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Ganderbal recorded 7.9 per cent voter turnout in the final phase of Jammu and Kashmir municipal elections on Tuesday till 12pm, news agency ANI reported. Srinagar registered 2.3 per cent voter turnout.

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.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Voter turnout recorded in Ganderbal is 7.9% &amp; Srinagar is 2.3% till 12 noon, in the fourth phase of urban local body elections.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052101120343064576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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.

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).

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: 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 Srinagar. <a href="https://t.co/z435VxrAf5">pic.twitter.com/z435VxrAf5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052051658874777601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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.

Counting of votes cast during all four phases will be done on October 20.

Ganderbal recorded 7.9 per cent voter turnout in the final phase of Jammu and Kashmir municipal elections on Tuesday till 12pm, news agency ANI reported. Srinagar registered 2.

Ganderbal recorded 7.9 per cent voter turnout in the final phase of Jammu and Kashmir municipal elections on Tuesday till 12pm, news agency ANI reported. Srinagar registered 2.3 per cent voter turnout. 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. Jammu & Kashmir: Voter turnout recorded in Ganderbal is 7.9% & Srinagar is 2.3% till 12 noon, in the fourth phase of urban local body elections. — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × 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. 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). #JammuAndKashmir: Voting underway for the fourth phase of urban local body polls; #Visuals from a polling station in Srinagar. pic.twitter.com/z435VxrAf5 — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × 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. Counting of votes cast during all four phases will be done on October 20.

J&K local body polls: 7.9% voter turnout in Ganderbal till 12pm, Srinagar registers 2.3%

Self-styled godman Rampal has been sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with two murder cases, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Haryana's Hisar Court, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-self-styled-godman-rampal-held-guilty-in-2-murder-cases-170848">on October 11, found Rampal guilty</a> in both cases of murder filed against him.

Rampal was arrested in 2014 after a tense standoff between his supporters and the police after close to 15,000 of his followers were evacuated from the sprawling ashram premises in Barnala. The stand-off had turned violent resulting in the death of five persons.

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Self-styled godman Rampal has been sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with two murder cases. <a href="https://t.co/LxB4cQysvx">pic.twitter.com/LxB4cQysvx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052094216174796800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A case was registered against Rampal and his followers in 2014 under sections 186 (Obstructing a public servant in discharge of public function), 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 353 (Assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty) of the Indian Penal Code.

A separate case of rioting against Rampal and his followers was registered for rioting, unlawful assembly, disobedience to an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant and wrongfully confining any person.

He has been charged with ordering his followers to fire on villagers in 2006. One person was killed and six injured in the incident.&nbsp;

Self-styled godman Rampal has been sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with two murder cases, news agency ANI reported. Haryana's Hisar Court, on October 11, found Rampal guilty in both cases of murder filed against him.

Self-styled godman Rampal has been sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with two murder cases, news agency ANI reported. Haryana's Hisar Court, on October 11, found Rampal guilty in both cases of murder filed against him. Rampal was arrested in 2014 after a tense standoff between his supporters and the police after close to 15,000 of his followers were evacuated from the sprawling ashram premises in Barnala. The stand-off had turned violent resulting in the death of five persons. Self-styled godman Rampal has been sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with two murder cases. pic.twitter.com/LxB4cQysvx — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × A case was registered against Rampal and his followers in 2014 under sections 186 (Obstructing a public servant in discharge of public function), 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 353 (Assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty) of the Indian Penal Code. A separate case of rioting against Rampal and his followers was registered for rioting, unlawful assembly, disobedience to an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant and wrongfully confining any person. He has been charged with ordering his followers to fire on villagers in 2006. One person was killed and six injured in the incident.

Self-styled godman Rampal sentenced to life imprisonment in murder cases

Disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha criticised the BJP government at the Centre over the Rafale deal.

He said a French publication had quoted former French president Francois Hollande as saying that the Indian government had proposed Reliance Defence as a partner for the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation for the deal.

Speaking at a farmers' panchayat in Tawli village Sunday evening, he said questions were being asked why an experienced company like the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was set aside and a new company got the contract for the Rafale deal.

He appealed to all opposition leaders to unite to defeat the BJP in the 2019 general election.

Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also addressed the farmers.&nbsp;

The Congress and the BJP have been involved in a war of words over the Rs 58-000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France, with claims and counter-claims flowing thick and fast.&nbsp;

Disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha criticised the BJP government at the Centre over the Rafale deal. He said a French publication had quoted former French president Francois Hollande as saying that the Indian government had proposed Reliance Defence as a partner for the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation for the deal.

Disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha criticised the BJP government at the Centre over the Rafale deal. He said a French publication had quoted former French president Francois Hollande as saying that the Indian government had proposed Reliance Defence as a partner for the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation for the deal. Speaking at a farmers' panchayat in Tawli village Sunday evening, he said questions were being asked why an experienced company like the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was set aside and a new company got the contract for the Rafale deal. He appealed to all opposition leaders to unite to defeat the BJP in the 2019 general election. Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also addressed the farmers. The Congress and the BJP have been involved in a war of words over the Rs 58-000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France, with claims and counter-claims flowing thick and fast.

Shatrughan Sinha criticises BJP government over Rafale deal

The inauguration of the first India-China joint training programme for Afghan Diplomats will be held today at the Indian Foreign Service Institute here, according to Chinese Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui.

Zhaohui took to his official Twitter account to announce the inauguration of the joint training program, while also informing that he would read out the message of the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China at the event.

The training is being conducted under the aegis of the Trilateral Cooperation between India, China, and Afghanistan.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the joint program would be held from October 15 to October 26 via an official press release.

The Dean of the Foreign Service Institute will deliver the welcome note beside also reading out the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj`s message at the event, the MEA added.

Earlier, Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Vinay Kumar, had hosted 10 Afghan diplomats ahead of their departure for the 1st India-China Joint Training Programme on October 13.

The event is slated to be live-streamed on the Chinese Ambassador`s Twitter account.

The inauguration of the first India-China joint training programme for Afghan Diplomats will be held today at the Indian Foreign Service Institute here, according to Chinese Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui.

The inauguration of the first India-China joint training programme for Afghan Diplomats will be held today at the Indian Foreign Service Institute here, according to Chinese Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui. Zhaohui took to his official Twitter account to announce the inauguration of the joint training program, while also informing that he would read out the message of the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China at the event. The training is being conducted under the aegis of the Trilateral Cooperation between India, China, and Afghanistan. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the joint program would be held from October 15 to October 26 via an official press release. The Dean of the Foreign Service Institute will deliver the welcome note beside also reading out the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj`s message at the event, the MEA added. Earlier, Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Vinay Kumar, had hosted 10 Afghan diplomats ahead of their departure for the 1st India-China Joint Training Programme on October 13. The event is slated to be live-streamed on the Chinese Ambassador`s Twitter account.

India-China joint training programme for Afghan diplomats to begin today

China's ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said today that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be meeting PM Modi at the G20 summit&nbsp;in Argentina next month.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xis-chai-pe-charcha-on-wuhan-lake-133368">Also Read:&nbsp;PM Modi-Xi's 'chai pe </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xis-chai-pe-charcha-on-wuhan-lake-133368">charcha</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xis-chai-pe-charcha-on-wuhan-lake-133368">' on Wuhan lake</a> 
‏ 
Zhaohui said India and China are both against terrorism.

The Chinese ambassador asserted that &nbsp;China and India share a common interest on Afghanistan. "We hope Afghanistan has peace," he said.

PM Modi has already met President Xi three times in the past year. PM Modi and President Xi had met in Wuhan during the "informal summit" in April to further ties between the two countries which was stained by the 73-day standoff at Doklam.

The Indian prime minister and President Xi exchanged views during the &nbsp;BRICS summit in Johannesburg. In June, both leaders had met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) meeting in the Chinese city of Qingdao.

Amid the escalating trade war with US, the Chinese embassy had said last week that India and China need to deepen cooperation to fight trade protectionism.&nbsp;

“As the two largest developing countries and major emerging markets, China and India are both in the vital stage of deepening reform and developing economy, and both need stable external environment,” said Counselor Ji Rong, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India had said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

“Under the current circumstances, China and India need to deepen their cooperation to fight trade protectionism,” Ji added.

President Trump has imposed tariffs worth $200 billion on Chinese goods and threatened to impose tariffs against all goods entering the US if China does not agree to US demands which include narrowing the trade deficit among other stringent demands.

“Facing unilateralism and bullying activities, China and India have more reasons to join efforts to build a more just and reasonable international order,” Ji had said last week.

China's ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said today that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be meeting PM Modi at the G20 summit in Argentina next month. Also Read: PM Modi-Xi's 'chai pe charcha' on Wuhan lake ‏ Zhaohui said India and China are both against terrorism.

