'Nidal Hasan's firing-squad execution to be livestreamed', says Pentagon; first US military execution since 1961

Trump's naked 23-karat gold statue unveiled near European Parliament

Musk doubles down on Starlink India licence allegations; Rahul Gandhi says ‘wait till...’

Thai Actors Fourth Nattawat, Gemini Norawit face racism accusations from Indian fans over viral Bollywood act

Nigeria govt rolls out 30-day NNPC petrol discount, insists it is not a subsidy

Captain Smit Machchhar on feet again, walks 10 steps as recovery continues after Flydubai flight attack

Fastest-growing Asian economies in 2026: Who tops the chart? Where does India rank?

24-year-old Sri Lankan man sentenced to death for blasphemy in Saudi Arabia

A Love Other Than Yours: The temptation to cheat and what pushes people over the edge

Russia president Putin promises to 'do everything' to help settle Middle East conflict as US-Iran negotiations stall

‘Wait till you discover the other guy’: Rahul Gandhi takes a swipe as Musk's 'Ambani real boss of India' remark triggers X subscription cancellations

BTS agency HYBE announces first-ever Weverse Con Festival in India

Trump has a new 'enemy': Anyone who calls it 'artificial intelligence'. Here's what we wants instead

India at UN: Pak allows terror groups to operate from its soil

Air India, Air India Express increase fuel surcharge on domestic, international flights amid rising ATF costs

'Something truly catastrophic will happen': Former OpenAI researchers sound the alarm, claim they were fired for prioritising AI safety

From Kramatorsk buses to Yandex fire: Russia-Ukraine war in the last 48 hours

Pakistan denies reports of PAF jets being used in attacks against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen

New York ICE shooting sparks protests as Mamdani to call on Trump to halt ICE operations

Atlantic hurricane Isaias could make landfall as a strong Category 2 storm, tornado warnings issued

Nana Patekar's #MeToo controversy: From Tanushree Dutta’s allegations to court ruling

Who is Nana Patekar's wife Neelakanti? The bank officer who earned Rs 2,500 when he earned Rs 50

KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza to return in 2027 after hiatus, agency issues statement

French students light European bonfire, protests erupt in Belgium, Italy & Greece | Gravitas

France student protests: Over 500 arrested, govt promises 3,000 substitute teachers

Arizona congressional candidate claims she was sexually assaulted while repairing signs

New Cold War: Why is China buying more gold? Explained

OpenAI shuts down Russian, Iranian influence operations using ChatGPT to spread propaganda

'Understood consequences of a few mistakes': Ishan Kishan reflects on journey back to India team

Sri Lankan Tamil worker gets death sentence in Saudi Arabia over blasphemy, calls for pardon intensify

Zendaya gives The Odyssey white lace jacket a stylish twist at Paris Fashion Week 2026

SC asks Centre to frame mechanism against unethical pharma marketing practices

US suspends Microsoft, Infosys, Tata, Wipro from green card programme over alleged H-1B abuse

Trump honours Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella with top technology honour amid immigration scrutiny

Flydubai flight attack: Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to receive Israel's highest civilian bravery award for saving 174 lives

Amid fears of US sanctions over the S-400 deal with Russia, Army Chief Bipin Rawat today asserted that India follows an independent policy and was also keen on getting the Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems from Moscow.

India and Russia on Friday signed a multi-billion-dollar deal to procure the S-400 Trimuf S-400 air defence system, which could attract sanctions under the Countering American Activities Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).&nbsp;

The act is primarily aimed at countering Russia, Iran and North Korea.

India and Russia concluded the deal notwithstanding the US warning&nbsp;that it would be a "focus area" for it to implement punitive sanctions against a nation undertaking "significant" business deals with the Russians.

General Rawat, who returned Saturday night after a six-day visit to Russia, held talks with military officials of that country to enhance cooperation between the two countries. He said the Russians were very keen in associating with the Indian Army and defence forces. &nbsp;

"Because they do understand that we are a strong Army, capable of standing up to what is right for us based on our strategic thought process," he said.

The Army Chief was speaking at the General KV Krishna Rao Memorial lecture in New Delhi.

On his Russian visit, General Rawat recalled a question posed to him by a Russian naval officer that India seemed to be looking westwards at America, which has put sanctions on Russia, and that Washington has also threatened to impose restrictions on New Delhi for dealing with Moscow. &nbsp;

To this, General Rawat responded saying, "Yes, we do appreciate that there could be sanctions on us, but we follow an independent policy," he said.

General Rawat also sought to assuage Russian concerns over its growing ties with the US.

"You (Russia) can be rest assured (that) while we may be associating with America in getting some technology, but we follow an independent policy.

"I told them while we are talking sanctions and you are questioning on sanctions, President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at this juncture, are signing the treaty on purchase of S-400 weapon system inspite of the fact that we may face challenges from America in the future," the Army Chief said. &nbsp;

General Rawat said India was looking forward to procuring Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems and technology from Russia.

He said New Delhi was looking to get space based systems and technologies from Moscow to enhance its space capabilities.

"There is no end in sight to the manner in which we can cooperate with your country. I think the way forward is to see what is best for the nation, strategically important for us," he had said.

Amid fears of US sanctions over the S-400 deal with Russia, Army Chief Bipin Rawat today asserted that India follows an independent policy and was also keen on getting the Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems from Moscow.

Amid fears of US sanctions over the S-400 deal with Russia, Army Chief Bipin Rawat today asserted that India follows an independent policy and was also keen on getting the Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems from Moscow. India and Russia on Friday signed a multi-billion-dollar deal to procure the S-400 Trimuf S-400 air defence system, which could attract sanctions under the Countering American Activities Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The act is primarily aimed at countering Russia, Iran and North Korea. India and Russia concluded the deal notwithstanding the US warning that it would be a "focus area" for it to implement punitive sanctions against a nation undertaking "significant" business deals with the Russians. General Rawat, who returned Saturday night after a six-day visit to Russia, held talks with military officials of that country to enhance cooperation between the two countries. He said the Russians were very keen in associating with the Indian Army and defence forces. "Because they do understand that we are a strong Army, capable of standing up to what is right for us based on our strategic thought process," he said. The Army Chief was speaking at the General KV Krishna Rao Memorial lecture in New Delhi. On his Russian visit, General Rawat recalled a question posed to him by a Russian naval officer that India seemed to be looking westwards at America, which has put sanctions on Russia, and that Washington has also threatened to impose restrictions on New Delhi for dealing with Moscow. To this, General Rawat responded saying, "Yes, we do appreciate that there could be sanctions on us, but we follow an independent policy," he said. General Rawat also sought to assuage Russian concerns over its growing ties with the US. "You (Russia) can be rest assured (that) while we may be associating with America in getting some technology, but we follow an independent policy. "I told them while we are talking sanctions and you are questioning on sanctions, President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at this juncture, are signing the treaty on purchase of S-400 weapon system inspite of the fact that we may face challenges from America in the future," the Army Chief said. General Rawat said India was looking forward to procuring Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems and technology from Russia. He said New Delhi was looking to get space based systems and technologies from Moscow to enhance its space capabilities. "There is no end in sight to the manner in which we can cooperate with your country. I think the way forward is to see what is best for the nation, strategically important for us," he had said.

India has independent policy: Army chief after S-400 deal with Russia

The Congress today said the collapse of its seat-sharing talks with the BSP for the upcoming state polls will not affect attempts to forge a "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of opposition parties against the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, however, asserted that the party's leadership had gone with its state units' assessment of the prevailing ground situation, and how many seats it could part with for likely allies.

It is believed that the alliance talks between the two parties fell through as the Congress was unwilling to cede as many seats in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan as sought by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

The polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7 in what may be a virtual semi-final to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Counting of votes will be taken up together in all the five states on December 11.

"State units are better aware of the ground situation than the central leadership. They took a decision and the central leadership accepted it," Khera told reporters.

He, however, added that this fallout should not be linked to talks for forging a grand alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. "It should not be confused with attempts to forge a 'mahagathbandhan' that is meant for the Lok Sabha polls," Khera said.

The Congress' bid to insulate attempts for a larger alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019 came after BSP supremo Mayawati's sharp attack at it following the announcement that she would not join hands with the main opposition party in the poll-bound states.

At a press conference, Khera also criticised Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik for his reported remarks blaming parties other than the BJP and the PDP for the fraught situation in the valley.

Governors appointed by this government, a reference to the Modi dispensation, often forget that they should not engage in partisan politics, especially in a sensitive state like this where he has to work to take everybody along, Mr Khera said.

This is not in the interests of Kashmir, he said.

The Congress today said the collapse of its seat-sharing talks with the BSP for the upcoming state polls will not affect attempts to forge a "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of opposition parties against the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress today said the collapse of its seat-sharing talks with the BSP for the upcoming state polls will not affect attempts to forge a "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of opposition parties against the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, however, asserted that the party's leadership had gone with its state units' assessment of the prevailing ground situation, and how many seats it could part with for likely allies. It is believed that the alliance talks between the two parties fell through as the Congress was unwilling to cede as many seats in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan as sought by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7 in what may be a virtual semi-final to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Counting of votes will be taken up together in all the five states on December 11. "State units are better aware of the ground situation than the central leadership. They took a decision and the central leadership accepted it," Khera told reporters. He, however, added that this fallout should not be linked to talks for forging a grand alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. "It should not be confused with attempts to forge a 'mahagathbandhan' that is meant for the Lok Sabha polls," Khera said. The Congress' bid to insulate attempts for a larger alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019 came after BSP supremo Mayawati's sharp attack at it following the announcement that she would not join hands with the main opposition party in the poll-bound states. At a press conference, Khera also criticised Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik for his reported remarks blaming parties other than the BJP and the PDP for the fraught situation in the valley. Governors appointed by this government, a reference to the Modi dispensation, often forget that they should not engage in partisan politics, especially in a sensitive state like this where he has to work to take everybody along, Mr Khera said. This is not in the interests of Kashmir, he said.

Alliance flops in state polls won't affect 2019 coalition, says Congress

JIMEX-18, a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Japan, began in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships Kaga, an Izumo-class helicopter destroyer, and Inazuma, a guided missile destroyer, arrived here to mark the commencement of JIMEX.

The Japanese ships would be participating in the third edition of JIMEX under the command of Rear Admiral Tatsuya Fukada, commander of Escort Flotilla-4 (CCF-4).

The Indian Navy would be represented by three indigenously-designed warships and a fleet tanker. The participating ships are INS Satpura, a multi-purpose stealth frigate, INS Kadmatt, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, missile corvette and INS Shakti, the fleet tanker.

In addition, one submarine, P8I long range maritime patrol aircraft and a number of integral helicopters would be participating in the exercise, the Navy said.

The nine-day event is aimed at enhancing inter-operability, improving understanding and imbibing the best practices of each other, a Navy release said.

The Indian ships would be commanded by Rear Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet.

JIMEX-18 will comprise a harbour phase and a sea phase of four days each.

