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The internet was in splits on Saturday after a 14-minute video started doing rounds on social media showing police personnel imitating sounds of gunshots to scare criminals during an encounter in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh.

According to the report, their revolvers had jammed up due to which they had to resort on shouting.

In the video, shot on October 12, a cop can be seen shouting, "maaro, ghero...thain thain" while the other struggles with his jammed up revolver.

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Sambhal: A criminal was later arrested after being shot at in the leg. One policeman was also injured in the exchange of fire <a href="https://t.co/paVG8LtDPK">https://t.co/paVG8LtDPK</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1051261658822270976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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ANI quoted an ASP saying that ''words like 'maaro and ghero' are said to create mental pressure on criminals."

"Cartridges being stuck in a revolver is a technical fault", he added.

However, the criminal was arrested later after he was shot in the leg.

One policeman was also injured in the exchange of fire.

&nbsp;

The internet was in splits on Saturday after a 14-minute video started doing rounds on social media showing police personnel imitating sounds of gunshots to scare criminals during an encounter in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh.

The internet was in splits on Saturday after a 14-minute video started doing rounds on social media showing police personnel imitating sounds of gunshots to scare criminals during an encounter in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. According to the report, their revolvers had jammed up due to which they had to resort on shouting. In the video, shot on October 12, a cop can be seen shouting, "maaro, ghero...thain thain" while the other struggles with his jammed up revolver. Sambhal: A criminal was later arrested after being shot at in the leg. One policeman was also injured in the exchange of fire https://t.co/paVG8LtDPK — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 14, 2018 × ANI quoted an ASP saying that ''words like 'maaro and ghero' are said to create mental pressure on criminals." "Cartridges being stuck in a revolver is a technical fault", he added. However, the criminal was arrested later after he was shot in the leg. One policeman was also injured in the exchange of fire.

Watch: UP cop imitates gunshots to scare criminal during an encounter

With Sabarimala Temple slated to open its door next week for a monthly ritual, Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine.

A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called suicide group.

"Our women activists will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of a suicide group. When any young woman tries to enter Sabarimala, our activists will commit suicide," Aji said.

On October 1, the Shiv Sena had staged a statewide strike for 12 hours in Kerala after the Supreme Court directed lifting restrictions on the entry of women in the Sabarimala Temple.

While pronouncing the order on September 28, the former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban on women from entering the temple violated the constitutional principles of the country.

He further said that the rights of women should be no lesser than their male counterparts, and devotion cannot be subjected to gender discrimination.

While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding to retain the age-old tradition.

The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan.

The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate which debarred women from entering the temple.

With Sabarimala Temple slated to open its door next week for a monthly ritual, Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine.

With Sabarimala Temple slated to open its door next week for a monthly ritual, Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine. A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called suicide group. "Our women activists will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of a suicide group. When any young woman tries to enter Sabarimala, our activists will commit suicide," Aji said. On October 1, the Shiv Sena had staged a statewide strike for 12 hours in Kerala after the Supreme Court directed lifting restrictions on the entry of women in the Sabarimala Temple. While pronouncing the order on September 28, the former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban on women from entering the temple violated the constitutional principles of the country. He further said that the rights of women should be no lesser than their male counterparts, and devotion cannot be subjected to gender discrimination. While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding to retain the age-old tradition. The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan. The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate which debarred women from entering the temple.

Shiv Sena activists threaten to commit suicide if women enter Sabarimala

Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah (Retired) on Saturday said that the transport was delayed to the army for over 24 hours during the 2002 Gujarat riots, even though they had made a request to the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to the reporters following the launch of his book titled 'The Sarkari Mussalman', which was unveiled here by former vice president Hamid Ansari, Lt General Shah said that what he has written in his book is 'gospel truth', which is mentioned on 'war diaries'&nbsp;of the Indian Army.

"There was a difference between the report filed by me and the one by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). There was a difference of 24 hours. Certain channels claimed that I was lying. We were on the field for more than 24 hours. I do not want to pinpoint anyone, but this was the fault of the administration. I do not want to make any political statement," he said.

"I was not aware of the SIT report until a few days ago when this was pointed out to me. Let me say again, it is a blatant lie. I have told the truth," he added.

As per Lt General Shah, who led the army in the riots, said that around 3,000 troops landed at the Ahmedabad airfield by 7 am on March 1, but they had to wait for more than 24 hours to receive transport to move to the areas where the riots were taking place.

Some portions of Lt General Shah's book relating to the 2002 Gujarat riots has created controversy.

However, the SIT report on the same clearly stated that there was no delay in requisition and deployment of the Army.&nbsp;

Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah (Retired) on Saturday said that the transport was delayed to the army for over 24 hours during the 2002 Gujarat riots, even though they had made a request to the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.

Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah (Retired) on Saturday said that the transport was delayed to the army for over 24 hours during the 2002 Gujarat riots, even though they had made a request to the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to the reporters following the launch of his book titled 'The Sarkari Mussalman', which was unveiled here by former vice president Hamid Ansari, Lt General Shah said that what he has written in his book is 'gospel truth', which is mentioned on 'war diaries' of the Indian Army. "There was a difference between the report filed by me and the one by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). There was a difference of 24 hours. Certain channels claimed that I was lying. We were on the field for more than 24 hours. I do not want to pinpoint anyone, but this was the fault of the administration. I do not want to make any political statement," he said. "I was not aware of the SIT report until a few days ago when this was pointed out to me. Let me say again, it is a blatant lie. I have told the truth," he added. As per Lt General Shah, who led the army in the riots, said that around 3,000 troops landed at the Ahmedabad airfield by 7 am on March 1, but they had to wait for more than 24 hours to receive transport to move to the areas where the riots were taking place. Some portions of Lt General Shah's book relating to the 2002 Gujarat riots has created controversy. However, the SIT report on the same clearly stated that there was no delay in requisition and deployment of the Army.

2002 Gujarat riots: Ex-Army officer dubs SIT report as 'blatant lie'

The government is working on an ambitious policy proposal to "facilitate" honest and consistent taxpayers in availing a variety of public services and tax-related works on priority, officials said Sunday.

They said that a committee under the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the policy-making body for the Income Tax Department (ITD), is working to chalk out the broad parameters for extending such "courtesies" and benefits to taxpayers who pay their taxes on time and in full.

The proposal will be vetted by the Finance Ministry and sent for final approval to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) before it is cleared by the Union cabinet.

A cabinet note to enhance the output of the Central Processing Centre (CPC) of the department in Bengaluru has already been prepared and sent.

The capacity and automation of the CPC, the repository of tax payer's data and their IT Returns (ITRs), is proposed to be enhanced so that refunds can be issued real-time and ITRs of small taxpayers (with single source of income) can be processed within hours and not days, as prevalent at present, they said.

As part of the larger plan, they said, it is proposed that honest taxpayers are empowered to get "priority service" while using public services at airports, railways stations and at tolls on highways.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a conference with senior tax officers last year, had urged the department to enhance taxpayer services and ensure that honest taxpayer are given due importance.

It is proposed that taxpayers who have been consistently paying their taxes or even just filing their returns can be hosted at civic receptions held by prominent government functionaries and are honoured publicly, they said.

A unique identity number could be given to such taxpayers or their permanent account number (PAN) could be flagged as special as part of this maiden taxpayer facilitation proposal, they added.

Few years back, the CBDT had started a process by which diligent taxpayers were sent thank you or appreciation notes over email under the name of the CBDT Chairman.

It is proposed to take this initiative forward and the CBDT committee is working on it, a senior official in the finance ministry said.

The committee of senior officers of the CBDT and the IT Department will soon submit its report to the board, they said.

It is also being thought to fully launch hassle-free electronic assessment of diligent taxpayers as part of the new proposal, they added.

The CBDT is already working to usher in a mega plan where a taxpayer can be assessed electronically in any part of the country, as part of its measures to reduce complaints of harassment and corruption in rendering these services.

At present, a taxpayer is assessed by an IT officer based in the city where the person earns their income.

"These new proposals could well be launched by the end of this year," a senior official said.

There are about 8 crore income taxpayers in the country at present and the CBDT has instructed the taxman to add 1.25 crore to this tally by the end of the current financial year in March next year.

The government is working on an ambitious policy proposal to "facilitate" honest and consistent taxpayers in availing a variety of public services and tax-related works on priority, officials said Sunday.

The government is working on an ambitious policy proposal to "facilitate" honest and consistent taxpayers in availing a variety of public services and tax-related works on priority, officials said Sunday. They said that a committee under the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the policy-making body for the Income Tax Department (ITD), is working to chalk out the broad parameters for extending such "courtesies" and benefits to taxpayers who pay their taxes on time and in full. The proposal will be vetted by the Finance Ministry and sent for final approval to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) before it is cleared by the Union cabinet. A cabinet note to enhance the output of the Central Processing Centre (CPC) of the department in Bengaluru has already been prepared and sent. The capacity and automation of the CPC, the repository of tax payer's data and their IT Returns (ITRs), is proposed to be enhanced so that refunds can be issued real-time and ITRs of small taxpayers (with single source of income) can be processed within hours and not days, as prevalent at present, they said. As part of the larger plan, they said, it is proposed that honest taxpayers are empowered to get "priority service" while using public services at airports, railways stations and at tolls on highways. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a conference with senior tax officers last year, had urged the department to enhance taxpayer services and ensure that honest taxpayer are given due importance. It is proposed that taxpayers who have been consistently paying their taxes or even just filing their returns can be hosted at civic receptions held by prominent government functionaries and are honoured publicly, they said. A unique identity number could be given to such taxpayers or their permanent account number (PAN) could be flagged as special as part of this maiden taxpayer facilitation proposal, they added. Few years back, the CBDT had started a process by which diligent taxpayers were sent thank you or appreciation notes over email under the name of the CBDT Chairman. It is proposed to take this initiative forward and the CBDT committee is working on it, a senior official in the finance ministry said. The committee of senior officers of the CBDT and the IT Department will soon submit its report to the board, they said. It is also being thought to fully launch hassle-free electronic assessment of diligent taxpayers as part of the new proposal, they added. The CBDT is already working to usher in a mega plan where a taxpayer can be assessed electronically in any part of the country, as part of its measures to reduce complaints of harassment and corruption in rendering these services. At present, a taxpayer is assessed by an IT officer based in the city where the person earns their income. "These new proposals could well be launched by the end of this year," a senior official said. There are about 8 crore income taxpayers in the country at present and the CBDT has instructed the taxman to add 1.25 crore to this tally by the end of the current financial year in March next year.

Honest, consistent taxpayers to be feted by government; policy proposal in works

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/minister-mj-akbar-to-return-today-pm-modi-to-take-final-call-on-his-continuance-sources-171362">MJ Akbar returns, party sources say Modi to take </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/minister-mj-akbar-to-return-today-pm-modi-to-take-final-call-on-his-continuance-sources-171362">final</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/minister-mj-akbar-to-return-today-pm-modi-to-take-final-call-on-his-continuance-sources-171362"> call on his continuance as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/minister-mj-akbar-to-return-today-pm-modi-to-take-final-call-on-his-continuance-sources-171362">minister</a>

Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar returned to India Sunday morning.&nbsp;

There has been a growing clamour for his sacking after at least eight women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.&nbsp;

PTI quoted party sources as saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take the final call on Akbar's continuance as junior foreign minister.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/launch-surgical-strike-and-we-will-retaliate-with-10-pakistan-tells-india-171357">Launch surgical strike and we will retaliate with 10, Pakistan warns India</a>

Pakistan on Saturday warned of "10 surgical strikes" against India in response to a single such attack, in the latest war of words between the two estranged nuclear-armed neighbours.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the military's Inter-Services Public Relations, issued the warning while talking to the media in London, where he is accompanying Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on a visit.

