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The CBI has told the Supreme Court that the skeleton they found in Muzaffarpur's Sikandarpur area is of a 15-year-old girl.&nbsp;

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Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case: CBI tells Supreme Court that a skeleton of a 15-year-old girl was unearthed at a cremation ground while conducting the investigation.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047755198041604097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The CBI had begun digging on Wednesday afternoon. The skeleton was found at a cremation ground.&nbsp;

The Muzaffarpur shelter home case was uncovered earlier this year by the Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences.&nbsp;

The girls in the government-funded shelter home had allegedly they had been sexually abused. Medical tests had confirmed the abuse.&nbsp;

The girls had also alleged that an inmate had been killed and her body buried on the compound.&nbsp;

The authorities had dug up the compound at the time but no body was found.&nbsp;

As many as 11 employees of the home and the man who ran the home, Brajesh Thakur, have been arrested. The CBI is investigating the case.&nbsp;

The CBI has told the Supreme Court that the skeleton they found in Muzaffarpur's Sikandarpur area is of a 15-year-old girl. Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case: CBI tells Supreme Court that a skeleton of a 15-year-old girl was unearthed at a cremation ground while conducting the investigation.

The CBI has told the Supreme Court that the skeleton they found in Muzaffarpur's Sikandarpur area is of a 15-year-old girl. Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case: CBI tells Supreme Court that a skeleton of a 15-year-old girl was unearthed at a cremation ground while conducting the investigation. — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × The CBI had begun digging on Wednesday afternoon. The skeleton was found at a cremation ground. The Muzaffarpur shelter home case was uncovered earlier this year by the Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences. The girls in the government-funded shelter home had allegedly they had been sexually abused. Medical tests had confirmed the abuse. The girls had also alleged that an inmate had been killed and her body buried on the compound. The authorities had dug up the compound at the time but no body was found. As many as 11 employees of the home and the man who ran the home, Brajesh Thakur, have been arrested. The CBI is investigating the case.

Muzaffarpur shelter home case: CBI tells SC skeleton found is of 15-yr-old girl

Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Thursday that the rupee was "broken".&nbsp;

The rupee hit a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rupee-continues-slide-against-dollar-hits-new-low-7377-169314">new low of 73.77 against the dollar</a> on Thursday.&nbsp;

The rupee has also been Asia's worst-performing currency this year, losing over 14% in value in 2018.&nbsp;

"#Breaking: Rupee slips to 73.77. It's not breaking - it's Broken," Gandhi tweeted on Thursday.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breaking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Breaking</a>: Rupee slips to 73.77 
 
It's not breaking - it's Broken.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rupee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rupee</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1047728951563575296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There is a certain irony to Gandhi pointing out the rupee's current slide. Before the 2014 general elections, the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi had often pointed out the same thing to the then prime minister Manmohan Singh.&nbsp;

There are a number of reasons for the rupee's current freefall.&nbsp;

The prices of crude have in general been rising — petrol in Mumbai is selling at over Rs 90 a litre; there have also been fears that crude oil prices could sometime soon touch $100 a barrel — &nbsp;and the US has been putting pressure on countries to stop buying oil from Iran.

India gets a chunk of its oil from Iran.&nbsp;

The rupee has also been rattled by the trade war started by Trump with China.&nbsp;

And China's yuan has fallen in recent months, leading to a dollar flight from developing economies, all of which make the dollar dearer, and the rupee less so.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Thursday that the rupee was "broken". The rupee hit a new low of 73.77 against the dollar on Thursday. The rupee has also been Asia's worst-performing currency this year, losing over 14% in value in 2018.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Thursday that the rupee was "broken". The rupee hit a new low of 73.77 against the dollar on Thursday. The rupee has also been Asia's worst-performing currency this year, losing over 14% in value in 2018. "#Breaking: Rupee slips to 73.77. It's not breaking - it's Broken," Gandhi tweeted on Thursday. #Breaking: Rupee slips to 73.77 It's not breaking - it's Broken.#Rupee — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 4, 2018 × There is a certain irony to Gandhi pointing out the rupee's current slide. Before the 2014 general elections, the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi had often pointed out the same thing to the then prime minister Manmohan Singh. There are a number of reasons for the rupee's current freefall. The prices of crude have in general been rising — petrol in Mumbai is selling at over Rs 90 a litre; there have also been fears that crude oil prices could sometime soon touch $100 a barrel — and the US has been putting pressure on countries to stop buying oil from Iran. India gets a chunk of its oil from Iran. The rupee has also been rattled by the trade war started by Trump with China. And China's yuan has fallen in recent months, leading to a dollar flight from developing economies, all of which make the dollar dearer, and the rupee less so.

It's not breaking - it's broken: Rahul Gandhi on rupee's freefall

India Meteorological Department on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala and heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Lakshwadeep and Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands between October 4 and October 8.

Rough to very rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over South and the central Arabian Sea from October 6 to 8, IMD said.&nbsp;

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between October 6 and 8 over the South Kerala coast, Lakshadweep area, Comorin area, Southeast Arabian sea and Central Arabian sea.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, heavy rains lashed Puducherry and its outskirts affecting normal life Thursday morning.

Most educational institutions in Puducherry remained closed in view of the intermittent rains which started Wednesday night, officials said.

Officials said rainfall of 96.4 mm was registered during the last 24 hours ending 8.30 a.M. Thursday.

Waterlogging was reported in some residential areas on the outskirts of the town. Traffic came to a standstill at some important junctions, the officials added.

 
&nbsp;

India Meteorological Department on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala and heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Lakshwadeep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands between October 4 and October 8.

India Meteorological Department on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala and heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Lakshwadeep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands between October 4 and October 8. Rough to very rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over South and the central Arabian Sea from October 6 to 8, IMD said. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between October 6 and 8 over the South Kerala coast, Lakshadweep area, Comorin area, Southeast Arabian sea and Central Arabian sea. Meanwhile, heavy rains lashed Puducherry and its outskirts affecting normal life Thursday morning. Most educational institutions in Puducherry remained closed in view of the intermittent rains which started Wednesday night, officials said. Officials said rainfall of 96.4 mm was registered during the last 24 hours ending 8.30 a.M. Thursday. Waterlogging was reported in some residential areas on the outskirts of the town. Traffic came to a standstill at some important junctions, the officials added.

IMD predicts heavy rains in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala 

The Kerala High Court Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun.

Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan dismissed the bail plea while accepting the prosecution argued that the accused, holding a high position in society will try to influence witnesses in the case if he is granted bail.

Police said the investigation in the case is progressing even after the arrest of the accused.

The court also took note of the submission by the prosecution that the investigation in the case was at a crucial stage and more statements of fellow nuns have to be recorded before the magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC in connection with the case.

The Bishop moved the High Court after a magistrate court in Pala rejected his bail application.

He is currently under judicial remand in a sub-jail in Pala in Kottayam district.

In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploited her on several occasions.

The nun said she had to approach the police as church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman.

However, the bishop has denied the charges.&nbsp;

The Kerala High Court Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun.

The Kerala High Court Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun. Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan dismissed the bail plea while accepting the prosecution argued that the accused, holding a high position in society will try to influence witnesses in the case if he is granted bail. Police said the investigation in the case is progressing even after the arrest of the accused. The court also took note of the submission by the prosecution that the investigation in the case was at a crucial stage and more statements of fellow nuns have to be recorded before the magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC in connection with the case. The Bishop moved the High Court after a magistrate court in Pala rejected his bail application. He is currently under judicial remand in a sub-jail in Pala in Kottayam district. In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploited her on several occasions. The nun said she had to approach the police as church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman. However, the bishop has denied the charges.

Kerala nun rape case: High Court dismisses Bishop Mulakkal's bail plea

Ranjan Gogoi sworn in as Chief Justice of India

Asserting that those involved in violence against the Rohingyas should be held accountable, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said India can help in the crisis by supporting Bangladesh in humanitarian assistance and using its influence with Myanmar to bring about reconciliation.

He also said that to keep a population in such a “discriminatory situation” is “an invitation for terrorist groups” to exploit the situation.

The top UN official said India “is an absolutely essential component” of a future multi-polar world and that the country can also play a role of an “honest broker” in some of the on-going conflicts in the world.

In response to a question on the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), proposed by India in 1996, he said the reason for the delay has been due to non-agreement on the definition of terrorism by countries.

After attacks by the Myanmarese security forces, Rohingyas, an ethnic minority in Myanmar that mostly resides in regions bordering Bangladesh, have fled the country.

According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over seven lakh people have fled Myanmar, and the majority of them reside in Bangladesh. India has over 40,000 refugees scattered across the country.

“I have never seen a community so discriminated in the world as Rohingyas,” Guterres, who arrived here on Monday on his maiden visit to India, said in response to a question on the issue. He was delivering a lecture on ‘Global Challenges, Global Solutions’ here.

He said the Rohingyas don’t have access to health and education and there was a deep-rooted feeling of racism against them within the Myanmarese society.

Guterres recalled his visit to the country as the High Commissioner for Refugees, during which he said the president of Myanmar asked him to resettle Rohingyas in some other countries.

“To make them refugees is not my role. My role is to solve the problem of refugees. This shows how deeply rooted in the negative perception of the Rohingyas. This was intensified by some hate speech by some monks on social media. There are over one million people in Bangladesh. They were people burnt, raped.

“Even if there was a provocation, the reaction of the armed forces was brutal,” he alleged.

Guterres stressed on political reconciliation so that the Rohingyas could go back to their country.

“What can India do? Support Bangladesh in helping these people because there is a huge humanitarian problem. Second, to pressure on Myanmar, the military in Myanmar for reconciliation and create conditions for these people to go back. These people will not go back in present circumstances,” he said.