The harbour phase of the exercise, scheduled from October 7 to 10, would include professional and social interactions between ships' crews, sports fixtures and operational planning for the sea phase.

The sea phase would include anti-submarine warfare exercises, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drills, gun firings, cross deck helo operations and coordinated operations in anti-submarine and anti-air threat scenarios.

The last edition of JIMEX was held in December 2013 off the Chennai coast.

The conduct of JIMEX-18 after five years is indicative of an upswing in the Indo-Japanese defence relations and the continued efforts of both governments to work closely to enhance safety and security of the global commons in keeping with 'rule-based order,' the Navy said.

The ships of the two Navies have been working in close coordination in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden (GoA) for the past few years.

JMSDF has been a regular participant in the Malabar series of exercises between Indian and US Navies.

JMSDF ships participated in the recently concluded MALABAR-18 off Guam (along with Indian and US Navy units) in the Pacific Ocean in June and biennial multilateral exercise RIMPAC-18 off Hawaii, USA, the Navy release added.

JIMEX-18, a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Japan, began in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships Kaga, an Izumo-class helicopter destroyer, and Inazuma, a guided missile destroyer, arrived here to mark the commencement of JIMEX.

JIMEX-18, a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Japan, began in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships Kaga, an Izumo-class helicopter destroyer, and Inazuma, a guided missile destroyer, arrived here to mark the commencement of JIMEX. The Japanese ships would be participating in the third edition of JIMEX under the command of Rear Admiral Tatsuya Fukada, commander of Escort Flotilla-4 (CCF-4). The Indian Navy would be represented by three indigenously-designed warships and a fleet tanker. The participating ships are INS Satpura, a multi-purpose stealth frigate, INS Kadmatt, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, missile corvette and INS Shakti, the fleet tanker. In addition, one submarine, P8I long range maritime patrol aircraft and a number of integral helicopters would be participating in the exercise, the Navy said. The nine-day event is aimed at enhancing inter-operability, improving understanding and imbibing the best practices of each other, a Navy release said. The Indian ships would be commanded by Rear Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet. JIMEX-18 will comprise a harbour phase and a sea phase of four days each. The harbour phase of the exercise, scheduled from October 7 to 10, would include professional and social interactions between ships' crews, sports fixtures and operational planning for the sea phase. The sea phase would include anti-submarine warfare exercises, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drills, gun firings, cross deck helo operations and coordinated operations in anti-submarine and anti-air threat scenarios. The last edition of JIMEX was held in December 2013 off the Chennai coast. The conduct of JIMEX-18 after five years is indicative of an upswing in the Indo-Japanese defence relations and the continued efforts of both governments to work closely to enhance safety and security of the global commons in keeping with 'rule-based order,' the Navy said. The ships of the two Navies have been working in close coordination in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden (GoA) for the past few years. JMSDF has been a regular participant in the Malabar series of exercises between Indian and US Navies. JMSDF ships participated in the recently concluded MALABAR-18 off Guam (along with Indian and US Navy units) in the Pacific Ocean in June and biennial multilateral exercise RIMPAC-18 off Hawaii, USA, the Navy release added.

India, Japan begin bilateral maritime exercises in Visakhapatnam

Both the ruling CPI(M) and opposition Congress Saturday wanted a dialogue with the people concerned before implementing the Supreme Court verdict on entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple.

The parties' stand comes in the backdrop of mounting protest by devotees of Lord Ayyappa across the state.

Hundreds of devotees, mostly women, took part in the 'namajapa' (chanting the name of Lord Ayyappa marches in Kottayam and Malappuram districts against the LDF government's decision to implement the top court verdict without going for a review.

In a related development, minor violence marred the protest march taken out by activists of Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of BJP, to the house of

Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar at Aranumla in Pathanamthitta district, where police chased them away.

According to Yuva Morcha, about 10 people, including its state president Prakash Babu, were injured in the melee.

Addressing devotees who gathered at Changanassery in Kottayam braving heavy rains, Sabarimala tantri (head priest), Kandararu Rajeevaru said everyone should stand together to preserve the traditions, rituals and faith of the Lord Ayyappa shrine.

A section of Ayyappa devotees staged a dharna Saturday in front of the TDB headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, which manages the hill shrine.

Meanwhile, Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran said here that the government was ready to hold discussions with anybody on the matter.

Attacking the BJP and the Congress-led UDF over the issue, he said the opposition parties were trying to create "misunderstanding" among the faithful and "fishing in troubled waters".

He also said that the government's stand was to move ahead with mutual cooperation.

The ruling CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told reporters in New Delhi that the apex court verdict should be implemented after discussions with everyone concerned.

"The consultation is for implementing the verdict. The government is seeking the support of persons concerned to implement it, but not by force," Balakrishnan said.

The Left party has no confusion over the issue, he said, adding that the move by 'vested interests' to turn the faithful against the government would be checked with the help of the believers themselves.

The CPI(M) Secretariat had Friday asked the government to hold discussions with those concerned on the matter.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Mullappally Ramachandran urged the Left government to convene an all-party meet to discuss the present development over the top court verdict.

He said his party would support the government if it files a review petition against the verdict, which lifted the restrictions imposed on the entry of women belonging to the age group of 10-50 in the hill shrine as part of its centuries-old tradition.

Ramachandran also said that the Congress is with the believers.

Protests over the entry of women in Sabarimala has gained momentum after the LDF government made it clear that it would not go in for a review of the Supreme Court verdict.

The opposition Congress and BJP had come out against the government stand and alleged that the Left government was trying to implement the court order in haste without taking into consideration the sentiments of the believers.

The Congress also alleged the BJP-RSS combine had adopted double standards on the issue and said if it was sincere in protecting the interests of believers, the NDA government at the Centre should come out with a legislation to overcome the verdict.

CMO sources here said members of the Pandalam royal family, the erstwhile rulers associated with the Sabarimala temple,have sought permission to meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is now in New Delhi, Monday to discuss the issue.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Both the ruling CPI(M) and opposition Congress Saturday wanted a dialogue with the people concerned before implementing the Supreme Court verdict on entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple.

Both the ruling CPI(M) and opposition Congress Saturday wanted a dialogue with the people concerned before implementing the Supreme Court verdict on entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple. The parties' stand comes in the backdrop of mounting protest by devotees of Lord Ayyappa across the state. Hundreds of devotees, mostly women, took part in the 'namajapa' (chanting the name of Lord Ayyappa marches in Kottayam and Malappuram districts against the LDF government's decision to implement the top court verdict without going for a review. In a related development, minor violence marred the protest march taken out by activists of Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of BJP, to the house of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar at Aranumla in Pathanamthitta district, where police chased them away. According to Yuva Morcha, about 10 people, including its state president Prakash Babu, were injured in the melee. Addressing devotees who gathered at Changanassery in Kottayam braving heavy rains, Sabarimala tantri (head priest), Kandararu Rajeevaru said everyone should stand together to preserve the traditions, rituals and faith of the Lord Ayyappa shrine. A section of Ayyappa devotees staged a dharna Saturday in front of the TDB headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, which manages the hill shrine. Meanwhile, Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran said here that the government was ready to hold discussions with anybody on the matter. Attacking the BJP and the Congress-led UDF over the issue, he said the opposition parties were trying to create "misunderstanding" among the faithful and "fishing in troubled waters". He also said that the government's stand was to move ahead with mutual cooperation. The ruling CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told reporters in New Delhi that the apex court verdict should be implemented after discussions with everyone concerned. "The consultation is for implementing the verdict. The government is seeking the support of persons concerned to implement it, but not by force," Balakrishnan said. The Left party has no confusion over the issue, he said, adding that the move by 'vested interests' to turn the faithful against the government would be checked with the help of the believers themselves. The CPI(M) Secretariat had Friday asked the government to hold discussions with those concerned on the matter. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Mullappally Ramachandran urged the Left government to convene an all-party meet to discuss the present development over the top court verdict. He said his party would support the government if it files a review petition against the verdict, which lifted the restrictions imposed on the entry of women belonging to the age group of 10-50 in the hill shrine as part of its centuries-old tradition. Ramachandran also said that the Congress is with the believers. Protests over the entry of women in Sabarimala has gained momentum after the LDF government made it clear that it would not go in for a review of the Supreme Court verdict. The opposition Congress and BJP had come out against the government stand and alleged that the Left government was trying to implement the court order in haste without taking into consideration the sentiments of the believers. The Congress also alleged the BJP-RSS combine had adopted double standards on the issue and said if it was sincere in protecting the interests of believers, the NDA government at the Centre should come out with a legislation to overcome the verdict. CMO sources here said members of the Pandalam royal family, the erstwhile rulers associated with the Sabarimala temple,have sought permission to meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is now in New Delhi, Monday to discuss the issue. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Sabarimala row: Protests mount; CPI(M), Congress want dialogue before implementing SC verdict

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/7-deported-rohingya-will-be-killed-very-soon-rohingya-refugees-in-delhi-169909">7 Rohingya deported to Myanmar will be killed very soon: Rohingya refugees in Delhi</a>

After the Indian government deported seven of them to Myanmar this week, Rohingya refugees in India say they do not wish to return "until peace is restored in their homeland".&nbsp;

And they added that the seven Rohingya refugees who have been deported will very soon be killed.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kavanaugh-sworn-in-as-us-supreme-court-justice-169896">Brett Kavanaugh </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kavanaugh-sworn-in-as-us-supreme-court-justice-169896">sworn</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kavanaugh-sworn-in-as-us-supreme-court-justice-169896"> into Supreme Court after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kavanaugh-sworn-in-as-us-supreme-court-justice-169896">fight</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kavanaugh-sworn-in-as-us-supreme-court-justice-169896"> that divided </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kavanaugh-sworn-in-as-us-supreme-court-justice-169896">US</a>

Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in Saturday as US Supreme Court justice following the closest Senate confirmation vote in more than a century, marking a major win for President Donald Trump's drive to move the country's political institutions to the right.&nbsp;

The Senate voted 50-48 to approve Kavanaugh as protesters rallied across the country against a nominee who has been plagued by allegations of sexual misconduct as a young man and had questions raised over his candour and partisan rhetoric.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-100-per-cent-certain-kavanaugh-accuser-named-wrong-person-169901">Trump '100 per cent' certain Kavanaugh accuser named </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-100-per-cent-certain-kavanaugh-accuser-named-wrong-person-169901">wrong</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-100-per-cent-certain-kavanaugh-accuser-named-wrong-person-169901"> person</a>

Donald Trump has said he is "100 per cent" certain Dr Christine Blasey Ford named the wrong person when she accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her. Kavanaugh was sworn in as a US Supreme Court justice on Saturday.&nbsp;

"This is one of the reasons I chose him is because there is no one with a squeaky clean past like Brett Kavanaugh. He is an outstanding person and I'm very honoured to have chosen him," Reuters reported Trump as telling reporters aboard Air Force One while flying to a campaign rally in Kansas.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-finds-journalist-was-killed-in-saudi-consulate-report-169898">Turkey says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-finds-journalist-was-killed-in-saudi-consulate-report-169898">journalist</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-finds-journalist-was-killed-in-saudi-consulate-report-169898"> was killed inside Saudi consulate: Report</a>

Turkish police have concluded that prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside the Saudi mission in Istanbul after going missing Tuesday, an unnamed government official said Saturday.