"If India dares to launch a surgical strike inside Pakistan, it will face 10 surgical strikes in response," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-judges-wife-son-shot-at-by-security-guard-171361">Gurgaon: Judge's wife shot by security guard dies, son out of danger</a>

The wife of the Gurgaon judge shot by his personal security officer (PSO) has died.&nbsp;

The PSO shot the judge's wife and 18-year-old son in a crowded market area in Gurgaon Sector 49 on Saturday afternoon. News reports said Mahipal first shot the wife and then the son.

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.

The judge's wife and son were rushed to hospital. While the wife died from her injuries, Dhruv is said to be out of danger.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/want-people-to-come-to-us-legally-on-merit-trump-171359">Want people to come to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/want-people-to-come-to-us-legally-on-merit-trump-171359">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/want-people-to-come-to-us-legally-on-merit-trump-171359"> legally, on merit: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump has said that he wants people with merit, who can help, to enter the country and not sneak inside the border illegally.

"I'm very tough at the borders. We've been very tough at the borders. People have to come into our country legally, not illegally. Legally. And I want them to come in on merit," Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday.

Responding to a series of question on illegal immigration, the president reiterated that he wants people based on merit, a move that can help technology professionals from countries such as India.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-goes-to-bathroom-20-times-before-a-game-says-maradona-171360">Messi 'is not a leader', says Maradona</a>

Lionel Messi "is not a leader", said Diego Maradona of the current Argentina talisman in an interview in Mexico.

"It's useless to try and make a leader out of someone who goes to the bathroom 20 times before a game," Maradona said on Fox Sports.

"Before speaking to the coach and players he will be on the PlayStation. Then, on the field, he wants to be the leader," Maradona said as he answered questions in a stumbling voice, sometimes seeming to contradict himself.

 
&nbsp;

MJ Akbar returns, party sources say Modi to take final call on his continuance as minister Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar returned to India Sunday morning.

MJ Akbar returns, party sources say Modi to take final call on his continuance as minister Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar returned to India Sunday morning. There has been a growing clamour for his sacking after at least eight women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor. PTI quoted party sources as saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take the final call on Akbar's continuance as junior foreign minister. Launch surgical strike and we will retaliate with 10, Pakistan warns India Pakistan on Saturday warned of "10 surgical strikes" against India in response to a single such attack, in the latest war of words between the two estranged nuclear-armed neighbours. Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the military's Inter-Services Public Relations, issued the warning while talking to the media in London, where he is accompanying Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on a visit. "If India dares to launch a surgical strike inside Pakistan, it will face 10 surgical strikes in response," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan. Gurgaon: Judge's wife shot by security guard dies, son out of danger The wife of the Gurgaon judge shot by his personal security officer (PSO) has died. The PSO shot the judge's wife and 18-year-old son in a crowded market area in Gurgaon Sector 49 on Saturday afternoon. News reports said Mahipal first shot the wife and then the son. 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. The judge's wife and son were rushed to hospital. While the wife died from her injuries, Dhruv is said to be out of danger. Want people to come to US legally, on merit: Trump US President Donald Trump has said that he wants people with merit, who can help, to enter the country and not sneak inside the border illegally. "I'm very tough at the borders. We've been very tough at the borders. People have to come into our country legally, not illegally. Legally. And I want them to come in on merit," Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday. Responding to a series of question on illegal immigration, the president reiterated that he wants people based on merit, a move that can help technology professionals from countries such as India. Messi 'is not a leader', says Maradona Lionel Messi "is not a leader", said Diego Maradona of the current Argentina talisman in an interview in Mexico. "It's useless to try and make a leader out of someone who goes to the bathroom 20 times before a game," Maradona said on Fox Sports. "Before speaking to the coach and players he will be on the PlayStation. Then, on the field, he wants to be the leader," Maradona said as he answered questions in a stumbling voice, sometimes seeming to contradict himself.

New brief: Big stories of the day

Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief Upendra Kushwaha has dismissed speculation he would exit the ruling NDA, asserting his party stands committed to the alliance and is working to ensure a second five-year term for Narendra Modi as prime minister.

Kushwaha emphasized his party will take forward its "Halla Bol, Darwaza Khol" campaign with full determination to ensure representation of every section of society in higher judiciary.

In an interview to PTI-Bhasha, he said, "The NDA alliance is moving forward strongly, we are and we will remain committed to making it even stronger."

Asked about his remark that milk from Yadavs and rice from Kushwahas can help prepare delicious "kheer" (rice pudding), the minister of state for human resource development said, "The remark was taken out of context. The message was for society, this was not a political comment".

He said if every section of society contributes some ingredients to prepare kheer, it will help cement the social fabric and the country will together move ahead.

He said if a Yaduvanshi contributes milk, a Brahmin sends sugar, a person from the backward community gives dry fruits, Tulsi leaves come from the home of a Dalit person, the kheer prepared by this method and savoured on a dastarkhan of a Muslim brother will make the country stronger.

"And this is also the intent of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," Kushwaha said, referring to Prime Minister Modi's slogan about collective effort for inclusive growth. 
The Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief said his previous kheer remark had no political context but people are free to speculate.

Asked about the indication by Tejaswi Yadav and other RJD leaders that he will join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, Kushwaha said, "They will be disappointed".

On seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP, he said talks are on and all discussions will happen on the right forum.

He said his party's objective is to ensure all-round development, education for all and protecting the interests of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

For social justice, Kushwaha stressed, the biggest issue was ensuring representation of every section of society in higher judiciary which is difficult to achieve through the existing collegium system.

The collegium system of appointing judges is undemocratic and his party has launched the "Halla Bol, Darwaza Khol" campaign to open the doors of higher judiciary to common people, he said.

In the coming days, he said, his party will take the campaign forward strongly.

The Union minister from Bihar also raised questions on the law and order situation in the state and said he was not the only one worried, but Chief Minister Nitish Kumar too has expressed concern on the matter during a meeting with senior police officers.

The situation is not satisfactory and this cannot be denied, Kushwaha said.

Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief Upendra Kushwaha has dismissed speculation he would exit the ruling NDA, asserting his party stands committed to the alliance and is working to ensure a second five-year term for Narendra Modi as prime minister.

Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief Upendra Kushwaha has dismissed speculation he would exit the ruling NDA, asserting his party stands committed to the alliance and is working to ensure a second five-year term for Narendra Modi as prime minister. Kushwaha emphasized his party will take forward its "Halla Bol, Darwaza Khol" campaign with full determination to ensure representation of every section of society in higher judiciary. In an interview to PTI-Bhasha, he said, "The NDA alliance is moving forward strongly, we are and we will remain committed to making it even stronger." Asked about his remark that milk from Yadavs and rice from Kushwahas can help prepare delicious "kheer" (rice pudding), the minister of state for human resource development said, "The remark was taken out of context. The message was for society, this was not a political comment". He said if every section of society contributes some ingredients to prepare kheer, it will help cement the social fabric and the country will together move ahead. He said if a Yaduvanshi contributes milk, a Brahmin sends sugar, a person from the backward community gives dry fruits, Tulsi leaves come from the home of a Dalit person, the kheer prepared by this method and savoured on a dastarkhan of a Muslim brother will make the country stronger. "And this is also the intent of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," Kushwaha said, referring to Prime Minister Modi's slogan about collective effort for inclusive growth. The Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief said his previous kheer remark had no political context but people are free to speculate. Asked about the indication by Tejaswi Yadav and other RJD leaders that he will join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, Kushwaha said, "They will be disappointed". On seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP, he said talks are on and all discussions will happen on the right forum. He said his party's objective is to ensure all-round development, education for all and protecting the interests of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. For social justice, Kushwaha stressed, the biggest issue was ensuring representation of every section of society in higher judiciary which is difficult to achieve through the existing collegium system. The collegium system of appointing judges is undemocratic and his party has launched the "Halla Bol, Darwaza Khol" campaign to open the doors of higher judiciary to common people, he said. In the coming days, he said, his party will take the campaign forward strongly. The Union minister from Bihar also raised questions on the law and order situation in the state and said he was not the only one worried, but Chief Minister Nitish Kumar too has expressed concern on the matter during a meeting with senior police officers. The situation is not satisfactory and this cannot be denied, Kushwaha said.

RLSP stands with NDA, committed to make Modi PM again: Upendra Kushwaha

Attacking the rival Congress, BSP and SP in a rally at Madhya Pradesh on Sunday,&nbsp;BJP chief Amit Shah said that the infiltrators are vote banks for the opposition while it was an issue of national security for them (BJP).

"40 Lakh infiltrators were identified and as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP and BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security", Shah said&nbsp;in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh.

He further said that it was his party's responsibility to get victory in Madhya Pradesh.

"It is our responsibility to get such a victory in Madhya Pradesh that right after 2019, for the next 50 years, BJP's flag keeps flying high from Panchayat to Parliament, " Shah said.

"It is possible only in this party that someone born in a poor household, a poor tea-seller's son with no political background becomes the Prime Minister of the largest democracy of the world, " he added.

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40 Lakh infiltrators were identified &amp; as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP &amp; BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security: BJP President Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/3wcCiYLUHz">pic.twitter.com/3wcCiYLUHz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051467832410722306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The state is scheduled to go for assembly polls on November 28 this year.

Attacking the rival Congress, BSP and SP in a rally at Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, BJP chief Amit Shah said that the infiltrators are vote banks for the opposition while it was an issue of national security for them (BJP).

Attacking the rival Congress, BSP and SP in a rally at Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, BJP chief Amit Shah said that the infiltrators are vote banks for the opposition while it was an issue of national security for them (BJP). "40 Lakh infiltrators were identified and as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP and BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security", Shah said in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh. He further said that it was his party's responsibility to get victory in Madhya Pradesh. "It is our responsibility to get such a victory in Madhya Pradesh that right after 2019, for the next 50 years, BJP's flag keeps flying high from Panchayat to Parliament, " Shah said. "It is possible only in this party that someone born in a poor household, a poor tea-seller's son with no political background becomes the Prime Minister of the largest democracy of the world, " he added. 40 Lakh infiltrators were identified & as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP & BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security: BJP President Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/3wcCiYLUHz — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × The state is scheduled to go for assembly polls on November 28 this year.

Infiltrators are vote banks for opposition: Amit Shah in Madhya Pradesh

Pakistan on Saturday warned of "10 surgical strikes" against India in response to a single such attack, in the latest war of words between the two estranged nuclear-armed neighbours.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the military's Inter-Services Public Relations, issued the warning while talking to the media in London, where he is accompanying Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on a visit.

"If India dares to launch a surgical strike inside Pakistan, it will face 10 surgical strikes in response," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan.

He also said "those who think of any misadventure against us should have no doubt in their minds on Pakistan's capabilities".

The military spokesman said the Pakistan Army was the custodian of the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and that the mega project will strengthen the economy of the country.

Ghafoor said the army wanted strengthening of democracy in Pakistan, and claimed that the general election in July was the most transparent in the history of the country.

"If anyone has evidence of rigging then it should be brought forward," he remarked.

He also rejected reports of restriction on the media and said there was "complete freedom of expression" in the country.