China's ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said today that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be meeting PM Modi at the G20 summit in Argentina next month. Also Read: PM Modi-Xi's 'chai pe charcha' on Wuhan lake ‏ Zhaohui said India and China are both against terrorism. The Chinese ambassador asserted that China and India share a common interest on Afghanistan. "We hope Afghanistan has peace," he said. PM Modi has already met President Xi three times in the past year. PM Modi and President Xi had met in Wuhan during the "informal summit" in April to further ties between the two countries which was stained by the 73-day standoff at Doklam. The Indian prime minister and President Xi exchanged views during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. In June, both leaders had met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) meeting in the Chinese city of Qingdao. Amid the escalating trade war with US, the Chinese embassy had said last week that India and China need to deepen cooperation to fight trade protectionism. “As the two largest developing countries and major emerging markets, China and India are both in the vital stage of deepening reform and developing economy, and both need stable external environment,” said Counselor Ji Rong, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India had said. “Under the current circumstances, China and India need to deepen their cooperation to fight trade protectionism,” Ji added. President Trump has imposed tariffs worth $200 billion on Chinese goods and threatened to impose tariffs against all goods entering the US if China does not agree to US demands which include narrowing the trade deficit among other stringent demands. “Facing unilateralism and bullying activities, China and India have more reasons to join efforts to build a more just and reasonable international order,” Ji had said last week.

PM Modi, President Xi to meet next month during G20 summit in Argentina

The death toll in Cyclone Titli-hit Odisha rose to 24 Sunday after two more bodies were pulled out of the rubble brought by a landslide in Gajapati district, even as the flood situation in the state improved marginally, officials said.&nbsp;

Heavy rains pounded Odisha over the last three days following the cyclone's landfall on Gopalpur in the southwestern part of the state.

Fifteen people were killed in the Friday<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-titli-rs-4-lakh-ex-gratia-for-kin-of-gajapati-landslide-victims-171475"> landslide in Gajapati's </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-titli-rs-4-lakh-ex-gratia-for-kin-of-gajapati-landslide-victims-171475">Barghar</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-titli-rs-4-lakh-ex-gratia-for-kin-of-gajapati-landslide-victims-171475"> area</a>, around 50 km from the district headquarters town of Paralakhemundi, Sub-Divisional Police Officer T P Patra said.

He said while 13 bodies were found Saturday night, two more bodies were pulled out of the rubble Sunday morning.&nbsp;

Besides those killed in the landslide, flood and rain-related incidents claimed three lives in Gajapati, and four and two in Ganjam and Khandamal districts respectively, the officials said.&nbsp;

The flood situation in Odisha has improved marginally, making it easier for the administration to expedite relief and restoration operations, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said.

Sethi, however, said the situation has "marginally improved in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, with water receding from low-lying areas and roads being cleared of tree trunks and electric poles".

"Electricity supply has been restored in many places in Ganjam, one of the worst-affected districts in the state.&nbsp;

"In Gajapati, too, the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) personnel have been pressed into service to clear roads by removing the uprooted trees," Sethi told reporters after a review meeting with Chief Secretary A P Padhi.

The SRC said the cyclone had extensively damaged the standing crops in many affected areas and a loss assessment will be made in the next few days.

Sethi said assistance will be doled out accordingly to the affected farmers.

In Ganjam, vast stretches of the two towns of Aska and Proshuttampur were submerged in rainwater over the past two days, District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said.

The relief team had to air drop food packets for the stranded people in these areas, he said.

The SRC clarified that floodwater has subsided in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts in the past 24 hours.

"As people are returning homes following improvement in weather conditions, food will not be provided in the relief camps in these districts anymore," he said.

Talking about the landslip incident in Gajapati, Sethi said the state government has decided to provide Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to families of each of the deceased.

Three additional ODRAF and two NDRF teams will be dispatched to Gajapati to step up restoration work, he said.

"Though, it will take time to restore the flood-affected areas, the subsiding water level at major rivers has brought relief to the people.&nbsp;

"The Budhabalanga river is flowing much below the danger mark near Barunighat," Sethi said.

But the situation is yet to change for better in Mayurbhanj district, where the villagers are still reeling under flood-like situation, the SRC said.

"The water from overflowing Budhabalanga and Gangahara rivers has gushed into around 14 villages in Badasahi block on Mayurbhanj.&nbsp;

"Road communication between Basta and Baliapal too continues to remain disrupted with Jalaka river still flowing above the danger mark," he added.

Meanwhile, a three-member team, led by state Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty Sunday reviewed the restoration work across the affected areas of state.

The ministerial team, constituted two days ago, has also been tasked with the responsibility of assessing damages.

While Mohanty visited Gajapati district in the morning, Finance Minister Sashi Bhushan Behera and SC-ST Development Minister Ramesh Majhi, monitored relief work at Kandhamal district.

"Connectivity has largely been restored to district headquarters and block headquarters in the affected areas. Work is going on in full swing to bring back normalcy," Mohanty said.

He said the field-level revenue officials have been asked to complete assessment work at the earliest.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had Saturday announced a 15-day monetary relief package for people affected by Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood.

Patnaik, who made an aerial survey of the cyclone-hit areas of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts, said a family of four will be assisted with around Rs 3,000 as relief.&nbsp;

The death toll in Cyclone Titli-hit Odisha rose to 24 Sunday after two more bodies were pulled out of the rubble brought by a landslide in Gajapati district, even as the flood situation in the state improved marginally, officials said.

The death toll in Cyclone Titli-hit Odisha rose to 24 Sunday after two more bodies were pulled out of the rubble brought by a landslide in Gajapati district, even as the flood situation in the state improved marginally, officials said. Heavy rains pounded Odisha over the last three days following the cyclone's landfall on Gopalpur in the southwestern part of the state. Fifteen people were killed in the Friday landslide in Gajapati's Barghar area, around 50 km from the district headquarters town of Paralakhemundi, Sub-Divisional Police Officer T P Patra said. He said while 13 bodies were found Saturday night, two more bodies were pulled out of the rubble Sunday morning. Besides those killed in the landslide, flood and rain-related incidents claimed three lives in Gajapati, and four and two in Ganjam and Khandamal districts respectively, the officials said. The flood situation in Odisha has improved marginally, making it easier for the administration to expedite relief and restoration operations, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said. Sethi, however, said the situation has "marginally improved in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, with water receding from low-lying areas and roads being cleared of tree trunks and electric poles". "Electricity supply has been restored in many places in Ganjam, one of the worst-affected districts in the state. "In Gajapati, too, the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) personnel have been pressed into service to clear roads by removing the uprooted trees," Sethi told reporters after a review meeting with Chief Secretary A P Padhi. The SRC said the cyclone had extensively damaged the standing crops in many affected areas and a loss assessment will be made in the next few days. Sethi said assistance will be doled out accordingly to the affected farmers. In Ganjam, vast stretches of the two towns of Aska and Proshuttampur were submerged in rainwater over the past two days, District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said. The relief team had to air drop food packets for the stranded people in these areas, he said. The SRC clarified that floodwater has subsided in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts in the past 24 hours. "As people are returning homes following improvement in weather conditions, food will not be provided in the relief camps in these districts anymore," he said. Talking about the landslip incident in Gajapati, Sethi said the state government has decided to provide Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to families of each of the deceased. Three additional ODRAF and two NDRF teams will be dispatched to Gajapati to step up restoration work, he said. "Though, it will take time to restore the flood-affected areas, the subsiding water level at major rivers has brought relief to the people. "The Budhabalanga river is flowing much below the danger mark near Barunighat," Sethi said. But the situation is yet to change for better in Mayurbhanj district, where the villagers are still reeling under flood-like situation, the SRC said. "The water from overflowing Budhabalanga and Gangahara rivers has gushed into around 14 villages in Badasahi block on Mayurbhanj. "Road communication between Basta and Baliapal too continues to remain disrupted with Jalaka river still flowing above the danger mark," he added. Meanwhile, a three-member team, led by state Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty Sunday reviewed the restoration work across the affected areas of state. The ministerial team, constituted two days ago, has also been tasked with the responsibility of assessing damages. While Mohanty visited Gajapati district in the morning, Finance Minister Sashi Bhushan Behera and SC-ST Development Minister Ramesh Majhi, monitored relief work at Kandhamal district. "Connectivity has largely been restored to district headquarters and block headquarters in the affected areas. Work is going on in full swing to bring back normalcy," Mohanty said. He said the field-level revenue officials have been asked to complete assessment work at the earliest. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had Saturday announced a 15-day monetary relief package for people affected by Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood. Patnaik, who made an aerial survey of the cyclone-hit areas of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts, said a family of four will be assisted with around Rs 3,000 as relief.

Death toll climbs to 24 as flood situation improves in Odisha

A judge's wife, who was allegedly shot in a crowded market area in Gurugram by his personal security guard, succumbed to injuries, while their 18-year-old son has been declared "brain dead", PTI reported.

Additional Sessions Judge Krishan Kant's wife Ritu (45) and son Dhruv (18) had gone for shopping in the Arcadia market Saturday when they were shot by&nbsp;Mahipal. They were admitted to a hospital in critical condition.

The reason for Ritu's death was excessive bleeding. A panel of three specialist doctors found two gunshot wounds on the right side and in the middle of the chest.

&nbsp;Mahipal was later arrested from Faridabad. He was brought to a Gurugram court on Sunday which sent him to four-day police custody.

Today the court detained&nbsp;Mahipal's mother and cousin.

