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The Supreme Court's judgement which on Thursday scrapped the penal provision on adultery received kudos from leading women advocates who dubbed it as a "strong" and "progressive" decision on gender equality.

Senior advocate Rebecca John and lawyers Aishwarya Bhati and Menaka Guruswamy, termed as correct the apex court's observation that the adultery law dented the individuality of women and treated them as "chattel of husbands".

While John said Section 497 (adultery) of the Indian Penal Code should have been struck down 50 years ago, Bhati opined that the verdict will go a long way in ensuring that women's rights are "strongly and robustly embedded" in the system and cannot be taken away.

Guruswamy termed the verdict as a good decision on gender equality and said that "it makes perfect sense as clearly the Supreme Court is saying that men and women within marriage are equal".

John said: "It should never have been a part of modern India's penal code because it was an extremely archaic patriarchal law. Too late but a welcome move." 
Bhati said the law was "one of those colonial baggages that we had to let go of as it was from an era where women were treated as chattel of men and wife was the property of the husband".

The apex court's five-judge Constitution bench was unanimous in striking down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code dealing with the offence of adultery and holding it as manifestly arbitrary, archaic law which is violative of the rights to equality and equal opportunity to women.

The Supreme Court's judgement which on Thursday scrapped the penal provision on adultery received kudos from leading women advocates who dubbed it as a "strong" and "progressive" decision on gender equality.

The Supreme Court's judgement which on Thursday scrapped the penal provision on adultery received kudos from leading women advocates who dubbed it as a "strong" and "progressive" decision on gender equality. Senior advocate Rebecca John and lawyers Aishwarya Bhati and Menaka Guruswamy, termed as correct the apex court's observation that the adultery law dented the individuality of women and treated them as "chattel of husbands". While John said Section 497 (adultery) of the Indian Penal Code should have been struck down 50 years ago, Bhati opined that the verdict will go a long way in ensuring that women's rights are "strongly and robustly embedded" in the system and cannot be taken away. Guruswamy termed the verdict as a good decision on gender equality and said that "it makes perfect sense as clearly the Supreme Court is saying that men and women within marriage are equal". John said: "It should never have been a part of modern India's penal code because it was an extremely archaic patriarchal law. Too late but a welcome move." Bhati said the law was "one of those colonial baggages that we had to let go of as it was from an era where women were treated as chattel of men and wife was the property of the husband". The apex court's five-judge Constitution bench was unanimous in striking down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code dealing with the offence of adultery and holding it as manifestly arbitrary, archaic law which is violative of the rights to equality and equal opportunity to women.

SC's adultery verdict strong, progressive on gender equality, say women lawyers

In its landmark judgement pronounced on Thursday, the Supreme Court of India struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (Adultery Provision), thereby decriminalising adultery.&nbsp;

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, while reading out the verdict today, described the law as "manifestly arbitrary" and "unconstitutional" stating that adultery cannot be a criminal offence and that a husband is not the master of a woman.&nbsp;

CJI Misra maintained that women must be treated equally as men.&nbsp;

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Parameters of fundamental rights should include rights of women. Individual dignity important in a sanctified society.System can't treat women unequally. Women can't be asked to think what a society desires:CJI reading verdict on petition challenging validity of Sec 497(Adultery) <a href="https://t.co/FMRLxi5n9t">pic.twitter.com/FMRLxi5n9t</a>
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"Equality is the governing principle of a system. Husband is not the master of the wife," the apex court ruled.&nbsp;

However, the top court noted that adultery can form the basis for the dissolution of a marriage and can be ground for divorce.&nbsp;

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"Legal subordination of one sex by another is wrong. Social progression of women and views of Justice Nariman in Triple Talaq case considered. Adultery can be grounds for dissolution of marriage," CJI Misra read out the verdict.&nbsp;

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Legal subordination of one sex by another is wrong. Social progression of women &amp; views of Justice Nariman in Triple Talaq case considered. Adultery can be grounds for dissolution of marriage: CJI reading verdict on petition challenging validity of Section 497 (Adultery) of IPC
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The five-judge bench also pronounced that mere adultery cannot be called a crime unless something is added. "It is a matter of absolute privacy," the Court ruled.&nbsp;

The apex court had been hearing a clutch of pleas seeking quashing of the adultery provision in the IPC on the ground that it only punishes married men for having extramarital sexual relations with a married woman.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9xykP6-Gn1k" width="560"></iframe>

India's adultery law states that: "Whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery, and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor."&nbsp;

Another part of the law which drew much criticism was that the law permitted a woman's husband to file a complaint against the man she has sexual intercourse with, but no such provision was available for the wife of the adulterous man.

In its landmark judgement pronounced on Thursday, the Supreme Court of India struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (Adultery Provision), thereby decriminalising adultery.

In its landmark judgement pronounced on Thursday, the Supreme Court of India struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (Adultery Provision), thereby decriminalising adultery. Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, while reading out the verdict today, described the law as "manifestly arbitrary" and "unconstitutional" stating that adultery cannot be a criminal offence and that a husband is not the master of a woman. CJI Misra maintained that women must be treated equally as men. Parameters of fundamental rights should include rights of women. Individual dignity important in a sanctified society.System can't treat women unequally. Women can't be asked to think what a society desires:CJI reading verdict on petition challenging validity of Sec 497(Adultery) pic.twitter.com/FMRLxi5n9t — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × "Equality is the governing principle of a system. Husband is not the master of the wife," the apex court ruled. However, the top court noted that adultery can form the basis for the dissolution of a marriage and can be ground for divorce. Section 497 (Adultery) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) is unconstitutional: Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra pic.twitter.com/gRDrl3TpWy — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × "Legal subordination of one sex by another is wrong. Social progression of women and views of Justice Nariman in Triple Talaq case considered. Adultery can be grounds for dissolution of marriage," CJI Misra read out the verdict. Legal subordination of one sex by another is wrong. Social progression of women & views of Justice Nariman in Triple Talaq case considered. Adultery can be grounds for dissolution of marriage: CJI reading verdict on petition challenging validity of Section 497 (Adultery) of IPC — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × The five-judge bench also pronounced that mere adultery cannot be called a crime unless something is added. "It is a matter of absolute privacy," the Court ruled. The apex court had been hearing a clutch of pleas seeking quashing of the adultery provision in the IPC on the ground that it only punishes married men for having extramarital sexual relations with a married woman. India's adultery law states that: "Whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery, and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor." Another part of the law which drew much criticism was that the law permitted a woman's husband to file a complaint against the man she has sexual intercourse with, but no such provision was available for the wife of the adulterous man.

Adultery not a criminal offence, husband not the master: Supreme Court quashes Section 497

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin was discharged fro Chennai'Apollo Hospital on Thursday after he was admitted in Wednesday night for a minor surgery, ANI reported. &nbsp;

"He was admitted to the hospital late last night. He underwent a minor surgical procedure for the removal of a cyst from his right thigh," ANI reported.&nbsp;

He was admitted to the hospital after he complained of discomfort in his thigh on Wednesday.

As per reports, MDMK chief Vaiko said that Stalin was in good condition.&nbsp;

Stalin was elected DMK president last month, weeks after his father M Karunanidhi died.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin was discharged fro Chennai'Apollo Hospital on Thursday after he was admitted in Wednesday night for a minor surgery, ANI reported.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin was discharged fro Chennai'Apollo Hospital on Thursday after he was admitted in Wednesday night for a minor surgery, ANI reported. "He was admitted to the hospital late last night. He underwent a minor surgical procedure for the removal of a cyst from his right thigh," ANI reported. He was admitted to the hospital after he complained of discomfort in his thigh on Wednesday. As per reports, MDMK chief Vaiko said that Stalin was in good condition. Stalin was elected DMK president last month, weeks after his father M Karunanidhi died.

MK Stalin discharged from Chennai hospital after surgery 

Congress president Rahul Gandhi began a two-day visit to poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Thursday with prayers at the famous Kamta Nath temple in Satna district's Chitrakoot town.

Gandhi reached Chitrakoot, a religious town closely associated with Lord Ram, from Allahabad by helicopter and stayed in the temple premises for about half-an-hour while performing the 'puja'.

The Kamta Nath temple is located on the forested hill of Kamadgiri where, according to mythology, Lord Rama stayed during his exile.

Gandhi is likely to address a corner meeting at Chitrakoot before leaving in a helicopter to Satna city, where is scheduled to address a public meeting, party leaders said.

The 48-year-old Amethi MP was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath, state party campaign committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia and

Leader of Opposition in MP Assembly Ajay Singh.

The Congress chief will leave for Rewa, where he will hold a roadshow, in the evening.

On Friday, Gandhi will travel by a bus to address public meetings at Saipur Mod, Baron, Baikunthpur, Lalgaon and Chunari villages spread over Rewa and Satna, party leaders.

The Congress has been out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003.

During his earlier visit on September 17, Gandhi held a roadshow in Bhopal after performing a puja and taking blessings from 11 priests.

He had visited the state after returning from the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, which he undertook to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva.

Ahead of Gandhi's last visit, posters were put up in Bhopal, calling him a 'Shiv bhakt' (devotee of Lord Shiva).

Congress president Rahul Gandhi began a two-day visit to poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Thursday with prayers at the famous Kamta Nath temple in Satna district's Chitrakoot town.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi began a two-day visit to poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Thursday with prayers at the famous Kamta Nath temple in Satna district's Chitrakoot town. Gandhi reached Chitrakoot, a religious town closely associated with Lord Ram, from Allahabad by helicopter and stayed in the temple premises for about half-an-hour while performing the 'puja'. The Kamta Nath temple is located on the forested hill of Kamadgiri where, according to mythology, Lord Rama stayed during his exile. Gandhi is likely to address a corner meeting at Chitrakoot before leaving in a helicopter to Satna city, where is scheduled to address a public meeting, party leaders said. The 48-year-old Amethi MP was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath, state party campaign committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia and Leader of Opposition in MP Assembly Ajay Singh. The Congress chief will leave for Rewa, where he will hold a roadshow, in the evening. On Friday, Gandhi will travel by a bus to address public meetings at Saipur Mod, Baron, Baikunthpur, Lalgaon and Chunari villages spread over Rewa and Satna, party leaders. The Congress has been out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. During his earlier visit on September 17, Gandhi held a roadshow in Bhopal after performing a puja and taking blessings from 11 priests. He had visited the state after returning from the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, which he undertook to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. Ahead of Gandhi's last visit, posters were put up in Bhopal, calling him a 'Shiv bhakt' (devotee of Lord Shiva).

Rahul begins MP trip with prayers at temple

The BJP on Thursday said it does not see any grand alliance taking shape against it as there are many "gaps and contradictions" among opposition parties, even as it exuded confidence of increasing its tally in Uttar Pradesh in the next Lok Sabha polls.

