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Counting of votes for 52 civic bodies&nbsp;across Jammu and Kashmir began on Saturday, polling for which was held in four phases earlier this month.&nbsp;

The counting of votes began at 9 am and will be done at the Government Polytechnic College in Jammu.

Although there are 79 civic bodies in the state, the counting to be done today will only be for 52 local bodies since elections were not held in 27 civic bodies as there was no candidate or only one candidate. &nbsp;

A total of 3,372 nominations were filed for 1,145 wards. The fate of over 3,000 candidates will be decided by the end of the day.

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Counting of votes for 52 civic bodies to be held across Jammu and Kashmir today; Visuals from a counting centre in Doda. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/RjVoBTlWbT">pic.twitter.com/RjVoBTlWbT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053493179209711616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The elections are a direct contest between the BJP and the Congress. A large number of independents are also in the running. The National Conference and the PDP did not participate in the polls.

The urban local bodies polls in Jammu and Kashmir took place after a gap of 13 years, with the last elections being conducted in 2005.

The polling was held amid tight security arrangements in four phases starting October 8 and ending on October 16. While moderate to heavy polling was witnessed in Jammu and Ladakh regions, the Kashmir valley saw an abysmally low voter turnout.

Nearly 17 lakh voters were eligible to vote for 79 urban local bodies of the state but polling was held only for 52. No voting was held in 27 civic bodies in the Valley either because there was no candidate or only one candidate had filed nominations for a particular ward.

Of the 598 wards in Kashmir, 231 candidates were elected unopposed, while there were no candidates on 181 wards.

The overall voting percentage for these polls in the state stood at 35.1 per cent.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Counting of votes for 52 civic bodies across Jammu and Kashmir began on Saturday, polling for which was held in four phases earlier this month. The counting of votes began at 9 am and will be done at the Government Polytechnic College in Jammu.

Counting of votes for 52 civic bodies across Jammu and Kashmir began on Saturday, polling for which was held in four phases earlier this month. The counting of votes began at 9 am and will be done at the Government Polytechnic College in Jammu. Although there are 79 civic bodies in the state, the counting to be done today will only be for 52 local bodies since elections were not held in 27 civic bodies as there was no candidate or only one candidate. A total of 3,372 nominations were filed for 1,145 wards. The fate of over 3,000 candidates will be decided by the end of the day. Counting of votes for 52 civic bodies to be held across Jammu and Kashmir today; Visuals from a counting centre in Doda. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/RjVoBTlWbT — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 × The elections are a direct contest between the BJP and the Congress. A large number of independents are also in the running. The National Conference and the PDP did not participate in the polls. The urban local bodies polls in Jammu and Kashmir took place after a gap of 13 years, with the last elections being conducted in 2005. The polling was held amid tight security arrangements in four phases starting October 8 and ending on October 16. While moderate to heavy polling was witnessed in Jammu and Ladakh regions, the Kashmir valley saw an abysmally low voter turnout. Nearly 17 lakh voters were eligible to vote for 79 urban local bodies of the state but polling was held only for 52. No voting was held in 27 civic bodies in the Valley either because there was no candidate or only one candidate had filed nominations for a particular ward. Of the 598 wards in Kashmir, 231 candidates were elected unopposed, while there were no candidates on 181 wards. The overall voting percentage for these polls in the state stood at 35.1 per cent. (With inputs from PTI)

Counting of votes for 52 civic bodies to be held across Jammu and Kashmir today

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Saturday described the tragic train accident in Amritsar in which close to 60 people lost their lives as a ''sad'' and ''unfortunate'' incident.&nbsp;

There has been negligence but it was never intentional or motivated, the Punjab minister said. &nbsp;

Over 60 people died and at least 70 injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra festival.

''It was a sad and an unfortunate incident. It is necessary to understand that it was an accident. There has been negligence but it was never intentional or motivated,'' Sidhu said.&nbsp;

According to reports, people were burning Dussehra effigy near the railway track in Choura Bazar area in Amritsar when a train ran into the crowd.

The accident occurred within minutes when the train came at a high speed, he said and added that the train did not blow the horn.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered an investigation into the incident. &nbsp;

Sidhu visited the Civil Hospital where several injured in the accident have been admitted.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, eight trains have been cancelled and five trains have been diverted following the incident.&nbsp;

According to railway sources, 10 trains have been short-terminated while five trains short-originated today following the incident.&nbsp;

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Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu visits Civil Hospital in Amritsar where injured have been admitted after the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmritsarTrainAccident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmritsarTrainAccident</a> yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/6uF6FentoT">pic.twitter.com/6uF6FentoT</a>
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&nbsp;

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Saturday described the tragic train accident in Amritsar in which close to 60 people lost their lives as a ''sad'' and ''unfortunate'' incident.

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Saturday described the tragic train accident in Amritsar in which close to 60 people lost their lives as a ''sad'' and ''unfortunate'' incident. There has been negligence but it was never intentional or motivated, the Punjab minister said. Over 60 people died and at least 70 injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra festival. ''It was a sad and an unfortunate incident. It is necessary to understand that it was an accident. There has been negligence but it was never intentional or motivated,'' Sidhu said. According to reports, people were burning Dussehra effigy near the railway track in Choura Bazar area in Amritsar when a train ran into the crowd. The accident occurred within minutes when the train came at a high speed, he said and added that the train did not blow the horn. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered an investigation into the incident. Sidhu visited the Civil Hospital where several injured in the accident have been admitted. Meanwhile, eight trains have been cancelled and five trains have been diverted following the incident. According to railway sources, 10 trains have been short-terminated while five trains short-originated today following the incident. Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu visits Civil Hospital in Amritsar where injured have been admitted after the #AmritsarTrainAccident yesterday. pic.twitter.com/6uF6FentoT — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 ×

'Sad and unfortunate incident': Navjot Singh Sidhu on Amritsar train accident

Hitting out at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday alleged fearing attacks, women in the country were now scared of coming out.

Gandhi also alleged that freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, who is worshipped by the BJP party as an icon of patriotism, wrote a letter to the British government to release him when leaders like Mahatma Gandhi were in prison.

He said there were currently two ideologies in the country.

"One ideology is hatred and the other is spreading love. There is fight between these two. Wherever you see-Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu all over the country people are scared. Today it is being enquired about the religion, place and language of people. Whether it is Rohit Vemula or Dalit or Adivasi or Muslim, they are being threatened, why because there is some weakness in India now."

Turning to women, Gandhi said "Women today in India are scared to come out. They do not know what will happen to them. There is a reason for that. Today Prime Minister for the first time in India tries to divide the country, spreads hatred. Similarly, his supporters also spread hatred," he said.

Rahul Gandhi was addressing a gathering on the occasion of 'Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration day' at Charminar.

He said many leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Rajiv Gandhi tried to keep the country united and everybody in this country has a right to live peacefully as provided by the Indian constitution.

"Why is MIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen) supporting the PM when he is trying to divide the country. One after another state, MIM is supporting the PM.&nbsp;Because they (both BJP and MIM) think on similar lines. We are fighting with both them," the Congress leader said.

Attacking Veer Savarkar, Gandhi said "Prime Minister Narendra Modi kept the portrait of Veer Savarkar in Parliament....When Britishers were ruling this country, when all the Congress leaders were in prison, Veer Savarkar wrote a letter to the British. He was not veer (gallant)."

The Congress president alleged that Savarkar wrote that he would do anything for them (British).

"I apologise you. I will not indulge in any political activities. Release me from the prison. With folded hands, I will touch your (British) feet. Please release me from the prison. On the other hand, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Ambedkar and Sardar Patel were fighting for the freedom of the country," Rahul Gandhi said.

Hitting out at the Prime Minister, the Congress leader said "Modi insults the nation by saying India was sleeping and there was no development before he came to power."

Unfazed by the Congress president's attack, MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dared Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief Amit Shah to contest from Hyderabad against him.

Hitting out at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday alleged fearing attacks, women in the country were now scared of coming out.

Hitting out at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday alleged fearing attacks, women in the country were now scared of coming out. Gandhi also alleged that freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, who is worshipped by the BJP party as an icon of patriotism, wrote a letter to the British government to release him when leaders like Mahatma Gandhi were in prison. He said there were currently two ideologies in the country. "One ideology is hatred and the other is spreading love. There is fight between these two. Wherever you see-Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu all over the country people are scared. Today it is being enquired about the religion, place and language of people. Whether it is Rohit Vemula or Dalit or Adivasi or Muslim, they are being threatened, why because there is some weakness in India now." Turning to women, Gandhi said "Women today in India are scared to come out. They do not know what will happen to them. There is a reason for that. Today Prime Minister for the first time in India tries to divide the country, spreads hatred. Similarly, his supporters also spread hatred," he said. Rahul Gandhi was addressing a gathering on the occasion of 'Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration day' at Charminar. He said many leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Rajiv Gandhi tried to keep the country united and everybody in this country has a right to live peacefully as provided by the Indian constitution. "Why is MIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen) supporting the PM when he is trying to divide the country. One after another state, MIM is supporting the PM. Because they (both BJP and MIM) think on similar lines. We are fighting with both them," the Congress leader said. Attacking Veer Savarkar, Gandhi said "Prime Minister Narendra Modi kept the portrait of Veer Savarkar in Parliament....When Britishers were ruling this country, when all the Congress leaders were in prison, Veer Savarkar wrote a letter to the British. He was not veer (gallant)." The Congress president alleged that Savarkar wrote that he would do anything for them (British). "I apologise you. I will not indulge in any political activities. Release me from the prison. With folded hands, I will touch your (British) feet. Please release me from the prison. On the other hand, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Ambedkar and Sardar Patel were fighting for the freedom of the country," Rahul Gandhi said. Hitting out at the Prime Minister, the Congress leader said "Modi insults the nation by saying India was sleeping and there was no development before he came to power." Unfazed by the Congress president's attack, MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dared Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief Amit Shah to contest from Hyderabad against him.