The Gurugram Police had sought a week's custody for extensive interrogation of Mahipal to establish the reason why he shot Ritu and Dhruv.

A Special Investigation Team has also been set up&nbsp;to investigate the case from all angles.

So far no confirmed motive has been revealed behind the shooting. However, reports suggested that he was mistreated by the family.

"Mahipal is frequently changing his statements and becomes furious whenever he is questioned. He said he was depressed due to family problems," PTI quoted a senior police officer, who is part of the interrogation team.

"As per the statement of the accused, he was not happy with the behaviour of the victim's family members. He was also upset due to frequent fights with his wife which was confirmed by his neighbours in police lines,"&nbsp;the officer also said.

In video footage of the incident recorded by a witness, the guard Mahipal is seen trying to push the judge's son Dhruv into the car they were in. Mahipal leaves after he fails to do so.

Mahipal was head constable of Haryana police and serving judge for over a year now as his personal security guard.

PTI reported quoting officials, &nbsp;that he had been demanding leave to go home for the past few days but was denied. This might have led to him suffering from depression.&nbsp;

"The judge also used to scold him often," PTI reported quoting one of the interrogating officers.

On Saturday also, the judge's wife scolded him inside the car when they were going to the market, the officer also said adding that, "He had a grudge against the judge".

A judge's wife, who was allegedly shot in a crowded market area in Gurugram by his personal security guard, succumbed to injuries, while their 18-year-old son has been declared "brain dead", PTI reported.

A judge's wife, who was allegedly shot in a crowded market area in Gurugram by his personal security guard, succumbed to injuries, while their 18-year-old son has been declared "brain dead", PTI reported. Additional Sessions Judge Krishan Kant's wife Ritu (45) and son Dhruv (18) had gone for shopping in the Arcadia market Saturday when they were shot by Mahipal. They were admitted to a hospital in critical condition. The reason for Ritu's death was excessive bleeding. A panel of three specialist doctors found two gunshot wounds on the right side and in the middle of the chest. Mahipal was later arrested from Faridabad. He was brought to a Gurugram court on Sunday which sent him to four-day police custody. Today the court detained Mahipal's mother and cousin. The Gurugram Police had sought a week's custody for extensive interrogation of Mahipal to establish the reason why he shot Ritu and Dhruv. A Special Investigation Team has also been set up to investigate the case from all angles. So far no confirmed motive has been revealed behind the shooting. However, reports suggested that he was mistreated by the family. "Mahipal is frequently changing his statements and becomes furious whenever he is questioned. He said he was depressed due to family problems," PTI quoted a senior police officer, who is part of the interrogation team. "As per the statement of the accused, he was not happy with the behaviour of the victim's family members. He was also upset due to frequent fights with his wife which was confirmed by his neighbours in police lines," the officer also said. In video footage of the incident recorded by a witness, the guard Mahipal is seen trying to push the judge's son Dhruv into the car they were in. Mahipal leaves after he fails to do so. Mahipal was head constable of Haryana police and serving judge for over a year now as his personal security guard. PTI reported quoting officials, that he had been demanding leave to go home for the past few days but was denied. This might have led to him suffering from depression. "The judge also used to scold him often," PTI reported quoting one of the interrogating officers. On Saturday also, the judge's wife scolded him inside the car when they were going to the market, the officer also said adding that, "He had a grudge against the judge".

Gurugram shooting: Judge's son declared 'brain dead', police interrogates constable's mother and cousin

Seeking to curb the city's pollution level, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) Sunday asked the state-run NBCC to "immediately halt" all construction and demolition activities at its project site at Pragati Maidan, officials said.

The SDMC said it has taken several measures in view of the deteriorating air quality in the city over the last one week.

"SDMC Sunday hired 22 additional water tankers for water sprinkling in open areas, taking the total number of such tankers to 62. The NBCC has been told to immediately stop all construction and demolition activities of the Pragati Maidan project after NBCC seems to have ignored earlier request of SDMC to it to follow the NGT guidelines," the civic body said in a statement.

The NBCC is building a world-class convention-cum-exhibition centre at the site of the Pragati Maidan.

"SDMC has also started ground-level monitoring on a continuous basis to ensure that the common objective of reducing pollution level is achieved and air quality does not deteriorate further," SDMC Commissioner P K Goel said.

He said the civic body was committed to strictly enforce the directions of the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), including the instructions it had received from it on Saturday.

The Supreme Court-empowered EPCA is tasked with taking various measures to tackle air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region.

The EPCA is also mandated to enforce Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the city as per the pollution levels.

In November, the EPCA had enforced several measures, including closure of the Badarpur thermal power plant, ban on brick kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers, and construction activities.

The air quality in Delhi remained poor Sunday with drop in wind speed even as authorities predicted further fall in air quality index of the national capital in the coming days.&nbsp;

The overall air quality index (AQI) recorded at 10 am Sunday stood at 208 which falls in the 'poor' category, according to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

"The SDMC has told in plain words to NBCC/Shapoorji Pallonji, working on Pragati Maidan project, to immediately stop all construction or demolition activities at site or face the music under DMC

Act 1957. A communication has been issued to stop construction activities as NBCC ignored earlier request to this regard and NGT's guidelines," the SDMC said.

They have been asked to produce a sanction plan of the project issued by any competent authority or obtain the same from the SDMC and stop all construction or demolition activities till the submission of the sanction plan, it said.

The order to stop the construction will, however, remain in effect till the air quality level is brought to a satisfactory level as per the standards specified by the EPCA, the civic body said.

Meanwhile, the sprinkling of water by tankers Sunday was undertaken in several areas, including Batla House to Okhla Head Works, Okhla SLF, and Defence Colony, Jal Vihar, Lajpat Nagar, Sunder Nagar, Bhairon Marg and R K Puram sectors 1 and 4.&nbsp;

Seeking to curb the city's pollution level, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) Sunday asked the state-run NBCC to "immediately halt" all construction and demolition activities at its project site at Pragati Maidan, officials said.

Seeking to curb the city's pollution level, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) Sunday asked the state-run NBCC to "immediately halt" all construction and demolition activities at its project site at Pragati Maidan, officials said. The SDMC said it has taken several measures in view of the deteriorating air quality in the city over the last one week. "SDMC Sunday hired 22 additional water tankers for water sprinkling in open areas, taking the total number of such tankers to 62. The NBCC has been told to immediately stop all construction and demolition activities of the Pragati Maidan project after NBCC seems to have ignored earlier request of SDMC to it to follow the NGT guidelines," the civic body said in a statement. The NBCC is building a world-class convention-cum-exhibition centre at the site of the Pragati Maidan. "SDMC has also started ground-level monitoring on a continuous basis to ensure that the common objective of reducing pollution level is achieved and air quality does not deteriorate further," SDMC Commissioner P K Goel said. He said the civic body was committed to strictly enforce the directions of the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), including the instructions it had received from it on Saturday. The Supreme Court-empowered EPCA is tasked with taking various measures to tackle air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region. The EPCA is also mandated to enforce Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the city as per the pollution levels. In November, the EPCA had enforced several measures, including closure of the Badarpur thermal power plant, ban on brick kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers, and construction activities. The air quality in Delhi remained poor Sunday with drop in wind speed even as authorities predicted further fall in air quality index of the national capital in the coming days. The overall air quality index (AQI) recorded at 10 am Sunday stood at 208 which falls in the 'poor' category, according to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). "The SDMC has told in plain words to NBCC/Shapoorji Pallonji, working on Pragati Maidan project, to immediately stop all construction or demolition activities at site or face the music under DMC Act 1957. A communication has been issued to stop construction activities as NBCC ignored earlier request to this regard and NGT's guidelines," the SDMC said. They have been asked to produce a sanction plan of the project issued by any competent authority or obtain the same from the SDMC and stop all construction or demolition activities till the submission of the sanction plan, it said. The order to stop the construction will, however, remain in effect till the air quality level is brought to a satisfactory level as per the standards specified by the EPCA, the civic body said. Meanwhile, the sprinkling of water by tankers Sunday was undertaken in several areas, including Batla House to Okhla Head Works, Okhla SLF, and Defence Colony, Jal Vihar, Lajpat Nagar, Sunder Nagar, Bhairon Marg and R K Puram sectors 1 and 4.

Pollution: SDMC asks NBCC to stop construction activities at Pragati Maidan

The police on Monday arrested four people who allegedly attacked TV journalist Herman Gomes in Mumbai.

The journalist and his friend were allegedly beaten up by four unidentified miscreants near outside his house around 1:30 am on Saturday.

"I was attacked by four people out of nowhere.. I have got six stitches on my right eye. All I can say is, these people were waiting for me for a long time. It was not a last-minute provocation. They stood ready for the attack. They thrashed my friend as well and took away his mobile phone," Gomes said.

