<p>The second phase of the polling is in progress at 263 municipal wards spread across Jammu and Kashmir, including 214 wards, in six districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua in Jammu region. The polling started at 6am and will end at 4 pm today.</p>

<p>By 10am, the officials said Kathua district was leading the voter turnout chart with 39.4 per cent of 54,622 electorates exercising their democratic right.</p>

<p>It is followed by Doda district which recorded a voter turnout of &nbsp;36.5% per cent (10204 voters) followed by Reasi (35.7 per cent of 8830 voters), Ramban (35.1 per cent of 13396 voters), Kishtwar (34.1 per cent of 5533 voters) and Udhampur (30.2 per cent of 35519 voters) till 10 am, the officials said.</p>

<p>By 11am,&nbsp;Srinagar registered 1.3 per cent voter turnout, Anantnag was at 0.7 per cent, Bandipora registered 17.4 per cent, while Handwara saw 2.9 per cent voter turnout and&nbsp;Sopore at 2.3 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Authorities have made elaborate security arrangements to ensure peaceful polling which will seal the fate of 1,029 candidates.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Voter turnout recorded till 10 am in the second phase of local body elections in the state. <a href="https://t.co/OAc5FNq6Ag">pic.twitter.com/OAc5FNq6Ag</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049895570473709574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A total of 544 polling stations, including 274 in Jammu and 270 in Kashmir, have been set up and are being guarded by police and paramilitary forces.</p>

<p>"The polling in Jammu region is going on smoothly and there was no untoward poll-related violence reported from anywhere," the officials said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our security arrangements are robust. Voting process is going on very well. Voters are feeling safe. People are coming out in large numbers to cast their vote: SSP Bandipora Zulfikar Azad on voting for the second phase of local body elections in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/01cBWH3YFD">pic.twitter.com/01cBWH3YFD</a></p>
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<p>The first phase of the polling was held on October 8 after a gap of 13 years and registered a voter turnout of 56.6 per cent.</p>

<p>The third phase of the polling is scheduled for October 13 followed by fourth and final phase on October 16. The counting of votes will be held on October 20.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The second phase of the polling is in progress at 263 municipal wards spread across Jammu and Kashmir, including 214 wards, in six districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua in Jammu region.

The second phase of the polling is in progress at 263 municipal wards spread across Jammu and Kashmir, including 214 wards, in six districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua in Jammu region. The polling started at 6am and will end at 4 pm today. By 10am, the officials said Kathua district was leading the voter turnout chart with 39.4 per cent of 54,622 electorates exercising their democratic right. It is followed by Doda district which recorded a voter turnout of 36.5% per cent (10204 voters) followed by Reasi (35.7 per cent of 8830 voters), Ramban (35.1 per cent of 13396 voters), Kishtwar (34.1 per cent of 5533 voters) and Udhampur (30.2 per cent of 35519 voters) till 10 am, the officials said. By 11am, Srinagar registered 1.3 per cent voter turnout, Anantnag was at 0.7 per cent, Bandipora registered 17.4 per cent, while Handwara saw 2.9 per cent voter turnout and Sopore at 2.3 per cent. Authorities have made elaborate security arrangements to ensure peaceful polling which will seal the fate of 1,029 candidates. #JammuAndKashmir: Voter turnout recorded till 10 am in the second phase of local body elections in the state. pic.twitter.com/OAc5FNq6Ag — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × A total of 544 polling stations, including 274 in Jammu and 270 in Kashmir, have been set up and are being guarded by police and paramilitary forces. "The polling in Jammu region is going on smoothly and there was no untoward poll-related violence reported from anywhere," the officials said. Our security arrangements are robust. Voting process is going on very well. Voters are feeling safe. People are coming out in large numbers to cast their vote: SSP Bandipora Zulfikar Azad on voting for the second phase of local body elections in #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/01cBWH3YFD — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × The first phase of the polling was held on October 8 after a gap of 13 years and registered a voter turnout of 56.6 per cent. The third phase of the polling is scheduled for October 13 followed by fourth and final phase on October 16. The counting of votes will be held on October 20.

J&K municipal polls: Kathua district leads with 39% voter turnout by 10am 

Nine coaches and the engine of the train jumped the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district.

Many dead, several injured after train derailment in Uttar Pradesh

<p>A French media report on Wednesday claimed that an internal report of French aerospace major Dassault Aviation was presented with no option but to tie-up&nbsp;with Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence as offset partner.</p>

<p>The report further said that it was 'imperative and mandatory' for&nbsp;Dassault Aviation&nbsp;to bag the Rafale jets contract.</p>

<p>The claim was&nbsp;made by French publication ‘Mediapart’ in an investigative report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two years after signing the contract of sale of Rafale to India, the ultra-modern plant planned by the joint - venture of Dassault with its Indian partner Reliance comes down to a building that looks like a warehouse. While a new complaint was filed in New Delhi, a document obtained by Mediapart shows that Dassault considered this alliance as a "counterpart", "imperative and mandatory", to get the market," said Mediapart in its report.</p>

<p>Last month, former French President Francois Hollande was quoted by 'Mediapart' as saying that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance to partner with the French aerospace giant. The former French president's comments triggered a massive political row.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with Hollande on April 10, &nbsp;2015 &nbsp;in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016.</p>

<p>Sitharaman's visit to France comes in the backdrop of a huge controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets.</p>

<p>The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal.</p>

<p>The Congress has also been targeting the government over the selection of Anil Ambani firm as an offset partner for Dassault.</p>

<p>The government has vehemently rejected the allegations and asserted that it did not have any role in the selection of Reliance Defence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from DNA)</em></p>


A French media report on Wednesday claimed that an internal report of French aerospace major Dassault Aviation was presented with no option but to tie-up with Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence as offset partner.

A French media report on Wednesday claimed that an internal report of French aerospace major Dassault Aviation was presented with no option but to tie-up with Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence as offset partner. The report further said that it was 'imperative and mandatory' for Dassault Aviation to bag the Rafale jets contract. The claim was made by French publication ‘Mediapart’ in an investigative report. Two years after signing the contract of sale of Rafale to India, the ultra-modern plant planned by the joint - venture of Dassault with its Indian partner Reliance comes down to a building that looks like a warehouse. While a new complaint was filed in New Delhi, a document obtained by Mediapart shows that Dassault considered this alliance as a "counterpart", "imperative and mandatory", to get the market," said Mediapart in its report. Last month, former French President Francois Hollande was quoted by 'Mediapart' as saying that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance to partner with the French aerospace giant. The former French president's comments triggered a massive political row. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015 in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016. Sitharaman's visit to France comes in the backdrop of a huge controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets. The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal. The Congress has also been targeting the government over the selection of Anil Ambani firm as an offset partner for Dassault. The government has vehemently rejected the allegations and asserted that it did not have any role in the selection of Reliance Defence. (With inputs from DNA)

Dassault was told signing Reliance Defence was 'imperative and mandatory' to bag Rafale deal: Report 

<p>Seven people are dead and 21 have been injured after the New Farakka Express train derailed near Harchandpur in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nine coaches and the engine of the train jumped the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station. The accident took place at about 6.05 am Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>The train was heading to New Delhi from Malda in West Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The injured have been taken to hospital. There are fears though that the death toll may rise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All passengers evacuated. Special&nbsp;train is being arranged to take them. It may take 24-36 hours for completion of clearance operations," the Northern Railways DRM told ANI.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">7 dead,21 injured after engine&amp;9 coaches derailed.Injured taken to Dist Hospital in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raebareli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raebareli</a>.All passengers evacuated.Special train is being arranged to take them. It may take 24-36 hrs for completion of clearance op:DRM Northern Railways on New Farakka Express Train derailment <a href="https://t.co/UQOh3hHFIw">pic.twitter.com/UQOh3hHFIw</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1049878087687708672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The National Disaster Response Force meanwhile said there was no "live victim"&nbsp;trapped in the wreckage.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">6 died at the site of incident&amp;27 injured taken to hospital. 1 declared dead at the hospital. There is no live victim trapped now: Sanjeev Kumar, Team Commander NDRF, on New Farakka Express Train derailment near Harchandpur railway station this morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raebareli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raebareli</a> <a href="https://t.co/HeN6n9qWtr">pic.twitter.com/HeN6n9qWtr</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1049884901795876864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Railway Minister Piyush Goyal announced ex-gratia&nbsp;payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of the kin of each of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those with serious injuries, and Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries. He has also ordered an enquiry into the accident, which will be conducted by the&nbsp;Commission of Railway Safety, Northern Circle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of the kin of each the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those with serious injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile tweeted that he was "anguished by the loss of lives".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Anguished by the loss of lives due to a rail accident in Raebareli. Condolences to the bereaved families and I pray that the injured recover quickly. UP Government, Railways and NDRF are ensuring all possible assistance at the site of the accident: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1049885194117963776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a>: Rescue and relief operations are underway at the spot where 9 coaches of New Farakka Express train derailed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raebareli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raebareli</a>. 7 people died in the accident, 21 injured. <a href="https://t.co/JwukreeWVY">pic.twitter.com/JwukreeWVY</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1049876503595573249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Emergency helpline numbers have been set up at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction (what used to be Mughalsarai Junction) in UP and at Patna railway station in Bihar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The numbers are:</p>

<p>Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction — BSNL: 05412-254145, Railway phone no.: 027-73677.</p>

<p>Patna station — BSNL: 0612-2202290, 0612-2202291, 0612-220229, Railway phone no.: 025-83288.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">New Farakka Express train derailment in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raebareli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raebareli</a>: Railway Min has directed to effectively undertake relief&amp;rescue op &amp; provide best possible medical help to the injured. He has ordered an inquiry which will be conducted by Commission of Railway Safety, Northern Circle(file pic) <a href="https://t.co/llzbLCMWJk">pic.twitter.com/llzbLCMWJk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049874342912450561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>ANI reported that Goyal had directed effective relief and rescue operations and that the "best possible medical help" be provided to the injured.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CM Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the train accident 50 m from Harchandpur railway station. He has directed the DM, SP, health authorities and NDRF to provide all possible relief and rescue. <a href="https://t.co/YRVTNQTqNw">https://t.co/YRVTNQTqNw</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1049846862977658880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>ANI reported earlier that Adityanath had taken cognisance of the accident and had directed the Harchandpur DM, SP, health authorities and NDRF to provide "all possible relief".&nbsp;</p>


Seven people are dead and 21 have been injured after the New Farakka Express train derailed near Harchandpur in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district. Nine coaches and the engine of the train jumped the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station.