Women are afraid to come out in this country: Rahul Gandhi

People living along the banks of Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh have been moved to safer places after China informed India about possible flash floods in the area due to formation of an artificial lake in Tibet, officials said Saturday.&nbsp;

The first rush of water reached Pasihgat, the headquarters of East Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh, at around 7.30 am Saturday, said Water Resources department, superintending engineer (Hqs), Getom Borang.&nbsp;

The water flow was under control and below the danger level at 11 am, he told PTI over phone.

Deputy Commissioner of East Siang district, Duly Kamduk and officials of the Water Resources department are constantly keeping a watch on the flow of the Siang river, while the National Disaster Response Force (NERF) team has arrived, officials said.

In East Siang district, many people living near the banks of the Siang river have been evacuated to safer locations as a precautionary measure, they said.

There was a rise in the water level, but it was not reported as serious. At Tuting, the water level was between 12 metre to 13 metre. The situation is normal now, a senior Water Resources Ministry official said.

Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Alo Libang, who is also the MLA of Yingkiong constituency in East Siang district, said the water level of the Siang river had risen at around 11 pm Friday night, but started receding after some time.

The minister said the officials were constantly monitoring the water level of the river.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Counselor Ji Rong had said his country has activated the 'Emergency Information Sharing Mechanism' with India following the landslide on Wednesday morning near Jiala village in Milin County in the lower ranges of Yaluzangbu river in Tibet.

The reason cited behind the landslide was "natural causes".

Yaluzangbu river is called Siang when it enters Arunachal Pradesh and the Brahmaputra in Assam.

Ji had said the Hydrological Bureau of Tibet Autonomous Region has begun to share with the Indian side hydrological information every hour, such as the water level and flow rate at the Nuxia hydrological station and the temporary hydrological station downstream of the barrier lake.&nbsp;

People living along the banks of Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh have been moved to safer places after China informed India about possible flash floods in the area due to formation of an artificial lake in Tibet, officials said Saturday.

People living along the banks of Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh have been moved to safer places after China informed India about possible flash floods in the area due to formation of an artificial lake in Tibet, officials said Saturday. The first rush of water reached Pasihgat, the headquarters of East Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh, at around 7.30 am Saturday, said Water Resources department, superintending engineer (Hqs), Getom Borang. The water flow was under control and below the danger level at 11 am, he told PTI over phone. Deputy Commissioner of East Siang district, Duly Kamduk and officials of the Water Resources department are constantly keeping a watch on the flow of the Siang river, while the National Disaster Response Force (NERF) team has arrived, officials said. In East Siang district, many people living near the banks of the Siang river have been evacuated to safer locations as a precautionary measure, they said. There was a rise in the water level, but it was not reported as serious. At Tuting, the water level was between 12 metre to 13 metre. The situation is normal now, a senior Water Resources Ministry official said. Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Alo Libang, who is also the MLA of Yingkiong constituency in East Siang district, said the water level of the Siang river had risen at around 11 pm Friday night, but started receding after some time. The minister said the officials were constantly monitoring the water level of the river. Chinese Embassy spokesperson Counselor Ji Rong had said his country has activated the 'Emergency Information Sharing Mechanism' with India following the landslide on Wednesday morning near Jiala village in Milin County in the lower ranges of Yaluzangbu river in Tibet. The reason cited behind the landslide was "natural causes". Yaluzangbu river is called Siang when it enters Arunachal Pradesh and the Brahmaputra in Assam. Ji had said the Hydrological Bureau of Tibet Autonomous Region has begun to share with the Indian side hydrological information every hour, such as the water level and flow rate at the Nuxia hydrological station and the temporary hydrological station downstream of the barrier lake.

People living near Arunachal's Siang river move to safer place after flood alert

Delhi's air quality improved Friday after rainfall lashed parts of the national capital, but authorities warned that pollution could increase to "dangerous levels" in the next couple of days.

The Supreme Court appointed Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) on Friday held a meeting with Punjab, Haryana and Delhi government officials to discuss the pollution situation in the national capital.

An EPCA member said the meeting took stock of the situation and it was decided that special attention would be given to vulnerable hotspots in the city where poor or very poor air quality is observed.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 276, which falls in the poor category, according to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

However, data from the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research showed an AQI of 304, which falls in the very poor category.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

On Wednesday and Thursday, the air quality had deteriorated to the very poor category, alarming authorities who were planning to roll out more stringent measures to combat pollution.

A senior official said rainfall in parts of Delhi on Thursday improved the air quality, cleansing the air of pollutants.

But he warned that the air quality would worsen in the next couple of days, especially the PM2.5 level which is expected to deteriorate to dangerous levels.

Delhi's air quality improved Friday after rainfall lashed parts of the national capital, but authorities warned that pollution could increase to "dangerous levels" in the next couple of days.

Delhi's air quality improved Friday after rainfall lashed parts of the national capital, but authorities warned that pollution could increase to "dangerous levels" in the next couple of days. The Supreme Court appointed Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) on Friday held a meeting with Punjab, Haryana and Delhi government officials to discuss the pollution situation in the national capital. An EPCA member said the meeting took stock of the situation and it was decided that special attention would be given to vulnerable hotspots in the city where poor or very poor air quality is observed. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 276, which falls in the poor category, according to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board. However, data from the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research showed an AQI of 304, which falls in the very poor category. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". On Wednesday and Thursday, the air quality had deteriorated to the very poor category, alarming authorities who were planning to roll out more stringent measures to combat pollution. A senior official said rainfall in parts of Delhi on Thursday improved the air quality, cleansing the air of pollutants. But he warned that the air quality would worsen in the next couple of days, especially the PM2.5 level which is expected to deteriorate to dangerous levels.

Delhi's air quality improves but authorities warn pollution may increase

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-admits-khashoggi-died-in-consulate-donald-trump-says-saudi-explanation-credible-172411">Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi died in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-admits-khashoggi-died-in-consulate-donald-trump-says-saudi-explanation-credible-172411">consulate</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-admits-khashoggi-died-in-consulate-donald-trump-says-saudi-explanation-credible-172411">, Donald Trump says Saudi explanation credible</a>

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that U.S. President Donald Trump said was credible.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-fourths-of-h1b-visa-holders-in-2018-are-indians-us-report-172413">Three-fourths of H-1B visa holders in 2018 are Indians: US report</a>

Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. 
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-60-dead-in-amritsar-train-accident-centre-to-give-rs-2-lakh-to-kin-of-deceased-rs-50000-to-injured-172416">Over 60 dead, at least 72 injured in Amritsar train accident, Punjab declares mourning on Saturday</a>

Over 60 people have been dead and at least 70 were left injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-is-south-indias-ayodhya-vhp-172417">Sabarimala is South India's Ayodhya: VHP</a>

Responding to the comparison drawn by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury between the violence in Sabarimala and the uproar witnessed during the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Sabarimala Temple was southern India`s Ayodhya.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420">Afghanistan braces for militant attacks as polling </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420">centres</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420"> open</a>

Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voting gets under way in the long-delayed legislative election that the Taliban has vowed to attack.

Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi died in consulate, Donald Trump says Saudi explanation credible Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that U.

Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi died in consulate, Donald Trump says Saudi explanation credible Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that U.S. President Donald Trump said was credible. Three-fourths of H-1B visa holders in 2018 are Indians: US report Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5. Over 60 dead, at least 72 injured in Amritsar train accident, Punjab declares mourning on Saturday Over 60 people have been dead and at least 70 were left injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra. Sabarimala is South India's Ayodhya: VHP Responding to the comparison drawn by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury between the violence in Sabarimala and the uproar witnessed during the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Sabarimala Temple was southern India`s Ayodhya. Afghanistan braces for militant attacks as polling centres open Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voting gets under way in the long-delayed legislative election that the Taliban has vowed to attack.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The BJP Saturday failed to open its account in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region in the urban local body elections held earlier this month.

Out of the total 26 wards in this region, the Congress bagged all the 13 seats in Leh municipal committee. It also won five wards in neighbouring Kargil district, election officials said.

Six seats in the region have gone to independent candidates, while the result of only two seats is awaited, they said.&nbsp;

The Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency is represented by BJP's Thupstan Chhewang, but the Congress had won three of the four assembly segments in the parliamentary constituency in the state polls held in 2014. The other assembly segment is represented by an independent MLA.

In the 208 wards that went to polls in Kashmir division in the four-phased elections earlier this month, the Congress has won 70 wards so far followed by 53 wards by independents. The BJP has managed to win only 21 seats, while the Janata Dal (United) bagged one seat, the officials added. 
&nbsp;

The BJP Saturday failed to open its account in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region in the urban local body elections held earlier this month. Out of the total 26 wards in this region, the Congress bagged all the 13 seats in Leh municipal committee.

The BJP Saturday failed to open its account in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region in the urban local body elections held earlier this month. Out of the total 26 wards in this region, the Congress bagged all the 13 seats in Leh municipal committee. It also won five wards in neighbouring Kargil district, election officials said. Six seats in the region have gone to independent candidates, while the result of only two seats is awaited, they said. The Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency is represented by BJP's Thupstan Chhewang, but the Congress had won three of the four assembly segments in the parliamentary constituency in the state polls held in 2014. The other assembly segment is represented by an independent MLA. In the 208 wards that went to polls in Kashmir division in the four-phased elections earlier this month, the Congress has won 70 wards so far followed by 53 wards by independents. The BJP has managed to win only 21 seats, while the Janata Dal (United) bagged one seat, the officials added.

