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A fire broke out at a factory in Delhi's Udyog Nagar area on Sunday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, as many as thirty fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire.

The cause of the fire is not yet clear, there have been no reports on loss of life or any injuries so far more details are awaited.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, efforts are on to douse the mammoth fire that broke out in <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-fire-breaks-out-at-bagri-market-in-canning-street-no-casualties-reported-165863">Kolkata's Bagri Market in Canning Street</a> with thirty fire tenders on the spot.

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Delhi: Fire breaks out in a factory in Udyog Nagar area, 30 fire tenders at the spot. <a href="https://t.co/EEFHuG4lxI">pic.twitter.com/EEFHuG4lxI</a>
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"The fire broke out at 2:45 am. We are trying our best but firefighting operation is tough here because of the number of buildings. No injuries have been reported," Kolkata's Mayor, Sovan Chatterjee stated.

 
&nbsp;

According to reports, as many as thirty fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire.

A fire broke out at a factory in Delhi's Udyog Nagar area on Sunday, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, as many as thirty fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire. The cause of the fire is not yet clear, there have been no reports on loss of life or any injuries so far more details are awaited. Meanwhile, efforts are on to douse the mammoth fire that broke out in Kolkata's Bagri Market in Canning Street with thirty fire tenders on the spot. Delhi: Fire breaks out in a factory in Udyog Nagar area, 30 fire tenders at the spot. pic.twitter.com/EEFHuG4lxI — ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2018 × "The fire broke out at 2:45 am. We are trying our best but firefighting operation is tough here because of the number of buildings. No injuries have been reported," Kolkata's Mayor, Sovan Chatterjee stated.

Delhi: Fire at factory in Udyog Nagar, effort to douse blaze on 

The government is determined to keep fiscal deficit at 3.3 per cent of GDP on the back of buoyant tax revenues and expectations of surpassing the disinvestment target, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Saturday but remained non-committal on cutting tax on petrol and diesel.

A day after steps to contain the widening current account deficit (CAD) and check fall of the rupee were announced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday continued his two-day review of the economy as he took stock of tax collections and macro-economic indicators in analysing performance of different wings of the finance ministry.

After the meeting, Jaitley exuded confidence of surpassing the 7-7.5 per cent GDP growth target projected in the last Budget presented on February 1, meeting capital expenditure targets, surpassing tax collections projections and exceeding the record Rs 1 lakh crore target of revenue mobilisation from government stake sale in PSUs.

He, however, did not say if the meeting discussed the recent spike in fuel prices that has led petrol touching a record high of Rs 81.63 per litre and diesel to Rs 73.54 a litre.

There were expectations that the government may cut excise duty on the two fuels to ease burden on the consumers but it seems it didn't want to take chance as it stands to lose Rs 14,000 crore in revenue from a Re 1 per litre cut in excise.

It feels that the country cannot afford to have a twin deficit problem -- a depreciating rupee and high crude import bill putting pressure on the country's current account deficit (CAD), and a fiscal slippage.

"The government is confident and will strictly maintain the 3.3 per cent fiscal deficit target," Jaitley told reporters after the over three-hour long meeting.

With 44 per cent of the budgeted capital expenditure estimate for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2019 already spent by August 31, the government "will end the year without any cut," he said, adding that it was extremely necessary to maintain 100 per cent capital expenditure for high growth rate.

"The government is confident that we will have a growth rate higher than what we had projected earlier this year in the Budget," he said. "The inflation is broadly under control".

On revenue collections, he said the impact of anti-black money measures, demonetisation and GST are now visible with "phenomenal" increase in tax base.

"The CBDT is very clear that this year they will be able to collect in excess of budgeted target," he said.

On indirect tax side, he said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is settling down and a pick up in consumption will boost collections in coming months.

"We are confident that between direct and indirect tax collections, the government will comfortably meet the target if not surpass it," he said, adding the Rs 1 lakh crore disinvestment target will be surpassed.

"And on basis of all these analyses, we are optimistic about our growth rate, our tax collection and certainly as far as fiscal deficit is concerned will strictly meet the 3.3 per cent target," he said.

Asked if fuel prices and duty cuts were discussed, he said the meeting today was internal review meeting.