"Based on their initial findings, the police believe that the journalist was killed by a team especially sent to Istanbul and who left the same day," the official told AFP.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tanushree-dutta-files-sexual-harassment-complaint-against-nana-patekar-169900">Tanushree Dutta files </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tanushree-dutta-files-sexual-harassment-complaint-against-nana-patekar-169900">sexual</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tanushree-dutta-files-sexual-harassment-complaint-against-nana-patekar-169900"> harassment complaint against Nana Patekar</a>

Tanushree Dutta on Saturday filed a police complaint against veteran actor Nana Patekar for allegedly sexually harassing her on the sets of a film in 2008, police said.

Dutta, in a recent interview, alleged that Patekar had misbehaved with her while filming a song for the 2008 film "Horn Ok Pleasss".

She has filed the complaint at the Oshiwara police station against Patekar, choreographer Ganesh Acharya, producer Sameer Siddiqui and director Rakesh Sarang.

7 Rohingya deported to Myanmar will be killed very soon: Rohingya refugees in Delhi After the Indian government deported seven of them to Myanmar this week, Rohingya refugees in India say they do not wish to return "until peace is restored in their homeland".

7 Rohingya deported to Myanmar will be killed very soon: Rohingya refugees in Delhi After the Indian government deported seven of them to Myanmar this week, Rohingya refugees in India say they do not wish to return "until peace is restored in their homeland". And they added that the seven Rohingya refugees who have been deported will very soon be killed. Brett Kavanaugh sworn into Supreme Court after fight that divided US Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in Saturday as US Supreme Court justice following the closest Senate confirmation vote in more than a century, marking a major win for President Donald Trump's drive to move the country's political institutions to the right. The Senate voted 50-48 to approve Kavanaugh as protesters rallied across the country against a nominee who has been plagued by allegations of sexual misconduct as a young man and had questions raised over his candour and partisan rhetoric. Trump '100 per cent' certain Kavanaugh accuser named wrong person Donald Trump has said he is "100 per cent" certain Dr Christine Blasey Ford named the wrong person when she accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her. Kavanaugh was sworn in as a US Supreme Court justice on Saturday. "This is one of the reasons I chose him is because there is no one with a squeaky clean past like Brett Kavanaugh. He is an outstanding person and I'm very honoured to have chosen him," Reuters reported Trump as telling reporters aboard Air Force One while flying to a campaign rally in Kansas. Turkey says journalist was killed inside Saudi consulate: Report Turkish police have concluded that prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside the Saudi mission in Istanbul after going missing Tuesday, an unnamed government official said Saturday. "Based on their initial findings, the police believe that the journalist was killed by a team especially sent to Istanbul and who left the same day," the official told AFP. Tanushree Dutta files sexual harassment complaint against Nana Patekar Tanushree Dutta on Saturday filed a police complaint against veteran actor Nana Patekar for allegedly sexually harassing her on the sets of a film in 2008, police said. Dutta, in a recent interview, alleged that Patekar had misbehaved with her while filming a song for the 2008 film "Horn Ok Pleasss". She has filed the complaint at the Oshiwara police station against Patekar, choreographer Ganesh Acharya, producer Sameer Siddiqui and director Rakesh Sarang.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Saturday said he did not agree with the portion of the historic Supreme Court judgment decriminalising consensual gay sex that called sexuality a part of free speech, as he felt it raises questions on restraining any form of homosexual or bisexual activity in a school hostel, prison or army frontier.

He also differed on a portion of the apex court ruling on adultery, saying it may end up converting the Indian family system into a Western family system.

On the Supreme Court allowing women's entry into the Sabarimala shrine, he said such a ruling cannot happen on select practices as it may have many social consequences.

Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, Jaitley said the judgment decriminalising gay sex was fine but "the problem comes when writing these historical judgements, you get carried away and want to be part of history and therefore you go a step further".

He said he fairly agreed with the reasoning given by the court in the judgement that sexual activity is part of Article 21 of the Constitution that guarantees right of life and that no discrimination on the basis of sex should be there, but added that he completely disagrees with the reasoning that sexual activity is part of free speech.

"Because I think that's little excessive and consequences of that may not be on decriminalisation. Free speech is entirely a different gambit, it can be restrained on the reasons of sovereignty, security, public order and so on and mind you there is tendency of creating new fundamental rights everyday.

"So when you convert this into a fundamental right and say its free speech then how do you restrain any form of sexual activity, homosexual or bisexual in a school hostel, prison, army frontier," he said.

Stating that this requires further debate, he said this reasoning was not necessary for deciding the case of Section 377 which decriminalised gay sex. 
On the Supreme Court ruling on adultery, he said some of the judges said these are matrimonial offences and personal wrongs and not public wrongs.

"So therefore it is outside the purview of criminal law. Would that cover bigamy or polygamy also which are personal wrong? Would that cover cruelty? Would that cover dowry offences? Now this logic covering them, then it would be a wholly anti-women judgement," he said.

He said he was not in dispute that the "very badly worded section" on adultery needed to be quashed but "the later view may find a reference in some western journals very favourably but it may end up converting Indian family system into Western family system where the fragility of marriage as an institution itself will increase.

"Therefore you probably require to debate the second part of the observation which again was not necessary for deciding this case."

On the Sabarimala ruling, Jaitley said if you want to take a progressive step, then Articles 14 and 21 will apply against all religions.

"It can't happen that you select a practice and apply it because that will have many many social consequences in pluralist society like India. If you start stepping into the religious practices and customs and say (Article) 14 must be tested on... Personal law and (Article) 14 must be tested in Article 21, then will it apply to polygamy? Will it apply to oral divorces? Will it apply to other religions where ladies are not allowed to enter religious places?

"If you have a selective practice and then you use an argument to say well we will decide this issue in some other case every time it arises. If you are being progressive and bold then it must be uniformly so and that does not seem to be happening....If you are willing to proclaim you must be willing to strike," he said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Saturday said he did not agree with the portion of the historic Supreme Court judgment decriminalising consensual gay sex that called sexuality a part of free speech, as he felt it raises questions on restraining any form of homosexual or bisexual activity in a school hostel, prison or army frontier.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Saturday said he did not agree with the portion of the historic Supreme Court judgment decriminalising consensual gay sex that called sexuality a part of free speech, as he felt it raises questions on restraining any form of homosexual or bisexual activity in a school hostel, prison or army frontier. He also differed on a portion of the apex court ruling on adultery, saying it may end up converting the Indian family system into a Western family system. On the Supreme Court allowing women's entry into the Sabarimala shrine, he said such a ruling cannot happen on select practices as it may have many social consequences. Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, Jaitley said the judgment decriminalising gay sex was fine but "the problem comes when writing these historical judgements, you get carried away and want to be part of history and therefore you go a step further". He said he fairly agreed with the reasoning given by the court in the judgement that sexual activity is part of Article 21 of the Constitution that guarantees right of life and that no discrimination on the basis of sex should be there, but added that he completely disagrees with the reasoning that sexual activity is part of free speech. "Because I think that's little excessive and consequences of that may not be on decriminalisation. Free speech is entirely a different gambit, it can be restrained on the reasons of sovereignty, security, public order and so on and mind you there is tendency of creating new fundamental rights everyday. "So when you convert this into a fundamental right and say its free speech then how do you restrain any form of sexual activity, homosexual or bisexual in a school hostel, prison, army frontier," he said. Stating that this requires further debate, he said this reasoning was not necessary for deciding the case of Section 377 which decriminalised gay sex. On the Supreme Court ruling on adultery, he said some of the judges said these are matrimonial offences and personal wrongs and not public wrongs. "So therefore it is outside the purview of criminal law. Would that cover bigamy or polygamy also which are personal wrong? Would that cover cruelty? Would that cover dowry offences? Now this logic covering them, then it would be a wholly anti-women judgement," he said. He said he was not in dispute that the "very badly worded section" on adultery needed to be quashed but "the later view may find a reference in some western journals very favourably but it may end up converting Indian family system into Western family system where the fragility of marriage as an institution itself will increase. "Therefore you probably require to debate the second part of the observation which again was not necessary for deciding this case." On the Sabarimala ruling, Jaitley said if you want to take a progressive step, then Articles 14 and 21 will apply against all religions. "It can't happen that you select a practice and apply it because that will have many many social consequences in pluralist society like India. If you start stepping into the religious practices and customs and say (Article) 14 must be tested on... Personal law and (Article) 14 must be tested in Article 21, then will it apply to polygamy? Will it apply to oral divorces? Will it apply to other religions where ladies are not allowed to enter religious places? "If you have a selective practice and then you use an argument to say well we will decide this issue in some other case every time it arises. If you are being progressive and bold then it must be uniformly so and that does not seem to be happening....If you are willing to proclaim you must be willing to strike," he said.

SC ruling on 377: Disagree with reasoning that sexuality is part of free speech, says Arun Jaitley

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday expressed concern over the low participation of women in higher science, saying the country is not adequately harnessing their scientific potential and it is a collective responsibility to overcome this social and systemic challenge.

He noted that of the 3,446 scientists working at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, a premier national research and development organisation, only 632 or 18.3 per cent are women.

"In a week when women scientists have won Nobel prizes for physics and for chemistry, this is a telling statistic. It is a reminder of the scientific potential of our daughters that we are not adequately harnessing. This is both a social and systemic challenge but it is our collective responsibility to overcome it," the President said.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the fourth India International Science Festival (IISF) here.

The President said that science is done best when it is a collaborative venture, with resources including funding resources and facilities being shared.

This is the era of partnerships between research centres and universities. He urged the scientific community to mentor and open its doors to budding researchers and students in universities.

The President said that the role of science and scientific innovation in national developmental agenda is expanding day by day.

Mentioning the patent applications by Indian start-ups, Kovind said, "In 2017, patent applications by Indian start-ups rose to 909. This was a 15-fold increase from the number in 2016, when it was just 61."&nbsp;

In 2018, India's R&amp;D investments will amount to an appreciable USD 83.27 billion. The government has announced the Prime Ministers Research

Fellowship Scheme. It will promote development through innovation and has a budget of Rs 1,650 crore for seven years beginning 2018-19, he noted.&nbsp; 
"These are exciting times for science in India. The resources are now available. It is for our talent pool to respond," he said.

The President also informed that "between 2012 and 2017, 649 Indian scientists have returned from abroad to pursue research opportunities at home. In the previous five years, only 243 scientists had come back."

He said that budding researchers and students look to senior scientists for guidance, support and access to laboratories and equipment. With such generosity of spirit and of intellect, Indian science will carry much greater weight. And it will move closer to building a best-in-class ecosystem.

