge constitution bench the issue of reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgment that a mosque was not integral to Islam.

In a majority verdict of 2:1, a three-judge bench headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra had said the civil suit has to be decided on the basis of evidence and the previous verdict has no relevance to this issue.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing in the Ayodhya-Babri Masjid dispute case till January 2019. The decision on a daily basis in the case will be taken in January, the apex court's hearing said.

The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing in the Ayodhya-Babri Masjid dispute case till January 2019. The decision on a daily basis in the case will be taken in January, the apex court's hearing said. The court has however not given any final date for the hearing or the bench. Supreme Court adjourns the matter till January 2019 to fix the date of hearing in #Ayodhya title suit https://t.co/wZxixh9RVz — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × The Supreme Court's decision pertains to a batch of pleas challenging the Allahabad High Court's 2010 verdict by which the disputed land on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid area in Ayodhya was divided into three parts. The three-judge high court bench, in a 2:1 majority ruling, had ordered that the 2.77 acres of land be partitioned equally among three parties - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The issue of whether a mosque is integral to Islam had cropped up when the three-judge bench was hearing the appeals filed against the Allahabad High Court's verdict. On September 27, the apex court had declined to refer to a five-judge constitution bench the issue of reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgment that a mosque was not integral to Islam. In a majority verdict of 2:1, a three-judge bench headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra had said the civil suit has to be decided on the basis of evidence and the previous verdict has no relevance to this issue. (With inputs from agencies)

Babri Masjid dispute: Supreme court adjourns hearing till January

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday said no technical issue has been experienced by Boeing 737 MAX planes operating in the country, after an aircraft crashed in Indonesia, with 188 people on board. Earlier in the day, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lion-airs-plane-was-almost-brand-new-was-recent-model-of-boeings-737-aircraft-174280">Indonesia’s Lion Air </a>crashed into the sea shortly after taking off from the Jakarta.

Jet Airways and SpiceJet are the Indian carriers that fly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/lion-air-plane-crash-body-parts-found-as-rescue-agency-says-likely-all-189-aboard-crashed-jet-dead-174197">Boeing 737 MAX</a>. A total of six such planes are in operation in the country. Since six Boeing 737 MAX planes are being operated by Jet Airways and SpiceJet, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in touch with Boeing and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to know more details about the unfortunate accident, a senior DGCA official said.

According to the official, as on September 2018, Boeing has informed that 219 737 MAX planes have been delivered across the world. “As far as the operation of B 737 MAX with Indian operators is concerned, no technical issue has been experienced by the operators,” the official said. The Lion Air flight — JT 610 — was flying from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang when it lost contact with ground control few minutes after take-off and was last tracked crossing the sea, he added.

Indian pilot Bhavye Suneja died in the crash. “Our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of lives in the Lion Air plane crash, off the coast of Jakarta today. Most unfortunate that Indian Pilot Bhavye Suneja who was flying JT610 also lost his life… The embassy is in touch with the Crisis Center and coordinating for all assistance,” Indian Embassy in Jakarta tweeted.

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday said no technical issue has been experienced by Boeing 737 MAX planes operating in the country, after an aircraft crashed in Indonesia, with 188 people on board.

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday said no technical issue has been experienced by Boeing 737 MAX planes operating in the country, after an aircraft crashed in Indonesia, with 188 people on board. Earlier in the day, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Indonesia’s Lion Air crashed into the sea shortly after taking off from the Jakarta. Jet Airways and SpiceJet are the Indian carriers that fly Boeing 737 MAX. A total of six such planes are in operation in the country. Since six Boeing 737 MAX planes are being operated by Jet Airways and SpiceJet, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in touch with Boeing and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to know more details about the unfortunate accident, a senior DGCA official said. According to the official, as on September 2018, Boeing has informed that 219 737 MAX planes have been delivered across the world. “As far as the operation of B 737 MAX with Indian operators is concerned, no technical issue has been experienced by the operators,” the official said. The Lion Air flight — JT 610 — was flying from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang when it lost contact with ground control few minutes after take-off and was last tracked crossing the sea, he added. Indian pilot Bhavye Suneja died in the crash. “Our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of lives in the Lion Air plane crash, off the coast of Jakarta today. Most unfortunate that Indian Pilot Bhavye Suneja who was flying JT610 also lost his life… The embassy is in touch with the Crisis Center and coordinating for all assistance,” Indian Embassy in Jakarta tweeted.

Boeing 737 MAX planes in India have not experienced tech issues, says DGCA

The desperation to see his parents prompted Jammu and Kashmir Police's sub-inspector Imtiyaz Ahmed Mir to shave off his beard and change appearance in his unsuccessful attempt to dodge militants who had laid a death trap for him in his village, his colleagues said on Sunday.

A peace votary, 30-year-old Mir was shot dead by militants at Wahibug in the militancy-infested Pulwama district of South Kashmir on Sunday afternoon when he was on his way home.

Posted in the CID department, Mir had been warned against venturing into his village as there was a possibility of an attack by militant groups, who have been targeting policemen in the state recently.