Almost half of the retail selling price of petrol and diesel is made up of central and state taxes. The Centre currently levies a total of Rs 19.48 per litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel. On top of this, states levy Value Added Tax (VAT).

"The primary focus of yesterday's discussions was with regard to current account deficit and how to narrow it down and possible steps with that regard. Today of course was an internal meeting in which the Prime Minister took the review of various departments of finance," Jaitley said.

"The government is confident and will strictly maintain the 3.3 per cent fiscal deficit target," Jaitley told reporters after the over three-hour long meeting

The government is determined to keep fiscal deficit at 3.3 per cent of GDP on the back of buoyant tax revenues and expectations of surpassing the disinvestment target, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Saturday but remained non-committal on cutting tax on petrol and diesel. A day after steps to contain the widening current account deficit (CAD) and check fall of the rupee were announced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday continued his two-day review of the economy as he took stock of tax collections and macro-economic indicators in analysing performance of different wings of the finance ministry. After the meeting, Jaitley exuded confidence of surpassing the 7-7.5 per cent GDP growth target projected in the last Budget presented on February 1, meeting capital expenditure targets, surpassing tax collections projections and exceeding the record Rs 1 lakh crore target of revenue mobilisation from government stake sale in PSUs. He, however, did not say if the meeting discussed the recent spike in fuel prices that has led petrol touching a record high of Rs 81.63 per litre and diesel to Rs 73.54 a litre. There were expectations that the government may cut excise duty on the two fuels to ease burden on the consumers but it seems it didn't want to take chance as it stands to lose Rs 14,000 crore in revenue from a Re 1 per litre cut in excise. It feels that the country cannot afford to have a twin deficit problem -- a depreciating rupee and high crude import bill putting pressure on the country's current account deficit (CAD), and a fiscal slippage. "The government is confident and will strictly maintain the 3.3 per cent fiscal deficit target," Jaitley told reporters after the over three-hour long meeting. With 44 per cent of the budgeted capital expenditure estimate for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2019 already spent by August 31, the government "will end the year without any cut," he said, adding that it was extremely necessary to maintain 100 per cent capital expenditure for high growth rate. "The government is confident that we will have a growth rate higher than what we had projected earlier this year in the Budget," he said. "The inflation is broadly under control". On revenue collections, he said the impact of anti-black money measures, demonetisation and GST are now visible with "phenomenal" increase in tax base. "The CBDT is very clear that this year they will be able to collect in excess of budgeted target," he said. On indirect tax side, he said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is settling down and a pick up in consumption will boost collections in coming months. "We are confident that between direct and indirect tax collections, the government will comfortably meet the target if not surpass it," he said, adding the Rs 1 lakh crore disinvestment target will be surpassed. "And on basis of all these analyses, we are optimistic about our growth rate, our tax collection and certainly as far as fiscal deficit is concerned will strictly meet the 3.3 per cent target," he said. Asked if fuel prices and duty cuts were discussed, he said the meeting today was internal review meeting. Almost half of the retail selling price of petrol and diesel is made up of central and state taxes. The Centre currently levies a total of Rs 19.48 per litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel. On top of this, states levy Value Added Tax (VAT). "The primary focus of yesterday's discussions was with regard to current account deficit and how to narrow it down and possible steps with that regard. Today of course was an internal meeting in which the Prime Minister took the review of various departments of finance," Jaitley said.

Government to stick to fiscal deficit target; mum on fuel tax cuts

When asked if the hike in the fuel prices affected him, Union minister Ramdas Athawale confessed that he is unfazed by the hike, as he is a minister.

Referring to the allowances he gets, Athawale, who was in Jaipur said, "I am not suffering from rising fuel prices as I am a minister. I may suffer if I lose my ministerial post."

Acknowledging that people are suffering due to the hike in fuel prices, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment further said, "It`s understandable that people are suffering from rising fuel prices and it`s the duty of the government to reduce them."

Athawale, who heads the Republican Party of India, assured that the Centre is working on the matter.

"The price of fuel can be reduced if the states cut the tax on it. The Centre is seriously working on the issue," he said.

The Central Government has been facing flak from various quarters over a continuous hike in fuel prices.

The Opposition had even called for a nationwide lockdown on Monday to protest against the increasing fuel prices.

Athawale, who heads the Republican Party of India, assured that the Centre is working on the matter.