Gomes also took to social media to share the ordeal."I was attacked by an unknown group of people right outside my Bombay House.. It was clearly pre planned. They were armed with a knuckle duster. I always mind my own business and do stories that I firmly Believe in. Last night was something different and they came out to KILL me. My eye is badly affected and so is my body. I don`t know which story affected people so much. I don`t know these people too. Mumbai Police has asked a senior IPS officer to look after the case. FIR filed at Gamdevi Police station shortly. I managed to take on 2 people but another group was waiting to take on me at the backI`ve got 6 stitches around my eye, among others . My family and I are affected," Gomes on Facebook.&nbsp;

The police on Monday arrested four people who allegedly attacked TV journalist Herman Gomes in Mumbai. The journalist and his friend were allegedly beaten up by four unidentified miscreants near outside his house around 1:30 am on Saturday.

The police on Monday arrested four people who allegedly attacked TV journalist Herman Gomes in Mumbai. The journalist and his friend were allegedly beaten up by four unidentified miscreants near outside his house around 1:30 am on Saturday. "I was attacked by four people out of nowhere.. I have got six stitches on my right eye. All I can say is, these people were waiting for me for a long time. It was not a last-minute provocation. They stood ready for the attack. They thrashed my friend as well and took away his mobile phone," Gomes said. Gomes also took to social media to share the ordeal."I was attacked by an unknown group of people right outside my Bombay House.. It was clearly pre planned. They were armed with a knuckle duster. I always mind my own business and do stories that I firmly Believe in. Last night was something different and they came out to KILL me. My eye is badly affected and so is my body. I don`t know which story affected people so much. I don`t know these people too. Mumbai Police has asked a senior IPS officer to look after the case. FIR filed at Gamdevi Police station shortly. I managed to take on 2 people but another group was waiting to take on me at the backI`ve got 6 stitches around my eye, among others . My family and I are affected," Gomes on Facebook.

4 arrested for attacking journalist in Mumbai

"Truth and the absolute truth is my only defence," the journalist Priya Ramani has said after news broke Monday afternoon that Union Minister MJ Akbar had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563">sued her for criminal defamation</a>.&nbsp;

Ramani put out her statement on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Those who have spoken up against Mr Akbar have done so at great risk to their personal and professional lives," she wrote.&nbsp;

"This is why I wish to register my strong protest against Mr Akbar's most recent statement, which pays no heed to the trauma and fear of survivors or the courage required to speak truth to power," she added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My statement <a href="https://t.co/1W7M2lDqPN">pic.twitter.com/1W7M2lDqPN</a>
— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyaramani/status/1051817717467045890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Over 10 women journalists have accused Akbar, minister of state for external affairs, of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.&nbsp;

Akbar, who returned to India Sunday morning from Africa, had been expected to resign. But he instead put out a statement (see tweet below) denying the allegations and alleging a political conspiracy "a few months before a general election".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://t.co/z4IL6kf7Q0">pic.twitter.com/z4IL6kf7Q0</a>
— M.J. Akbar (@mjakbar) <a href="https://twitter.com/mjakbar/status/1051452381983068161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He added in his statement that Ramani had begun "this campaign a year ago with a magazine article" (see tweet below) and that he would be deciding a "future course of legal action".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I began this piece with my MJ Akbar story. Never named him because he didn’t “do” anything. Lots of women have worse stories about this predator—maybe they’ll share. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ulti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ulti</a> <a href="https://t.co/5jVU5WHHo7">https://t.co/5jVU5WHHo7</a>
— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyaramani/status/1049279608263245824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I am deeply disappointed that a union minister should dismiss the detailed allegations of several women as a political conspiracy," Ramani wrote on Monday.&nbsp;

"By instituting a case of criminal defamation against me, Mr Akbar has made his stand clear: rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment," she said. &nbsp;

"Needless to say, I am ready to fight allegations of defamation against me, as truth and the absolute truth is my only defence," she added. &nbsp;

"Truth and the absolute truth is my only defence," the journalist Priya Ramani has said after news broke Monday afternoon that Union Minister MJ Akbar had sued her for criminal defamation.

"Truth and the absolute truth is my only defence," the journalist Priya Ramani has said after news broke Monday afternoon that Union Minister MJ Akbar had sued her for criminal defamation. Ramani put out her statement on Twitter. "Those who have spoken up against Mr Akbar have done so at great risk to their personal and professional lives," she wrote. "This is why I wish to register my strong protest against Mr Akbar's most recent statement, which pays no heed to the trauma and fear of survivors or the courage required to speak truth to power," she added. My statement pic.twitter.com/1W7M2lDqPN — Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 15, 2018 × Over 10 women journalists have accused Akbar, minister of state for external affairs, of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor. Akbar, who returned to India Sunday morning from Africa, had been expected to resign. But he instead put out a statement (see tweet below) denying the allegations and alleging a political conspiracy "a few months before a general election". pic.twitter.com/z4IL6kf7Q0 — M.J. Akbar (@mjakbar) October 14, 2018 × He added in his statement that Ramani had begun "this campaign a year ago with a magazine article" (see tweet below) and that he would be deciding a "future course of legal action". I began this piece with my MJ Akbar story. Never named him because he didn’t “do” anything. Lots of women have worse stories about this predator—maybe they’ll share. #ulti https://t.co/5jVU5WHHo7 — Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 8, 2018 × "I am deeply disappointed that a union minister should dismiss the detailed allegations of several women as a political conspiracy," Ramani wrote on Monday. "By instituting a case of criminal defamation against me, Mr Akbar has made his stand clear: rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment," she said. "Needless to say, I am ready to fight allegations of defamation against me, as truth and the absolute truth is my only defence," she added.

The absolute truth is my only defence: Priya Ramani after MJ Akbar files criminal defamation case against her

Your Story: Foreign firms asked to store Indian data locally

Your Story: Air quality index in Delhi recorded on Sat stood at 300

A 53-year-old air hostess suffered serious injuries after falling off an Air India aircraft which was getting ready for departure for New Delhi from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here, a source said Monday.

The incident happened on Air India flight AI 864 operating on Mumbai-Delhi route, according to the airline source.

"The woman crew member was closing the door for the pushback when she fell from the aircraft, " the source said. She has been admitted to Nanavati Hospital.

Air India spokesperson was not immediately available for comments.&nbsp;

A 53-year-old air hostess suffered serious injuries after falling off an Air India aircraft which was getting ready for departure for New Delhi from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here, a source said Monday.

A 53-year-old air hostess suffered serious injuries after falling off an Air India aircraft which was getting ready for departure for New Delhi from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here, a source said Monday. The incident happened on Air India flight AI 864 operating on Mumbai-Delhi route, according to the airline source. "The woman crew member was closing the door for the pushback when she fell from the aircraft, " the source said. She has been admitted to Nanavati Hospital. Air India spokesperson was not immediately available for comments.

Air India crew member falls off aircraft, hospitalised

The crisis-hit airline, Jet Airways, facing a severe cash crunch,&nbsp;told its staff that they met with pilots' representatives and are "working towards a solution which will be communicated in coming week," on Monday.

"We would like to apologise for the delayed payment of your salaries and appreciate your patience in this matter... We would like to inform you that we have met with pilots' representatives and are working towards a solution which will be communicated in coming week," the airline said in a statement.

The Mumbai-based full-service airline, partially owned by UAE national carrier Etihad Airways, has been facing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/more-jet-airways-employees-hit-salary-default-169147">financial problems</a> for quite some time now.

The Naresh Goyal-controlled airline is struggling to mop up funds to meet its payment obligations, including salaries to its over 16,000-strong workforce.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-department-finds-evidence-inflated-expenditure-jet-airways-166945">IT department finds evidence of inflated expenditure by Jet Airways</a>

On October 3, PTI reported citing sources that employees in A1-A5, O1 and O2 grade, or whose salaries are up to Rs 75,000 per month, were paid on October 1, while the rest of the staffers in the M1, M2, E1 and above grades have not been paid yet.

On September 6, the full-service airline informed senior employees that their salaries would be paid in two instalments till November.

The salaries for August was to be paid in two instalments 50 per cent by September 11 and the remaining by September 26.

Though the private carrier paid the first tranche on time, it could disburse only 50 per cent amount of the second instalment on the designated date and deferred the payment of rest 50 per cent to October 9.

(With inputs from PTI)

The crisis-hit airline, Jet Airways, facing a severe cash crunch, told its staff that they met with pilots' representatives and are "working towards a solution which will be communicated in coming week," on Monday.