Seven people are dead and 21 have been injured after the New Farakka Express train derailed near Harchandpur in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district. Nine coaches and the engine of the train jumped the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station. The accident took place at about 6.05 am Wednesday morning. The train was heading to New Delhi from Malda in West Bengal. The injured have been taken to hospital. There are fears though that the death toll may rise. "All passengers evacuated. Special train is being arranged to take them. It may take 24-36 hours for completion of clearance operations," the Northern Railways DRM told ANI. 7 dead,21 injured after engine&9 coaches derailed.Injured taken to Dist Hospital in #Raebareli.All passengers evacuated.Special train is being arranged to take them. It may take 24-36 hrs for completion of clearance op:DRM Northern Railways on New Farakka Express Train derailment pic.twitter.com/UQOh3hHFIw — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2018 × The National Disaster Response Force meanwhile said there was no "live victim" trapped in the wreckage. 6 died at the site of incident&27 injured taken to hospital. 1 declared dead at the hospital. There is no live victim trapped now: Sanjeev Kumar, Team Commander NDRF, on New Farakka Express Train derailment near Harchandpur railway station this morning. #Raebareli pic.twitter.com/HeN6n9qWtr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2018 × Railway Minister Piyush Goyal announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of the kin of each of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those with serious injuries, and Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries. He has also ordered an enquiry into the accident, which will be conducted by the Commission of Railway Safety, Northern Circle. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of the kin of each the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those with serious injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile tweeted that he was "anguished by the loss of lives". Anguished by the loss of lives due to a rail accident in Raebareli. Condolences to the bereaved families and I pray that the injured recover quickly. UP Government, Railways and NDRF are ensuring all possible assistance at the site of the accident: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 10, 2018 × #SpotVisuals: Rescue and relief operations are underway at the spot where 9 coaches of New Farakka Express train derailed in #Raebareli. 7 people died in the accident, 21 injured. pic.twitter.com/JwukreeWVY — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2018 × Emergency helpline numbers have been set up at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction (what used to be Mughalsarai Junction) in UP and at Patna railway station in Bihar. The numbers are: Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction — BSNL: 05412-254145, Railway phone no.: 027-73677. Patna station — BSNL: 0612-2202290, 0612-2202291, 0612-220229, Railway phone no.: 025-83288. New Farakka Express train derailment in #Raebareli: Railway Min has directed to effectively undertake relief&rescue op & provide best possible medical help to the injured. He has ordered an inquiry which will be conducted by Commission of Railway Safety, Northern Circle(file pic) pic.twitter.com/llzbLCMWJk — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × ANI reported that Goyal had directed effective relief and rescue operations and that the "best possible medical help" be provided to the injured. CM Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the train accident 50 m from Harchandpur railway station. He has directed the DM, SP, health authorities and NDRF to provide all possible relief and rescue. https://t.co/YRVTNQTqNw — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2018 × ANI reported earlier that Adityanath had taken cognisance of the accident and had directed the Harchandpur DM, SP, health authorities and NDRF to provide "all possible relief".

UP: Seven dead, 21 injured after New Farakka Express train derails near Raebareli

<p>The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued warnings for the coastal districts of north Andhra and south Odisha stating that severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' is in the formation over west-central Bay of Bengal.</p>

<p>A red message has been issued over the formation of a very severe cyclonic storm, ‘LUBAN’, over west-central Arabian Sea. The MeT department, Bhubaneswar has issued heavy rainfall warning for the next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm Titli.</p>

<p>Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' and is likely to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-titli-to-move-towards-odisha-andhra-on-thursday-imd-170547">move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh</a> coasts on October 11.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Severe Cyclonic Storm <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Titli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Titli</a> over westcentral Bay of Bengal: Cyclone Warning for districts of north Andhra Pradesh &amp; south Odisha coasts: Red Message. Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, ‘LUBAN’ over westcentral Arabian Sea - India Meteorological Department</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049885384849674243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>'Titli' is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the IMD added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Odisha: Meteorological Center Bhubaneswar issues heavy rainfall warning for next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Titli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Titli</a>. <a href="https://t.co/H9n3c3vMBf">pic.twitter.com/H9n3c3vMBf</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049888672412291072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"A deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' at 11:30 hours on Tuesday about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 480 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh," IMD stated.</p>

<p>"It is likely to move northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11 October," it added.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued warnings for the coastal districts of north Andhra and south Odisha stating that severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' is in the formation over west-central Bay of Bengal.

The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued warnings for the coastal districts of north Andhra and south Odisha stating that severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' is in the formation over west-central Bay of Bengal. A red message has been issued over the formation of a very severe cyclonic storm, ‘LUBAN’, over west-central Arabian Sea. The MeT department, Bhubaneswar has issued heavy rainfall warning for the next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm Titli. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' and is likely to move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts on October 11. Severe Cyclonic Storm #Titli over westcentral Bay of Bengal: Cyclone Warning for districts of north Andhra Pradesh & south Odisha coasts: Red Message. Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, ‘LUBAN’ over westcentral Arabian Sea - India Meteorological Department — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × 'Titli' is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the IMD added. Odisha: Meteorological Center Bhubaneswar issues heavy rainfall warning for next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm #Titli. pic.twitter.com/H9n3c3vMBf — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × "A deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' at 11:30 hours on Tuesday about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 480 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh," IMD stated. "It is likely to move northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11 October," it added. (With inputs from ANI)

Cyclone Titli intensifies into severe cyclonic storm, Odisha to get heavy rainfall next three days: IMD 

<p>Drones and long-range cameras are being used to monitor the situation at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-many-dead-several-injured-after-new-farakka-express-train-derails-near-raebareli-170561">New Farakka Express train accident site</a>.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raebareli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raebareli</a> : Drones &amp; long-range cameras are being used to monitor the situation at the site of New Farakka Express Train derailment. 7 people died and 21 injured in the accident, <a href="https://t.co/bB9mKdy6N9">pic.twitter.com/bB9mKdy6N9</a></p>
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<p>Nine coaches and the engine of the train jumped the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station at about 6.05 Wednesday morning. Harchandpur is in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seven people are dead and 21 injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The injured have been taken to hospital. It is feared though that the death toll may rise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The railways has said all passengers have been evacuated from the train. And the National Disaster Response Force has said there is no "live victim" trapped in the wreckage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile tweeted that he was "anguished by the loss of lives".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raebareli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raebareli</a> : Drones &amp; long-range cameras are being used to monitor the situation at the site of New Farakka Express Train derailment. 7 people died and 21 injured in the accident, <a href="https://t.co/bB9mKdy6N9">pic.twitter.com/bB9mKdy6N9</a></p>
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<p>Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of the kin of each of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those with serious injuries, and Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries. He has also ordered an enquiry into the accident, which will be conducted by the Commission of Railway Safety, Northern Circle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of the kin of each the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those with serious injuries.&nbsp;</p>


Drones and long-range cameras are being used to monitor the situation at the New Farakka Express train accident site. #Raebareli : Drones & long-range cameras are being used to monitor the situation at the site of New Farakka Express Train derailment.

Drones and long-range cameras are being used to monitor the situation at the New Farakka Express train accident site. #Raebareli : Drones & long-range cameras are being used to monitor the situation at the site of New Farakka Express Train derailment. 7 people died and 21 injured in the accident, pic.twitter.com/bB9mKdy6N9 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2018 × #Raebareli : Drones & long-range cameras are being used to monitor the situation at the site of New Farakka Express Train derailment. 7 people died and 21 injured in the accident, pic.twitter.com/bB9mKdy6N9 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2018 × Nine coaches and the engine of the train jumped the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station at about 6.05 Wednesday morning. Harchandpur is in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli district. Seven people are dead and 21 injured. The injured have been taken to hospital. It is feared though that the death toll may rise. The railways has said all passengers have been evacuated from the train. And the National Disaster Response Force has said there is no "live victim" trapped in the wreckage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile tweeted that he was "anguished by the loss of lives". #Raebareli : Drones & long-range cameras are being used to monitor the situation at the site of New Farakka Express Train derailment. 7 people died and 21 injured in the accident, pic.twitter.com/bB9mKdy6N9 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2018 × Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of the kin of each of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those with serious injuries, and Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries. He has also ordered an enquiry into the accident, which will be conducted by the Commission of Railway Safety, Northern Circle. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of the kin of each the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those with serious injuries.