“There should be accountability to those crimes,” he said on the treatment meted out to Rohingyas added “to keep a population in such a discriminatory situation is an invitation for terrorist groups” to exploit the situation.

In May, during the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Myanmar, India had offered to help in the safe, speedy and sustainable return of Rohingyas. India has also been helping Bangladesh in providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas.

Responding to a question on why the CCIT could not be adopted, Guterres said there is no agreement on the definition of terrorism and there were several complexities involved in it.

“The problem of definition of terrorism is (due to) several complexities. There are a number of things which are complicated to have a common definition of terrorism. 
We have never managed to have it and we have never managed to have a true convention because of the definition,” he said.

Guterres said India has been in the frontline of supporting CCIT and the UN fully supports India in this regard.

To a question on the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights report on alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir, which was rejected by India, he said the reports are not endorsed by the secretary general.

“I don't discuss reports about human rights commissioner. They have independence. The countries can agree or disagree with the reports. Their reports are not endorsed by the secretary general. The reports are done in a strictly independent way.”

He said as a principle, he does not make any comment on reports of both the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and High Commissioner for Refugees.

Responding to another question on communalism and religious fundamentalism, he said he “does not think India is in the worst situation” at all.

“I have always seen India as a country with extreme diversity. Of course, there are forms of extremism as any other parts of the world. I don't think that is the major problem that you face,” he said.

Guterres said poverty and inequality are two major problems faced by the Indian society.

India can also play a role of an “honest broker” in some of the on-going conflicts in the world, he said, adding,”We need people and countries that all sides can respect. India does not have any specific agenda in many of these areas.”

The secretary-general also noted that never in the recent times was multilateralism and rules-based international order under so much of fire, citing the trade wars

He said it is necessary to create factors of equilibrium and no country was better than India because of its dimensions, its technological and innovation capacity and of its geo-strategic location. “India is an absolutely essential component of our future multi-polar world,” he said.

Asserting that those involved in violence against the Rohingyas should be held accountable, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said India can help in the crisis by supporting Bangladesh in humanitarian assistance and using its influence with Myanmar to bring about reconciliation.

Asserting that those involved in violence against the Rohingyas should be held accountable, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said India can help in the crisis by supporting Bangladesh in humanitarian assistance and using its influence with Myanmar to bring about reconciliation. He also said that to keep a population in such a “discriminatory situation” is “an invitation for terrorist groups” to exploit the situation. The top UN official said India “is an absolutely essential component” of a future multi-polar world and that the country can also play a role of an “honest broker” in some of the on-going conflicts in the world. In response to a question on the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), proposed by India in 1996, he said the reason for the delay has been due to non-agreement on the definition of terrorism by countries. After attacks by the Myanmarese security forces, Rohingyas, an ethnic minority in Myanmar that mostly resides in regions bordering Bangladesh, have fled the country. According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over seven lakh people have fled Myanmar, and the majority of them reside in Bangladesh. India has over 40,000 refugees scattered across the country. “I have never seen a community so discriminated in the world as Rohingyas,” Guterres, who arrived here on Monday on his maiden visit to India, said in response to a question on the issue. He was delivering a lecture on ‘Global Challenges, Global Solutions’ here. He said the Rohingyas don’t have access to health and education and there was a deep-rooted feeling of racism against them within the Myanmarese society. Guterres recalled his visit to the country as the High Commissioner for Refugees, during which he said the president of Myanmar asked him to resettle Rohingyas in some other countries. “To make them refugees is not my role. My role is to solve the problem of refugees. This shows how deeply rooted in the negative perception of the Rohingyas. This was intensified by some hate speech by some monks on social media. There are over one million people in Bangladesh. They were people burnt, raped. “Even if there was a provocation, the reaction of the armed forces was brutal,” he alleged. Guterres stressed on political reconciliation so that the Rohingyas could go back to their country. “What can India do? Support Bangladesh in helping these people because there is a huge humanitarian problem. Second, to pressure on Myanmar, the military in Myanmar for reconciliation and create conditions for these people to go back. These people will not go back in present circumstances,” he said. “There should be accountability to those crimes,” he said on the treatment meted out to Rohingyas added “to keep a population in such a discriminatory situation is an invitation for terrorist groups” to exploit the situation. In May, during the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Myanmar, India had offered to help in the safe, speedy and sustainable return of Rohingyas. India has also been helping Bangladesh in providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas. Responding to a question on why the CCIT could not be adopted, Guterres said there is no agreement on the definition of terrorism and there were several complexities involved in it. “The problem of definition of terrorism is (due to) several complexities. There are a number of things which are complicated to have a common definition of terrorism. We have never managed to have it and we have never managed to have a true convention because of the definition,” he said. Guterres said India has been in the frontline of supporting CCIT and the UN fully supports India in this regard. To a question on the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights report on alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir, which was rejected by India, he said the reports are not endorsed by the secretary general. “I don't discuss reports about human rights commissioner. They have independence. The countries can agree or disagree with the reports. Their reports are not endorsed by the secretary general. The reports are done in a strictly independent way.” He said as a principle, he does not make any comment on reports of both the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and High Commissioner for Refugees. Responding to another question on communalism and religious fundamentalism, he said he “does not think India is in the worst situation” at all. “I have always seen India as a country with extreme diversity. Of course, there are forms of extremism as any other parts of the world. I don't think that is the major problem that you face,” he said. Guterres said poverty and inequality are two major problems faced by the Indian society. India can also play a role of an “honest broker” in some of the on-going conflicts in the world, he said, adding,”We need people and countries that all sides can respect. India does not have any specific agenda in many of these areas.” The secretary-general also noted that never in the recent times was multilateralism and rules-based international order under so much of fire, citing the trade wars He said it is necessary to create factors of equilibrium and no country was better than India because of its dimensions, its technological and innovation capacity and of its geo-strategic location. “India is an absolutely essential component of our future multi-polar world,” he said.

India should use its influence with Myanmar for reconciliation on Rohingya issue: UN chief

The Election Commission on Wednesday shot down a proposal of the caretaker Telangana government to distribute sarees during a festival as the model code is in force in the state.

The decision came after state IT Minister K Taraka Rama Rao had recently announced that the state government would distribute 90 lakh sarees of 80 different varieties for the Bathukamma festival.

In a letter to the chief electoral officer of Telangana, the EC said it had "not permitted" distribution of sarees during the Bathukamma -- a floral festival that is the state festival of Telangana.

The Congress had on Friday asked the commission to restrain caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, his ministers and other functionaries of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) from the proposed distribution of sarees as it was violative of the Model Code of Conduct.

Recently, the EC had said that states where assemblies are dissolved prematurely, the model code would come into force immediately.

The Telangana assembly was dissolved last month though its term was to end in June next year.

The Election Commission on Wednesday shot down a proposal of the caretaker Telangana government to distribute sarees during a festival as the model code is in force in the state.

The Election Commission on Wednesday shot down a proposal of the caretaker Telangana government to distribute sarees during a festival as the model code is in force in the state. The decision came after state IT Minister K Taraka Rama Rao had recently announced that the state government would distribute 90 lakh sarees of 80 different varieties for the Bathukamma festival. In a letter to the chief electoral officer of Telangana, the EC said it had "not permitted" distribution of sarees during the Bathukamma -- a floral festival that is the state festival of Telangana. The Congress had on Friday asked the commission to restrain caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, his ministers and other functionaries of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) from the proposed distribution of sarees as it was violative of the Model Code of Conduct. Recently, the EC had said that states where assemblies are dissolved prematurely, the model code would come into force immediately. The Telangana assembly was dissolved last month though its term was to end in June next year.

No saree-distribution in Telangana during Bathukamma festival: Election Commission 

Amid reports of China ramping up its air defence infrastructure in Tibet, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa Wednesday said the Indian Air Force is monitoring the situation and has plans to counter any threat.&nbsp;

Responding to a question on the issue, Dhanoa said the government has sanctioned construction of the next generation hardened aircraft shelters in far-flung areas.&nbsp;

"We are monitoring the development of infrastructure," he said.

China has always been saying its airports in Tibet are coming up for regional connectivity and not for offensive operations, Dhanoa said.&nbsp;

"We also have initiated measures - like the government has sanctioned construction of next-generation hardened aircraft shelters. On our side, we are making adequate (preparation). Also, we have a plan to counter them," he told a press conference here.

On reports about the presence of over 50 Chinese aircraft in the Tibet region, Dhanoa said it is not a threat as India also has a number of air bases on the eastern front.&nbsp;

"If you look at our bases, starting from Leh, Those... As you come down to Adampur, Halwara, Ambala, Chandigarh and carry on up to Chabwa, you work down the number of aircraft we have got. So, are only 50 aircraft in Tibet a threat? The answer is no," the IAF chief said.

Amid reports of China ramping up its air defence infrastructure in Tibet, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa Wednesday said the Indian Air Force is monitoring the situation and has plans to counter any threat.

Amid reports of China ramping up its air defence infrastructure in Tibet, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa Wednesday said the Indian Air Force is monitoring the situation and has plans to counter any threat. Responding to a question on the issue, Dhanoa said the government has sanctioned construction of the next generation hardened aircraft shelters in far-flung areas. "We are monitoring the development of infrastructure," he said. China has always been saying its airports in Tibet are coming up for regional connectivity and not for offensive operations, Dhanoa said. "We also have initiated measures - like the government has sanctioned construction of next-generation hardened aircraft shelters. On our side, we are making adequate (preparation). Also, we have a plan to counter them," he told a press conference here. On reports about the presence of over 50 Chinese aircraft in the Tibet region, Dhanoa said it is not a threat as India also has a number of air bases on the eastern front. "If you look at our bases, starting from Leh, Those... As you come down to Adampur, Halwara, Ambala, Chandigarh and carry on up to Chabwa, you work down the number of aircraft we have got. So, are only 50 aircraft in Tibet a threat? The answer is no," the IAF chief said.