When asked if the hike in the fuel prices affected him, Union minister Ramdas Athawale confessed that he is unfazed by the hike, as he is a minister. Referring to the allowances he gets, Athawale, who was in Jaipur said, "I am not suffering from rising fuel prices as I am a minister. I may suffer if I lose my ministerial post." Acknowledging that people are suffering due to the hike in fuel prices, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment further said, "It`s understandable that people are suffering from rising fuel prices and it`s the duty of the government to reduce them." Athawale, who heads the Republican Party of India, assured that the Centre is working on the matter. "The price of fuel can be reduced if the states cut the tax on it. The Centre is seriously working on the issue," he said. The Central Government has been facing flak from various quarters over a continuous hike in fuel prices. The Opposition had even called for a nationwide lockdown on Monday to protest against the increasing fuel prices.

I am a minister, not affected by fuel price hike: Union minister Ramdas Athawale

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/days-of-torrential-rain-ahead-in-the-carolinas-as-florence-leaves-at-least-11-dead-165874">Days of torrential rain ahead in the Carolinas as Florence leaves at least 11 dead</a>

Authorities on Saturday warned residents displaced by a killer hurricane that its devastation was far from over, as Florence broke rainfall records across the southeastern United States, bringing catastrophic flooding and at least nine deaths, reported news agency AFP.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-fire-breaks-out-at-bagri-market-in-canning-street-no-casualties-reported-165863">Kolkata: Massive fire at Bagri Market in Canning Street, 30 fire tenders on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-fire-breaks-out-at-bagri-market-in-canning-street-no-casualties-reported-165863">spot</a>

A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning at Bagri Market in Canning Street, news agency ANI reported. Nearly thirty fire tenders have been deployed to contain the fire.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-philippines-mangkhut-typhoon-rises-to-25-official-165877">Death</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-philippines-mangkhut-typhoon-rises-to-25-official-165877"> toll in Philippines Mangkhut typhoon rises to 25: Official</a>

The death toll in Philippines Mangkhut typhoon has risen to 25, AFP informed on Sunday, as the typhoon makes its way out and heads to China and Hong Kong.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/fuel-prices-rise-unabated-petrol-in-delhi-sells-at-rs-8191-in-national-capital-165878">Fuel prices hit </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/fuel-prices-rise-unabated-petrol-in-delhi-sells-at-rs-8191-in-national-capital-165878">record</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/fuel-prices-rise-unabated-petrol-in-delhi-sells-at-rs-8191-in-national-capital-165878"> high, sells at Rs 81.91 in the national capital</a>

Fuel prices across India rose again on Sunday with petrol selling at Rs 81.91 per litre and diesel at Rs 73.72 per litre in Delhi, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/male-tennis-players-punished-more-than-women-report-165875">Male tennis players punished more than women: Report</a>

Male tennis players are almost three times more likely to be fined for losing their temper and smashing racquets than their female counterparts, The New York Times reported Saturday.

Days of torrential rain ahead in the Carolinas as Florence leaves at least 11 dead Authorities on Saturday warned residents displaced by a killer hurricane that its devastation was far from over, as Florence broke rainfall records across the southeastern United States, bringing catastrophic flooding and at least nine deaths, reported news agency AFP. Kolkata: Massive fire at Bagri Market in Canning Street, 30 fire tenders on spot A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning at Bagri Market in Canning Street, news agency ANI reported. Nearly thirty fire tenders have been deployed to contain the fire. Death toll in Philippines Mangkhut typhoon rises to 25: Official The death toll in Philippines Mangkhut typhoon has risen to 25, AFP informed on Sunday, as the typhoon makes its way out and heads to China and Hong Kong. Fuel prices hit record high, sells at Rs 81.91 in the national capital Fuel prices across India rose again on Sunday with petrol selling at Rs 81.91 per litre and diesel at Rs 73.72 per litre in Delhi, news agency ANI reported. Male tennis players punished more than women: Report Male tennis players are almost three times more likely to be fined for losing their temper and smashing racquets than their female counterparts, The New York Times reported Saturday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India will not lower its guard along the Line of Actual Control with China, while maintaining border peace in sync with the "Wuhan" spirit, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said.