New Farakka Express train derailment: Drones being used to monitor situation

Exclusive: Maneka gandhi speaks on #MeToo movement

<p>Srinagar City Wednesday recorded lowest ever voter turnout in any election with less than 100 electorate casting their votes in nine out of the 19 wards of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) in the second phase of the ongoing urban local bodies polls in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>As per the state poll panel figures, a meagre 2.3 per cent of the 1.78 lakh city voters stepped out to cast their votes.</p>

<p>It was the lowest voter turn out in any election in Srinagar City, which has shown more inclination towards abstention from the electoral process since the eruption of militancy in the state in 1989.</p>

<p>In the Lok Sabha bypolls for Srinagar parliamentary constituency held in April 2017, the voter turnout was marginally higher than seven per cent.</p>

<p>In the 2nd phase of municipal polls Wednesday, two wards -- Syed Ali Akbar and Tankipora -- recorded less than 10 votes.</p>

<p>Only eight of the 10,371 voters cast their votes in Tankipora while nine out of 7,784 voters exercised their franchise in Syed Ali Akbar ward.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the last of the nine votes in Syed Ali Akbar ward was cast before 8.00 am while in Tankipora the last vote was cast just before the voting was to end at 4 pm.</p>

<p>S D Colony, Aloochibagh, Ziyarat Batamaloo, Karan Nagar, Nundreshi Colony, Basant Bagh and Fateh Kadal wards all recorded less than 100 votes while four other wards recorded less than 150 votes.</p>

<p>On the contrary, people at Lawaypora and Zainakot wards waited in long queues outside the polling stations to exercise their franchise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Lawaypora, over 15 per cent of the 6,385 electorates exercised their franchise while 864 of the 12,754 voters cast their votes at Zainakot.</p>

<p>Mujgund recorded 4.5 per cent polling while Solina registered over 6.3 per cent turn out.</p>

<p>Urban local bodies polls are being conducted in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of 13 years with last exercise held in 2005.&nbsp;</p>


Srinagar City Wednesday recorded lowest ever voter turnout in any election with less than 100 electorate casting their votes in nine out of the 19 wards of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) in the second phase of the ongoing urban local bodies polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar City Wednesday recorded lowest ever voter turnout in any election with less than 100 electorate casting their votes in nine out of the 19 wards of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) in the second phase of the ongoing urban local bodies polls in Jammu and Kashmir. As per the state poll panel figures, a meagre 2.3 per cent of the 1.78 lakh city voters stepped out to cast their votes. It was the lowest voter turn out in any election in Srinagar City, which has shown more inclination towards abstention from the electoral process since the eruption of militancy in the state in 1989. In the Lok Sabha bypolls for Srinagar parliamentary constituency held in April 2017, the voter turnout was marginally higher than seven per cent. In the 2nd phase of municipal polls Wednesday, two wards -- Syed Ali Akbar and Tankipora -- recorded less than 10 votes. Only eight of the 10,371 voters cast their votes in Tankipora while nine out of 7,784 voters exercised their franchise in Syed Ali Akbar ward. Interestingly, the last of the nine votes in Syed Ali Akbar ward was cast before 8.00 am while in Tankipora the last vote was cast just before the voting was to end at 4 pm. S D Colony, Aloochibagh, Ziyarat Batamaloo, Karan Nagar, Nundreshi Colony, Basant Bagh and Fateh Kadal wards all recorded less than 100 votes while four other wards recorded less than 150 votes. On the contrary, people at Lawaypora and Zainakot wards waited in long queues outside the polling stations to exercise their franchise. In Lawaypora, over 15 per cent of the 6,385 electorates exercised their franchise while 864 of the 12,754 voters cast their votes at Zainakot. Mujgund recorded 4.5 per cent polling while Solina registered over 6.3 per cent turn out. Urban local bodies polls are being conducted in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of 13 years with last exercise held in 2005.

'At 2.3 per cent turnout, Srinagar city records lowest ever voting in any election'

<p>East Coast Railway today cancelled at least eight trains and suspended services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of Cyclone Titli.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">Also Read:&nbsp;Severe cyclonic storm '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">Titli</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">wind</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648"> speed of 145 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">kmph</a></p>

<p>Long distance trains slated to pass through East Coast Railway jurisdiction between Khurda Road and Vizianagaram on Howrah-Chennai main line may be diverted via Kharagpur-Jharsuguda-Nagpur-Balharshah-Vijayawada route, Railway spokesman &nbsp;Sanjay Ghosh said.</p>

<p>The cyclone which is expected to make landfall between coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh is set to bring heavy rainfall in the Gangetic West Bengal until Friday, the weather department warned.</p>

<p>The Met office said Cyclone Titli is likely to cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam by Thursday morning.</p>

<p>The cyclone is set to affect large areas stretching from East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, South and North 24 Parganas districts in West Bengal. The Meteorological Department has warned tourists including fishermen not to venture into the sea at Digha, Sankarpur, Mandarmani and other coastal areas.</p>

<p>The Met department said gale wind speed reaching 100-110 kmph, gusting to 125 kmph, will prevail over deep sea areas of west-central and north Bay of Bengal and will gradually increase to 120 to 130 kmph, gusting to 145 kmph, from Wednesday evening to Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Odisha government began evacuating at least two lakh people in coastal districts of the state as Cyclone Titli intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and inched towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast.</p>

<p>The Met office warned that widespread damage could occur in low-lying areas in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh</p>

<p>The cyclone is likely to inundate low-lying areas in Srikakulam district with a National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) team stationed in the area, including in Visakhapatnam.</p>


East Coast Railway today cancelled at least eight trains and suspended services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of Cyclone Titli.

East Coast Railway today cancelled at least eight trains and suspended services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of Cyclone Titli. Also Read: Severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh at wind speed of 145 kmph Long distance trains slated to pass through East Coast Railway jurisdiction between Khurda Road and Vizianagaram on Howrah-Chennai main line may be diverted via Kharagpur-Jharsuguda-Nagpur-Balharshah-Vijayawada route, Railway spokesman Sanjay Ghosh said. The cyclone which is expected to make landfall between coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh is set to bring heavy rainfall in the Gangetic West Bengal until Friday, the weather department warned. The Met office said Cyclone Titli is likely to cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam by Thursday morning. The cyclone is set to affect large areas stretching from East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, South and North 24 Parganas districts in West Bengal. The Meteorological Department has warned tourists including fishermen not to venture into the sea at Digha, Sankarpur, Mandarmani and other coastal areas. The Met department said gale wind speed reaching 100-110 kmph, gusting to 125 kmph, will prevail over deep sea areas of west-central and north Bay of Bengal and will gradually increase to 120 to 130 kmph, gusting to 145 kmph, from Wednesday evening to Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Odisha government began evacuating at least two lakh people in coastal districts of the state as Cyclone Titli intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and inched towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast. The Met office warned that widespread damage could occur in low-lying areas in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh The cyclone is likely to inundate low-lying areas in Srikakulam district with a National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) team stationed in the area, including in Visakhapatnam.

Odisha evacuates 2 lakh people; several trains cancelled ahead of Cyclone Titli

<p>The appellate tribunal against money laundering on Wednesday directed Enforcement Directorate (ED) to maintain "status quo" with regard to the properties of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya till November 26.</p>

<p>Justice Manmohan Singh, chairman of Appellate Tribunal on Prevention of Money Laundering Act, restrained Mallya from dealing with his movable and immovable properties and creating third party interests. &nbsp; &nbsp;"Till the next date of hearing, Vijay Mallya is restrained not to deal with and alter the status of the movable and immovable properties...And shall not create third party interest in any manner directly or indirectly till the next date," the tribunal said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The respondent No 1 (ED) shall also maintain the status quo with regard to the properties, the details of which are mentioned in the impugned orders in both appeals till the next date," it added.</p>

<p>The tribunal said that once the banks, which are secured creditors, have obtained the final decree from the court, they are bound to receive the default loan amount from Vijay Mallya and his companies.</p>

<p>"In view of settled law on the subject, I am of the opinion that the appellant bank is the rightful claimant who have already obtained decree against the borrower from Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) under the SARFAESI Act and has a priority rights to recover the loans amount forthwith," Justice Manmohan Singh said.</p>

<p>The ED, he added, does not have "any lien over the said properties as the Appellant banks are now the Legal transferee of said properties", and it "may not retain the said property till the trial is over. They have no legal title and the property is to be returned to the persons lawfully entitled to recover the debts as they are the victim".</p>

<p>The tribunal rapped the ED for not impleading lender banks as parties despite knowing that the loan amounts have to be returned by Mallya and his associate company to them.</p>

<p>"ED has failed to perform his duty not to implead the appellants (lenders) banks despite having full knowledge that the loan amounts have to be returned by Vijay Mallya and his associate company to the banks who are the mortgagees of the attached properties. One fails to understand why they have not done so when they were full aware," the tribunal said.</p>

<p>The order came on a plea filed by State Bank of India and 11 other banks against the February 22, 2017 order passed by the Adjudicating Authority, New Delhi (under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002) confirming the Provisional Attachment Order passed by the Deputy Director, Directorate of Enforcement attaching various movable and immovable properties of Vijay Mallya.</p>

<p>The plea said that the Debt Recovery Tribunal's Bengaluru Bench had allowed recovery proceedings against Kingfisher Airlines Ltd and its promoter Vijay Mallya and directed them to repay 6,203 crore to the State Bank of India-led consortium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They claimed that lender banks have prior right over the movable and immovable properties of Mallya.</p>

<p>ED argued however that it does not deny that they (banks) are "victims and innocent parties" who are entitled to recover the loan amount, but alleged that the properties cannot be allowed to dispose of at this stage as the possession lies with it till the completion of the trial otherwise it would harm and injury would be caused to the Enforcement Directorate.</p>

<p>Allowing a plea of a consortium of 15 banks for initiating proceedings to recover dues from the Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL), the DRT had in 2017 said that due amount of Rs 6,203.35 crore should be paid "jointly and severally" by the airline and its guarantors Mallya, United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd and Kingfisher Finvest (India) Ltd.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tribunal had said the entire amount will also attract 11.5 per cent per annum from the date of the application till the date of completion of realisation.&nbsp;</p>


The appellate tribunal against money laundering on Wednesday directed Enforcement Directorate (ED) to maintain "status quo" with regard to the properties of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya till November 26.