Only 50 aircraft in Tibet a threat? The answer is no: IAF Chief Dhanoa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that by 2030, India aims to generate 40 per cent of its power requirement through non-fossil fuel-based resources.

"In India, we are seeing the effects of the greater use of Renewable Energy. To fulfil the targets of the Paris Agreement, We have started working on the action plan for the deployment of Renewable Energy. We have decided that by 2030, 40 per cent of our power capacity will be generated through non-fossil fuel-based resources," he said while addressing the first assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Emphasising on the growing significance of renewable energy resources being the need of the hour, Prime Minister Modi said "Since last 15-200 years, human civilisation has been more dependent on the underground resources for its energy need. We are all seeing as to how our nature protested against it and is still protesting. Nature has been regularly trying to convey to us that energy present above the earth, be it in the Sun, in the air, or in water, is the better and safer solutions for the future. I am delighted that today, we are brainstorming over this message from nature."

He also termed the ISA as a landmark initiative for ensuring climatic justice. "I strongly feel that in future whenever there will be a discussion about leading organisations of human welfare from the 21st century, International Solar Alliance (ISA) will be on the top of the list. In the form of ISA we have given shape to a very big platform in the direction of ensuring climate justice."

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi opined that the role Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is playing today for the fulfilment of world energy needs, will, in future, be essayed by the ISA.

"The significance that oil wells hold today would be of Sun-rays in coming times," he added.

He further talked about India's resolve to increase usage of renewable energy sources, and said, "Today India is developing with an added confidence of poverty to power. To further strengthen this new confidence, we have chosen something which has been a source of our since thousands of years and is a powerhouse of energy. This stock of energy is Sun whom we Indians also refer as the Sun God."

Prime Minister Modi also asserted that while power generation remains an integral part of India's approach, there is also a need to work on the power storage segment.

"Together with power generation, power storage is also significant. We are working on National Energy Storage Mission. As part of this mission, the government is stressing on the Demand Creation, Indigenous Manufacturing, Innovation and increased the capacity of Energy Storage", he added.

He also informed the gathering about India's effort towards encouraging a clean fuel-based transport system and said, "With solar and wind power we are also working rapidly on B3 or Biomass-Biofuel-Bioenergy. There are serious efforts being made to make Indian Transport System as clean fuel based. By producing Bio-fuel from Bio-waste, we are turning this challenge into an opportunity."

The First Assembly of the ISA is being organised in Delhi from October 2 to 5. The inaugural session of this three-day assembly will be followed by assembly session and technical sessions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that by 2030, India aims to generate 40 per cent of its power requirement through non-fossil fuel-based resources. "In India, we are seeing the effects of the greater use of Renewable Energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that by 2030, India aims to generate 40 per cent of its power requirement through non-fossil fuel-based resources. "In India, we are seeing the effects of the greater use of Renewable Energy. To fulfil the targets of the Paris Agreement, We have started working on the action plan for the deployment of Renewable Energy. We have decided that by 2030, 40 per cent of our power capacity will be generated through non-fossil fuel-based resources," he said while addressing the first assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Emphasising on the growing significance of renewable energy resources being the need of the hour, Prime Minister Modi said "Since last 15-200 years, human civilisation has been more dependent on the underground resources for its energy need. We are all seeing as to how our nature protested against it and is still protesting. Nature has been regularly trying to convey to us that energy present above the earth, be it in the Sun, in the air, or in water, is the better and safer solutions for the future. I am delighted that today, we are brainstorming over this message from nature." He also termed the ISA as a landmark initiative for ensuring climatic justice. "I strongly feel that in future whenever there will be a discussion about leading organisations of human welfare from the 21st century, International Solar Alliance (ISA) will be on the top of the list. In the form of ISA we have given shape to a very big platform in the direction of ensuring climate justice." Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi opined that the role Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is playing today for the fulfilment of world energy needs, will, in future, be essayed by the ISA. "The significance that oil wells hold today would be of Sun-rays in coming times," he added. He further talked about India's resolve to increase usage of renewable energy sources, and said, "Today India is developing with an added confidence of poverty to power. To further strengthen this new confidence, we have chosen something which has been a source of our since thousands of years and is a powerhouse of energy. This stock of energy is Sun whom we Indians also refer as the Sun God." Prime Minister Modi also asserted that while power generation remains an integral part of India's approach, there is also a need to work on the power storage segment. "Together with power generation, power storage is also significant. We are working on National Energy Storage Mission. As part of this mission, the government is stressing on the Demand Creation, Indigenous Manufacturing, Innovation and increased the capacity of Energy Storage", he added. He also informed the gathering about India's effort towards encouraging a clean fuel-based transport system and said, "With solar and wind power we are also working rapidly on B3 or Biomass-Biofuel-Bioenergy. There are serious efforts being made to make Indian Transport System as clean fuel based. By producing Bio-fuel from Bio-waste, we are turning this challenge into an opportunity." The First Assembly of the ISA is being organised in Delhi from October 2 to 5. The inaugural session of this three-day assembly will be followed by assembly session and technical sessions.

India aims to generate 40% power from non-fossil fuel by 2030: PM Modi

Indrani Mukerjea, prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, filed yet another bail application in a court here Wednesday on health grounds.

She told special CBI judge J C Jagdale that she wanted to argue her bail plea in person.

"I am filing the bail application on medical grounds due to a recent change in the circumstances of my health condition," she said.

Last month the court had rejected her bail application, filed on medical grounds. The court had said that her claims of ill-health were exaggerated.

In the fresh plea, Indrani said her health has further deteriorated and she has been diagnosed with a "new neurological complication in the brain".

She was experiencing severe headaches and frequent black-outs, she claimed.

Indrani, who is lodged in Byculla Jail here, had been rushed to the hospital twice last week after she complained of a headache and double vision.

Meanwhile, Shubhodoy Mukherjee, senior vice-president of Mumbai Metro One, where the victim Sheena Bora was working, deposed before the CBI court during the trial Wednesday.

Sheena, who worked under him as an assistant human resource manager, was "very hard-working" and "sincere", he said.

"She had come to work on that day (April 24, 2012, the day she was allegedly killed). She asked me for a half-day leave for personal work and left office at about 3.30 PM," he said.

"Thereafter, I received a message from her asking for two days' leave, to which I replied OK. But she never reported back to work," Mukherjee said.

Sheena Bora (24) was allegedly killed on April 24, 2012, by her mother Indrani Mukerjea with the help of others.

Indrani Mukerjea, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver were arrested for the alleged killing in August 2015. Her current husband and media baron

Peter Mukerjea was arrested for allegedly being part of the conspiracy.

According to the CBI, a financial dispute was one of the main reasons for the alleged murder.&nbsp;

Indrani Mukerjea, prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, filed yet another bail application in a court here Wednesday on health grounds. She told special CBI judge J C Jagdale that she wanted to argue her bail plea in person.

Indrani Mukerjea, prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, filed yet another bail application in a court here Wednesday on health grounds. She told special CBI judge J C Jagdale that she wanted to argue her bail plea in person. "I am filing the bail application on medical grounds due to a recent change in the circumstances of my health condition," she said. Last month the court had rejected her bail application, filed on medical grounds. The court had said that her claims of ill-health were exaggerated. In the fresh plea, Indrani said her health has further deteriorated and she has been diagnosed with a "new neurological complication in the brain". She was experiencing severe headaches and frequent black-outs, she claimed. Indrani, who is lodged in Byculla Jail here, had been rushed to the hospital twice last week after she complained of a headache and double vision. Meanwhile, Shubhodoy Mukherjee, senior vice-president of Mumbai Metro One, where the victim Sheena Bora was working, deposed before the CBI court during the trial Wednesday. Sheena, who worked under him as an assistant human resource manager, was "very hard-working" and "sincere", he said. "She had come to work on that day (April 24, 2012, the day she was allegedly killed). She asked me for a half-day leave for personal work and left office at about 3.30 PM," he said. "Thereafter, I received a message from her asking for two days' leave, to which I replied OK. But she never reported back to work," Mukherjee said. Sheena Bora (24) was allegedly killed on April 24, 2012, by her mother Indrani Mukerjea with the help of others. Indrani Mukerjea, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver were arrested for the alleged killing in August 2015. Her current husband and media baron Peter Mukerjea was arrested for allegedly being part of the conspiracy. According to the CBI, a financial dispute was one of the main reasons for the alleged murder.

Indrani Mukerjea seeks bail again, cites 'neurological complication'

A five-member Rohingya family has been identified and taken into custody by Kerala police here on Tuesday. As per the preliminary probe, the family arrived from Hyderabad to Thiruvananthapuram last night.&nbsp;

They spent the night in the railway station and travelled to Vizhinjam on Tuesday in a rickshaw. They were searching for a rental house in Vizhinjam and reached a mosque in the vicinity.&nbsp;

The five members have been identified as Sayub (36), his wife Safiya Kathum (29), his brother Irshad (27), Safiya's brother Anwar Shah (11) and her six-month-old baby Safiyan. United Nations (UN) refugee Identity cards were recovered from them.

On September 30, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) had alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to Kerala. The RPF issued a warning with a list of 14 trains on which the refugees from Myanmar are mostly moving from northeastern states.