Nearly a month after talks with her Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe, Ms Sitharaman said both sides recognised that the broad decisions arrived at the informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan should govern management of the border.

"Absolutely", she told PTI when asked whether India is still on guard and not lowering it despite the Wuhan spirit.

At the Wuhan summit in April, PM Modi and Mr Xi resolved to open a new chapter in ties, and directed their militaries to boost coordination along the nearly 3,500 km Sino-India border, months after the most serious military faceoff in decades between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in Doklam triggered fears of an war.

Asked whether the decision of PM Modi and Mr Xi at the summit to issue strategic guidelines to their militaries to maintain peace along the border is working, she said, "I want to believe it is working."

At the same time, she added that as defence minister of the country she was conscious of the fact that the she will have to keep the border guards alert.

"Then I would also be, as Raksha Mantri, I would also be conscious that I have to keep (them) alert...Wuhan spirit, yes," she told PTI during an interaction.

When asked if Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's comments earlier in the year that the time has come for India to shift focus to its northern border from the western frontier, she said, "I cannot afford to say, at the cost of one border, I will be more alert, more ready in another. A border is a border. I have to be conscious of both my borders."

"I will also have be conscious of my sea. It is less talked about," she said.

Last month Ms Sitharaman and Mr Wei held extensive talks during which they decided to work towards firming up a new bilateral pact on defence cooperation and agreed to increase interactions between their militaries at various levels to avoid Doklam-like standoffs.

"It is this (Wuhan) spirit, which both the Chinese and we recognise, will have to govern our borders. The Chinese minister referred to the Wuhan spirit more than twice and said we expect the sprit to be governing everything which happens to the last company which comes to the border," Ms Sitharaman said.

The defence minister also referred to PM Modi's speech at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June, saying his views about the region was even welcomed by China.

In his address at the premier defence and strategic affairs conference, PM Modi said Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests.

Talking about the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Ms Sitharaman said as it is not completely demarcated, there are differing perceptions about it by both sides.

"There are several areas where the border is not completely defined and demarcated. As a result, the perception of where the border is one thing for us and completely differnt for them. So they come to a point where we think they should not be coming and we go to a point where they think we should not be going. So periodically this becomes cause for the flare up," she said.

The statement comes almost a month after Nirmala Sitharaman’s talks with her Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe.

India will not lower its guard along the Line of Actual Control with China, while maintaining border peace in sync with the "Wuhan" spirit, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said. Nearly a month after talks with her Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe, Ms Sitharaman said both sides recognised that the broad decisions arrived at the informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan should govern management of the border. "Absolutely", she told PTI when asked whether India is still on guard and not lowering it despite the Wuhan spirit. At the Wuhan summit in April, PM Modi and Mr Xi resolved to open a new chapter in ties, and directed their militaries to boost coordination along the nearly 3,500 km Sino-India border, months after the most serious military faceoff in decades between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in Doklam triggered fears of an war. Asked whether the decision of PM Modi and Mr Xi at the summit to issue strategic guidelines to their militaries to maintain peace along the border is working, she said, "I want to believe it is working." At the same time, she added that as defence minister of the country she was conscious of the fact that the she will have to keep the border guards alert. "Then I would also be, as Raksha Mantri, I would also be conscious that I have to keep (them) alert...Wuhan spirit, yes," she told PTI during an interaction. When asked if Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's comments earlier in the year that the time has come for India to shift focus to its northern border from the western frontier, she said, "I cannot afford to say, at the cost of one border, I will be more alert, more ready in another. A border is a border. I have to be conscious of both my borders." "I will also have be conscious of my sea. It is less talked about," she said. Last month Ms Sitharaman and Mr Wei held extensive talks during which they decided to work towards firming up a new bilateral pact on defence cooperation and agreed to increase interactions between their militaries at various levels to avoid Doklam-like standoffs. "It is this (Wuhan) spirit, which both the Chinese and we recognise, will have to govern our borders. The Chinese minister referred to the Wuhan spirit more than twice and said we expect the sprit to be governing everything which happens to the last company which comes to the border," Ms Sitharaman said. The defence minister also referred to PM Modi's speech at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June, saying his views about the region was even welcomed by China. In his address at the premier defence and strategic affairs conference, PM Modi said Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests. Talking about the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Ms Sitharaman said as it is not completely demarcated, there are differing perceptions about it by both sides. "There are several areas where the border is not completely defined and demarcated. As a result, the perception of where the border is one thing for us and completely differnt for them. So they come to a point where we think they should not be coming and we go to a point where they think we should not be going. So periodically this becomes cause for the flare up," she said.

