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The Indian Navy's submarine rescue capabilities have got a boost with the successful maiden trials of its newly inducted deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV), the Navy has said.

The Western Naval Command here conducted the trials of the DSRV, which also set a record for "deepest submergence by a manned vessel" in the Indian waters, the Navy said in an official release issued Tuesday late night.

The DSRV, operated by a crew of three, can rescue 14 personnel from a disabled submarine at one time, it said.

"On October 15, the DSRV carried out under water mating with a bottomed submarine at a depth of over 300 feet and transferred personnel from the submarine to the rescue vehicle," the release said.

These trials have proven the DSRV's ability to undertake rescue operations from disabled submarines at sea and have provided the Indian Navy with a "critical capability", it said.

"During the trials, the DSRV also dived successfully up to 666 metres. This is a record for deepest submergence by a 'manned vessel' in the Indian waters," the release said.

The DSRV crew also carried out ROV (remotely operated vehicle) operations at a depth of over 750 metres and side scan sonar operations at over 650 metres, which are all "firsts" for the Indian Navy, it said.

Once the trials are completed, it will put the Indian Navy into a small league of world navies that have an integral submarine rescue capability, the release added.

The Indian Navy's submarine rescue capabilities have got a boost with the successful maiden trials of its newly inducted deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV), the Navy has said.

The Indian Navy's submarine rescue capabilities have got a boost with the successful maiden trials of its newly inducted deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV), the Navy has said. The Western Naval Command here conducted the trials of the DSRV, which also set a record for "deepest submergence by a manned vessel" in the Indian waters, the Navy said in an official release issued Tuesday late night. The DSRV, operated by a crew of three, can rescue 14 personnel from a disabled submarine at one time, it said. "On October 15, the DSRV carried out under water mating with a bottomed submarine at a depth of over 300 feet and transferred personnel from the submarine to the rescue vehicle," the release said. These trials have proven the DSRV's ability to undertake rescue operations from disabled submarines at sea and have provided the Indian Navy with a "critical capability", it said. "During the trials, the DSRV also dived successfully up to 666 metres. This is a record for deepest submergence by a 'manned vessel' in the Indian waters," the release said. The DSRV crew also carried out ROV (remotely operated vehicle) operations at a depth of over 750 metres and side scan sonar operations at over 650 metres, which are all "firsts" for the Indian Navy, it said. Once the trials are completed, it will put the Indian Navy into a small league of world navies that have an integral submarine rescue capability, the release added.

Indian Navy's submarine rescue capability gets a boost

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is planning to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan, which is going to polls on December 7.

The party won three seats in the 2013-assembly elections by securing 3.37 per cent vote share, which was 7.60 per cent in the 2008-elections when the party had won six MLAs.

"Our preparations are in full swing and we will contest on all 200 seats in the forthcoming elections," state party vice-president Dungarram Gedar said.

In the last assembly elections, the party had contested in 195 constituencies.&nbsp;

He informed that the tickets will be finalised soon and BSP chief Mayawati will hold rallies in the state.

"We are expecting to increase our tally in the 2018-elections because people are unhappy with both the BJP and the Congress. There is a resentment against the ruling BJP and people are not seeing any hope in the Congress," another BSP leader Bhagwan Singh said.

He informed that the party chief will hold rallies in different parts of the state during elections.

Districts in eastern Rajasthan like Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawaimadhopur, Alwar and in northern parts like Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar, Bikaner has significant number of Scheduled Castes (SC) population, which is the vote bank of the party.

In the state, there are 34 SC and 25 ST seats out of the total 200 seats.

"The BSP is contesting solo and the Congress is going to suffer a loss," he said on Mayawati's recent announcement of not having alliance with the Congress for contesting assembly polls in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

The party is contesting assembly elections in the state since 1990, but it registered its first victory in 1998 by winning two seats.&nbsp;

In 1998, the party had fielded 108 candidates and secured 2.17 per cent vote share.

In 2003 elections, the BSP fought in 124 constituencies and won two seats and increased its vote share to 3.98 per cent.

The biggest victory of the party in the state was in the 2008-elections when six of the party's candidates won elections and the vote share increased to 7.60 per cent.

However, that victory was short-lived as all the six BSP MLAs joined the Congress and supported the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government.&nbsp;

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is planning to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan, which is going to polls on December 7. The party won three seats in the 2013-assembly elections by securing 3.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is planning to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan, which is going to polls on December 7. The party won three seats in the 2013-assembly elections by securing 3.37 per cent vote share, which was 7.60 per cent in the 2008-elections when the party had won six MLAs. "Our preparations are in full swing and we will contest on all 200 seats in the forthcoming elections," state party vice-president Dungarram Gedar said. In the last assembly elections, the party had contested in 195 constituencies. He informed that the tickets will be finalised soon and BSP chief Mayawati will hold rallies in the state. "We are expecting to increase our tally in the 2018-elections because people are unhappy with both the BJP and the Congress. There is a resentment against the ruling BJP and people are not seeing any hope in the Congress," another BSP leader Bhagwan Singh said. He informed that the party chief will hold rallies in different parts of the state during elections. Districts in eastern Rajasthan like Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawaimadhopur, Alwar and in northern parts like Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar, Bikaner has significant number of Scheduled Castes (SC) population, which is the vote bank of the party. In the state, there are 34 SC and 25 ST seats out of the total 200 seats. "The BSP is contesting solo and the Congress is going to suffer a loss," he said on Mayawati's recent announcement of not having alliance with the Congress for contesting assembly polls in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The party is contesting assembly elections in the state since 1990, but it registered its first victory in 1998 by winning two seats. In 1998, the party had fielded 108 candidates and secured 2.17 per cent vote share. In 2003 elections, the BSP fought in 124 constituencies and won two seats and increased its vote share to 3.98 per cent. The biggest victory of the party in the state was in the 2008-elections when six of the party's candidates won elections and the vote share increased to 7.60 per cent. However, that victory was short-lived as all the six BSP MLAs joined the Congress and supported the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government.

BSP plans to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan

The just-concluded urban local body elections in Kashmir witnessed poor voter turnout but these polls will perhaps be remembered for the dearth of contestants as 69 per cent of 598 wards in the valley did not require any polling.

According to data compiled by the election department of Jammu and Kashmir, out of 598 wards spanning across 40 municipal bodies in 10 districts of the valley, polling was held only in 186 wards.&nbsp;

The remaining 412 wards&nbsp;constituting 68.89 per cent of the total - did not require any voting.

The government had made elaborate security arrangements to secure polling staff and polling stations but kept the identity of candidates, who dared to defy militant threats, a secret for security reasons.

As a result, there was no campaigning for these elections and in most cases the candidates chose to remain anonymous.

Over thirty per cent of wards in these 40 urban local bodies across Kashmir valley will remain unrepresented.

No nomination papers were received from 181 wards (30.26 per cent) for the elections. Most of these wards were in the third phase of the polls ? 62, followed by 56 in the second phase, 44 in the last and 19 in the first phase.

Out of the 598 wards, 231 wards - 38.62 per cent ? were those which saw no contest and the solitary candidate in each of these wards was declared winner unopposed.

While 69 of these wards were in the first phase, 61 were in the second, 49 in the third and 52 in the fourth and last phase.

In these polls, six municipal bodies had two or less contesting candidates in total two of them zero.

For Pulwama municipal body, which has 13 wards, there were only two contesting candidates who won unopposed. Awantipora, Beerwah and Seer Hamdan municipal bodies ? all having 13 wards each had only one contesting candidate each in the whole civic body.

Frisal in Kulgam district and Khrew in Pulwama district ? both in south Kashmir received no nomination papers from any of the 13 wards each body has.

In total, out of the 40 civic bodies in the valley, voting did not take place in 27 of them.

The poll percentage in the rest of the 13 municipal bodies was recorded at 8.3 per cent in the first phase, 3.4 per cent in the second, 3.5 per cent in the third and 4.2 per cent in the fourth and last phase.

The reasons for the low participation in these polls candidate-wise as well as voting percentage-wise&nbsp;can be attributed to threats by militants against any participation in these polls.&nbsp;

Stringent security arrangements were made for the smooth conduct of the polls, while candidates at many places were taken to secure locations ? which meant no visible campaign for the polls in the valley.

The state's two main parties National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with CPI(M) stayed away from the polls because of the legal challenge to Article 35-A of the Constitution in the Supreme Court.

Separatists in the valley had also asked the people to boycott polls.&nbsp;

The just-concluded urban local body elections in Kashmir witnessed poor voter turnout but these polls will perhaps be remembered for the dearth of contestants as 69 per cent of 598 wards in the valley did not require any polling.