Kovind said that science has always been a part of Indian culture.&nbsp;

"Centuries ago, our ancestors were uncovering the secrets of mathematics and the concept of the zero.&nbsp;They were applying the lessons of science in fields as far apart as medicine and metallurgy. From the Green Revolution to our space programme to the creation of a thriving biotech and pharmaceutical industry, science has driven our post -1947 modernisation," the President said.&nbsp;

In the first quarter of the 21st century, in the age of robotics and precision manufacture, of bioinformatics and gene editing, of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Artificial Intelligence, it is time for a quantum jump, he noted.

The President said the country cannot make that jump "without converting science into a mass movement and without promoting tinkering and innovation as an everyday activity in our labs, our universities and even our schools".&nbsp;

"Jugaad, cut- paste experiments and frugal innovation have their role. Even so, if we are to transform India into a middle-income economy and an advanced industrial power, we need to upgrade the engines of knowledge creation.&nbsp;

"Science and technology are not a mere add-on. Their cross-cutting nature and role in every field and in all our flagship programmes and developmental efforts have to be appreciated," he said.

The President also termed IISF as the 'Kumbh' of Science.&nbsp;

"UP has been famous for Kumbh, and it will be now known for Science Kumbh as well," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Science minister Harshvardhan also spoke on the occasion. Students from various schools and colleges participated in the event.

 
&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday expressed concern over the low participation of women in higher science, saying the country is not adequately harnessing their scientific potential and it is a collective responsibility to overcome this social and systemic challenge.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday expressed concern over the low participation of women in higher science, saying the country is not adequately harnessing their scientific potential and it is a collective responsibility to overcome this social and systemic challenge. He noted that of the 3,446 scientists working at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, a premier national research and development organisation, only 632 or 18.3 per cent are women. "In a week when women scientists have won Nobel prizes for physics and for chemistry, this is a telling statistic. It is a reminder of the scientific potential of our daughters that we are not adequately harnessing. This is both a social and systemic challenge but it is our collective responsibility to overcome it," the President said. He was speaking at the inauguration of the fourth India International Science Festival (IISF) here. The President said that science is done best when it is a collaborative venture, with resources including funding resources and facilities being shared. This is the era of partnerships between research centres and universities. He urged the scientific community to mentor and open its doors to budding researchers and students in universities. The President said that the role of science and scientific innovation in national developmental agenda is expanding day by day. Mentioning the patent applications by Indian start-ups, Kovind said, "In 2017, patent applications by Indian start-ups rose to 909. This was a 15-fold increase from the number in 2016, when it was just 61." In 2018, India's R&D investments will amount to an appreciable USD 83.27 billion. The government has announced the Prime Ministers Research Fellowship Scheme. It will promote development through innovation and has a budget of Rs 1,650 crore for seven years beginning 2018-19, he noted. "These are exciting times for science in India. The resources are now available. It is for our talent pool to respond," he said. The President also informed that "between 2012 and 2017, 649 Indian scientists have returned from abroad to pursue research opportunities at home. In the previous five years, only 243 scientists had come back." He said that budding researchers and students look to senior scientists for guidance, support and access to laboratories and equipment. With such generosity of spirit and of intellect, Indian science will carry much greater weight. And it will move closer to building a best-in-class ecosystem. Kovind said that science has always been a part of Indian culture. "Centuries ago, our ancestors were uncovering the secrets of mathematics and the concept of the zero. They were applying the lessons of science in fields as far apart as medicine and metallurgy. From the Green Revolution to our space programme to the creation of a thriving biotech and pharmaceutical industry, science has driven our post -1947 modernisation," the President said. In the first quarter of the 21st century, in the age of robotics and precision manufacture, of bioinformatics and gene editing, of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Artificial Intelligence, it is time for a quantum jump, he noted. The President said the country cannot make that jump "without converting science into a mass movement and without promoting tinkering and innovation as an everyday activity in our labs, our universities and even our schools". "Jugaad, cut- paste experiments and frugal innovation have their role. Even so, if we are to transform India into a middle-income economy and an advanced industrial power, we need to upgrade the engines of knowledge creation. "Science and technology are not a mere add-on. Their cross-cutting nature and role in every field and in all our flagship programmes and developmental efforts have to be appreciated," he said. The President also termed IISF as the 'Kumbh' of Science. "UP has been famous for Kumbh, and it will be now known for Science Kumbh as well," he said. Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Science minister Harshvardhan also spoke on the occasion. Students from various schools and colleges participated in the event.

India not adequately harnessing potential of women in science: President Kovind

Days after the Central government provided relief to citizens by announcing a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/centre-has-decided-to-cut-fuel-prices-by-rs-25-with-immediate-effect-state">reduction of fuel prices</a> across the country, fuel prices continued to rise on Sunday.

The price of petrol in Mumbai increased by 0.14 paise to Rs 87.29 per litre, while the price of diesel rose by 0.31 paise to Rs 77.06 per litre.

In Delhi, prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 0.14 paise and 0.29 paise. Petrol now costs Rs 81.82 a litre while diesel is priced at Rs 73.53, according to the&nbsp;Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

Consumers received some relief from skyrocketing fuel prices when the central government cut excise duty on fuel by Rs 2.50 per litre on Thursday. Modi government also asked state governments to slash taxes by an equal margin. While several BJP-ruled states obliged, others refused by saying they had already cut VAT on fuel.&nbsp;

There is also a raging debate over the most-recent price cut with BJP president Amit Shah saying that it reflects how this government is sensitive to the needs of the people. Congress countered by saying that the reduced prices are like 'putting band-aid after inflicting a thousand cuts.'

Days after the Central government provided relief to citizens by announcing a reduction of fuel prices across the country, fuel prices continued to rise on Sunday.

Days after the Central government provided relief to citizens by announcing a reduction of fuel prices across the country, fuel prices continued to rise on Sunday. The price of petrol in Mumbai increased by 0.14 paise to Rs 87.29 per litre, while the price of diesel rose by 0.31 paise to Rs 77.06 per litre. In Delhi, prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 0.14 paise and 0.29 paise. Petrol now costs Rs 81.82 a litre while diesel is priced at Rs 73.53, according to the Indian Oil Corporation Limited. Consumers received some relief from skyrocketing fuel prices when the central government cut excise duty on fuel by Rs 2.50 per litre on Thursday. Modi government also asked state governments to slash taxes by an equal margin. While several BJP-ruled states obliged, others refused by saying they had already cut VAT on fuel. There is also a raging debate over the most-recent price cut with BJP president Amit Shah saying that it reflects how this government is sensitive to the needs of the people. Congress countered by saying that the reduced prices are like 'putting band-aid after inflicting a thousand cuts.'

Petrol prices up again, selling at Rs 87.29 a litre in Mumbai

AICC Telangana Incharge R C Khuntia Sunday alleged that caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would join hands with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year and has entered into a tie-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a Padyatra in Musheerabad Assembly segment here, Khuntia questioned KCR, as Rao is popularly known as, over the early dissolution of the Legislative Assembly in the state.

Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year.

However, the assembly was dissolved earlier last month as per a recommendation of the state cabinet, which necessitated elections ahead of the schedule.

He further hit out at Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief for "not fulfilling" his promise of providing 12 per cent reservation in jobs and education to Muslims and enhancement of quota for Scheduled Tribes.

The AICC general secretary in charge of Telangana affairs, Khuntiaalsoclaimed that the graph of Modi&nbsp;and NDA government was going down while that of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was on the rise.

A separate Telangana State was created due to the efforts of the UPA government and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Khuntia added.

The Election Commission Saturday announced the dates for the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls.

Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7.

AICC Telangana Incharge R C Khuntia Sunday alleged that caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would join hands with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year and has entered into a tie-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

AICC Telangana Incharge R C Khuntia Sunday alleged that caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would join hands with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year and has entered into a tie-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a Padyatra in Musheerabad Assembly segment here, Khuntia questioned KCR, as Rao is popularly known as, over the early dissolution of the Legislative Assembly in the state. Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year. However, the assembly was dissolved earlier last month as per a recommendation of the state cabinet, which necessitated elections ahead of the schedule. He further hit out at Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief for "not fulfilling" his promise of providing 12 per cent reservation in jobs and education to Muslims and enhancement of quota for Scheduled Tribes. The AICC general secretary in charge of Telangana affairs, Khuntiaalsoclaimed that the graph of Modi and NDA government was going down while that of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was on the rise. A separate Telangana State was created due to the efforts of the UPA government and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Khuntia added. The Election Commission Saturday announced the dates for the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7.

KCR would join hands with BJP in coming LS polls: RC Khuntia

Scores of travellers were left stranded at several airplane terminals across the country as the servers of IndiGo Airlines, were down.

The IndiGo Airlines has asked the commuters to contact them via social media for redressal of their queries.

Reports of IndiGo system dysfunctioning rose first from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airplane terminal, where stranded travellers denoted their complaint with the ground staff.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/6ETravelAdvisory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#6ETravelAdvisory</a>: For assistance, contact us on Twitter/Facebook or chat with us at <a href="https://t.co/Mj1tYZIvoE">https://t.co/Mj1tYZIvoE</a>. You may also call us at 01246173838. <a href="https://t.co/30eW68kpTM">pic.twitter.com/30eW68kpTM</a>
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E/status/1048864597346664448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Therefore, IndiGo issued an announcement affirming that its servers are not working at all the airplane terminals.&nbsp;

Stranded travellers have been requested to contact the carrier through Twitter, Facebook, or the client helpline number.

Scores of travellers were left stranded at several airplane terminals across the country as the servers of IndiGo Airlines, were down. The IndiGo Airlines has asked the commuters to contact them via social media for redressal of their queries.

Scores of travellers were left stranded at several airplane terminals across the country as the servers of IndiGo Airlines, were down. The IndiGo Airlines has asked the commuters to contact them via social media for redressal of their queries. Reports of IndiGo system dysfunctioning rose first from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airplane terminal, where stranded travellers denoted their complaint with the ground staff. #6ETravelAdvisory: For assistance, contact us on Twitter/Facebook or chat with us at https://t.co/Mj1tYZIvoE. You may also call us at 01246173838. pic.twitter.com/30eW68kpTM — IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) October 7, 2018 × Therefore, IndiGo issued an announcement affirming that its servers are not working at all the airplane terminals. Stranded travellers have been requested to contact the carrier through Twitter, Facebook, or the client helpline number.

Indigo Airline's servers down at all airports, passengers left stranded

The Election Commission of India (EC) has extended the date for the final publication of electoral rolls in Telangana from October 8 to October 12, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has said.

On September 8, the EC had stopped all activities relating to the Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls with reference to January 1, 2019, and said the final electoral rolls list would be published on October 8.

The decision for a revised schedule was taken in the wake of dissolution of the Telangana Assembly on September 6, officials had earlier said.