India will continue to hold guard on border with China: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday accused Punjab government of encouraging radical elements and claimed that there was a plot to assassinate him and his son Sukhbir Badal.

"I have been informed by the police about a plot to assassinate me and my son. But we neither frighten others nor are going to be frightened by such reports or threats," Badal said at the Shiromani Akali Dal's 'Jabar Virodh Rally' in Faridkot town of Punjab.

"I am ready to sacrifice myself and my son Sukhbir (Shiromani Akali Dal chief) for the cause of peace and communal harmony in the state," Badal added.

"The Khalsa Panth represents a history of sacrifices for upholding the values of peace, communal harmony and 'Sarbat da bhala' as enshrined in the teachings of Sikh Gurus," he said.

Badal accused the Congress government of encouraging radical elements and thus risking peace in Punjab.&nbsp;

"The Congress is in collusion with forces that put Punjab through a period of turmoil, violence and bloodshed. It is the same old nexus between the Congress and some elements rejected by the Khalsa Panth who are now masquerading as panthic. They are up to their old games and conspiracies," the veteran Akali leader said.

Badal's Shiromani Akali Dal has been accusing Congress Chief Minister Amarinder Singh as well as the Aam Aadmi Party of having “nexus with ISI-backed radical Sikh leaders”.

Badal's Shiromani Akali Dal has been accusing Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and the Aam Aadmi Party of having a 'nexus with ISI-backed radical Sikh leaders'. .

Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday accused Punjab government of encouraging radical elements and claimed that there was a plot to assassinate him and his son Sukhbir Badal. "I have been informed by the police about a plot to assassinate me and my son. But we neither frighten others nor are going to be frightened by such reports or threats," Badal said at the Shiromani Akali Dal's 'Jabar Virodh Rally' in Faridkot town of Punjab. "I am ready to sacrifice myself and my son Sukhbir (Shiromani Akali Dal chief) for the cause of peace and communal harmony in the state," Badal added. "The Khalsa Panth represents a history of sacrifices for upholding the values of peace, communal harmony and 'Sarbat da bhala' as enshrined in the teachings of Sikh Gurus," he said. Badal accused the Congress government of encouraging radical elements and thus risking peace in Punjab. "The Congress is in collusion with forces that put Punjab through a period of turmoil, violence and bloodshed. It is the same old nexus between the Congress and some elements rejected by the Khalsa Panth who are now masquerading as panthic. They are up to their old games and conspiracies," the veteran Akali leader said. Badal's Shiromani Akali Dal has been accusing Congress Chief Minister Amarinder Singh as well as the Aam Aadmi Party of having “nexus with ISI-backed radical Sikh leaders”.

Plot to assassinate me, my son Sukhbir: Ex-Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal

A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning at Bagri Market in Canning Street, news agency ANI reported. Nearly thirty fire tenders have been deployed to contain the fire.

According to reports, the fire broke out around at 2.45 am in the area, no injuries or loss of life have been reported so far.&nbsp;

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Kolkata: Latest visuals from Bagri Market in Canning Street where a fire broke out in the early hours today. No injuries reported. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/L28XjP0JRg">pic.twitter.com/L28XjP0JRg</a>
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Kolkata's Mayor, Sovan Chatterjee, described the firefighting operation as "tough" because of the number of buildings.&nbsp;

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The fire broke out at 2:45 am. We are trying our best but firefighting operation is tough here because of the number of buildings. No injuries have been reported: Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chatterjee on fire at Bagri Market in Canning Street. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/8BDRymZale">pic.twitter.com/8BDRymZale</a>
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"The fire broke out at 2:45 am. We are trying our best but firefighting operation is tough here because of the number of buildings. No injuries have been reported," Chatterjee stated.

According to sources, the fire started out at a stall outside one of the buildings due to a short-circuit and spread to the nearby buildings. More details are awaited.&nbsp;

Kolkata's Mayor, Sovan Chatterjee, described the firefighting operation as 'tough' because of the number of buildings.