The just-concluded urban local body elections in Kashmir witnessed poor voter turnout but these polls will perhaps be remembered for the dearth of contestants as 69 per cent of 598 wards in the valley did not require any polling. According to data compiled by the election department of Jammu and Kashmir, out of 598 wards spanning across 40 municipal bodies in 10 districts of the valley, polling was held only in 186 wards. The remaining 412 wards constituting 68.89 per cent of the total - did not require any voting. The government had made elaborate security arrangements to secure polling staff and polling stations but kept the identity of candidates, who dared to defy militant threats, a secret for security reasons. As a result, there was no campaigning for these elections and in most cases the candidates chose to remain anonymous. Over thirty per cent of wards in these 40 urban local bodies across Kashmir valley will remain unrepresented. No nomination papers were received from 181 wards (30.26 per cent) for the elections. Most of these wards were in the third phase of the polls ? 62, followed by 56 in the second phase, 44 in the last and 19 in the first phase. Out of the 598 wards, 231 wards - 38.62 per cent ? were those which saw no contest and the solitary candidate in each of these wards was declared winner unopposed. While 69 of these wards were in the first phase, 61 were in the second, 49 in the third and 52 in the fourth and last phase. In these polls, six municipal bodies had two or less contesting candidates in total two of them zero. For Pulwama municipal body, which has 13 wards, there were only two contesting candidates who won unopposed. Awantipora, Beerwah and Seer Hamdan municipal bodies ? all having 13 wards each had only one contesting candidate each in the whole civic body. Frisal in Kulgam district and Khrew in Pulwama district ? both in south Kashmir received no nomination papers from any of the 13 wards each body has. In total, out of the 40 civic bodies in the valley, voting did not take place in 27 of them. The poll percentage in the rest of the 13 municipal bodies was recorded at 8.3 per cent in the first phase, 3.4 per cent in the second, 3.5 per cent in the third and 4.2 per cent in the fourth and last phase. The reasons for the low participation in these polls candidate-wise as well as voting percentage-wise can be attributed to threats by militants against any participation in these polls. Stringent security arrangements were made for the smooth conduct of the polls, while candidates at many places were taken to secure locations ? which meant no visible campaign for the polls in the valley. The state's two main parties National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with CPI(M) stayed away from the polls because of the legal challenge to Article 35-A of the Constitution in the Supreme Court. Separatists in the valley had also asked the people to boycott polls.

J&K urban body polls: 69% of 598 wards in Valley did not require polling

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday stated that his government will ensure facilities to devotees who are going to Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers and that no one will be allowed to "take law and order in their hands." &nbsp;

"We will not allow anyone to take law and order in their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees to go to Sabarimala Temple and offer prayers."

CM Vijayan added that his government "will not submit a review petition." "We've said in court that we'll implement the order," he added.&nbsp;

Thousands of BJP activists on Monday marched to the secretariat in Kerala to protest the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala shrine.

The Sabarimala Temple, opening on October 17 evening, would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly pooja of Malayalam month of 'Thulam'.

Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits for some days demanding that the sanctity of the temple rituals be protected.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday stated that his government will ensure facilities to devotees who are going to Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers and that no one will be allowed to "take law and order in their hands.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday stated that his government will ensure facilities to devotees who are going to Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers and that no one will be allowed to "take law and order in their hands." "We will not allow anyone to take law and order in their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees to go to Sabarimala Temple and offer prayers." CM Vijayan added that his government "will not submit a review petition." "We've said in court that we'll implement the order," he added. Thousands of BJP activists on Monday marched to the secretariat in Kerala to protest the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala shrine. The Sabarimala Temple, opening on October 17 evening, would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly pooja of Malayalam month of 'Thulam'. Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits for some days demanding that the sanctity of the temple rituals be protected. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Will not submit review petition, we'll ensure facilities to devotees: CM Vijayan on Sabarimala

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Ahead of the opening of the Lord Ayyappa Temple tomorrow for monthly pooja, tension looms large at Nilackal — the main gateway to Sabarimala — as devotees Tuesday stopped vehicles and prevented women of the "banned" age group from trekking to the holy hill.

The shrine located on the mountain ranges of the ecologically fragile Western Ghats opens tomorrow for the first time after the recent Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups there.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, however, told reporters that no one would be allowed to block devotees from proceeding to Sabarimala.

Groups of women devotees including senior citizens, clad in traditional sarees, could be seen stopping each and every vehicle at Nilackal, the base camp located about 20 kms away from Sabarimala hill top.

Besides private vehicles, devotees even stopped and inspected Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and asked young women to get out of it.

Very few police personnel were present when the incidents happened.

One of the woman agitator said, "No woman belonging to the banned age group of 10-50 will be allowed to travel further from Nilackal and offer worship at the shrine" when it opens for the monthly pooja tomorrow evening. The temple would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly puja during the Malayalam month of Thulam.

Chanting 'swamiya saranam Ayyappa' matras aloud and clapping their hands, women devotee had been inspecting vehicles at various points en route to Sabarimala since last evening.

Local television channels reported that some college students, who were sporting black colour dresses, were asked to get out of a bus they were travelling in, by devotees alleging that they were on their way to Sabarimala.

Ayyappa devotees wear black colour dress and a bead chain during the pilgrimage.

Women journalists, who tried to reach the hill temple as part of their official assignments, were also stopped at the base camp.

Vijayan, however, warned of stern action against those who prevent devotees.

"Stern action will be taken against anyone who prevents devotees from going to Sabarimala," Vijayan told reporters here.

Vijayan also made it clear that the government has no intention to file a review petition and would implement the apex court order.

The chief minister said the government has taken a stand on the issue that there should not be any discrimination on the basis of gender.

However, the government has clarified that it would not bring in any law to put its policy into practice.

"But, will go by what the Supreme Court says," Vijayan said.

Referring to the statement of BJP President P S Sreedharan Pillai that government would be responsible for any law and order situation on the issue, Vijayan said it was the saffron party that was trying to create problem in the state.

The chief minister also condemned the remark of a BJP supporter and actor Kollam Thulasi that "women who go to Sabarimala temple defying the custom should be ripped apart".

A group of devotees continued their sit-in dharna in front of secretariat here to protest the government's decision to implement the top court order.

Kerala has been witnessing intense protests including prayer marches and mass rallies by Lord Ayyappa devotees and right wing outfits against the implementation of the Apex court verdict.

All protest rallies had witnessed mass participation of women especially that of senior citizens.

The Shiv Sena's state unit recently warned of "mass suicides" if women of the "banned" age group visits Sabarimala.

Police have booked actor-turned-BJP supporter, Kollam Thulashi for his controversial remarks.

A 32-year-old woman, hailing from Kannur, had Monday complained that she was being slut-shamed and subjected to threats and abuses on social media after she announced her decision to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine.

Though the government had earlier considered to deploy women police personnel at Sannidhanam, the temple complex and the 'pathinettam padi,' the sacred 18 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum, the plan was dropped later following protests of devotees.

The entry of menstruating women had been restricted in the hillock shrine as, according to the traditions, the principal deity Lord Ayyappa is considered to be the 'Naishtika Brahmachari' or the perennial celibate.

Ahead of the opening of the Lord Ayyappa Temple tomorrow for monthly pooja, tension looms large at Nilackal — the main gateway to Sabarimala — as devotees Tuesday stopped vehicles and prevented women of the "banned" age group from trekking to the holy hill.

Ahead of the opening of the Lord Ayyappa Temple tomorrow for monthly pooja, tension looms large at Nilackal — the main gateway to Sabarimala — as devotees Tuesday stopped vehicles and prevented women of the "banned" age group from trekking to the holy hill. The shrine located on the mountain ranges of the ecologically fragile Western Ghats opens tomorrow for the first time after the recent Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups there. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, however, told reporters that no one would be allowed to block devotees from proceeding to Sabarimala. Groups of women devotees including senior citizens, clad in traditional sarees, could be seen stopping each and every vehicle at Nilackal, the base camp located about 20 kms away from Sabarimala hill top. Besides private vehicles, devotees even stopped and inspected Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and asked young women to get out of it. Very few police personnel were present when the incidents happened. One of the woman agitator said, "No woman belonging to the banned age group of 10-50 will be allowed to travel further from Nilackal and offer worship at the shrine" when it opens for the monthly pooja tomorrow evening. The temple would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly puja during the Malayalam month of Thulam. Chanting 'swamiya saranam Ayyappa' matras aloud and clapping their hands, women devotee had been inspecting vehicles at various points en route to Sabarimala since last evening. Local television channels reported that some college students, who were sporting black colour dresses, were asked to get out of a bus they were travelling in, by devotees alleging that they were on their way to Sabarimala. Ayyappa devotees wear black colour dress and a bead chain during the pilgrimage. Women journalists, who tried to reach the hill temple as part of their official assignments, were also stopped at the base camp. Vijayan, however, warned of stern action against those who prevent devotees. "Stern action will be taken against anyone who prevents devotees from going to Sabarimala," Vijayan told reporters here. Vijayan also made it clear that the government has no intention to file a review petition and would implement the apex court order. The chief minister said the government has taken a stand on the issue that there should not be any discrimination on the basis of gender. However, the government has clarified that it would not bring in any law to put its policy into practice. "But, will go by what the Supreme Court says," Vijayan said. Referring to the statement of BJP President P S Sreedharan Pillai that government would be responsible for any law and order situation on the issue, Vijayan said it was the saffron party that was trying to create problem in the state. The chief minister also condemned the remark of a BJP supporter and actor Kollam Thulasi that "women who go to Sabarimala temple defying the custom should be ripped apart". A group of devotees continued their sit-in dharna in front of secretariat here to protest the government's decision to implement the top court order. Kerala has been witnessing intense protests including prayer marches and mass rallies by Lord Ayyappa devotees and right wing outfits against the implementation of the Apex court verdict. All protest rallies had witnessed mass participation of women especially that of senior citizens. The Shiv Sena's state unit recently warned of "mass suicides" if women of the "banned" age group visits Sabarimala. Police have booked actor-turned-BJP supporter, Kollam Thulashi for his controversial remarks. A 32-year-old woman, hailing from Kannur, had Monday complained that she was being slut-shamed and subjected to threats and abuses on social media after she announced her decision to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine. Though the government had earlier considered to deploy women police personnel at Sannidhanam, the temple complex and the 'pathinettam padi,' the sacred 18 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum, the plan was dropped later following protests of devotees. The entry of menstruating women had been restricted in the hillock shrine as, according to the traditions, the principal deity Lord Ayyappa is considered to be the 'Naishtika Brahmachari' or the perennial celibate.