"I had told him that he should not go as militants could attack. But he was desperate to see his parents who reside at Sontabugh in the interiors of Pulwama district," recalled one of his supervising officers.

This morning as he was preparing to leave for home, he came with a changed appearance. He shaved off his beard and decided to use his personal vehicle to go to his native village, the officer said.

"Now they (militants) will not be able to recognise me" were possibly his last words to his officer before he left for home with a smiling face as he was seeing his parents after a long time.

Mir is survived by his father and mother.

A passionate officer, who was considered as an able person in handling operations, was pained to see his colleagues getting killed by militants, especially on the day of Shab-e-Qadar, the holiest night in the fasting month of Ramzan, when two policemen were killed in Pulwama.

After the killings, he wrote on his Facebook account on June 12: "So the job is done!!! Another feat achieved!! Once again the auspicious night became the victim!! Once again we will witness people justifying those dastardly acts!! Once again we will witness silence from the other camp!! Once again we will witness grand wreath laying ceremonies!! But who is going to tell the little children that their fathers were the victims.

How many lives more do you want!! How can a Muslim kill another one.... How could that killer eat sehri after making a child orphan!! Is there anyone who is going to fill the void !!!! For heaven's sake stop this mindless violence ... I don't blame anyone except India and Pakistan who are making merry in their own countries and killing people mindlessly !! Talk peace !! Talk peace !! talk peace!! Cant bear it now!!!"

Son of a retired police officer, Mir, who was from 2010 batch of sub-inspector, had served in Ganderbal district of South Kashmir for five years before being transferred to Kulgam district last year.

He was shifted to the CID department in March this year and his superiors recalled his dedication towards his work.

Militants have been targeting policemen in the state and killed two special police officer and a constable last month, triggering an unrest in the lower ranks of the force with some SPOs declaring their resignation on social media.

In fact, some militants had claimed that Mir had also submitted his resignation.

When the body of Mir was being brought to Pulwama district lines by a police team from Wahibugh, it was attacked by stone pelters as security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Chewa and the area where he was shot dead.

The police have also launched a probe to ascertain how the information about his journey to home had been leaked to militant groups, who had been waiting to ambush him at Wahibugh.

Reacting to the police officer's killing, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "Very unfortunate &amp; highly condemnable. These killings are aimed at destroying the morale of the police force &amp; we must guard against all such attempts. My heartfelt sympathies to the family and colleagues of Mir Imtiyaz."

A wreath-laying ceremony for Mir, who was killed "in a cowardly act of terror", was held at the District Police Lines in Pulwama, a spokesman said.

Civil and police officers led by Inspector General of Police S P Pani laid floral wreaths and paid rich tributes to the police officer, the spokesman said.

His Facebook page was full of condolence messages from his friends and others who remembered him as a soft gentleman.

Ranji cricketer from Kashmir Valley Samiullah Beg recalled his meeting with Mir, saying a "few years back, a good looking police officer came up to me amid a large public gathering, during my site visit in my area and asked for autograph. Surprised as I was, I enquired more and he turned out to be an ardent cricket fan from south Kashmir, who had followed my career from ab-initio. He had more knowledge of my cricketing milestones than even closest of my friends".

"Years later, today I saw his body on Facebook, being shot dead...Kashmiris are getting killed across the divide and their seems no immediate end to it. Unfortunate! Is the word."&nbsp;

The desperation to see his parents prompted Jammu and Kashmir Police's sub-inspector Imtiyaz Ahmed Mir to shave off his beard and change appearance in his unsuccessful attempt to dodge militants who had laid a death trap for him in his village, his colleagues said on Sunday.