The crisis-hit airline, Jet Airways, facing a severe cash crunch, told its staff that they met with pilots' representatives and are "working towards a solution which will be communicated in coming week," on Monday. "We would like to apologise for the delayed payment of your salaries and appreciate your patience in this matter... We would like to inform you that we have met with pilots' representatives and are working towards a solution which will be communicated in coming week," the airline said in a statement. The Mumbai-based full-service airline, partially owned by UAE national carrier Etihad Airways, has been facing financial problems for quite some time now. The Naresh Goyal-controlled airline is struggling to mop up funds to meet its payment obligations, including salaries to its over 16,000-strong workforce. Also read: IT department finds evidence of inflated expenditure by Jet Airways On October 3, PTI reported citing sources that employees in A1-A5, O1 and O2 grade, or whose salaries are up to Rs 75,000 per month, were paid on October 1, while the rest of the staffers in the M1, M2, E1 and above grades have not been paid yet. On September 6, the full-service airline informed senior employees that their salaries would be paid in two instalments till November. The salaries for August was to be paid in two instalments 50 per cent by September 11 and the remaining by September 26. Though the private carrier paid the first tranche on time, it could disburse only 50 per cent amount of the second instalment on the designated date and deferred the payment of rest 50 per cent to October 9. (With inputs from PTI)

Now, Jet airways apologises to staff over non-payment of salaries

Twelve new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur Monday, taking the total number of infected people to 72, a Rajasthan health department official said.&nbsp;

The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta.&nbsp;

"Sixty out of the total 72 patients are healthy after treatment," the official said after the meeting where measures required to contain the situation were discussed.&nbsp;

Most of the cases have been reported from Shastri Nagar area here where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus, he said.&nbsp;

So far, door-to-door survey of 96,000 households has been conducted in Shastri Nagar and neighbouring localities. Mosquito larvae was found in the area, the officer said.&nbsp;

He said 68 challans, amounting to Rs 44,000 penalty, were issued after finding larvae in houses.

The state health department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside the affected area to not visit Shastri Nagar.&nbsp;

The virus, transmitted through aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected.&nbsp;

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.&nbsp;

The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the World Health Organisation (WHO) notification since November 18, 2016.&nbsp;

Twelve new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur Monday, taking the total number of infected people to 72, a Rajasthan health department official said. The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta.

Twelve new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur Monday, taking the total number of infected people to 72, a Rajasthan health department official said. The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta. "Sixty out of the total 72 patients are healthy after treatment," the official said after the meeting where measures required to contain the situation were discussed. Most of the cases have been reported from Shastri Nagar area here where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus, he said. So far, door-to-door survey of 96,000 households has been conducted in Shastri Nagar and neighbouring localities. Mosquito larvae was found in the area, the officer said. He said 68 challans, amounting to Rs 44,000 penalty, were issued after finding larvae in houses. The state health department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside the affected area to not visit Shastri Nagar. The virus, transmitted through aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management. The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the World Health Organisation (WHO) notification since November 18, 2016.

Zika virus cases in Rajasthan rise to 72

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday extended his sympathies with the farmers of the state over the prohibition on stubble burning but told them that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) laws must be followed.

Addressing a presser here, Singh said, "This is a law of National Green Tribunal. My sympathies are with the farmers, but law is law and the law must take its course. I have written twice to the Prime Minister, Agriculture Minister and the Food Processing Industries Minister to compensate farmers who do not burn stubble with an additional Rs 100 per quintal."

Singh further stated that if the Centre does not provide Rs 100 per quintal compensation to the farmers, it will be difficult to control stubble burning. Although many farmers have stopped burning stubble as they have resorted to converting it into bio-fuel, the practice still, to a limited extent, remains active in the state, the chief minister added.

As autumn sets in, bringing along with it the harvesting period for Kharif crops, the increasing cases of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana are worsening the air pollution crisis in New Delhi and the neighbouring National Capital Region.

This in turn has necessitated the NGT to implement strict norms on the burning of stubble.However, farmers in Punjab on Saturday claimed that industries and vehicles majorly contribute to air pollution and not stubble burning.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday extended his sympathies with the farmers of the state over the prohibition on stubble burning but told them that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) laws must be followed.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday extended his sympathies with the farmers of the state over the prohibition on stubble burning but told them that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) laws must be followed. Addressing a presser here, Singh said, "This is a law of National Green Tribunal. My sympathies are with the farmers, but law is law and the law must take its course. I have written twice to the Prime Minister, Agriculture Minister and the Food Processing Industries Minister to compensate farmers who do not burn stubble with an additional Rs 100 per quintal." Singh further stated that if the Centre does not provide Rs 100 per quintal compensation to the farmers, it will be difficult to control stubble burning. Although many farmers have stopped burning stubble as they have resorted to converting it into bio-fuel, the practice still, to a limited extent, remains active in the state, the chief minister added. As autumn sets in, bringing along with it the harvesting period for Kharif crops, the increasing cases of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana are worsening the air pollution crisis in New Delhi and the neighbouring National Capital Region. This in turn has necessitated the NGT to implement strict norms on the burning of stubble.However, farmers in Punjab on Saturday claimed that industries and vehicles majorly contribute to air pollution and not stubble burning.

Punjab CM advises farmers to abide by NGT laws on stubble burning

A key ally of the ruling BJP in Goa said Monday that the government in the state should continue "with or without" the ailing Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister.

The remarks came on a day the BJP legislature party met here without Parrikar, after which the state unit president Vinay Tendulkar ruled out change of the chief minister.

Parrikar returned to his home state on Sunday night after being discharged from Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciencies (AIIMS) where he was admitted for a pancreatic ailment since September 15.

The 62-year-old leader is now undergoing treatment at his private residence at Dona Paula near here, where a team of doctors from the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) have set up make-shift medical facility.

"The chief minister is recovering now. He will take rest for two days, before meeting party office-bearers and government officials," Tendulkar said after the meeting of the BJP legislature party. 
Tendulkar, along with BJP's state general secretary Sadanand Tanavade, also met Parrikar Monday at the latter's residence.

Queried about a change of leadership in the state, the state BJP president shot back, saying, "Why do you need a leadership change? The CM is for five years."

Earlier, Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai said BJP chief Amit Shah called him Sunday afternoon to discuss the political situation in Goa.

"Amit Shah spoke to me and I have said no to mid-term polls. With or without Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister, this government should continue," Sardesai told PTI.

In the 40-member Goa Assembly, the Parrikar government has the support of 23 MLAs. These comprise 14 BJP MLAs, three each from the GFP and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) as well as three Independents.

Sardesai said the BJP had given a commitment when the coalition was formed in Goa after assembly polls in March 2017 that the government headed by Parrikar would continue for five years.

"We also want the same," the GFP leader said.

"In the wake of our commitment to this government, the onus is on the BJP high command to fulfil their commitment and see that the government completes its tenure," he said.

"If they (BJP) want, they can go for dissolution but not going for dissolution (of the Assembly) will prove they keep their word. The people of Goa are watching them," Sardesai said.

Independent MLA and civil supplies minister Govind Gawade, who is supporting the Parrikar-led coalition, said the chief minister should have stayed back at AIIMS for some more time and fully recovered before returning to Goa.

"But we welcome him back. Goa was missing its leader," he added.

On Friday last, Parrikar met Goa BJP's core committee members and ministers from coalition partners at the AIIMS to discuss ways to ensure that his government functions normally during his absence from office due to ill health.

In the morning, the Chief Minister's Office issued a statement, claiming that Parrikar would rest for a week.

"CM Manohar Parrikar's condition has improved further. He had a chat with his family members today morning. Doctors have advised him to take rest for a week's time," read the statement issued by Rupesh Kamat, personal secretary to Parrikar.

Meanwhile, the Congress, which is the single largest party in Goa with 16 seats, petitioned President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday, urging him to ensure that the state Assembly is not dissolved by "foul play".

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee chief Girish Chodankar referred to the opposition party's earlier pleas to Governor Mridula Sinha about staking claim to form government in the state.

He said it was imperative that the President issues instructions and guides the governor, so that there is no constitutional over-reach to seek dissolution of the Assembly.

A key ally of the ruling BJP in Goa said Monday that the government in the state should continue "with or without" the ailing Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister.

A key ally of the ruling BJP in Goa said Monday that the government in the state should continue "with or without" the ailing Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister. The remarks came on a day the BJP legislature party met here without Parrikar, after which the state unit president Vinay Tendulkar ruled out change of the chief minister. Parrikar returned to his home state on Sunday night after being discharged from Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciencies (AIIMS) where he was admitted for a pancreatic ailment since September 15. The 62-year-old leader is now undergoing treatment at his private residence at Dona Paula near here, where a team of doctors from the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) have set up make-shift medical facility. "The chief minister is recovering now. He will take rest for two days, before meeting party office-bearers and government officials," Tendulkar said after the meeting of the BJP legislature party. Tendulkar, along with BJP's state general secretary Sadanand Tanavade, also met Parrikar Monday at the latter's residence. Queried about a change of leadership in the state, the state BJP president shot back, saying, "Why do you need a leadership change? The CM is for five years." Earlier, Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai said BJP chief Amit Shah called him Sunday afternoon to discuss the political situation in Goa. "Amit Shah spoke to me and I have said no to mid-term polls. With or without Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister, this government should continue," Sardesai told PTI. In the 40-member Goa Assembly, the Parrikar government has the support of 23 MLAs. These comprise 14 BJP MLAs, three each from the GFP and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) as well as three Independents. Sardesai said the BJP had given a commitment when the coalition was formed in Goa after assembly polls in March 2017 that the government headed by Parrikar would continue for five years. "We also want the same," the GFP leader said. "In the wake of our commitment to this government, the onus is on the BJP high command to fulfil their commitment and see that the government completes its tenure," he said. "If they (BJP) want, they can go for dissolution but not going for dissolution (of the Assembly) will prove they keep their word. The people of Goa are watching them," Sardesai said. Independent MLA and civil supplies minister Govind Gawade, who is supporting the Parrikar-led coalition, said the chief minister should have stayed back at AIIMS for some more time and fully recovered before returning to Goa. "But we welcome him back. Goa was missing its leader," he added. On Friday last, Parrikar met Goa BJP's core committee members and ministers from coalition partners at the AIIMS to discuss ways to ensure that his government functions normally during his absence from office due to ill health. In the morning, the Chief Minister's Office issued a statement, claiming that Parrikar would rest for a week. "CM Manohar Parrikar's condition has improved further. He had a chat with his family members today morning. Doctors have advised him to take rest for a week's time," read the statement issued by Rupesh Kamat, personal secretary to Parrikar. Meanwhile, the Congress, which is the single largest party in Goa with 16 seats, petitioned President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday, urging him to ensure that the state Assembly is not dissolved by "foul play". Goa Pradesh Congress Committee chief Girish Chodankar referred to the opposition party's earlier pleas to Governor Mridula Sinha about staking claim to form government in the state. He said it was imperative that the President issues instructions and guides the governor, so that there is no constitutional over-reach to seek dissolution of the Assembly.