Sabarimala opening Wednesday: Tensions mount as women are stopped from travelling to the temple

The 108-carat Kohinoor diamond was "surrendered" by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England and "not handed over" to the British nearly 170 years ago, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said in reply to an RTI query by a Ludhiana-based activist.

Incidentally, the written response from ASI, dated October 10, is divergent from the Centre's version in the Supreme Court in April 2016.

The Kohinoor diamond, estimated to cost over US $200 million, was neither stolen nor "forcibly" taken by British rulers but given to East India Company by erstwhile rulers of Punjab, the government had told the top court.

Rohit Sabharwal Tuesday said he had filed an RTI query about a month ago, seeking the answer from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). "I did not know that the query was forwarded to the ASI, which eventually responded to the query."

"As per the records kept in the National Archives of India, New Delhi... the Lahore treaty held between Lord Dalhousie and Maharaja Duleep Singh in 1849, Kohinoor diamond was surrendered by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England," according to the reply.

Kohinoor, which means 'Mountain of Light', is a large, colourless diamond that was found in Southern India in early 14th century. The precious gem, which came into British hands during the colonial era, is the subject of a historic ownership dispute and claimed by at least four countries, including India.

The 108-carat Kohinoor diamond was "surrendered" by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England and "not handed over" to the British nearly 170 years ago, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said in reply to an RTI query by a Ludhiana-based activist.

The 108-carat Kohinoor diamond was "surrendered" by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England and "not handed over" to the British nearly 170 years ago, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said in reply to an RTI query by a Ludhiana-based activist. Incidentally, the written response from ASI, dated October 10, is divergent from the Centre's version in the Supreme Court in April 2016. The Kohinoor diamond, estimated to cost over US $200 million, was neither stolen nor "forcibly" taken by British rulers but given to East India Company by erstwhile rulers of Punjab, the government had told the top court. Rohit Sabharwal Tuesday said he had filed an RTI query about a month ago, seeking the answer from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). "I did not know that the query was forwarded to the ASI, which eventually responded to the query." "As per the records kept in the National Archives of India, New Delhi... the Lahore treaty held between Lord Dalhousie and Maharaja Duleep Singh in 1849, Kohinoor diamond was surrendered by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England," according to the reply. Kohinoor, which means 'Mountain of Light', is a large, colourless diamond that was found in Southern India in early 14th century. The precious gem, which came into British hands during the colonial era, is the subject of a historic ownership dispute and claimed by at least four countries, including India.

Kohinoor 'surrendered', not stolen: Archaeological Survey of India

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction caused in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli, saying the world body is ready to support the government's response to the calamity.

"The Secretary-General is saddened by reports of death and injury in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states in India due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli,? a statement issued Monday by Guterres' spokesman said.

Guterres said the UN stands in solidarity with the Government of India as it responds to this calamity and is ready to support the response.&nbsp;

The death toll in cyclone Titli, which made a landfall on October 11, and the subsequent flood in Odisha has risen to 27. A total of 3,60,353 people were evacuated and sheltered in 1,614 relief centres.&nbsp;

Millions of people have been affected in Odisha mainly in the worst-hit districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada, and thousands of houses were damaged in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Cyclone Titli also disrupted road and telecommunications networks and power supplies.

The secretary-general extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of India and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction caused in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli, saying the world body is ready to support the government's response to the calamity.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction caused in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli, saying the world body is ready to support the government's response to the calamity. "The Secretary-General is saddened by reports of death and injury in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states in India due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli,? a statement issued Monday by Guterres' spokesman said. Guterres said the UN stands in solidarity with the Government of India as it responds to this calamity and is ready to support the response. The death toll in cyclone Titli, which made a landfall on October 11, and the subsequent flood in Odisha has risen to 27. A total of 3,60,353 people were evacuated and sheltered in 1,614 relief centres. Millions of people have been affected in Odisha mainly in the worst-hit districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada, and thousands of houses were damaged in Andhra Pradesh. Cyclone Titli also disrupted road and telecommunications networks and power supplies. The secretary-general extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of India and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

UN Chief saddened over destruction caused by cyclone Titli in Odisha, Andhra

The country's second largest public sector lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) has identified various assets, including its housing finance arm, for sale and hopes to realise Rs 8,600 crore from these non-core assets during the current fiscal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-14000-crore-nirav-modi-scam-bygone-says-pnb-md-expecting-profitable-year-168944">Also Read:&nbsp;Rs 14,000 crore Nirav Modi scam a bygone, bank on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-14000-crore-nirav-modi-scam-bygone-says-pnb-md-expecting-profitable-year-168944">path</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-14000-crore-nirav-modi-scam-bygone-says-pnb-md-expecting-profitable-year-168944"> to recovery, says PNB chief</a>

The bank has already sold some of the fixed assets and has realised Rs 400 crore from these assets.

"We plan to sale about Rs 8,600 crore of non-core assets in the current financial year. We are on track," PNB Managing Director Sunil Mehta said.

He further said that the bank has already appointed the merchant bankers for sale of its asset in PNB Housing Finance Company.

"Bidding has already been invited. Besides, the bank also wants to dilute its 4 per cent stake in life insurance joint venture. Few of the fixed assets we have already sold out. Hopefully, we will able to meet the target," he said.

Asked if&nbsp;the bank will sell its stake in the current market situation, Mehta said the market is expected to stabilise by the time of bidding and regulatory process are complete.

He further said that there are a lot of important long-term investors who have shown interest in the housing finance company.

"They are going to acquire the entire stake of the company. Anybody who wants to acquire the entire stake of the company will be looking at the long term profitability and the fundamentals of the company are still very strong," he said.

He expressed hope that the bank will be able to get a good realisation from the stake sale.

The country's second largest public sector lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) has identified various assets, including its housing finance arm, for sale and hopes to realise Rs 8,600 crore from these non-core assets during the current fiscal.

The country's second largest public sector lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) has identified various assets, including its housing finance arm, for sale and hopes to realise Rs 8,600 crore from these non-core assets during the current fiscal. Also Read: Rs 14,000 crore Nirav Modi scam a bygone, bank on path to recovery, says PNB chief The bank has already sold some of the fixed assets and has realised Rs 400 crore from these assets. "We plan to sale about Rs 8,600 crore of non-core assets in the current financial year. We are on track," PNB Managing Director Sunil Mehta said. He further said that the bank has already appointed the merchant bankers for sale of its asset in PNB Housing Finance Company. "Bidding has already been invited. Besides, the bank also wants to dilute its 4 per cent stake in life insurance joint venture. Few of the fixed assets we have already sold out. Hopefully, we will able to meet the target," he said. Asked if the bank will sell its stake in the current market situation, Mehta said the market is expected to stabilise by the time of bidding and regulatory process are complete. He further said that there are a lot of important long-term investors who have shown interest in the housing finance company. "They are going to acquire the entire stake of the company. Anybody who wants to acquire the entire stake of the company will be looking at the long term profitability and the fundamentals of the company are still very strong," he said. He expressed hope that the bank will be able to get a good realisation from the stake sale.

PNB eyes 'non-core' asset sale worth Rs 8,600 crore

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his rally in Madhya Pradesh and attacked him on various policies and alleged scams.&nbsp;

While addressing the people at Morena, he said: "When Modiji became the Prime Minister, he said, Mitron....don't make me PM, make me chowkidar. The chowkidar calls people 'Mitron' and to Anil Ambani, he calls Anil bhai."

Gandhi, who is currently in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh for a two-day rally has been attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over the Rafale deal and scams involving Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress President Rahul Gandhi mimics PM Modi at a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Morena. <a href="https://t.co/kTI8Trqpwm">pic.twitter.com/kTI8Trqpwm</a>
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He had made similar statements against Modi earlier, saying that he would address Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi as "bhai".&nbsp;

Gandhi visited a gurudwara in Gwalior on Tuesday on the second day of campaigning in Madhya Pradesh. He also met Congress cadres in the morning and later paid obeisance at the Data Bandi Chhor Gurudwara, located in the Gwalior Fort.

Gandhi had visited <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adivasis-dalits-minorities-are-exploited-under-bjp-rahul-gandhi-in-morena-169836">Madhya Pradesh</a> earlier this month as well where he said that Modi government made false promises of turning black money into white and that farmers, Adivasis, Dalits, and minorities are exploited under BJP.&nbsp;

Elections to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly will be held on 28 November 2018 to elect members of the 230 constituencies.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his rally in Madhya Pradesh and attacked him on various policies and alleged scams.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his rally in Madhya Pradesh and attacked him on various policies and alleged scams. While addressing the people at Morena, he said: "When Modiji became the Prime Minister, he said, Mitron....don't make me PM, make me chowkidar. The chowkidar calls people 'Mitron' and to Anil Ambani, he calls Anil bhai." Gandhi, who is currently in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh for a two-day rally has been attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over the Rafale deal and scams involving Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. #WATCH: Congress President Rahul Gandhi mimics PM Modi at a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Morena. pic.twitter.com/kTI8Trqpwm — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × He had made similar statements against Modi earlier, saying that he would address Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi as "bhai". Gandhi visited a gurudwara in Gwalior on Tuesday on the second day of campaigning in Madhya Pradesh. He also met Congress cadres in the morning and later paid obeisance at the Data Bandi Chhor Gurudwara, located in the Gwalior Fort. Gandhi had visited Madhya Pradesh earlier this month as well where he said that Modi government made false promises of turning black money into white and that farmers, Adivasis, Dalits, and minorities are exploited under BJP. Elections to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly will be held on 28 November 2018 to elect members of the 230 constituencies.