The desperation to see his parents prompted Jammu and Kashmir Police's sub-inspector Imtiyaz Ahmed Mir to shave off his beard and change appearance in his unsuccessful attempt to dodge militants who had laid a death trap for him in his village, his colleagues said on Sunday. A peace votary, 30-year-old Mir was shot dead by militants at Wahibug in the militancy-infested Pulwama district of South Kashmir on Sunday afternoon when he was on his way home. Posted in the CID department, Mir had been warned against venturing into his village as there was a possibility of an attack by militant groups, who have been targeting policemen in the state recently. "I had told him that he should not go as militants could attack. But he was desperate to see his parents who reside at Sontabugh in the interiors of Pulwama district," recalled one of his supervising officers. This morning as he was preparing to leave for home, he came with a changed appearance. He shaved off his beard and decided to use his personal vehicle to go to his native village, the officer said. "Now they (militants) will not be able to recognise me" were possibly his last words to his officer before he left for home with a smiling face as he was seeing his parents after a long time. Mir is survived by his father and mother. A passionate officer, who was considered as an able person in handling operations, was pained to see his colleagues getting killed by militants, especially on the day of Shab-e-Qadar, the holiest night in the fasting month of Ramzan, when two policemen were killed in Pulwama. After the killings, he wrote on his Facebook account on June 12: "So the job is done!!! Another feat achieved!! Once again the auspicious night became the victim!! Once again we will witness people justifying those dastardly acts!! Once again we will witness silence from the other camp!! Once again we will witness grand wreath laying ceremonies!! But who is going to tell the little children that their fathers were the victims. How many lives more do you want!! How can a Muslim kill another one.... How could that killer eat sehri after making a child orphan!! Is there anyone who is going to fill the void !!!! For heaven's sake stop this mindless violence ... I don't blame anyone except India and Pakistan who are making merry in their own countries and killing people mindlessly !! Talk peace !! Talk peace !! talk peace!! Cant bear it now!!!" Son of a retired police officer, Mir, who was from 2010 batch of sub-inspector, had served in Ganderbal district of South Kashmir for five years before being transferred to Kulgam district last year. He was shifted to the CID department in March this year and his superiors recalled his dedication towards his work. Militants have been targeting policemen in the state and killed two special police officer and a constable last month, triggering an unrest in the lower ranks of the force with some SPOs declaring their resignation on social media. In fact, some militants had claimed that Mir had also submitted his resignation. When the body of Mir was being brought to Pulwama district lines by a police team from Wahibugh, it was attacked by stone pelters as security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Chewa and the area where he was shot dead. The police have also launched a probe to ascertain how the information about his journey to home had been leaked to militant groups, who had been waiting to ambush him at Wahibugh. Reacting to the police officer's killing, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "Very unfortunate & highly condemnable. These killings are aimed at destroying the morale of the police force & we must guard against all such attempts. My heartfelt sympathies to the family and colleagues of Mir Imtiyaz." A wreath-laying ceremony for Mir, who was killed "in a cowardly act of terror", was held at the District Police Lines in Pulwama, a spokesman said. Civil and police officers led by Inspector General of Police S P Pani laid floral wreaths and paid rich tributes to the police officer, the spokesman said. His Facebook page was full of condolence messages from his friends and others who remembered him as a soft gentleman. Ranji cricketer from Kashmir Valley Samiullah Beg recalled his meeting with Mir, saying a "few years back, a good looking police officer came up to me amid a large public gathering, during my site visit in my area and asked for autograph. Surprised as I was, I enquired more and he turned out to be an ardent cricket fan from south Kashmir, who had followed my career from ab-initio. He had more knowledge of my cricketing milestones than even closest of my friends". "Years later, today I saw his body on Facebook, being shot dead...Kashmiris are getting killed across the divide and their seems no immediate end to it. Unfortunate! Is the word."

J&K cop killed by militants was desperate to meet parents, shaved beard to change look 

The Rs 100 crore country's first engineless train "Train 18", developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and regarded as a successor to the prestigious Shatabdi Express, was unveiled on Monday by Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani.

Train 18, the first long-distance train sans separate locomotive (engine), was flagged off at the ICF premises by Lohani and would undergo trials in the coming months, ICF officials said.

The fully air-conditioned train, driven by a self-propulsion module, had the potential to become the country's fastest train provided the infrastructure was bettered, Lohani said.

Five more units of the train would be produced by the ICF by the end of 2019-20 production year, which is same as the financial year, he said.

The swanky 16-coach train will cut journey time by 15 per cent compared to the 30-year old Shatabdi.

"It is a matter of pride that India has made such a train for the first time and that too ICF has done it within 18 months," Lohani told reporters.

"Within 2018-19 production year another unit of the train would be manufactured and four more units would be manufactured by end of 2019-20 production year," Lohani said.

According to ICF, the train is capable of running at a speed of up to 160 kmph and comes with technical features for enhanced quick acceleration. The train is designed in such a way that passengers can have a look at the driver's cabin.

Fitted with CCTV cameras, Train 18 would have two executive compartments in the middle with 52 seats each, whereas trailer coaches would have 78 seats each. It has diffused lighting, automatic doors and footsteps beside GPS-based Passenger Information System.

The footstep in a coach's doorway slides outward when the train stops at a station enabling passengers to alight safely with comfort in view of the variation in height between a train's floor and the platform.

Shatabdi was introduced in 1988 and is presently running on over 20 routes connecting metros with other important cities.

ICF General Manager Sudhanshu Mani had earlier said the train cost nearly Rs 100 crore to build the prototype and subsequent production would bring down the cost.

The Rs 100 crore country's first engineless train "Train 18", developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and regarded as a successor to the prestigious Shatabdi Express, was unveiled on Monday by Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani.