He said there were more good developments in Pakistan than bad and that the international media should also highlight the good things.

Pakistan on Saturday warned of "10 surgical strikes" against India in response to a single such attack, in the latest war of words between the two estranged nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan on Saturday warned of "10 surgical strikes" against India in response to a single such attack, in the latest war of words between the two estranged nuclear-armed neighbours. Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the military's Inter-Services Public Relations, issued the warning while talking to the media in London, where he is accompanying Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on a visit. "If India dares to launch a surgical strike inside Pakistan, it will face 10 surgical strikes in response," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan. He also said "those who think of any misadventure against us should have no doubt in their minds on Pakistan's capabilities". The military spokesman said the Pakistan Army was the custodian of the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and that the mega project will strengthen the economy of the country. Ghafoor said the army wanted strengthening of democracy in Pakistan, and claimed that the general election in July was the most transparent in the history of the country. "If anyone has evidence of rigging then it should be brought forward," he remarked. He also rejected reports of restriction on the media and said there was "complete freedom of expression" in the country. He said there were more good developments in Pakistan than bad and that the international media should also highlight the good things.

Launch surgical strike and we will retaliate with 10, Pakistan warns India

Fuel prices continued to rise on Sunday across the country. The price of petrol in Delhi increased by 0.6 paise to Rs 82.74 per litre, while price rose by 0.19 paise to Rs 75.38 per litre.

In Mumbai, prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 0.6 paise and 0.20 paise, respectively. Petrol now costs Rs 88.18 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 79.02 per litre.

Fuel prices have been witnessing a steep rise since the past few months. While the Opposition has repeatedly blamed the union government for not doing enough to keep a check on prices, the latter has maintained that global crude oil prices and other international factors are causing a hike in prices of petroleum products.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi to discuss petroleum issues.

According to reports, the discussion in the meeting focused on increasing domestic oil production, subsidy borne by oil marketing companies and reducing imports to cut down the account deficit.

Fuel prices continued to rise on Sunday across the country. The price of petrol in Delhi increased by 0.6 paise to Rs 82.74 per litre, while price rose by 0.19 paise to Rs 75.

Fuel prices continued to rise on Sunday across the country. The price of petrol in Delhi increased by 0.6 paise to Rs 82.74 per litre, while price rose by 0.19 paise to Rs 75.38 per litre. In Mumbai, prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 0.6 paise and 0.20 paise, respectively. Petrol now costs Rs 88.18 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 79.02 per litre. Fuel prices have been witnessing a steep rise since the past few months. While the Opposition has repeatedly blamed the union government for not doing enough to keep a check on prices, the latter has maintained that global crude oil prices and other international factors are causing a hike in prices of petroleum products. Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi to discuss petroleum issues. According to reports, the discussion in the meeting focused on increasing domestic oil production, subsidy borne by oil marketing companies and reducing imports to cut down the account deficit.

Fuel prices up again, petrol sells at Rs 88.18 in Mumbai

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-this-storm-just-before-general-elections-mj-akbar-to-take-legal-action-over-sexual-assault-allegations-171421">'Why this storm just before general elections?' MJ Akbar issues </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-this-storm-just-before-general-elections-mj-akbar-to-take-legal-action-over-sexual-assault-allegations-171421">statement,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-this-storm-just-before-general-elections-mj-akbar-to-take-legal-action-over-sexual-assault-allegations-171421"> moves for legal action</a>

Shortly after returning to India, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Sunday released a detailed statement over sexual harassment allegations against him describing them as "false and fabricated." According to reports, the minister is set to take legal action against accusations made against him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418"> is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418">loser</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418"> by abandoning Iran nuclear deal: Iranian President Rouhani</a>

Iran's president boasted Sunday that the United States has lost against the Islamic republic's "righteousness and wisdom" by walking out of the landmark nuclear deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-dismisses-threat-of-sanctions-over-khashoggi-warn-of-retaliation-171430">Saudi dismisses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-dismisses-threat-of-sanctions-over-khashoggi-warn-of-retaliation-171430">threat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-dismisses-threat-of-sanctions-over-khashoggi-warn-of-retaliation-171430"> of sanctions over Khashoggi, warns of retaliation</a>

Saudi Arabia on Sunday dismissed threats of sanctions over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi adding that it will retaliate if any such action is taken against the oil-rich country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/zombie-storm-leslie-smashes-into-portugal-spain-171434">'Zombie' storm Leslie smashes into Portugal, Spain</a>

Storms packing nearly 180 kilometre-per-hour winds hit Portugal early Sunday leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power before carrying heavy rain on into Spain, authorities said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-judges-hear-strongmans-election-challenge-171447">Maldives judges hear strongman's election challenge</a>

Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil.

'Why this storm just before general elections?' MJ Akbar issues statement, moves for legal action Shortly after returning to India, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Sunday released a detailed statement over sexual harassment allegations against him describing them as "false and fabricated.

'Why this storm just before general elections?' MJ Akbar issues statement, moves for legal action Shortly after returning to India, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Sunday released a detailed statement over sexual harassment allegations against him describing them as "false and fabricated." According to reports, the minister is set to take legal action against accusations made against him. US is loser by abandoning Iran nuclear deal: Iranian President Rouhani Iran's president boasted Sunday that the United States has lost against the Islamic republic's "righteousness and wisdom" by walking out of the landmark nuclear deal. Saudi dismisses threat of sanctions over Khashoggi, warns of retaliation Saudi Arabia on Sunday dismissed threats of sanctions over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi adding that it will retaliate if any such action is taken against the oil-rich country. 'Zombie' storm Leslie smashes into Portugal, Spain Storms packing nearly 180 kilometre-per-hour winds hit Portugal early Sunday leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power before carrying heavy rain on into Spain, authorities said. Maldives judges hear strongman's election challenge Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The first Indo-US tri-services exercise is likely to take place next year and talks are on to include the special forces of two countries in the drill, a senior US defence official has said.

The three forces of India and the US already take part in bilateral exercises separately -- their armies participate in an annual drill called Yudh Abyaas, whose latest edition took place last month, the air forces take part in a bilateral drill called Cope India and the navies participate in an exercise in Malabar, involving Japan.&nbsp;

But this will be the first time the three services of the India and the US will participate in a drill together.

"The first one will be in India, and it will take place in 2019. It would include all our services, plus we are kind of scoping the exercise right now to include each of the services' special operations forces. That's very exciting. This is under discussion right now...Essentially all our services, plus potentially the special operations forces," Brigadier General David E Brigham told PTI.

An Initial Planning Conference (IPC) will be held to discuss the scale of the exercise, he said. No date has been fixed for the joint drill yet, he said.

The drill may take place somewhere in late August because US naval ships could be in the region around that time.

The drill will focus on United Nations-based scenario and the over-arching mission of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief measure, Brigham said.

He said India was the "natural humanitarian disaster relief hub" in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

The Indian Army has Para SF, the Navy has Marcos while the Air Force has the Garud as their respective special forces.

Although the joint tri-services drill was formally announced after the first 2 plus 2 plus dialogue between the principals of the external affairs and defence ministries of the two countries last month, work on it had begun much before.

The first Indo-US tri-services exercise is likely to take place next year and talks are on to include the special forces of two countries in the drill, a senior US defence official has said.

The first Indo-US tri-services exercise is likely to take place next year and talks are on to include the special forces of two countries in the drill, a senior US defence official has said. The three forces of India and the US already take part in bilateral exercises separately -- their armies participate in an annual drill called Yudh Abyaas, whose latest edition took place last month, the air forces take part in a bilateral drill called Cope India and the navies participate in an exercise in Malabar, involving Japan. But this will be the first time the three services of the India and the US will participate in a drill together. "The first one will be in India, and it will take place in 2019. It would include all our services, plus we are kind of scoping the exercise right now to include each of the services' special operations forces. That's very exciting. This is under discussion right now...Essentially all our services, plus potentially the special operations forces," Brigadier General David E Brigham told PTI. An Initial Planning Conference (IPC) will be held to discuss the scale of the exercise, he said. No date has been fixed for the joint drill yet, he said. The drill may take place somewhere in late August because US naval ships could be in the region around that time. The drill will focus on United Nations-based scenario and the over-arching mission of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief measure, Brigham said. He said India was the "natural humanitarian disaster relief hub" in the Indo-Pacific. The Indian Army has Para SF, the Navy has Marcos while the Air Force has the Garud as their respective special forces. Although the joint tri-services drill was formally announced after the first 2 plus 2 plus dialogue between the principals of the external affairs and defence ministries of the two countries last month, work on it had begun much before.

First Indo-US tri-services exercise likely to include special forces of 2 countries

Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, the worst Naxal-hit place in the country, is likely to hold the key to the Assembly poll outcome, with the BJP pulling out all stops to reverse its fortunes here, as the Congress had got the better of it in 2013.

BJP president Amit Shah, during his frequent visits to the state, including to Bastar division headquarters Jagdalpur on Saturday, has asked party workers to ensure that the Congress is routed in the region on the back of the state government's "development works" and fall in Naxal violence.

Of the 12 Assembly seats in Bastar, the Congress had won eight in 2013 and the BJP managed to edge out the opposition in the overall tally. This was possible on the back of the BJP's strong performance in the plains, helped to no small extent by the Narendra Modi factor.

PM Modi, who was then the party's prime ministerial candidate, had campaigned extensively in the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls.

BJP sources noted that in the last Assembly elections, the difference in vote share of their party and that of the Congress was less than one per cent, as they underlined the importance of the tribal-dominated region, which has often given either of the two main parties a decisive mandate.

In 2008, the BJP had emerged victorious in 11 of the 12 seats in Bastar. It had won 50 seats in the 90-member state assembly. The Congress had won 38 and received about 1.7 per cent less vote than the saffron party.

Though the BJP has been in power in Chhattisgarh for the last 15 years, the opposition Congress has been bridging the gap with the ruling party in terms of popular support.

The BJP received 39.26 per cent, 44.33 per cent and 41 per cent votes in 2003, 2008 and 2013 polls respectively. The Congress had got 36.71 per cent, 38.63 per cent and 40.3 per cent votes in those Assembly elections.

Chief Minister Raman Singh has been at the helm since 2003.

Opinion polls held in the state have predicted yet another close fight between the two traditional rivals with some giving edge to the Congress and others to the BJP.

Shah has been visiting the state frequently, holding meetings with party leaders and workers and addressing public meetings.

While Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, the Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Assembly elections will be held on November 28.

Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7 and the counting of votes will be held across all the five states on December 11.

With the Lok Sabha polls due to be held barely four months after the results of assembly elections in the five states, their outcome is bound to be a factor in the campaign for the general elections.

Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, the worst Naxal-hit place in the country, is likely to hold the key to the Assembly poll outcome, with the BJP pulling out all stops to reverse its fortunes here, as the Congress had got the better of it in 2013.

Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, the worst Naxal-hit place in the country, is likely to hold the key to the Assembly poll outcome, with the BJP pulling out all stops to reverse its fortunes here, as the Congress had got the better of it in 2013. BJP president Amit Shah, during his frequent visits to the state, including to Bastar division headquarters Jagdalpur on Saturday, has asked party workers to ensure that the Congress is routed in the region on the back of the state government's "development works" and fall in Naxal violence. Of the 12 Assembly seats in Bastar, the Congress had won eight in 2013 and the BJP managed to edge out the opposition in the overall tally. This was possible on the back of the BJP's strong performance in the plains, helped to no small extent by the Narendra Modi factor. PM Modi, who was then the party's prime ministerial candidate, had campaigned extensively in the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls. BJP sources noted that in the last Assembly elections, the difference in vote share of their party and that of the Congress was less than one per cent, as they underlined the importance of the tribal-dominated region, which has often given either of the two main parties a decisive mandate. In 2008, the BJP had emerged victorious in 11 of the 12 seats in Bastar. It had won 50 seats in the 90-member state assembly. The Congress had won 38 and received about 1.7 per cent less vote than the saffron party. Though the BJP has been in power in Chhattisgarh for the last 15 years, the opposition Congress has been bridging the gap with the ruling party in terms of popular support. The BJP received 39.26 per cent, 44.33 per cent and 41 per cent votes in 2003, 2008 and 2013 polls respectively. The Congress had got 36.71 per cent, 38.63 per cent and 40.3 per cent votes in those Assembly elections. Chief Minister Raman Singh has been at the helm since 2003. Opinion polls held in the state have predicted yet another close fight between the two traditional rivals with some giving edge to the Congress and others to the BJP. Shah has been visiting the state frequently, holding meetings with party leaders and workers and addressing public meetings. While Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, the Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Assembly elections will be held on November 28. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7 and the counting of votes will be held across all the five states on December 11. With the Lok Sabha polls due to be held barely four months after the results of assembly elections in the five states, their outcome is bound to be a factor in the campaign for the general elections.

Naxal-hit Bastar region key to Chhattisgarh poll outcome: Report

The BJP in its manifesto for the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana, has proposed to regulate the sale of liquor, claiming that its unrestricted availability and consumption was leading to several social and law and order problems in the state.

In the manifesto, which would be formally released soon, the party proposes to restrict the sale of liquor to five days a week.

"Sale of liquor will be regulated to five days only. Every day, timings will be maintained.. After 6 (PM), no wine shop or bar will be open," BJP's manifesto committee chairman NVSS Prabhakar told PTI Sunday.

The TRS government in Telangana and the governments in undivided Andhra Pradesh have seen sale of liquor only as a source of income, Prabhakar, who was MLA in the recently dissolved Telangana Legislative Assembly, alleged.

The consumption of liquor is leading to various problems, including atrocities against women, suicides and law and order problems, he claimed.

The manifesto also promises cancellation of surcharge fares by state-run Road Transort Corporation (RTC) buses during fesival seasons and free transportation to those taking up 'Deeksha' (religious code of behaviour) for visiting temples, including Sabarimala, Prabhakar said.

Noting that the state government imposed heavy VAT on petrol and diesel, the manifesto proposes total waiver of the tax on petrol and diesel.

Consequently, the price of fuel per litre may come down by Rs 20, he said.

Youth who appear for competitive exams would be provided free online and offline coaching, he said.

Another important promise the provision of safe drinking water for Rs six per month per household.

"The provision of such minimum facilities should not be viewed like a profit-loss proposition. They should be seen as a source of income," Prabhakar said.

The BJP, which had five MLAs in the dissolved (119-member)assembly, hopes to substantially increase its strength in the coming polls.&nbsp;

The BJP in its manifesto for the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana, has proposed to regulate the sale of liquor, claiming that its unrestricted availability and consumption was leading to several social and law and order problems in the state.

The BJP in its manifesto for the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana, has proposed to regulate the sale of liquor, claiming that its unrestricted availability and consumption was leading to several social and law and order problems in the state. In the manifesto, which would be formally released soon, the party proposes to restrict the sale of liquor to five days a week. "Sale of liquor will be regulated to five days only. Every day, timings will be maintained.. After 6 (PM), no wine shop or bar will be open," BJP's manifesto committee chairman NVSS Prabhakar told PTI Sunday. The TRS government in Telangana and the governments in undivided Andhra Pradesh have seen sale of liquor only as a source of income, Prabhakar, who was MLA in the recently dissolved Telangana Legislative Assembly, alleged. The consumption of liquor is leading to various problems, including atrocities against women, suicides and law and order problems, he claimed. The manifesto also promises cancellation of surcharge fares by state-run Road Transort Corporation (RTC) buses during fesival seasons and free transportation to those taking up 'Deeksha' (religious code of behaviour) for visiting temples, including Sabarimala, Prabhakar said. Noting that the state government imposed heavy VAT on petrol and diesel, the manifesto proposes total waiver of the tax on petrol and diesel. Consequently, the price of fuel per litre may come down by Rs 20, he said. Youth who appear for competitive exams would be provided free online and offline coaching, he said. Another important promise the provision of safe drinking water for Rs six per month per household. "The provision of such minimum facilities should not be viewed like a profit-loss proposition. They should be seen as a source of income," Prabhakar said. The BJP, which had five MLAs in the dissolved (119-member)assembly, hopes to substantially increase its strength in the coming polls.

Telangana polls: BJP manifesto proposes to regulate liquor sale

Continuing with its campaign against the government over the Rafale deal, the Congress Sunday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was directly involved in it, adding that he had much to hide about it.

Questioning Modi's silence over the deal, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma claimed that only the prime minister was aware that the offset contracts would not be given to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

"It was his (Modi's) decision. Only he was privy to what he was going to do," Sharma said, addressing a press conference at the party office here.

It was expected that the prime minister would speak on this issue of national importance, but he continued to remain silent while making tall claims about his government, the Congress leader said.

"The prime minister has much to hide in the Rafale deal. His silence raises fundamental questions, because he is directly complicit and personally accountable for it," he alleged.

Claiming that the Rafale deal was the biggest scam in the history of the country, Sharma reiterated his party's demand for setting up a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into it.

The former Union minister also questioned Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to France, during which she will take stock of the progress of French firm Dassault Aviation supplying 36 Rafale jets to the Indian Air Force under the Rs 58,000-crore deal.

Sharma maintained that there was a hike in the price of the fighter aircraft India was buying from France and asserted that the prime minister needed to clear many doubts about the deal that had been raised.

He said more details of the deal would emerge if a forensic audit of it was carried out.

The Congress has been claiming that the aircraft will cost significantly more than what the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was negotiating.

The opposition party has also been demanding answers from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government as to why HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime.

Continuing with its campaign against the government over the Rafale deal, the Congress Sunday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was directly involved in it, adding that he had much to hide about it.

Continuing with its campaign against the government over the Rafale deal, the Congress Sunday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was directly involved in it, adding that he had much to hide about it. Questioning Modi's silence over the deal, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma claimed that only the prime minister was aware that the offset contracts would not be given to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). "It was his (Modi's) decision. Only he was privy to what he was going to do," Sharma said, addressing a press conference at the party office here. It was expected that the prime minister would speak on this issue of national importance, but he continued to remain silent while making tall claims about his government, the Congress leader said. "The prime minister has much to hide in the Rafale deal. His silence raises fundamental questions, because he is directly complicit and personally accountable for it," he alleged. Claiming that the Rafale deal was the biggest scam in the history of the country, Sharma reiterated his party's demand for setting up a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into it. The former Union minister also questioned Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to France, during which she will take stock of the progress of French firm Dassault Aviation supplying 36 Rafale jets to the Indian Air Force under the Rs 58,000-crore deal. Sharma maintained that there was a hike in the price of the fighter aircraft India was buying from France and asserted that the prime minister needed to clear many doubts about the deal that had been raised. He said more details of the deal would emerge if a forensic audit of it was carried out. The Congress has been claiming that the aircraft will cost significantly more than what the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was negotiating. The opposition party has also been demanding answers from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government as to why HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime.

PM has much to hide about Rafale deal: Congress

Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple.

Scores of devotees, including a large number of women and children, took to the streets of the state capital and chanted slogans, a week ahead of the temple`s opening for the monthly rituals.

A similar protest also took place in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, where devotees of Lord Ayyappa took out a march to protest against the top court`s verdict.

On September 28, the Supreme Court removed an age-old ban that prevented women between 10 and 50 from the entering the Sabarimala templePronouncing the order, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban blatantly violated the constitutional principles that the country stood for.

He also said that the women, like their male counterparts, have every right to enter the temple and cannot be the victim of gender discrimination.

While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding retention of the age-old tradition.

Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine.

A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji, told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called "suicide group."

The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala`s Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan.

The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate, citing which women of menstruating ages were barred from entering the temple.&nbsp;

Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple.

Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple. Scores of devotees, including a large number of women and children, took to the streets of the state capital and chanted slogans, a week ahead of the temple`s opening for the monthly rituals. A similar protest also took place in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, where devotees of Lord Ayyappa took out a march to protest against the top court`s verdict. On September 28, the Supreme Court removed an age-old ban that prevented women between 10 and 50 from the entering the Sabarimala templePronouncing the order, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban blatantly violated the constitutional principles that the country stood for. He also said that the women, like their male counterparts, have every right to enter the temple and cannot be the victim of gender discrimination. While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding retention of the age-old tradition. Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine. A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji, told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called "suicide group." The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala`s Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan. The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate, citing which women of menstruating ages were barred from entering the temple.

Kerala: Ayyappa devotees take to the streets, oppose Sabarimala verdict

The AAP Sunday announced that Brijesh Goyal and Rajpal Solanki will be in-charges of New Delhi and West Delhi parliamentary constituencies in the national capital for 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The announcement halted conjecture that rebel BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha will be Aam Aadmi Party candidates on the two seats.

Making the announcement, Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai said there were talks with Yashwant Sinha for him to contest from New Delhi seat but he has expressed willingness to campaign against the Modi government across the country.

There were no talks about Shatrughan Sinha being the party candidate.

The party has announced its in-charges for all seven constituencies in Delhi.

Rai said the candidates for five seats will be announced soon.

Party sources said the in-charges will be ultimately the party candidates in 2019 elections.

The AAP Sunday announced that Brijesh Goyal and Rajpal Solanki will be in-charges of New Delhi and West Delhi parliamentary constituencies in the national capital for 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The AAP Sunday announced that Brijesh Goyal and Rajpal Solanki will be in-charges of New Delhi and West Delhi parliamentary constituencies in the national capital for 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The announcement halted conjecture that rebel BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha will be Aam Aadmi Party candidates on the two seats. Making the announcement, Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai said there were talks with Yashwant Sinha for him to contest from New Delhi seat but he has expressed willingness to campaign against the Modi government across the country. There were no talks about Shatrughan Sinha being the party candidate. The party has announced its in-charges for all seven constituencies in Delhi. Rai said the candidates for five seats will be announced soon. Party sources said the in-charges will be ultimately the party candidates in 2019 elections.

2019 polls: Brijesh Goyal, Rajpal Solanki AAP in-charges for New Delhi, West Delhi LS seats

The Delhi Congress has decided to burn effigies of AAP and BJP leaders on the eve of Dussehra over their "failure" to provide relief to the people of the national capital from the sealing drive.

Senior Delhi Congress leader Mukesh Sharma said specially-designed Ravana effigies with the multiple heads of the mythical demon king replaced by pictures of BJP and AAP leaders will be burnt at 14 locations in the city.

"This is our protest against the ruling AAP in Delhi and the BJP at the Centre, over their failure to do anything for Delhites hit by illegal sealing in many areas," said Sharma, who is convener of the Congress' 'Nyay Yudh' campaign against the sealing drive.

"At the centre will be photos of Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal, flanked on either side by BJP MPs from Delhi and AAP ministers," Sharma said, adding one of the effigies would be torched by by Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken.