"The BJP's performance will be better in 2019 compared to 2014, when the party and its allies bagged a lion's share of 73 seats (of total 80 seats)," state BJP President Mahendra Nath Pandey told PTI in an interview here.

Asked about the opposition parties' attempt to form a grand alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "I don't see it taking place. There are many gaps and contradictions among them. Even if it (alliance) is formed, it will not last."

Undeterred by the BSP and the SP eyeing the Dalit and OBC votes, besides the Muslim electorates, Pandey said his party was doing its own ground work.

"We are taking along the castes which they (SP, BSP) bank upon. We have recently held successful OBC conferences (between Sept 4-24) in which backward caste representatives from all over the state actively participated," he said.

The conference saw overwhelming response from the backward classes as they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi as their leader, the UP BJP chief said.

"Besides, we are soon going to organise Dalit&nbsp;sammelan&nbsp;(conference) and 'prabuddh'(intellectuals') meet. These sections have only been cheated by previous SP and BSP regimes in the state. Only the BJP is the party which is really working with&nbsp;'sabka saath sabka vikas'&nbsp;motive. This is the reason for our success," he said.

He said that his party was working at several levels to increase its victory margin.

"We are highlighting our work at the centre and state and above all Modiji's personality, which will be presented before the people."

"At the organisation level, we are emphasising on ensuring our presence from booth to division to assembly and Lok Sabha segments. We are doing a micro-planning for that," he said.

Noting that the party has a lot to tell the people about the good work and projects its governments at the centre and state have initiated, Mr Pandey said, "We will reach out to people and inform them about these works and are confident of getting their positive response in terms of votes. No government has done such a good work till now."

"The party will bank on the "towering personality" of Modi ji, who is loved by all sections of the society due to this 'working style and aura'. Our leader is accepted by all. No other leader can stand in front of him. Opposition has not one (leader), who can challenge him," he asserted.

The BJP state president said he was "sure" his party will form the government at the centre again and UP's contribution will be remarkable.

Pandey's remarks assume significance amid reports of the SP and the BSP toying the idea of cobbling an alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, barely few months away, as they had done in bye-elections to Gorakhpur, Phulpur and Kairana constituencies of the Lower House, in which ruling BJP candidates were defeated.

Buoyed by this success, reports of bonhomie between SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and his BSP counterpart Mayawati started doing the rounds in political circles.

There were talks that the Congress too might be roped in in the proposed alliance. But in what is seen as a snub to the grand old party, Mayawati dumped it and tied up with the party of rebel Congress leader Ajit Jogi for the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections and projected him as the chief ministerial candidate.

Also, the SP too suffered a setback when its stalwart Shivpal Yadav floated a new front as he felt he was being sidelined in the parent party.

"These gaps and contradictions will make our task further easy," said the state BJP president, who is a Lok Sabha member from Chandauli.

The BJP on Thursday said it does not see any grand alliance taking shape against it as there are many "gaps and contradictions" among opposition parties, even as it exuded confidence of increasing its tally in Uttar Pradesh in the next Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP on Thursday said it does not see any grand alliance taking shape against it as there are many "gaps and contradictions" among opposition parties, even as it exuded confidence of increasing its tally in Uttar Pradesh in the next Lok Sabha polls. "The BJP's performance will be better in 2019 compared to 2014, when the party and its allies bagged a lion's share of 73 seats (of total 80 seats)," state BJP President Mahendra Nath Pandey told PTI in an interview here. Asked about the opposition parties' attempt to form a grand alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "I don't see it taking place. There are many gaps and contradictions among them. Even if it (alliance) is formed, it will not last." Undeterred by the BSP and the SP eyeing the Dalit and OBC votes, besides the Muslim electorates, Pandey said his party was doing its own ground work. "We are taking along the castes which they (SP, BSP) bank upon. We have recently held successful OBC conferences (between Sept 4-24) in which backward caste representatives from all over the state actively participated," he said. The conference saw overwhelming response from the backward classes as they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi as their leader, the UP BJP chief said. "Besides, we are soon going to organise Dalit sammelan (conference) and 'prabuddh'(intellectuals') meet. These sections have only been cheated by previous SP and BSP regimes in the state. Only the BJP is the party which is really working with 'sabka saath sabka vikas' motive. This is the reason for our success," he said. He said that his party was working at several levels to increase its victory margin. "We are highlighting our work at the centre and state and above all Modiji's personality, which will be presented before the people." "At the organisation level, we are emphasising on ensuring our presence from booth to division to assembly and Lok Sabha segments. We are doing a micro-planning for that," he said. Noting that the party has a lot to tell the people about the good work and projects its governments at the centre and state have initiated, Mr Pandey said, "We will reach out to people and inform them about these works and are confident of getting their positive response in terms of votes. No government has done such a good work till now." "The party will bank on the "towering personality" of Modi ji, who is loved by all sections of the society due to this 'working style and aura'. Our leader is accepted by all. No other leader can stand in front of him. Opposition has not one (leader), who can challenge him," he asserted. The BJP state president said he was "sure" his party will form the government at the centre again and UP's contribution will be remarkable. Pandey's remarks assume significance amid reports of the SP and the BSP toying the idea of cobbling an alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, barely few months away, as they had done in bye-elections to Gorakhpur, Phulpur and Kairana constituencies of the Lower House, in which ruling BJP candidates were defeated. Buoyed by this success, reports of bonhomie between SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and his BSP counterpart Mayawati started doing the rounds in political circles. There were talks that the Congress too might be roped in in the proposed alliance. But in what is seen as a snub to the grand old party, Mayawati dumped it and tied up with the party of rebel Congress leader Ajit Jogi for the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections and projected him as the chief ministerial candidate. Also, the SP too suffered a setback when its stalwart Shivpal Yadav floated a new front as he felt he was being sidelined in the parent party. "These gaps and contradictions will make our task further easy," said the state BJP president, who is a Lok Sabha member from Chandauli.

Will increase seats tally in Uttar Pradesh in 2019: State BJP chief

From Monday, the US would start implementing a new rule which allows initiation of deportation process of people whose legal status to stay in America has expired for reasons such as denial of visa extension application or change in status, officials said. 
 
However, in a relief to H-1B visa holders, a federal agency tasked with this said that for the time being this policy will not be implemented with respect to employment-based petitions and humanitarian applications and petitions.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), tasked with granting visa or its extension to non-immigrants, said Wednesday they will start taking an incremental approach to implement the new rule from October 1. 
 
Under the new rule, they will issue notices to appear (NTA) to people whose applications regarding visa extension or changes in status have been denied.

NTA, in immigration law parlance, is considered the first step towards deportation of foreign nationals who do not have valid papers to legally stay in the US. It is a document that instructs an individual to appear before an immigration judge. 
 
Given that in recent months, applications of extension of H-1B visa holders have been denied, a significant number of whom are Indian nationals, the new rule could have a major impact on Indians living in the US. But for the time being, issue of NTA to those categories have been put on hold. 
 
USCIS said it will send denial letters for status-impacting applications that ensures benefit seekers are provided adequate notice when an application for a benefit is denied. 
 
It said it will provide details on how applicants can review information regarding their period of authorised stay, check travel compliance, or validate departure from the US. 
 
The federal agency will continue to prioritise cases of individuals with criminal records, fraud, or national security concerns. 
 
"There has been no change to the current processes for issuing NTAs on these case types, and USCIS will continue to use its discretion in issuing NTAs for these cases," it said.

From Monday, the US would start implementing a new rule which allows initiation of deportation process of people whose legal status to stay in America has expired for reasons such as denial of visa extension application or change in status, officials said.

From Monday, the US would start implementing a new rule which allows initiation of deportation process of people whose legal status to stay in America has expired for reasons such as denial of visa extension application or change in status, officials said. However, in a relief to H-1B visa holders, a federal agency tasked with this said that for the time being this policy will not be implemented with respect to employment-based petitions and humanitarian applications and petitions. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), tasked with granting visa or its extension to non-immigrants, said Wednesday they will start taking an incremental approach to implement the new rule from October 1. Under the new rule, they will issue notices to appear (NTA) to people whose applications regarding visa extension or changes in status have been denied. NTA, in immigration law parlance, is considered the first step towards deportation of foreign nationals who do not have valid papers to legally stay in the US. It is a document that instructs an individual to appear before an immigration judge. Given that in recent months, applications of extension of H-1B visa holders have been denied, a significant number of whom are Indian nationals, the new rule could have a major impact on Indians living in the US. But for the time being, issue of NTA to those categories have been put on hold. USCIS said it will send denial letters for status-impacting applications that ensures benefit seekers are provided adequate notice when an application for a benefit is denied. It said it will provide details on how applicants can review information regarding their period of authorised stay, check travel compliance, or validate departure from the US. The federal agency will continue to prioritise cases of individuals with criminal records, fraud, or national security concerns. "There has been no change to the current processes for issuing NTAs on these case types, and USCIS will continue to use its discretion in issuing NTAs for these cases," it said.

How new deportation rule in US may impact Indian H-1B visa holders from Monday 

A court here has directed police to register an FIR against senior <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vyapam-scam-cbi-files-charge-sheet-against-former-madhya-pradesh-minister-84-others-32231">Congress leaders</a> Digvijay Singh, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia and an RTI activist on charges of "fabricating evidence" in the Vyapam scam case.

The special court of Additional District Judge Suresh Singh here in Madhya Pradesh issued the order Wednesday in response to a private complaint filed by advocate Santosh Sharma.

The judge asked police to immediately register an FIR and submit its copy before the court, and also sought the investigation report in the case by November 13.

The Vyapam scam refers to irregularities in exams held by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board, also called Vyavasayik Pareeksha Mandal or Vyapam, for admission in professional courses and state services.

Sharma had filed the private complaint in the court Monday, alleging that the Congress leaders and Prashant Pandey, a whistle-blower earlier in the Vyapam issue, were providing false evidence and misguiding the court in this connection.

His complaint came after Digvijay Singh deposed on Saturday in a court here in connection with his private complaint seeking criminal prosecution of Madhya Pradesh Chief

Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union minister Uma Bharti and five others in the Vyapam scam.

Singh had deposed for over two hours before judge Suresh Singh of the special court dealing with cases related to MLAs and MPs.

Singh's lawyer Kapil Sibal had then said that the former had submitted the copy of a document connected with the Vyapam scam in which Chouhan's name figures 48 times.

Singh had also submitted documents running into 27,000 pages to accompany his charges, his senior counsel Vivek Tankha had said.

Meanwhile, state Congress spokesman Bhupendra Gupta said a new "disturbing" trend has emerged in Madhya Pradesh, ruled by the BJP since the last 15 years, where the complainants in cases were being booked.&nbsp;

A court here has directed police to register an FIR against senior Congress leaders Digvijay Singh, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia and an RTI activist on charges of "fabricating evidence" in the Vyapam scam case.