Mitron: Rahul mimics Modi at MP rally; watch video

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-considers-admitting-khashoggi-died-in-botched-interrogation-reports-171638">Saudi considers admitting Khashoggi died in botched interrogation: Reports</a>

Saudi Arabia is considering an admission that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died during an interrogation that went wrong, US media reported on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/imf-should-objectively-and-professionally-evaluate-its-investments-in-pakistan-china-171653">IMF should objectively and professionally evaluate investments in Pakistan: China</a>

As cash-strapped Pakistan approached the IMF for a bailout agreeing to share the details of huge Chinese loans obtained for the CPEC, a wary China on Monday said the global lender should "objectively and professionally" evaluate its investments and ensure that any financial package does not affect close ties between Beijing and Islamabad.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-co-founder-paul-allen-dies-of-cancer-at-65-171637">Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen dies of cancer at 65</a>

Microsoft Corp co-founder Paul Allen, the man who persuaded school-friend Bill Gates to drop out of Harvard to start what became the world's biggest software company, died on Monday at the age of 65, his family said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/southgates-three-lions-roar-to-stun-spain-in-seville-171644">UEFA Nations League: Southgate's 'Three Lions' led by Raheem, Rashford stun Spain</a>

England stunned Spain to claim their first UEFA Nations League victory in Seville, last night. A superb first-half showing from England produced two goals from Raheem Sterling to deliver one of their finest victory in the modern era.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-municipal-polls-final-phase-of-voting-begins-171652">J&amp;K municipal polls: Final phase of voting begins</a>

The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun. Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Saudi considers admitting Khashoggi died in botched interrogation: Reports Saudi Arabia is considering an admission that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died during an interrogation that went wrong, US media reported on Monday.

Saudi considers admitting Khashoggi died in botched interrogation: Reports Saudi Arabia is considering an admission that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died during an interrogation that went wrong, US media reported on Monday. IMF should objectively and professionally evaluate investments in Pakistan: China As cash-strapped Pakistan approached the IMF for a bailout agreeing to share the details of huge Chinese loans obtained for the CPEC, a wary China on Monday said the global lender should "objectively and professionally" evaluate its investments and ensure that any financial package does not affect close ties between Beijing and Islamabad. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen dies of cancer at 65 Microsoft Corp co-founder Paul Allen, the man who persuaded school-friend Bill Gates to drop out of Harvard to start what became the world's biggest software company, died on Monday at the age of 65, his family said. UEFA Nations League: Southgate's 'Three Lions' led by Raheem, Rashford stun Spain England stunned Spain to claim their first UEFA Nations League victory in Seville, last night. A superb first-half showing from England produced two goals from Raheem Sterling to deliver one of their finest victory in the modern era. J&K municipal polls: Final phase of voting begins The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun. Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The emergency plan to combat air pollution came into force Monday in the Delhi-NCR where air quality remained poor, even as the Centre claimed that bad air quality days in the city have come down considerably this year.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which has come into effect for the second year, ensures stringent actions are taken based on the air quality.&nbsp;

Under the plan, measures like mechanised sweeping of roads, ban on garbage burning, pollution control measures at brick kilns and deployment of police to ensure smooth passage of traffic at vulnerable areas are in force in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) as the air quality lies in the poor category.

Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, who launched an air quality early warning system for Delhi, said the Badarpur Thermal Power Plant will be closed from October 15.

He also said the number of mechanised road sweeping machines in the national capital will increase from 52 to 64 by November-end.

With farmers already burning stubble, the Environment Ministry said the government has released Rs 591.65 crore to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi for the promotion of agricultural mechanisation to manage crop residue.

It said the number of active fire detections was less in 2018 when compared to 2017 and 2016.

The air quality in Delhi remained poor with a drop in wind speed, even as authorities predicted further fall in the air quality index of the national capital in the coming days.

The overall air quality index (AQI) recorded at 4 pm Monday was 218 which falls in the poor category, according to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). On Saturday, the AQI of the national capital stood at 201.

According to the CPCB website, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 318, DTU registered 288, ITO recorded 253 and Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 311.&nbsp;

An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

Delhi's neighbouring regions of Faridabad and Gurgaon both recorded poor air quality.

If the air quality deteriorates further to very poor category then additional measures under GRAP like enhancing parking fees 3-4 times and increasing frequency of metro and buses would be implemented, an official with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said.

It said if the air quality falls in the severe category, measures like increasing frequency of sprinkling of water on roads and identifying road stretch with high dust generation would be implemented.

If the air quality falls to severe plus emergency category, then measures like stopping entry of trucks into Delhi (except essential commodities), stopping construction activities and appointment of a task force to take the decision on any additional steps, including shutting of schools, are implemented.

Union minister Vardhan said the use of water sprinklers and the opening of the Western Peripheral Expressway will bring about a further reduction in pollution.

He said along with the initiatives taken by the government, the participation of the society is imperative.

"With an outlay of Rs 1,151.80 crore under the new Central Sector Scheme, the Centre has already released Rs 591.65 crore to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi for the promotion of agricultural mechanization for in-situ management of crop residue," an official statement quoting Vardhan said.

The minister said 41 teams of the CPCB have been deployed in Delhi and NCR cities of Ghaziabad, NOIDA, Gurgaon and Faridabad to monitor and supervise dust mitigation and other air pollution abatement measures to ensure effective compliance while terming them as "eyes and ears" of his ministry.

He also said the use of water sprinklers and the opening of the expressway will bring about a further reduction in pollution.

Union Environment secretary C K Mishra said the number of "Good, Satisfactory and Moderate" days was 157 in 2018 (Up to October 13) compared to 150 in 2017 and 107 in 2016 during the corresponding period.

He added that similarly, the number of "Poor, Very Poor and Severe days" have come down from 167 in 2016 to 136 in 2017 to 129 in 2018 during the corresponding period.

Comparing the PM10 and PM2.5 levels, Mishra underlined that both PM 10 and PM 2.5 have shown a significant reduction in the winter months (September-October) this year compared to last year.

"There is a reduction of 46 per cent in PM10 levels in September 2018 compared to last year and a 15 per cent reduction in October.&nbsp;

"There is a reduction of 28 per cent in the PM2.5 levels in September 2018 compared to last year and a reduction of 22 per cent in October," Mishra said.

He said the number of active fire detections in 2018 is less in comparison to 207 and 2016 till October 14, 2018.&nbsp;

"The numbers are 75 per cent lower than last year in Punjab and 40 per cent lower in case of Haryana," he said.&nbsp;

The emergency plan to combat air pollution came into force Monday in the Delhi-NCR where air quality remained poor, even as the Centre claimed that bad air quality days in the city have come down considerably this year.

The emergency plan to combat air pollution came into force Monday in the Delhi-NCR where air quality remained poor, even as the Centre claimed that bad air quality days in the city have come down considerably this year. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which has come into effect for the second year, ensures stringent actions are taken based on the air quality. Under the plan, measures like mechanised sweeping of roads, ban on garbage burning, pollution control measures at brick kilns and deployment of police to ensure smooth passage of traffic at vulnerable areas are in force in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) as the air quality lies in the poor category. Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, who launched an air quality early warning system for Delhi, said the Badarpur Thermal Power Plant will be closed from October 15. He also said the number of mechanised road sweeping machines in the national capital will increase from 52 to 64 by November-end. With farmers already burning stubble, the Environment Ministry said the government has released Rs 591.65 crore to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi for the promotion of agricultural mechanisation to manage crop residue. It said the number of active fire detections was less in 2018 when compared to 2017 and 2016. The air quality in Delhi remained poor with a drop in wind speed, even as authorities predicted further fall in the air quality index of the national capital in the coming days. The overall air quality index (AQI) recorded at 4 pm Monday was 218 which falls in the poor category, according to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). On Saturday, the AQI of the national capital stood at 201. According to the CPCB website, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 318, DTU registered 288, ITO recorded 253 and Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 311. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Delhi's neighbouring regions of Faridabad and Gurgaon both recorded poor air quality. If the air quality deteriorates further to very poor category then additional measures under GRAP like enhancing parking fees 3-4 times and increasing frequency of metro and buses would be implemented, an official with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said. It said if the air quality falls in the severe category, measures like increasing frequency of sprinkling of water on roads and identifying road stretch with high dust generation would be implemented. If the air quality falls to severe plus emergency category, then measures like stopping entry of trucks into Delhi (except essential commodities), stopping construction activities and appointment of a task force to take the decision on any additional steps, including shutting of schools, are implemented. Union minister Vardhan said the use of water sprinklers and the opening of the Western Peripheral Expressway will bring about a further reduction in pollution. He said along with the initiatives taken by the government, the participation of the society is imperative. "With an outlay of Rs 1,151.80 crore under the new Central Sector Scheme, the Centre has already released Rs 591.65 crore to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi for the promotion of agricultural mechanization for in-situ management of crop residue," an official statement quoting Vardhan said. The minister said 41 teams of the CPCB have been deployed in Delhi and NCR cities of Ghaziabad, NOIDA, Gurgaon and Faridabad to monitor and supervise dust mitigation and other air pollution abatement measures to ensure effective compliance while terming them as "eyes and ears" of his ministry. He also said the use of water sprinklers and the opening of the expressway will bring about a further reduction in pollution. Union Environment secretary C K Mishra said the number of "Good, Satisfactory and Moderate" days was 157 in 2018 (Up to October 13) compared to 150 in 2017 and 107 in 2016 during the corresponding period. He added that similarly, the number of "Poor, Very Poor and Severe days" have come down from 167 in 2016 to 136 in 2017 to 129 in 2018 during the corresponding period. Comparing the PM10 and PM2.5 levels, Mishra underlined that both PM 10 and PM 2.5 have shown a significant reduction in the winter months (September-October) this year compared to last year. "There is a reduction of 46 per cent in PM10 levels in September 2018 compared to last year and a 15 per cent reduction in October. "There is a reduction of 28 per cent in the PM2.5 levels in September 2018 compared to last year and a reduction of 22 per cent in October," Mishra said. He said the number of active fire detections in 2018 is less in comparison to 207 and 2016 till October 14, 2018. "The numbers are 75 per cent lower than last year in Punjab and 40 per cent lower in case of Haryana," he said.