BJP-led govt in Goa should continue 'with or without' Parrikar, says key ruling ally

BJP president Amit Shah Monday accused Congress chief Rahul Gandhi of raising a "hue and cry" over the arrest of "urban naxals", who allegedly plotted to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said the government would not tolerate those who speak about dividing the country.

He alleged that the Congress, when in power, undermined the country's security.

"The Maharashtra government arrested urban naxals and found through their email exchange that they wanted mortar guns and machine guns. They were plotting to kill Modi," Shah said, speaking at a BJP workers' gathering at Rewa in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh.

"But when they ('urban naxals') were arrested, Rahul baba (Rahul Gandhi) and company raised hue and cry," he said.

"The slogan 'Bharat tere tukde honge, Inshallah ek hazar, ek hazar' was raised at JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) but Rahul baba says there is freedom of speech. Naxals were arrested, but he saw (it as an issue of) freedom of speech," he added.

Asserting that nobody would be allowed to harm the country's security, Shah said, "Rahul Baba, you can see whatever you want to, but there is a rule of Narendra Modi government....The voices which talk of dividing the country would be sent behind the bars."

The Maharashtra police had arrested five rights activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had later triggered violence at Koregaon-Bhima village.&nbsp;

The BJP president alleged that opposition parties such as the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Trinamool Congress sympathised with the infiltrators.

"The BJP government identified 40 lakh infiltrators by creating NRC (National Register of Citizens) in Assam. But opposition raised a hue and cry," Shah said, adding that the Congress, whenever in power, "weakened the country's security".

"Nobody remembers human rights when infiltrators plant bombs to kill country's mothers and sisters. The country's youth remain unemployed as these infiltrators snatch away jobs. They are a vote bank for the Congress, but for us, they are a national security issue. They (infiltrators) are eating up the country like termites," he said.

The BJP government would drive "each and every infiltrator" out of the country after winning elections in 2018 and 2019, Shah said.

India's economy rose to sixth place globally from the ninth spot in the last four years, he claimed.

Later, Shah spoke at a tribal convention at Dindori.

The Modi government increased the budget for the welfare schemes for the scheduled tribes by 30 per cent, while the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state increased the funds for tribal areas by over Rs 25,000 crore, he said.

The Modi government also set up 'mineral funds' (district mineral funds to which local miners contribute) for the development of tribal areas, he noted.

The Congress ruled the country with the support of the tribal communities, but now they are with the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shah claimed.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah Monday accused Congress chief Rahul Gandhi of raising a "hue and cry" over the arrest of "urban naxals", who allegedly plotted to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said the government would not tolerate those who speak about dividing the country.

BJP president Amit Shah Monday accused Congress chief Rahul Gandhi of raising a "hue and cry" over the arrest of "urban naxals", who allegedly plotted to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said the government would not tolerate those who speak about dividing the country. He alleged that the Congress, when in power, undermined the country's security. "The Maharashtra government arrested urban naxals and found through their email exchange that they wanted mortar guns and machine guns. They were plotting to kill Modi," Shah said, speaking at a BJP workers' gathering at Rewa in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. "But when they ('urban naxals') were arrested, Rahul baba (Rahul Gandhi) and company raised hue and cry," he said. "The slogan 'Bharat tere tukde honge, Inshallah ek hazar, ek hazar' was raised at JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) but Rahul baba says there is freedom of speech. Naxals were arrested, but he saw (it as an issue of) freedom of speech," he added. Asserting that nobody would be allowed to harm the country's security, Shah said, "Rahul Baba, you can see whatever you want to, but there is a rule of Narendra Modi government....The voices which talk of dividing the country would be sent behind the bars." The Maharashtra police had arrested five rights activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had later triggered violence at Koregaon-Bhima village. The BJP president alleged that opposition parties such as the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Trinamool Congress sympathised with the infiltrators. "The BJP government identified 40 lakh infiltrators by creating NRC (National Register of Citizens) in Assam. But opposition raised a hue and cry," Shah said, adding that the Congress, whenever in power, "weakened the country's security". "Nobody remembers human rights when infiltrators plant bombs to kill country's mothers and sisters. The country's youth remain unemployed as these infiltrators snatch away jobs. They are a vote bank for the Congress, but for us, they are a national security issue. They (infiltrators) are eating up the country like termites," he said. The BJP government would drive "each and every infiltrator" out of the country after winning elections in 2018 and 2019, Shah said. India's economy rose to sixth place globally from the ninth spot in the last four years, he claimed. Later, Shah spoke at a tribal convention at Dindori. The Modi government increased the budget for the welfare schemes for the scheduled tribes by 30 per cent, while the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state increased the funds for tribal areas by over Rs 25,000 crore, he said. The Modi government also set up 'mineral funds' (district mineral funds to which local miners contribute) for the development of tribal areas, he noted. The Congress ruled the country with the support of the tribal communities, but now they are with the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shah claimed.

Rahul raised hue and cry over arrest of 'urban naxals':  Amit Shah

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-general-6-others-sentenced-to-life-in-1994-assam-fake-encounter-case-171489">Army court sentences Major General, 6 others to life in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-general-6-others-sentenced-to-life-in-1994-assam-fake-encounter-case-171489">fake</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-general-6-others-sentenced-to-life-in-1994-assam-fake-encounter-case-171489"> encounter case</a>

Army court sentences Major General, 6 others to life in fake encounter caseA Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of the Indian Army convicted seven personnel, including a Major General for their alleged involvement in a 1994 fake encounter case in Assam.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jp-morgan-ceo-james-dimon-ford-chairman-to-pull-out-of-saudi-conference-over-khashoggi-case-171488">JP Morgan CEO, Ford chairman to pull out of Saudi conference over Khashoggi case: Report</a>

After several media bigwigs pulled out of the international conference in Riyadh over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance, US media reported that JP Morgan CEO James Dimon and Ford chairman Bill Ford will also boycott the event.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-china-meddled-in-2016-presidential-elections-trump-171491">Russia and China meddled in 2016 presidential elections: Trump</a>

Last month, chairing a UN Security Council meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump had alleged that China was trying to interfere in the 2018 mid-term polls and that it did not want him to be the president. China has denied these allegations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-joint-training-programme-for-afghan-diplomats-to-begin-today-171487">India-China joint training programme for Afghan Diplomats to begin today</a>

The inauguration of the first India-China joint training programme for Afghan Diplomats will be held today at the Indian Foreign Service Institute here, according to Chinese Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/journalist-vinod-dua-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-daughter-mallika-says-she-stands-by-the-metoo-movement-171494">Journalist Vinod Dua accused of sexual misconduct, daughter Mallika says she stands by the #MeToo movement</a>

Veteran journalist Vinod Dua has been named by filmmaker Nishtha Jain in her #MeToo story. The filmmaker has accused Dua of sexual misconduct in an incident that took place in 1989.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Army court sentences Major General, 6 others to life in fake encounter case Army court sentences Major General, 6 others to life in fake encounter caseA Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of the Indian Army convicted seven personnel, including a Major General for their alleged involvement in a 1994 fake encounter case in Assam.