The appellate tribunal against money laundering on Wednesday directed Enforcement Directorate (ED) to maintain "status quo" with regard to the properties of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya till November 26. Justice Manmohan Singh, chairman of Appellate Tribunal on Prevention of Money Laundering Act, restrained Mallya from dealing with his movable and immovable properties and creating third party interests. "Till the next date of hearing, Vijay Mallya is restrained not to deal with and alter the status of the movable and immovable properties...And shall not create third party interest in any manner directly or indirectly till the next date," the tribunal said. "The respondent No 1 (ED) shall also maintain the status quo with regard to the properties, the details of which are mentioned in the impugned orders in both appeals till the next date," it added. The tribunal said that once the banks, which are secured creditors, have obtained the final decree from the court, they are bound to receive the default loan amount from Vijay Mallya and his companies. "In view of settled law on the subject, I am of the opinion that the appellant bank is the rightful claimant who have already obtained decree against the borrower from Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) under the SARFAESI Act and has a priority rights to recover the loans amount forthwith," Justice Manmohan Singh said. The ED, he added, does not have "any lien over the said properties as the Appellant banks are now the Legal transferee of said properties", and it "may not retain the said property till the trial is over. They have no legal title and the property is to be returned to the persons lawfully entitled to recover the debts as they are the victim". The tribunal rapped the ED for not impleading lender banks as parties despite knowing that the loan amounts have to be returned by Mallya and his associate company to them. "ED has failed to perform his duty not to implead the appellants (lenders) banks despite having full knowledge that the loan amounts have to be returned by Vijay Mallya and his associate company to the banks who are the mortgagees of the attached properties. One fails to understand why they have not done so when they were full aware," the tribunal said. The order came on a plea filed by State Bank of India and 11 other banks against the February 22, 2017 order passed by the Adjudicating Authority, New Delhi (under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002) confirming the Provisional Attachment Order passed by the Deputy Director, Directorate of Enforcement attaching various movable and immovable properties of Vijay Mallya. The plea said that the Debt Recovery Tribunal's Bengaluru Bench had allowed recovery proceedings against Kingfisher Airlines Ltd and its promoter Vijay Mallya and directed them to repay 6,203 crore to the State Bank of India-led consortium. They claimed that lender banks have prior right over the movable and immovable properties of Mallya. ED argued however that it does not deny that they (banks) are "victims and innocent parties" who are entitled to recover the loan amount, but alleged that the properties cannot be allowed to dispose of at this stage as the possession lies with it till the completion of the trial otherwise it would harm and injury would be caused to the Enforcement Directorate. Allowing a plea of a consortium of 15 banks for initiating proceedings to recover dues from the Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL), the DRT had in 2017 said that due amount of Rs 6,203.35 crore should be paid "jointly and severally" by the airline and its guarantors Mallya, United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd and Kingfisher Finvest (India) Ltd. The tribunal had said the entire amount will also attract 11.5 per cent per annum from the date of the application till the date of completion of realisation.

PMLA tribunal asks ED to maintain status quo on Mallya's properties till Nov 26

<p>A total of 78.6 per cent of over 1.28 lakh voters exercised their franchise in Jammu while there was a low voter turnout yet again in Kashmir with 3.4 per cent of 2.20 lakh electorate casting their votes Wednesday in the second phase of municipal polls in the state, according to poll officials.</p>

<p>The second phase witnessed overall voter turnout of 31.3 per cent out of total electorate of 3.47 lakh in the state, they said.</p>

<p>The election commission officials said the overall turnout in two phases was 47.2 per cent in the state with the Jammu region registering 67.7 per cent and Kashmir 8.3 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The low voter turnout in Kashmir was in line with a meagre 8.3 per cent turnout in the valley during the first phase of polling, when the Jammu and Ladakh divisions had witnessed over 65 per cent of voting, they said.</p>

<p>Nineteen wards of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, having an electorate of 1.78 lakh, witnessed a turnout of just 2.3 per cent, officials said.</p>

<p>Bandipora district, however, witnessed brisk polling as 34.2 per cent of the 8,300 voters exercised their franchise, the officials said.</p>

<p>They said Sopore in north Kashmir and Anantnag in south Kashmir registered turnouts of 6.1 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively.</p>

<p>Voters in Jammu region, however, voted enthusiastically in the second phase too, braving chilly weather conditions in the hills of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Udhampur and Reasi districts, whose upper reaches experienced the season's first snowfall overnight.</p>

<p>The voting covering six districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua recorded an average turnout of 76 per cent, the poll officials said.</p>

<p>They said the highest turnout of 84.6 per cent was recorded in Reasi district followed by Kathua (80 per cent), Ramban (79.53), Udhampur (79.21 per cent), Kishtwar (74.75 per cent) and Doda (72.77 per cent).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The enthusiastic voters thronged the polling booths soon after the polling began at 6 am and waited in long queues for their turn as the polling completed in a peaceful manner amid tight security arrangements.</p>

<p>The day-long polling in the Jammu region, however, was marred by the death of BJP candidate Azad Singh Raju (62) at a polling station.</p>

<p>Raju, a former employee of the Irrigation and Flood Control department died of heart attack at a polling booth in Ramban district shortly after the voting began, the officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 2nd phase of polling has sealed the fate of 881 candidates, while four candidates have been elected unopposed in this phase in Jammu region.&nbsp;</p>


A total of 78.6 per cent of over 1.28 lakh voters exercised their franchise in Jammu while there was a low voter turnout yet again in Kashmir with 3.4 per cent of 2.

A total of 78.6 per cent of over 1.28 lakh voters exercised their franchise in Jammu while there was a low voter turnout yet again in Kashmir with 3.4 per cent of 2.20 lakh electorate casting their votes Wednesday in the second phase of municipal polls in the state, according to poll officials. The second phase witnessed overall voter turnout of 31.3 per cent out of total electorate of 3.47 lakh in the state, they said. The election commission officials said the overall turnout in two phases was 47.2 per cent in the state with the Jammu region registering 67.7 per cent and Kashmir 8.3 per cent. The low voter turnout in Kashmir was in line with a meagre 8.3 per cent turnout in the valley during the first phase of polling, when the Jammu and Ladakh divisions had witnessed over 65 per cent of voting, they said. Nineteen wards of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, having an electorate of 1.78 lakh, witnessed a turnout of just 2.3 per cent, officials said. Bandipora district, however, witnessed brisk polling as 34.2 per cent of the 8,300 voters exercised their franchise, the officials said. They said Sopore in north Kashmir and Anantnag in south Kashmir registered turnouts of 6.1 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively. Voters in Jammu region, however, voted enthusiastically in the second phase too, braving chilly weather conditions in the hills of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Udhampur and Reasi districts, whose upper reaches experienced the season's first snowfall overnight. The voting covering six districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua recorded an average turnout of 76 per cent, the poll officials said. They said the highest turnout of 84.6 per cent was recorded in Reasi district followed by Kathua (80 per cent), Ramban (79.53), Udhampur (79.21 per cent), Kishtwar (74.75 per cent) and Doda (72.77 per cent). The enthusiastic voters thronged the polling booths soon after the polling began at 6 am and waited in long queues for their turn as the polling completed in a peaceful manner amid tight security arrangements. The day-long polling in the Jammu region, however, was marred by the death of BJP candidate Azad Singh Raju (62) at a polling station. Raju, a former employee of the Irrigation and Flood Control department died of heart attack at a polling booth in Ramban district shortly after the voting began, the officials said. The 2nd phase of polling has sealed the fate of 881 candidates, while four candidates have been elected unopposed in this phase in Jammu region.

J&K municipal polls: Jammu registers 78.6 per cent voter turnout, Kashmir 3.4

<p>Today marks the onset of Navratri, one of the most significant and much-awaited Hindu festivals. Devotees all across the country will be observing fasts and offer prayers to celebrate and seek blessings from nine avatars of Goddess Durga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navratri falls twice every year according to the Hindu calendar and this particular festival coincides with the joyous festival of Durga Puja that is celebrated by the Bengali community with much fervour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Devotees all across celebrate the holy festival in different ways, while some refrain from consuming alcohol or non-vegetarian items, many others even give up on using garlic and onion while prepping their meals during these nine days. Others choose to fast on the first and the last day of the festival and many decide to go on fasting for all nine days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This Navratri, if you plan to fast for all days, do it smartly. We share some quick tips that can easily be followed to make fasting fun this festive season.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Small, regular meals</strong></p>

<p>Remember, fasting doesn't mean going without food, there are a host of 'vrat-friendly'&nbsp;ingredients that you can play around during this period to cook up delicious, nutritionally-rich meals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eat small but regular meals. Include rock salt in your diet, load up on plenty of fluids like juices, buttermilk, coconut water, et cetera.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Cut down on caffeine, sugar</strong></p>

<p>Since most of your regular food items will be off-grid for these nine days, it is advisable to go easy on your&nbsp;caffeine. In general also, experts suggest not exceeding your daily caffeine intake over 400mg. Limit your sugar intake as well to ensure avoiding any spike in blood sugar levels; stay hydrated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Options galore</strong></p>

<p>Think fasting means no flours? Think again. There is a range of ingredients that can be turned into flours and used for making sumptuous delicacies. Buckwheat, water caltrop (<em>singhada</em>) and amaranth (<em>ramdana</em>) are available as flours as well and can be worked into <em>pooris</em>, <em>parathas</em> or even <em>pakoras</em> to entice your tastebuds this Navratri.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Snack smart</strong></p>

<p>The market shelves are loaded with 'vrat-friendly'&nbsp;snacks around this time of the year. Read your labels and avoid consuming excess sugar and processed ingredients in the name of 'low-fat', fast-friendly' options. Stay away from chips or other processed snacks and satisfy hunger pangs by cooking with nutritious items like foxnuts (<em>makhana</em>), amaranth, nuts and dry fruits, buckwheat, <em>singhara</em>, fresh fruits and dairy products.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ensure optimum health this Navratri while taking the full joy of participating in the festivities and ceremonies.&nbsp;</p>


Today marks the onset of Navratri, one of the most significant and much-awaited Hindu festivals. Devotees all across the country will be observing fasts and offer prayers to celebrate and seek blessings from nine avatars of Goddess Durga.