Pollution-control action plan comes into force in Delhi-NCR, air quality remains poor

The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun.

Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm. In the final phase, the electorate will seal the fate of 150 candidates in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. As many as 260 candidates will be contesting for 132 wards.

In the wake of the polls, security has been beefed up at polling stations, while checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and Ganderbal, where vehicles and commuters are being searched thoroughly to ensure seamless completion of polls.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Voting underway for the fourth phase of urban local body polls; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from a polling station in Ganderbal <a href="https://t.co/Fj07FZ4xnl">pic.twitter.com/Fj07FZ4xnl</a>
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Among the three polling phases, maximum voter turnout was recorded in the first phase in Jammu and Kashmir (56.7 per cent), while least voter turnout was registered during the third phase (16.4 per cent).

The fight is between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Jammu and Kashmir's two major parties- National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Alliance (PDP)- have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre's stand on Articles 35A.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: High-speed mobile internet services suspended in South and central Kashmir including Srinagar due to fourth phase of urban local body polls.
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Article 35A disallows people from residing in Jammu and Kashmir, buying or owning immovable property in the state, settling permanently, or getting state government jobs.

Counting of votes cast during all four phases will be done on October 20. 
&nbsp;

The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun. Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm.

The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun. Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm. In the final phase, the electorate will seal the fate of 150 candidates in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. As many as 260 candidates will be contesting for 132 wards. In the wake of the polls, security has been beefed up at polling stations, while checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and Ganderbal, where vehicles and commuters are being searched thoroughly to ensure seamless completion of polls. Jammu & Kashmir: Voting underway for the fourth phase of urban local body polls; #Visuals from a polling station in Ganderbal pic.twitter.com/Fj07FZ4xnl — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × Among the three polling phases, maximum voter turnout was recorded in the first phase in Jammu and Kashmir (56.7 per cent), while least voter turnout was registered during the third phase (16.4 per cent). The fight is between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Jammu and Kashmir's two major parties- National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Alliance (PDP)- have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre's stand on Articles 35A. Jammu & Kashmir: High-speed mobile internet services suspended in South and central Kashmir including Srinagar due to fourth phase of urban local body polls. — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × Article 35A disallows people from residing in Jammu and Kashmir, buying or owning immovable property in the state, settling permanently, or getting state government jobs. Counting of votes cast during all four phases will be done on October 20.

J&K municipal polls: Final phase of voting begins

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/perfect-storm-of-hunger-climate-change-conflict-coming-warns-un-171765">'Perfect storm' of hunger, climate change &amp; conflict coming, warns UN</a>

A potent combination of hunger, climate change and man-made conflicts are creating a "perfect storm", the head of the UN's food arm warned Tuesday in a call to action on World Food Day.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-tells-saudis-us-is-concerned-about-missing-journalist-khashoggi-171772">Saudis agree to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance, says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-tells-saudis-us-is-concerned-about-missing-journalist-khashoggi-171772">US</a>

The US on Tuesday said that Saudis have agreed to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-warns-protestors-ahead-of-sabarimala-temple-reopening-171747">Won't allow anyone to take </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-warns-protestors-ahead-of-sabarimala-temple-reopening-171747">law</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-warns-protestors-ahead-of-sabarimala-temple-reopening-171747"> into own hands: Kerala CM warns protesters ahead of Sabarimala opening tomorrow</a>

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/denmark-open-pv-sindhu-makes-shocking-first-round-exit-171743">Denmark Open: PV Sindhu makes shock exit in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/denmark-open-pv-sindhu-makes-shocking-first-round-exit-171743">first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/denmark-open-pv-sindhu-makes-shocking-first-round-exit-171743"> round</a>

Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Denmark Open with a stunning opening-round loss to American Beiwen Zhang in the women's singles event, here on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/allahabad-is-now-prayagraj-yogi-adityanath-cabinet-clears-renaming-proposal-171742">Allahabad is now Prayagraj: Yogi cabinet clears proposal to rename </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/allahabad-is-now-prayagraj-yogi-adityanath-cabinet-clears-renaming-proposal-171742">city</a>

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj.

'Perfect storm' of hunger, climate change & conflict coming, warns UN A potent combination of hunger, climate change and man-made conflicts are creating a "perfect storm", the head of the UN's food arm warned Tuesday in a call to action on World Food Day.

'Perfect storm' of hunger, climate change & conflict coming, warns UN A potent combination of hunger, climate change and man-made conflicts are creating a "perfect storm", the head of the UN's food arm warned Tuesday in a call to action on World Food Day. Saudis agree to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance, says US The US on Tuesday said that Saudis have agreed to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance. Won't allow anyone to take law into own hands: Kerala CM warns protesters ahead of Sabarimala opening tomorrow Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands. Denmark Open: PV Sindhu makes shock exit in first round Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Denmark Open with a stunning opening-round loss to American Beiwen Zhang in the women's singles event, here on Tuesday. Allahabad is now Prayagraj: Yogi cabinet clears proposal to rename city The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj.

Nearly 190 names of suspected Rohingyas have appeared in the voters list and the process of verification and deletion is on, a senior official of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) said Tuesday.

"We have received the list from the Election Commission with nearly 190 names of Rohingyas living in Telangana to be verified. We have sent the list to Returning Officers (RO) and Assistant ROs to verify," the official told PTI.

The official said the deletion of such names from the voters list is underway.

"So far, we have deleted 25 names from the voters list. The process is going on. Balance will be done before the second supplement list of voters comes," the official said.

According to the official, some of the names figured in other constituencies near the city and the list was sent to the respective districts for verification and deletion of names if required.

There are as many as 39.60 lakh voters in GHMC limits as per the latest list.

There were about 3,600 Rohingyas, who are UNHCR card holders in the city and most of them are illiterates.

"Whoever lives in the camp were not willing to go back as they fear for their lives," sources related to the Rohingya camp in old city area had earlier said.

"The names of the Rohingyas have been deleted by obtaining Form 7, (related to the deletion of name from voters list) from them. After that they were given a seven-day notice for the removal of the name," the official added.

Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Electoral officer Rajat Kumar said there are Election Commission (EC) guidelines specially for them not to include in the voters list, once the immigrants are identified.

"The Home Secretary has come out with a list of Rohingyas to be verified," the CEO said.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, described by the United Nations as the most persecuted minority in the world, fled their homes in 2017 to escape an alleged crackdown by the Myanmar Army.

In 2017, the central government told Parliament that more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, stay in India.

However, aid agencies estimate there are about 40,000 Rohingya people in the country. 
&nbsp;

Nearly 190 names of suspected Rohingyas have appeared in the voters list and the process of verification and deletion is on, a senior official of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) said Tuesday.

Nearly 190 names of suspected Rohingyas have appeared in the voters list and the process of verification and deletion is on, a senior official of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) said Tuesday. "We have received the list from the Election Commission with nearly 190 names of Rohingyas living in Telangana to be verified. We have sent the list to Returning Officers (RO) and Assistant ROs to verify," the official told PTI. The official said the deletion of such names from the voters list is underway. "So far, we have deleted 25 names from the voters list. The process is going on. Balance will be done before the second supplement list of voters comes," the official said. According to the official, some of the names figured in other constituencies near the city and the list was sent to the respective districts for verification and deletion of names if required. There are as many as 39.60 lakh voters in GHMC limits as per the latest list. There were about 3,600 Rohingyas, who are UNHCR card holders in the city and most of them are illiterates. "Whoever lives in the camp were not willing to go back as they fear for their lives," sources related to the Rohingya camp in old city area had earlier said. "The names of the Rohingyas have been deleted by obtaining Form 7, (related to the deletion of name from voters list) from them. After that they were given a seven-day notice for the removal of the name," the official added. Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Electoral officer Rajat Kumar said there are Election Commission (EC) guidelines specially for them not to include in the voters list, once the immigrants are identified. "The Home Secretary has come out with a list of Rohingyas to be verified," the CEO said. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, described by the United Nations as the most persecuted minority in the world, fled their homes in 2017 to escape an alleged crackdown by the Myanmar Army. In 2017, the central government told Parliament that more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, stay in India. However, aid agencies estimate there are about 40,000 Rohingya people in the country.

Close to 200 suspected Rohingyas in Telangana voters' list; verification underway

The Law Ministry has endorsed a proposal of the Women and Child Development Ministry to remove the time limit for reporting child sexual abuse, WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi said Tuesday.

Maneka Gandhi had, on October 3, written to Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asking him to remove the time limit for reporting child sexual abuse and allow people to complain even "10-15 years later".

She told reporters that the Law Ministry has agreed to their proposal and endorses removal of time limit for reporting such crimes.

The further course would be soon decided, a senior WCD official said.

Under Section 468 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), any offence, including child abuse, which can lead to a prison term of three years has to be reported within three years of the incident.

According to Section 473 of the CrPC, a court may take cognisance of an older case if it is in the "interest of justice" or if the "delay has been properly explained". However, victims of child sexual abuse often face problems in registering an FIR once they are 18 years of age or more.

In her letter, Maneka Gandhi had urged the Law Minister that people should be allowed to lodge their complaint even "10-15 years later".