In a letter sent by the Chief Security Commissioner of Southern Railway to the divisional security commissioners of Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Trichy, the authorities have been asked to hand over the Rohingya refugees to the police if they are found travelling in trains. A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, fleeing persecution in their country since August last year.

A five-member Rohingya family has been identified and taken into custody by Kerala police here on Tuesday. As per the preliminary probe, the family arrived from Hyderabad to Thiruvananthapuram last night.

A five-member Rohingya family has been identified and taken into custody by Kerala police here on Tuesday. As per the preliminary probe, the family arrived from Hyderabad to Thiruvananthapuram last night. They spent the night in the railway station and travelled to Vizhinjam on Tuesday in a rickshaw. They were searching for a rental house in Vizhinjam and reached a mosque in the vicinity. The five members have been identified as Sayub (36), his wife Safiya Kathum (29), his brother Irshad (27), Safiya's brother Anwar Shah (11) and her six-month-old baby Safiyan. United Nations (UN) refugee Identity cards were recovered from them. On September 30, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) had alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to Kerala. The RPF issued a warning with a list of 14 trains on which the refugees from Myanmar are mostly moving from northeastern states. In a letter sent by the Chief Security Commissioner of Southern Railway to the divisional security commissioners of Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Trichy, the authorities have been asked to hand over the Rohingya refugees to the police if they are found travelling in trains. A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, fleeing persecution in their country since August last year.

Five member Rohingya family detained by Kerala police

A plea has been filed in Supreme Court for urgent hearing seeking a restraint on the Government of India from deporting seven Rohingya Muslims lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam to Myanmar, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the plea will be heard in the top court on Thursday.&nbsp;

India on Wednesday sent seven Rohingya Muslims to the border for deportation to Myanmar, news agency Reuters reported quoting Police sources.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Rohingyas had been jailed since 2012 for illegally entering the country.&nbsp;

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Manipur: 7 Rohingyas, who are being deported to Myanmar, have been brought to Imphal. The seven were lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam. They will be taken to Moreh border where they'll be handed over to Myanmar authority. <a href="https://t.co/XWc8cHcCjN">pic.twitter.com/XWc8cHcCjN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047524565772058624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Union Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-asks-state-governments-identify-rohingyas-collect-biometric-data-168793">Rajanath Singh on Monda</a>y&nbsp;noted that state governments have been directed to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics.

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Plea filed in Supreme Court for urgent hearing seeking a restraint on the Government of India from deporting 7 Rohingya Muslims lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam to Myanmar. Bench declined mentioning. <a href="https://t.co/j9Te8XD9ZF">https://t.co/j9Te8XD9ZF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047422538240991232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"States have been told to identify them (Rohingyas). They have to take their biometrics also. After that, they'll send a report to the Centre. Then the Central government will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar and we will get it resolved," the Home Minister stated.&nbsp;

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India sends 7 Rohingya Muslims to border for deportation to Myanmar; they had been in an Indian jail since 2012 for illegally entering the country, reports Reuters quoting police
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047420589789601792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/illegal-id-procurement-rohingyas-wont-be-permitted-kiren-rijiju-169050">no illegal procurement of Voter-ID cards by Rohingya</a> refugees will be allowed by the government.&nbsp;

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7 Myanmar nationals who were arrested in 2017 are being deported today. Our police team is going to drop them off at Moreh border where they'll be handed over to Myanmar authority: Deepak Kumar, IG (Law and Order) on 7 Rohingyas being deported to Myanmar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assam</a> <a href="https://t.co/jTWHBwRj9u">pic.twitter.com/jTWHBwRj9u</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047489672572796928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state. India and Bangladesh are known to have given shelter to a large number of Rohingya refugees.&nbsp;

In June, the Home Ministry wrote a letter to the Jammu and Kashmir government, saying, "Such illegal migrations poses serious challenges and has security implications since some of the migrants have been found to have indulged in illegal activities and are vulnerable to radicalisation."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A plea has been filed in Supreme Court for urgent hearing seeking a restraint on the Government of India from deporting seven Rohingya Muslims lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam to Myanmar, news agency ANI reported.

A plea has been filed in Supreme Court for urgent hearing seeking a restraint on the Government of India from deporting seven Rohingya Muslims lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam to Myanmar, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the plea will be heard in the top court on Thursday. India on Wednesday sent seven Rohingya Muslims to the border for deportation to Myanmar, news agency Reuters reported quoting Police sources. According to reports, the Rohingyas had been jailed since 2012 for illegally entering the country. Manipur: 7 Rohingyas, who are being deported to Myanmar, have been brought to Imphal. The seven were lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam. They will be taken to Moreh border where they'll be handed over to Myanmar authority. pic.twitter.com/XWc8cHcCjN — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × Union Minister Rajanath Singh on Monday noted that state governments have been directed to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics. Plea filed in Supreme Court for urgent hearing seeking a restraint on the Government of India from deporting 7 Rohingya Muslims lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam to Myanmar. Bench declined mentioning. https://t.co/j9Te8XD9ZF — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × "States have been told to identify them (Rohingyas). They have to take their biometrics also. After that, they'll send a report to the Centre. Then the Central government will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar and we will get it resolved," the Home Minister stated. India sends 7 Rohingya Muslims to border for deportation to Myanmar; they had been in an Indian jail since 2012 for illegally entering the country, reports Reuters quoting police — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday said that no illegal procurement of Voter-ID cards by Rohingya refugees will be allowed by the government. 7 Myanmar nationals who were arrested in 2017 are being deported today. Our police team is going to drop them off at Moreh border where they'll be handed over to Myanmar authority: Deepak Kumar, IG (Law and Order) on 7 Rohingyas being deported to Myanmar #Assam pic.twitter.com/jTWHBwRj9u — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state. India and Bangladesh are known to have given shelter to a large number of Rohingya refugees. In June, the Home Ministry wrote a letter to the Jammu and Kashmir government, saying, "Such illegal migrations poses serious challenges and has security implications since some of the migrants have been found to have indulged in illegal activities and are vulnerable to radicalisation." (With inputs from agencies)

Plea in Supreme Court against deportation of seven Rohingyas to Myanmar

A major fire broke out at the department of pharmacy in Calcutta Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday morning.

Ten fire motors and a team of Kolkata police officers were hurried to the spot.&nbsp;

Around 250 patients have been cleared. No losses of lives have been accounted for so far.

The fire office was told after smoke was spotted surging from the working in which the drug store is situated at around 8:00 am.&nbsp;

Frenzy grasped the patients of the hospital quickly after the news of flame spread.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a>: Firefighting operation underway at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kolkata?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kolkata</a> <a href="https://t.co/hfU2Ggp0r2">pic.twitter.com/hfU2Ggp0r2</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a>: Fire breaks out in the pharmacy department of Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. 10 fire engines and Kolkata police rushed to the spot. All the patients are safe. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kolkata?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kolkata</a> <a href="https://t.co/IX7ENRRpUu">pic.twitter.com/IX7ENRRpUu</a>
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The West Bengal's disaster management specialist are also at the medical college.

A major fire broke out at the department of pharmacy in Calcutta Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday morning. Ten fire motors and a team of Kolkata police officers were hurried to the spot.

A major fire broke out at the department of pharmacy in Calcutta Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday morning. Ten fire motors and a team of Kolkata police officers were hurried to the spot. Around 250 patients have been cleared. No losses of lives have been accounted for so far. The fire office was told after smoke was spotted surging from the working in which the drug store is situated at around 8:00 am. Frenzy grasped the patients of the hospital quickly after the news of flame spread. #Visuals: Firefighting operation underway at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/hfU2Ggp0r2 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × #Visuals: Fire breaks out in the pharmacy department of Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. 10 fire engines and Kolkata police rushed to the spot. All the patients are safe. #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/IX7ENRRpUu — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × The West Bengal's disaster management specialist are also at the medical college.

Fire breaks out at Calcutta Medical College, over 250 patients evacuated

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial branch of the United Nations, will hold a public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case from February 18 to 21, 2019, in The Hague, the seat of the Court.

India will participate in the first round of oral argument on February 18 between 10 am and 1 pm, while Pakistan will participate in the oral argument on February 19 in the same time slot.

The second round of oral argument for India is scheduled for February 20 (3 pm-4.30 pm), and February 21 for Pakistan (4.30 pm-6 pm)

On April 10 last year, a Pakistan military court pronounced a death sentence to the retired Indian naval officer. Subsequently, on May 8, India approached the ICJ for egregious violations of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 by Pakistan in the matter.

On May 18, the court passed an order obligating Islamabad not to carry out the death sentence that was awarded to Jadhav.

On September 13 last year, India had filed written pleadings (Memorial) in connection with the case, while Pakistan filed its counter-memorial in December that year.

Jadhav, a former naval officer, was reportedly kidnapped while he was in Iran for business interests.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial branch of the United Nations, will hold a public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case from February 18 to 21, 2019, in The Hague, the seat of the Court.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial branch of the United Nations, will hold a public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case from February 18 to 21, 2019, in The Hague, the seat of the Court. India will participate in the first round of oral argument on February 18 between 10 am and 1 pm, while Pakistan will participate in the oral argument on February 19 in the same time slot. The second round of oral argument for India is scheduled for February 20 (3 pm-4.30 pm), and February 21 for Pakistan (4.30 pm-6 pm) On April 10 last year, a Pakistan military court pronounced a death sentence to the retired Indian naval officer. Subsequently, on May 8, India approached the ICJ for egregious violations of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 by Pakistan in the matter. On May 18, the court passed an order obligating Islamabad not to carry out the death sentence that was awarded to Jadhav. On September 13 last year, India had filed written pleadings (Memorial) in connection with the case, while Pakistan filed its counter-memorial in December that year. Jadhav, a former naval officer, was reportedly kidnapped while he was in Iran for business interests.