Today marks the onset of Navratri, one of the most significant and much-awaited Hindu festivals. Devotees all across the country will be observing fasts and offer prayers to celebrate and seek blessings from nine avatars of Goddess Durga. Navratri falls twice every year according to the Hindu calendar and this particular festival coincides with the joyous festival of Durga Puja that is celebrated by the Bengali community with much fervour. Devotees all across celebrate the holy festival in different ways, while some refrain from consuming alcohol or non-vegetarian items, many others even give up on using garlic and onion while prepping their meals during these nine days. Others choose to fast on the first and the last day of the festival and many decide to go on fasting for all nine days. This Navratri, if you plan to fast for all days, do it smartly. We share some quick tips that can easily be followed to make fasting fun this festive season. Small, regular meals Remember, fasting doesn't mean going without food, there are a host of 'vrat-friendly' ingredients that you can play around during this period to cook up delicious, nutritionally-rich meals. Eat small but regular meals. Include rock salt in your diet, load up on plenty of fluids like juices, buttermilk, coconut water, et cetera. Cut down on caffeine, sugar Since most of your regular food items will be off-grid for these nine days, it is advisable to go easy on your caffeine. In general also, experts suggest not exceeding your daily caffeine intake over 400mg. Limit your sugar intake as well to ensure avoiding any spike in blood sugar levels; stay hydrated. Options galore Think fasting means no flours? Think again. There is a range of ingredients that can be turned into flours and used for making sumptuous delicacies. Buckwheat, water caltrop (singhada) and amaranth (ramdana) are available as flours as well and can be worked into pooris, parathas or even pakoras to entice your tastebuds this Navratri. Snack smart The market shelves are loaded with 'vrat-friendly' snacks around this time of the year. Read your labels and avoid consuming excess sugar and processed ingredients in the name of 'low-fat', fast-friendly' options. Stay away from chips or other processed snacks and satisfy hunger pangs by cooking with nutritious items like foxnuts (makhana), amaranth, nuts and dry fruits, buckwheat, singhara, fresh fruits and dairy products. Ensure optimum health this Navratri while taking the full joy of participating in the festivities and ceremonies.

Navratri 2018: Keep these quick tips handy to fast the healthy way 

<p>At least 21 more Asiatic lions, an endangered species, have tested positive for a highly contagious virus that has been blamed for recent lion deaths.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-23-asiatic-lions-die-in-gir-forest-five-from-rare-virus-169713">Also Read:&nbsp;At least 23 Asiatic lions die in Gir forest, five from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-23-asiatic-lions-die-in-gir-forest-five-from-rare-virus-169713">rare</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-23-asiatic-lions-die-in-gir-forest-five-from-rare-virus-169713"> virus</a></p>

<p>Tests on samples of 27 Asiatic lions living at the Gir sanctuary in Gujarat showed 21 of them were positive for the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a note.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This follows earlier tests that revealed at least five of 23 lion deaths at Gir over the past three weeks were due to the virus.</p>

<p>"This indicates active disease transmission among the Gir lions," the ICMR said.</p>

<p>Roughly 600 Asiatic lions live in the 850-square-mile expanse of the Gir sanctuary in western Gujarat. India's Supreme Court in 2013 had ordered some of the lions to be moved out of the sanctuary after wildlife experts for years advocated for such a move - called 'translocation' - to protect the lions against calamities like disease outbreaks.</p>

<p>The ICMR called on the government last week to take immediate steps to place the lions in two or three different sanctuaries to save them from extinction.</p>

<p>"Since CDV is transmitted by airborne route as well as infected body secretions, healthy lions from Gir Forest may be shifted to an alternate suitable location," the agency said in its latest press release.</p>

<p>But the Gujarat government has refused to part with any of the lions, saying they would not be safe anywhere but inside the state.</p>

<p>D.T. Vasavada, the chief conservator of forests at Gir, said on Wednesday he had not received the ICMR press release, and there was no plan to move any lions. "We are monitoring the health of the lions," he said, adding that vaccinations were ongoing.</p>

<p>A spokesman at the Gujarat chief minister's office referred queries to the state forest minister, who did not answer calls seeking comment on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"At one level it is too late to try and separate the healthy and uninfected lions," Ravi Chellam, a wildlife expert and member of a government panel formed move some of the lions. "Given that CDV is airborne, it is very likely that the entire population would have been exposed but not infected."</p>

<p>A government-appointed committee of experts has been working on determining the cause of the deaths, Vasavada said.</p>


At least 21 more Asiatic lions, an endangered species, have tested positive for a highly contagious virus that has been blamed for recent lion deaths. Also Read: At least 23 Asiatic lions die in Gir forest, five from rare virus Tests on samples of 27 Asiatic lions living at the Gir sanctuary in Gujarat showed 21 of them were positive for the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a note.

At least 21 more Asiatic lions, an endangered species, have tested positive for a highly contagious virus that has been blamed for recent lion deaths. Also Read: At least 23 Asiatic lions die in Gir forest, five from rare virus Tests on samples of 27 Asiatic lions living at the Gir sanctuary in Gujarat showed 21 of them were positive for the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a note. This follows earlier tests that revealed at least five of 23 lion deaths at Gir over the past three weeks were due to the virus. "This indicates active disease transmission among the Gir lions," the ICMR said. Roughly 600 Asiatic lions live in the 850-square-mile expanse of the Gir sanctuary in western Gujarat. India's Supreme Court in 2013 had ordered some of the lions to be moved out of the sanctuary after wildlife experts for years advocated for such a move - called 'translocation' - to protect the lions against calamities like disease outbreaks. The ICMR called on the government last week to take immediate steps to place the lions in two or three different sanctuaries to save them from extinction. "Since CDV is transmitted by airborne route as well as infected body secretions, healthy lions from Gir Forest may be shifted to an alternate suitable location," the agency said in its latest press release. But the Gujarat government has refused to part with any of the lions, saying they would not be safe anywhere but inside the state. D.T. Vasavada, the chief conservator of forests at Gir, said on Wednesday he had not received the ICMR press release, and there was no plan to move any lions. "We are monitoring the health of the lions," he said, adding that vaccinations were ongoing. A spokesman at the Gujarat chief minister's office referred queries to the state forest minister, who did not answer calls seeking comment on Wednesday. "At one level it is too late to try and separate the healthy and uninfected lions," Ravi Chellam, a wildlife expert and member of a government panel formed move some of the lions. "Given that CDV is airborne, it is very likely that the entire population would have been exposed but not infected." A government-appointed committee of experts has been working on determining the cause of the deaths, Vasavada said.

More Asiatic lions test positive for deadly virus; Gujarat govt refuses to shift them

<p>Six people are dead and 20 have been injured after the New Farakka Express train derailed near Harchandpur in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI reported that six coaches of the train ran off the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station. The accident took place at about 6.05 am Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>The train was headed to New Delhi from Malda town in West Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The injured have been taken to hospital. There are fears though that the number of fatalities may rise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All train lines passing through the accident site have been blocked.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a> from Raebareli: 5 died, several injured after 6 coaches of New Farakka Express train derailed 50 m from Harchandpur railway station this morning. NDRF teams from Lucknow and Varanasi have reached the spot. <a href="https://t.co/aK1jiAuReV">pic.twitter.com/aK1jiAuReV</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1049845884895289344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>National Disaster Response Force&nbsp;teams from Lucknow and Varanasi meanwhile have reached the spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI added that UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the accident and has directed the Harchandpur DM, SP, health authorities and NDRF to provide "all possible relief".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CM Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the train accident 50 m from Harchandpur railway station. He has directed the DM, SP, health authorities and NDRF to provide all possible relief and rescue. <a href="https://t.co/YRVTNQTqNw">https://t.co/YRVTNQTqNw</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1049846862977658880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Emergency helpline numbers meanwhile have been set up at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction (what used to be Mughalsarai Junction) in UP and at Patna railway station in Bihar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The numbers are:</p>

<p>Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction — BSNL: 05412-254145, Railway phone no.: 027-73677.</p>

<p>Patna station — BSNL: 0612-2202290, 0612-2202291, 0612-220229, Railway phone no.: 025-83288.&nbsp;</p>


Six people are dead and 20 have been injured after the New Farakka Express train derailed near Harchandpur in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district. ANI reported that six coaches of the train ran off the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station.

Six people are dead and 20 have been injured after the New Farakka Express train derailed near Harchandpur in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district. ANI reported that six coaches of the train ran off the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station. The accident took place at about 6.05 am Wednesday morning. The train was headed to New Delhi from Malda town in West Bengal. The injured have been taken to hospital. There are fears though that the number of fatalities may rise. All train lines passing through the accident site have been blocked. #SpotVisuals from Raebareli: 5 died, several injured after 6 coaches of New Farakka Express train derailed 50 m from Harchandpur railway station this morning. NDRF teams from Lucknow and Varanasi have reached the spot. pic.twitter.com/aK1jiAuReV — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2018 × National Disaster Response Force teams from Lucknow and Varanasi meanwhile have reached the spot. ANI added that UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the accident and has directed the Harchandpur DM, SP, health authorities and NDRF to provide "all possible relief". CM Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the train accident 50 m from Harchandpur railway station. He has directed the DM, SP, health authorities and NDRF to provide all possible relief and rescue. https://t.co/YRVTNQTqNw — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2018 × Emergency helpline numbers meanwhile have been set up at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction (what used to be Mughalsarai Junction) in UP and at Patna railway station in Bihar. The numbers are: Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction — BSNL: 05412-254145, Railway phone no.: 027-73677. Patna station — BSNL: 0612-2202290, 0612-2202291, 0612-220229, Railway phone no.: 025-83288.

UP: Six dead, 20 injured after New Farakka Express train derails in Harchandpur

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-5-dead-several-injured-after-new-farakka-express-derails-in-harchandpur-170540">UP: 5 dead, several injured after New Farakka Express train derails in Harchandpur</a></p>

<p>Five people are dead and several have been injured after the New Farakka Express train derailed near Harchandpur in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI reported that six coaches of the train ran off the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nikki-haley-resigns-from-trump-cabinet-speculation-is-she-may-run-against-him-in-2020-170533">Nikki Haley resigns from Trump cabinet, speculation is she might run against him in&nbsp;2020</a></p>

<p>U.S Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley exits President Donald Trump's cabinet as the most high-profile female member, potentially putting her back into play as a candidate for a Republican Party struggling with women voters.</p>

<p>In her out-of-the-blue announcement on Tuesday, Haley, 46, pointedly tried to shut down talk that she would run for any office in 2020, including challenging Trump in his re-election bid.</p>

<p>But that hardly stopped Washington from playing a new round in its favourite parlour game: Who's running for what? President, vice president and U.S. senator were all on the table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-has-not-read-un-global-warming-report-but-is-sceptical-170535">Trump says he has not read UN global warming report but is sceptical</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump said he has yet to read a UN report warning of global warming-caused chaos unless drastic action is taken and added that he is sceptical.</p>

<p>The landmark report released Monday said that time is running out to avert climate-induced disaster. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) declared it had "high confidence" in its predictions.</p>

<p>At the White House, Trump said he has not read it yet.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-next-summit-with-north-koreas-kim-to-come-after-november-us-elections-170532">Trump says next summit with North Korea's Kim after US midterm elections</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would be held after US congressional elections on Nov. 6.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters as he flew to Iowa for a political rally, Trump said: "It’ll be after the midterms. I just can't leave now."</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ivanka-would-be-dynamite-un-envoy-trump-170548">Ivanka would be 'dynamite' UN envoy: Trump</a></p>

<p>US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley abruptly announced her resignation on Tuesday. Haley will step down at the end of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There has been speculation that Haley might run against Donald Trump in the 2020 elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There has also been speculation as to who might replace Haley, with Trump saying might be his daughter Ivanka.&nbsp;</p>


UP: 5 dead, several injured after New Farakka Express train derails in Harchandpur Five people are dead and several have been injured after the New Farakka Express train derailed near Harchandpur in Uttar Pradesh.