The EC had also ordered the second Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls with reference to January 1, 2018, as the qualifying date in the state.

The Election Commission announced on Saturday that assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana would be held between November 12 and December 7.

Counting of votes in all the states would be taken up on December 11, it said.

Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7.

Rajat Kumar said on Saturday that the Telangana Assembly polls would be completed in a single phase. He said in an official release that all sections of the Model Code of Conduct was now in force across the state.

"A 24/7 control room will be set-up and more lines will be added to the 1950 helpline number. Mobile and static squads will be deployed to monitor MCC violations," Mr Kumar said.

The Hyderabad Police commissioner has informed that cash worth&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;1 crore was seized on Friday. "We are also coordinating with the Income Tax department in monitoring high-value transactions," Mr Kumar said in the release.

The Election Commission of India (EC) has extended the date for the final publication of electoral rolls in Telangana from October 8 to October 12, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has said.

The Election Commission of India (EC) has extended the date for the final publication of electoral rolls in Telangana from October 8 to October 12, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has said. On September 8, the EC had stopped all activities relating to the Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls with reference to January 1, 2019, and said the final electoral rolls list would be published on October 8. The decision for a revised schedule was taken in the wake of dissolution of the Telangana Assembly on September 6, officials had earlier said. The EC had also ordered the second Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls with reference to January 1, 2018, as the qualifying date in the state. The Election Commission announced on Saturday that assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana would be held between November 12 and December 7. Counting of votes in all the states would be taken up on December 11, it said. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7. Rajat Kumar said on Saturday that the Telangana Assembly polls would be completed in a single phase. He said in an official release that all sections of the Model Code of Conduct was now in force across the state. "A 24/7 control room will be set-up and more lines will be added to the 1950 helpline number. Mobile and static squads will be deployed to monitor MCC violations," Mr Kumar said. The Hyderabad Police commissioner has informed that cash worth Rs. 1 crore was seized on Friday. "We are also coordinating with the Income Tax department in monitoring high-value transactions," Mr Kumar said in the release.

Poll body extends final publication time of electoral rolls in Telangana

As many as 5,000 people are believed missing from two hard-hit areas in Palu more than a week after the Indonesian city was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami, an official said Sunday.

Indonesia’s disaster agency said the figure was based on estimates from local heads in the Petobo and Balaroa areas of the city, where entire neighbourhoods disappeared in the twin disaster on Sulawesi island that has seen 1,763 bodies recovered so far.
<img alt="INdonesia" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3d6f8d1-f401-4c14-b144-48f84fcc623a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/%C3%A9vacuation.jpg" />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; An aerial view of the evacuation process near a collapsed church after an earthquake in Sigi. ( Reuters Photo )
<img alt="Indonesia" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="acc6ea1d-b7ae-4d5f-b25b-d3521885877c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Indonesia.JPG" />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A victim of last week's earthquake is recovered in the Balaroa neighbourhood in Palu, Central Sulawesi. (Reuters Photo)

“Based on reports from the heads of Balaroa and Petobo, there are about 5,000 people who have not been found,” agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told reporters Sunday, adding that it was difficult to know the exact figure given the areas were largely buried under mountains of mud and wreckage.

As many as 5,000 people are believed missing from two hard-hit areas in Palu more than a week after the Indonesian city was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami, an official said Sunday.

As many as 5,000 people are believed missing from two hard-hit areas in Palu more than a week after the Indonesian city was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami, an official said Sunday. Indonesia’s disaster agency said the figure was based on estimates from local heads in the Petobo and Balaroa areas of the city, where entire neighbourhoods disappeared in the twin disaster on Sulawesi island that has seen 1,763 bodies recovered so far. An aerial view of the evacuation process near a collapsed church after an earthquake in Sigi. ( Reuters Photo ) A victim of last week's earthquake is recovered in the Balaroa neighbourhood in Palu, Central Sulawesi. (Reuters Photo) “Based on reports from the heads of Balaroa and Petobo, there are about 5,000 people who have not been found,” agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told reporters Sunday, adding that it was difficult to know the exact figure given the areas were largely buried under mountains of mud and wreckage.

5,000 believed missing in two hard-hit Indonesian quake zones; 1,763 dead

The Congress Sunday dismissed the Rs 2.5 a litre cut in petrol and diesel prices as “electoral lollipop” aimed at the five poll-bound states, and asked the Narendra Modi government to bring petroleum products under the GST regime. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera told reporters that oil prices have begun rising again since the cut was effected on Thursday, adding that it showed the government’s duplicity and hypocrisy.&nbsp;

He questioned the government’s claim of oil prices being deregulated, saying they depend upon the electoral calendar as they remained unchanged for 17 days during the Karnataka assembly polls, and a similar pattern was seen during the Gujarat polls.

“We reiterate our demand to bring in petroleum products under the ambit of GST so as to completely demolish this sheer hypocrisy of credit-seeking just before the electoral season,” he said. This government believes in tokenism for short-term applause, he said. After “ghar-ghar Modi” (Modi in every home) time for “bye-bye Modi” has come, and the government can bring a smile on people’s faces as it departs by bring petrol and diesel under the GST, he said.

Taking a dig at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, whom he dubbed as a full-time blogger and part-time minister, Khera accused him of “lying” in his claim that the increase in the government’s revenue is on the account of an increase in tax base. Khera said oil companies have made over Rs 13 lakh crore, which is fuelling the government’s coffers. The government has used money in event management and publicity, he alleged, noting that it allocated merely Rs 2,000 crore for the Ayushmaan Bharat scheme, a health insurance scheme for the poor.

Since coming to power, the government has increase central excise duty on petrol by 211 per cent and on Diesel by 443 per cent, the Congress leader said. When the Congress demitted power the excise duty on petrol was merely Rs 9.23 a litre and has been raised by the Modi government to Rs 19.48 a litre. The excise duty on diesel has been raised from Rs 3.46 a litre to Rs 15.33 a litre, he said. Even the Value Added Tax (VAT) levied by state governments is among the highest where the BJP is in power, he said.

The Congress Sunday dismissed the Rs 2.5 a litre cut in petrol and diesel prices as “electoral lollipop” aimed at the five poll-bound states, and asked the Narendra Modi government to bring petroleum products under the GST regime.

The Congress Sunday dismissed the Rs 2.5 a litre cut in petrol and diesel prices as “electoral lollipop” aimed at the five poll-bound states, and asked the Narendra Modi government to bring petroleum products under the GST regime. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera told reporters that oil prices have begun rising again since the cut was effected on Thursday, adding that it showed the government’s duplicity and hypocrisy. He questioned the government’s claim of oil prices being deregulated, saying they depend upon the electoral calendar as they remained unchanged for 17 days during the Karnataka assembly polls, and a similar pattern was seen during the Gujarat polls. “We reiterate our demand to bring in petroleum products under the ambit of GST so as to completely demolish this sheer hypocrisy of credit-seeking just before the electoral season,” he said. This government believes in tokenism for short-term applause, he said. After “ghar-ghar Modi” (Modi in every home) time for “bye-bye Modi” has come, and the government can bring a smile on people’s faces as it departs by bring petrol and diesel under the GST, he said. Taking a dig at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, whom he dubbed as a full-time blogger and part-time minister, Khera accused him of “lying” in his claim that the increase in the government’s revenue is on the account of an increase in tax base. Khera said oil companies have made over Rs 13 lakh crore, which is fuelling the government’s coffers. The government has used money in event management and publicity, he alleged, noting that it allocated merely Rs 2,000 crore for the Ayushmaan Bharat scheme, a health insurance scheme for the poor. Since coming to power, the government has increase central excise duty on petrol by 211 per cent and on Diesel by 443 per cent, the Congress leader said. When the Congress demitted power the excise duty on petrol was merely Rs 9.23 a litre and has been raised by the Modi government to Rs 19.48 a litre. The excise duty on diesel has been raised from Rs 3.46 a litre to Rs 15.33 a litre, he said. Even the Value Added Tax (VAT) levied by state governments is among the highest where the BJP is in power, he said.

Congress dubs fuel price cut electoral lollipop, demands oil products under GST

Aadhaar is not mandatory to avail benefits for the first time under the recently-launched Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) but will be compulsory for those seeking treatment under the scheme for the second time, according to a top official.

In case the Aadhaar number is not available, beneficiaries have to at least provide documents to prove that they have enrolled for the 12-digit unique identity number, said Indu Bhushan, CEO of the National Health Agency, responsible for implementing the PMJAY.

The move comes in the wake of a Supreme Court order declaring the&nbsp;Aadhaar scheme as constitutionally valid.

"We are studying the Supreme Court order. Aadhaar number or at least documents to prove that one has enrolled for the 12-digit unique identity number will be mandatory to seek treatment under the scheme for the second time.&nbsp;

"To avail benefits for the first time, one can either show an Aadhaar or any other identity document like election card etc," Bhushan said.

The Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM), which was renamed as AB-PMJAY, was launched pan-India by the Prime Minister from Jharkhand on September 23.&nbsp;

Since its rollout over 47,000 people have already availed the benefits of the scheme, which has been touted as the world's largest health insurance programme while over 92,000 have been given Gold cards, Deputy CEO of NHA, Dinesh Arora said.

Under the scheme, the government aims at providing a coverage of&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;5 lakh per family annually, benefiting more than 10.74 crore poor families for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation through a network of Empanelled Health Care Providers (EHCP).&nbsp;

The PMJAY will provide cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of service.&nbsp;

The scheme will target poor, deprived rural families and has identified occupational category of urban workers' families, 8.03 crore in rural and 2.33 crore in urban areas, as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data.

It will cover around 50 crore people and there is no cap on family size and age in the scheme ensuring that nobody is left out.

Arora further said that 98 per cent of beneficiaries have already been identified.

Over 14,000 hospitals both public and private, have been empanelled for the scheme, and as many as 32 states and union territories have signed MoUs with the Centre and will implement the programme.

Telangana, Odisha, Delhi and Kerala are not among states which have opted for the scheme.

Aadhaar is not mandatory to avail benefits for the first time under the recently-launched Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) but will be compulsory for those seeking treatment under the scheme for the second time, according to a top official.