ICJ to hold public hearing in Kulbhushan Jadhav case next year

Army troops busted a suspected militant hideout in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Tuesday and recovered a cache of arms, an official said.

Acting on a tip-off, a search operation was conducted in Kuddhar area of Bhagwah block and recovered arms, ammunition and explosive material, a defence spokesperson said.

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Terror hideout busted in a joint operation by Indian Army and police in Doda yesterday. Huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered. <a href="https://t.co/bKFroMDWxx">pic.twitter.com/bKFroMDWxx</a>
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The recoveries included two AK rifles, 355 rounds, and three magazines, one UBGL (under barrel grenade launchers), four Chinese grenades and as many UBGL grenades, the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

Army troops busted a suspected militant hideout in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Tuesday and recovered a cache of arms, an official said. Acting on a tip-off, a search operation was conducted in Kuddhar area of Bhagwah block and recovered arms, ammunition and explosive material, a defence spokesperson said.

Army troops busted a suspected militant hideout in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Tuesday and recovered a cache of arms, an official said. Acting on a tip-off, a search operation was conducted in Kuddhar area of Bhagwah block and recovered arms, ammunition and explosive material, a defence spokesperson said. Terror hideout busted in a joint operation by Indian Army and police in Doda yesterday. Huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered. pic.twitter.com/bKFroMDWxx — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × The recoveries included two AK rifles, 355 rounds, and three magazines, one UBGL (under barrel grenade launchers), four Chinese grenades and as many UBGL grenades, the spokesperson added.

Jammu and Kashmir: Militant hideout busted in Doda

Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself.

A high-level meeting here of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Lord Ayyappa temple, also decided to make necessary arrangements for women pilgrims visiting the hill shrine when it opens for the annual pilgrimage season on October 16.

Opposition Congress termed the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision as 'unilateral' and said it was against the interest of a majority of Ayyappa devotees in and outside the state.

It alleged that TDB President A Padmakumar, who earlier pitched for filing the review, had backtracked from his stand after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan 'chided' him.

The party also decided to convene a meeting of former presidents and board members of the TDB Thursday to decide the future course of action on the matter.

The Sabarimala Temple had restricted the entry of women belonging to the age group between 10-50 as part of its age-old tradition.

On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Vijayan said that as a government, it has to abide by the directives of the top court and make necessary arrangements for women devotees visiting the shrine.

"It is the responsibility of the government to implement the court order without any compromise. We will ensure that necessary arrangements are provided for women devotees in the coming season itself," he told reporters here.

He also took exception to the TDB president's recent remark that they were not expecting a large number of women devotees at the shrine in the wake of the apex court order.

On the protest launched by various outfits against implementing the court verdict, the Chief Minister said no one has the right to prevent women devotees if they want to offer worship at the shrine.

"When the Supreme Court has taken a stand after considering all aspects of the matter, people have to accept the law of the land. The government is for implementing it," he added.

After the TDB meeting, Padmakumar said the Board discussed the Supreme Court order in detail and decided not to file the review petition.

"We view the apex court verdict with utmost seriousness. After discussing all the aspects, the meeting decided not to file the review petition in the present context," he said.

Detailing the preparations for the coming pilgrimage season, he said special facilities would be provided to the devotees at Pamba and Nilackal, the base camps.

Temporary dormitories, women-friendly toilets and more drinking water facilities would be arranged, he said, adding that all existing arrangements would be made better useful for women devotees.

"The Board expects 40 per cent more devotees at the shrine this season in the wake of the SC verdict," Padmakumar said, adding there was no room for any concern on the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala flayed the government and the TDB for its decision to implement the verdict in haste.

The TDB had "failed" in its duty to safeguard the interests of Ayyappa devotees, he alleged.

He demanded that the state or the central government come out with an ordinance "to overcome the Supreme Court verdict" and protect the interests of devotees of Lord Ayyappa.

Chennithala also said the district Congress committee in Pathanamthitta would stage a fast Friday to protest the stand taken by the state government on the Sabarimala issue.

Activists of Yuva Morcha, the BJP's youth wing, took out rallies in all panchayats across the state Wednesday, urging the government to protect the centuries-old rituals and tradition of the hill shrine.

They also burnt an effigy of Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran at various places.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, Tuesday had blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala protesting the Supreme Court verdict.&nbsp;

Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself.

Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself. A high-level meeting here of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Lord Ayyappa temple, also decided to make necessary arrangements for women pilgrims visiting the hill shrine when it opens for the annual pilgrimage season on October 16. Opposition Congress termed the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision as 'unilateral' and said it was against the interest of a majority of Ayyappa devotees in and outside the state. It alleged that TDB President A Padmakumar, who earlier pitched for filing the review, had backtracked from his stand after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan 'chided' him. The party also decided to convene a meeting of former presidents and board members of the TDB Thursday to decide the future course of action on the matter. The Sabarimala Temple had restricted the entry of women belonging to the age group between 10-50 as part of its age-old tradition. On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Vijayan said that as a government, it has to abide by the directives of the top court and make necessary arrangements for women devotees visiting the shrine. "It is the responsibility of the government to implement the court order without any compromise. We will ensure that necessary arrangements are provided for women devotees in the coming season itself," he told reporters here. He also took exception to the TDB president's recent remark that they were not expecting a large number of women devotees at the shrine in the wake of the apex court order. On the protest launched by various outfits against implementing the court verdict, the Chief Minister said no one has the right to prevent women devotees if they want to offer worship at the shrine. "When the Supreme Court has taken a stand after considering all aspects of the matter, people have to accept the law of the land. The government is for implementing it," he added. After the TDB meeting, Padmakumar said the Board discussed the Supreme Court order in detail and decided not to file the review petition. "We view the apex court verdict with utmost seriousness. After discussing all the aspects, the meeting decided not to file the review petition in the present context," he said. Detailing the preparations for the coming pilgrimage season, he said special facilities would be provided to the devotees at Pamba and Nilackal, the base camps. Temporary dormitories, women-friendly toilets and more drinking water facilities would be arranged, he said, adding that all existing arrangements would be made better useful for women devotees. "The Board expects 40 per cent more devotees at the shrine this season in the wake of the SC verdict," Padmakumar said, adding there was no room for any concern on the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala flayed the government and the TDB for its decision to implement the verdict in haste. The TDB had "failed" in its duty to safeguard the interests of Ayyappa devotees, he alleged. He demanded that the state or the central government come out with an ordinance "to overcome the Supreme Court verdict" and protect the interests of devotees of Lord Ayyappa. Chennithala also said the district Congress committee in Pathanamthitta would stage a fast Friday to protest the stand taken by the state government on the Sabarimala issue. Activists of Yuva Morcha, the BJP's youth wing, took out rallies in all panchayats across the state Wednesday, urging the government to protect the centuries-old rituals and tradition of the hill shrine. They also burnt an effigy of Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran at various places. Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, Tuesday had blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala protesting the Supreme Court verdict.

Sabarimala verdict: Kerala government, TDB not to challenge Supreme Court's order

The 'Kisan Kranti Padyatra' — which began on September 23 — ended at Kisan Ghat in the national capital on Wednesday. Kisan Ghat is the memorial to Chaudhary Charan Singh.&nbsp;

The farmers were allowed to enter the national capital around midnight Tuesday after police unsealed the border between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Violence had broken out at Delhi's Ghazipur border earlier on Tuesday with police firing tear gas and water cannons at the farmers assembled there. News reports said as many as 30,000 farmers had marched on Delhi.&nbsp;

The farmers had a charter of 15 demands including loan waivers and fair prices for their crops, which they want implemented without delay.

Their demands also include revoking the&nbsp;ban on 10-year-old tractors in the National Capital Region (NCR), reduction in electricity tariffs, implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission, and the payment of sugarcane arrears, among others.&nbsp;

"The 'Kisan Kranti Padyatra' that started on September 23 had to end at Kisan Ghat. Since Delhi Police did not allow us to enter, we protested. Our aim was to finish the Yatra, which we have done now. Now we will go back to our villages," Bharatiya Kisan Union president Naresh Tikait said.

"The farmers remained unfazed despite all the hardships. We have been marching for 12 days now, farmers are tired as well. We will continue to demand our rights to the government but for now we are ending the march,"&nbsp;Tikait added.

After police had stopped them on the outskirts of Delhi, the farmers had attempted to break through to Delhi. The police hit back with tear gas and water cannons.&nbsp;

News reports said 14 people were hurt in the clashes.

In the wake of the agitation, the Centre accepted most of the demands of the farmers following consultations with top leaders of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) - the umbrella organisation under which thousands of farmers have been staging a protest to press for their demands.

All schools and colleges in Ghaziabad is scheduled to remain closed on Wednesday as a preventive measure in view of the protest.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The 'Kisan Kranti Padyatra' — which began on September 23 — ended at Kisan Ghat in the national capital on Wednesday. Kisan Ghat is the memorial to Chaudhary Charan Singh.