UP: 5 dead, several injured after New Farakka Express train derails in Harchandpur Five people are dead and several have been injured after the New Farakka Express train derailed near Harchandpur in Uttar Pradesh. ANI reported that six coaches of the train ran off the tracks 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station. Nikki Haley resigns from Trump cabinet, speculation is she might run against him in 2020 U.S Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley exits President Donald Trump's cabinet as the most high-profile female member, potentially putting her back into play as a candidate for a Republican Party struggling with women voters. In her out-of-the-blue announcement on Tuesday, Haley, 46, pointedly tried to shut down talk that she would run for any office in 2020, including challenging Trump in his re-election bid. But that hardly stopped Washington from playing a new round in its favourite parlour game: Who's running for what? President, vice president and U.S. senator were all on the table. Trump says he has not read UN global warming report but is sceptical US President Donald Trump said he has yet to read a UN report warning of global warming-caused chaos unless drastic action is taken and added that he is sceptical. The landmark report released Monday said that time is running out to avert climate-induced disaster. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) declared it had "high confidence" in its predictions. At the White House, Trump said he has not read it yet. Trump says next summit with North Korea's Kim after US midterm elections US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would be held after US congressional elections on Nov. 6. Speaking to reporters as he flew to Iowa for a political rally, Trump said: "It’ll be after the midterms. I just can't leave now." Ivanka would be 'dynamite' UN envoy: Trump US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley abruptly announced her resignation on Tuesday. Haley will step down at the end of the year. There has been speculation that Haley might run against Donald Trump in the 2020 elections. There has also been speculation as to who might replace Haley, with Trump saying might be his daughter Ivanka.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Polling began Wednesday for the second phase of the four-phased municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir to seal the fate of 1,029 candidates in fray across the state.</p>

<p>Voting began at 6 am on Wednesday morning amid stringent security arrangements, officials said.</p>

<p>They said the voting would take place at 544 polling stations across the state and would end at 4 pm.</p>

<p>The officials said 1,029 candidates - 881 in Jammu division and 148 in Kashmir division - are in the fray for 263 municipal wards, including 49 in Kashmir and 214 in Jammu.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jammu and Kashmir: 84-year-old woman arrives at a polling station in Reasi to cast her vote in the second phase of urban local bodies elections <a href="https://t.co/QKnEKbPpZo">pic.twitter.com/QKnEKbPpZo</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049831316617928704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A total of 65 candidates - 61 of them from Kashmir valley - have already won the polls uncontested, while in 56 wards ? all in the valley - no nomination was received, so no polling is taking place in those places, they said.</p>

<p>As many as 270 polling stations have been designated for voting in Kashmir Division and 274 in Jammu Division, they added.</p>

<p>The officials said the total electorate in these wards is 346,980 - 128,104 in Jammu Division belonging to 18 Municipal bodies and 218,876 in Kashmir Division of five Municipal bodies.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: People queue up outside a polling booth in Udhampur to cast their votes for the second phase of local body elections. <a href="https://t.co/15Sy9VXxC7">pic.twitter.com/15Sy9VXxC7</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049855401045430272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>They said massive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.</p>

<p>The elections, covering 79 municipal bodies with an electorate of about 17 lakh, are being held in four phases.</p>

<p>A total of 3,372 nominations have been filed for 1,145 wards. The next phases will take place on October 13 and 16.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Voting underway in 13 districts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> in the second phase of urban local bodies elections; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> from a polling station in Reasi <a href="https://t.co/CpRO7ZFFow">pic.twitter.com/CpRO7ZFFow</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049834203800629249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the CPI(M) have boycotted the polls to protest the legal challenge to Article 35A of the Constitution in the Supreme Court.</p>

<p>The government has declared a holiday on the day of poll in the municipal areas concerned to enable voters to cast their vote.</p>


Polling began Wednesday for the second phase of the four-phased municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir to seal the fate of 1,029 candidates in fray across the state.

Polling began Wednesday for the second phase of the four-phased municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir to seal the fate of 1,029 candidates in fray across the state. Voting began at 6 am on Wednesday morning amid stringent security arrangements, officials said. They said the voting would take place at 544 polling stations across the state and would end at 4 pm. The officials said 1,029 candidates - 881 in Jammu division and 148 in Kashmir division - are in the fray for 263 municipal wards, including 49 in Kashmir and 214 in Jammu. Jammu and Kashmir: 84-year-old woman arrives at a polling station in Reasi to cast her vote in the second phase of urban local bodies elections pic.twitter.com/QKnEKbPpZo — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × A total of 65 candidates - 61 of them from Kashmir valley - have already won the polls uncontested, while in 56 wards ? all in the valley - no nomination was received, so no polling is taking place in those places, they said. As many as 270 polling stations have been designated for voting in Kashmir Division and 274 in Jammu Division, they added. The officials said the total electorate in these wards is 346,980 - 128,104 in Jammu Division belonging to 18 Municipal bodies and 218,876 in Kashmir Division of five Municipal bodies. #JammuAndKashmir: People queue up outside a polling booth in Udhampur to cast their votes for the second phase of local body elections. pic.twitter.com/15Sy9VXxC7 — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × They said massive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. The elections, covering 79 municipal bodies with an electorate of about 17 lakh, are being held in four phases. A total of 3,372 nominations have been filed for 1,145 wards. The next phases will take place on October 13 and 16. Voting underway in 13 districts of #JammuAndKashmir in the second phase of urban local bodies elections; #visuals from a polling station in Reasi pic.twitter.com/CpRO7ZFFow — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × The National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the CPI(M) have boycotted the polls to protest the legal challenge to Article 35A of the Constitution in the Supreme Court. The government has declared a holiday on the day of poll in the municipal areas concerned to enable voters to cast their vote.

J&K municipal polls: Second phase of elections begin amid tight security

<p>The HRD Ministry Wednesday asked for a report over allegations that Hindu and Muslim students were allegedly being segregated into different sections at an NDMC school, even as the Delhi government ordered a probe into the matter.</p>

<p>According to a media report published Wednesday, a section of teachers employed by the NDMC alleged that a primary school in Wazirabad was segregating Hindu and Muslim students in different sections.</p>

<p>"The matter is very serious. It may damage the social fabric of the country. I have asked the director of the Education Department to enquire into the matter and submit the report by Friday," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters, "We haven't received any complaint yet but have read about it in media reports. I have asked for a report."</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the Education Department of the BJP-led NDMC had directed a senior official to visit and inspect its school in Wazirabad area.</p>

<p>"The director of the Education Department has already instructed a senior official from the zonal office to visit the school and look into the allegation as reported," a source said.</p>

<p>The primary school falls in Wazirabad area of north Delhi and is administered by the NDMC. The area comes under the Civil Lines Zone of the civic body.</p>

<p>All municipal corporation-run schools in Delhi are primary schools. Teachers in other municipal schools expressed their shock over the reports.</p>

<p>"Schools, primary level no less, should be kept away from politics, and religion and caste matters should not be mentioned, for a balanced growth of a child. When a student enters a school, he or she is not a Hindu, Muslim or Sikh or Christian, but an Indian and that is how we should educate them," a teacher in a civic school in Karol Bagh said on the condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>"If the segregation is being done there, then it is condemnable, and we strongly disapprove of it. Schools should unite and not divide people, and these children are such impressionable minds, it will not bode well for their growth," he said.&nbsp;</p>


The HRD Ministry Wednesday asked for a report over allegations that Hindu and Muslim students were allegedly being segregated into different sections at an NDMC school, even as the Delhi government ordered a probe into the matter.

The HRD Ministry Wednesday asked for a report over allegations that Hindu and Muslim students were allegedly being segregated into different sections at an NDMC school, even as the Delhi government ordered a probe into the matter. According to a media report published Wednesday, a section of teachers employed by the NDMC alleged that a primary school in Wazirabad was segregating Hindu and Muslim students in different sections. "The matter is very serious. It may damage the social fabric of the country. I have asked the director of the Education Department to enquire into the matter and submit the report by Friday," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters, "We haven't received any complaint yet but have read about it in media reports. I have asked for a report." Earlier in the day, the Education Department of the BJP-led NDMC had directed a senior official to visit and inspect its school in Wazirabad area. "The director of the Education Department has already instructed a senior official from the zonal office to visit the school and look into the allegation as reported," a source said. The primary school falls in Wazirabad area of north Delhi and is administered by the NDMC. The area comes under the Civil Lines Zone of the civic body. All municipal corporation-run schools in Delhi are primary schools. Teachers in other municipal schools expressed their shock over the reports. "Schools, primary level no less, should be kept away from politics, and religion and caste matters should not be mentioned, for a balanced growth of a child. When a student enters a school, he or she is not a Hindu, Muslim or Sikh or Christian, but an Indian and that is how we should educate them," a teacher in a civic school in Karol Bagh said on the condition of anonymity. "If the segregation is being done there, then it is condemnable, and we strongly disapprove of it. Schools should unite and not divide people, and these children are such impressionable minds, it will not bode well for their growth," he said.