Army court sentences Major General, 6 others to life in fake encounter case Army court sentences Major General, 6 others to life in fake encounter caseA Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of the Indian Army convicted seven personnel, including a Major General for their alleged involvement in a 1994 fake encounter case in Assam. JP Morgan CEO, Ford chairman to pull out of Saudi conference over Khashoggi case: Report After several media bigwigs pulled out of the international conference in Riyadh over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance, US media reported that JP Morgan CEO James Dimon and Ford chairman Bill Ford will also boycott the event. Russia and China meddled in 2016 presidential elections: Trump Last month, chairing a UN Security Council meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump had alleged that China was trying to interfere in the 2018 mid-term polls and that it did not want him to be the president. China has denied these allegations. India-China joint training programme for Afghan Diplomats to begin today The inauguration of the first India-China joint training programme for Afghan Diplomats will be held today at the Indian Foreign Service Institute here, according to Chinese Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui. Journalist Vinod Dua accused of sexual misconduct, daughter Mallika says she stands by the #MeToo movement Veteran journalist Vinod Dua has been named by filmmaker Nishtha Jain in her #MeToo story. The filmmaker has accused Dua of sexual misconduct in an incident that took place in 1989.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Delhi's air quality deteriorates with drop in wind speed

Taking a dig at the Congress, Shivraj Singh Chouhan Monday said "raja, maharaja and udyogpati" were troubled because a farmer's son had been the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh for the last 13 years.&nbsp;

While Chouhan did not take names, the monikers are often used by BJP leaders to refer to Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath, respectively.&nbsp;

Speaking at a rally in the poll-bound state, the chief minister said the three Congress leaders were "conspiring" to prevent him from becoming the chief minister for a fourth consecutive term.&nbsp;

The state goes to polls on November 28 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

"Raja, maharaja and udyogpati are very much troubled because of me. They are wondering how a farmer's son has remained chief minister for the last 13 years. They dream about me day and night," Chouhan said at Manglia in the Sanver Assembly segment as part of his 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra'. "They are afraid about my becoming chief minister for a fourth time. Therefore, they are constantly conspiring against me by levelling baseless allegations," he said.&nbsp;

The BJP leader told the gathering that the Congress had filed a petition in the Supreme Court about irregularities in the state's voters' list, but the apex court had dismissed it.

Further hitting out at the opposition party, Chouhan said the Congress was under an "illusion" that there was "anti-incumbency" prevailing in the state.

The Congress created legal hurdles in the implementation of the Sambal scheme under which outstanding electricity dues of people belonging to economically weaker sections were waived off, he said.

Referring to former chief minister Digvijaya Singh as "bantadhar" (spoilsport), Chouhan alleged road, water and power infrastructure had completely deteriorated under the former's tenure.&nbsp;

Taking a dig at the Congress, Shivraj Singh Chouhan Monday said "raja, maharaja and udyogpati" were troubled because a farmer's son had been the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh for the last 13 years.

Taking a dig at the Congress, Shivraj Singh Chouhan Monday said "raja, maharaja and udyogpati" were troubled because a farmer's son had been the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh for the last 13 years. While Chouhan did not take names, the monikers are often used by BJP leaders to refer to Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath, respectively. Speaking at a rally in the poll-bound state, the chief minister said the three Congress leaders were "conspiring" to prevent him from becoming the chief minister for a fourth consecutive term. The state goes to polls on November 28 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11. "Raja, maharaja and udyogpati are very much troubled because of me. They are wondering how a farmer's son has remained chief minister for the last 13 years. They dream about me day and night," Chouhan said at Manglia in the Sanver Assembly segment as part of his 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra'. "They are afraid about my becoming chief minister for a fourth time. Therefore, they are constantly conspiring against me by levelling baseless allegations," he said. The BJP leader told the gathering that the Congress had filed a petition in the Supreme Court about irregularities in the state's voters' list, but the apex court had dismissed it. Further hitting out at the opposition party, Chouhan said the Congress was under an "illusion" that there was "anti-incumbency" prevailing in the state. The Congress created legal hurdles in the implementation of the Sambal scheme under which outstanding electricity dues of people belonging to economically weaker sections were waived off, he said. Referring to former chief minister Digvijaya Singh as "bantadhar" (spoilsport), Chouhan alleged road, water and power infrastructure had completely deteriorated under the former's tenure.

Madhya Pradesh polls: Chouhan attacks Congress's 'raja, maharaja, udyogpati'

Dengue cases have mounted in the city, with at least 830 people being diagnosed with the vector-borne disease this season, over 42 per cent of which were reported this month, according to a municipal report released Monday.

The report says nearly 350 of the cases came to light in the first two weeks of this month alone.

Also, 385 cases of malaria and 97 of chikungunya have been reported this season till October 13, the report said.

Of the 830 dengue cases this year, 374 were recorded in September, 58 in August, 19 in July, eight in June, 10 in May, two in April, one in March, three in February and six cases in January.

Two cases of malaria were reported in February, one each in April and March, 17 in May, 25 in June, 42 in July, 82 in August, 138 in September and 77 till October 6, according to the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), which tabulates data on vector-borne diseases for the city.

A senior doctor at a government-run facility advised people to take all precautions like wearing full-sleeves and not allowing the breeding of mosquito larvae inside their homes.

"Water coolers should be dried up when not in use as dengue infection carrying mosquitoes breed there a lot. Mosquito nets should be used at home," the doctor said.&nbsp;

The cases of vector-borne diseases are usually reported between July and November, but the period may stretch to mid-December. No vector-borne disease case was reported till January 13.

The report said domestic breeding checkers found mosquito breeding in 1,87,239 households in the city till October 13. It said 1,52,776 legal notices have been served for various violations and "26,388 prosecutions initiated".

As a pro-active measure, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had few a months ago directed local bodies and other agencies to intensify vector-control measures.

He had also asked for regular meetings at the level of district magistrates with all stakeholders to review the situation in their respective districts.

According to the SDMC, 10 people died due to dengue in Delhi last year, of whom five were not residents of the national capital.

Overall, the vector-borne disease had affected 9,271 people in the city last year.

Dengue cases have mounted in the city, with at least 830 people being diagnosed with the vector-borne disease this season, over 42 per cent of which were reported this month, according to a municipal report released Monday.

Dengue cases have mounted in the city, with at least 830 people being diagnosed with the vector-borne disease this season, over 42 per cent of which were reported this month, according to a municipal report released Monday. The report says nearly 350 of the cases came to light in the first two weeks of this month alone. Also, 385 cases of malaria and 97 of chikungunya have been reported this season till October 13, the report said. Of the 830 dengue cases this year, 374 were recorded in September, 58 in August, 19 in July, eight in June, 10 in May, two in April, one in March, three in February and six cases in January. Two cases of malaria were reported in February, one each in April and March, 17 in May, 25 in June, 42 in July, 82 in August, 138 in September and 77 till October 6, according to the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), which tabulates data on vector-borne diseases for the city. A senior doctor at a government-run facility advised people to take all precautions like wearing full-sleeves and not allowing the breeding of mosquito larvae inside their homes. "Water coolers should be dried up when not in use as dengue infection carrying mosquitoes breed there a lot. Mosquito nets should be used at home," the doctor said. The cases of vector-borne diseases are usually reported between July and November, but the period may stretch to mid-December. No vector-borne disease case was reported till January 13. The report said domestic breeding checkers found mosquito breeding in 1,87,239 households in the city till October 13. It said 1,52,776 legal notices have been served for various violations and "26,388 prosecutions initiated". As a pro-active measure, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had few a months ago directed local bodies and other agencies to intensify vector-control measures. He had also asked for regular meetings at the level of district magistrates with all stakeholders to review the situation in their respective districts. According to the SDMC, 10 people died due to dengue in Delhi last year, of whom five were not residents of the national capital. Overall, the vector-borne disease had affected 9,271 people in the city last year.

830 dengue cases in Delhi, nearly 350 recorded in October

The Gujarat government Monday extended a formal invitation to Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister K Palaniswami for the inauguration of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in that state on October 31.

A team led by Gujarat minister Ganpat Vasava, who holds Tribal Development and Tourism portfolios among others, extended invitation to Purohit, besides the chief minister.

They met Palaniswami at the Secretariat in Chennai to extend the invitation to attend the unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity,' an official release said.

The Gujarat minister was accompanied by party MP Kirit Solanki and a couple of state Legislators, it said.

Later, speaking to reporters, Vasava recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision as then chief minister of Gujarat to honour Patel, following which the idea of 'Statue of Unity' came up.

Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project on October 31, 2013.

The 'Statue of Unity' dedicated to Patel, India's first Home Minister, is touted to be the tallest in the world at 182 metres.

He said the making of the statue involved 70,000 tonnes of cement and 18,500 tonnes of steel.

The initiative would also enable employment opportunities for 15,000 people.

Being built at a cost of Rs 2,389 crore at Sadhu Bet island on Narmada river, the statue is set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 on the occasion of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary. 
&nbsp;

The Gujarat government Monday extended a formal invitation to Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister K Palaniswami for the inauguration of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in that state on October 31.

The Gujarat government Monday extended a formal invitation to Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister K Palaniswami for the inauguration of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in that state on October 31. A team led by Gujarat minister Ganpat Vasava, who holds Tribal Development and Tourism portfolios among others, extended invitation to Purohit, besides the chief minister. They met Palaniswami at the Secretariat in Chennai to extend the invitation to attend the unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity,' an official release said. The Gujarat minister was accompanied by party MP Kirit Solanki and a couple of state Legislators, it said. Later, speaking to reporters, Vasava recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision as then chief minister of Gujarat to honour Patel, following which the idea of 'Statue of Unity' came up. Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project on October 31, 2013. The 'Statue of Unity' dedicated to Patel, India's first Home Minister, is touted to be the tallest in the world at 182 metres. He said the making of the statue involved 70,000 tonnes of cement and 18,500 tonnes of steel. The initiative would also enable employment opportunities for 15,000 people. Being built at a cost of Rs 2,389 crore at Sadhu Bet island on Narmada river, the statue is set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 on the occasion of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary.