Aadhaar is not mandatory to avail benefits for the first time under the recently-launched Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) but will be compulsory for those seeking treatment under the scheme for the second time, according to a top official. In case the Aadhaar number is not available, beneficiaries have to at least provide documents to prove that they have enrolled for the 12-digit unique identity number, said Indu Bhushan, CEO of the National Health Agency, responsible for implementing the PMJAY. The move comes in the wake of a Supreme Court order declaring the Aadhaar scheme as constitutionally valid. "We are studying the Supreme Court order. Aadhaar number or at least documents to prove that one has enrolled for the 12-digit unique identity number will be mandatory to seek treatment under the scheme for the second time. "To avail benefits for the first time, one can either show an Aadhaar or any other identity document like election card etc," Bhushan said. The Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM), which was renamed as AB-PMJAY, was launched pan-India by the Prime Minister from Jharkhand on September 23. Since its rollout over 47,000 people have already availed the benefits of the scheme, which has been touted as the world's largest health insurance programme while over 92,000 have been given Gold cards, Deputy CEO of NHA, Dinesh Arora said. Under the scheme, the government aims at providing a coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family annually, benefiting more than 10.74 crore poor families for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation through a network of Empanelled Health Care Providers (EHCP). The PMJAY will provide cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of service. The scheme will target poor, deprived rural families and has identified occupational category of urban workers' families, 8.03 crore in rural and 2.33 crore in urban areas, as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. It will cover around 50 crore people and there is no cap on family size and age in the scheme ensuring that nobody is left out. Arora further said that 98 per cent of beneficiaries have already been identified. Over 14,000 hospitals both public and private, have been empanelled for the scheme, and as many as 32 states and union territories have signed MoUs with the Centre and will implement the programme. Telangana, Odisha, Delhi and Kerala are not among states which have opted for the scheme.

Aadhaar mandatory for second time treatment under Ayushman Bharat

At least 26 people have tested positive for dengue in five districts of Jammu region this year, a health official said Sunday.

The maximum 11 cases were reported from Kathua district followed by seven in Samba, six in Jammu and one each in Kishtwar and Udhampur districts, the official said.

He said the people who tested positive for the vector-borne disease included 10 women and five boys.

A total of 460 samples were taken for screening since January, the official said, adding, 442 test reports were received by Saturday evening, of which 416 were found negative.

Eighteen test reports were awaited.

He said a majority of the cases tested positive for dengue last month.

The first dengue case was reported in January, one in July and two in August, while two cases were found positive this month, he said. Twenty cases were reported last month.

Among those tested positive, the official said three residents of Jammu were outside the state.

The official said there was no need to panic as all necessary measures have been taken to keep the situation under control.

The dengue cases usually go up after the monsoon season as the main trigger for the disease is stagnant water, he said, and advised people not to allow water to stagnate around residential structures.&nbsp;

At least 26 people have tested positive for dengue in five districts of Jammu region this year, a health official said Sunday. The maximum 11 cases were reported from Kathua district followed by seven in Samba, six in Jammu and one each in Kishtwar and Udhampur districts, the official said.

At least 26 people have tested positive for dengue in five districts of Jammu region this year, a health official said Sunday. The maximum 11 cases were reported from Kathua district followed by seven in Samba, six in Jammu and one each in Kishtwar and Udhampur districts, the official said. He said the people who tested positive for the vector-borne disease included 10 women and five boys. A total of 460 samples were taken for screening since January, the official said, adding, 442 test reports were received by Saturday evening, of which 416 were found negative. Eighteen test reports were awaited. He said a majority of the cases tested positive for dengue last month. The first dengue case was reported in January, one in July and two in August, while two cases were found positive this month, he said. Twenty cases were reported last month. Among those tested positive, the official said three residents of Jammu were outside the state. The official said there was no need to panic as all necessary measures have been taken to keep the situation under control. The dengue cases usually go up after the monsoon season as the main trigger for the disease is stagnant water, he said, and advised people not to allow water to stagnate around residential structures.

26 test positive for dengue in Jammu region

A government toll-free number for reporting child sexual assault cases has been deactivated temporarily after it appeared in pornographic content search, and calls seeking sexual services were received, a senior official working in the department said.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) officer said an alternative number has been launched, even as the commission tries to put the deactivated number back into operation.

The helpline number operated under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act has been de-funct since September.&nbsp;"It started receiving lewd calls every day following which we suspended it temporarily," the officer said.

He said that based on conversations with the callers, it was found that they dialled the helpline after finding the number when they searched for pornographic content online.

"The helpline number appeared in their searches as it got tagged along with words like 'sex'. They saw 'sex' and the number and thought they could use it for getting sexual services," the officer said.

An alternative number has been made available in addition to the Childline number of 1098 to report such cases, he said.

NCPCR member Yashwant Jain said a police complaint has been lodged and the apex child rights body has been in touch with state-owned telecom service provider MTNL to find a solution.

"The problem is that the number has been widely advertised and replacing it with another will create confusion. That is the reason we are trying to bring the same number back into operation and not discard it," Mr Jain said.

The helpline was started in 2016 as part of the "e-box" initiative of the Women and Child Development Ministry to enable filing of complaints of sexual offences against children. The e-box is hosted on the NCPCR's website and allows people to file a complaint online or call a toll-free number.

However, in the last two years, the portal has received just 104 complaints out of which 54 have been addressed, he said.

The reason behind the poor response to the number is reluctance of people to report cases of sexual abuse and even if the child wants to report the parents have reservations, the official said. "This is evident from the number of hits that the page has got (till August 26). It was recorded at 2,836," Mr Jain added.&nbsp;

A government toll-free number for reporting child sexual assault cases has been deactivated temporarily after it appeared in pornographic content search, and calls seeking sexual services were received, a senior official working in the department said.

A government toll-free number for reporting child sexual assault cases has been deactivated temporarily after it appeared in pornographic content search, and calls seeking sexual services were received, a senior official working in the department said. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) officer said an alternative number has been launched, even as the commission tries to put the deactivated number back into operation. The helpline number operated under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act has been de-funct since September. "It started receiving lewd calls every day following which we suspended it temporarily," the officer said. He said that based on conversations with the callers, it was found that they dialled the helpline after finding the number when they searched for pornographic content online. "The helpline number appeared in their searches as it got tagged along with words like 'sex'. They saw 'sex' and the number and thought they could use it for getting sexual services," the officer said. An alternative number has been made available in addition to the Childline number of 1098 to report such cases, he said. NCPCR member Yashwant Jain said a police complaint has been lodged and the apex child rights body has been in touch with state-owned telecom service provider MTNL to find a solution. "The problem is that the number has been widely advertised and replacing it with another will create confusion. That is the reason we are trying to bring the same number back into operation and not discard it," Mr Jain said. The helpline was started in 2016 as part of the "e-box" initiative of the Women and Child Development Ministry to enable filing of complaints of sexual offences against children. The e-box is hosted on the NCPCR's website and allows people to file a complaint online or call a toll-free number. However, in the last two years, the portal has received just 104 complaints out of which 54 have been addressed, he said. The reason behind the poor response to the number is reluctance of people to report cases of sexual abuse and even if the child wants to report the parents have reservations, the official said. "This is evident from the number of hits that the page has got (till August 26). It was recorded at 2,836," Mr Jain added.

Child helpline appears in pornographic content search results: Officials

Home Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/something-big-has-happened-rajnath-singh-hints-action-against-pakistan-168376">Rajnath Singh</a> Sunday said the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be wiped out from the country in about three years. Addressing troops of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on the occasion of their 26th-anniversary celebrations here, Singh said their action should be rapid and quick but never “reckless.”&nbsp;

Singh, speaking at the CRPF camp here, said districts affected by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/soon-drone-cameras-will-monitor-odishas-naxal-affected-areas-167344">Naxal violence </a>in the country have come down to about 10-12 as compared to 126 some time back.&nbsp;

The day is not far, maybe in a time period of 1-2 or 3 years, that the LWE will be eliminated from the country and this would happen due to your (CRPF) determination, courage and hard work and that of the state police forces, he said.

“I congratulate you on the kind of work you have done in the LWE theatre of the country,” Singh said. The minister said the force has killed 131 Maoists and militants this year while it has apprehended 1,278 of them and has affected 58 surrenders during the same time. The home minister also asserted that Jammu and Kashmir, where the CRPF is deployed as the lead counter-militancy force, has been and will be an “inseparable” part of India. Some youth there (J-K) have been misled into militancy, but this force has ensured security commendably, he said.

Talking about the specific role of the RAF, a special unit under the CRPF, during riots and protests, the home minister advised them to be prompt and rapid but never “reckless.” All the police forces are like civilised units and they should never do anything that will label them as “brutal.” One should know how to behave during crowd control and similar duties and should always know how much and when to use force, he said.&nbsp;

Singh’s comments can be seen in the context of a recent incident in Uttar Pradesh’s capital where a police jawan allegedly killed an unarmed MNC executive. An RAF battalion has a strength of just over 1,000 personnel and it is equipped with gadgets and non-lethal weapons like pump action guns, tear smoke grenade launchers and others to enforce security and law and order in case of protests or riot-like situations.

The force is part of the Central Reserve Police Force, the country’s largest paramilitary force or the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) with over 3 lakh personnel. It was raised and made fully operational in October 1992. It has ten battalions (of about 10,000) based in various parts of the country in order to cut down response time to counter an incident of trouble. The ten existing RAF battalions are based in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Aligarh, Coimbatore, Jamshedpur, Bhopal and Meerut. Five of its new bases are in Jaipur, Varanasi, Mangalore, Hajipur(Bihar) and Nuh (Haryana).

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be wiped out from the country in about three years. Addressing troops of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on the occasion of their 26th-anniversary celebrations here, Singh said their action should be rapid and quick but never “reckless.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be wiped out from the country in about three years. Addressing troops of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on the occasion of their 26th-anniversary celebrations here, Singh said their action should be rapid and quick but never “reckless.” Singh, speaking at the CRPF camp here, said districts affected by Naxal violence in the country have come down to about 10-12 as compared to 126 some time back. The day is not far, maybe in a time period of 1-2 or 3 years, that the LWE will be eliminated from the country and this would happen due to your (CRPF) determination, courage and hard work and that of the state police forces, he said. “I congratulate you on the kind of work you have done in the LWE theatre of the country,” Singh said. The minister said the force has killed 131 Maoists and militants this year while it has apprehended 1,278 of them and has affected 58 surrenders during the same time. The home minister also asserted that Jammu and Kashmir, where the CRPF is deployed as the lead counter-militancy force, has been and will be an “inseparable” part of India. Some youth there (J-K) have been misled into militancy, but this force has ensured security commendably, he said. Talking about the specific role of the RAF, a special unit under the CRPF, during riots and protests, the home minister advised them to be prompt and rapid but never “reckless.” All the police forces are like civilised units and they should never do anything that will label them as “brutal.” One should know how to behave during crowd control and similar duties and should always know how much and when to use force, he said. Singh’s comments can be seen in the context of a recent incident in Uttar Pradesh’s capital where a police jawan allegedly killed an unarmed MNC executive. An RAF battalion has a strength of just over 1,000 personnel and it is equipped with gadgets and non-lethal weapons like pump action guns, tear smoke grenade launchers and others to enforce security and law and order in case of protests or riot-like situations. The force is part of the Central Reserve Police Force, the country’s largest paramilitary force or the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) with over 3 lakh personnel. It was raised and made fully operational in October 1992. It has ten battalions (of about 10,000) based in various parts of the country in order to cut down response time to counter an incident of trouble. The ten existing RAF battalions are based in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Aligarh, Coimbatore, Jamshedpur, Bhopal and Meerut. Five of its new bases are in Jaipur, Varanasi, Mangalore, Hajipur(Bihar) and Nuh (Haryana).