"It doesn't matter how much later. If you're going to complain, the avenue is open," she had earlier said.

"We are of the view that cases of child sexual abuse can be reported by the victim at any time and law enforcement agencies would be required to take appropriate actions on the complaint of such victim," she said in the letter.

Many children, the minister said, are unable to report such crimes as the perpetrator in most cases is either a family member, a relative or a closely known person.

"Studies have also shown that the child continues to carry the trauma of sexual abuse till very late in life," Maneka Gandhi wrote to Mr Prasad.

She had earlier proposed that child sexual abuse victims be allowed to register complaints until they are 30.

The Law Ministry has endorsed a proposal of the Women and Child Development Ministry to remove the time limit for reporting child sexual abuse, WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi said Tuesday.

The Law Ministry has endorsed a proposal of the Women and Child Development Ministry to remove the time limit for reporting child sexual abuse, WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi said Tuesday. Maneka Gandhi had, on October 3, written to Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asking him to remove the time limit for reporting child sexual abuse and allow people to complain even "10-15 years later". She told reporters that the Law Ministry has agreed to their proposal and endorses removal of time limit for reporting such crimes. The further course would be soon decided, a senior WCD official said. Under Section 468 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), any offence, including child abuse, which can lead to a prison term of three years has to be reported within three years of the incident. According to Section 473 of the CrPC, a court may take cognisance of an older case if it is in the "interest of justice" or if the "delay has been properly explained". However, victims of child sexual abuse often face problems in registering an FIR once they are 18 years of age or more. In her letter, Maneka Gandhi had urged the Law Minister that people should be allowed to lodge their complaint even "10-15 years later". "It doesn't matter how much later. If you're going to complain, the avenue is open," she had earlier said. "We are of the view that cases of child sexual abuse can be reported by the victim at any time and law enforcement agencies would be required to take appropriate actions on the complaint of such victim," she said in the letter. Many children, the minister said, are unable to report such crimes as the perpetrator in most cases is either a family member, a relative or a closely known person. "Studies have also shown that the child continues to carry the trauma of sexual abuse till very late in life," Maneka Gandhi wrote to Mr Prasad. She had earlier proposed that child sexual abuse victims be allowed to register complaints until they are 30.

Law Ministry endorses removal of time limit to report child sexual abuse: Maneka Gandhi

Delhi's air quality nosedived towards very poor category on Tuesday even as authorities put several key measures in place to combat air pollution.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 293, just eight points below the "very poor" category, according to the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research.

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 that between 401 and 500 is categorised as "severe".

A senior Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) official said several factors like vehicular pollution, construction activities and meteorological factors like wind speed were responsible for continuing pollution in the city despite measures being taken up.

Several measures are in force in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) like mechanised sweeping of roads, ban on garbage burning, pollution control measures at brick kilns and deployment of police to ensure smooth passage of traffic at vulnerable areas.

The use of gensets have also been banned in the city but they are being allowed to operate in parts of the NCR due to power issues.

"The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been rolled out in the city but its ground level implementation is still going on," the official said.

The GRAP, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2012, prescribes a set of measures to curb air pollution based on the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily Air Quality Index (AQI).

The emergency plan gets implemented if "very poor" or "severe" air pollution levels are recorded for 48 hours but given the extent of winter pollution witnessed by the national capital, the plan has been implemented as the air quality slipped to the "poor" category, the official said.

In addition, the CPCB has also deployed 41 teams to monitor the implementation of measures taken to combat air pollution.

On Tuesday, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 381, Dwarka Sector 8 registered AQI of 373, ITO recorded 296 and Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 321, according to CPCB data.

The PM10 level (presence of particles with diameter less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 274 and the PM2.5 level was recorded at 119. Both PM10 and PM2.5 are in poor category, according to the data.

Delhi's air quality nosedived towards very poor category on Tuesday even as authorities put several key measures in place to combat air pollution. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 293, just eight points below the "very poor" category, according to the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research.

Delhi's air quality nosedived towards very poor category on Tuesday even as authorities put several key measures in place to combat air pollution. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 293, just eight points below the "very poor" category, according to the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research. 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 that between 401 and 500 is categorised as "severe". A senior Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) official said several factors like vehicular pollution, construction activities and meteorological factors like wind speed were responsible for continuing pollution in the city despite measures being taken up. Several measures are in force in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) like mechanised sweeping of roads, ban on garbage burning, pollution control measures at brick kilns and deployment of police to ensure smooth passage of traffic at vulnerable areas. The use of gensets have also been banned in the city but they are being allowed to operate in parts of the NCR due to power issues. "The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been rolled out in the city but its ground level implementation is still going on," the official said. The GRAP, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2012, prescribes a set of measures to curb air pollution based on the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily Air Quality Index (AQI). The emergency plan gets implemented if "very poor" or "severe" air pollution levels are recorded for 48 hours but given the extent of winter pollution witnessed by the national capital, the plan has been implemented as the air quality slipped to the "poor" category, the official said. In addition, the CPCB has also deployed 41 teams to monitor the implementation of measures taken to combat air pollution. On Tuesday, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 381, Dwarka Sector 8 registered AQI of 373, ITO recorded 296 and Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 321, according to CPCB data. The PM10 level (presence of particles with diameter less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 274 and the PM2.5 level was recorded at 119. Both PM10 and PM2.5 are in poor category, according to the data.

Delhi's air quality nosedives towards 'very poor' category

Threats posed by "lone wolf" attackers and "do it yourself' terrorists are a major challenge for agencies tasked with ensuring security of the country, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today.

Addressing commandos of the elite counter-terror force National Security Guard on their 34th raising day in Gurgaon, Rajnath Singh said security forces have exhibited excellent coordination and ensured that there has been no terror attack similar to that of Mumbai in 2008.

He made a reference to recent attacks in New York and London where vehicles were used to run over and kill a number of people.

"The 'do it yourself' and 'lone wolf' kind of terror attacks are a major challenge for us and for security agencies,"&nbsp;Singh said at the NSG garrison in Manesar.

"We will have to prepare accordingly and keep changing and updating our tactics to counter these threats," he added.

"Terror is not limited to a country, but affects the entire world," Singh asserted. Social media has helped in propagating their ideology, he added.

Complimenting the NSG and other security forces and agencies of the country for ensuring that there has not been any major terror attack in India since 2008, he said they have achieved successes in thwarting terror or insurgency bids "except" in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We have now deployed one unit of the NSG in Jammu and Kashmir for operations,"&nbsp;Singh said.

The minister also asked state police forces to develop counter-terror capabilities of their forces as they are the "first responders" when an attack takes place.

The NSG was raised in 1984 as a federal contingency force. Apart from rendering the specialised tasks of counter-terror and counter-hijack operations, it also guards 13 high-risk VVIPs in the country, including the Union home minister. 
&nbsp;

Threats posed by "lone wolf" attackers and "do it yourself' terrorists are a major challenge for agencies tasked with ensuring security of the country, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today.

Threats posed by "lone wolf" attackers and "do it yourself' terrorists are a major challenge for agencies tasked with ensuring security of the country, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today. Addressing commandos of the elite counter-terror force National Security Guard on their 34th raising day in Gurgaon, Rajnath Singh said security forces have exhibited excellent coordination and ensured that there has been no terror attack similar to that of Mumbai in 2008. He made a reference to recent attacks in New York and London where vehicles were used to run over and kill a number of people. "The 'do it yourself' and 'lone wolf' kind of terror attacks are a major challenge for us and for security agencies," Singh said at the NSG garrison in Manesar. "We will have to prepare accordingly and keep changing and updating our tactics to counter these threats," he added. "Terror is not limited to a country, but affects the entire world," Singh asserted. Social media has helped in propagating their ideology, he added. Complimenting the NSG and other security forces and agencies of the country for ensuring that there has not been any major terror attack in India since 2008, he said they have achieved successes in thwarting terror or insurgency bids "except" in Jammu and Kashmir. "We have now deployed one unit of the NSG in Jammu and Kashmir for operations," Singh said. The minister also asked state police forces to develop counter-terror capabilities of their forces as they are the "first responders" when an attack takes place. The NSG was raised in 1984 as a federal contingency force. Apart from rendering the specialised tasks of counter-terror and counter-hijack operations, it also guards 13 high-risk VVIPs in the country, including the Union home minister.

'Lone wolf' terror attacks a major challenge for India: Rajnath Singh

An advisory committee headed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been set up for implementation of various projects for rebuilding the flood-ravaged state.

Announcing this at a press conference here, Vijayan said the committee, comprising Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannamthanam, would give advice for implementing the projects.

Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, T K A Nair, who served as advisor to former prime minister, and former state chief secretary K M Chandrasekhar are among the other members of the committee, he said.

The first meeting of the committee would be held on October 22, the chief minister said.

Besides this, a high-powered committee would monitor the implementation of the projects approved by the state cabinet, he said.

The chief minister also launched a portal for crowd funding as part of the government's efforts to mobilise funds for rebuilding and rehabilitating the people affected by the flood in the state.

Vijayan is scheduled to leave for some of the Gulf countries on Wednesday as part of the efforts to mobilise funds from Kerala expatriates there.

Seventeen of the 20 state ministers have also planned to visit different countries in the Gulf and Europe to mobilise funds.

However, the Centre has approved the foreign visit of the chief minister alone so far.

Answering a question in this regard, Vijayan said the state government had expected that the Centre would give sanction for the ministers also.

The state had witnessed the fury of the southwest monsoon in August which claimed 493 lives and left a trail of destruction in several districts, displacing lakhs of people.