A court here has directed police to register an FIR against senior Congress leaders Digvijay Singh, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia and an RTI activist on charges of "fabricating evidence" in the Vyapam scam case. The special court of Additional District Judge Suresh Singh here in Madhya Pradesh issued the order Wednesday in response to a private complaint filed by advocate Santosh Sharma. The judge asked police to immediately register an FIR and submit its copy before the court, and also sought the investigation report in the case by November 13. The Vyapam scam refers to irregularities in exams held by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board, also called Vyavasayik Pareeksha Mandal or Vyapam, for admission in professional courses and state services. Sharma had filed the private complaint in the court Monday, alleging that the Congress leaders and Prashant Pandey, a whistle-blower earlier in the Vyapam issue, were providing false evidence and misguiding the court in this connection. His complaint came after Digvijay Singh deposed on Saturday in a court here in connection with his private complaint seeking criminal prosecution of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union minister Uma Bharti and five others in the Vyapam scam. Singh had deposed for over two hours before judge Suresh Singh of the special court dealing with cases related to MLAs and MPs. Singh's lawyer Kapil Sibal had then said that the former had submitted the copy of a document connected with the Vyapam scam in which Chouhan's name figures 48 times. Singh had also submitted documents running into 27,000 pages to accompany his charges, his senior counsel Vivek Tankha had said. Meanwhile, state Congress spokesman Bhupendra Gupta said a new "disturbing" trend has emerged in Madhya Pradesh, ruled by the BJP since the last 15 years, where the complainants in cases were being booked.

Vyapam case: Court orders FIR against senior Cong leaders

The Income Tax department is conducting searches at the residences of Telangana Congress working president A Revanth Reddy on Thursday. 
The Congress condemned the raids and termed it as "political vendetta" by the ruling TRS in the state and the BJP at the centre.

A senior official of the I-T department confirmed the searches but did not reveal details such as what triggered the raids.

Calls made to Revanth Reddy for his reaction went unanswered.

Reddy was appointed as one of the Working Presidents of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee recently.

Jubilee Hills police inspector P Chandra Shekar said they deployed police force near Reddy's residence to avoid any untoward incident.

The city police had earlier issued notice to the Congress leader and former MLA seeking his appearance as part of investigations in a case relating to alleged irregularities committed by office-bearers of a Co-operative Housing Society in 2004.

Describing the I-T searches as "politically motivated", TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy tweeted that the TRS and BJP were hand in glove.

"IT &amp; ED raids at @INCTelangana Working President @revanth_anumulas house is pure political vendetta to demoralise our strong MLAs (sic). The people will teach KCR a lesson for being hand in glove with the BJP and the Central govt. I severely condemn these politically motivated raids," he tweeted.

On May 31, 2015, Revanth Reddy, then in Telugu Desam Party, was caught by Anti-Corruption Bureau while allegedly paying a bribe of Rs. 50 lakh to Elvis Stephenson, a nominated MLA, for supporting TDP nominee Vem Narendar Reddy in Legislative Council elections held on June 1, 2015.

&nbsp;"First (sic) it was @JaggaReddyT &amp; now @revanth_anumula, this is a clear sign of KCRs cowardice. He has no capacity to take on any of our leaders &amp; hence resorts to these backdoor moves. @INCTelangana will be united in its fight to rid Telangana soon of his autocratic &amp; whimsical rule," the TPCC president said in another tweet.

The Income Tax department is conducting searches at the residences of Telangana Congress working president A Revanth Reddy on Thursday. The Congress condemned the raids and termed it as "political vendetta" by the ruling TRS in the state and the BJP at the centre.

The Income Tax department is conducting searches at the residences of Telangana Congress working president A Revanth Reddy on Thursday. The Congress condemned the raids and termed it as "political vendetta" by the ruling TRS in the state and the BJP at the centre. A senior official of the I-T department confirmed the searches but did not reveal details such as what triggered the raids. Calls made to Revanth Reddy for his reaction went unanswered. Reddy was appointed as one of the Working Presidents of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee recently. Jubilee Hills police inspector P Chandra Shekar said they deployed police force near Reddy's residence to avoid any untoward incident. The city police had earlier issued notice to the Congress leader and former MLA seeking his appearance as part of investigations in a case relating to alleged irregularities committed by office-bearers of a Co-operative Housing Society in 2004. Describing the I-T searches as "politically motivated", TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy tweeted that the TRS and BJP were hand in glove. "IT & ED raids at @INCTelangana Working President @revanth_anumulas house is pure political vendetta to demoralise our strong MLAs (sic). The people will teach KCR a lesson for being hand in glove with the BJP and the Central govt. I severely condemn these politically motivated raids," he tweeted. On May 31, 2015, Revanth Reddy, then in Telugu Desam Party, was caught by Anti-Corruption Bureau while allegedly paying a bribe of Rs. 50 lakh to Elvis Stephenson, a nominated MLA, for supporting TDP nominee Vem Narendar Reddy in Legislative Council elections held on June 1, 2015. "First (sic) it was @JaggaReddyT & now @revanth_anumula, this is a clear sign of KCRs cowardice. He has no capacity to take on any of our leaders & hence resorts to these backdoor moves. @INCTelangana will be united in its fight to rid Telangana soon of his autocratic & whimsical rule," the TPCC president said in another tweet.

Income Tax department raids Telangana Congress chief's house

Three simultaneous encounters are underway between terrorists and security personnel in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounters have been reported from Dooru Shahabad in Anantnag district, Noorbagh in Srinagar city, and Chadoora in Budgam district.&nbsp;

One terrorist has been killed in the encounter in Dooru and the search operation is currently underway. Reports inform that the firing has stopped.&nbsp;

Security forces have gunned down two terrorists in the Budgam encounter; a search operation underway, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The gunfight began after the security forces received inputs about the presence of militants, following which they launched a search and cordon operation.

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Three terrorists believed to be trapped in a building at the encounter site in Budgam's Chadoora. Firing continues. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/qlDaf31wQD">pic.twitter.com/qlDaf31wQD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045162653679673344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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One terrorist killed in the encounter in Dooru Shahabad in Anantnag district today. Firing has stopped. Search operation is underway. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/iIa2fKCqYW">pic.twitter.com/iIa2fKCqYW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045147928489324547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Visuals from Srinagar city's Noorbagh where an encounter has started between terrorists &amp; security forces. Two terrorists are believed to be trapped. Internet services have been suspended. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/QCDTMMUtlE">pic.twitter.com/QCDTMMUtlE</a>
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In a separate incident, an encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Noorbagh on outskirts of Srinagar city on Thursday morning.&nbsp;

Two terrorists are believed to be holed up. In the wake of the encounters, internet services have been suspended in Noorbagh and Dooru Shahabad.

An encounter was also underway at Srinagar city's Noorbagh area. Two terrorists were believed to be trapped there. As a precautionary measure, the authorities have suspended internet services. Meanwhile, a civilian has lost his life in the exchange of fire between security personnel and terrorists.

Three simultaneous encounters are underway between terrorists and security personnel in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounters have been reported from Dooru Shahabad in Anantnag district, Noorbagh in Srinagar city, and Chadoora in Budgam district.

Three simultaneous encounters are underway between terrorists and security personnel in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounters have been reported from Dooru Shahabad in Anantnag district, Noorbagh in Srinagar city, and Chadoora in Budgam district. One terrorist has been killed in the encounter in Dooru and the search operation is currently underway. Reports inform that the firing has stopped. Security forces have gunned down two terrorists in the Budgam encounter; a search operation underway, news agency ANI reported. The gunfight began after the security forces received inputs about the presence of militants, following which they launched a search and cordon operation. Three terrorists believed to be trapped in a building at the encounter site in Budgam's Chadoora. Firing continues. #JammuAndKashmir (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/qlDaf31wQD — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × One terrorist killed in the encounter in Dooru Shahabad in Anantnag district today. Firing has stopped. Search operation is underway. #JammuAndKashmir (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/iIa2fKCqYW — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × #JammuAndKashmir: Visuals from Srinagar city's Noorbagh where an encounter has started between terrorists & security forces. Two terrorists are believed to be trapped. Internet services have been suspended. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/QCDTMMUtlE — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × In a separate incident, an encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Noorbagh on outskirts of Srinagar city on Thursday morning. Two terrorists are believed to be holed up. In the wake of the encounters, internet services have been suspended in Noorbagh and Dooru Shahabad. An encounter was also underway at Srinagar city's Noorbagh area. Two terrorists were believed to be trapped there. As a precautionary measure, the authorities have suspended internet services. Meanwhile, a civilian has lost his life in the exchange of fire between security personnel and terrorists.

J&K: Three encounters underway, 3 terrorist killed, several trapped in Chadoora & Noorbagh

The water level in the Yamuna river on Thursday rose above the danger mark after 18,295 cusecs of water was released into it from the neighbouring Haryana's Hathini Kund Barrage.

The river is currently flowing at 205.49 meters, which is above the danger mark of 204 meters.

The swelling Yamuna has created a panic-like situation in the nearby areas.

In the wake of the emergency, Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash on Tuesday called a meeting to discuss the situation.

As a precautionary measure, boats along with divers have been stationed in low lying areas and the Sub-Divisional Magistrates have been instructed to closely monitor the situation.

Apart from this, all the officers have been asked to follow instructions on "Delhi Flood 2018".&nbsp;

The water level in the Yamuna river on Thursday rose above the danger mark after 18,295 cusecs of water was released into it from the neighbouring Haryana's Hathini Kund Barrage.

The water level in the Yamuna river on Thursday rose above the danger mark after 18,295 cusecs of water was released into it from the neighbouring Haryana's Hathini Kund Barrage. The river is currently flowing at 205.49 meters, which is above the danger mark of 204 meters. The swelling Yamuna has created a panic-like situation in the nearby areas. In the wake of the emergency, Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash on Tuesday called a meeting to discuss the situation. As a precautionary measure, boats along with divers have been stationed in low lying areas and the Sub-Divisional Magistrates have been instructed to closely monitor the situation. Apart from this, all the officers have been asked to follow instructions on "Delhi Flood 2018".

Yamuna in Delhi crosses danger mark

Two powerful Democratic women senators have urged the Trump administration not to go ahead with its decision to revoke the authorisation to immigrants on H-4 visas, a majority of who are Indian-Americans, as doing so would impact about 100,000 women.

H-4 visas are issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediate family members, spouse and children under 21 years of age, of the holder of H-1B visa, the most sought-after among Indian IT professionals.

Senators Kamala Harris from California and Kirsten Gillibrand from New York wrote a letter on the matter to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and USCIS Director L Francis Cissna.