Naxalism will be eliminated from India in 3 years: Home Minister Rajnath Singh

The air-superiority fighter jet MiG-29 has gained in strength and ferocity after the latest upgrade, giving the Air Force that has been battling a shortage of warplanes a much-needed boost, officials have said.

The Russian origin aircraft is now capable of mid-air refuelling, compatible with the latest missiles and can launch multi-dimensional attacks, said Flight Lieutenant Karan Kohli, who is deployed at Adampur Air Force Station.

Even in the previous legacy version, the aircraft played an important role as the Air Force stamped its supremacy over the Pakistani Air Force during the Kargil War in 1999.

Last week, the upgraded MiG-29 showcased its combat capabilities at Admapur Air Force Station. The country will celebrate the Air Force Day on Monday.

"With the upgrade, as compared to previous legacy version of the MiG-29 bought under emergency clause in early 1980s, the fighter jets are capable of giving a befitting response," said an official, asking not to be named, on how the warplane would perform in the event of a two-front war.

Flight Lieutenant Kohli said the upgraded MiG-29 also has multi-functional display or MFD, which shows critical flight details on a glass screen in front of the pilot.

On September 12, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said the force was reeling under a severe shortage of fighter aircraft. The IAF chief had said it currently has 31 squadrons of fighter jets against the sanctioned strength of 42.

"Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries," he had said.

The strategically important Adampur Air Force Station, 100 km from Pakistan and 250 km from the border with China, is now home to the upgraded MiG-29s.

The Air Force has three squadrons of MiG-29s, two of them at Adampur Air Force Station. One squadron comprises 16-18 aircraft.

Flight Lieutenant Kohli said the MiG-29 is a flexible aircraft and can take off almost vertically in full power. The upgraded MiG-29 can take off within five minutes of spotting a hostile jet trying to enter the Indian airspace and destroy it, he said.

"With air-to-air refuelling feature, the upgraded MiG-29 can cover larger distance as compared to the previous legacy aircraft and destroy the enemy," said another IAF officer, who did not wish to be named.

"With the upgraded version, the range of the aircraft has improved a lot. Moreover, in the legacy aircraft, we were restricted to the certain dimension, but we can now do air-to-air, air-to-ground and anti-shipping operation," said a pilot who flies the MiG aircraft.

The air-superiority fighter jet MiG-29 has gained in strength and ferocity after the latest upgrade, giving the Air Force that has been battling a shortage of warplanes a much-needed boost, officials have said.

The air-superiority fighter jet MiG-29 has gained in strength and ferocity after the latest upgrade, giving the Air Force that has been battling a shortage of warplanes a much-needed boost, officials have said. The Russian origin aircraft is now capable of mid-air refuelling, compatible with the latest missiles and can launch multi-dimensional attacks, said Flight Lieutenant Karan Kohli, who is deployed at Adampur Air Force Station. Even in the previous legacy version, the aircraft played an important role as the Air Force stamped its supremacy over the Pakistani Air Force during the Kargil War in 1999. Last week, the upgraded MiG-29 showcased its combat capabilities at Admapur Air Force Station. The country will celebrate the Air Force Day on Monday. "With the upgrade, as compared to previous legacy version of the MiG-29 bought under emergency clause in early 1980s, the fighter jets are capable of giving a befitting response," said an official, asking not to be named, on how the warplane would perform in the event of a two-front war. Flight Lieutenant Kohli said the upgraded MiG-29 also has multi-functional display or MFD, which shows critical flight details on a glass screen in front of the pilot. On September 12, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said the force was reeling under a severe shortage of fighter aircraft. The IAF chief had said it currently has 31 squadrons of fighter jets against the sanctioned strength of 42. "Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries," he had said. The strategically important Adampur Air Force Station, 100 km from Pakistan and 250 km from the border with China, is now home to the upgraded MiG-29s. The Air Force has three squadrons of MiG-29s, two of them at Adampur Air Force Station. One squadron comprises 16-18 aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Kohli said the MiG-29 is a flexible aircraft and can take off almost vertically in full power. The upgraded MiG-29 can take off within five minutes of spotting a hostile jet trying to enter the Indian airspace and destroy it, he said. "With air-to-air refuelling feature, the upgraded MiG-29 can cover larger distance as compared to the previous legacy aircraft and destroy the enemy," said another IAF officer, who did not wish to be named. "With the upgraded version, the range of the aircraft has improved a lot. Moreover, in the legacy aircraft, we were restricted to the certain dimension, but we can now do air-to-air, air-to-ground and anti-shipping operation," said a pilot who flies the MiG aircraft.

After upgrade, decades-old MiG-29s ready to strike in modern warfare

Women prisoners and inmates of open jails across Maharashtra can now make video calls to their families and relatives, said a senior official of the prison department of the state government.

This could be the first-of-its-kind initiative for prisoners in the country, claimed the official.

Under the initiative, the prison department has started a smart video calling facility for inmates lodged in women's jails and open prisons, the official said.

A prisoner can talk to his/her family members for five minutes and is charged&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;5 for availing the service, he said.

"It was initiated on a pilot basis at the Central Prison at Yerawada in Pune and now it has been started in women's jails and open prisons across the state," he said.

Through the video calling facility, prisoners can speak to their relatives or family members for five minutes on a given day on mobile phone numbers registered with the department, he said.

Smartphones being used for the video facility, which brings inmates and their family members face to face, have been purchased by dipping into the Prisoners Welfare Fund, the official said.

The whole conversation is monitored by a police constable to ensure the video chat centres only around family issues and well-being of each other, he said.

Earlier, the department had installed coin box phones inside jails to enable inmates to speak to their family members. These phones were installed on court orders and prisoners could use them for five minutes, he said.

Around 28,000 prisoners, including convicts and undertrials, are lodged in 54 jails across the state. Among them, 13 are open prisons and two are women's jails, he said.

Besides, the department has set up high-tech rooms in all the prisons with thick glass partitions separating inmates and visitors, the official said.

In these rooms, inmates and their family members can see each other and converse through a mike, he said.

Maharashtra has taken a lead in using video conferencing facility to produce undertrail prisoners in courts for hearings, the official said.

Last year, 1.11 lakh undertrials were produced before various courts through video conferencing, he said, adding, "This year, we are expecting this number to top 1.5 lakh."

In another initiative called 'Galabhet' (embrace your child), children aged below 16 years are allowed to meet their parents lodged in jails, the official said.

"We have also started tele-medicine initiative for prisoners, under which they can get medical advice over the telephone from doctors," he said.

The Maharashtra prison department, headquartered in Pune, oversees nine central jails, 31 district jails, 13 open jails and 172 sub-jails. There are two separate prisons for women at Pune and Mumbai, according to the department's website.

Two open prisons for women are located in Pune and Akola, it said.

Open jails give the prisoners freedom of movement. They are also allowed to work on farms or factories while serving their sentence.&nbsp;

Women prisoners and inmates of open jails across Maharashtra can now make video calls to their families and relatives, said a senior official of the prison department of the state government.

Women prisoners and inmates of open jails across Maharashtra can now make video calls to their families and relatives, said a senior official of the prison department of the state government. This could be the first-of-its-kind initiative for prisoners in the country, claimed the official. Under the initiative, the prison department has started a smart video calling facility for inmates lodged in women's jails and open prisons, the official said. A prisoner can talk to his/her family members for five minutes and is charged Rs. 5 for availing the service, he said. "It was initiated on a pilot basis at the Central Prison at Yerawada in Pune and now it has been started in women's jails and open prisons across the state," he said. Through the video calling facility, prisoners can speak to their relatives or family members for five minutes on a given day on mobile phone numbers registered with the department, he said. Smartphones being used for the video facility, which brings inmates and their family members face to face, have been purchased by dipping into the Prisoners Welfare Fund, the official said. The whole conversation is monitored by a police constable to ensure the video chat centres only around family issues and well-being of each other, he said. Earlier, the department had installed coin box phones inside jails to enable inmates to speak to their family members. These phones were installed on court orders and prisoners could use them for five minutes, he said. Around 28,000 prisoners, including convicts and undertrials, are lodged in 54 jails across the state. Among them, 13 are open prisons and two are women's jails, he said. Besides, the department has set up high-tech rooms in all the prisons with thick glass partitions separating inmates and visitors, the official said. In these rooms, inmates and their family members can see each other and converse through a mike, he said. Maharashtra has taken a lead in using video conferencing facility to produce undertrail prisoners in courts for hearings, the official said. Last year, 1.11 lakh undertrials were produced before various courts through video conferencing, he said, adding, "This year, we are expecting this number to top 1.5 lakh." In another initiative called 'Galabhet' (embrace your child), children aged below 16 years are allowed to meet their parents lodged in jails, the official said. "We have also started tele-medicine initiative for prisoners, under which they can get medical advice over the telephone from doctors," he said. The Maharashtra prison department, headquartered in Pune, oversees nine central jails, 31 district jails, 13 open jails and 172 sub-jails. There are two separate prisons for women at Pune and Mumbai, according to the department's website. Two open prisons for women are located in Pune and Akola, it said. Open jails give the prisoners freedom of movement. They are also allowed to work on farms or factories while serving their sentence.

Women prisoners in Maharashtra can now make video calls to families

The Congress is likely to unseat the BJP from power in Rajasthan, two opinion polls have predicted in what could be a continuation of the state's tradition of over two decades of voting out the ruling party.

Surveys carried out by ABP News-CVoter and C fore have given the Congress almost 50 per cent of the vote share and 142 and 124-138 seats respectively in the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly, with its state president Sachin Pilot leading Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje as the most preferred candidate for the top post.

While the C fore survey is restricted to Rajasthan, the ABP News-CVoter opinion poll has also predicted the outcome of the Assembly elections in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, giving an edge to the Congress in both the states.

The BJP is in power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for 15 years.

The pre-poll survey has, however, added that a minor swing in both the states can turn the tide in the favour of either of the two main parties due to a very small difference between their projected vote shares.

It has predicted 122 seats for the Congress in the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly and 47 seats for the opposition party in the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly. The BJP has been projected to bag 108 and 40 seats in these two states respectively.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had on Saturday expressed confidence that it would register a "record victory" in the upcoming state Assembly elections and retain power in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

Senior BJP leader and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said the saffron party would secure a record victory on the basis of its hard work and development measures, besides the performance of its governments in the three states.

In Rajasthan, Pilot leads Raje as the popular choice for the chief minister's post with 36 per cent voters preferring him, while the latter is the first choice for

27 per cent, according to the ABP News-CVoter poll, which says former chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot enjoys the backing of 24 per cent voters.

The C fore poll says Pilot, Gehlot and Raje are the first choice of 32, 27 and 23 per cent voters respectively.

However, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Raman Singh are the first choice of the voters for the hot seat, despite anti-incumbency sentiments against their governments, the ABP News-CVoter poll says.