J&K polls: BJP fails to open account in Ladakh region

The Government Railway Police (GRP) on Saturday registered a case against unknown persons in connection with the Amritsar tragedy in which a train mowed down at least 59 Dussehra revellers.

A case has been registered under sections 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 304A (causing death by negligence) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC, a GRP official said.

SHO of GRP railway station Amritsar Balvir Singh said the FIR has been registered against the unknown persons and names of the accused would be added in the FIR after investigation.

"It is too early to say anything about the accused (or) who was responsible for the mass killing on railway track. But during the course of investigation, many facts and causes are expected to come to light. Investigation will be conducted to find out the causes and lapses that led to the killing of so many people," he said.

Singh said the GRP was informed by Punjab police personnel about the incident and they immediately rushed to the spot.

"We found bodies of many people including women and children. We extended all possible help to shift the injured people to different hospitals and assisted the administration in the rescue operation," he said.

Asked about the driver of the train, Singh said he has not been arrested as he has not been named in the FIR.

On Friday, the train mowed down the revellers who had spilled onto railway tracks while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy at 'Dhobi ghat' ground here near Joda Phatak.

At the time of the incident, at least 300 people were watching the 'Ravana dahan'.&nbsp;

The Government Railway Police (GRP) on Saturday registered a case against unknown persons in connection with the Amritsar tragedy in which a train mowed down at least 59 Dussehra revellers.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) on Saturday registered a case against unknown persons in connection with the Amritsar tragedy in which a train mowed down at least 59 Dussehra revellers. A case has been registered under sections 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 304A (causing death by negligence) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC, a GRP official said. SHO of GRP railway station Amritsar Balvir Singh said the FIR has been registered against the unknown persons and names of the accused would be added in the FIR after investigation. "It is too early to say anything about the accused (or) who was responsible for the mass killing on railway track. But during the course of investigation, many facts and causes are expected to come to light. Investigation will be conducted to find out the causes and lapses that led to the killing of so many people," he said. Singh said the GRP was informed by Punjab police personnel about the incident and they immediately rushed to the spot. "We found bodies of many people including women and children. We extended all possible help to shift the injured people to different hospitals and assisted the administration in the rescue operation," he said. Asked about the driver of the train, Singh said he has not been arrested as he has not been named in the FIR. On Friday, the train mowed down the revellers who had spilled onto railway tracks while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy at 'Dhobi ghat' ground here near Joda Phatak. At the time of the incident, at least 300 people were watching the 'Ravana dahan'.

Government Railway Police registers FIR in Amritsar train accident

As the counting of votes concluded in the Jammu and Kashmir civic polls on Saturday, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as a clear winner in the municipal polls by winning 43 seats, raising its previous strength of 25 in the 75-member body.

The Congress suffered a big loss in the election, winning only 14 seats against its 26 in the 2005 civic polls, election officials said. Then it was ruling Jammu and Kashmir in coalition with the PDP.

In rest of the 446 wards spread across Jammu region covering a total of 36 municipal committees and councils, the BJP had an edge over its rivals in 15 bodies followed by Independents in 12 and the Congress in five, they said.

The BJP won a total of 169 seats in these bodies followed by independents at 167 and the Congress at 96, the officials said.

They attributed the emergence of independents as a strong force in view of the absence of the NC and the PDP, the key regional parties.

The election in a ward in Ramban was countermanded due to the death of a BJP candidate who suffered a heart attack on the day of polling in the second phase on October 10.

The election in the 521 municipal wards in the 10 districts of Jammu was held in the first three phases of the elections in the state, which concluded on October 16, recording a high voter turnout of 68.4 per cent among the over 6.44 lakh electorate.

Thirteen candidates were elected to different municipal wards unopposed, leaving a total of 2,137 candidates in the fray.

The JMC along with seven municipal committees of Jammu went to polls in the first phase on October 8, registering a turnout of 63.8 per cent.

The counting of votes in the winter capital started at a government polytechnic institute at 9 am. As the results started pouring in, BJP leaders and activists came out to celebrate party's victory.

"This is the victory of the people and they have reposed their faith in us. We will continue to serve the people to the best of our ability," BJP state chief Ravinder Raina said while leading the celebrations at party headquarters here.

He said it was the victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and efforts to take the country to new heights and the hard work and dedication of party leaders and workers.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) failed to open its account in the majority of the wards, including the JMC.

Party chairman and former minister Harsh Dev Singh alleged rigging and claimed, "It is not the BJP but electronic voting machine (EVM) which won the election for the party."

"EVMs should be replaced with ballot boxes to enure free and fair polls," he said.

Deepak Gupta, the brother of senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta, was among the prominent candidates who lost the elections.

However, Rajinder Singh alias Bubby, the brother of senior BJP leader Choudhary Lal Singh, and his wife Vandina Andotra won as independents from Kathua municipal council.

Bubby was in the centre of a controversy in May when a video of him went viral on social media in which he was purportedly abusing former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti during a 'Dogra Swabhiman rally.

The rally was led by the former minister in support of a demand for a CBI probe into the Kathua rape and murder case.

An FIR was registered against Bubby who was later arrested from Rajasthan's Udaipur in June after evading arrest for nearly a month.

In the seven municipal committees of Jammu, the BJP won Akhnoor with 11 seats, while two seats went to Congress. In Bishnah, the BJP won six seats against seven by Independents.

In Arnia, the BJP won seven seats, independents five and Congress one, in R S Pura BJP won nine, Independents three and Congress one, in Ghmanhansan won BJP two, Congress-two, in Khour won BJP nine and Congress four and in Jourian BJP won two, Congress four and independent one, the officials said.

The Congress and the BJP are the two national political parties battling for municipal authority in the state as the two major regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Alliance (PDP), have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre`s stance on Articles 35A.

The Urban Local Body elections were held after a gap of 13 years.

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As the counting of votes concluded in the Jammu and Kashmir civic polls on Saturday, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as a clear winner in the municipal polls by winning 43 seats, raising its previous strength of 25 in the 75-member body.

As the counting of votes concluded in the Jammu and Kashmir civic polls on Saturday, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as a clear winner in the municipal polls by winning 43 seats, raising its previous strength of 25 in the 75-member body. The Congress suffered a big loss in the election, winning only 14 seats against its 26 in the 2005 civic polls, election officials said. Then it was ruling Jammu and Kashmir in coalition with the PDP. In rest of the 446 wards spread across Jammu region covering a total of 36 municipal committees and councils, the BJP had an edge over its rivals in 15 bodies followed by Independents in 12 and the Congress in five, they said. The BJP won a total of 169 seats in these bodies followed by independents at 167 and the Congress at 96, the officials said. They attributed the emergence of independents as a strong force in view of the absence of the NC and the PDP, the key regional parties. The election in a ward in Ramban was countermanded due to the death of a BJP candidate who suffered a heart attack on the day of polling in the second phase on October 10. The election in the 521 municipal wards in the 10 districts of Jammu was held in the first three phases of the elections in the state, which concluded on October 16, recording a high voter turnout of 68.4 per cent among the over 6.44 lakh electorate. Thirteen candidates were elected to different municipal wards unopposed, leaving a total of 2,137 candidates in the fray. The JMC along with seven municipal committees of Jammu went to polls in the first phase on October 8, registering a turnout of 63.8 per cent. The counting of votes in the winter capital started at a government polytechnic institute at 9 am. As the results started pouring in, BJP leaders and activists came out to celebrate party's victory. "This is the victory of the people and they have reposed their faith in us. We will continue to serve the people to the best of our ability," BJP state chief Ravinder Raina said while leading the celebrations at party headquarters here. He said it was the victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and efforts to take the country to new heights and the hard work and dedication of party leaders and workers. The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) failed to open its account in the majority of the wards, including the JMC. Party chairman and former minister Harsh Dev Singh alleged rigging and claimed, "It is not the BJP but electronic voting machine (EVM) which won the election for the party." "EVMs should be replaced with ballot boxes to enure free and fair polls," he said. Deepak Gupta, the brother of senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta, was among the prominent candidates who lost the elections. However, Rajinder Singh alias Bubby, the brother of senior BJP leader Choudhary Lal Singh, and his wife Vandina Andotra won as independents from Kathua municipal council. Bubby was in the centre of a controversy in May when a video of him went viral on social media in which he was purportedly abusing former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti during a 'Dogra Swabhiman rally. The rally was led by the former minister in support of a demand for a CBI probe into the Kathua rape and murder case. An FIR was registered against Bubby who was later arrested from Rajasthan's Udaipur in June after evading arrest for nearly a month. In the seven municipal committees of Jammu, the BJP won Akhnoor with 11 seats, while two seats went to Congress. In Bishnah, the BJP won six seats against seven by Independents. In Arnia, the BJP won seven seats, independents five and Congress one, in R S Pura BJP won nine, Independents three and Congress one, in Ghmanhansan won BJP two, Congress-two, in Khour won BJP nine and Congress four and in Jourian BJP won two, Congress four and independent one, the officials said. The Congress and the BJP are the two national political parties battling for municipal authority in the state as the two major regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Alliance (PDP), have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre`s stance on Articles 35A. The Urban Local Body elections were held after a gap of 13 years.

BJP sweeps Jammu Municipal Corporation elections, wins 43 seats in 75-member body

Responding to the comparison drawn by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury between the violence in Sabarimala and the uproar witnessed during the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Sabarimala Temple was southern India`s Ayodhya.