The letter comes after Department of Homeland Security told a US court last week it is going to revoke employment authorisation of H-4 visa holders and a notification in this connection is to be issued in less than three months.

The Trump administration is reviewing the H-1B visa policy that it thinks is being misused by companies to replace American workers. It has said publicly and also in its court filing it wants to revoke work permits to H-4 visa holders,

The move will have a major impact on Indian women as they are a major beneficiary of the Obama-era rule.

"Rescinding the H-4 rule will result in significant personal hardship to women who will be forced to abandon their professional careers," the two senators wrote in their letter.

"Preventing women from engaging in employment can lead to isolation, depression, anxiety, feelings of guilt, and a loss of self-worth. Revoking a wife's ability to work leaves her and her children entirely dependent on her spouse. Increased isolation, coupled with complete financial dependence, can make leaving an abusive relationship dangerous and, in some cases, impossible," they wrote.

Asserting that independence and equal opportunity are fundamental American values, they said an action to deprive spousal H-4 visa holders the ability to continue to pursue their professional careers is antithetical to principles this country is built on.

"We urge you to consider the economic, psychological, and personal harms that rescinding the H-4 rule will cause to more than 100,000 professional women, their families, and their American communities," they said.

Harris, the first Indian-origin American Senator, and Gillibrand said a revocation of the H-4 rule would "disproportionately target" South Asian women.

"In 2017, 94 per cent of H-4 visa holders with work authorisation were women and 93 per cent were from India. Currently, no more than seven per cent of approximately 375,000 family and employment-based green cards issued annually can go to nationals from the same country," they said.

"As a result, over 306,000 Indian applicants and 67,000 Chinese applicants whose applications have been approved are currently in line to receive a green card. Because of the backlog, H1-B visa holders and dependent H-4 visa holders from certain countries in the US&nbsp;Are forced to wait from 12 years to an impossible 150 years to receive green cards," they said.&nbsp;

In the letter, Harris and Gillibrand said requiring professional women to give up their careers to keep their families united will cause serious harm to their children.

Many H-1B families live in higher-cost areas such as Silicon Valley or Seattle, where having two incomes is not a luxury but a necessity.

"Rescinding the H-4 rule would create a permanent barrier to employment, including self-employment, for these women, reinforcing a harmful stereotype that women do not belong in the workplace and widening the gender equality gap," the senators wrote.&nbsp;

Two powerful Democratic women senators have urged the Trump administration not to go ahead with its decision to revoke the authorisation to immigrants on H-4 visas, a majority of who are Indian-Americans, as doing so would impact about 100,000 women.

Two powerful Democratic women senators have urged the Trump administration not to go ahead with its decision to revoke the authorisation to immigrants on H-4 visas, a majority of who are Indian-Americans, as doing so would impact about 100,000 women. H-4 visas are issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediate family members, spouse and children under 21 years of age, of the holder of H-1B visa, the most sought-after among Indian IT professionals. Senators Kamala Harris from California and Kirsten Gillibrand from New York wrote a letter on the matter to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and USCIS Director L Francis Cissna. The letter comes after Department of Homeland Security told a US court last week it is going to revoke employment authorisation of H-4 visa holders and a notification in this connection is to be issued in less than three months. The Trump administration is reviewing the H-1B visa policy that it thinks is being misused by companies to replace American workers. It has said publicly and also in its court filing it wants to revoke work permits to H-4 visa holders, The move will have a major impact on Indian women as they are a major beneficiary of the Obama-era rule. "Rescinding the H-4 rule will result in significant personal hardship to women who will be forced to abandon their professional careers," the two senators wrote in their letter. "Preventing women from engaging in employment can lead to isolation, depression, anxiety, feelings of guilt, and a loss of self-worth. Revoking a wife's ability to work leaves her and her children entirely dependent on her spouse. Increased isolation, coupled with complete financial dependence, can make leaving an abusive relationship dangerous and, in some cases, impossible," they wrote. Asserting that independence and equal opportunity are fundamental American values, they said an action to deprive spousal H-4 visa holders the ability to continue to pursue their professional careers is antithetical to principles this country is built on. "We urge you to consider the economic, psychological, and personal harms that rescinding the H-4 rule will cause to more than 100,000 professional women, their families, and their American communities," they said. Harris, the first Indian-origin American Senator, and Gillibrand said a revocation of the H-4 rule would "disproportionately target" South Asian women. "In 2017, 94 per cent of H-4 visa holders with work authorisation were women and 93 per cent were from India. Currently, no more than seven per cent of approximately 375,000 family and employment-based green cards issued annually can go to nationals from the same country," they said. "As a result, over 306,000 Indian applicants and 67,000 Chinese applicants whose applications have been approved are currently in line to receive a green card. Because of the backlog, H1-B visa holders and dependent H-4 visa holders from certain countries in the US Are forced to wait from 12 years to an impossible 150 years to receive green cards," they said. In the letter, Harris and Gillibrand said requiring professional women to give up their careers to keep their families united will cause serious harm to their children. Many H-1B families live in higher-cost areas such as Silicon Valley or Seattle, where having two incomes is not a luxury but a necessity. "Rescinding the H-4 rule would create a permanent barrier to employment, including self-employment, for these women, reinforcing a harmful stereotype that women do not belong in the workplace and widening the gender equality gap," the senators wrote.

Over 100,000 professional women will be impacted: Trump urged against ending work permit

Discussions on a bailout package for embattled state-run carrier Air India are at an "advanced stage", the Junior Aviation Minister Jayant Sinha said on Wednesday.

India's government has been working on a package for Air India after plans to sell a majority stake in the debt-laden airline failed this year due to a lack of interest from bidders.

"We are going through the government approval process," Sinha told reporters, without giving details.

Air India, which has survived for years with the help from taxpayers, has asked the government for 21.21 billion rupees ($292 million) in additional equity to pay the carrier's bills to vendors.

India's top civil aviation bureaucrat said in September that a $120 million capital injection for Air India was on the way, and the government is also working on a relief package for the airline industry.

Jet Airways, India's largest full-service carrier, and state-owned Air India are struggling to stem losses in the world's fastest-growing domestic aviation market, where competition is intense and fuel taxes are high.

India's airline industry is forecast to lose up to $1.9 billion this financial year due to rising costs and low fares, according to consulting firm CAPA.

The civil aviation ministry has proposed other measures to help the airline industry, including adding aviation turbine fuel to a nationwide goods and services tax, Sinha said.

Discussions on a bailout package for embattled state-run carrier Air India are at an "advanced stage", the Junior Aviation Minister Jayant Sinha said on Wednesday.

Discussions on a bailout package for embattled state-run carrier Air India are at an "advanced stage", the Junior Aviation Minister Jayant Sinha said on Wednesday. India's government has been working on a package for Air India after plans to sell a majority stake in the debt-laden airline failed this year due to a lack of interest from bidders. "We are going through the government approval process," Sinha told reporters, without giving details. Air India, which has survived for years with the help from taxpayers, has asked the government for 21.21 billion rupees ($292 million) in additional equity to pay the carrier's bills to vendors. India's top civil aviation bureaucrat said in September that a $120 million capital injection for Air India was on the way, and the government is also working on a relief package for the airline industry. Jet Airways, India's largest full-service carrier, and state-owned Air India are struggling to stem losses in the world's fastest-growing domestic aviation market, where competition is intense and fuel taxes are high. India's airline industry is forecast to lose up to $1.9 billion this financial year due to rising costs and low fares, according to consulting firm CAPA. The civil aviation ministry has proposed other measures to help the airline industry, including adding aviation turbine fuel to a nationwide goods and services tax, Sinha said.

Talks on Air India bailout package at 'advanced stage': Report 

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pronounced its crucial verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Centre's flagship <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aadhaar-verdict-unique-identification-number-not-mandatory-mobile-connections-bank">Aadhaar scheme</a> and its enabling 2016 law.

"Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies.CBSE, UGC and NEET making Adhaar making mandatory are bad," said Supreme Court.

The court's judgement means that private bodies like mobile telecom operator companies, e-commerce firms, private banks cannot mandatorily ask for Aadhaar details of their customers.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/complete-list-services-exempted-aadhaar-supreme-court-directive-167758">Complete list of services exempted from Aadhaar as per Supreme Court directive&nbsp;</a>

The court has struck down the section 57 of Aadhaar Act which allowed sharing of data with private entities.

Calling Aadhaar different from other ID proofs, Supreme court said that there are sufficient safeguards in Aadhaar's structure.&nbsp;

"There is a fundamental difference between Aadhaar and other identity proof as Aadhaar cannot be duplicated and it is a unique identification," said Supreme Court.

"The unique identification proof also empowers and gives identity to marginalised sections of the society The unique identification proof also empowers and gives identity to marginalised sections of the society," the Apex court said.

Justice AK Sikri&nbsp;read&nbsp;out the majority judgment in the case. Justice&nbsp;Sikri&nbsp;started his&nbsp;Aadhaar&nbsp;judgment by saying, "It is better to be unique than the best."&nbsp; He further added that Aadhaar has become the most talked about expression in the recent years.

Justice Sikri said that "the Judgment also deals with Proportionality doctrine, compelling State interest and Strict Scrutiny Test." Talking about the judgment, Justice Sikri said that the concept of Human dignity has been enlarged in it.

The apex court also called for certain amendments in Aadhaar Act.&nbsp;

Justice Ashok Bhushan has largely agreed with the majority verdict and also noted that seeking biometric data wasn’t a violation of an individual’s privacy. It is a 4:1 verdict in favour of Aadhaar.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had on May 10 reserved the verdict on the matter after a marathon hearing that went on for 38 days, spanning four-and-half months.&nbsp;

The bench, also comprises Justices A K Sikri, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan.

The 38-day hearing of Aadhaar case is said to be the second longest hearing after Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973.&nbsp;

The arguments against Aadhaar began with the assertion that data collection was happening in the absence of a law, that personnel were not qualified to collect and handle sensitive data and that the biometric process itself was unreliable. Fingerprints can be cloned and iris scanners bypassed.

To add to this, it was argued that firstly, the collection of biometric information is itself a violation of the fundamental right to bodily integrity. Further, it was argued that the receipt of government benefits on the conditional waiver of constitutional rights is unconstitutional.

Last year, the Central government had made it mandatory for all financial institutions including banks, to verify and link Aadhaar of the customers with their accounts.&nbsp; It also made it mandatory to link the unique identification number with welfare schemes, as well as essential services like banking and phone, in the name of weeding out&nbsp;benami&nbsp;deals and black money.

While this was seen as a move of integrating a number of services, the system faced flak from the nation, particularly due to numerous reports suggesting data breaches.

However, in March this year, the Supreme Court indefinitely extended the March 31 deadline for linking Aadhaar with bank accounts and mobile phones.