A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning at Bagri Market in Canning Street, news agency ANI reported. Nearly thirty fire tenders have been deployed to contain the fire. According to reports, the fire broke out around at 2.45 am in the area, no injuries or loss of life have been reported so far. Kolkata: Latest visuals from Bagri Market in Canning Street where a fire broke out in the early hours today. No injuries reported. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/L28XjP0JRg — ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2018 × Kolkata's Mayor, Sovan Chatterjee, described the firefighting operation as "tough" because of the number of buildings. The fire broke out at 2:45 am. We are trying our best but firefighting operation is tough here because of the number of buildings. No injuries have been reported: Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chatterjee on fire at Bagri Market in Canning Street. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/8BDRymZale — ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2018 × "The fire broke out at 2:45 am. We are trying our best but firefighting operation is tough here because of the number of buildings. No injuries have been reported," Chatterjee stated. According to sources, the fire started out at a stall outside one of the buildings due to a short-circuit and spread to the nearby buildings. More details are awaited.

Kolkata: Massive fire at Bagri Market in Canning Street, 30 fire tenders on spot

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar reviewed with DGP BS Sandhu the progress in investigation into the gang rape of a young woman from Rewari and shunted out the district police chief, as raids continued at several places on Sunday to nab the three accused, including an Army man.

As pressure built on it to act swiftly, the police arrested a registered medical practitioner, who first attended to <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/haryana-gangrape-victim-in-acute-trauma-says-family-165968">the woman</a>, and a villager on whose property she was found.

Khattar, who had a scheduled event in Jalandhar in Punjab, cut short his visit and reached Chandigarh in the afternoon, official sources said.

The sources said that Khattar summoned the Director General of Police (DGP) to his office to review the progress in the investigation. The chief minister directed Sandhu to ensure arrest of all the accused at the earliest, the sources said.

Rewari SP Rajesh Duggal, who has been accused of failing to take prompt action, has been shunted out and will be replaced by the SP of chief minister's security, Rahul Sharma, they said. Duggal will now lead a battalion of Haryana Armed Police in Hisar.

The victim's family had alleged that police had failed to take prompt action on their complaint and delayed action by citing jurisdiction issue between police units of Rewari and Mahendergarh districts.

The woman, a school topper hailing from Rewari who had been felicitated by the government, was abducted at a bus stop in Kanina town in neighbouring Mahendragarh district on Wednesday while she was on the way to a coaching class, police said.

She was then allegedly drugged and gangraped at a secluded spot.

The woman was recovered from a room housing a tubewell for irrigation.

The owner of the property, Deendayal, who was among the two people arrested, told police that the three key accused had taken keys to the room from him on the day of the incident.

The police claimed Deendayal knew about the crime, but did not report it.

Police continued raids in Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and some other states to nab the three key accused, a senior official, who is part of the investigation, said Sunday.

"Multiple teams are at job to nab them. We are hopeful of arresting the accused soon," he said.

Some people have also been rounded up for questioning in connection with the case, police sources said.

The woman's family members told reporters in Rewari on Sunday that the woman was in "acute trauma".

"The accused should be hanged," the woman's mother told reporters in her village in Rewari.

She also said that the family has decided to return a cheque of Rs 2 lakh handed over to them Saturday by district administration officials under the Haryana Victim Compensation Scheme, 2013.

"We do not want this cheque. Is this the price which is being put for honour of my daughter. All we want is justice. We used to hear about long arm of the law, but what is police doing. The accused are yet to be arrested," she said.

Police have provided security to the victim's family.

Doctors at the civil hospital, Rewari, said that the victim's condition was stable, though she was in trauma.

The Haryana Police had set up a special investigation team headed by Mewat SP Naazneen Bhasin, and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the accused.

Police had Saturday released photographs and names of the accused, who have been identified as Army jawan Pankaj, Manish and Nishu.

The accused live in the same village in Rewari and they knew the woman and her family, police said.

Lt Gen Cherish Mathson, who heads the South Western Command of the Army, had said in Jaipur Saturday that they would help the police in the probe.

The victim's father has said 8 or 10 men may have raped her but she could identify only three of them.