Bansal thanked the devotees who have been aggressively protesting against the Supreme Court`s verdict that quashed restrictions imposed on the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple.

"Good that Sitharam Yechury has himself compared Sabarimala with Ayodhya because yes Sabarimala is South`s Ayodhya.&nbsp; The way sanctity, religious belief and the serenity of Sabarimala have been attacked shows the reality of the CPI (M). The CPI (M) remains blind and ignorant on Kerala nun suffering, the way non-Hindus are appointed in Travancore Devaswom Board. I appreciate and thank the people who are protesting and saving the sanctity of the temple," the VHP spokesperson said.

On October 19, Yechury had termed the violence witnessed in Sabarimala as "the worst form of vote bank politics being played in the country at the expense of destroying social harmony."

"All the TV crews who went there which had women were roughed up; the pattern is very similar to the time of the Babri Masjid demolition. You have the heads of the volunteers wearing saffron bands, the same dress you found there then," he added.

Alleging that the RSS is involved in the temple violence, the CPM general secretary underscored: "Similar thing is being done here (Sabarimala Temple). The RSS is doing this."

Three days after the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala opened its doors for the first time for women of all age groups as per the Supreme Court verdict pronounced on September 28, no woman of menstrual age has yet been able to visit the shrine because of continuous protests.

A number of devotees blocked the entry of women trekking up to the hill shrine.

The doors of the temple opened on Wednesday at 5 pm and will close on October 22.While reacting on delaying of construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Bansal asserted, "The Ram Temple construction should start as soon as possible. I have full faith that the Supreme Court`s verdict on October 29 will be on Ram Temple`s favour."

The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528, was, on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram Temple that originally stood there.

Responding to the comparison drawn by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury between the violence in Sabarimala and the uproar witnessed during the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Sabarimala Temple was southern India`s Ayodhya.

Responding to the comparison drawn by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury between the violence in Sabarimala and the uproar witnessed during the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Sabarimala Temple was southern India`s Ayodhya. Bansal thanked the devotees who have been aggressively protesting against the Supreme Court`s verdict that quashed restrictions imposed on the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple. "Good that Sitharam Yechury has himself compared Sabarimala with Ayodhya because yes Sabarimala is South`s Ayodhya. The way sanctity, religious belief and the serenity of Sabarimala have been attacked shows the reality of the CPI (M). The CPI (M) remains blind and ignorant on Kerala nun suffering, the way non-Hindus are appointed in Travancore Devaswom Board. I appreciate and thank the people who are protesting and saving the sanctity of the temple," the VHP spokesperson said. On October 19, Yechury had termed the violence witnessed in Sabarimala as "the worst form of vote bank politics being played in the country at the expense of destroying social harmony." "All the TV crews who went there which had women were roughed up; the pattern is very similar to the time of the Babri Masjid demolition. You have the heads of the volunteers wearing saffron bands, the same dress you found there then," he added. Alleging that the RSS is involved in the temple violence, the CPM general secretary underscored: "Similar thing is being done here (Sabarimala Temple). The RSS is doing this." Three days after the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala opened its doors for the first time for women of all age groups as per the Supreme Court verdict pronounced on September 28, no woman of menstrual age has yet been able to visit the shrine because of continuous protests. A number of devotees blocked the entry of women trekking up to the hill shrine. The doors of the temple opened on Wednesday at 5 pm and will close on October 22.While reacting on delaying of construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Bansal asserted, "The Ram Temple construction should start as soon as possible. I have full faith that the Supreme Court`s verdict on October 29 will be on Ram Temple`s favour." The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528, was, on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram Temple that originally stood there.

Sabarimala is South India's Ayodhya: VHP

Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. 
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5.

Of these, 309,986 are Indians, the USCIS said in its report 'H-1B petitions by gender and country of birth fiscal year 2018'.

The report reveals a massive gender disparity ? only one out of every four H-1B visa holders is female. Of the 419,637 H-1B visa holders, 106,096 (or 25.3 per cent) are females as against 311,997 (or 74.3 per cent males), it said.

Gender disparity is wider among Indians.

Of the 309,986 Indians on H-1B visas in the US this October, only 63,220 or 20.4 per cent are females while nearly 245,517 Indians on H-1B visas or 80 per cent (79.2 per cent to be precise) are males.

As many as 1,249 Indians on H-1B visas have been characterised in the category of missing/others.

Indians, who account for 73.9 per cent of the total H-1B visa holders in the US, are followed by a distant Chinese with 47,172 on H-1B visas, accounting for 11.2 per cent of the total foreign nationals on this work visas.

But there is not much gender disparity among the Chinese on H-1B visas. According to the report, 21,342 or 45.2 per cent are females and 25,718 or 54.5 per cent are males.

After India and China, Canada and South Korea are the only two countries which account for a little over one per cent (1.1 per cent to be precise) each on H-1B visas.

After that all other countries constitute less than one per cent of the H-1B visas as of October 5.

The Philippines is the only country in top 10 H-1B visa holders wherein there are more females (1712 or 52.7 per cent) on H-1B visas than males (1519 or 46.7 per cent) on H-1B visas. As of October 5, as many as 3,250 professionals from the Philippines were on H-1B visas.

The H-1B gender report was released days after the Trump administration came out with its unified fall agenda, in which it said that it plans to make changes in the definition of specialty occupation for the definition of H-1B visas and re-redefining the relationship between employees and employers.

The proposed regulations, it said, is aimed at attracting the best and the brightest from across the world, prevent the abuse of H-1B visas which is consistent with the hire American agenda of the Trump administration.

The USCIS is also proposing to introduce a pre-registration system for foreign students in the US. Technically it is possible that if 85,000 such students succeed in getting H-1B visas, no overseas applicants could apply.&nbsp;

Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5.

Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens, an official US report has said. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the US on H-1B visas as on October 5. Of these, 309,986 are Indians, the USCIS said in its report 'H-1B petitions by gender and country of birth fiscal year 2018'. The report reveals a massive gender disparity ? only one out of every four H-1B visa holders is female. Of the 419,637 H-1B visa holders, 106,096 (or 25.3 per cent) are females as against 311,997 (or 74.3 per cent males), it said. Gender disparity is wider among Indians. Of the 309,986 Indians on H-1B visas in the US this October, only 63,220 or 20.4 per cent are females while nearly 245,517 Indians on H-1B visas or 80 per cent (79.2 per cent to be precise) are males. As many as 1,249 Indians on H-1B visas have been characterised in the category of missing/others. Indians, who account for 73.9 per cent of the total H-1B visa holders in the US, are followed by a distant Chinese with 47,172 on H-1B visas, accounting for 11.2 per cent of the total foreign nationals on this work visas. But there is not much gender disparity among the Chinese on H-1B visas. According to the report, 21,342 or 45.2 per cent are females and 25,718 or 54.5 per cent are males. After India and China, Canada and South Korea are the only two countries which account for a little over one per cent (1.1 per cent to be precise) each on H-1B visas. After that all other countries constitute less than one per cent of the H-1B visas as of October 5. The Philippines is the only country in top 10 H-1B visa holders wherein there are more females (1712 or 52.7 per cent) on H-1B visas than males (1519 or 46.7 per cent) on H-1B visas. As of October 5, as many as 3,250 professionals from the Philippines were on H-1B visas. The H-1B gender report was released days after the Trump administration came out with its unified fall agenda, in which it said that it plans to make changes in the definition of specialty occupation for the definition of H-1B visas and re-redefining the relationship between employees and employers. The proposed regulations, it said, is aimed at attracting the best and the brightest from across the world, prevent the abuse of H-1B visas which is consistent with the hire American agenda of the Trump administration. The USCIS is also proposing to introduce a pre-registration system for foreign students in the US. Technically it is possible that if 85,000 such students succeed in getting H-1B visas, no overseas applicants could apply.

Three-fourths of H-1B visa holders in 2018 are Indians: US report

A woman worker of a software firm in Pakistan was told to either stop wearing hijab at workplace or resign, in perhaps the first incident of its kind in the Muslim-majority country.

The incident caused an uproar on social media, leading to the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Jawwad Kadir of the Creative Choas company.

She was told that she could keep her job only if she took off her hijab by her line manager who said that wearing hijab would spoil the company's image as an "all-embracing" workplace.

The woman said that she was offered alternative jobs in two Islamic banks if she left.

Kadir initially tried to downplay the incident by issuing an apology.

"Yesterday, a senior member of our staff asked a colleague to resign on unprofessional and unethical grounds. She was told that her obligations may come in the way of her performance," Kadir said.

"Not only is this action disgraceful but shows extremely poor moral judgement by her hiring manager. I take full responsibility for this failure and am deeply ashamed that a colleague was put through distress and trauma," he said.

Kadir said the victim has been asked to withdraw her resignation and resume her job.

A Facebook post detailing the trauma faced by the hijab-wearing woman caused a hue and cry with majority of people terming it as discrimination against the woman.

The software firm in a Facebook post later said Kadir had been asked to step down "for workplace discrimination".

In an email sent to the board members and associates, titled "My apology is not enough", Kadir said he was resigning as the CEO of the software house.

"I have crossed a line which I deeply regret," he wrote in the email, a copy of which was available on social media.&nbsp;

A woman worker of a software firm in Pakistan was told to either stop wearing hijab at workplace or resign, in perhaps the first incident of its kind in the Muslim-majority country.