In the same month, the government stated that around 16,65,85,421 Aadhaar cars had been linked with PermanentAccountn Number (PAN) as on March 5.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pronounced its crucial verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme and its enabling 2016 law.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pronounced its crucial verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme and its enabling 2016 law. "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies.CBSE, UGC and NEET making Adhaar making mandatory are bad," said Supreme Court. The court's judgement means that private bodies like mobile telecom operator companies, e-commerce firms, private banks cannot mandatorily ask for Aadhaar details of their customers. Also read: Complete list of services exempted from Aadhaar as per Supreme Court directive The court has struck down the section 57 of Aadhaar Act which allowed sharing of data with private entities. Calling Aadhaar different from other ID proofs, Supreme court said that there are sufficient safeguards in Aadhaar's structure. "There is a fundamental difference between Aadhaar and other identity proof as Aadhaar cannot be duplicated and it is a unique identification," said Supreme Court. "The unique identification proof also empowers and gives identity to marginalised sections of the society The unique identification proof also empowers and gives identity to marginalised sections of the society," the Apex court said. Justice AK Sikri read out the majority judgment in the case. Justice Sikri started his Aadhaar judgment by saying, "It is better to be unique than the best." He further added that Aadhaar has become the most talked about expression in the recent years. Justice Sikri said that "the Judgment also deals with Proportionality doctrine, compelling State interest and Strict Scrutiny Test." Talking about the judgment, Justice Sikri said that the concept of Human dignity has been enlarged in it. The apex court also called for certain amendments in Aadhaar Act. Justice Ashok Bhushan has largely agreed with the majority verdict and also noted that seeking biometric data wasn’t a violation of an individual’s privacy. It is a 4:1 verdict in favour of Aadhaar. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had on May 10 reserved the verdict on the matter after a marathon hearing that went on for 38 days, spanning four-and-half months. The bench, also comprises Justices A K Sikri, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan. The 38-day hearing of Aadhaar case is said to be the second longest hearing after Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973. The arguments against Aadhaar began with the assertion that data collection was happening in the absence of a law, that personnel were not qualified to collect and handle sensitive data and that the biometric process itself was unreliable. Fingerprints can be cloned and iris scanners bypassed. To add to this, it was argued that firstly, the collection of biometric information is itself a violation of the fundamental right to bodily integrity. Further, it was argued that the receipt of government benefits on the conditional waiver of constitutional rights is unconstitutional. Last year, the Central government had made it mandatory for all financial institutions including banks, to verify and link Aadhaar of the customers with their accounts. It also made it mandatory to link the unique identification number with welfare schemes, as well as essential services like banking and phone, in the name of weeding out benami deals and black money. While this was seen as a move of integrating a number of services, the system faced flak from the nation, particularly due to numerous reports suggesting data breaches. However, in March this year, the Supreme Court indefinitely extended the March 31 deadline for linking Aadhaar with bank accounts and mobile phones. In the same month, the government stated that around 16,65,85,421 Aadhaar cars had been linked with PermanentAccountn Number (PAN) as on March 5.

Supreme Court upholds validity of Aadhaar, says can't be insisted in education, banking and telecom

UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa cited the recent devastating floods in Kerala, among other natural disasters wrecking havoc across the world, to make a call to the world leaders to achieve progress on agreements aimed at slowing climate change.

Espinosa, who was elected this year as only the fourth woman to lead the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in over 70 years, also referred to heatwaves, forest fires and storms that are leaving behind a trail of death and destruction.

She formally inaugurated the 73rd General Debate of the UNGA on Tuesday.

In her address to the world leaders, she listed her priorities, saying she will work for gender equality and empowerment of women, implementation of the new global compacts on migration and refugees, creation of decent work opportunities for all as well as greater attention to environmental protection.

"We will work to give greater attention to environmental protection and to make progress on the agreements aimed at slowing climate change. Heatwaves, forest fires, storms and floods are leaving behind a trail of death and destruction," she said.

"In August, the state of Kerala in India suffered its worst monsoon flood in recent history, which killed 400 people and displaced a million more from their homes. Hurricanes killed thousands of people in 2017, making them one of the deadliest extreme climate disasters in history," she said.

Kerala was affected by the severe floods, the worst in nearly a century, due to unusually high rainfall during the monsoon season.

Around the world, millions of people are suffering from violence, war, want and the effects of climate change, she said, adding that "

We have a responsibility to slow the production and consumption policies and habits that are destroying our planet."

With a call to multilateralism and shared work towards sustainable development and equality for all, Espinosa affirmed that the contribution of the UN to humanity has been immense, citing the principles that govern the international coexistence emanated from the forum she leads.

"The reality is that the work of the UN remains as relevant as it was 73 years ago. Multilateralism is the only possible answer to the global problems we face. Weakening or putting it in question only generates instability and bewilderment, distrust and polarisation," she said.

Espinosa said that as the world becomes more interconnected, global dialogue and multilateral responses can tackle many of those issues, proposing that UN Member States take up the multilateral agenda with a renewed commitment.

Turning to the assembly's other priorities for the coming years, she also noted strengthening the political commitment with people with disabilities, the revitalisation of the UN and the role of young people in conflict prevention.

Espinosa called for more attention to be paid to the needs of the most vulnerable countries, so that they can reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure respect of human rights. She urged leaders gathered in the Assembly to live up to the needs of the people and to build a more peaceful, secure and humane world order that guarantees the dignity of the people.

"Let us then build a United Nations that is more relevant to all people," the Assembly President said.

UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa cited the recent devastating floods in Kerala, among other natural disasters wrecking havoc across the world, to make a call to the world leaders to achieve progress on agreements aimed at slowing climate change.

UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa cited the recent devastating floods in Kerala, among other natural disasters wrecking havoc across the world, to make a call to the world leaders to achieve progress on agreements aimed at slowing climate change. Espinosa, who was elected this year as only the fourth woman to lead the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in over 70 years, also referred to heatwaves, forest fires and storms that are leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. She formally inaugurated the 73rd General Debate of the UNGA on Tuesday. In her address to the world leaders, she listed her priorities, saying she will work for gender equality and empowerment of women, implementation of the new global compacts on migration and refugees, creation of decent work opportunities for all as well as greater attention to environmental protection. "We will work to give greater attention to environmental protection and to make progress on the agreements aimed at slowing climate change. Heatwaves, forest fires, storms and floods are leaving behind a trail of death and destruction," she said. "In August, the state of Kerala in India suffered its worst monsoon flood in recent history, which killed 400 people and displaced a million more from their homes. Hurricanes killed thousands of people in 2017, making them one of the deadliest extreme climate disasters in history," she said. Kerala was affected by the severe floods, the worst in nearly a century, due to unusually high rainfall during the monsoon season. Around the world, millions of people are suffering from violence, war, want and the effects of climate change, she said, adding that " We have a responsibility to slow the production and consumption policies and habits that are destroying our planet." With a call to multilateralism and shared work towards sustainable development and equality for all, Espinosa affirmed that the contribution of the UN to humanity has been immense, citing the principles that govern the international coexistence emanated from the forum she leads. "The reality is that the work of the UN remains as relevant as it was 73 years ago. Multilateralism is the only possible answer to the global problems we face. Weakening or putting it in question only generates instability and bewilderment, distrust and polarisation," she said. Espinosa said that as the world becomes more interconnected, global dialogue and multilateral responses can tackle many of those issues, proposing that UN Member States take up the multilateral agenda with a renewed commitment. Turning to the assembly's other priorities for the coming years, she also noted strengthening the political commitment with people with disabilities, the revitalisation of the UN and the role of young people in conflict prevention. Espinosa called for more attention to be paid to the needs of the most vulnerable countries, so that they can reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure respect of human rights. She urged leaders gathered in the Assembly to live up to the needs of the people and to build a more peaceful, secure and humane world order that guarantees the dignity of the people. "Let us then build a United Nations that is more relevant to all people," the Assembly President said.

UNGA president cites Kerala floods to urge faster action on climate change 

In its verdict on the constitutionality of the Unique Identification Number Aadhaar, the Supreme Court pronounced today, "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies."

"CBSE, UGC and NEET making Aadhaar making mandatory are bad," said Supreme Court.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-upholds-validity-aadhaar-says-cant-be-insisted-education-and-banking">The verdict</a> brought relief to customers making Aadhaar not mandatory for buying cellular connections and SIM cards. Bank account holders will no longer be required to link the 12-digit identification number to their accounts.

"No mobile company can demand Aadhaar card," the top court ruled on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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However, it will still be compulsory to link the Permanent account number (PAN) to Aadhaar and for filing IT returns. &nbsp;

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The top court called Aadhaar different from other ID proofs adding that there are sufficient safeguards in Aadhaar's structure.&nbsp;

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"There is a fundamental difference between Aadhaar and other identity proof as Aadhaar cannot be duplicated and it is a unique identification," said Supreme Court.

"The unique identification proof also empowers and gives identity to marginalised sections of the society The unique identification proof also empowers and gives identity to marginalised sections of the society," the Apex court said.

In its verdict on the constitutionality of the Unique Identification Number Aadhaar, the Supreme Court pronounced today, "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies.

In its verdict on the constitutionality of the Unique Identification Number Aadhaar, the Supreme Court pronounced today, "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies." "CBSE, UGC and NEET making Aadhaar making mandatory are bad," said Supreme Court. The verdict brought relief to customers making Aadhaar not mandatory for buying cellular connections and SIM cards. Bank account holders will no longer be required to link the 12-digit identification number to their accounts. "No mobile company can demand Aadhaar card," the top court ruled on Wednesday. No mobile company can demand "Aadhaar card": Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/IRAm5pOUee — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2018 × However, it will still be compulsory to link the Permanent account number (PAN) to Aadhaar and for filing IT returns. Aadhaar card is mandatory for PAN linking: Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/cBiKwJbdjX — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2018 × The top court called Aadhaar different from other ID proofs adding that there are sufficient safeguards in Aadhaar's structure. Supreme Court strikes down the section 57 of Aadhaar Act; as a result, private companies cannot ask for Aadhaar card pic.twitter.com/sg9HMax86L — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2018 × "There is a fundamental difference between Aadhaar and other identity proof as Aadhaar cannot be duplicated and it is a unique identification," said Supreme Court. "The unique identification proof also empowers and gives identity to marginalised sections of the society The unique identification proof also empowers and gives identity to marginalised sections of the society," the Apex court said.

Aadhaar not mandatory for mobile phone connections, bank accounts: Supreme Court 

The Supreme Court of India is likely to pronounce its verdict on decriminalisation of&nbsp;Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (Adultery Provision).