The Rs 100 crore country's first engineless train "Train 18", developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and regarded as a successor to the prestigious Shatabdi Express, was unveiled on Monday by Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani. Train 18, the first long-distance train sans separate locomotive (engine), was flagged off at the ICF premises by Lohani and would undergo trials in the coming months, ICF officials said. The fully air-conditioned train, driven by a self-propulsion module, had the potential to become the country's fastest train provided the infrastructure was bettered, Lohani said. Five more units of the train would be produced by the ICF by the end of 2019-20 production year, which is same as the financial year, he said. The swanky 16-coach train will cut journey time by 15 per cent compared to the 30-year old Shatabdi. "It is a matter of pride that India has made such a train for the first time and that too ICF has done it within 18 months," Lohani told reporters. "Within 2018-19 production year another unit of the train would be manufactured and four more units would be manufactured by end of 2019-20 production year," Lohani said. According to ICF, the train is capable of running at a speed of up to 160 kmph and comes with technical features for enhanced quick acceleration. The train is designed in such a way that passengers can have a look at the driver's cabin. Fitted with CCTV cameras, Train 18 would have two executive compartments in the middle with 52 seats each, whereas trailer coaches would have 78 seats each. It has diffused lighting, automatic doors and footsteps beside GPS-based Passenger Information System. The footstep in a coach's doorway slides outward when the train stops at a station enabling passengers to alight safely with comfort in view of the variation in height between a train's floor and the platform. Shatabdi was introduced in 1988 and is presently running on over 20 routes connecting metros with other important cities. ICF General Manager Sudhanshu Mani had earlier said the train cost nearly Rs 100 crore to build the prototype and subsequent production would bring down the cost.

'Train 18', India’s first engineless train worth Rs 100 crore, unveiled

Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on the Ayodhya land dispute case today, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Mohsin Raza, Muslim cleric Maulana Sufiyan and Zafaryab Jilani of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have expressed faith in the top court and said that they will abide by its order.

The court will hear a batch of pleas challenging the Allahabad High Court's 2010 verdict by which the disputed land on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid area in Ayodhya was divided into three parts.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph will hear the appeals filed in the matter.

“Chief Justice constitutes the bench and he also fixes the dates for the hearing. We don’t know what will be the observation of the Chief Justice. Whether the bench will be changed or it will be the same. We cannot say what will be the fate of the case. It is already proceeding in the Supreme Court. The court will handle the case in its own way. The court cannot be influenced by public statements or any person. Proceedings need not be governed by the statements of the leaders,” said Jilani, who is also the convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC).

On September 27, the apex court had declined to refer to a five-judge constitution bench the issue of reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgment that a mosque was not integral to Islam.

Mohsin Raza told ANI, “We expect that the decision will be taken soon. I expect a favourable decision. We will welcome whatever the court will decide, especially for people who have faith in Lord Ram. This is a matter of faith. People have been waiting for it since decades.”

Expressing similar sentiments, Bharatiya Janata Party’s Vinay Katiyar told ANI, “We are very hopeful. Ram Janmabhoomi is ours. We are not fighting over Temple. We are fighting the battle of Ram Janmabhoomi. People who think this is a fight between Temple and Masjid are wrong.”

Meanwhile, Maulana Sufiyan has advised that the Supreme Court should “consider all the facts and evidence” and both the parties due time. &nbsp;

“Muslims have already said that they will only consider the decision of the apex court. The decision will come for sure. There is no need to rush. We have already waited long enough, and whatever the decision may be, should be accepted by all.”

Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on the Ayodhya land dispute case today, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Mohsin Raza, Muslim cleric Maulana Sufiyan and Zafaryab Jilani of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have expressed faith in the top court and said that they will abide by its order.

Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on the Ayodhya land dispute case today, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Mohsin Raza, Muslim cleric Maulana Sufiyan and Zafaryab Jilani of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have expressed faith in the top court and said that they will abide by its order. The court will hear a batch of pleas challenging the Allahabad High Court's 2010 verdict by which the disputed land on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid area in Ayodhya was divided into three parts. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph will hear the appeals filed in the matter. “Chief Justice constitutes the bench and he also fixes the dates for the hearing. We don’t know what will be the observation of the Chief Justice. Whether the bench will be changed or it will be the same. We cannot say what will be the fate of the case. It is already proceeding in the Supreme Court. The court will handle the case in its own way. The court cannot be influenced by public statements or any person. Proceedings need not be governed by the statements of the leaders,” said Jilani, who is also the convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC). On September 27, the apex court had declined to refer to a five-judge constitution bench the issue of reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgment that a mosque was not integral to Islam. Mohsin Raza told ANI, “We expect that the decision will be taken soon. I expect a favourable decision. We will welcome whatever the court will decide, especially for people who have faith in Lord Ram. This is a matter of faith. People have been waiting for it since decades.” Expressing similar sentiments, Bharatiya Janata Party’s Vinay Katiyar told ANI, “We are very hopeful. Ram Janmabhoomi is ours. We are not fighting over Temple. We are fighting the battle of Ram Janmabhoomi. People who think this is a fight between Temple and Masjid are wrong.” Meanwhile, Maulana Sufiyan has advised that the Supreme Court should “consider all the facts and evidence” and both the parties due time. “Muslims have already said that they will only consider the decision of the apex court. The decision will come for sure. There is no need to rush. We have already waited long enough, and whatever the decision may be, should be accepted by all.”

Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute: Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging High Court verdict today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-lion-air-passenger-plane-goes-missing-official-174088">Indonesia: Lion Air plane with 188 on board goes missing</a>

An Indonesian Lion Air passenger plane has gone missing. The plane went missing 13 minutes after it took off from the Indonesian capital Jakarta.&nbsp;

The plane was flying to Pangkal Pinang. There were 188 people on board.&nbsp;

"It’s true that Lion Air JT 610 has lost contact. We have forwarded the information to search and rescue teams," AFP quoted AirNav Indonesia spokesman Yohanes Harry Douglas as saying.