A woman worker of a software firm in Pakistan was told to either stop wearing hijab at workplace or resign, in perhaps the first incident of its kind in the Muslim-majority country. The incident caused an uproar on social media, leading to the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Jawwad Kadir of the Creative Choas company. She was told that she could keep her job only if she took off her hijab by her line manager who said that wearing hijab would spoil the company's image as an "all-embracing" workplace. The woman said that she was offered alternative jobs in two Islamic banks if she left. Kadir initially tried to downplay the incident by issuing an apology. "Yesterday, a senior member of our staff asked a colleague to resign on unprofessional and unethical grounds. She was told that her obligations may come in the way of her performance," Kadir said. "Not only is this action disgraceful but shows extremely poor moral judgement by her hiring manager. I take full responsibility for this failure and am deeply ashamed that a colleague was put through distress and trauma," he said. Kadir said the victim has been asked to withdraw her resignation and resume her job. A Facebook post detailing the trauma faced by the hijab-wearing woman caused a hue and cry with majority of people terming it as discrimination against the woman. The software firm in a Facebook post later said Kadir had been asked to step down "for workplace discrimination". In an email sent to the board members and associates, titled "My apology is not enough", Kadir said he was resigning as the CEO of the software house. "I have crossed a line which I deeply regret," he wrote in the email, a copy of which was available on social media.

Woman asked to shun hijab at workplace or resign in Pakistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday and discussed a range of issues related to bilateral ties, including the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation.

The two leaders held talks at the Hyderabad House here on the third day and final day of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's India visit.

"Special place in our hearts for Sri Lanka. PM Narendra Modi welcomes the Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. At the delegation level talks, the leaders took stock of the entire range of our bilateral relations, specially the development projects in Sri Lanka," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders at the Hyderabad House.

During the visit, the two sides reviewed the status of the India-assisted housing projects in Jaffna. They were also expected to deliberate on the Tamil issue -- the reconciliation process and devolution of powers in Tamil-dominated areas.

Wickremesinghe's India visit comes in the backdrop of controversial media reports that Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has accused Indian intelligence agency RAW of plotting his assassination, a claim firmly rejected as "false" by Colombo.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also separately called on the visiting Lankan leader.

Wickremesinghe and Singh discussed issues related to security and anti-terror cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

In her meeting with the Lankan premier, Swaraj also reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation.

Wickremesinghe arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to boost ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security.

On Friday, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi met Wickremesinghe and discussed cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday and discussed a range of issues related to bilateral ties, including the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday and discussed a range of issues related to bilateral ties, including the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation. The two leaders held talks at the Hyderabad House here on the third day and final day of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's India visit. "Special place in our hearts for Sri Lanka. PM Narendra Modi welcomes the Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. At the delegation level talks, the leaders took stock of the entire range of our bilateral relations, specially the development projects in Sri Lanka," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders at the Hyderabad House. During the visit, the two sides reviewed the status of the India-assisted housing projects in Jaffna. They were also expected to deliberate on the Tamil issue -- the reconciliation process and devolution of powers in Tamil-dominated areas. Wickremesinghe's India visit comes in the backdrop of controversial media reports that Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has accused Indian intelligence agency RAW of plotting his assassination, a claim firmly rejected as "false" by Colombo. Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also separately called on the visiting Lankan leader. Wickremesinghe and Singh discussed issues related to security and anti-terror cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. In her meeting with the Lankan premier, Swaraj also reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation. Wickremesinghe arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to boost ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security. On Friday, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi met Wickremesinghe and discussed cooperation between the two countries.

PM Modi holds talk with Sri Lankan counterpart; discusses India-assisted development projects in Lanka

The accident in Amritsar Friday night in which over 60 people were mowed down by a train during Dussehra celebrations was the worst due to trespassing on the tracks, railway officials said.

Here is a list of some other such accidents:

* June 4, 2002-The Kasganj level crossing disaster occurred when a Kanpur Kasganj Express collided with a passenger bus in Uttar Pradesh, killing 30 and injuring 29.

* June 4, 2010-The Coimbatore Mettupalayam special train collided with a mini-bus at an unmanned level-crossing at Idigarai near Coimbatore, killing 5.

* July 7, 2011-&nbsp;A Mathura Chhapra Express hit a bus at an unmanned level crossing in Thanagaon of Uttar Pradesh's Kanshiram Nagar district, killing 38 and injuring 30.

* February 26, 2012- The Trivandrum-Kozhikode Jan Shatabdi Express struck people who were standing on the track to watch fireworks, killing 3 and injuring 1.

* March 20, 2012- A train collided with an overloaded taxi minivan at an unmanned railroad crossing in northern Uttar Pradesh, 296 km from Lucknow, killing 15.

* March 26, 2012- A MEMU commuter train collided with a boulder-carrying truck at the Kannamangala gate on the outskirts of Bangalore, killing the pilot and driver.

* July 23, 2014- A Nanded passenger train collided with a school bus at an unmanned level-crossing in Masaipet village of Medak district, killing 18.

* Jan 17, 2017- Two 15-year-old boys wanting to take selfies in front of an approaching train were killed when they were hit by another train running on an adjacent track. This happened near Akshardham station in Delhi.

* April 25, 2018-13 children killed after train rammed into school van at railway crossing in UP's Kushinagar.&nbsp;

The accident in Amritsar Friday night in which over 60 people were mowed down by a train during Dussehra celebrations was the worst due to trespassing on the tracks, railway officials said.

The accident in Amritsar Friday night in which over 60 people were mowed down by a train during Dussehra celebrations was the worst due to trespassing on the tracks, railway officials said. Here is a list of some other such accidents: * June 4, 2002-The Kasganj level crossing disaster occurred when a Kanpur Kasganj Express collided with a passenger bus in Uttar Pradesh, killing 30 and injuring 29. * June 4, 2010-The Coimbatore Mettupalayam special train collided with a mini-bus at an unmanned level-crossing at Idigarai near Coimbatore, killing 5. * July 7, 2011- A Mathura Chhapra Express hit a bus at an unmanned level crossing in Thanagaon of Uttar Pradesh's Kanshiram Nagar district, killing 38 and injuring 30. * February 26, 2012- The Trivandrum-Kozhikode Jan Shatabdi Express struck people who were standing on the track to watch fireworks, killing 3 and injuring 1. * March 20, 2012- A train collided with an overloaded taxi minivan at an unmanned railroad crossing in northern Uttar Pradesh, 296 km from Lucknow, killing 15. * March 26, 2012- A MEMU commuter train collided with a boulder-carrying truck at the Kannamangala gate on the outskirts of Bangalore, killing the pilot and driver. * July 23, 2014- A Nanded passenger train collided with a school bus at an unmanned level-crossing in Masaipet village of Medak district, killing 18. * Jan 17, 2017- Two 15-year-old boys wanting to take selfies in front of an approaching train were killed when they were hit by another train running on an adjacent track. This happened near Akshardham station in Delhi. * April 25, 2018-13 children killed after train rammed into school van at railway crossing in UP's Kushinagar.

Amritsar train mishap: Worst accident caused by 'trespassing' in history of railways

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-reveal-whatever-happened-in-khashoggi-death-172500">Turkey will 'reveal whatever happened' in Khashoggi death</a>

Turkey vowed Saturday to reveal all details of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after Saudi Arabia admitted he was killed at its Istanbul consulate, state media reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-action-against-driver-railways-not-at-fault-mos-manoj-sinha-172487">No action against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-action-against-driver-railways-not-at-fault-mos-manoj-sinha-172487">driver</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-action-against-driver-railways-not-at-fault-mos-manoj-sinha-172487">, railways not at fault: MoS Manoj Sinha on Amritsar train accident</a>

Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha Saturday ruled out any punitive action against the driver of the train that mowed down Dussehra revellers in Amritsar, saying there was no negligence on the part of the national transporter and also advised people not to organise such events near tracks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-called-for-reform-of-regime-in-his-last-interview-172468">Khashoggi criticised Saudi crown prince, called for 'reform of regime' in his last interview: Report</a>

Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi criticised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's "authoritarian rule" shortly before his death, in an interview published following confirmation he died at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-leading-in-jammu-municipal-corporation-elections-independents-fare-well-in-kishtwar-172485">BJP leading in Jammu Municipal Corporation elections, independents fare well in Kishtwar</a>

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) polls, as the counting of votes for the Urban Local Bodies elections was going on in all the 10 districts of Jammu region on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/next-imf-loan-will-be-the-last-pakistan-finance-minister-172484">Next IMF loan will be 'the last': Pakistan finance minister</a>

Pakistan's finance minister promised Saturday to end the country's reliance on International Monetary Fund bailouts to shore up its shaky economy, as officials prepare to negotiate a new loan.

Turkey will 'reveal whatever happened' in Khashoggi death Turkey vowed Saturday to reveal all details of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after Saudi Arabia admitted he was killed at its Istanbul consulate, state media reported.

Turkey will 'reveal whatever happened' in Khashoggi death Turkey vowed Saturday to reveal all details of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after Saudi Arabia admitted he was killed at its Istanbul consulate, state media reported. No action against driver, railways not at fault: MoS Manoj Sinha on Amritsar train accident Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha Saturday ruled out any punitive action against the driver of the train that mowed down Dussehra revellers in Amritsar, saying there was no negligence on the part of the national transporter and also advised people not to organise such events near tracks. Khashoggi criticised Saudi crown prince, called for 'reform of regime' in his last interview: Report Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi criticised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's "authoritarian rule" shortly before his death, in an interview published following confirmation he died at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. BJP leading in Jammu Municipal Corporation elections, independents fare well in Kishtwar The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) polls, as the counting of votes for the Urban Local Bodies elections was going on in all the 10 districts of Jammu region on Saturday. Next IMF loan will be 'the last': Pakistan finance minister Pakistan's finance minister promised Saturday to end the country's reliance on International Monetary Fund bailouts to shore up its shaky economy, as officials prepare to negotiate a new loan.