HRD ministry seeks reports over allegation of Hindu, Muslim students being segregated

<p>Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli'&nbsp;and is likely to move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts on October 11.</p>

<p>'Titli'&nbsp;is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the IMD added.</p>

<p>"A deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli'&nbsp;at 11:30 hours on Tuesday about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 480 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh," IMD stated.</p>

<p>"It is likely to move northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11 October," it added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, senior scientist of IMD, Sashikant said that heavy rains are expected to occur in the coastal districts of Odisha, adding damage is expected in coastal districts of Khorda, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh.</p>

<p>The IMD also warned the fishermen not to carry out any fishing activities on October 12.</p>

<p>"We have informed the fishermen about not carrying any fishing activities on October 12 as there is a possibility of wind speeds touching 125 Kmph," Sashikant added.</p>

<p>A warning has also been issued to people residing in the low-lying areas, as there is a possibility of trees falling down on houses.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' and is likely to move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts on October 11.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' and is likely to move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts on October 11. 'Titli' is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the IMD added. "A deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' at 11:30 hours on Tuesday about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 480 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh," IMD stated. "It is likely to move northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11 October," it added. Meanwhile, senior scientist of IMD, Sashikant said that heavy rains are expected to occur in the coastal districts of Odisha, adding damage is expected in coastal districts of Khorda, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh. The IMD also warned the fishermen not to carry out any fishing activities on October 12. "We have informed the fishermen about not carrying any fishing activities on October 12 as there is a possibility of wind speeds touching 125 Kmph," Sashikant added. A warning has also been issued to people residing in the low-lying areas, as there is a possibility of trees falling down on houses.

Cyclone 'Titli' to move towards Odisha, Andhra on Thursday: IMD

<p>In a move that would bring down the fuel prices for the country's ailing aviation industry, the government on Wednesday decided to slash the factory gate tax on jet fuel to 11 per cent from 14 per cent.</p>

<p>The new reduced tax will be effective from Thursday.</p>

<p>The government said that the move was initiated as it was in the "public interest".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In a move that would bring down the fuel prices for the country's ailing aviation industry, the government on Wednesday decided to slash the factory gate tax on jet fuel to 11 per cent from 14 per cent.

In a move that would bring down the fuel prices for the country's ailing aviation industry, the government on Wednesday decided to slash the factory gate tax on jet fuel to 11 per cent from 14 per cent. The new reduced tax will be effective from Thursday. The government said that the move was initiated as it was in the "public interest". (With inputs from Reuters)

Government cuts jet fuel tax to 11% from 14% 'in public interest'

<p>The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the sealing of nine properties of embattled real estate company Amrapali after its three directors, who are in police custody, said that the documents related to the group's 46 firms were stored there.</p>

<p>The three directors moved an application before a bench comprising Justices U U Lalit and D Y Chandrachud stating that they were willing to hand over all the documents but the police were unaware about which one needed to be seized.</p>

<p>The court's order came a day after three directors of the group -- Anil Kumar Sharma, Shiv Priya and Ajay Kumar -- were ordered to be taken into police custody and the firm was castigated for playing "hide and seek" with the court by not complying with its orders to hand over all the documents to the forensic auditors.</p>

<p>These directors told the bench that documents related to Amrapali's 46 group companies were kept in seven locations at Noida and Greater Noida and two premises -- Rajgir and Buxar districts in Bihar.</p>

<p>"We direct the concerned police, Superintendent of Police of Noida and Greater Noida to seal all the seven premises in the presence of these directors," the bench said.</p>

<p>"We direct the Superintendent of Police of Rajgir and Buxar to immediately go to these (two) places and seal it," the bench said.</p>

<p>It further directed that after the sealing of these nine premises, the keys be handed over to the registrar of the apex court.</p>

<p>The bench also made it clear that only the court-appointed forensic auditors -- Ravi Bhatia and Pawan Kumar Aggarwal -- and persons authorised by them would enter these premises after they were sealed.</p>

<p>The court also asked the three directors to furnish an undertaking before it by tomorrow stating that all the documents were available at these nine premises only and not a single document was lying at any other place.</p>

<p>The three directors also told the bench that they be kept at police station and not in the lock up during this period.</p>

<p>"If the entire exercise of sealing of these seven premises at Noida and Greater Noida will be completed today, the presence of these three applicants will not be insisted upon by the police," the bench said.</p>

<p>"If the exercise will not be completed, the present status will continue," the bench said and asked the Delhi Police to keep these three directors at the police station but not in the lockup.</p>

<p>The bench said that compliance report of its order be placed before the court and directed that the three directors would also remain present before it tomorrow.</p>

<p>The bench noted the submissions of the counsel appearing for the three directors that the group has received e-mail from the forensic auditors indicating the documents required by them.</p>

<p>The directors also told the court that company wise list of all bank accounts were available till 2015 and after that, raw data was available with them and they would hand over all the documents in entirety.</p>

<p>The bench directed that its order be telephonically communicated to the Superintendent of Police of Rajgir and Buxar so that they could take appropriate steps.</p>

<p>The court is seized of a batch of petitions filed by home buyers who are seeking possession of around 42,000 flats booked in projects of the Amrapali group.</p>


The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the sealing of nine properties of embattled real estate company Amrapali after its three directors, who are in police custody, said that the documents related to the group's 46 firms were stored there.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the sealing of nine properties of embattled real estate company Amrapali after its three directors, who are in police custody, said that the documents related to the group's 46 firms were stored there. The three directors moved an application before a bench comprising Justices U U Lalit and D Y Chandrachud stating that they were willing to hand over all the documents but the police were unaware about which one needed to be seized. The court's order came a day after three directors of the group -- Anil Kumar Sharma, Shiv Priya and Ajay Kumar -- were ordered to be taken into police custody and the firm was castigated for playing "hide and seek" with the court by not complying with its orders to hand over all the documents to the forensic auditors. These directors told the bench that documents related to Amrapali's 46 group companies were kept in seven locations at Noida and Greater Noida and two premises -- Rajgir and Buxar districts in Bihar. "We direct the concerned police, Superintendent of Police of Noida and Greater Noida to seal all the seven premises in the presence of these directors," the bench said. "We direct the Superintendent of Police of Rajgir and Buxar to immediately go to these (two) places and seal it," the bench said. It further directed that after the sealing of these nine premises, the keys be handed over to the registrar of the apex court. The bench also made it clear that only the court-appointed forensic auditors -- Ravi Bhatia and Pawan Kumar Aggarwal -- and persons authorised by them would enter these premises after they were sealed. The court also asked the three directors to furnish an undertaking before it by tomorrow stating that all the documents were available at these nine premises only and not a single document was lying at any other place. The three directors also told the bench that they be kept at police station and not in the lock up during this period. "If the entire exercise of sealing of these seven premises at Noida and Greater Noida will be completed today, the presence of these three applicants will not be insisted upon by the police," the bench said. "If the exercise will not be completed, the present status will continue," the bench said and asked the Delhi Police to keep these three directors at the police station but not in the lockup. The bench said that compliance report of its order be placed before the court and directed that the three directors would also remain present before it tomorrow. The bench noted the submissions of the counsel appearing for the three directors that the group has received e-mail from the forensic auditors indicating the documents required by them. The directors also told the court that company wise list of all bank accounts were available till 2015 and after that, raw data was available with them and they would hand over all the documents in entirety. The bench directed that its order be telephonically communicated to the Superintendent of Police of Rajgir and Buxar so that they could take appropriate steps. The court is seized of a batch of petitions filed by home buyers who are seeking possession of around 42,000 flats booked in projects of the Amrapali group.

SC orders sealing of 9 properties of Amrapali Group

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-yameens-party-challenges-election-results-in-maldives-supreme-court-170671">President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court</a></p>

<p>Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">Severe cyclonic storm '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">Titli</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">wind</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648"> speed of 145 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">kmph</a></p>

<p>Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Wednesday and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659">Journalist Khashoggi was killed by Saudi 'hit team' that then dismembered his body with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659">bone</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659"> saw: NYT</a></p>

<p>The prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, for some routine paperwok, on October 2 a little before 1.15 pm.&nbsp;His girlfriend, who was waiting for him outside, says he never came out.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-warns-pakistan-against-excessive-loans-from-china-170672">IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China</a></p>

<p>Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eight-dead-in-majorca-flash-flooding-170676">Eight dead in Spain's Majorca flash flooding</a></p>

<p>At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month.

President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory. Severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow at wind speed of 145 kmph Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Wednesday and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Journalist Khashoggi was killed by Saudi 'hit team' that then dismembered his body with bone saw: NYT The prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, for some routine paperwok, on October 2 a little before 1.15 pm. His girlfriend, who was waiting for him outside, says he never came out. IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday. Eight dead in Spain's Majorca flash flooding At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.