The Congress and the BJP have been predicted to bag 42.2 and 41.5 per cent votes in Madhya Pradesh and 38.9 and 38.2 per cent votes in Chhattisgarh respectively.

There is, however, a huge gap in the projected vote share of the Congress and the BJP in Rajasthan, with the opposition party being backed by 49.9 per cent voters against the 34.3 per cent share for the ruling dispensation.

The vote share predicted by C fore is 50 and 43 per cent for the Congress and the BJP respectively in Rajasthan.

The BJP had secured power in all the three states in 2013 by winning 165, 142 and 49 seats in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh respectively as against the 58, 21 and 39 seats of the Congress.

The C fore survey interviewed 5,788 voters in Rajasthan, while the ABP News-CVoter opinion polls had a sample size of 26,196 voters in the three states.

The Election Commission (EC) Saturday announced that the Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7.

While Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, the elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram will be held on November 28.

Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7. Counting of votes will be taken up in all the five states on December 11.&nbsp;

The Congress is likely to unseat the BJP from power in Rajasthan, two opinion polls have predicted in what could be a continuation of the state's tradition of over two decades of voting out the ruling party.

The Congress is likely to unseat the BJP from power in Rajasthan, two opinion polls have predicted in what could be a continuation of the state's tradition of over two decades of voting out the ruling party. Surveys carried out by ABP News-CVoter and C fore have given the Congress almost 50 per cent of the vote share and 142 and 124-138 seats respectively in the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly, with its state president Sachin Pilot leading Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje as the most preferred candidate for the top post. While the C fore survey is restricted to Rajasthan, the ABP News-CVoter opinion poll has also predicted the outcome of the Assembly elections in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, giving an edge to the Congress in both the states. The BJP is in power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for 15 years. The pre-poll survey has, however, added that a minor swing in both the states can turn the tide in the favour of either of the two main parties due to a very small difference between their projected vote shares. It has predicted 122 seats for the Congress in the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly and 47 seats for the opposition party in the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly. The BJP has been projected to bag 108 and 40 seats in these two states respectively. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had on Saturday expressed confidence that it would register a "record victory" in the upcoming state Assembly elections and retain power in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Senior BJP leader and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said the saffron party would secure a record victory on the basis of its hard work and development measures, besides the performance of its governments in the three states. In Rajasthan, Pilot leads Raje as the popular choice for the chief minister's post with 36 per cent voters preferring him, while the latter is the first choice for 27 per cent, according to the ABP News-CVoter poll, which says former chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot enjoys the backing of 24 per cent voters. The C fore poll says Pilot, Gehlot and Raje are the first choice of 32, 27 and 23 per cent voters respectively. However, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Raman Singh are the first choice of the voters for the hot seat, despite anti-incumbency sentiments against their governments, the ABP News-CVoter poll says. The Congress and the BJP have been predicted to bag 42.2 and 41.5 per cent votes in Madhya Pradesh and 38.9 and 38.2 per cent votes in Chhattisgarh respectively. There is, however, a huge gap in the projected vote share of the Congress and the BJP in Rajasthan, with the opposition party being backed by 49.9 per cent voters against the 34.3 per cent share for the ruling dispensation. The vote share predicted by C fore is 50 and 43 per cent for the Congress and the BJP respectively in Rajasthan. The BJP had secured power in all the three states in 2013 by winning 165, 142 and 49 seats in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh respectively as against the 58, 21 and 39 seats of the Congress. The C fore survey interviewed 5,788 voters in Rajasthan, while the ABP News-CVoter opinion polls had a sample size of 26,196 voters in the three states. The Election Commission (EC) Saturday announced that the Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7. While Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, the elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram will be held on November 28. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7. Counting of votes will be taken up in all the five states on December 11.

Opinion polls predict victory for Congress in Rajasthan Assembly polls 

One laborer was killed and several were injured when an under-construction building collapsed in Noida's sector 39 on Sunday.&nbsp;

The incident occurred at the BPTP 'Capital City' in the morning when a tractor-trolley carrying sand reportedly hit the shuttering (temporary fixtures) bringing down six laborers who were working a few floors above the ground, they said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
1 labourer dead, 5 injured after an accident at an under construction site in Noida's Sector 39 <a href="https://t.co/GFv0yfxclq">pic.twitter.com/GFv0yfxclq</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1048850807532257280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Soon after receiving the information about the incident, police force and rescue teams were rushed to the spot.

Those injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital.

"One man, who was driving the tractor, died after the fixtures came crashing down on him, while six others suffered injuries and are hospitalised," PTI quoted Amit Kumar Singh, SHO of the Sector 39 police station as saying.

"The labourers were wearing the helmets but were working without a safety harness," the SHO said, adding that no formal complaint was lodged with the police till the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Greater Noida authority last month began cracking down against the unauthorised structures in Shahberi where a twin building collapse in July had killed nine people.&nbsp;

The Greater Noida authority, in July, had sealed around 30 buildings, which were illegal and unsafe as the building owners flouted building by-laws while constructing them.

One laborer was killed and several were injured when an under-construction building collapsed in Noida's sector 39 on Sunday. The incident occurred at the BPTP 'Capital City' in the morning when a tractor-trolley carrying sand reportedly hit the shuttering (temporary fixtures) bringing down six laborers who were working a few floors above the ground, they said.

One laborer was killed and several were injured when an under-construction building collapsed in Noida's sector 39 on Sunday. The incident occurred at the BPTP 'Capital City' in the morning when a tractor-trolley carrying sand reportedly hit the shuttering (temporary fixtures) bringing down six laborers who were working a few floors above the ground, they said. 1 labourer dead, 5 injured after an accident at an under construction site in Noida's Sector 39 pic.twitter.com/GFv0yfxclq — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 7, 2018 × Soon after receiving the information about the incident, police force and rescue teams were rushed to the spot. Those injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital. "One man, who was driving the tractor, died after the fixtures came crashing down on him, while six others suffered injuries and are hospitalised," PTI quoted Amit Kumar Singh, SHO of the Sector 39 police station as saying. "The labourers were wearing the helmets but were working without a safety harness," the SHO said, adding that no formal complaint was lodged with the police till the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Greater Noida authority last month began cracking down against the unauthorised structures in Shahberi where a twin building collapse in July had killed nine people. The Greater Noida authority, in July, had sealed around 30 buildings, which were illegal and unsafe as the building owners flouted building by-laws while constructing them.

1 dead, several injured after under-construction building collapses in Noida 

The author Chetan Bhagat has apologised publicly — he did so on Facebook — after being outed yesterday by an unnamed woman for having harassed her.&nbsp;

The woman had on Saturday shared screenshots of a WhatsApp conversation with Bhagat.&nbsp;

In the WhatsApp conversation, Bhagat tell the woman that she is "sweet and cute and funny" and he has "decided to woo" her.&nbsp;

Bhagat adds that "after a long time someone engaged me and could keep up with my pace of thought".&nbsp;

The woman constantly tells Bhagat that she hopes he is "kidding", and reminds him that he is married.&nbsp;

It is unclear whether the woman was working for or with Bhagat in any capacity — which was the case in most of the other cases of harassment that came to light on Saturday — or whether they were just acquaintances.&nbsp;

Bhagat responded on Facebook on Saturday itself, saying that he had taken some time to do so because he had seen the WhatsApp messages late and had been talking to his wife Anusha after having had seen them.&nbsp;

"I am telling you all whatever I told her, which to my recollection is the truth," Bhagat wrote.&nbsp;

"But first of all, I am really sorry to person concerned. The screenshots, are of course real, and I am sorry if you felt they were wrong I hope you will accept my apology."&nbsp;

He added that "these screenshots are several years old, and I had met the person in question a couple of times. We hit it off really well as a friendship, and as I say in the screenshots, I did feel a strong connection with her. I did find her a good human being, sweet, cute and funny (as I also say in the screenshots).

As I also say in the screenshots, I realized I was married and this was not about looking for any action. I just had not felt that kind of connection in a while. Maybe I was going through a phase, maybe these things just happen, or maybe I felt the person felt the same too based on our conversations (which I don’t need to repeat here)."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="301" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchetanbhagat.fanpage%2Fposts%2F10156765769531602&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Bhagat then went on to say that "I guess I erred a bit there. Maybe I misread the friendliness."&nbsp;

"However, it was stupid of me, to feel that way and to even share that with her. I just told Anusha about it as well, and apologized to her for doing the same. I should have had better judgement, but I guess I erred a bit there. Maybe I misread the friendliness."

He finally added that "for everyone’s information, am running this response past Anusha first, to ensure she is okay with it."&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The author Chetan Bhagat has apologised publicly — he did so on Facebook — after being outed yesterday by an unnamed woman for having harassed her. The woman had on Saturday shared screenshots of a WhatsApp conversation with Bhagat.

The author Chetan Bhagat has apologised publicly — he did so on Facebook — after being outed yesterday by an unnamed woman for having harassed her. The woman had on Saturday shared screenshots of a WhatsApp conversation with Bhagat. In the WhatsApp conversation, Bhagat tell the woman that she is "sweet and cute and funny" and he has "decided to woo" her. Bhagat adds that "after a long time someone engaged me and could keep up with my pace of thought". The woman constantly tells Bhagat that she hopes he is "kidding", and reminds him that he is married. It is unclear whether the woman was working for or with Bhagat in any capacity — which was the case in most of the other cases of harassment that came to light on Saturday — or whether they were just acquaintances. Bhagat responded on Facebook on Saturday itself, saying that he had taken some time to do so because he had seen the WhatsApp messages late and had been talking to his wife Anusha after having had seen them. "I am telling you all whatever I told her, which to my recollection is the truth," Bhagat wrote. "But first of all, I am really sorry to person concerned. The screenshots, are of course real, and I am sorry if you felt they were wrong I hope you will accept my apology." He added that "these screenshots are several years old, and I had met the person in question a couple of times. We hit it off really well as a friendship, and as I say in the screenshots, I did feel a strong connection with her. I did find her a good human being, sweet, cute and funny (as I also say in the screenshots). As I also say in the screenshots, I realized I was married and this was not about looking for any action. I just had not felt that kind of connection in a while. Maybe I was going through a phase, maybe these things just happen, or maybe I felt the person felt the same too based on our conversations (which I don’t need to repeat here)." × Bhagat then went on to say that "I guess I erred a bit there. Maybe I misread the friendliness." "However, it was stupid of me, to feel that way and to even share that with her. I just told Anusha about it as well, and apologized to her for doing the same. I should have had better judgement, but I guess I erred a bit there. Maybe I misread the friendliness." He finally added that "for everyone’s information, am running this response past Anusha first, to ensure she is okay with it."

I guess I erred: Chetan Bhagat apologises after being outed for harassing woman

Facebook setting up task force for 2019 Lok Sabha polls

Protest in Bengaluru over SC verdict on Sabrimala

Prithvi-II night test successful

Global Race Commander Abhilash Tommy back in India

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news