Reuters meanwhile is reporting that the plane has crashed into the sea off the coast of Sumatra.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/far-right-jair-bolsonaro-wins-brazil-presidential-race-174068">Far-right Jair Bolsonaro wins Brazil elections; he has been called the 'Trump of Brazil'</a>

Far-right lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro won Brazil's presidential election on Sunday (October 28), riding a wave of frustration over corruption and crime that brought a dramatic swing to the right in the world's fourth-largest democracy.

With 94 per cent of ballots counted, Bolsonaro had 56 per cent of the votes in the run-off election against left-wing hopeful Fernando Haddad of the Workers Party (PT), who had 44 per cent, according to the electoral authority TSE.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/thai-owner-of-leicester-city-was-killed-in-helicopter-crash-174067">Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha pronounced dead in helicopter crash</a>

Leicester City FC has confirmed that the club's owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was died in the helicopter which crashed outside team's stadium shortly after it took off on Saturday.

"It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we confirm our chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium," the club said in a statement.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-turns-violent-as-one-killed-at-ex-ministers-office-174097">Sri Lanka crisis turns violent as 1 killed at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-turns-violent-as-one-killed-at-ex-ministers-office-174097">ex-minister's</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-turns-violent-as-one-killed-at-ex-ministers-office-174097"> office</a>

A political crisis in Sri Lanka took a deadly turn on Sunday, with one person killed when a sacked cabinet minister tried to re-enter his office, days after the president removed the prime minister and installed a powerful ally of China in his place.

Sri Lanka has been plunged into crisis since Friday, when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister to replace him.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-unlikely-to-honour-indias-invite-for-republic-day-celebrations-174076">Trump unlikely to accept India's Republic Day invite: Sources</a>

US President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept India's invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Sunday.

The US is understood to have conveyed to New Delhi that Trump may not be able to honour the invitation as he will have pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

 
&nbsp;

Indonesia: Lion Air plane with 188 on board goes missing An Indonesian Lion Air passenger plane has gone missing. The plane went missing 13 minutes after it took off from the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

Indonesia: Lion Air plane with 188 on board goes missing An Indonesian Lion Air passenger plane has gone missing. The plane went missing 13 minutes after it took off from the Indonesian capital Jakarta. The plane was flying to Pangkal Pinang. There were 188 people on board. "It’s true that Lion Air JT 610 has lost contact. We have forwarded the information to search and rescue teams," AFP quoted AirNav Indonesia spokesman Yohanes Harry Douglas as saying. Reuters meanwhile is reporting that the plane has crashed into the sea off the coast of Sumatra. Far-right Jair Bolsonaro wins Brazil elections; he has been called the 'Trump of Brazil' Far-right lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro won Brazil's presidential election on Sunday (October 28), riding a wave of frustration over corruption and crime that brought a dramatic swing to the right in the world's fourth-largest democracy. With 94 per cent of ballots counted, Bolsonaro had 56 per cent of the votes in the run-off election against left-wing hopeful Fernando Haddad of the Workers Party (PT), who had 44 per cent, according to the electoral authority TSE. Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha pronounced dead in helicopter crash Leicester City FC has confirmed that the club's owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was died in the helicopter which crashed outside team's stadium shortly after it took off on Saturday. "It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we confirm our chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium," the club said in a statement. Sri Lanka crisis turns violent as 1 killed at ex-minister's office A political crisis in Sri Lanka took a deadly turn on Sunday, with one person killed when a sacked cabinet minister tried to re-enter his office, days after the president removed the prime minister and installed a powerful ally of China in his place. Sri Lanka has been plunged into crisis since Friday, when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister to replace him. Trump unlikely to accept India's Republic Day invite: Sources US President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept India's invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Sunday. The US is understood to have conveyed to New Delhi that Trump may not be able to honour the invitation as he will have pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Five Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured Monday in a suspected militant attack on their vehicle in the Pantha chowk area on the outskirts of Srinagar city, police said.

Gunmen opened fire on the BSF patrol vehicle at the Pantha chowk around 6:15 pm, resulting in injuries to five jawans, a BSF official said.

He said the injured personnel, belonging to the 163rd battalion, have been hospitalised and the one jawan is stated to be in serious condition.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a hunt to track down the assailants, he added.

Five Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured Monday in a suspected militant attack on their vehicle in the Pantha chowk area on the outskirts of Srinagar city, police said.

Five Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured Monday in a suspected militant attack on their vehicle in the Pantha chowk area on the outskirts of Srinagar city, police said. Gunmen opened fire on the BSF patrol vehicle at the Pantha chowk around 6:15 pm, resulting in injuries to five jawans, a BSF official said. He said the injured personnel, belonging to the 163rd battalion, have been hospitalised and the one jawan is stated to be in serious condition. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a hunt to track down the assailants, he added.