A Delhi Court on Saturday framed charges against environmentalist and former The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) director RK Pachauri in connection with an alleged sexual harassment case.

The court had last month ordered for the framing of charges against the former director of TERI.

The charges have been framed under sections 354 (outraging modesty of a woman), 354A (Sexual Harassment) and section 509 (words used to outrage the modesty of a woman).

RK Pachauri today appeared before the court while formally charges were framed against him.

Pleading for a speedy trial in the case, he said, "My age is 78 years and I and my family are suffering from hardship. From almost the last four year we are facing a media trial."

After today's court order on framing of charges, the complainant also issued a press statement and said that the truth will triumph.

"Spoken with my lawyers and understood all aspects especially with regards to challenging for the inclusion of the three charges. Finally, the trial is committed. I have made complete arrangements to be available during the time as asked by the court. The truth will triumph," the statement by the complainant said.

A former junior colleague of Pachauri had levelled sexual harassment charges against him.

Earlier the same court had given the discharge to Pachauri from the section 354B (using criminal force against a woman), 354D (stalking) and 341 (wrongful restraint) by stating that the prima facie these sections had not been made against Pachauri.

Delhi Police had filed the case against Environmentalist RK Pachauri in 2015 on the basis of a complaint filed by a former female junior colleague with a serious charge of sexual harassment at workplace.

Later he got anticipatory bail from Delhi HC, followed by a regular bail from trial court.

The main chargesheet was filed by the Delhi police in March 2016 in the case contending that there were a sufficient material and evidence against Pachauri.&nbsp;

A Delhi Court on Saturday framed charges against environmentalist and former The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) director RK Pachauri in connection with an alleged sexual harassment case.

A Delhi Court on Saturday framed charges against environmentalist and former The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) director RK Pachauri in connection with an alleged sexual harassment case. The court had last month ordered for the framing of charges against the former director of TERI. The charges have been framed under sections 354 (outraging modesty of a woman), 354A (Sexual Harassment) and section 509 (words used to outrage the modesty of a woman). RK Pachauri today appeared before the court while formally charges were framed against him. Pleading for a speedy trial in the case, he said, "My age is 78 years and I and my family are suffering from hardship. From almost the last four year we are facing a media trial." After today's court order on framing of charges, the complainant also issued a press statement and said that the truth will triumph. "Spoken with my lawyers and understood all aspects especially with regards to challenging for the inclusion of the three charges. Finally, the trial is committed. I have made complete arrangements to be available during the time as asked by the court. The truth will triumph," the statement by the complainant said. A former junior colleague of Pachauri had levelled sexual harassment charges against him. Earlier the same court had given the discharge to Pachauri from the section 354B (using criminal force against a woman), 354D (stalking) and 341 (wrongful restraint) by stating that the prima facie these sections had not been made against Pachauri. Delhi Police had filed the case against Environmentalist RK Pachauri in 2015 on the basis of a complaint filed by a former female junior colleague with a serious charge of sexual harassment at workplace. Later he got anticipatory bail from Delhi HC, followed by a regular bail from trial court. The main chargesheet was filed by the Delhi police in March 2016 in the case contending that there were a sufficient material and evidence against Pachauri.

Charges framed against RK Pachauri in sexual harassment case

The Congress on Saturday won as many as 12 seats out of 21 in Baramulla and six in Uri out of 13 in the municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to bag any seat in Uri municipal committee and could only manage six seats in Baramulla.

In total, 52 civic bodies went to polls in four phases amid tight security arrangements in the state.

A total of 3372 nominations were filed for 1145 wards.

Covering 79 municipal bodies, 27 in the Valley did not go to polls owing either to the fact that there was no candidate or only one candidate had filed nominations for a particular ward.

The Congress and the BJP are the two national political parties battling for municipal authority in the state as the two major regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Alliance (PDP), have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre`s stance on Articles 35A.

The Congress on Saturday won as many as 12 seats out of 21 in Baramulla and six in Uri out of 13 in the municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to bag any seat in Uri municipal committee and could only manage six seats in Baramulla.

The Congress on Saturday won as many as 12 seats out of 21 in Baramulla and six in Uri out of 13 in the municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to bag any seat in Uri municipal committee and could only manage six seats in Baramulla. In total, 52 civic bodies went to polls in four phases amid tight security arrangements in the state. A total of 3372 nominations were filed for 1145 wards. Covering 79 municipal bodies, 27 in the Valley did not go to polls owing either to the fact that there was no candidate or only one candidate had filed nominations for a particular ward. The Congress and the BJP are the two national political parties battling for municipal authority in the state as the two major regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Alliance (PDP), have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre`s stance on Articles 35A.

J&K municipal polls: Congress wins maximum seats in Baramulla, Uri

A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter&nbsp;the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said.

Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years.

She was stopped just as she was about to climb the hallowed 18 steps leading to the temple.&nbsp;

52-year-old Latha&nbsp;was later allowed to enter the temple after the intervention of state BJP leader K. Surendran and others.

No woman has been allowed an entry into the temple till now despite the apex court's September 28 decision which puts a ban on the centuries-old practice that barred women of menstrual age (10-50 years) from entering the hill temple

High drama unfolded at the Sabarimala temple today after a&nbsp;38-year-old woman, Manju, arrived at the sanctum to&nbsp;start trekking the&nbsp;last 5-km to the shrine.

She, however,&nbsp;later cancelled her plans due to rains and has decided to begin her trek tomorrow.

Manju&nbsp;who is the President of the Kerala Dalit Mahila Federation had requested the senior police officials to facilitate her pilgrimage to the temple in the light of the Supreme Court&nbsp;verdict.

Despite the police officials cautioning, the woman did not retreat and was firm on undertaking the trek.

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A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said. Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years.

A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said. Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years. She was stopped just as she was about to climb the hallowed 18 steps leading to the temple. 52-year-old Latha was later allowed to enter the temple after the intervention of state BJP leader K. Surendran and others. No woman has been allowed an entry into the temple till now despite the apex court's September 28 decision which puts a ban on the centuries-old practice that barred women of menstrual age (10-50 years) from entering the hill temple High drama unfolded at the Sabarimala temple today after a 38-year-old woman, Manju, arrived at the sanctum to start trekking the last 5-km to the shrine. She, however, later cancelled her plans due to rains and has decided to begin her trek tomorrow. Manju who is the President of the Kerala Dalit Mahila Federation had requested the senior police officials to facilitate her pilgrimage to the temple in the light of the Supreme Court verdict. Despite the police officials cautioning, the woman did not retreat and was firm on undertaking the trek.

52 year old woman allowed inside Sabarimala temple after initial protests

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) polls, as the counting of votes for the Urban Local Bodies elections was going on in all the 10 districts of Jammu region on Saturday.

The counting of votes in the state's winter capital began at Government Polytechnic Institute in Bikram Chowk at 9 am. The results for JMC so far indicate an edge to the BJP over its rivals.

There are 521 wards in the 10 districts of Jammu, which went to polls in the first three phases of the four-phased ULB elections in the state, which concluded on October 16, recording a high voter turnout of 68.4 per cent in the electorate of nearly 6.44 lakh people.

Thirteen candidates were elected to different municipal wards unopposed, leaving a total of 2,137 candidates in the fray.

Of the 32 results declared for the 75-member JMC so far, the largest municipality in the state, the BJP has won 19 followed by independents (nine) and the Congress (four), officials said.

BJP had won 25 seats in the last municipal elections for the JMC in 2005, while the then ruling Congress had emerged victorious with 26 seats.

In 13 wards of Kishtwar Municipal Committee, officials said independents won 10 seats, while the Congress and the BJP won two and one seat, respectively.

Of the three municipal committees in Ramban, officials said results were declared for seven-member Batote Municipal Committee with BJP winning four, Congress one and independents two seats.

In Kathua district's Basohli, BJP won five seats while Congress and independents were successful in four wards each.

The results of six other municipal committees in the district are awaited, the officials said.

In Rajouri district's Sunderbani Municipal Committee, the BJP won with 10 of its candidates winning, while three seats went to independent candidates.

In Kalakote Municipal Committee, six independents and one Congress candidate registered wins, officials said.

Six BJP candidates won from Reasi Municipal Committee, which saw five independents and two Congress candidates registering their wins in the 13-member body, they said.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) polls, as the counting of votes for the Urban Local Bodies elections was going on in all the 10 districts of Jammu region on Saturday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) polls, as the counting of votes for the Urban Local Bodies elections was going on in all the 10 districts of Jammu region on Saturday. The counting of votes in the state's winter capital began at Government Polytechnic Institute in Bikram Chowk at 9 am. The results for JMC so far indicate an edge to the BJP over its rivals. There are 521 wards in the 10 districts of Jammu, which went to polls in the first three phases of the four-phased ULB elections in the state, which concluded on October 16, recording a high voter turnout of 68.4 per cent in the electorate of nearly 6.44 lakh people. Thirteen candidates were elected to different municipal wards unopposed, leaving a total of 2,137 candidates in the fray. Of the 32 results declared for the 75-member JMC so far, the largest municipality in the state, the BJP has won 19 followed by independents (nine) and the Congress (four), officials said. BJP had won 25 seats in the last municipal elections for the JMC in 2005, while the then ruling Congress had emerged victorious with 26 seats. In 13 wards of Kishtwar Municipal Committee, officials said independents won 10 seats, while the Congress and the BJP won two and one seat, respectively. Of the three municipal committees in Ramban, officials said results were declared for seven-member Batote Municipal Committee with BJP winning four, Congress one and independents two seats. In Kathua district's Basohli, BJP won five seats while Congress and independents were successful in four wards each. The results of six other municipal committees in the district are awaited, the officials said. In Rajouri district's Sunderbani Municipal Committee, the BJP won with 10 of its candidates winning, while three seats went to independent candidates. In Kalakote Municipal Committee, six independents and one Congress candidate registered wins, officials said. Six BJP candidates won from Reasi Municipal Committee, which saw five independents and two Congress candidates registering their wins in the 13-member body, they said.