The LDF government had last month decided to raise Rs 15,900 crore as loan from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other funding agencies to rebuild the prime sectors of the state.

An advisory committee headed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been set up for implementation of various projects for rebuilding the flood-ravaged state.

An advisory committee headed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been set up for implementation of various projects for rebuilding the flood-ravaged state. Announcing this at a press conference here, Vijayan said the committee, comprising Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannamthanam, would give advice for implementing the projects. Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, T K A Nair, who served as advisor to former prime minister, and former state chief secretary K M Chandrasekhar are among the other members of the committee, he said. The first meeting of the committee would be held on October 22, the chief minister said. Besides this, a high-powered committee would monitor the implementation of the projects approved by the state cabinet, he said. The chief minister also launched a portal for crowd funding as part of the government's efforts to mobilise funds for rebuilding and rehabilitating the people affected by the flood in the state. Vijayan is scheduled to leave for some of the Gulf countries on Wednesday as part of the efforts to mobilise funds from Kerala expatriates there. Seventeen of the 20 state ministers have also planned to visit different countries in the Gulf and Europe to mobilise funds. However, the Centre has approved the foreign visit of the chief minister alone so far. Answering a question in this regard, Vijayan said the state government had expected that the Centre would give sanction for the ministers also. The state had witnessed the fury of the southwest monsoon in August which claimed 493 lives and left a trail of destruction in several districts, displacing lakhs of people. The LDF government had last month decided to raise Rs 15,900 crore as loan from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other funding agencies to rebuild the prime sectors of the state.

Advisory panel set up for rebuilding flood-hit Kerala

Dismissing ruling Telangana Rashtra samithi's (TRS) criticism that TDP was an "Andhra party," the state unit of the party has said it was founded by late N T&nbsp; Rama Rao in the city, in the heart of Telangana.

"Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was formed in the heart of Telangana by late NT Rama Rao. Soon after its formation, changes have come in political arena.Through TDP, many sections have found their way into assembly and parliament. Got (their) share in governance," TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana told PTI.

Asserting that TDP had ushered in welfare and development, benefiting the poor, he said it has found a place in the hearts of the poor in Telangana as a party that belongs to them.

People feel that a rise in the living standards and a boost to welfare and development is possible with TDP, Ramana said.

TDP has allied with Congress, CPI and TJS to form a "grand alliance" for the December 7 Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana.

Asked about TRS criticism against TDP for allying with Congress as NT Rama Rao had formed the party on anti-Congress plank, Ramana said there has been a change in the policies and ideology of the Congress and also in circumstances since TDP was formed (in 1982).

Alleging that ruling TRS has led an even more undemocratic rule in Telangana (than Congress did when TDP was formed) and ignored the poor, he said TDP, Congress, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have come together to defeat the "family rule" of TRS.

"The aim of the alliance is to work from a people's angle, to realise the aspirations of martyrs (those who sacrificed life in support of separate Telangana)," Ramana said.

"Though TDP is in opposition in Telangana for the third time, it is still strong on the back of its cadre strength (with substantial membership)", he claimed.

"We have (party) committees up to village level. It is only TDP in the state which has such strong (network). In the interest of development and seeking a democratic rule in Telangana, we have gone for grand alliance comprising Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS. We will strive for victory and (I have) confidence that (grand alliance) government will come," he added.

TDP won 15 assembly segments (out of 119) and a Lok Sabha seat in Telangana in the 2014 elections.

However, 12 out of the 15 MLAs switched over to ruling TRS which has considerably weakened the party.

TDP maintains that its core strength of workers remained intact though leaders have deserted the party.

The partners of "grand alliance" are in talks to clinch a Common Minimum Programme and the seat-sharing among them, he noted.

Asked if the alliance of opposition parties would extend to Lok Sabha election as well, he said the parties have decided to move ahead with coordination and in a spirit of give and take, hoping that the spirit would continue among them.&nbsp;

Dismissing ruling Telangana Rashtra samithi's (TRS) criticism that TDP was an "Andhra party," the state unit of the party has said it was founded by late N T Rama Rao in the city, in the heart of Telangana.

Dismissing ruling Telangana Rashtra samithi's (TRS) criticism that TDP was an "Andhra party," the state unit of the party has said it was founded by late N T Rama Rao in the city, in the heart of Telangana. "Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was formed in the heart of Telangana by late NT Rama Rao. Soon after its formation, changes have come in political arena.Through TDP, many sections have found their way into assembly and parliament. Got (their) share in governance," TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana told PTI. Asserting that TDP had ushered in welfare and development, benefiting the poor, he said it has found a place in the hearts of the poor in Telangana as a party that belongs to them. People feel that a rise in the living standards and a boost to welfare and development is possible with TDP, Ramana said. TDP has allied with Congress, CPI and TJS to form a "grand alliance" for the December 7 Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana. Asked about TRS criticism against TDP for allying with Congress as NT Rama Rao had formed the party on anti-Congress plank, Ramana said there has been a change in the policies and ideology of the Congress and also in circumstances since TDP was formed (in 1982). Alleging that ruling TRS has led an even more undemocratic rule in Telangana (than Congress did when TDP was formed) and ignored the poor, he said TDP, Congress, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have come together to defeat the "family rule" of TRS. "The aim of the alliance is to work from a people's angle, to realise the aspirations of martyrs (those who sacrificed life in support of separate Telangana)," Ramana said. "Though TDP is in opposition in Telangana for the third time, it is still strong on the back of its cadre strength (with substantial membership)", he claimed. "We have (party) committees up to village level. It is only TDP in the state which has such strong (network). In the interest of development and seeking a democratic rule in Telangana, we have gone for grand alliance comprising Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS. We will strive for victory and (I have) confidence that (grand alliance) government will come," he added. TDP won 15 assembly segments (out of 119) and a Lok Sabha seat in Telangana in the 2014 elections. However, 12 out of the 15 MLAs switched over to ruling TRS which has considerably weakened the party. TDP maintains that its core strength of workers remained intact though leaders have deserted the party. The partners of "grand alliance" are in talks to clinch a Common Minimum Programme and the seat-sharing among them, he noted. Asked if the alliance of opposition parties would extend to Lok Sabha election as well, he said the parties have decided to move ahead with coordination and in a spirit of give and take, hoping that the spirit would continue among them.

TDP defends alliance with Congress for Telangana assembly polls

The national president of the NSUI &nbsp;(National Students' Union of India) — the Congress's student wing — has stepped down after allegations of sexual harassment against him.&nbsp;

Fairoz Khan's resignation has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-about-time-everyone-learns-to-treat-women-with-respect-says-rahul-gandhi-171065">accepted by Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a>.&nbsp;

PTI reported that Khan submitted his resignation on Monday.

It added that the party had set up a three-member committee to look into the matter after a woman levelled charges of sexual harassment against Khan.&nbsp;

PTI added that the woman, a Congress worker, had also lodged a complaint against Khan at Parliament Stree police station.&nbsp;

She said in her complaint, PTI reported, that she feared for her life.&nbsp;

The national president of the NSUI (National Students' Union of India) — the Congress's student wing — has stepped down after allegations of sexual harassment against him.

The national president of the NSUI (National Students' Union of India) — the Congress's student wing — has stepped down after allegations of sexual harassment against him. Fairoz Khan's resignation has been accepted by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. PTI reported that Khan submitted his resignation on Monday. It added that the party had set up a three-member committee to look into the matter after a woman levelled charges of sexual harassment against Khan. PTI added that the woman, a Congress worker, had also lodged a complaint against Khan at Parliament Stree police station. She said in her complaint, PTI reported, that she feared for her life.

NSUI chief Fairoz Khan quits after #MeToo charges, Rahul Gandhi accepts resignation

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, senior Cabinet minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said, "The renaming of Allahabad as Prayagraj before Kumbh Mela came for approval in the meeting and I am happy to say Allahabad will now be known as Prayagraj." "Rig Veda, Mahabharat and Ramayana also mention Prayagraj (for Allahabad)," he noted.

"The people of entire Allahabad, the sages and seers wanted that Allahabad should be known as Prayagraj.Two days back, when the chief minister had chaired a meeting pertaining to Kumbh there, he had himself mooted that Allahabad should be called Prayagraj. All the sages and seers had given their unanimous approval for the same," he added.

On a trip to Allahabad on Saturday last, the chief minister had said there was a proposal to rename the city ahead of the 2019 Kumbh Mela.

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Briefing reporters after the meeting, senior Cabinet minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said, "The renaming of Allahabad as Prayagraj before Kumbh Mela came for approval in the meeting and I am happy to say Allahabad will now be known as Prayagraj." "Rig Veda, Mahabharat and Ramayana also mention Prayagraj (for Allahabad)," he noted. "The people of entire Allahabad, the sages and seers wanted that Allahabad should be known as Prayagraj.Two days back, when the chief minister had chaired a meeting pertaining to Kumbh there, he had himself mooted that Allahabad should be called Prayagraj. All the sages and seers had given their unanimous approval for the same," he added. On a trip to Allahabad on Saturday last, the chief minister had said there was a proposal to rename the city ahead of the 2019 Kumbh Mela.

Allahabad is now Prayagraj: Yogi cabinet clears proposal to rename city

In a major setback to the Congress in Goa, two of its legislators resigned Tuesday as members of the state Assembly, reducing the party's strength from 16 to 14 in the 40-member House.

Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte, who went to Delhi late last night, faxed their resignation letters to Speaker Pramod Sawant and are set to join the BJP.

With their resignation, the Congress ceases to be the single largest party in the Assembly whose effective strength now stands reduced to 38.

The development assumes further significance as it comes at a time when Goa is witnessing hectic political activity against the backdrop of the ill-health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

"Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte faxed their resignations as members of the Assembly to my office. We have received their resignations," Sawant told PTI.