The case evoked sharp reaction from opposition parties who have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on moral grounds, saying the state had failed to protect its daughters.&nbsp

Sources said Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar summoned Haryana Police Chief BS Sandhu to his office to review the progress made in the investigation.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar reviewed with DGP BS Sandhu the progress in investigation into the gang rape of a young woman from Rewari and shunted out the district police chief, as raids continued at several places on Sunday to nab the three accused, including an Army man. As pressure built on it to act swiftly, the police arrested a registered medical practitioner, who first attended to the woman, and a villager on whose property she was found. Khattar, who had a scheduled event in Jalandhar in Punjab, cut short his visit and reached Chandigarh in the afternoon, official sources said. The sources said that Khattar summoned the Director General of Police (DGP) to his office to review the progress in the investigation. The chief minister directed Sandhu to ensure arrest of all the accused at the earliest, the sources said. Rewari SP Rajesh Duggal, who has been accused of failing to take prompt action, has been shunted out and will be replaced by the SP of chief minister's security, Rahul Sharma, they said. Duggal will now lead a battalion of Haryana Armed Police in Hisar. The victim's family had alleged that police had failed to take prompt action on their complaint and delayed action by citing jurisdiction issue between police units of Rewari and Mahendergarh districts. The woman, a school topper hailing from Rewari who had been felicitated by the government, was abducted at a bus stop in Kanina town in neighbouring Mahendragarh district on Wednesday while she was on the way to a coaching class, police said. She was then allegedly drugged and gangraped at a secluded spot. The woman was recovered from a room housing a tubewell for irrigation. The owner of the property, Deendayal, who was among the two people arrested, told police that the three key accused had taken keys to the room from him on the day of the incident. The police claimed Deendayal knew about the crime, but did not report it. Police continued raids in Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and some other states to nab the three key accused, a senior official, who is part of the investigation, said Sunday. "Multiple teams are at job to nab them. We are hopeful of arresting the accused soon," he said. Some people have also been rounded up for questioning in connection with the case, police sources said. The woman's family members told reporters in Rewari on Sunday that the woman was in "acute trauma". "The accused should be hanged," the woman's mother told reporters in her village in Rewari. She also said that the family has decided to return a cheque of Rs 2 lakh handed over to them Saturday by district administration officials under the Haryana Victim Compensation Scheme, 2013. "We do not want this cheque. Is this the price which is being put for honour of my daughter. All we want is justice. We used to hear about long arm of the law, but what is police doing. The accused are yet to be arrested," she said. Police have provided security to the victim's family. Doctors at the civil hospital, Rewari, said that the victim's condition was stable, though she was in trauma. The Haryana Police had set up a special investigation team headed by Mewat SP Naazneen Bhasin, and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the accused. Police had Saturday released photographs and names of the accused, who have been identified as Army jawan Pankaj, Manish and Nishu. The accused live in the same village in Rewari and they knew the woman and her family, police said. Lt Gen Cherish Mathson, who heads the South Western Command of the Army, had said in Jaipur Saturday that they would help the police in the probe. The victim's father has said 8 or 10 men may have raped her but she could identify only three of them. The case evoked sharp reaction from opposition parties who have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on moral grounds, saying the state had failed to protect its daughters.

Haryana gang rape: 3 accused still on the run, district police chief shunted out

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said that India has become a favourable destination for investors from all across the world.

Addressing a gathering at the inaugural event of 11th Global Skills Summit in Delhi organised by FICCI and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the Union Minister said that in coming years, one-third of primary energy requirement of the world will be received by India.

"Today, in this competitive sphere, India has become a favourable destination for investors from all across the world. Incoming 25 years, one-third of primary energy requirement of the world will be received by India," he said.

The Minister also called for a collective introspection on the changing nature of job profiles. He said, "Internet is changing the character of the workplace at a frenetic pace, and therefore, policy shapers need to astutely comprehend the jobs scenario."