The case will be heard by a constitution bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Rohinton Nariman, Justice AM KHawilkar, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Indur Malhotra.&nbsp;

The apex court had been hearing a clutch of pleas seeking quashing of the adultery provision in the IPC on the ground that it only punishes married men for having extramarital sexual relations with a married woman.&nbsp;

India's adultery law states that: "Whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery, and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor."&nbsp;

Another part which has drew a row of criticism is that the law permits woman's husband to file a complaint against the man she has sexual intercourse with, but there is no such provision for the wife of the adulterous man. She cannot file a complaint against her husband or the other woman.

Interestingly, the adultery law, like much of Indian law, is a remnant of Victorian-era law handed down to the country by the British.&nbsp;

England itself has dropped the adultery law from its statute books.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of India is likely to pronounce its verdict on decriminalisation of Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (Adultery Provision). The case will be heard by a constitution bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Rohinton Nariman, Justice AM KHawilkar, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Indur Malhotra.

The Supreme Court of India is likely to pronounce its verdict on decriminalisation of Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (Adultery Provision). The case will be heard by a constitution bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Rohinton Nariman, Justice AM KHawilkar, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Indur Malhotra. The apex court had been hearing a clutch of pleas seeking quashing of the adultery provision in the IPC on the ground that it only punishes married men for having extramarital sexual relations with a married woman. India's adultery law states that: "Whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery, and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor." Another part which has drew a row of criticism is that the law permits woman's husband to file a complaint against the man she has sexual intercourse with, but there is no such provision for the wife of the adulterous man. She cannot file a complaint against her husband or the other woman. Interestingly, the adultery law, like much of Indian law, is a remnant of Victorian-era law handed down to the country by the British. England itself has dropped the adultery law from its statute books.

Supreme Court likely to pronounce verdict on discriminatory adultery law today

The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict Thursday on a batch of pleas by Muslim groups on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute seeking reconsideration by a larger bench, the observations made by it in a 1994 verdict that a mosque was not integral to Islam.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer will pronounce the verdict.&nbsp;

M Siddiq, one of the original litigants of the Ayodhya case who has died and is being represented through his legal heir, had assailed certain findings of the 1994 verdict in the case of M Ismail Faruqui holding that a mosque was not integral to the prayers offered by the followers of Islam.

It was argued by the Muslim groups before a special bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer that the "sweeping" observation of the apex court in the verdict needed to be reconsidered by a five-judge bench as "it had and will have a bearing" on the Babri Masjid-Ram Temple land dispute case.

Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for legal representative of Siddiq, had said that the observation that mosques were not essential for practising Islam were made by the apex court without any enquiry or considering the religious texts.

The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier told the top court that some Muslim groups were trying to delay the hearing in the "long-pending" Ayodhya temple-mosque land dispute case by seeking reconsideration of the observation in the 1994 verdict that a mosque was not integral to Islam.

Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the UP government, had said this dispute has been awaiting final adjudication for "almost a century".

He had also said that the issue of the observation was neither taken up by any litigant since 1994, nor in the present appeals which were filed in 2010 after the high court's verdict.

The state government had said the law decided by the top court in the Ismail Farooqi case was "the correct law which does not deserve to be disturbed either by referring it as belatedly prayed for or otherwise".

Earlier, Hindu groups had opposed the plea of their Muslim counterparts that the 1994 verdict holding that a mosque was not integral to the prayers offered by the followers of Islam be referred to a larger bench.

The observations were made in the land acquisition matter pertaining to the Ayodhya site and the apex court had to consider two aspects as to whether a mosque could be acquired at all and whether a religious place of worship like a mosque, church or temple was immune from acquisition if it was a place of special significance for that religion and formed its essential and integral part.

The special bench of the apex court is seized of a total of 14 appeals filed against the high court judgement delivered in four civil suits.

A three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court, in a 2:1 majority ruling, had in 2010 ordered that the land be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict Thursday on a batch of pleas by Muslim groups on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute seeking reconsideration by a larger bench, the observations made by it in a 1994 verdict that a mosque was not integral to Islam.

The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict Thursday on a batch of pleas by Muslim groups on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute seeking reconsideration by a larger bench, the observations made by it in a 1994 verdict that a mosque was not integral to Islam. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer will pronounce the verdict. M Siddiq, one of the original litigants of the Ayodhya case who has died and is being represented through his legal heir, had assailed certain findings of the 1994 verdict in the case of M Ismail Faruqui holding that a mosque was not integral to the prayers offered by the followers of Islam. It was argued by the Muslim groups before a special bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer that the "sweeping" observation of the apex court in the verdict needed to be reconsidered by a five-judge bench as "it had and will have a bearing" on the Babri Masjid-Ram Temple land dispute case. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for legal representative of Siddiq, had said that the observation that mosques were not essential for practising Islam were made by the apex court without any enquiry or considering the religious texts. The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier told the top court that some Muslim groups were trying to delay the hearing in the "long-pending" Ayodhya temple-mosque land dispute case by seeking reconsideration of the observation in the 1994 verdict that a mosque was not integral to Islam. Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the UP government, had said this dispute has been awaiting final adjudication for "almost a century". He had also said that the issue of the observation was neither taken up by any litigant since 1994, nor in the present appeals which were filed in 2010 after the high court's verdict. The state government had said the law decided by the top court in the Ismail Farooqi case was "the correct law which does not deserve to be disturbed either by referring it as belatedly prayed for or otherwise". Earlier, Hindu groups had opposed the plea of their Muslim counterparts that the 1994 verdict holding that a mosque was not integral to the prayers offered by the followers of Islam be referred to a larger bench. The observations were made in the land acquisition matter pertaining to the Ayodhya site and the apex court had to consider two aspects as to whether a mosque could be acquired at all and whether a religious place of worship like a mosque, church or temple was immune from acquisition if it was a place of special significance for that religion and formed its essential and integral part. The special bench of the apex court is seized of a total of 14 appeals filed against the high court judgement delivered in four civil suits. A three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court, in a 2:1 majority ruling, had in 2010 ordered that the land be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

SC verdict today on plea for hearing by larger bench on whether mosques are integral to Islam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;were bestowed with United Nation’s highest environmental honour, ‘Champions of the Earth’.&nbsp;

The two leaders were recognised in the policy leadership category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action, including Macron's work on the Global Pact for the environment and Modi's unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.&nbsp;

Among the other recipient of the awards was the Cochin International Airport, which received the award in the Entrepreneurial Vision category.

The airport was hailed for its, "leadership in the use of sustainable energy".

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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were bestowed with United Nation’s highest environmental honour, ‘Champions of the Earth’. The two leaders were recognised in the policy leadership category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action, including Macron's work on the Global Pact for the environment and Modi's unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were bestowed with United Nation’s highest environmental honour, ‘Champions of the Earth’. The two leaders were recognised in the policy leadership category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action, including Macron's work on the Global Pact for the environment and Modi's unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022. Among the other recipient of the awards was the Cochin International Airport, which received the award in the Entrepreneurial Vision category. The airport was hailed for its, "leadership in the use of sustainable energy". PM Narendra Modi and French President Macron get UN’s highest environmental honour, ‘Champions of the Earth’. They are recognised in the policy leadership category. pic.twitter.com/OhP8jrPW8z — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2018 ×

PM Modi, French President Macron awarded ‘Champions of the Earth’ by UN 

Gravitas: SC says Aadhar does not violate right to privacy

The Indian Army can take another <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-surgical-strikes-video-shows-indian-army-destroying-terror-launch-pads-in-pok-147550">surgical strike-like action</a> if infiltration doesn't stop from the Pakistan side, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said.

Speaking to WION Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary, General Rawat said, "The surgical strikes, which were carried out two years ago, was a well though-out plan against the brutality committed in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. We (the Indian Army) keep devising plans to check infiltration from across the border and will not hesitate to take another similar action if Pakistan doesn't stop supporting terrorists or fails to check infiltration."

We will not let infiltration go on year after year; either Pakistan stops supporting terrorists or we will be forced to take action, he said affirmatively.

"Terrorism emanating from Pakistan is the biggest challenge to the country. But <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-were-conducted-in-the-interest-of-national-security-not-for-political-mileage-148036">surgical strikes</a> are not the only option we have. The armed forces have several other better options for tackling cross-border infiltration and terrorism," General Rawat said.

The Army had conducted a massive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rejects-video-clips-of-indian-surgical-strikes-calls-it-farcical-147801">surgical strikes</a> on terror launch pads across the Line of Control on September 29, two years ago.

General Rawat also discussed India's Pakistan policy, what steps the Indian Army is taking, or planning to take, to deal with terrorism.

"India is progressing rapidly, we are taking rapid strides in development. But look at Pakistan. Its economy is falling, the education and healthcare sectors are in shambles. So Pakistan needs to understand that supporting terrorism is adversely affecting its policy and is not in sync with India's vision," General Rawat said.

He also gave some words of advice to the new Pakistan government led by Imran Khan and its army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. General Rawat said that peace and stability in the region can be established only if the civilian government in the neighbouring nation and its armed forces make an honest effort towards it.

"Peace can come, insurgency and cross-border terrorism can end if the Imran Khan government in Pakistan takes an honest effort in that direction. Till the time the civilian government in Pakistan remains under the clutches of its army (ISI) peace will remain a distant dream," he said.

General Rawat also said that he feels sad as well as surprised when human rights activists raise concerns when a terrorist is eliminated. "How can you talk about human rights of a terrorist? He attacks innocent people. Such activists and organisations need to sit together and rethink their strategies," he said.

The Army Chief also said that Pakistan-backed terrorists are utterly frustrated with Indian Army's counter-terror operations in which several top terrorists had been eliminated.

General Rawat, while praising the officers and jawans of the armed forces, said that the country is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality and to protect the national borders.

The Army Chief also referred to the ongoing row over Rafale defence deal. He said that defence procurement should be done through Government-to-Government channels, which will eliminate the risk of middlemen and ensure transparency.

When asked if he harboured any political ambitions, General Rawat said, "No".

"I am not cut out for that. I would like to be remembered as an Army officer who lived his dream, who led his side with pride, and the one who always admired and respected his olive green uniform," he said. 
&nbsp; 
The no-holds-barred interview with Army Chief came nearly a week after a BSF soldier was shot dead by Pakistani forces and his mutilated body was found later.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UbckFevUsQo" width="560"></iframe>

The Indian Army can take another surgical strike-like action if infiltration doesn't stop from the Pakistan side, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said. Speaking to WION Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary, General Rawat said, "The surgical strikes, which were carried out two years ago, was a well though-out plan against the brutality committed in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri.