"This will be a symbolic protest against the AAP and BJP who despite having votes of Delhiites deserted them when sealing drive hit them hard," he said.

A large number of commercial and residential premises have been sealed by BJP-ruled municipal corporations in the city for violating the city's master plan.

The sealing drive is being supervised by a Supreme Court appointed monitoring committee. The three major political outfits in Delhi -- the AAP, the BJP and the Congress -- have been engaged in blame game over the issue in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections next year.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who alleged that an "illegal" sealing industry was coming up due to "corrupt" officials, is facing a contempt notice for breaking the seal on a premises in Gokalpuri, sealed by civic officials.

The ruling AAP has demanded an ordinance from the Centre to stop sealing while accusing the BJP of being involved in corruption in the three municipal corporations of the national capital ruled by it.&nbsp;

The Delhi Congress has decided to burn effigies of AAP and BJP leaders on the eve of Dussehra over their "failure" to provide relief to the people of the national capital from the sealing drive.

The Delhi Congress has decided to burn effigies of AAP and BJP leaders on the eve of Dussehra over their "failure" to provide relief to the people of the national capital from the sealing drive. Senior Delhi Congress leader Mukesh Sharma said specially-designed Ravana effigies with the multiple heads of the mythical demon king replaced by pictures of BJP and AAP leaders will be burnt at 14 locations in the city. "This is our protest against the ruling AAP in Delhi and the BJP at the Centre, over their failure to do anything for Delhites hit by illegal sealing in many areas," said Sharma, who is convener of the Congress' 'Nyay Yudh' campaign against the sealing drive. "At the centre will be photos of Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal, flanked on either side by BJP MPs from Delhi and AAP ministers," Sharma said, adding one of the effigies would be torched by by Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken. "This will be a symbolic protest against the AAP and BJP who despite having votes of Delhiites deserted them when sealing drive hit them hard," he said. A large number of commercial and residential premises have been sealed by BJP-ruled municipal corporations in the city for violating the city's master plan. The sealing drive is being supervised by a Supreme Court appointed monitoring committee. The three major political outfits in Delhi -- the AAP, the BJP and the Congress -- have been engaged in blame game over the issue in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections next year. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who alleged that an "illegal" sealing industry was coming up due to "corrupt" officials, is facing a contempt notice for breaking the seal on a premises in Gokalpuri, sealed by civic officials. The ruling AAP has demanded an ordinance from the Centre to stop sealing while accusing the BJP of being involved in corruption in the three municipal corporations of the national capital ruled by it.

Delhi: Congress to protest against BJP, AAP on Dussehra eve over sealing drive

Shortly after returning to India, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Sunday released a detailed statement over sexual harassment allegations against him describing them as "false and fabricated." According to reports, the minister is set to take legal action against accusations made against him.

In his statement, Akbar asked why such allegations were levelled against him just before the general elections?

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Lies do not have legs, but they do contain poison, which can be whipped into a frenzy. This is deeply distressing. I will be taking appropriate legal action: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJAkbar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJAkbar</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051416803317026816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Why has this storm risen a few months before a general election? Is there an agenda? You be the judge. These false, baseless and wild allegations have caused irreparable damage to my reputation and goodwill," he told the media.&nbsp;

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The allegations of misconduct made against me are false and fabricated, spiced up by innuendo and malice. I could not reply earlier as I was on an official tour abroad: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJAkbar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJAkbar</a> (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/dRE0qXMiCW">pic.twitter.com/dRE0qXMiCW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051415837289123840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He further added that he could not respond to the "false and fabricated" allegations as he was "on an official tour abroad."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJAkbar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJAkbar</a> to take legal action against accusations made against him of sexual assault, releases detailed statement. <a href="https://t.co/HZcJJubNIM">pic.twitter.com/HZcJJubNIM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051415981728440320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Accusation without evidence has become a viral fever among some sections. Whatever be the case, now that I have returned, my lawyers will look into these wild and baseless allegations in order to decide our future course of legal action," Akbar noted.&nbsp;

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Accusation without evidence has become a viral fever among some sections. Whatever be the case, now that I have returned, my lawyers will look into these wild and baseless allegations in order to decide our future course of legal action: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJAkbar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJAkbar</a> (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/AVrkfSVA87">pic.twitter.com/AVrkfSVA87</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051416327431344128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Lies do not have legs, but they do contain poison, which can be whipped into a frenzy. This is deeply distressing. I will be taking appropriate legal action," he stated.&nbsp;

Here is what Akbar stated further:

Priya Ramani began this campaign a year ago with a magazine article. She did not, however, name me as she knew it was an incorrect story. When asked recently why she had not named me, she replied, in a tweet, “Never named him because he didn't 'do' anything."

If I didn't do anything, where and what is the story? There's no story. But a sea of innuendo, speculation and abusive diatribe has been built around something that never happened. Some are total, unsubstantiated hearsay; others confirm, on the record, that I didn’t do anything

Shutapa Paul states, “The man never laid a hand on me.” Shuma Raha says, “I must clarify, however, that he didn’t actually ‘do’ anything”. One woman, Anju Bharti, went to the absurd extent of claiming I was partying in a swimming pool. I do not know how to swim

Another accusation was made repeatedly by Ms Ghazala Wahab, in an effort to damage my reputation. She claimed that she had been molested in office, 21 years ago. This &nbsp;is 16 years before I entered public life, and when I was in media

The only office where I worked with Ghazala Wahab was that of The Asian Age. A part of the editorial team then worked out of a small hall. At the time concerned, I had a very tiny cubicle, patched together by plywood and glass. Others had tables and chairs two feet away

It is utterly bizarre to believe that anything could have happened in that tiny space, and, moreover, that no one else in the vicinity would come to know, in the midst of a working day. These allegations are false, motivated and baseless.

Pertinent to remember Ms Ramani and Ms Wahab kept working with me even after these alleged incidents; clearly establishes they had no apprehension and discomfort. The reason why they remained silent for decades is very apparent, as Ms Ramani has herself stated, I never did anything.

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Pertinent to remember Ms Ramani&amp;Ms Wahab kept working with me even after these alleged incidents; clearly establishes they had no apprehension&amp;discomfort. Reason why they remained silent for decades is very apparent,as Ms Ramani has herself stated, I never did anything: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJAkbar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJAkbar</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051420314662592514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There has been a growing clamour for his sacking after at least eight women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.&nbsp;

The latest charge came on Friday from the US-based journalist Majlie de Puy Kamp who said Akbar forcibly kissed her — she had he put his tongue into her mouth — on her last day in office when she was interning with the Asian Age.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Shutapa Paul states, “The man never laid a hand on me.”Shuma Raha says, “I must clarify, however, that he didn’t actually ‘do’ anything”.One woman, Anju Bharti, went to the absurd extent of claiming I was partying in a swimming pool. I do not know how to swim: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJAkbar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJAkbar</a> (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/Cl0etymt6P">pic.twitter.com/Cl0etymt6P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051419418008391680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PTI quoted party sources earlier as saying <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/minister-mj-akbar-to-return-today-pm-modi-to-take-final-call-on-his-continuance-sources-171362">Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take the final call on Akbar's continuance</a> as junior foreign minister.

Shortly after returning to India, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Sunday released a detailed statement over sexual harassment allegations against him describing them as "false and fabricated.

Shortly after returning to India, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Sunday released a detailed statement over sexual harassment allegations against him describing them as "false and fabricated." According to reports, the minister is set to take legal action against accusations made against him. In his statement, Akbar asked why such allegations were levelled against him just before the general elections? Lies do not have legs, but they do contain poison, which can be whipped into a frenzy. This is deeply distressing. I will be taking appropriate legal action: #MJAkbar — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × "Why has this storm risen a few months before a general election? Is there an agenda? You be the judge. These false, baseless and wild allegations have caused irreparable damage to my reputation and goodwill," he told the media. The allegations of misconduct made against me are false and fabricated, spiced up by innuendo and malice. I could not reply earlier as I was on an official tour abroad: #MJAkbar (file pic) pic.twitter.com/dRE0qXMiCW — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × He further added that he could not respond to the "false and fabricated" allegations as he was "on an official tour abroad." #MJAkbar to take legal action against accusations made against him of sexual assault, releases detailed statement. pic.twitter.com/HZcJJubNIM — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × "Accusation without evidence has become a viral fever among some sections. Whatever be the case, now that I have returned, my lawyers will look into these wild and baseless allegations in order to decide our future course of legal action," Akbar noted. Accusation without evidence has become a viral fever among some sections. Whatever be the case, now that I have returned, my lawyers will look into these wild and baseless allegations in order to decide our future course of legal action: #MJAkbar (file pic) pic.twitter.com/AVrkfSVA87 — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × "Lies do not have legs, but they do contain poison, which can be whipped into a frenzy. This is deeply distressing. I will be taking appropriate legal action," he stated. Here is what Akbar stated further: Priya Ramani began this campaign a year ago with a magazine article. She did not, however, name me as she knew it was an incorrect story. When asked recently why she had not named me, she replied, in a tweet, “Never named him because he didn't 'do' anything." If I didn't do anything, where and what is the story? There's no story. But a sea of innuendo, speculation and abusive diatribe has been built around something that never happened. Some are total, unsubstantiated hearsay; others confirm, on the record, that I didn’t do anything Shutapa Paul states, “The man never laid a hand on me.” Shuma Raha says, “I must clarify, however, that he didn’t actually ‘do’ anything”. One woman, Anju Bharti, went to the absurd extent of claiming I was partying in a swimming pool. I do not know how to swim Another accusation was made repeatedly by Ms Ghazala Wahab, in an effort to damage my reputation. She claimed that she had been molested in office, 21 years ago. This is 16 years before I entered public life, and when I was in media The only office where I worked with Ghazala Wahab was that of The Asian Age. A part of the editorial team then worked out of a small hall. At the time concerned, I had a very tiny cubicle, patched together by plywood and glass. Others had tables and chairs two feet away It is utterly bizarre to believe that anything could have happened in that tiny space, and, moreover, that no one else in the vicinity would come to know, in the midst of a working day. These allegations are false, motivated and baseless. Pertinent to remember Ms Ramani and Ms Wahab kept working with me even after these alleged incidents; clearly establishes they had no apprehension and discomfort. The reason why they remained silent for decades is very apparent, as Ms Ramani has herself stated, I never did anything. Pertinent to remember Ms Ramani&Ms Wahab kept working with me even after these alleged incidents; clearly establishes they had no apprehension&discomfort. Reason why they remained silent for decades is very apparent,as Ms Ramani has herself stated, I never did anything: #MJAkbar — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × There has been a growing clamour for his sacking after at least eight women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor. The latest charge came on Friday from the US-based journalist Majlie de Puy Kamp who said Akbar forcibly kissed her — she had he put his tongue into her mouth — on her last day in office when she was interning with the Asian Age. Shutapa Paul states, “The man never laid a hand on me.”Shuma Raha says, “I must clarify, however, that he didn’t actually ‘do’ anything”.One woman, Anju Bharti, went to the absurd extent of claiming I was partying in a swimming pool. I do not know how to swim: #MJAkbar (file pic) pic.twitter.com/Cl0etymt6P — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × PTI quoted party sources earlier as saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take the final call on Akbar's continuance as junior foreign minister.