5 BSF jawans injured in militant attack in Srinagar

The Indian Army has targeted Pakistani military administrative headquarters across the Line of Control in retaliation to the recent shelling in Poonch and Jhallas, security officials said Monday.

The Army retaliated in the Khuiratta and Samani areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), they said.

The Pakistani army had shelled the brigade headquarters and other Indian military formations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on October 23.

"In response to Pakistani army's firing of stray shells on Poonch and Jhallas on October 23, 2018, the Indian Army has sent a strong signal by firing at Pakistani army administrative headquarters... and the residents of border villages also reported that they could see smoke emanating," the officials said.

Following the shelling in Poonch, the Indian Army has in its "strong signal" to Pakistan, fired on its army administrative headquarters in PoK, they said.

Quoting information received from across the border, the officials claimed that several photographs "stood testimony" to the reports of border villagers that they had seen smoke emanating from the Pakistani headquarters after the Indian military's retaliatory action.

They said the Indian Army has exercised maximum restraint, despite continuous provocation by the Pakistani army.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Pakistan army administrative HQ targeted along LoC near Poonch by Indian Army in retaliation to Pakistan’s mortar shelling of Poonch and Jhallas on October 23 <a href="https://t.co/o0C6UJQqcr">pic.twitter.com/o0C6UJQqcr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056871597615788032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Army has avoided targeting civilian population living in the close proximity of the Line of Control (LoC) in PoK areas such as Hajira, BandiGopalpur, Nikial, Samani and Khuiratta, the officials said.

Following the 2016 surgical strikes, the pressure on the Pakistani army was kept across the LoC through "proactive and precise targeting" by the Indian Army, they said

The officials claimed that against the more than 138 fatal casualties suffered by the Pakistani army in the area in 2017, the numbers reduced to half till May 2018 after the neighbouring nation was forced to request for a ceasefire in the face of mounting deaths and injuries.

They also highlighted the recent killing of two Pakistan Border Action Team personnel in the Sunderbani sector on October 21 and the country's refusal to accept their bodies.

"Deprivation and penury of locals of PoK suit the Pakistan army that while ensconced in the safety of their posts, use these unwitting and brainwashed youths as cannon fodder for actions along the LoC, a cowardly and unprofessional modus operandi for any self-respecting army," the officials said.

"These acts of the Pakistan army are accentuated by their propensity in refusing to acknowledge and accept the dead bodies of their soldiers as also of terrorists, each time the terrorists are neutralised in operations along the LoC or the hinterland," they said.

The Indian Army has targeted Pakistani military administrative headquarters across the Line of Control in retaliation to the recent shelling in Poonch and Jhallas, security officials said Monday.

The Indian Army has targeted Pakistani military administrative headquarters across the Line of Control in retaliation to the recent shelling in Poonch and Jhallas, security officials said Monday. The Army retaliated in the Khuiratta and Samani areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), they said. The Pakistani army had shelled the brigade headquarters and other Indian military formations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on October 23. "In response to Pakistani army's firing of stray shells on Poonch and Jhallas on October 23, 2018, the Indian Army has sent a strong signal by firing at Pakistani army administrative headquarters... and the residents of border villages also reported that they could see smoke emanating," the officials said. Following the shelling in Poonch, the Indian Army has in its "strong signal" to Pakistan, fired on its army administrative headquarters in PoK, they said. Quoting information received from across the border, the officials claimed that several photographs "stood testimony" to the reports of border villagers that they had seen smoke emanating from the Pakistani headquarters after the Indian military's retaliatory action. They said the Indian Army has exercised maximum restraint, despite continuous provocation by the Pakistani army. #WATCH: Pakistan army administrative HQ targeted along LoC near Poonch by Indian Army in retaliation to Pakistan’s mortar shelling of Poonch and Jhallas on October 23 pic.twitter.com/o0C6UJQqcr — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × The Army has avoided targeting civilian population living in the close proximity of the Line of Control (LoC) in PoK areas such as Hajira, BandiGopalpur, Nikial, Samani and Khuiratta, the officials said. Following the 2016 surgical strikes, the pressure on the Pakistani army was kept across the LoC through "proactive and precise targeting" by the Indian Army, they said The officials claimed that against the more than 138 fatal casualties suffered by the Pakistani army in the area in 2017, the numbers reduced to half till May 2018 after the neighbouring nation was forced to request for a ceasefire in the face of mounting deaths and injuries. They also highlighted the recent killing of two Pakistan Border Action Team personnel in the Sunderbani sector on October 21 and the country's refusal to accept their bodies. "Deprivation and penury of locals of PoK suit the Pakistan army that while ensconced in the safety of their posts, use these unwitting and brainwashed youths as cannon fodder for actions along the LoC, a cowardly and unprofessional modus operandi for any self-respecting army," the officials said. "These acts of the Pakistan army are accentuated by their propensity in refusing to acknowledge and accept the dead bodies of their soldiers as also of terrorists, each time the terrorists are neutralised in operations along the LoC or the hinterland," they said.