The Indian Army can take another surgical strike-like action if infiltration doesn't stop from the Pakistan side, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said. Speaking to WION Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary, General Rawat said, "The surgical strikes, which were carried out two years ago, was a well though-out plan against the brutality committed in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. We (the Indian Army) keep devising plans to check infiltration from across the border and will not hesitate to take another similar action if Pakistan doesn't stop supporting terrorists or fails to check infiltration." We will not let infiltration go on year after year; either Pakistan stops supporting terrorists or we will be forced to take action, he said affirmatively. "Terrorism emanating from Pakistan is the biggest challenge to the country. But surgical strikes are not the only option we have. The armed forces have several other better options for tackling cross-border infiltration and terrorism," General Rawat said. The Army had conducted a massive surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control on September 29, two years ago. General Rawat also discussed India's Pakistan policy, what steps the Indian Army is taking, or planning to take, to deal with terrorism. "India is progressing rapidly, we are taking rapid strides in development. But look at Pakistan. Its economy is falling, the education and healthcare sectors are in shambles. So Pakistan needs to understand that supporting terrorism is adversely affecting its policy and is not in sync with India's vision," General Rawat said. He also gave some words of advice to the new Pakistan government led by Imran Khan and its army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. General Rawat said that peace and stability in the region can be established only if the civilian government in the neighbouring nation and its armed forces make an honest effort towards it. "Peace can come, insurgency and cross-border terrorism can end if the Imran Khan government in Pakistan takes an honest effort in that direction. Till the time the civilian government in Pakistan remains under the clutches of its army (ISI) peace will remain a distant dream," he said. General Rawat also said that he feels sad as well as surprised when human rights activists raise concerns when a terrorist is eliminated. "How can you talk about human rights of a terrorist? He attacks innocent people. Such activists and organisations need to sit together and rethink their strategies," he said. The Army Chief also said that Pakistan-backed terrorists are utterly frustrated with Indian Army's counter-terror operations in which several top terrorists had been eliminated. General Rawat, while praising the officers and jawans of the armed forces, said that the country is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality and to protect the national borders. The Army Chief also referred to the ongoing row over Rafale defence deal. He said that defence procurement should be done through Government-to-Government channels, which will eliminate the risk of middlemen and ensure transparency. When asked if he harboured any political ambitions, General Rawat said, "No". "I am not cut out for that. I would like to be remembered as an Army officer who lived his dream, who led his side with pride, and the one who always admired and respected his olive green uniform," he said. The no-holds-barred interview with Army Chief came nearly a week after a BSF soldier was shot dead by Pakistani forces and his mutilated body was found later.

Ready for another surgical strike-like action: Army Chief Bipin Rawat to WION

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday pronounced its verdict on a batch of petitions on quota benefits in job promotions for SC/ST employees, declaring that states don't need to collect quantifiable data on backwardness. &nbsp;

The bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra refused to refer the matter (the Nagaraj judgement) to a larger bench.

The bench, also comprising Justices Kurian Joseph, R F Nariman, S K Kaul and Indu Malhotra, had reserved its verdict on August 30 after hearing various stakeholders, including the Centre, on the matter.

In 2006, a five-judge constitution bench, in its verdict in the M Nagraj case, had said the states are bound to provide quantifiable data on the backwardness of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), the facts about their inadequate representation in government jobs and the overall administrative efficiency, before providing quota in promotions to members of these communities.

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The Centre had earlier alleged that the verdict in the M Nagraj case had put unnecessary conditions in granting quota benefits to the SC and ST employees and sought its reconsideration by a larger bench.

Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, had strongly argued in favour of granting quota to SC and ST employees, saying there was a presumption of backwardness in their favour.

Venugopal had argued that the SC and ST communities have been facing caste-based discrimination for long and the stigma of caste is attached to them despite the fact that some of them have come up.

Earlier, the top court had questioned the logic behind granting quota in promotions in government jobs to the kith and kin of affluent persons among the SC and ST communities who have been holding high official positions.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday pronounced its verdict on a batch of petitions on quota benefits in job promotions for SC/ST employees, declaring that states don't need to collect quantifiable data on backwardness.

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday pronounced its verdict on a batch of petitions on quota benefits in job promotions for SC/ST employees, declaring that states don't need to collect quantifiable data on backwardness. The bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra refused to refer the matter (the Nagaraj judgement) to a larger bench. The bench, also comprising Justices Kurian Joseph, R F Nariman, S K Kaul and Indu Malhotra, had reserved its verdict on August 30 after hearing various stakeholders, including the Centre, on the matter. In 2006, a five-judge constitution bench, in its verdict in the M Nagraj case, had said the states are bound to provide quantifiable data on the backwardness of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), the facts about their inadequate representation in government jobs and the overall administrative efficiency, before providing quota in promotions to members of these communities. Supreme Court says there is no need to collect data on SC/ST in reservation in promotion in government services https://t.co/4S6zBTrPcy — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2018 × The Centre had earlier alleged that the verdict in the M Nagraj case had put unnecessary conditions in granting quota benefits to the SC and ST employees and sought its reconsideration by a larger bench. Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, had strongly argued in favour of granting quota to SC and ST employees, saying there was a presumption of backwardness in their favour. Venugopal had argued that the SC and ST communities have been facing caste-based discrimination for long and the stigma of caste is attached to them despite the fact that some of them have come up. Earlier, the top court had questioned the logic behind granting quota in promotions in government jobs to the kith and kin of affluent persons among the SC and ST communities who have been holding high official positions. (With inputs from PTI)

No need to collect data on backwardness: Supreme Court on quota benefits for SC/ST 

Congress social media chief Divya Spandana has been reportedly booked under sedition charges for allegedly posting an "insulting" tweet against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, news agency PTI reported on Wednesday.

According to media reports, Divya Spandana posted a photoshopped picture of&nbsp;PM Modi&nbsp;showing him painting “chor” (thief) on his own wax statue’s forehead. She also reportedly used “ChorPMChupHai”.

A case was registered on Tuesday at the Gomtinagar Police Station here, PTI reported.&nbsp;

"An FIR was registered against Divya Spandana under the Information Technology Act and the relevant sections of the IPC," news agency PTI quoted Gomtinagar SHO DP Tiwari as saying.

The FIR was lodged on a complaint by lawyer Syed Rizvan Ahmed, who alleged that Spandana had tweeted an "utterly insulting" post against the prime minister, he said.

In the complaint, Ahmed alleged that the post had the potential to "instigate hatred" against Modi.

On Wednesday, Spandana took to Twitter to say that “India should do away with its sedition law, it's archaic and misused”.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thank you guys for extending your support and for those who didn’t like the tweet, well, what can I say? Will keep it ‘classy’ next time 😊 
India should do away with the sedition law, it’s archaic and misused. 
To the folks who filed the FIR- <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMChorHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMChorHai</a> 🤭😀
— Divya Spandana/Ramya (@divyaspandana) <a href="https://twitter.com/divyaspandana/status/1044982008236183552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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So far no official statement has been issued by Congress reacting to the FIR.

&nbsp;

Congress social media chief Divya Spandana has been reportedly booked under sedition charges for allegedly posting an "insulting" tweet against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, news agency PTI reported on Wednesday.

Congress social media chief Divya Spandana has been reportedly booked under sedition charges for allegedly posting an "insulting" tweet against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, news agency PTI reported on Wednesday. According to media reports, Divya Spandana posted a photoshopped picture of PM Modi showing him painting “chor” (thief) on his own wax statue’s forehead. She also reportedly used “ChorPMChupHai”. A case was registered on Tuesday at the Gomtinagar Police Station here, PTI reported. "An FIR was registered against Divya Spandana under the Information Technology Act and the relevant sections of the IPC," news agency PTI quoted Gomtinagar SHO DP Tiwari as saying. The FIR was lodged on a complaint by lawyer Syed Rizvan Ahmed, who alleged that Spandana had tweeted an "utterly insulting" post against the prime minister, he said. In the complaint, Ahmed alleged that the post had the potential to "instigate hatred" against Modi. On Wednesday, Spandana took to Twitter to say that “India should do away with its sedition law, it's archaic and misused”. Thank you guys for extending your support and for those who didn’t like the tweet, well, what can I say? Will keep it ‘classy’ next time 😊 India should do away with the sedition law, it’s archaic and misused. To the folks who filed the FIR- #PMChorHai 🤭😀 — Divya Spandana/Ramya (@divyaspandana) September 26, 2018 × So far no official statement has been issued by Congress reacting to the FIR.

Congress social media chief Divya Spandana booked for insulting PM Modi in tweet

Train services were disrupted for a few minutes at some stations in West Bengal during a 12-hour bandh called by the BJP Wednesday to protest the killing of two students in a clash in North Dinajpur district, Railway officials said.

No untoward incident was, however, reported during the blockades put up by bandh supporters at the stations, a police official said.

Transport services were normal in the city though bus drivers were seen wearing helmets.

Bandh supporters had squatted on the tracks at Barasat, Krishnagar and some stations in Sealdah division for 5-10 minutes in the morning, but the blockade has been lifted, an Eastern Railway spokesman said.

At present, train services in the Eastern Railway, including suburban services, are normal, he said.

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Howrah: Train movement obstructed by protesters on Howrah-Bardhaman Main Line. BJP has called for a 12-hour bandh in West Bengal today in protest against the death of 2 students following a clash with police in North Dinajpur's Islampur. <a href="https://t.co/nHdR5fP5Ui">pic.twitter.com/nHdR5fP5Ui</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044779626755579904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Party workers are staging blockades at Chengail, Andul and Ramrajatala stations in the Howrah-Kharagpur section of the South Eastern Railway, affecting suburban train services in the section, SER Central Public Relations Officer Sanjoy Ghosh said.

A huge police contingent has been deployed in the city to avoid any untoward incident during the shutdown and no untoward incident has been reported in the metropolis since 6 am, a police official said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called the bandh to protest against the death of two students in a clash with the police on October 20 during a demonstration over recruitment of teachers at Daribhita High School in Islampur area, the police said.

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West Bengal: Protesters vandalise government buses and torch tyres in Midnapore. BJP has called for a 12-hour statewide bandh today in protest against the death of a student who died following a clash with police in North Dinajpur's Islampur. <a href="https://t.co/qBn4SHX0Dx">pic.twitter.com/qBn4SHX0Dx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044774962681176066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The protesting students had said they did not require an Urdu and Sanskrit teachers and demanded that teachers be recruited for science and other subjects. 
In the Islampur area, BJP supporters squatted on the road to stop traffic movement.

The state government had issued a notification for its employees asking them to attend office on the bandh day.

There will be no holiday on the day before or after the Bangla Bandh. Even a half-holiday will not be sanctioned on the day, it said.

Commercial establishments, private offices and educational institutions were also asked to function normally on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Train services were disrupted for a few minutes at some stations in West Bengal during a 12-hour bandh called by the BJP Wednesday to protest the killing of two students in a clash in North Dinajpur district, Railway officials said.