'Why this storm just before general elections?' MJ Akbar issues statement, moves for legal action

Dunya Maumoon, former foreign minister of the Maldives and the daughter of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was in Delhi recently.&nbsp;

She was the first high-profile Maldivian politician to visit India since the recent election&nbsp;in that country. In what was thought of as a surprise, the joint opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won the election by a large margin. He will take office in November.&nbsp;

Over her short visit, Maumoon also met India's India's External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

She spoke exclusively to Siddhant Sibal, WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent in Delhi. Here are excerpts from their conversation:&nbsp;

 
Siddhant Sibal: What is the focus of your visit? What brings you here? 
Dunya Maumoon: Pleasure to be back in New Delhi. I visited many times as foreign minister and also in past as a close friend of India. As you know my father Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the former president of Maldives was the one who was the architect of modern democracy in the Maldives. He developed the country to very high levels. He was instrumental in building a warm friendship with India that was really the basis of the relationship between these two countries. I came here representing my father in informal meetings. I had a number of meetings and in particular was pleased to able to call on her excellency External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. I know her from past and we were colleagues who worked closely on many issues. I believe with the new government coming in the Maldives, it is time to look to rebuild the trust that was there between the two countries in the past. My hope is that when president-elect takes office he will build back trust and close warmth that existed between the two countries. Close people-to-people contact. We are hearing of lot of issues including visa and other matters. I hope we can resolve it and I am confident that the new president can lead us down that path.&nbsp;

 
SS: Can you tell us about developments in your country? 
DM: Whole world has been watching very carefully. As we know, the leadership of President Yameen. While he brought some development, mostly lot of people lived in fear and in an environment of lot of political persecution. Using the court he was able to lock up and convict lot of innocent people under various charges. This included my father who, at his age and given his health, it was a difficult time for him personally. My mother, my family, by brother, my brother-in-law were &nbsp;imprisoned. And many many other political figures with whom he was threatened were put in jail. It was sad to see this kind of situation in our country. We were relieved that Maldivian people's decision is not to condone such kind of behaviour from their leaders and hold them accountable. Hence we saw the Maldivian people decisively voted for democracy, freedom and human rights. I firmly believe that this decision and the will of the people needs to be fully implemented. All our instutions have backed that and supported that. Election commission has formally announced the result. There is huge margin. No room for any discussion and debate on that. Unfortunately President Yameen is a sore and very bad loser. He is refusing to accept it. He has gone to the court. I am confident that justice will be done and will of the people will be upheld.

 
SS: What is your take on the #MeToo movement. You have done a lot of work when it comes to gender issues? 
DM: &nbsp;It's a very important global movement that we see worldwide. Glad to see women particularly victims have found courage to speak up against the discrimination. Also particularly the kind of situations they have to face. It is important we join up with this movement. In my own country, I have worked on anti-domestic violence legislations. Lot more work we do need to do. I hope Maldives will be part of the global movement to promote women's rights and address the issue of violence against women. I wish the movement every success. I'm sure lot of men are supporting women in the quest against serious issues. Important to work together as a region and globally.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Dunya Maumoon, former foreign minister of the Maldives and the daughter of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was in Delhi recently. She was the first high-profile Maldivian politician to visit India since the recent election in that country.

Dunya Maumoon, former foreign minister of the Maldives and the daughter of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was in Delhi recently. She was the first high-profile Maldivian politician to visit India since the recent election in that country. In what was thought of as a surprise, the joint opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won the election by a large margin. He will take office in November. Over her short visit, Maumoon also met India's India's External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. She spoke exclusively to Siddhant Sibal, WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent in Delhi. Here are excerpts from their conversation: Siddhant Sibal: What is the focus of your visit? What brings you here? Dunya Maumoon: Pleasure to be back in New Delhi. I visited many times as foreign minister and also in past as a close friend of India. As you know my father Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the former president of Maldives was the one who was the architect of modern democracy in the Maldives. He developed the country to very high levels. He was instrumental in building a warm friendship with India that was really the basis of the relationship between these two countries. I came here representing my father in informal meetings. I had a number of meetings and in particular was pleased to able to call on her excellency External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. I know her from past and we were colleagues who worked closely on many issues. I believe with the new government coming in the Maldives, it is time to look to rebuild the trust that was there between the two countries in the past. My hope is that when president-elect takes office he will build back trust and close warmth that existed between the two countries. Close people-to-people contact. We are hearing of lot of issues including visa and other matters. I hope we can resolve it and I am confident that the new president can lead us down that path. SS: Can you tell us about developments in your country? DM: Whole world has been watching very carefully. As we know, the leadership of President Yameen. While he brought some development, mostly lot of people lived in fear and in an environment of lot of political persecution. Using the court he was able to lock up and convict lot of innocent people under various charges. This included my father who, at his age and given his health, it was a difficult time for him personally. My mother, my family, by brother, my brother-in-law were imprisoned. And many many other political figures with whom he was threatened were put in jail. It was sad to see this kind of situation in our country. We were relieved that Maldivian people's decision is not to condone such kind of behaviour from their leaders and hold them accountable. Hence we saw the Maldivian people decisively voted for democracy, freedom and human rights. I firmly believe that this decision and the will of the people needs to be fully implemented. All our instutions have backed that and supported that. Election commission has formally announced the result. There is huge margin. No room for any discussion and debate on that. Unfortunately President Yameen is a sore and very bad loser. He is refusing to accept it. He has gone to the court. I am confident that justice will be done and will of the people will be upheld. SS: What is your take on the #MeToo movement. You have done a lot of work when it comes to gender issues? DM: It's a very important global movement that we see worldwide. Glad to see women particularly victims have found courage to speak up against the discrimination. Also particularly the kind of situations they have to face. It is important we join up with this movement. In my own country, I have worked on anti-domestic violence legislations. Lot more work we do need to do. I hope Maldives will be part of the global movement to promote women's rights and address the issue of violence against women. I wish the movement every success. I'm sure lot of men are supporting women in the quest against serious issues. Important to work together as a region and globally.

Time to rebuild trust between our two countries: Ex-Maldives foreign minister to WION

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was Sunday discharged from the AIIMS, where he has been undergoing treatment for pancreatic ailment, and is likely to return to his home state, sources said.

According to sources in the AIIMS, he was Sunday morning shifted to ICU for a while after his condition deteriorated. But sometime back, the administration decided to discharge him, the sources said.

Parrikar (62) was admitted to Delhi's premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on September 15.

"The chief minister is likely to be brought to Goa in a special flight on Sunday from Delhi. The doctors who are treating him at the hospital would certify on Sunday morning whether he is fit to travel back home," the official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had said Saturday.

If he returns to Goa, Parrikar will stay at his private residence in Panaji, he added.

On Friday, Parrikar met Goa BJP's core committee members and ministers from coalition partners at AIIMS to discuss ways to ensure his government functions normally during his absence from office due to ill health.

However, leaders of the ruling BJP and its allies, who met Parrikar separately, had ruled out any change in leadership in the coastal state.

Parrikar has been ailing since mid-February and has been treated at different hospitals including those in Goa, Mumbai and the US.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was Sunday discharged from the AIIMS, where he has been undergoing treatment for pancreatic ailment, and is likely to return to his home state, sources said.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was Sunday discharged from the AIIMS, where he has been undergoing treatment for pancreatic ailment, and is likely to return to his home state, sources said. According to sources in the AIIMS, he was Sunday morning shifted to ICU for a while after his condition deteriorated. But sometime back, the administration decided to discharge him, the sources said. Parrikar (62) was admitted to Delhi's premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on September 15. "The chief minister is likely to be brought to Goa in a special flight on Sunday from Delhi. The doctors who are treating him at the hospital would certify on Sunday morning whether he is fit to travel back home," the official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had said Saturday. If he returns to Goa, Parrikar will stay at his private residence in Panaji, he added. On Friday, Parrikar met Goa BJP's core committee members and ministers from coalition partners at AIIMS to discuss ways to ensure his government functions normally during his absence from office due to ill health. However, leaders of the ruling BJP and its allies, who met Parrikar separately, had ruled out any change in leadership in the coastal state. Parrikar has been ailing since mid-February and has been treated at different hospitals including those in Goa, Mumbai and the US.

Parrikar discharged from AIIMS, likely to return to Goa

Unfazed by the BSP's decision to not align with the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said Sunday the party is "still in the driver's seat" and in touch with all "possible partners" in the poll-bound state.

Scindia, who is spearheading the Congress campaign in Madhya Pradesh, also said the entire state leadership and party cadre was "working cohesively" to chart out the party's plan to dislodge the BJP government after "14 years of misrule".

Asked if the BSP could cut into the Congress' vote share, he told PTI in an interview that: "I don't think so. Obviously, the alliance would have had its own benefits, but as things stand today, support for the Congress is running deep in Madhya Pradesh. The workers are motivated and the people are looking to us for change. So, we are definitely still in the driver's seat."

Replying to a query about a possible tie-up with the Samajwadi Party and the Gondwana Gantantra Party after Bahujan Samaj Party's decision to not align with the Congress in the state, Scindia said, "We are in touch with all possible partners -- our ultimate goal is to beat the Bharatiya Janata Party. We are not currently ruling out the possibility of an alliance."

His remarks come days after BSP chief Mayawati announced her party will not forge an alliance with the Congress "at any cost" for the upcoming Assembly polls in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

However, he said the general election next year will be a "different ball game altogether" and if state alliances don't work out, the possibilities still exist for a coalition in 2019.

Scindia said the party's "driving mantra" is 'Waqt hai badlaav ka' (It is time for change), and added that this is "not a slogan, this is a reality, a commitment to change". 
"We are not fighting this election on the Modi or Shivraj factor but the 'people factor'. The people of Madhya Pradesh have suffered from the BJP rule for 14 years. Everywhere we look, the people are exasperated and angry," the MP from Guna said.

Talking about the issues that the Congress will raise during the campaign, Scindia said the party will take the fight to the streets. "We are focusing on some key issues -- farmer distress across the state, complete breakdown of law and order, especially rising cases of crimes against women, unemployment, and massive corruption, be it Vyapam, e-tender or sand-mining."

The state will go to polls on November 28 and counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Asked what was different internally in the Congress organisation as compared to the past three elections and whether differences between senior leaders had been sorted,

Scindia said the party was united and there were regular meetings on key matters, including on overhauling the organisation, reviving and rejuvenating party cadres and strengthening the system at the district and block level.

"We understand that to fight the BJP, we will have to go down to the booth level and fight. Under Congress President Rahul Gandhi's uniting leadership, we are working as a single INC unit, coming together under the umbrella of a common vision and mission for the development of Madhya Pradesh," the 47-year-old leader said.&nbsp;

On opinion polls putting the Congress marginally ahead of the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, Scindia said he believes his party is "in the lead".

The people are now looking to the Congress for change and are hopeful that the party will bring a wave of development, progress and honesty, the former Union minister said.

Asked if the Congress was bargaining hard as a result of which state-level alliances were failing and damaging prospects of a grand alliance in 2019, Scindia said the party was trying to build reasonable alliances that were mutually beneficial for all involved actors, and one that will be able to give the BJP a strong fight.

"For example, in Madhya Pradesh, there was clearly a mismatch between the BSP's vote share and the seats they were demanding&nbsp;obviously, that would not be strategically-beneficial for us. So, it is not about bargaining hard for the sake of debate, it is about reaching the most effective agreement," he said.&nbsp;

Unfazed by the BSP's decision to not align with the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said Sunday the party is "still in the driver's seat" and in touch with all "possible partners" in the poll-bound state.