Cyclone Titli intensifies along India’s eastern coast

<p>AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday demanded the removal of M J Akbar from the Union Council of Ministers following allegations of sexual harassment against him.</p>

<p>As the #MeToo campaign gathered momentum in India, some women journalists have come out and accused Akbar, a former editor and now the minister of state for external affairs, of sexually harassing them during his stint as a journalist.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Three journalists have shown to the world the real face of the cabinet minister who heads MEA &amp; those details are horrific. I demand that PM should immediately sack this minister. We'll wait and see if PM walks the talk: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJAkbar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJAkbar</a> <a href="https://t.co/0wBXQBs1Bq">pic.twitter.com/0wBXQBs1Bq</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050004938963599360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"@mjakbar shame on you and you stood in parliament during T Talaaq Bill &amp; spoke about Muslim women empowerment &amp; to stop their exploitation..," the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief tweeted.</p>

<p>"@PMOIndia sack this Minister of yours if you truly believe in Beti Bachao," the Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP said in another tweet.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Horrible this bloody perpetrator <a href="https://twitter.com/mjakbar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mjakbar</a> shame on you and you stood in parliament during T Talaaq Bill &amp; spoke about Muslim women empowerment &amp; to stop their exploitation, <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> sack this Minister of yours if you truly believe in Beti Bachao <a href="https://t.co/nTiRI7YIzk">https://t.co/nTiRI7YIzk</a></p>
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadowaisi/status/1049944158843166721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday demanded the removal of M J Akbar from the Union Council of Ministers following allegations of sexual harassment against him.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday demanded the removal of M J Akbar from the Union Council of Ministers following allegations of sexual harassment against him. As the #MeToo campaign gathered momentum in India, some women journalists have come out and accused Akbar, a former editor and now the minister of state for external affairs, of sexually harassing them during his stint as a journalist. Three journalists have shown to the world the real face of the cabinet minister who heads MEA & those details are horrific. I demand that PM should immediately sack this minister. We'll wait and see if PM walks the talk: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi #MJAkbar pic.twitter.com/0wBXQBs1Bq — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × "@mjakbar shame on you and you stood in parliament during T Talaaq Bill & spoke about Muslim women empowerment & to stop their exploitation..," the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief tweeted. "@PMOIndia sack this Minister of yours if you truly believe in Beti Bachao," the Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP said in another tweet. Horrible this bloody perpetrator @mjakbar shame on you and you stood in parliament during T Talaaq Bill & spoke about Muslim women empowerment & to stop their exploitation, @PMOIndia sack this Minister of yours if you truly believe in Beti Bachao https://t.co/nTiRI7YIzk — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) October 10, 2018 ×

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi demands sacking of M J Akbar

<p>The Congress on Wednesday accused the Modi government of "manipulating" the process of Rafale fighter jet agreement by "punishing" bureaucrats who raised objections to the deal and rewarding "obliging officials".</p>

<p>The opposition party also reiterated its demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress spokesperson S Jaipal Reddy said defence deals of this magnitude are first examined by departments, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security and then sealed.</p>

<p>He alleged that in 2016, the then joint secretary was overruled by the Director-General acquisition for the go-ahead to the deal, after a new officer was brought in the post, in place of the person who had the reputation of being unbending.</p>

<p>"To manage this process, bureaucrats were bulldozed, bullied, punished, promoted, the whole process of ratification was fabricated, stage-managed, and manipulated. Such a thing has not happened in the history of independent India," Reddy alleged, claiming that "obliging officers" were "rewarded" later.</p>

<p>The opposition led by the Congress has been accusing the government of benefiting Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Ltd. From the Rafale deal. The government and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false.</p>

<p>The Rafale controversy took a new turn last month after Francois Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000-crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault, the manufacturer of Rafale jets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian government proposed the name of Reliance as offset partner for the French aerospace giant, he said. However, the government maintained its stand that it had no role in choosing the Indian offset partner for Dassault.</p>

<p>Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.&nbsp;</p>


The Congress on Wednesday accused the Modi government of "manipulating" the process of Rafale fighter jet agreement by "punishing" bureaucrats who raised objections to the deal and rewarding "obliging officials".

The Congress on Wednesday accused the Modi government of "manipulating" the process of Rafale fighter jet agreement by "punishing" bureaucrats who raised objections to the deal and rewarding "obliging officials". The opposition party also reiterated its demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe. Congress spokesperson S Jaipal Reddy said defence deals of this magnitude are first examined by departments, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security and then sealed. He alleged that in 2016, the then joint secretary was overruled by the Director-General acquisition for the go-ahead to the deal, after a new officer was brought in the post, in place of the person who had the reputation of being unbending. "To manage this process, bureaucrats were bulldozed, bullied, punished, promoted, the whole process of ratification was fabricated, stage-managed, and manipulated. Such a thing has not happened in the history of independent India," Reddy alleged, claiming that "obliging officers" were "rewarded" later. The opposition led by the Congress has been accusing the government of benefiting Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Ltd. From the Rafale deal. The government and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false. The Rafale controversy took a new turn last month after Francois Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000-crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault, the manufacturer of Rafale jets. The Indian government proposed the name of Reliance as offset partner for the French aerospace giant, he said. However, the government maintained its stand that it had no role in choosing the Indian offset partner for Dassault. Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.

Congress alleges govt 'manipulated' Rafale deal process

<p>Senior Advocate Tushar Mehta has been appointed Solicitor General of India. Mehta is currently serving as the Additional Solicitor General, reported news agency ANI.</p>

<p>The post was vacant since October 20, 2017&nbsp;after the resignation of Ranjit Kumar, the report added.</p>

<p>The appointment comes after more than 10 months of the post lying vacant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Mehta as Solicitor General of India with effect from the date of assumption of charge of the office for a period till June 30, 2020, or until further orders.</p>

<p>The post of the second highest ranking law officer of the government had fallen vacant after senior advocate Ranjit Kumar's resignation in October last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mehta who hails from Gujarat has been serving as Additional Solicitor General since mid-2014 when the BJP came to power at the Centre. He has appeared for Centre in many significant cases including the challenge to Section 66A of Information Technology Act.</p>


Senior Advocate Tushar Mehta has been appointed Solicitor General of India. Mehta is currently serving as the Additional Solicitor General, reported news agency ANI.

Senior Advocate Tushar Mehta has been appointed Solicitor General of India. Mehta is currently serving as the Additional Solicitor General, reported news agency ANI. The post was vacant since October 20, 2017 after the resignation of Ranjit Kumar, the report added. The appointment comes after more than 10 months of the post lying vacant. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Mehta as Solicitor General of India with effect from the date of assumption of charge of the office for a period till June 30, 2020, or until further orders. The post of the second highest ranking law officer of the government had fallen vacant after senior advocate Ranjit Kumar's resignation in October last year. Mehta who hails from Gujarat has been serving as Additional Solicitor General since mid-2014 when the BJP came to power at the Centre. He has appeared for Centre in many significant cases including the challenge to Section 66A of Information Technology Act.

ASG Tushar Mehta appointed Solicitor General of India

<p>The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) issued notices Wednesday to the state chief secretary and the director general of police seeking reports on the attacks and exodus of Hindi-speaking migrant workers.</p>

<p>The reports have to be submitted within 20 days, GSHRC chairperson Justice (retired) Abhilasha Kumari told reporters in Gandhinagar.</p>

<p>The notices have been issued to Chief Secretary J N Singh and DGP Shivanand Jha, seeking reports from them on steps taken to ensure the safety of migrant labourers under attack in the state, she said.</p>

<p>"They have been asked to clarify what steps are being taken to maintain peace (following attacks on migrants) in the state and for the safety of people who are being attacked," she added.</p>

<p>Since the alleged rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district, around 100 km from here, on September 28, and the arrest of a labourer hailing from Bihar for the crime, six districts, most of them in north Gujarat, have seen sporadic incidents of violence against Hindi-speaking people.</p>

<p>Ravindra Sahu, a labourer hailing from Bihar and working in a local ceramic factory, was arrested the same day for the toddler's rape.</p>

<p>The migrants from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh fled in thousands after attacks.</p>

<p>Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja said Tuesday that 533 people were so far arrested in this connection across the affected districts after 61 cases were filed.</p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi had earlier brought up the exodus of the Hindi-speaking migrants, saying youths from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are being attacked and forced to leave.</p>

<p>However, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Tuesday asked whether Gandhi will take action against his party's "own members who incited violence against the migrants in Gujarat".</p>

<p>The BJP has been blaming Congress MLA Alpesh Thakor and his outfit Gujarat Kshatriya-Thakor Sena for the outbreak of violence.</p>

<p>After the alleged rape of the 14-month-old girl, who belonged to his community, Thakor had blamed in public a "non-Gujarati" for the crime.</p>

<p>The exodus of Hindi-speaking migrants from Gujarat after attacks on them in several parts of the state showed no signs of abating on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Police had intensified patrolling in areas near industrial estates and places where migrant workers stay in a bid to instill confidence among people.</p>

<p>Shyam Singh Thakur, president of the Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Parishad, an outfit of north Indians in Gujarat, said Tuesday that more than 60,000 Hindi-speaking migrant labourers have fled the state so far.</p>

<p>He claimed that people who had decided earlier to leave the state continue to board buses and trains.</p>


The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) issued notices Wednesday to the state chief secretary and the director general of police seeking reports on the attacks and exodus of Hindi-speaking migrant workers.

The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) issued notices Wednesday to the state chief secretary and the director general of police seeking reports on the attacks and exodus of Hindi-speaking migrant workers. The reports have to be submitted within 20 days, GSHRC chairperson Justice (retired) Abhilasha Kumari told reporters in Gandhinagar. The notices have been issued to Chief Secretary J N Singh and DGP Shivanand Jha, seeking reports from them on steps taken to ensure the safety of migrant labourers under attack in the state, she said. "They have been asked to clarify what steps are being taken to maintain peace (following attacks on migrants) in the state and for the safety of people who are being attacked," she added. Since the alleged rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district, around 100 km from here, on September 28, and the arrest of a labourer hailing from Bihar for the crime, six districts, most of them in north Gujarat, have seen sporadic incidents of violence against Hindi-speaking people. Ravindra Sahu, a labourer hailing from Bihar and working in a local ceramic factory, was arrested the same day for the toddler's rape. The migrants from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh fled in thousands after attacks. Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja said Tuesday that 533 people were so far arrested in this connection across the affected districts after 61 cases were filed. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had earlier brought up the exodus of the Hindi-speaking migrants, saying youths from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are being attacked and forced to leave. However, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Tuesday asked whether Gandhi will take action against his party's "own members who incited violence against the migrants in Gujarat". The BJP has been blaming Congress MLA Alpesh Thakor and his outfit Gujarat Kshatriya-Thakor Sena for the outbreak of violence. After the alleged rape of the 14-month-old girl, who belonged to his community, Thakor had blamed in public a "non-Gujarati" for the crime. The exodus of Hindi-speaking migrants from Gujarat after attacks on them in several parts of the state showed no signs of abating on Tuesday. Police had intensified patrolling in areas near industrial estates and places where migrant workers stay in a bid to instill confidence among people. Shyam Singh Thakur, president of the Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Parishad, an outfit of north Indians in Gujarat, said Tuesday that more than 60,000 Hindi-speaking migrant labourers have fled the state so far. He claimed that people who had decided earlier to leave the state continue to board buses and trains.

Violence against migrants: Gujarat State Human Rights Commission issues notice to DGP, chief secy

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Violence against migrants: Gujarat State Human Rights Commission issues notice to DGP, chief secy