Train services were disrupted for a few minutes at some stations in West Bengal during a 12-hour bandh called by the BJP Wednesday to protest the killing of two students in a clash in North Dinajpur district, Railway officials said. No untoward incident was, however, reported during the blockades put up by bandh supporters at the stations, a police official said. Transport services were normal in the city though bus drivers were seen wearing helmets. Bandh supporters had squatted on the tracks at Barasat, Krishnagar and some stations in Sealdah division for 5-10 minutes in the morning, but the blockade has been lifted, an Eastern Railway spokesman said. At present, train services in the Eastern Railway, including suburban services, are normal, he said. Howrah: Train movement obstructed by protesters on Howrah-Bardhaman Main Line. BJP has called for a 12-hour bandh in West Bengal today in protest against the death of 2 students following a clash with police in North Dinajpur's Islampur. pic.twitter.com/nHdR5fP5Ui — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2018 × Party workers are staging blockades at Chengail, Andul and Ramrajatala stations in the Howrah-Kharagpur section of the South Eastern Railway, affecting suburban train services in the section, SER Central Public Relations Officer Sanjoy Ghosh said. A huge police contingent has been deployed in the city to avoid any untoward incident during the shutdown and no untoward incident has been reported in the metropolis since 6 am, a police official said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called the bandh to protest against the death of two students in a clash with the police on October 20 during a demonstration over recruitment of teachers at Daribhita High School in Islampur area, the police said. West Bengal: Protesters vandalise government buses and torch tyres in Midnapore. BJP has called for a 12-hour statewide bandh today in protest against the death of a student who died following a clash with police in North Dinajpur's Islampur. pic.twitter.com/qBn4SHX0Dx — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2018 × The protesting students had said they did not require an Urdu and Sanskrit teachers and demanded that teachers be recruited for science and other subjects. In the Islampur area, BJP supporters squatted on the road to stop traffic movement. The state government had issued a notification for its employees asking them to attend office on the bandh day. There will be no holiday on the day before or after the Bangla Bandh. Even a half-holiday will not be sanctioned on the day, it said. Commercial establishments, private offices and educational institutions were also asked to function normally on Wednesday.

BJP calls 12-hour bandh in Bengal, train services affected 

The Trump administration's proposed rule, under which immigrants may be denied green card if they have received government benefits in the past or are likely to receive one in the future, is likely to have a major impact on immigrants from South Asian countries, a community organisation said Tuesday.

"The new rule would hit the South Asian American communities particularly hard, as over 10 per cent of green card recipients in FY 2016 were from South Asian countries," the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) said.

It condemned the Department of Homeland Security announcement of the proposed "public charge" rules that would deny permanent resident status ("green cards") to immigrants who use government services such as nutrition programmes and housing assistance.

According to a recent Pew Research Center study, one in four immigrants in the US from Bangladesh and Nepal and one in three immigrants from Bhutan already live in poverty. This new rule would put all these individuals at great risk, it said.

SAALT said the term "public charge" predated federal immigration law entirely. In the early 1800s, the states would only free individual slaves on the condition that they never become a "public charge". This framework was now being expanded to criminalise the immigrant communities, it said.

"This policy is about who this administration considers a desirable immigrant. It is designed to instil fear in immigrant communities of colour and relegate the non-citizens and their families to second-class status," said Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of SAALT.

"It will punish the immigrants who rightfully access the public benefits to which they are entitled, it will punish parents for taking care of their children and it will force immigrant families to choose between citizenship and basic needs," she added.

"Rather than taxing the one per cent, this administration chooses to punish immigrant families over and over again. Today, on the one-year anniversary of Muslim Ban 3.0, we say no to more racist and anti-immigrant policies," Raghunathan said.

Congressman Bobby Scott from Virginia said the proposed policy was making grounds for denying legal US residency to immigrants.

"The Trump administration's 'public charge' proposal would force hundreds of thousands of immigrants to make the impossible choice between receiving basic assistance for food and shelter and risking being separated from their families.

"This proposal is cruel, counterproductive and in violation of the basic principles that make America an example for the world," Scott said.

According to Congressman Tony Cardenas, the policy is equal parts cruel and senseless. "Not only will this hurt the tax-paying families, it will also have a hugely negative impact on the US economy and on American citizens," he said.

In 2014, the immigrants in this country earned USD 1.3 trillion and paid more than USD 223 billion in federal taxes, while paying another USD 105 billion in combined state and local taxes, Cardenas said.

"We are talking about people who are vital to the American economy and it is insane to threaten people who are legal, rule-following contributors to American communities. This proposed rule will hurt the grocery stores, farmers and healthcare providers. Our American economy will suffer. It just does not make any sense," he added.

"In their quest to shame and isolate immigrants to this country, the Trump administration is gambling with the health of children, wagering that their lives matter less because they were not born here," Congresswoman Judy Chu said.

Asserting that there was no justification for this rule change "outside of bald-faced xenophobia", Chu said the change applied to the immigrants who were here legally and had done nothing to merit punishment.

"Immigrant families are no less entitled to food or housing support than any other person trying to get by in this unequal economy. Moreover, by working and paying taxes, many of these immigrants have actually earned these benefits. Others, like children and seniors who are not working should not be punished for somebody else's prejudice," she said.

The American Immigration Lawyers' Association (AILA) said the new rule would prevent many immigrants from securing lawful permanent residence and remaining with their families in the US, simply because they previously received some type of basic healthcare support, nutrition assistance or other vital services.

"The proposed rule is the Trump administration's latest assault on immigrant families, who are integral to the fabric of the American society and have been pivotal to our nation's success," said Benjamin Johnson, AILA executive director.&nbsp;

The Trump administration's proposed rule, under which immigrants may be denied green card if they have received government benefits in the past or are likely to receive one in the future, is likely to have a major impact on immigrants from South Asian countries, a community organisation said Tuesday.

The Trump administration's proposed rule, under which immigrants may be denied green card if they have received government benefits in the past or are likely to receive one in the future, is likely to have a major impact on immigrants from South Asian countries, a community organisation said Tuesday. "The new rule would hit the South Asian American communities particularly hard, as over 10 per cent of green card recipients in FY 2016 were from South Asian countries," the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) said. It condemned the Department of Homeland Security announcement of the proposed "public charge" rules that would deny permanent resident status ("green cards") to immigrants who use government services such as nutrition programmes and housing assistance. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, one in four immigrants in the US from Bangladesh and Nepal and one in three immigrants from Bhutan already live in poverty. This new rule would put all these individuals at great risk, it said. SAALT said the term "public charge" predated federal immigration law entirely. In the early 1800s, the states would only free individual slaves on the condition that they never become a "public charge". This framework was now being expanded to criminalise the immigrant communities, it said. "This policy is about who this administration considers a desirable immigrant. It is designed to instil fear in immigrant communities of colour and relegate the non-citizens and their families to second-class status," said Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of SAALT. "It will punish the immigrants who rightfully access the public benefits to which they are entitled, it will punish parents for taking care of their children and it will force immigrant families to choose between citizenship and basic needs," she added. "Rather than taxing the one per cent, this administration chooses to punish immigrant families over and over again. Today, on the one-year anniversary of Muslim Ban 3.0, we say no to more racist and anti-immigrant policies," Raghunathan said. Congressman Bobby Scott from Virginia said the proposed policy was making grounds for denying legal US residency to immigrants. "The Trump administration's 'public charge' proposal would force hundreds of thousands of immigrants to make the impossible choice between receiving basic assistance for food and shelter and risking being separated from their families. "This proposal is cruel, counterproductive and in violation of the basic principles that make America an example for the world," Scott said. According to Congressman Tony Cardenas, the policy is equal parts cruel and senseless. "Not only will this hurt the tax-paying families, it will also have a hugely negative impact on the US economy and on American citizens," he said. In 2014, the immigrants in this country earned USD 1.3 trillion and paid more than USD 223 billion in federal taxes, while paying another USD 105 billion in combined state and local taxes, Cardenas said. "We are talking about people who are vital to the American economy and it is insane to threaten people who are legal, rule-following contributors to American communities. This proposed rule will hurt the grocery stores, farmers and healthcare providers. Our American economy will suffer. It just does not make any sense," he added. "In their quest to shame and isolate immigrants to this country, the Trump administration is gambling with the health of children, wagering that their lives matter less because they were not born here," Congresswoman Judy Chu said. Asserting that there was no justification for this rule change "outside of bald-faced xenophobia", Chu said the change applied to the immigrants who were here legally and had done nothing to merit punishment. "Immigrant families are no less entitled to food or housing support than any other person trying to get by in this unequal economy. Moreover, by working and paying taxes, many of these immigrants have actually earned these benefits. Others, like children and seniors who are not working should not be punished for somebody else's prejudice," she said. The American Immigration Lawyers' Association (AILA) said the new rule would prevent many immigrants from securing lawful permanent residence and remaining with their families in the US, simply because they previously received some type of basic healthcare support, nutrition assistance or other vital services. "The proposed rule is the Trump administration's latest assault on immigrant families, who are integral to the fabric of the American society and have been pivotal to our nation's success," said Benjamin Johnson, AILA executive director.

Proposed changes in green card policy to adversely impact South Asians: SAALT

A five-storey building collapsed in northwest Delhi on Wednesday killing at least six people including four children and two women.

According to reports, the incident occurred weeks after 20-year-old "weak" structure was inspected by a municipal team following the complaints.

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan conveyed his condolence to the deceased as he visited the site.

"It is indeed painful that they lost their lives in the most tragic manner. I have conveyed my deep condolences to the families of the dead and shared their grief", he said.

The minister also said that the search-and-rescue operation was complete and some of the injured have been taken to GB Pant Hospital.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case under IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), punishable with a maximum jail term of 10 years, against the owner Dharmender, who had rented out the building in Ashok Vihar.

According to a report by news agency PTI, a complaint was lodged about the building being dangerous on August 16, 2017, and a team of civic body had inspected the building around 20 days ago.

Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were mobilised for rescue operations.

 
&nbsp;

A five-storey building collapsed in northwest Delhi on Wednesday killing at least six people including four children and two women. According to reports, the incident occurred weeks after 20-year-old "weak" structure was inspected by a municipal team following the complaints.

A five-storey building collapsed in northwest Delhi on Wednesday killing at least six people including four children and two women. According to reports, the incident occurred weeks after 20-year-old "weak" structure was inspected by a municipal team following the complaints. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan conveyed his condolence to the deceased as he visited the site. "It is indeed painful that they lost their lives in the most tragic manner. I have conveyed my deep condolences to the families of the dead and shared their grief", he said. The minister also said that the search-and-rescue operation was complete and some of the injured have been taken to GB Pant Hospital. Meanwhile, police have registered a case under IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), punishable with a maximum jail term of 10 years, against the owner Dharmender, who had rented out the building in Ashok Vihar. According to a report by news agency PTI, a complaint was lodged about the building being dangerous on August 16, 2017, and a team of civic body had inspected the building around 20 days ago. Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were mobilised for rescue operations.

Four children, two women killed in building collapse in northwest Delhi

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