BJP leading in Jammu Municipal Corporation elections, independents fare well in Kishtwar

The man who played the character of demon king Ravana at the Ram Leela at Joda Phatak was among those killed in the train accident.

After he enacted the role of Ravana, Dalbir Singh, in his twenties, was watching the burning of an effigy from the tracks when he, along with 58 others, was run over by a train.&nbsp;

Dalbir has an eight-month-old daughter.

Unable to control her emotions, Dalbir Singh's mother said her son was playing different characters in the Ram Leela for the past many years.

"My son played the role of Ravana at the Ram Leela, which was held on the ground at Dhobi Ghat adjacent to Joda Phatak...He is no more...He too was run over by the train," the mother said.

Manoj, a friend of Dalbir, said he had been playing the role of Ravana for the past five years at the Ram Leela, which is held at a ground a little distance away from the accident site.

His mother says said that Dalbir's body would not be cremated until the family gets compensation from the government.&nbsp;

Seeking job for the widow of Dalbir Singh, his mother said that the state government should give her a government job so that the family could sustain their livelihood.

"We want justice...It is unfortunate that none from the government or any politician has visited the family," she said.

Another friend of Dalbir said that on seeing a speeding train approaching the area, he had rushed towards them to save them.

"Dalbir was able to push 7 to 8 people away from the rail track...But there was something else in store for him as the train ran over him, killing him on the spot," he said.

At least 59 people were killed Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy was run over by a train near Joda Phatak here.

The incident took place on Friday evening when at least 300 people were watching the 'Ravana dahan' at a ground adjacent to the tracks.

As the effigy was lit and fireworks went off, a section of the crowd started retreating towards the tracks where a large number of people were already standing to watch the event, officials had said.

The man who played the character of demon king Ravana at the Ram Leela at Joda Phatak was among those killed in the train accident. After he enacted the role of Ravana, Dalbir Singh, in his twenties, was watching the burning of an effigy from the tracks when he, along with 58 others, was run over by a train.

The man who played the character of demon king Ravana at the Ram Leela at Joda Phatak was among those killed in the train accident. After he enacted the role of Ravana, Dalbir Singh, in his twenties, was watching the burning of an effigy from the tracks when he, along with 58 others, was run over by a train. Dalbir has an eight-month-old daughter. Unable to control her emotions, Dalbir Singh's mother said her son was playing different characters in the Ram Leela for the past many years. "My son played the role of Ravana at the Ram Leela, which was held on the ground at Dhobi Ghat adjacent to Joda Phatak...He is no more...He too was run over by the train," the mother said. Manoj, a friend of Dalbir, said he had been playing the role of Ravana for the past five years at the Ram Leela, which is held at a ground a little distance away from the accident site. His mother says said that Dalbir's body would not be cremated until the family gets compensation from the government. Seeking job for the widow of Dalbir Singh, his mother said that the state government should give her a government job so that the family could sustain their livelihood. "We want justice...It is unfortunate that none from the government or any politician has visited the family," she said. Another friend of Dalbir said that on seeing a speeding train approaching the area, he had rushed towards them to save them. "Dalbir was able to push 7 to 8 people away from the rail track...But there was something else in store for him as the train ran over him, killing him on the spot," he said. At least 59 people were killed Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy was run over by a train near Joda Phatak here. The incident took place on Friday evening when at least 300 people were watching the 'Ravana dahan' at a ground adjacent to the tracks. As the effigy was lit and fireworks went off, a section of the crowd started retreating towards the tracks where a large number of people were already standing to watch the event, officials had said.

Man who essayed character of Ravana among killed in train accident in Amritsar

Delhi Air inches towards severe category

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that China and India are constantly sharing information over the threats posed to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the wake of a landslide in Tibet. "You can't say it is a conspiracy," the minister added.

"Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities and Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy," he stated.

He said that the Siang river is a very big river and "any natural calamity like earthquake or landslide possess a danger to people who live downstream."

Rijiju's comments come a day after Arunachal Pradesh government sounded an alert in the East Siang district of the state and for the regions bordering China's Tibet region owing to a landslide in Tibet.

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Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities &amp; Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
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A landslide that occurred in China on Wednesday created an obstruction on river Yarlung Tsangpo, which is known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and as the Brahmaputra in Assam.

The landslide blocked the flow of the Yarlung Tsangpo, creating a lake that poses a threat to the inhabitants of the downstream areas, including those living in Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

Following the landslide, as many as 6,000 people were evacuated in Tibet.

Congress Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering, had earlier written a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal seeking their intervention with regards to the blockage.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that China and India are constantly sharing information over the threats posed to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the wake of a landslide in Tibet.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that China and India are constantly sharing information over the threats posed to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the wake of a landslide in Tibet. "You can't say it is a conspiracy," the minister added. "Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities and Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy," he stated. He said that the Siang river is a very big river and "any natural calamity like earthquake or landslide possess a danger to people who live downstream." Rijiju's comments come a day after Arunachal Pradesh government sounded an alert in the East Siang district of the state and for the regions bordering China's Tibet region owing to a landslide in Tibet. Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities & Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 × A landslide that occurred in China on Wednesday created an obstruction on river Yarlung Tsangpo, which is known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and as the Brahmaputra in Assam. The landslide blocked the flow of the Yarlung Tsangpo, creating a lake that poses a threat to the inhabitants of the downstream areas, including those living in Arunachal Pradesh. Following the landslide, as many as 6,000 people were evacuated in Tibet. Congress Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering, had earlier written a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal seeking their intervention with regards to the blockage.

China, India constantly sharing information, can't say it's conspiracy: Rijiju on Brahmaputra river blockage

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday met visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation, according to news agency ANI.

The two leaders also&nbsp;discussed ways to boost ties between the two countries, the report added.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh called on Wickremesinghe and discussed issues related to security and anti-terror cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

"Continuing commitment to deepen our partnership with a close friend. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe @RW_UNP. Exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and reviewed progress on development projects," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted after the meeting.

The Lankan PM also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to boost ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe meets Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj <a href="https://t.co/6FC2xMeNmK">pic.twitter.com/6FC2xMeNmK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053533135793766400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday met visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation, according to news agency ANI.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday met visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation, according to news agency ANI. The two leaders also discussed ways to boost ties between the two countries, the report added. Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh called on Wickremesinghe and discussed issues related to security and anti-terror cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. "Continuing commitment to deepen our partnership with a close friend. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe @RW_UNP. Exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and reviewed progress on development projects," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted after the meeting. The Lankan PM also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Wickremesinghe arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to boost ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security. Delhi: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe meets Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pic.twitter.com/6FC2xMeNmK — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 ×

Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh meet Sri Lankan PM Wickremesinghe

Over 60 people have been dead and at least 70 were left injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra.

According to reports, people were burning Dussehra effigy near the railway track in Choura Bazar area in Amritsar when a train ran into the crowd.

Punjab govt has declared state mourning on Saturday. All offices and educational institutions will remain closed in view of the tragedy. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered a probe into the train disaster.

According to CPRO, Northern Railways, "Ravan effigy was being burnt 70-80 m from the gate, when the effigy fell, people present there ran towards the railway track, at the time a train was passing and level crossing there was shut. As per initial info 30-35 people injured."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> The moment when the DMU train 74943 stuck people watching Dussehra celebrations in Choura Bazar near <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> (Source:Mobile footage-Unverified) <a href="https://t.co/cmX0Tq2pFE">pic.twitter.com/cmX0Tq2pFE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053298048103837696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, two trains arrived from the opposite direction at the same time giving little opportunity to people to escape.&nbsp;

The victims reportedly could not hear the hooting of the train due to the exploding crackers. Witnesses said the dead included children. There were&nbsp;around 300 people at the accident spot, news&nbsp;agency PTI said.&nbsp;

"There are not enough words to mourn the Amritsar train tragedy that claims so many innocent lives. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. The incident needs to be probed as it casts serious question on administration,"&nbsp;Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal told ANI.

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There are not enough words to mourn the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> train tragedy that claims so many innocent lives. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. The incident needs to be probed as it casts serious question on administration:Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal <a href="https://t.co/mdC6gWT8YY">pic.twitter.com/mdC6gWT8YY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053330340171771904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic train incident that occurred in Amritsar. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the injured to recover quickly. Railways are conducting immediate relief and rescue operations," Goyal tweeted from the US where he had gone to attend an event.

While Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced Rs. 5 lakh for kin of each dead and free treatment for the injured as well as Rs 50,000 for the injured. Officials said there was no decision as yet on any compensation from the railways.

Opposition parties blamed the Congress-led state government for allowing Dussehra celebrations near the tracks.&nbsp;

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The effigy of Ravan was burnt&amp;I had just left the site when the incident happened. Priority is to get the injured treated. Dussehra celebrations are held there every year. People who are doing politics over this incident should be ashamed : Navjot Kaur Sidhu,on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> accident <a href="https://t.co/QEsjoEdzS3">pic.twitter.com/QEsjoEdzS3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053311512570482688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Eyewitness at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> accident site says, "Congress had organised Dussehra celebrations here without permission. Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife was the chief guest at the celebrations and she continued to give a speech as people were struck down by the train." <a href="https://t.co/rcsxbVxiB9">pic.twitter.com/rcsxbVxiB9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053302211487428608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Over 60 people have been dead and at least 70 were left injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra. According to reports, people were burning Dussehra effigy near the railway track in Choura Bazar area in Amritsar when a train ran into the crowd.