Watch: Indian Army targets Pakistan Army installation along LoC in retaliation to shelling

The BJP in Kerala Sunday announced a 'Rath Yatra' to save the customs and traditions of Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, intensifying the agitation against the entry of all women into the shrine, a day after its Chief Amit Shah extended the party's support to devotees.

The yatra under the auspices of NDA would begin on November 8 from Kasargod and culminate at Pathanamthitta on November 13, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai told reporters here.

He said, "The party has decided to continue protests against the arrest of Ayyappa devotees who participated in the agitation over Sabarimala issue."

Shah had Saturday extended party's full support to the agitation of Ayyappa devotees across the state while addressing a function in Kannur.

BJP workers would observe a one-day fast in front of the DGP office in Thiruvananthapuram&nbsp;on October 30.

Attacking the CPI-M led LDF government over its decision to implement the Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the hill temple without considering the sentiments of devotees, Pillai said, "it has become a war between believers and atheists."

Meanwhile, a group of prominent personalities including former ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair and former Travancore Devaswom Board President and KPCC member G Raman Nair joined the BJP in the presence of Amit Shah here Saturday night.

They were given party membership card, BJP said in its facebook post.

Former State DGP T P Senkumar held a meeting with Shah, it said.

Besides, Pandalam Royal family members Sasikumar Varma and Narayana Varma met the BJP Chief and held discussions, it added.

The Ayyappa temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women between October 17-22, following the apex court judgement.

The BJP in Kerala Sunday announced a 'Rath Yatra' to save the customs and traditions of Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, intensifying the agitation against the entry of all women into the shrine, a day after its Chief Amit Shah extended the party's support to devotees.

The BJP in Kerala Sunday announced a 'Rath Yatra' to save the customs and traditions of Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, intensifying the agitation against the entry of all women into the shrine, a day after its Chief Amit Shah extended the party's support to devotees. The yatra under the auspices of NDA would begin on November 8 from Kasargod and culminate at Pathanamthitta on November 13, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai told reporters here. He said, "The party has decided to continue protests against the arrest of Ayyappa devotees who participated in the agitation over Sabarimala issue." Shah had Saturday extended party's full support to the agitation of Ayyappa devotees across the state while addressing a function in Kannur. BJP workers would observe a one-day fast in front of the DGP office in Thiruvananthapuram on October 30. Attacking the CPI-M led LDF government over its decision to implement the Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the hill temple without considering the sentiments of devotees, Pillai said, "it has become a war between believers and atheists." Meanwhile, a group of prominent personalities including former ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair and former Travancore Devaswom Board President and KPCC member G Raman Nair joined the BJP in the presence of Amit Shah here Saturday night. They were given party membership card, BJP said in its facebook post. Former State DGP T P Senkumar held a meeting with Shah, it said. Besides, Pandalam Royal family members Sasikumar Varma and Narayana Varma met the BJP Chief and held discussions, it added. The Ayyappa temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women between October 17-22, following the apex court judgement.

BJP to undertake 'Rath Yatra' to save Sabarimala temple

Condemning the remark made by Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Giriraj Singh on Sunday said Tharoor would have been silenced if he had made the remark in Pakistan.

"Had Tharoor been in Pakistan, he would have been made to shut his mouth. He has not only insulted the Prime Minister but crores of Hindus and followers of Lord Shiva in this country. How can Rahul Gandhi claim to be a follower of Lord Shiva when his party man can say such a thing? He should come out and apologise on behalf of Tharoor. The Congress has crossed all limits now," Singh told ANI.

Accusing the Congress of practising politics of "division and hatred," senior BJP leader Anil Vij added, "It (Tharoor's remark) is extremely condemnable. The Congress party is strategically imparting a politics of division and hatred. On one hand, Rahul Gandhi claims to be a devout follower of Lord Shiva, on the other hand, the Congress leaders, in some way or the other, are humiliating the Hindus of this country. It's time we reject this."

Earlier in the day, Tharoor, while speaking at an event in Bengaluru, had said Prime Minister Modi was, in a way, like a "scorpion sitting on a Shivling."

However, the Congress leader later clarified that the comment was made by an unnamed member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) six years ago, and not by him.&nbsp;

Condemning the remark made by Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Giriraj Singh on Sunday said Tharoor would have been silenced if he had made the remark in Pakistan.

Condemning the remark made by Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Giriraj Singh on Sunday said Tharoor would have been silenced if he had made the remark in Pakistan. "Had Tharoor been in Pakistan, he would have been made to shut his mouth. He has not only insulted the Prime Minister but crores of Hindus and followers of Lord Shiva in this country. How can Rahul Gandhi claim to be a follower of Lord Shiva when his party man can say such a thing? He should come out and apologise on behalf of Tharoor. The Congress has crossed all limits now," Singh told ANI. Accusing the Congress of practising politics of "division and hatred," senior BJP leader Anil Vij added, "It (Tharoor's remark) is extremely condemnable. The Congress party is strategically imparting a politics of division and hatred. On one hand, Rahul Gandhi claims to be a devout follower of Lord Shiva, on the other hand, the Congress leaders, in some way or the other, are humiliating the Hindus of this country. It's time we reject this." Earlier in the day, Tharoor, while speaking at an event in Bengaluru, had said Prime Minister Modi was, in a way, like a "scorpion sitting on a Shivling." However, the Congress leader later clarified that the comment was made by an unnamed member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) six years ago, and not by him.