Unfazed by the BSP's decision to not align with the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said Sunday the party is "still in the driver's seat" and in touch with all "possible partners" in the poll-bound state. Scindia, who is spearheading the Congress campaign in Madhya Pradesh, also said the entire state leadership and party cadre was "working cohesively" to chart out the party's plan to dislodge the BJP government after "14 years of misrule". Asked if the BSP could cut into the Congress' vote share, he told PTI in an interview that: "I don't think so. Obviously, the alliance would have had its own benefits, but as things stand today, support for the Congress is running deep in Madhya Pradesh. The workers are motivated and the people are looking to us for change. So, we are definitely still in the driver's seat." Replying to a query about a possible tie-up with the Samajwadi Party and the Gondwana Gantantra Party after Bahujan Samaj Party's decision to not align with the Congress in the state, Scindia said, "We are in touch with all possible partners -- our ultimate goal is to beat the Bharatiya Janata Party. We are not currently ruling out the possibility of an alliance." His remarks come days after BSP chief Mayawati announced her party will not forge an alliance with the Congress "at any cost" for the upcoming Assembly polls in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. However, he said the general election next year will be a "different ball game altogether" and if state alliances don't work out, the possibilities still exist for a coalition in 2019. Scindia said the party's "driving mantra" is 'Waqt hai badlaav ka' (It is time for change), and added that this is "not a slogan, this is a reality, a commitment to change". "We are not fighting this election on the Modi or Shivraj factor but the 'people factor'. The people of Madhya Pradesh have suffered from the BJP rule for 14 years. Everywhere we look, the people are exasperated and angry," the MP from Guna said. Talking about the issues that the Congress will raise during the campaign, Scindia said the party will take the fight to the streets. "We are focusing on some key issues -- farmer distress across the state, complete breakdown of law and order, especially rising cases of crimes against women, unemployment, and massive corruption, be it Vyapam, e-tender or sand-mining." The state will go to polls on November 28 and counting of votes will be held on December 11. Asked what was different internally in the Congress organisation as compared to the past three elections and whether differences between senior leaders had been sorted, Scindia said the party was united and there were regular meetings on key matters, including on overhauling the organisation, reviving and rejuvenating party cadres and strengthening the system at the district and block level. "We understand that to fight the BJP, we will have to go down to the booth level and fight. Under Congress President Rahul Gandhi's uniting leadership, we are working as a single INC unit, coming together under the umbrella of a common vision and mission for the development of Madhya Pradesh," the 47-year-old leader said. On opinion polls putting the Congress marginally ahead of the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, Scindia said he believes his party is "in the lead". The people are now looking to the Congress for change and are hopeful that the party will bring a wave of development, progress and honesty, the former Union minister said. Asked if the Congress was bargaining hard as a result of which state-level alliances were failing and damaging prospects of a grand alliance in 2019, Scindia said the party was trying to build reasonable alliances that were mutually beneficial for all involved actors, and one that will be able to give the BJP a strong fight. "For example, in Madhya Pradesh, there was clearly a mismatch between the BSP's vote share and the seats they were demanding obviously, that would not be strategically-beneficial for us. So, it is not about bargaining hard for the sake of debate, it is about reaching the most effective agreement," he said.

Congress still in driver's seat in MP; in touch with parties for 'possible alliance': Scindia

The foundation stone for a museum for prime ministers in the Teen Murti Estate premises will be laid by Union ministers Monday, despite objections raised by the Congress, including former PM Manmohan Singh.

Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri will lay the foundation stone for the museum at Teen Murti Estate, the official residence of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Culture Ministry issued an invite to media late Friday evening for the foundation stone laying ceremony.

The government has gone ahead with its plan even as Singh last month wrote to his successor Narendra Modi, raising expressing concerns over the government's move to change the "nature and character" of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML).

Urging Modi to leave the Teen Murti Complex, which houses the NMML, "undisturbed", Singh said the present museum respected both history and heritage.

"I recall that during the six-year tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji as prime minister, there was absolutely no attempt to change the nature and character of the NMML and the Teen Murti Complex in any way. But sadly that it seems to be part of the agenda of Government of India now," Singh noted in his letter on August 24.

Senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh, who are members of the NMML society, along with historians had also opposed the move.

Some had also called on Home Minister Rajnath Singh on August 26, urging him not to dilute the legacy of Nehru.

The new museum which will include memorabilia of prime ministers, Lal Bahadur Shastri onwards, will come upon a plot of land within the Teen Murti Estate and is expected to cost Rs 270 crore.&nbsp;

The foundation stone for a museum for prime ministers in the Teen Murti Estate premises will be laid by Union ministers Monday, despite objections raised by the Congress, including former PM Manmohan Singh.

The foundation stone for a museum for prime ministers in the Teen Murti Estate premises will be laid by Union ministers Monday, despite objections raised by the Congress, including former PM Manmohan Singh. Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri will lay the foundation stone for the museum at Teen Murti Estate, the official residence of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The Culture Ministry issued an invite to media late Friday evening for the foundation stone laying ceremony. The government has gone ahead with its plan even as Singh last month wrote to his successor Narendra Modi, raising expressing concerns over the government's move to change the "nature and character" of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML). Urging Modi to leave the Teen Murti Complex, which houses the NMML, "undisturbed", Singh said the present museum respected both history and heritage. "I recall that during the six-year tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji as prime minister, there was absolutely no attempt to change the nature and character of the NMML and the Teen Murti Complex in any way. But sadly that it seems to be part of the agenda of Government of India now," Singh noted in his letter on August 24. Senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh, who are members of the NMML society, along with historians had also opposed the move. Some had also called on Home Minister Rajnath Singh on August 26, urging him not to dilute the legacy of Nehru. The new museum which will include memorabilia of prime ministers, Lal Bahadur Shastri onwards, will come upon a plot of land within the Teen Murti Estate and is expected to cost Rs 270 crore.

Foundation stone for museum for PMs to be laid on Monday despite objections

Social media posts of political parties and groups in poll-bound Telangana will come under the Election Commission's scanner to check for any objectionable content under the model code of conduct, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has said.

An agency had been appointed in Telangana to help the CEO on social media issues and the EC at the national and the state level is in touch with companies such as Google and Facebook, which have assured cooperation in cases of violation of the model code of conduct (MCC), he said.

Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in Telangana on December 7.

"We are working out the matrix right now on how to control social media (content violative of MCC)... We will put some keywords which indicate a violation of MCC... An appeal or an offer of money with catchphrases. We will scan through various websites, the CEO told PTI.

The official said Telangana Director General of Police M. Mahendar Reddy has also offered help of the Cyber wing in taking action in cases of violation of the code.

"The source will be identified and action will be taken against him under the relevant sections of IPC and cyber crimes also," he said.

According to him, the guidelines for social media are exactly the same as that of print and electronic media.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar said they will keep an eye on bulk messaging sent through social media or the traditional way with a malafide intention.&nbsp;

Besides monitoring, a Facebook page under the name Chief Electoral officer Telangana has been created to update news and initiatives by the EC to reach out to voters.

The page had already clocked over 9.70 lakh views as of October 11, Kumar said.

Around 90 per cent of followers are less than 34 years of age and majority of whom are below 24, he added.

Social media posts of political parties and groups in poll-bound Telangana will come under the Election Commission's scanner to check for any objectionable content under the model code of conduct, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has said.

Social media posts of political parties and groups in poll-bound Telangana will come under the Election Commission's scanner to check for any objectionable content under the model code of conduct, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has said. An agency had been appointed in Telangana to help the CEO on social media issues and the EC at the national and the state level is in touch with companies such as Google and Facebook, which have assured cooperation in cases of violation of the model code of conduct (MCC), he said. Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in Telangana on December 7. "We are working out the matrix right now on how to control social media (content violative of MCC)... We will put some keywords which indicate a violation of MCC... An appeal or an offer of money with catchphrases. We will scan through various websites, the CEO told PTI. The official said Telangana Director General of Police M. Mahendar Reddy has also offered help of the Cyber wing in taking action in cases of violation of the code. "The source will be identified and action will be taken against him under the relevant sections of IPC and cyber crimes also," he said. According to him, the guidelines for social media are exactly the same as that of print and electronic media. Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar said they will keep an eye on bulk messaging sent through social media or the traditional way with a malafide intention. Besides monitoring, a Facebook page under the name Chief Electoral officer Telangana has been created to update news and initiatives by the EC to reach out to voters. The page had already clocked over 9.70 lakh views as of October 11, Kumar said. Around 90 per cent of followers are less than 34 years of age and majority of whom are below 24, he added.

Social media to be monitored for poll code violations: Telangana CEO Rajat Kumar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Monday brainstorm with chief executives of top global and Indian oil and gas companies on emerging energy scenario, with ripples from US sanctions on Iran and volatile oil prices threatening growth.

The third annual meeting would also deliberate on ways to revive investment in oil and gas exploration and production, official sources said.

Modi's first meeting was on January 5, 2016 where suggestions for reforming natural gas prices were made. More than a year later, the government allowed higher natural gas price for yet-to-be-produced fields in difficult areas like deep sea.

In the last edition in October 2017, suggestions were made for giving out equity to foreign and private companies in producing oil and gas fields of state-owned ONGC and OIL. But the plan could not go through in view of strong opposition from Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC).

Sources said Saudi Oil Minister Khalid A Al Falih, BP CEO Bob Dudley, Total head Patrick Fouyane, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Vedanta chief Anil Agarwal are expected to attend the meeting Monday.

The meeting, coordinated by the NITI Aayog, is likely to focus on challenges posed by volatile oil prices and the US sanctions on Iran.

The meeting would look at measures to attract investments and steps for making it easier to do business in India.

Sources said reforms initiated in the last four years in the oil and gas sector, including open acreage policy, pricing reforms and liberalised licensing policy, will be showcased and suggestions would be sought on what more can be done to hasten growth.

The government is looking at private investment to raise domestic oil and gas production, which has stagnated for the last few years while fuel demand has been rising by 5-6 per cent annually. India is dependent on imports to meet 83 per cent of its demand and more than half of its natural gas requirements.

The Prime Minister in 2015 had set a target of reducing India's oil dependence by 10 per cent to 67 per cent (based on import dependence of 77 per cent in 2014-15) by 2022. Import dependence has only increased since then and the government is now looking for ways to raise domestic output.

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo and India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan would also attend the meeting, they said.