The 'Kisan Kranti Padyatra' — which began on September 23 — ended at Kisan Ghat in the national capital on Wednesday. Kisan Ghat is the memorial to Chaudhary Charan Singh. The farmers were allowed to enter the national capital around midnight Tuesday after police unsealed the border between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Violence had broken out at Delhi's Ghazipur border earlier on Tuesday with police firing tear gas and water cannons at the farmers assembled there. News reports said as many as 30,000 farmers had marched on Delhi. The farmers had a charter of 15 demands including loan waivers and fair prices for their crops, which they want implemented without delay. Their demands also include revoking the ban on 10-year-old tractors in the National Capital Region (NCR), reduction in electricity tariffs, implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission, and the payment of sugarcane arrears, among others. "The 'Kisan Kranti Padyatra' that started on September 23 had to end at Kisan Ghat. Since Delhi Police did not allow us to enter, we protested. Our aim was to finish the Yatra, which we have done now. Now we will go back to our villages," Bharatiya Kisan Union president Naresh Tikait said. "The farmers remained unfazed despite all the hardships. We have been marching for 12 days now, farmers are tired as well. We will continue to demand our rights to the government but for now we are ending the march," Tikait added. After police had stopped them on the outskirts of Delhi, the farmers had attempted to break through to Delhi. The police hit back with tear gas and water cannons. News reports said 14 people were hurt in the clashes. In the wake of the agitation, the Centre accepted most of the demands of the farmers following consultations with top leaders of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) - the umbrella organisation under which thousands of farmers have been staging a protest to press for their demands. All schools and colleges in Ghaziabad is scheduled to remain closed on Wednesday as a preventive measure in view of the protest. (With inputs from ANI)

Farmers' protest ends in Delhi after midnight march; schools, colleges stay shut in Ghaziabad

The Supreme Court said Wednesday it was an "unfortunate situation" that Delhi Police was not taking action against those who have tampered with seals put on the premises having illegal constructions and observed that people were taking law in their hands due to this.

A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said this after the court was informed by engineers of municipal corporations in Delhi that police has not taken action in some cases where seal put on the buildings were removed by private persons.

"This is a rather unfortunate situation where the police did not take action due to which some persons take the law into their hands," said the bench, which also comprised Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta.

The counsel appearing for engineers of the civic bodies told the bench that there were cases where they seal some building but the private persons de-seal it.

When he said that they have lodged complaints with the police in this regard, the bench asked, "Why the police have not taken any action?".

The lawyer said that in some cases, police has taken action while in some other matters, no action has been taken.

The bench asked the counsel to give a list of cases within a week where police have not taken any action despite complaints being lodged in the matter.

During the hearing, the bench also dealt with the matter related to contempt notice issued to Delhi BJP chief and Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari for allegedly breaking the seal of premises in Gokalpuri area here which was being run in violation of the Delhi Master Plan.

The bench told senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the MP, that Tiwari has filed his reply to the contempt notice but its copy has not been given to the amicus curiae who is assisting the court in the Delhi sealing matter.

The court asked Tiwari, who was present in the court, to supply the copy of his reply to the amicus and posted the matter for hearing after 10 days.

It directed Tiwari to remain present in the court on the next date of hearing.

In his reply, Tiwari has said that he had broken the seal of a premise here as a "symbolic protest" against the illegal activities of officials of the East Delhi Municipal

Corporation (EDMC) and was willing to accept the role of 'sealing officer' as suggested by the apex court.

During the hearing, the bench also dealt with the issue relating to the encroachment of forest land and water bodies here which was raised by the court-appointed monitoring committee in its report.

The counsel appearing for Delhi government said that they would file an affidavit within two weeks in this regard.

The lawyer said that water bodies in Delhi have to be retained and encroachment on forest land would be cleared.

The Ministry of Water Resources also filed an affidavit in the apex court in the issue of depletion of ground water in Delhi.

The court said these issues would be taken up for consideration after two weeks.

On September 25, Tiwari had appeared before the court in pursuance to the contempt notice issued to him for allegedly breaking the seal of premises.

The court had directed him to file an affidavit within a week explaining why contempt proceedings not be initiated against him.

An FIR was lodged against him by the East Delhi Municipal Corporation for allegedly breaking the seal of the premises.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court said Wednesday it was an "unfortunate situation" that Delhi Police was not taking action against those who have tampered with seals put on the premises having illegal constructions and observed that people were taking law in their hands due to this.

The Supreme Court said Wednesday it was an "unfortunate situation" that Delhi Police was not taking action against those who have tampered with seals put on the premises having illegal constructions and observed that people were taking law in their hands due to this. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said this after the court was informed by engineers of municipal corporations in Delhi that police has not taken action in some cases where seal put on the buildings were removed by private persons. "This is a rather unfortunate situation where the police did not take action due to which some persons take the law into their hands," said the bench, which also comprised Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta. The counsel appearing for engineers of the civic bodies told the bench that there were cases where they seal some building but the private persons de-seal it. When he said that they have lodged complaints with the police in this regard, the bench asked, "Why the police have not taken any action?". The lawyer said that in some cases, police has taken action while in some other matters, no action has been taken. The bench asked the counsel to give a list of cases within a week where police have not taken any action despite complaints being lodged in the matter. During the hearing, the bench also dealt with the matter related to contempt notice issued to Delhi BJP chief and Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari for allegedly breaking the seal of premises in Gokalpuri area here which was being run in violation of the Delhi Master Plan. The bench told senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the MP, that Tiwari has filed his reply to the contempt notice but its copy has not been given to the amicus curiae who is assisting the court in the Delhi sealing matter. The court asked Tiwari, who was present in the court, to supply the copy of his reply to the amicus and posted the matter for hearing after 10 days. It directed Tiwari to remain present in the court on the next date of hearing. In his reply, Tiwari has said that he had broken the seal of a premise here as a "symbolic protest" against the illegal activities of officials of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and was willing to accept the role of 'sealing officer' as suggested by the apex court. During the hearing, the bench also dealt with the issue relating to the encroachment of forest land and water bodies here which was raised by the court-appointed monitoring committee in its report. The counsel appearing for Delhi government said that they would file an affidavit within two weeks in this regard. The lawyer said that water bodies in Delhi have to be retained and encroachment on forest land would be cleared. The Ministry of Water Resources also filed an affidavit in the apex court in the issue of depletion of ground water in Delhi. The court said these issues would be taken up for consideration after two weeks. On September 25, Tiwari had appeared before the court in pursuance to the contempt notice issued to him for allegedly breaking the seal of premises. The court had directed him to file an affidavit within a week explaining why contempt proceedings not be initiated against him. An FIR was lodged against him by the East Delhi Municipal Corporation for allegedly breaking the seal of the premises.

Unfortunate that police not taking action despite complaints: SC on Delhi sealing

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-helped-parents-dodge-millions-taxes-new-york-times-169054">Trump helped parents dodge millions in taxes: New York Times</a>

Donald Trump helped his parents dodge millions of dollars in taxes and received far more money from his father's real estate empire than he has claimed in the past, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-indonesia-earthquake-rises-nearly-1300-reports-169055">Death</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-indonesia-earthquake-rises-nearly-1300-reports-169055"> toll in Indonesia earthquake, tsunami crosses 1,300: Reports</a>

The death toll from the powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia has crossed 1,300 people, news reports citing the country's disaster management agency officials said Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kisan-kranti-padyatra-ends-delhi-after-midnight-march-chaudhary-charan-singh-memorial">Farmers' protest ends in Delhi after midnight march to Chaudhary Charan Singh </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kisan-kranti-padyatra-ends-delhi-after-midnight-march-chaudhary-charan-singh-memorial">memorial</a>

The 'Kisan Kranti Padyatra', which was begun on September 23 by the Bharatiya Kisan Union, finished at the Kisan Ghat in the national capital on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/very-scary-time-young-american-men-says-trump-169056">'Very scary time' for young American men, says Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday the reaction to decades-old allegations of sexual assault against his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh makes it "a very scary time" for young men in the United States.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-expert-voices-fears-rohingyas-india-set-expel-169058">UN expert voices fears for Rohingyas India is set to expel</a>

A United Nations legal expert has voiced concern over India's plan to deport on Wednesday seven Rohingyas to Myanmar where the army is accused of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority.

&nbsp;

Trump helped parents dodge millions in taxes: New York Times Donald Trump helped his parents dodge millions of dollars in taxes and received far more money from his father's real estate empire than he has claimed in the past, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

Trump helped parents dodge millions in taxes: New York Times Donald Trump helped his parents dodge millions of dollars in taxes and received far more money from his father's real estate empire than he has claimed in the past, The New York Times reported Tuesday. Death toll in Indonesia earthquake, tsunami crosses 1,300: Reports The death toll from the powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia has crossed 1,300 people, news reports citing the country's disaster management agency officials said Wednesday. Farmers' protest ends in Delhi after midnight march to Chaudhary Charan Singh memorial The 'Kisan Kranti Padyatra', which was begun on September 23 by the Bharatiya Kisan Union, finished at the Kisan Ghat in the national capital on Wednesday. 'Very scary time' for young American men, says Trump US President Donald Trump said Tuesday the reaction to decades-old allegations of sexual assault against his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh makes it "a very scary time" for young men in the United States. UN expert voices fears for Rohingyas India is set to expel A United Nations legal expert has voiced concern over India's plan to deport on Wednesday seven Rohingyas to Myanmar where the army is accused of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A 35-year-old Indian national, who tried to extort half-a-million Singapore dollars from Standard Chartered Bank here, was charged in court here.

Nagarajan Balajee faces a jail term of between two and five years and caning under a charge of “attempting to commit extortion,” The Straits Times reported Wednesday.

According to court documents, Balajee had allegedly threatened to publish a defamatory libel concerning Aalishaan Zaidi, 47, the global head of digital banking at Standard Chartered Bank, unless he paid SGD 500,000.

Zaidi was one of a few bank employees who received the threatening e-mails sent anonymously. He made the police report on the bank’s behalf.

Balajee was arrested on September 30 along Kovan Road in suburban Singapore. Several laptops and mobile phones were seized from him in connection with the case, the police said.

The bank had made a police report last Thursday about how it had been threatened with a leakage of confidential information.