Had this been Pakistan, Tharoor would've been silenced: Giriraj Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian community in Tokyo, Japan on Monday. Modi is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-meet-japanese-counterpart-shinzo-abe-to-discuss-regional-global-issues-173927">in Japan on a two-day visit</a> to attend the India-Japan summit.&nbsp;

In his talk to the Indian community, Modi said "India is going through a massive transformative phase today".&nbsp;

He added that the "world is appreciating India for its efforts towards services towards humanity".&nbsp;

Modi said India is making "tremendous progress" on its digital infrastructure and that 1 GB of data today is cheaper than a small bottle of cold drink.&nbsp;

"Broadband connectivity is reaching villages, over 100 crore mobile phones are active in India, 1 GB is cheaper than a small bottle of cold drink," Modi said, adding that "this data is becoming the tool for service delivery".&nbsp;

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Japan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Hiroshige Seko, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, in Tokyo <a href="https://t.co/IsfszQTIAS">pic.twitter.com/IsfszQTIAS</a>
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&nbsp;

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India is going through a massive transformative phase today. The world is appreciating India for its efforts towards services towards humanity. The policies being made in India, the work being done towards public welfare, for these the nation is being felicitated today: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/DJx1umWYYN">pic.twitter.com/DJx1umWYYN</a>
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Make in India emerged as global brand today.We're manufacturing quality products not only for India but for world.India is becoming a global hub, especially in field of electronics&amp;automobile manufacturing.We're rapidly moving towards being no.1 in mobile phones manufacturing: PM <a href="https://t.co/sGXXC6ocGU">pic.twitter.com/sGXXC6ocGU</a>
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Japanese venture capitalists met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tokyo, Japan today. <a href="https://t.co/rc0fBzOIc3">pic.twitter.com/rc0fBzOIc3</a>
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Modi added that India is making quality products not only for India but also the world. And that India is "rapidly moving towards being no. 1 in mobile phones manufacturing".&nbsp;

"Make in India emerged as global brand today.We're manufacturing quality products not only for India but for world.India is becoming a global hub, especially in field of electronics and automobile manufacturing. We're rapidly moving towards being no. 1 in mobile phones manufacturing."

And he repeated his August 15 promise to send an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-space-mission-to-women-empowerment-excerpts-from-pm-narendra-modis-fifth-independence-day-speech-159254?amp">Indian into space by 2022</a>.&nbsp;

"Last year our scientists created record by launching over 100 satellites into space simultaneously. We sent Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan at very low expense. India is preparing to send Gaganyaan into space by 2022. &nbsp;It'll be Indian in all ways and one travelling in it will also be an Indian."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian community in Tokyo, Japan on Monday. Modi is in Japan on a two-day visit to attend the India-Japan summit. In his talk to the Indian community, Modi said "India is going through a massive transformative phase today".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian community in Tokyo, Japan on Monday. Modi is in Japan on a two-day visit to attend the India-Japan summit. In his talk to the Indian community, Modi said "India is going through a massive transformative phase today". He added that the "world is appreciating India for its efforts towards services towards humanity". Modi said India is making "tremendous progress" on its digital infrastructure and that 1 GB of data today is cheaper than a small bottle of cold drink. "Broadband connectivity is reaching villages, over 100 crore mobile phones are active in India, 1 GB is cheaper than a small bottle of cold drink," Modi said, adding that "this data is becoming the tool for service delivery". Japan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Hiroshige Seko, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, in Tokyo pic.twitter.com/IsfszQTIAS — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × India is going through a massive transformative phase today. The world is appreciating India for its efforts towards services towards humanity. The policies being made in India, the work being done towards public welfare, for these the nation is being felicitated today: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/DJx1umWYYN — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × Make in India emerged as global brand today.We're manufacturing quality products not only for India but for world.India is becoming a global hub, especially in field of electronics&automobile manufacturing.We're rapidly moving towards being no.1 in mobile phones manufacturing: PM pic.twitter.com/sGXXC6ocGU — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × Japanese venture capitalists met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tokyo, Japan today. pic.twitter.com/rc0fBzOIc3 — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × Modi added that India is making quality products not only for India but also the world. And that India is "rapidly moving towards being no. 1 in mobile phones manufacturing". "Make in India emerged as global brand today.We're manufacturing quality products not only for India but for world.India is becoming a global hub, especially in field of electronics and automobile manufacturing. We're rapidly moving towards being no. 1 in mobile phones manufacturing." And he repeated his August 15 promise to send an Indian into space by 2022. "Last year our scientists created record by launching over 100 satellites into space simultaneously. We sent Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan at very low expense. India is preparing to send Gaganyaan into space by 2022. It'll be Indian in all ways and one travelling in it will also be an Indian."

India going through massive transformative phase today: Modi in Japan

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