Over 60 people have been dead and at least 70 were left injured on Friday when a speeding train mowed them down while they were celebrating Dussehra. According to reports, people were burning Dussehra effigy near the railway track in Choura Bazar area in Amritsar when a train ran into the crowd. Punjab govt has declared state mourning on Saturday. All offices and educational institutions will remain closed in view of the tragedy. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered a probe into the train disaster. According to CPRO, Northern Railways, "Ravan effigy was being burnt 70-80 m from the gate, when the effigy fell, people present there ran towards the railway track, at the time a train was passing and level crossing there was shut. As per initial info 30-35 people injured." #WATCH The moment when the DMU train 74943 stuck people watching Dussehra celebrations in Choura Bazar near #Amritsar (Source:Mobile footage-Unverified) pic.twitter.com/cmX0Tq2pFE — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × However, two trains arrived from the opposite direction at the same time giving little opportunity to people to escape. The victims reportedly could not hear the hooting of the train due to the exploding crackers. Witnesses said the dead included children. There were around 300 people at the accident spot, news agency PTI said. "There are not enough words to mourn the Amritsar train tragedy that claims so many innocent lives. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. The incident needs to be probed as it casts serious question on administration," Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal told ANI. There are not enough words to mourn the #Amritsar train tragedy that claims so many innocent lives. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. The incident needs to be probed as it casts serious question on administration:Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal pic.twitter.com/mdC6gWT8YY — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × "Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic train incident that occurred in Amritsar. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the injured to recover quickly. Railways are conducting immediate relief and rescue operations," Goyal tweeted from the US where he had gone to attend an event. While Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced Rs. 5 lakh for kin of each dead and free treatment for the injured as well as Rs 50,000 for the injured. Officials said there was no decision as yet on any compensation from the railways. Opposition parties blamed the Congress-led state government for allowing Dussehra celebrations near the tracks. The effigy of Ravan was burnt&I had just left the site when the incident happened. Priority is to get the injured treated. Dussehra celebrations are held there every year. People who are doing politics over this incident should be ashamed : Navjot Kaur Sidhu,on #Amritsar accident pic.twitter.com/QEsjoEdzS3 — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × #WATCH Eyewitness at #Amritsar accident site says, "Congress had organised Dussehra celebrations here without permission. Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife was the chief guest at the celebrations and she continued to give a speech as people were struck down by the train." pic.twitter.com/rcsxbVxiB9 — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 ×

Over 60 dead, at least 72 injured in Amritsar train accident, Punjab declares mourning

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday ordered the Amritsar district collector to immediately release of Rs 3 crore for payment of ex-gratia to the families of those died in the train accident.&nbsp;

Earlier, the CM visited the victims of Amritsar train accident at several hospitals. He visited Amandeep Hospital, Civil Hospital and Guru Nanak Dev Government Hospital in Amritsar where the victims are being treated. &nbsp;

He also ordered a magisterial inquiry in the incident.

''We are ordering a magisterial inquiry into the incident under the police commissioner who will submit a report in 4 weeks,'' he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

The chief minister said that 59 people died while 57 injured.&nbsp;

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When a tragedy occurs the entire administration gets involved. We have come here as soon as we could come. Today, the entire cabinet of Punjab is here: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmritsarTrainAccident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmritsarTrainAccident</a> <a href="https://t.co/1982Encpdo">pic.twitter.com/1982Encpdo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053548309611249664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''59 people killed and 57 people were injured in the incident. We will try that postmortem of the bodies are done as soon as possible. We have identified most of the bodies except 9,'' he said.&nbsp;

When a tragedy occurs the entire administration gets involved, he said and added that they came to the accident spot as soon as they could.

''Today, the entire cabinet of Punjab is here,'' he said.&nbsp;

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Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh visits Amandeep Hospital in Amritsar where injured have been admitted after the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmritsarTrainAccident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmritsarTrainAccident</a> yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/T6oNamqjLd">pic.twitter.com/T6oNamqjLd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053534286836580352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday ordered the Amritsar district collector to immediately release of Rs 3 crore for payment of ex-gratia to the families of those died in the train accident.

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday ordered the Amritsar district collector to immediately release of Rs 3 crore for payment of ex-gratia to the families of those died in the train accident. Earlier, the CM visited the victims of Amritsar train accident at several hospitals. He visited Amandeep Hospital, Civil Hospital and Guru Nanak Dev Government Hospital in Amritsar where the victims are being treated. He also ordered a magisterial inquiry in the incident. ''We are ordering a magisterial inquiry into the incident under the police commissioner who will submit a report in 4 weeks,'' he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The chief minister said that 59 people died while 57 injured. When a tragedy occurs the entire administration gets involved. We have come here as soon as we could come. Today, the entire cabinet of Punjab is here: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh #AmritsarTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/1982Encpdo — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 × ''59 people killed and 57 people were injured in the incident. We will try that postmortem of the bodies are done as soon as possible. We have identified most of the bodies except 9,'' he said. When a tragedy occurs the entire administration gets involved, he said and added that they came to the accident spot as soon as they could. ''Today, the entire cabinet of Punjab is here,'' he said. Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh visits Amandeep Hospital in Amritsar where injured have been admitted after the #AmritsarTrainAccident yesterday. pic.twitter.com/T6oNamqjLd — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 ×

Amritsar train accident: Punjab CM orders release of Rs 3 crore for payment of ex-gratia

The BJP won the urban local body elections in four districts of militancy-infested south Kashmir Saturday, winning 53 of the 132 wards, where polls were held over four phases earlier this month, election officials said.

The unprecedented victory for the saffron party has given it control of at least four of the 20 civic bodies in the four districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian.

The results of 94 wards of south Kashmir have been declared so far in which the Congress has managed to win 28 seats. The party, thus, will have control of at least three municipal bodies.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did well in Shopian where its candidates won in 12 wards unopposed. Five wards in the district did not have any nominations.&nbsp;

In Devsar municipal committee, the party won all the eight seats. The area is represented by Congress leader Mohammad Amin Bhat in the legislative assembly.

The BJP got a simple majority in Qazigund Municipal Committee, winning four of the seven wards. The other three wards had no candidates.

In Pahalgam municipal committee, the party won seven of the 13 seats uncontested, while there were no candidates for the remaining six seats.

The Congress, on the other hand, won a thumping majority in Dooru municipal committee, the stronghold of JKPCC chief G A Mir. The party bagged 14 of the 17 seats, while the BJP managed to win two seats. One seat remained vacant.

Congress also won in Kokernag municipal committee, bagging six of the eight seats. In Yaripora, the party bagged three seats, while the remaining three seats were vacant due to the absence of candidates.

Independents bagged 13 seats in the polls.

The counting of votes of Anantnag and Mattan -- the other two civic bodies in south Kashmir -- is going on and the results are expected later Saturday.&nbsp;

Elsewhere, Congress won the Budgam municipal committee bagging six seats, while the BJP won four seats. Three seats were vacant.

In Chrar-e-Sharief, Congress won 11 of the 13 seats, while the remaining two seats were vacant. In Chadoora too, the party won six of the eight seats, while there was no candidate for the other five seats.&nbsp;

The BJP won the urban local body elections in four districts of militancy-infested south Kashmir Saturday, winning 53 of the 132 wards, where polls were held over four phases earlier this month, election officials said.

The BJP won the urban local body elections in four districts of militancy-infested south Kashmir Saturday, winning 53 of the 132 wards, where polls were held over four phases earlier this month, election officials said. The unprecedented victory for the saffron party has given it control of at least four of the 20 civic bodies in the four districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian. The results of 94 wards of south Kashmir have been declared so far in which the Congress has managed to win 28 seats. The party, thus, will have control of at least three municipal bodies. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did well in Shopian where its candidates won in 12 wards unopposed. Five wards in the district did not have any nominations. In Devsar municipal committee, the party won all the eight seats. The area is represented by Congress leader Mohammad Amin Bhat in the legislative assembly. The BJP got a simple majority in Qazigund Municipal Committee, winning four of the seven wards. The other three wards had no candidates. In Pahalgam municipal committee, the party won seven of the 13 seats uncontested, while there were no candidates for the remaining six seats. The Congress, on the other hand, won a thumping majority in Dooru municipal committee, the stronghold of JKPCC chief G A Mir. The party bagged 14 of the 17 seats, while the BJP managed to win two seats. One seat remained vacant. Congress also won in Kokernag municipal committee, bagging six of the eight seats. In Yaripora, the party bagged three seats, while the remaining three seats were vacant due to the absence of candidates. Independents bagged 13 seats in the polls. The counting of votes of Anantnag and Mattan -- the other two civic bodies in south Kashmir -- is going on and the results are expected later Saturday. Elsewhere, Congress won the Budgam municipal committee bagging six seats, while the BJP won four seats. Three seats were vacant. In Chrar-e-Sharief, Congress won 11 of the 13 seats, while the remaining two seats were vacant. In Chadoora too, the party won six of the eight seats, while there was no candidate for the other five seats.

BJP sweeps urban local body polls in 4 districts of south Kashmir

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Over 60 dead, at least 72 injured in Amritsar train accident, Punjab declares mourning

Amritsar train accident: Punjab CM orders release of Rs 3 crore for payment of ex-gratia

BJP sweeps urban local body polls in 4 districts of south Kashmir