Balajee is believed to have used multiple fictitious e-mail accounts to deliver the threats to the bank anonymously, according to The Straits Times.

Preliminary investigations by the police also found that he might have used overseas registered mobile lines and virtual private network (VPN) services to mask his identity, to evade detection. VPNs allow unauthorised content from overseas to be accessed by users.

Balajee is currently out on SGD 20,000 bail and will be back in court on October 30.

A 35-year-old Indian national, who tried to extort half-a-million Singapore dollars from Standard Chartered Bank here, was charged in court here. Nagarajan Balajee faces a jail term of between two and five years and caning under a charge of “attempting to commit extortion,” The Straits Times reported Wednesday.

A 35-year-old Indian national, who tried to extort half-a-million Singapore dollars from Standard Chartered Bank here, was charged in court here. Nagarajan Balajee faces a jail term of between two and five years and caning under a charge of “attempting to commit extortion,” The Straits Times reported Wednesday. According to court documents, Balajee had allegedly threatened to publish a defamatory libel concerning Aalishaan Zaidi, 47, the global head of digital banking at Standard Chartered Bank, unless he paid SGD 500,000. Zaidi was one of a few bank employees who received the threatening e-mails sent anonymously. He made the police report on the bank’s behalf. Balajee was arrested on September 30 along Kovan Road in suburban Singapore. Several laptops and mobile phones were seized from him in connection with the case, the police said. The bank had made a police report last Thursday about how it had been threatened with a leakage of confidential information. Balajee is believed to have used multiple fictitious e-mail accounts to deliver the threats to the bank anonymously, according to The Straits Times. Preliminary investigations by the police also found that he might have used overseas registered mobile lines and virtual private network (VPN) services to mask his identity, to evade detection. VPNs allow unauthorised content from overseas to be accessed by users. Balajee is currently out on SGD 20,000 bail and will be back in court on October 30.

Indian national faces jail, canning for extortion in Singapore

After holding an unprecedented press conference and capturing public attention over what ails the highest court of the country early this year, Justice Ranjan Gogoi is set to helm the coveted seat of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) starting October 3.

At an event held in the capital last week, Justice Gogoi said that taking on the burgeoning pendency figures will be a priority during his 13-month long tenure as the next CJI.

While Justice Gogoi is yet to reveal his 'plan' to bring down pendency in the courts, which stands at around 3.18 crore cases, he has had a resounding success in bridging the gap between the government and the public in terms of welfare schemes' distribution.

As Executive Chairman of National Legal Service Authority (NALSA), Justice Gogoi spearheaded the program to hold legal service camps across the country wherein government departments set up stalls to highlight various welfare schemes and also made them available for the masses. A recent report released by NALSA said that around 43 lakh people have benefited from the camp.

Justice Gogoi has also been heading a bench in the apex court that is monitoring the preparation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in his home state Assam. The bench has been supervising the process of updating the NRC, prepared to identify residents of the state and weed out illegal migrants.

As CJI, Justice Gogoi will also be heading the bench of the top court that, for the first time in its history, will face a camera inside courtroom for live-streaming of the proceedings.

The pilot project aimed at bringing "transparency and accountability" to the judicial process will initially live-stream only cases of national and constitutional importance.

Justice Gogoi has also been overseeing the case relating to setting up of special courts across the country to exclusively hear and decide on criminal cases against sitting Members of Parliament and State Assemblies.

Justice Gogoi is also heading a bench looking over the progress in the appointment of Lokpal and Lokayuktas.

He was also hearing Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Rajesh and Nupur Talwar in the sensational Arushi Talwar murder case.

After a bench headed by outgoing Chief Justice Dipak Misra refused to refer the 1994 Ismail Farooqi case to a larger Constitution bench, Justice Gogoi is likely to head the bench or form a new bench to hear Ayodhya dispute case, which is slated for hearing on October 29.

Another case which awaits Justice Gogoi's attention relates to pleas against the practices of polygamy, 'nikah halala', 'nikah mutah' (temporary marriage among Shias) and 'nikah misyar' (short-term marriage among Sunnis) on grounds that these violate Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution.

As per 'nikah halala', if a Muslim woman, after divorce by her husband three times on different instances, wants to go back to him, she has to marry another person, consummate her marriage, divorce her second husband so as to get re-married to her first spouse.

On September 3, President Ram Nath Kovind, appointed Justice Gogoi as the 46th CJI. The 64-year-old will be the first Chief Justice from the North Eastern region of the country.

Justice Gogoi will have a tenure of little over 13 months and would retire on November 17, 2019.

After holding an unprecedented press conference and capturing public attention over what ails the highest court of the country early this year, Justice Ranjan Gogoi is set to helm the coveted seat of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) starting October 3.

After holding an unprecedented press conference and capturing public attention over what ails the highest court of the country early this year, Justice Ranjan Gogoi is set to helm the coveted seat of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) starting October 3. At an event held in the capital last week, Justice Gogoi said that taking on the burgeoning pendency figures will be a priority during his 13-month long tenure as the next CJI. While Justice Gogoi is yet to reveal his 'plan' to bring down pendency in the courts, which stands at around 3.18 crore cases, he has had a resounding success in bridging the gap between the government and the public in terms of welfare schemes' distribution. As Executive Chairman of National Legal Service Authority (NALSA), Justice Gogoi spearheaded the program to hold legal service camps across the country wherein government departments set up stalls to highlight various welfare schemes and also made them available for the masses. A recent report released by NALSA said that around 43 lakh people have benefited from the camp. Justice Gogoi has also been heading a bench in the apex court that is monitoring the preparation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in his home state Assam. The bench has been supervising the process of updating the NRC, prepared to identify residents of the state and weed out illegal migrants. As CJI, Justice Gogoi will also be heading the bench of the top court that, for the first time in its history, will face a camera inside courtroom for live-streaming of the proceedings. The pilot project aimed at bringing "transparency and accountability" to the judicial process will initially live-stream only cases of national and constitutional importance. Justice Gogoi has also been overseeing the case relating to setting up of special courts across the country to exclusively hear and decide on criminal cases against sitting Members of Parliament and State Assemblies. Justice Gogoi is also heading a bench looking over the progress in the appointment of Lokpal and Lokayuktas. He was also hearing Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Rajesh and Nupur Talwar in the sensational Arushi Talwar murder case. After a bench headed by outgoing Chief Justice Dipak Misra refused to refer the 1994 Ismail Farooqi case to a larger Constitution bench, Justice Gogoi is likely to head the bench or form a new bench to hear Ayodhya dispute case, which is slated for hearing on October 29. Another case which awaits Justice Gogoi's attention relates to pleas against the practices of polygamy, 'nikah halala', 'nikah mutah' (temporary marriage among Shias) and 'nikah misyar' (short-term marriage among Sunnis) on grounds that these violate Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution. As per 'nikah halala', if a Muslim woman, after divorce by her husband three times on different instances, wants to go back to him, she has to marry another person, consummate her marriage, divorce her second husband so as to get re-married to her first spouse. On September 3, President Ram Nath Kovind, appointed Justice Gogoi as the 46th CJI. The 64-year-old will be the first Chief Justice from the North Eastern region of the country. Justice Gogoi will have a tenure of little over 13 months and would retire on November 17, 2019.

Justice Ranjan Gogoi to overhaul judiciary as next Chief Justice of India

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLC MVVC Murthy has died in a car accident in Alaska, United States. Murthy was director of GITAM University also.

Murthy's family members learnt about his death around 3 am on Wednesday.

Five people including Murthy were travelling in a car when they met with the accident.&nbsp;

While four of them died, one person survived with injuries. The incident took place after the car they were travelling in collided with a truck.

TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh condoled Murthy's death and tweeted, "The sudden demise of senior leader &amp; MLC MVVS Murthy Garu is a devastating loss to the party and family. An unwavering champion for education &amp; employment creation, he touched many lives with his deep compassion and empathy. His was a life well-lived!" Lokesh tweeted.&nbsp;

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The sudden demise of senior leader &amp; MLC MVVS Murthy Garu is a devastating loss to the party and family. An unwavering champion for education &amp; employment creation, he touched many lives with his deep compassion and empathy. His was a life well-lived!
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/naralokesh/status/1047322588702232576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Murthy, a former TDP MP, had gone to the USA to attend GITAM alumnus function in California

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLC MVVC Murthy has died in a car accident in Alaska, United States. Murthy was director of GITAM University also. Murthy's family members learnt about his death around 3 am on Wednesday.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLC MVVC Murthy has died in a car accident in Alaska, United States. Murthy was director of GITAM University also. Murthy's family members learnt about his death around 3 am on Wednesday. Five people including Murthy were travelling in a car when they met with the accident. While four of them died, one person survived with injuries. The incident took place after the car they were travelling in collided with a truck. TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh condoled Murthy's death and tweeted, "The sudden demise of senior leader & MLC MVVS Murthy Garu is a devastating loss to the party and family. An unwavering champion for education & employment creation, he touched many lives with his deep compassion and empathy. His was a life well-lived!" Lokesh tweeted. The sudden demise of senior leader & MLC MVVS Murthy Garu is a devastating loss to the party and family. An unwavering champion for education & employment creation, he touched many lives with his deep compassion and empathy. His was a life well-lived! — Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) October 3, 2018 × Murthy, a former TDP MP, had gone to the USA to attend GITAM alumnus function in California

TDP senior leader MVVC Murthy dies in car accident in US

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state.&nbsp;

"The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7.