Also likely to attend the meeting are ONGC Chairman and Managing Director Shashi Shanker, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Chairman Sanjiv Singh, GAIL India head B C

Tripathi, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) Chairman Mukesh Kumar Suran, Oil India Chairman Utpal Bora and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) Chairman D Rajkumar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Monday brainstorm with chief executives of top global and Indian oil and gas companies on emerging energy scenario, with ripples from US sanctions on Iran and volatile oil prices threatening growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Monday brainstorm with chief executives of top global and Indian oil and gas companies on emerging energy scenario, with ripples from US sanctions on Iran and volatile oil prices threatening growth. The third annual meeting would also deliberate on ways to revive investment in oil and gas exploration and production, official sources said. Modi's first meeting was on January 5, 2016 where suggestions for reforming natural gas prices were made. More than a year later, the government allowed higher natural gas price for yet-to-be-produced fields in difficult areas like deep sea. In the last edition in October 2017, suggestions were made for giving out equity to foreign and private companies in producing oil and gas fields of state-owned ONGC and OIL. But the plan could not go through in view of strong opposition from Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC). Sources said Saudi Oil Minister Khalid A Al Falih, BP CEO Bob Dudley, Total head Patrick Fouyane, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Vedanta chief Anil Agarwal are expected to attend the meeting Monday. The meeting, coordinated by the NITI Aayog, is likely to focus on challenges posed by volatile oil prices and the US sanctions on Iran. The meeting would look at measures to attract investments and steps for making it easier to do business in India. Sources said reforms initiated in the last four years in the oil and gas sector, including open acreage policy, pricing reforms and liberalised licensing policy, will be showcased and suggestions would be sought on what more can be done to hasten growth. The government is looking at private investment to raise domestic oil and gas production, which has stagnated for the last few years while fuel demand has been rising by 5-6 per cent annually. India is dependent on imports to meet 83 per cent of its demand and more than half of its natural gas requirements. The Prime Minister in 2015 had set a target of reducing India's oil dependence by 10 per cent to 67 per cent (based on import dependence of 77 per cent in 2014-15) by 2022. Import dependence has only increased since then and the government is now looking for ways to raise domestic output. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo and India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan would also attend the meeting, they said. Also likely to attend the meeting are ONGC Chairman and Managing Director Shashi Shanker, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Chairman Sanjiv Singh, GAIL India head B C Tripathi, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) Chairman Mukesh Kumar Suran, Oil India Chairman Utpal Bora and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) Chairman D Rajkumar.

PM Narendra Modi to brainstorm oil scenario with global CEOs

Festival of Navratri is incomplete without garba dance in Gujarat. From young to old-aged people, everyone celebrates the festival in the state by performing this dance.

Several visually-impaired girls from Andh Kanya Prakash Gruh, a school in Ahmedabad which cares for approximately 200 blind girls, also got a chance to perform garba dance; that too, on a song written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi!

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Visually challenged girls performed a song which was written by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/VVHbKrgwnc">pic.twitter.com/VVHbKrgwnc</a>
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Prime Minister Modi penned down the song titled 'Ghume Aeno Garbo'&nbsp;in his mother tongue - Gujarati. It is sung by Aishwarya Majmudar and Ami Parikh.

The Prime Minister is known for his exemplary writing skills. He has authored several books and writes wonderful poetry as well.

In April, he had shared a poem titled 'Ramata Ram Akela'&nbsp;written by him in Gujarati.

Known to be an ardent follower of all rituals performed during Navratri, the Prime Minister keeps fasts on all the nine days.

Festival of Navratri is incomplete without garba dance in Gujarat. From young to old-aged people, everyone celebrates the festival in the state by performing this dance.

Festival of Navratri is incomplete without garba dance in Gujarat. From young to old-aged people, everyone celebrates the festival in the state by performing this dance. Several visually-impaired girls from Andh Kanya Prakash Gruh, a school in Ahmedabad which cares for approximately 200 blind girls, also got a chance to perform garba dance; that too, on a song written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi! #WATCH Visually challenged girls performed a song which was written by PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/VVHbKrgwnc — ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2018 × Prime Minister Modi penned down the song titled 'Ghume Aeno Garbo' in his mother tongue - Gujarati. It is sung by Aishwarya Majmudar and Ami Parikh. The Prime Minister is known for his exemplary writing skills. He has authored several books and writes wonderful poetry as well. In April, he had shared a poem titled 'Ramata Ram Akela' written by him in Gujarati. Known to be an ardent follower of all rituals performed during Navratri, the Prime Minister keeps fasts on all the nine days.

Ahmedabad: Visually-impaired girls do the garba to song penned by PM Modi

Cyclone Titli weakened into a deep depression and entered West Bengal Friday, triggering incessant rainfall even as it claimed four lives - three in Odisha and one in Bengal.

The cyclone and the accompanying heavy rain have wrought damage in Bengal's Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur districts adjoining Odisha. It left one person dead in

Paschim Medinipur district and uprooted trees along state highway number 5, holding up traffic, authorities in the two districts said.

Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram are witnessing incessant rain since Thursday night.

The MeT department warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Gangetic West Bengal till Saturday, ahead of Durga Puja festivities. It said the cyclone has weakened into a deep depression and is moving northeast.

Paschim Medinipur district Magistrate P Mohan Gandhi said a 35-year-old security guard was killed when a 12-foot factory wall collapsed on him at Kharagpur following heavy rains on Friday. Ten others were injured in various rain-related incidents.

In neighbouring Jhargram district, the storm caused mud houses and Durga Puja pandals to collapse in Rohinibazar, Sankrail and Jhargram block areas.

The weatherman said the deep depression is likely to cause heavy to very heavy rain in North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purba Bardhaman, Howrah and Hooghly districts.

Heavy rain is likely in Kolkata, Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Malda, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur districts till Saturday, the Met department said.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, deep sea areas of North and Central Bay of Bengal till Saturday.

Tourists at Digha and other adjacent sea-side resorts have been advised not to get into any sea-bound activities till Saturday as squall with speed of 45 to 55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph will prevail along and off the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha.

In Odisha, the toll in the natural calamity rose to three after two bodies were recovered in Ganjam district, near where it made its landfall, as the state government deployed NDRF and ODRAF personnel to speed up rescue and relief operations.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

One of the two bodies was that of a 40-year-old fisherman from Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, police said.

The other body is that of a 45-year-old man of Bhuta Pankal village under Sorada block in Ganjam district.

On Thursday, the body of an eight-year-old boy, who had slipped into a canal at Saradhapur village under Hinjili police station, was found by locals, police said.

In Andhra Pradesh, eight lives were snuffed out by the storm on Thursday.

The Odisha government is, however, yet to confirm the deaths.

"We have seen media reports of the deaths of two or three persons in districts. We are verifying it," Chief Secretary A P Padhi told scribes on the human casualty due to Cyclone Titli.

The state deployed NDRF and ODRAF personnel Friday to speed up rescue and relief operation mainly in the southern districts of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada where more than 60 lakh people were affected by flood due to heavy rainfall triggered by the cyclone.

The flood situation in three districts, which received the highest rainfall for three days under the impact of Cyclone Titli, is grim as the water levels in major rivers like Rushikulya and Bansadhara have crossed their danger marks, official sources said.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said people in Balasore district were also affected by the flood.

The decision to step up relief and rescue operation was taken at a high-level meeting where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took stock of the situation.

In a video conference with the district collectors of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada, Patnaik gave instructions for intensifying rescue and relief operation on a war footing as people faced the twin calamities of cyclone and floods.

Patnaik stressed on quick repair of breaches in several river embankments and directed district collectors to provide cooked food to people evacuated from their homes.

He constituted a three-member ministerial committee to visit the three worst-affected districts to monitor rescue and relief operation.

Two helicopters were requisitioned from the Indian Navy mainly for rescue and air dropping of relief materials in Ganjam district as its villages are cut off due to the submergence of roads with rain and flood waters, Padhi said.

Low-lying areas in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and the pilgrim town of Puri were also waterlogged due to rains.

The swollen Mahendratanaya river submerged vast stretches of Gajapati district cutting off road communication between Andhra Pradesh and Paralakhemundi in Odisha's Gajapati district, official sources said.

Train services were affected by the cyclone and floods and at least 16 trains were cancelled and several others rescheduled by East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Friday due to submergence of railway tracks, an ECoR official said.

Director of Bhubaneswar meteorological centre, H R Biswas said heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue to pound parts of the state, including Balasore, Bhadrak and Dhenkanal districts, till Saturday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Cyclone Titli weakened into a deep depression and entered West Bengal Friday, triggering incessant rainfall even as it claimed four lives - three in Odisha and one in Bengal.

Cyclone Titli weakened into a deep depression and entered West Bengal Friday, triggering incessant rainfall even as it claimed four lives - three in Odisha and one in Bengal. The cyclone and the accompanying heavy rain have wrought damage in Bengal's Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur districts adjoining Odisha. It left one person dead in Paschim Medinipur district and uprooted trees along state highway number 5, holding up traffic, authorities in the two districts said. Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram are witnessing incessant rain since Thursday night. The MeT department warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Gangetic West Bengal till Saturday, ahead of Durga Puja festivities. It said the cyclone has weakened into a deep depression and is moving northeast. Paschim Medinipur district Magistrate P Mohan Gandhi said a 35-year-old security guard was killed when a 12-foot factory wall collapsed on him at Kharagpur following heavy rains on Friday. Ten others were injured in various rain-related incidents. In neighbouring Jhargram district, the storm caused mud houses and Durga Puja pandals to collapse in Rohinibazar, Sankrail and Jhargram block areas. The weatherman said the deep depression is likely to cause heavy to very heavy rain in North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purba Bardhaman, Howrah and Hooghly districts. Heavy rain is likely in Kolkata, Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Malda, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur districts till Saturday, the Met department said. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, deep sea areas of North and Central Bay of Bengal till Saturday. Tourists at Digha and other adjacent sea-side resorts have been advised not to get into any sea-bound activities till Saturday as squall with speed of 45 to 55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph will prevail along and off the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha. In Odisha, the toll in the natural calamity rose to three after two bodies were recovered in Ganjam district, near where it made its landfall, as the state government deployed NDRF and ODRAF personnel to speed up rescue and relief operations. One of the two bodies was that of a 40-year-old fisherman from Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, police said. The other body is that of a 45-year-old man of Bhuta Pankal village under Sorada block in Ganjam district. On Thursday, the body of an eight-year-old boy, who had slipped into a canal at Saradhapur village under Hinjili police station, was found by locals, police said. In Andhra Pradesh, eight lives were snuffed out by the storm on Thursday. The Odisha government is, however, yet to confirm the deaths. "We have seen media reports of the deaths of two or three persons in districts. We are verifying it," Chief Secretary A P Padhi told scribes on the human casualty due to Cyclone Titli. The state deployed NDRF and ODRAF personnel Friday to speed up rescue and relief operation mainly in the southern districts of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada where more than 60 lakh people were affected by flood due to heavy rainfall triggered by the cyclone. The flood situation in three districts, which received the highest rainfall for three days under the impact of Cyclone Titli, is grim as the water levels in major rivers like Rushikulya and Bansadhara have crossed their danger marks, official sources said. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said people in Balasore district were also affected by the flood. The decision to step up relief and rescue operation was taken at a high-level meeting where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took stock of the situation. In a video conference with the district collectors of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada, Patnaik gave instructions for intensifying rescue and relief operation on a war footing as people faced the twin calamities of cyclone and floods. Patnaik stressed on quick repair of breaches in several river embankments and directed district collectors to provide cooked food to people evacuated from their homes. He constituted a three-member ministerial committee to visit the three worst-affected districts to monitor rescue and relief operation. Two helicopters were requisitioned from the Indian Navy mainly for rescue and air dropping of relief materials in Ganjam district as its villages are cut off due to the submergence of roads with rain and flood waters, Padhi said. Low-lying areas in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and the pilgrim town of Puri were also waterlogged due to rains. The swollen Mahendratanaya river submerged vast stretches of Gajapati district cutting off road communication between Andhra Pradesh and Paralakhemundi in Odisha's Gajapati district, official sources said. Train services were affected by the cyclone and floods and at least 16 trains were cancelled and several others rescheduled by East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Friday due to submergence of railway tracks, an ECoR official said. Director of Bhubaneswar meteorological centre, H R Biswas said heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue to pound parts of the state, including Balasore, Bhadrak and Dhenkanal districts, till Saturday.

Cyclone Titli kills 4 in Odisha and West Bengal

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