Gujarat government invites Tamil Nadu CM for inauguration of Vallabhbhai Patel Statue

WION Dispatch: MJ Akbar files defamation case against Priya Ramani

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Monday said the party's agenda in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls was to maximise the anti-BJP votes in the country and it will work to defeat the saffron party in states where it will be in a direct fight with the Congress.

The Left party would, however, have no alliance with the Congress, he added.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will field a minimum number of candidates in states where there will be a direct contest between the Congress and the saffron party to maximise the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) votes, Yechury told reporters here during his one-day visit to Odisha.

It will support regional parties which were not in the government and were opposed to the BJP, he said.

"Our agenda is to maximise the polling of anti-BJP votes in the coming elections. They (BJP) formed government at the Centre by securing only 31 per cent votes the last time, while 69 per cent of the electorate had opposed them. This time, we want to ensure that the secular parties come together to oppose the BJP," Yechury said.

Referring to Odisha, where the Assembly polls are also due next year, he said the Left party will not have a formal alliance with the Congress in the state and will also oppose the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), though it was not an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

"We will have no alliance with the Congress and at the same time, the party will oppose both the BJP and the BJD in Odisha," Yechury said.

To questions on why the Left party was opposed to Naveen Patnaik's BJD, he said, "We have decided to oppose the BJP and its allies. Though the BJD is not an ally of the BJP, the regional party has unfortunately, all along the last four-and-a-half years, supported the NDA government on different issues."

The BJD's attitude towards the BJP had not been acceptable to secular parties, Yechury said. The regional party had supported the BJP on demonetisation, the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the presidential and Rajya Sabha deputy chairman elections among other issues.

"We will also not go with the TDP in Andhra Pradesh and the TRS in Telangana, which were till in the recent past with the NDA. Since they were in the government, we had opposed their plans and policies. Now, during election time, we cannot support them," Yechury said.

In West Bengal, the parties that are constituents of the Left Front will oppose both the ruling Trinamool Congress, which had ended its 34-year-long hold over the state, and the BJP, he said, adding, "Our slogan for West Bengal is 'Modi Hatao Desh Bachao, Mamata Hatao Bengal Bachao'."

Yechury said in line with its agenda of defeating the BJP, the CPI(M) will support regional parties which were not in government and were opposed to the saffron party.

Citing examples, he said the Left party will support the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and other secular forces in Bihar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and other like-minded parties in different states.

The CPI(M) will field a candidate only from the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat in Odisha in the 2019 general election and its state leadership will decide on the candidates and Assembly seats it will contest, he added.&nbsp;

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Monday said the party's agenda in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls was to maximise the anti-BJP votes in the country and it will work to defeat the saffron party in states where it will be in a direct fight with the Congress.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Monday said the party's agenda in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls was to maximise the anti-BJP votes in the country and it will work to defeat the saffron party in states where it will be in a direct fight with the Congress. The Left party would, however, have no alliance with the Congress, he added. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will field a minimum number of candidates in states where there will be a direct contest between the Congress and the saffron party to maximise the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) votes, Yechury told reporters here during his one-day visit to Odisha. It will support regional parties which were not in the government and were opposed to the BJP, he said. "Our agenda is to maximise the polling of anti-BJP votes in the coming elections. They (BJP) formed government at the Centre by securing only 31 per cent votes the last time, while 69 per cent of the electorate had opposed them. This time, we want to ensure that the secular parties come together to oppose the BJP," Yechury said. Referring to Odisha, where the Assembly polls are also due next year, he said the Left party will not have a formal alliance with the Congress in the state and will also oppose the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), though it was not an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). "We will have no alliance with the Congress and at the same time, the party will oppose both the BJP and the BJD in Odisha," Yechury said. To questions on why the Left party was opposed to Naveen Patnaik's BJD, he said, "We have decided to oppose the BJP and its allies. Though the BJD is not an ally of the BJP, the regional party has unfortunately, all along the last four-and-a-half years, supported the NDA government on different issues." The BJD's attitude towards the BJP had not been acceptable to secular parties, Yechury said. The regional party had supported the BJP on demonetisation, the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the presidential and Rajya Sabha deputy chairman elections among other issues. "We will also not go with the TDP in Andhra Pradesh and the TRS in Telangana, which were till in the recent past with the NDA. Since they were in the government, we had opposed their plans and policies. Now, during election time, we cannot support them," Yechury said. In West Bengal, the parties that are constituents of the Left Front will oppose both the ruling Trinamool Congress, which had ended its 34-year-long hold over the state, and the BJP, he said, adding, "Our slogan for West Bengal is 'Modi Hatao Desh Bachao, Mamata Hatao Bengal Bachao'." Yechury said in line with its agenda of defeating the BJP, the CPI(M) will support regional parties which were not in government and were opposed to the saffron party. Citing examples, he said the Left party will support the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and other secular forces in Bihar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and other like-minded parties in different states. The CPI(M) will field a candidate only from the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat in Odisha in the 2019 general election and its state leadership will decide on the candidates and Assembly seats it will contest, he added.

CPI(M) to work on maximising anti-BJP votes in Lok Sabha polls: Sitaram Yechury

Congress on Monday alleged that TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao manipulated government contracts, mostly irrigation projects, with two engineering firms bagging works worth a staggering Rs 77,000 crore.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has refuted the allegations.

Congress spokesperson S Jaipal Reddy alleged that one engineering company alone bagged contracts worth Rs 60,000 crore for irrigation and drinking water projects while another company got contracts of Rs 17,000 crore in irrigation sector.

"These two companies together got contract works worth Rs 77,000 crore in a short period of four years," the former union minister told reporters here.

"It was made possible because KCR (as Rao is popularly known as) manipulated, orchestrated the award of contracts to them (the two companies). In normal process, it is not possible," Reddy said

He said if Congress comes to power (wins the coming assembly polls in the state), one of its first tasks would be to launch a thorough inquiry into these contracts and to see that the guilty are punished.

"We will also see that the companies involved are also punished."

Reddy also alleged that there was over estimation of 30 per cent in cost of different projects and other contractors were frightened away and the whole thing (tender process) was rigged.

Asked if he has any documents to prove his allegations, Reddy said: "I have been a Parliamentarian and I don't make allegations in the air.

I want only one favour from KCR...Let him question the facts and figures. I throw a frontal challenge to the TRS government. I challenge them to reject the figures."

Reacting to Reddy's allegations of manipulation in awarding contracts, TRS MP B Vinod Kumar said, "not at all."

Most of the contracts (for irrigation projects) were awarded in the Congress-ruled erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh under the then (late) Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, he alleged.

"During Rajasekhara Reddy's government these two contractors whom he (Jaipal Reddy) named were only contractors who were awarded the contracts.

All the contracts many of them were awarded during Rajasekhara Reddy's regime only except the barrages which are being constructed on Godavari river," Kumar said.

He said the project costs might have increased because of expanding or redesigning those projects "but they will also irrigate large areas."

On Reddy's challenge to the TRS government, Kumar said "let him challenge."&nbsp;

Congress on Monday alleged that TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao manipulated government contracts, mostly irrigation projects, with two engineering firms bagging works worth a staggering Rs 77,000 crore.

Congress on Monday alleged that TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao manipulated government contracts, mostly irrigation projects, with two engineering firms bagging works worth a staggering Rs 77,000 crore. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has refuted the allegations. Congress spokesperson S Jaipal Reddy alleged that one engineering company alone bagged contracts worth Rs 60,000 crore for irrigation and drinking water projects while another company got contracts of Rs 17,000 crore in irrigation sector. "These two companies together got contract works worth Rs 77,000 crore in a short period of four years," the former union minister told reporters here. "It was made possible because KCR (as Rao is popularly known as) manipulated, orchestrated the award of contracts to them (the two companies). In normal process, it is not possible," Reddy said He said if Congress comes to power (wins the coming assembly polls in the state), one of its first tasks would be to launch a thorough inquiry into these contracts and to see that the guilty are punished. "We will also see that the companies involved are also punished." Reddy also alleged that there was over estimation of 30 per cent in cost of different projects and other contractors were frightened away and the whole thing (tender process) was rigged. Asked if he has any documents to prove his allegations, Reddy said: "I have been a Parliamentarian and I don't make allegations in the air. I want only one favour from KCR...Let him question the facts and figures. I throw a frontal challenge to the TRS government. I challenge them to reject the figures." Reacting to Reddy's allegations of manipulation in awarding contracts, TRS MP B Vinod Kumar said, "not at all." Most of the contracts (for irrigation projects) were awarded in the Congress-ruled erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh under the then (late) Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, he alleged. "During Rajasekhara Reddy's government these two contractors whom he (Jaipal Reddy) named were only contractors who were awarded the contracts. All the contracts many of them were awarded during Rajasekhara Reddy's regime only except the barrages which are being constructed on Godavari river," Kumar said. He said the project costs might have increased because of expanding or redesigning those projects "but they will also irrigate large areas." On Reddy's challenge to the TRS government, Kumar said "let him challenge."

KCR 'indulged in manipulation' in award of contracts:Congress

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