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IMD has issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast. This is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm and a warning has been issued on the same. The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan <a href="https://t.co/DegbBci0SY">pic.twitter.com/DegbBci0SY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047472670210777088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Fishermen have been advised to reach to the safer coast by October 5. A warning has been issued, a red alert has been declared in 3 districts for October 7. Disaster Management Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies and five companies of NDRF," the chief minister added. &nbsp;

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District administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan <a href="https://t.co/UeJqHXGAd1">pic.twitter.com/UeJqHXGAd1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047474622306947072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He also shared that the district administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. "Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji," CM Vijayan noted.

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Fishermen have been advised to reach safer coast by 5 Oct. Warning has been issued. Red alert has been declared in 3 districts for 7 Oct. Disaster Mgmt Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies&amp;asked for 5 companies of NDRF: Kerala CM <a href="https://t.co/BUgvI85rtv">pic.twitter.com/BUgvI85rtv</a>
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Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs.

Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala.&nbsp;

The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state. "The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7. IMD has issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast. This is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm and a warning has been issued on the same. The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/DegbBci0SY — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × "Fishermen have been advised to reach to the safer coast by October 5. A warning has been issued, a red alert has been declared in 3 districts for October 7. Disaster Management Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies and five companies of NDRF," the chief minister added. District administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/UeJqHXGAd1 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × He also shared that the district administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. "Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji," CM Vijayan noted. Fishermen have been advised to reach safer coast by 5 Oct. Warning has been issued. Red alert has been declared in 3 districts for 7 Oct. Disaster Mgmt Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies&asked for 5 companies of NDRF: Kerala CM pic.twitter.com/BUgvI85rtv — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs. Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala. The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.

Cyclone in the offing? Kerala CM issues warning, red alert sounded in 3 districts 

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday reacted to BSP chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsp-will-fight-assembly-elections-alone-rajasthan-madhya-pradesh-mayawati-169191">Mayawati calling him a BJP agent</a> stating that he has been "one of the bitterest critics of PM Modi."

"Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP and the RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions," Singh noted.

He further added that he respects the BSP chief and is in favour of the Congress-BSP alliance.&nbsp;

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I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji&amp;has been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of alliance, she declared 22 candidates: Digvijaya Singh, Congress <a href="https://t.co/1K6ggE0bf3">pic.twitter.com/1K6ggE0bf3</a>
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"I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji and have been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from the beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of an alliance, she declared 22 candidates," he added.&nbsp;

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Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP &amp; RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions: Digvijaya Singh, Congress on BSP chief Mayawati's statement on him <a href="https://t.co/5YjcU9c3WY">pic.twitter.com/5YjcU9c3WY</a>
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BSP chief Mayawati, earlier in the day, announced that her party will contest assembly elections without any alliance in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.&nbsp;

"Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added.&nbsp;

She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this."

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday reacted to BSP chief Mayawati calling him a BJP agent stating that he has been "one of the bitterest critics of PM Modi.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday reacted to BSP chief Mayawati calling him a BJP agent stating that he has been "one of the bitterest critics of PM Modi." "Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP and the RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions," Singh noted. He further added that he respects the BSP chief and is in favour of the Congress-BSP alliance. I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji&has been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of alliance, she declared 22 candidates: Digvijaya Singh, Congress pic.twitter.com/1K6ggE0bf3 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × "I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji and have been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from the beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of an alliance, she declared 22 candidates," he added. Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP & RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions: Digvijaya Singh, Congress on BSP chief Mayawati's statement on him pic.twitter.com/5YjcU9c3WY — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × BSP chief Mayawati, earlier in the day, announced that her party will contest assembly elections without any alliance in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. "Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added. She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this."

I am biggest Modi critic: Digvijay Singh on Mayawati's 'BJP agent' jibe 

Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Tuesday alleged that the farmers in the state were dying but Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was busy in her 'Gaurav Yatra'. 
Mr Pilot was addressing a public meeting in Sangod town of Kota district, held on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

On Ms Raje's reported claim that she would fight for the people of the state like a lioness, Mr Pilot said that though she was a lioness, her biggest hunt was farmers.

The 'moong daal' is being sold Rs. 125 per kilogram, the prices of diesel and petrol are skyrocketing, and the farmers were not able to sell their crop at the government-support price, he said.

The Congress leader retorted to Ms Raje calling him a novice and referred to the party's victory in the Ajmer by-elections.

The 41-year-old acknowledged that he certainly had to learn a lot, but in politics, he would give Ms Raje such a defeat in the upcoming assembly elections that she would not be able forget it for a long time.

Mr Pilot asked the public to question the chief minister if she had ever been able to sleep soundly at night ever since he became the state party chief.

"We have at several times in the past four-and-a-half years forced the BJP's state and central governments to kneel down before the pressure by the Congress in the interest of the public," he claimed.

The state Congress chief also quipped at the perceived differences between Ms Raje and BJP chief Amit Shah.

Mr Pilot said Ms Raje had got no time to look at into the hut of the poor and said the CM was very busy as she has to "defend those who illegally-occupied government lands and to allot the mines to her near and dear ones".

He added that Ms Raje lost a golden opportunity regarding development and progress of the state as her party was in power in the Centre too.

Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Tuesday alleged that the farmers in the state were dying but Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was busy in her 'Gaurav Yatra'.

Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Tuesday alleged that the farmers in the state were dying but Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was busy in her 'Gaurav Yatra'. Mr Pilot was addressing a public meeting in Sangod town of Kota district, held on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. On Ms Raje's reported claim that she would fight for the people of the state like a lioness, Mr Pilot said that though she was a lioness, her biggest hunt was farmers. The 'moong daal' is being sold Rs. 125 per kilogram, the prices of diesel and petrol are skyrocketing, and the farmers were not able to sell their crop at the government-support price, he said. The Congress leader retorted to Ms Raje calling him a novice and referred to the party's victory in the Ajmer by-elections. The 41-year-old acknowledged that he certainly had to learn a lot, but in politics, he would give Ms Raje such a defeat in the upcoming assembly elections that she would not be able forget it for a long time. Mr Pilot asked the public to question the chief minister if she had ever been able to sleep soundly at night ever since he became the state party chief. "We have at several times in the past four-and-a-half years forced the BJP's state and central governments to kneel down before the pressure by the Congress in the interest of the public," he claimed. The state Congress chief also quipped at the perceived differences between Ms Raje and BJP chief Amit Shah. Mr Pilot said Ms Raje had got no time to look at into the hut of the poor and said the CM was very busy as she has to "defend those who illegally-occupied government lands and to allot the mines to her near and dear ones". He added that Ms Raje lost a golden opportunity regarding development and progress of the state as her party was in power in the Centre too.

Vasundhara Raje a lioness, but her biggest hunt is farmers: Sachin Pilot

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-india-sign-deal-s-400-air-defence-systems-week-kremlin-169032">ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems</a>. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Putin, during his two-day visit, will oversee the signing of a $5 billion deal to supply Delhi with S-400 air defence systems, a top Kremlin aide said on Tuesday ahead of Putin's trip to India.

"The president is leaving for India on October 4," Putin's top foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov told reporters.

"The key feature of this visit will be the signing of the agreement to deliver S-400 air defence systems," he said. "The value of the contract will be more than $5 billion."

The Russian President is also expected to hold a meeting with President Kovind, besides holding other official engagements.

Moscow has been negotiating to sell the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles to India for months.&nbsp;

"Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Minister of Defence, Nirmala Sitharaman noted last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia," she added.

Washington's change of heart&nbsp;

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during his visit to Delhi in last on the sidelines of the 2+2 Dialogue, noted that Washington <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-effort-is-not-to-penalise-great-strategic-partner-like-india-says-pompeo-on-india-buying-russian-s400-defence-system-164013">does not aim to penalise a "strategic partner</a>" like India over buying S-400 missile defence system from Russia.&nbsp;

"Our effort here is not to penalise a great strategic partner like India," Pompeo said on the question of India acquiring the Russian S400 air missile defence system.

"We do understand the history of India's relationship with Russia and legacy systems," Pompeo asserted, adding, "The sanctions aren’t intended to adversely impact countries like India. They are intended to have an impact on the sanctioned country which is Russia."

The Trump administration now seems to have assumed a different stance over the Russia-India S-400 deal, warning India against the planned purchase of the surface-to-air missiles.&nbsp;

"We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US State Department representative said.

"The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system."&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported. Putin, during his two-day visit, will oversee the signing of a $5 billion deal to supply Delhi with S-400 air defence systems, a top Kremlin aide said on Tuesday ahead of Putin's trip to India. "The president is leaving for India on October 4," Putin's top foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov told reporters. "The key feature of this visit will be the signing of the agreement to deliver S-400 air defence systems," he said. "The value of the contract will be more than $5 billion." The Russian President is also expected to hold a meeting with President Kovind, besides holding other official engagements. Moscow has been negotiating to sell the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles to India for months. "Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Minister of Defence, Nirmala Sitharaman noted last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia," she added. Washington's change of heart US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during his visit to Delhi in last on the sidelines of the 2+2 Dialogue, noted that Washington does not aim to penalise a "strategic partner" like India over buying S-400 missile defence system from Russia. "Our effort here is not to penalise a great strategic partner like India," Pompeo said on the question of India acquiring the Russian S400 air missile defence system. "We do understand the history of India's relationship with Russia and legacy systems," Pompeo asserted, adding, "The sanctions aren’t intended to adversely impact countries like India. They are intended to have an impact on the sanctioned country which is Russia." The Trump administration now seems to have assumed a different stance over the Russia-India S-400 deal, warning India against the planned purchase of the surface-to-air missiles. "We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US State Department representative said. "The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system." (With inputs from Reuters)

Putin set to ink S-400 defence deal during India visit, US warns against missile pact

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