The Speaker said the resignations have been accepted.

"I and Shirodkar have resigned as MLAs and also from the primary membership of the Congress. We have sent our resignations to the Congress party," Sopte told PTI over phone from Delhi.

Leader of Opposition in Goa Assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar expressed shock over the development.

"We came to know through media reports that two of our legislators are in touch with the BJP and might resign. We are shocked," he told reporters here.

Sopte and Shirodkar were part of the crucial Congress Legislature Party meeting held in the state earlier to discuss the political situation arising out of the ill-health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Kavlekar said.

Sopte, 54, represented the Mandrem Assembly constituency in North Goa district, while Shirodkar, 66, was elected from the Shiroda in South Goa district.

In the 40-member Goa Assembly, the Parrikar government has the support of 23 MLAs. These comprise 14 BJP MLAs, three each from the Goa Forward Party and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party as well as three Independents.

The Congress, with 16 seats, had emerged as the single largest party in the fructured verdict thrown up in the Assembly elections held in March last year.

However, it had failed to form the government as it could not muster the majority. Since, then it has been repeatedly laying claim to form the government, arguing that it was the single largest party.

Shirodkar won five times from the Shiroda constituency and was the Cabinet minister from 1985 to 2000.

Sopte had defeated BJP's Laxmikant Parsekar, who was the chief minister before the state polls last year.

He had won from the Pernem Assembly seat on the BJP ticket in 2007 but resigned from the party to join the Congress in 2012, when he was denied a ticket.

When the Pernem seat was reserved for a Scheduled Caste candidate, Sopte aspired to contest on BJP's ticket from Mandrem constituency in 2012 but the party fielded the then BJP Goa unit chief Laxmikant Parsekar from there.

Sopte had then fought the 2012 Assembly poll from Mandrem Congress ticket but lost to Parsekar.&nbsp;

In a major setback to the Congress in Goa, two of its legislators resigned Tuesday as members of the state Assembly, reducing the party's strength from 16 to 14 in the 40-member House.

In a major setback to the Congress in Goa, two of its legislators resigned Tuesday as members of the state Assembly, reducing the party's strength from 16 to 14 in the 40-member House. Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte, who went to Delhi late last night, faxed their resignation letters to Speaker Pramod Sawant and are set to join the BJP. With their resignation, the Congress ceases to be the single largest party in the Assembly whose effective strength now stands reduced to 38. The development assumes further significance as it comes at a time when Goa is witnessing hectic political activity against the backdrop of the ill-health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. "Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte faxed their resignations as members of the Assembly to my office. We have received their resignations," Sawant told PTI. The Speaker said the resignations have been accepted. "I and Shirodkar have resigned as MLAs and also from the primary membership of the Congress. We have sent our resignations to the Congress party," Sopte told PTI over phone from Delhi. Leader of Opposition in Goa Assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar expressed shock over the development. "We came to know through media reports that two of our legislators are in touch with the BJP and might resign. We are shocked," he told reporters here. Sopte and Shirodkar were part of the crucial Congress Legislature Party meeting held in the state earlier to discuss the political situation arising out of the ill-health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Kavlekar said. Sopte, 54, represented the Mandrem Assembly constituency in North Goa district, while Shirodkar, 66, was elected from the Shiroda in South Goa district. In the 40-member Goa Assembly, the Parrikar government has the support of 23 MLAs. These comprise 14 BJP MLAs, three each from the Goa Forward Party and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party as well as three Independents. The Congress, with 16 seats, had emerged as the single largest party in the fructured verdict thrown up in the Assembly elections held in March last year. However, it had failed to form the government as it could not muster the majority. Since, then it has been repeatedly laying claim to form the government, arguing that it was the single largest party. Shirodkar won five times from the Shiroda constituency and was the Cabinet minister from 1985 to 2000. Sopte had defeated BJP's Laxmikant Parsekar, who was the chief minister before the state polls last year. He had won from the Pernem Assembly seat on the BJP ticket in 2007 but resigned from the party to join the Congress in 2012, when he was denied a ticket. When the Pernem seat was reserved for a Scheduled Caste candidate, Sopte aspired to contest on BJP's ticket from Mandrem constituency in 2012 but the party fielded the then BJP Goa unit chief Laxmikant Parsekar from there. Sopte had then fought the 2012 Assembly poll from Mandrem Congress ticket but lost to Parsekar.

Two Congress MLAs resign in Goa; party strength down to 14

Former Mizoram minister Buddha Dhan Chakma quit the Congress today and is all set to join the BJP.

After tendering his resignation as a legislator from the state Assembly,&nbsp;Chakma submitted his resignation from the primary membership of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) to party functionaries Aizawl.

The resignation letter from the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee was addressed to the committee president, Lal Thanhawla, who is also the chief minister.

Speaker Hiphei has accepted Chakma's resignation from the House, Assembly secretary SR Zokhuma said.

Election to the 40-member House is scheduled to be held in the state on November 28.

Mizoram BJP unit president Prof John V Hluna told news agency PTI that Chakma would be joining the BJP today.

The Bharatiya Janata Party would field Chakma from Tuichawng seat in the assembly polls, Hluna said.

With Chakma's resignation, three Congress MLAs have resigned from the Assembly recently.<iframe data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

The present strength of the state legislature is 37 after resignation of the three Congress legislators. The ruling Congress has 31 legislators and the Mizo National Front six.

The Assembly Speaker on Monday had accepted the resignation of former home minister R Lalzirliana.

Lalzirliana, who resigned as the state home minister on September 14 was expelled as vice president of the state Pradesh Congress Committee and primary member of the Congress party indefinitely by the ruling Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee disciplinary action committee on September 17.

He formally joined the Mizo National Front yesterday.

Earlier, another Congress legislator Lalrinliana Sailo, former minister and member of the AICC and general secretary of the state PCC had also left the ruling party and joined the Mizo National Front.

Chakma had resigned from the council of ministers on August 21, 2017 in protest against discrimination of some students belonging to Chakma community for admission to medical colleges across the country, though they had qualified for MBBS seat under the state quota.

Former Mizoram minister Buddha Dhan Chakma quit the Congress today and is all set to join the BJP. After tendering his resignation as a legislator from the state Assembly, Chakma submitted his resignation from the primary membership of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) to party functionaries Aizawl.

Former Mizoram minister Buddha Dhan Chakma quit the Congress today and is all set to join the BJP. After tendering his resignation as a legislator from the state Assembly, Chakma submitted his resignation from the primary membership of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) to party functionaries Aizawl. The resignation letter from the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee was addressed to the committee president, Lal Thanhawla, who is also the chief minister. Speaker Hiphei has accepted Chakma's resignation from the House, Assembly secretary SR Zokhuma said. Election to the 40-member House is scheduled to be held in the state on November 28. Mizoram BJP unit president Prof John V Hluna told news agency PTI that Chakma would be joining the BJP today. The Bharatiya Janata Party would field Chakma from Tuichawng seat in the assembly polls, Hluna said. With Chakma's resignation, three Congress MLAs have resigned from the Assembly recently. The present strength of the state legislature is 37 after resignation of the three Congress legislators. The ruling Congress has 31 legislators and the Mizo National Front six. The Assembly Speaker on Monday had accepted the resignation of former home minister R Lalzirliana. Lalzirliana, who resigned as the state home minister on September 14 was expelled as vice president of the state Pradesh Congress Committee and primary member of the Congress party indefinitely by the ruling Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee disciplinary action committee on September 17. He formally joined the Mizo National Front yesterday. Earlier, another Congress legislator Lalrinliana Sailo, former minister and member of the AICC and general secretary of the state PCC had also left the ruling party and joined the Mizo National Front. Chakma had resigned from the council of ministers on August 21, 2017 in protest against discrimination of some students belonging to Chakma community for admission to medical colleges across the country, though they had qualified for MBBS seat under the state quota.

Ex-Mizoram minister Buddha Dhan Chakma resigns from Congress, to join BJP

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands.

The failure of the talks has raised the tension in the state with devotees intent of stopping women from entering when the temple opens for monthly rituals on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister also assured all sort of facilities to the devotees visiting the shrine of Lord Ayyappa.

The temple is set to reopen tomorrow, however, contrary to the age old tradition, this time women of ages will be allowed to enter the holy shrine, as per the recent order by the apex court.

"We will not allow anyone to take law and order into their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees who will visit Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers," Vijayan said while addressing the media in Trivandrum.

He also reiterated that the state government does not plan to challenge the verdict and will ensure implementation of the Supreme Court ruling.

On September 28, a five-judge bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality".

Although many, including the Kerala government, have welcomed the decision, a section of followers have been staging protests across the country opposing the ruling.

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands.

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands. The failure of the talks has raised the tension in the state with devotees intent of stopping women from entering when the temple opens for monthly rituals on Wednesday. The Chief Minister also assured all sort of facilities to the devotees visiting the shrine of Lord Ayyappa. The temple is set to reopen tomorrow, however, contrary to the age old tradition, this time women of ages will be allowed to enter the holy shrine, as per the recent order by the apex court. "We will not allow anyone to take law and order into their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees who will visit Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers," Vijayan said while addressing the media in Trivandrum. He also reiterated that the state government does not plan to challenge the verdict and will ensure implementation of the Supreme Court ruling. On September 28, a five-judge bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality". Although many, including the Kerala government, have welcomed the decision, a section of followers have been staging protests across the country opposing the ruling.

Won't allow anyone to take law into own hands: Kerala CM warns protesters ahead of Sabarimala opening tomorrow

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