Hailing that India is blessed with intellectual manpower, the Union Minister said, "India was blessed with intellectual manpower, and the time was ripe to channelise this asset into the creation of useful employment for the people gifted with the right type of skills."&nbsp

The Union Minister said that in coming years, one-third of primary energy requirement of the world will be received by India.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said that India has become a favourable destination for investors from all across the world. Addressing a gathering at the inaugural event of 11th Global Skills Summit in Delhi organised by FICCI and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the Union Minister said that in coming years, one-third of primary energy requirement of the world will be received by India. "Today, in this competitive sphere, India has become a favourable destination for investors from all across the world. Incoming 25 years, one-third of primary energy requirement of the world will be received by India," he said. The Minister also called for a collective introspection on the changing nature of job profiles. He said, "Internet is changing the character of the workplace at a frenetic pace, and therefore, policy shapers need to astutely comprehend the jobs scenario." Hailing that India is blessed with intellectual manpower, the Union Minister said, "India was blessed with intellectual manpower, and the time was ripe to channelise this asset into the creation of useful employment for the people gifted with the right type of skills."

India has become a favourite investment destination: Petroleum Minister

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said she has no "grudge" against a group of Army officers who have approached the Supreme Court to present their views on cases relating to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

The defence minister said the officers have chosen to go to the court as there is a "certain sense of worry" in their minds which she can understand.

In an unusual move, around 700 Army officers and soldiers have approached the Supreme Court, requesting it to protect the bonafide actions of soldiers under AFSPA, and voicing concerns over reported move to dilute some provisions of the law which protects the security forces from prosecution without the Centre's approval.

"Grievance redressal is a right. I will never want to say if you have a grievance, you should not voice it. I will never say that," she told PTI when asked about the issue.

"There are institutional mechanisms available for grievance redressal within the Army, Navy and Air Force. So it is possible for men or officers to have grievance redressal institutionalised within the forces.

"But if in the case of AFSPA, they have chosen to go to the court, there is a certain sense of worry in the minds of men and officers and I can understand that," she said.

Sitharaman said AFSPA law was brought "to address situations which are absolutely unique and very challenging."

"Now, if that is, from the point of view of human rights, taken to the court and the court is giving a full hearing and justice to hear everybody out, and if the officers and men felt they also would want to give their argument, I cannot grudge that.

"I really cannot grudge that. We are speaking up for the men and officers who are on the field and that is why the advocate general, attorney general appear on behalf of the government's position. So we will hope that the court gives a good comprehensive hearing," she said

Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and a number of states in the North East were brought under the AFSPA which gives the security forces special rights and immunity in carrying out various operations. There has been a long-standing demand from various quarters in J-K and the Northeast to withdraw it.

The Supreme Court has been hearing cases relating to alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur by the security forces.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat disapproved of the move by the serving officers and soldiers to approach the top court in their personal capacity.

At the same time, he had said the armed forces and the defence ministry are steadfastly behind all officers who have conducted operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the north east.&nbsp

'Grievance redressal is a right. I will never want to say if you have a grievance, you should not voice it. I will never say that,' Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said she has no "grudge" against a group of Army officers who have approached the Supreme Court to present their views on cases relating to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The defence minister said the officers have chosen to go to the court as there is a "certain sense of worry" in their minds which she can understand. In an unusual move, around 700 Army officers and soldiers have approached the Supreme Court, requesting it to protect the bonafide actions of soldiers under AFSPA, and voicing concerns over reported move to dilute some provisions of the law which protects the security forces from prosecution without the Centre's approval. "Grievance redressal is a right. I will never want to say if you have a grievance, you should not voice it. I will never say that," she told PTI when asked about the issue. "There are institutional mechanisms available for grievance redressal within the Army, Navy and Air Force. So it is possible for men or officers to have grievance redressal institutionalised within the forces. "But if in the case of AFSPA, they have chosen to go to the court, there is a certain sense of worry in the minds of men and officers and I can understand that," she said. Sitharaman said AFSPA law was brought "to address situations which are absolutely unique and very challenging." "Now, if that is, from the point of view of human rights, taken to the court and the court is giving a full hearing and justice to hear everybody out, and if the officers and men felt they also would want to give their argument, I cannot grudge that. "I really cannot grudge that. We are speaking up for the men and officers who are on the field and that is why the advocate general, attorney general appear on behalf of the government's position. So we will hope that the court gives a good comprehensive hearing," she said Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and a number of states in the North East were brought under the AFSPA which gives the security forces special rights and immunity in carrying out various operations. There has been a long-standing demand from various quarters in J-K and the Northeast to withdraw it. The Supreme Court has been hearing cases relating to alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur by the security forces. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat disapproved of the move by the serving officers and soldiers to approach the top court in their personal capacity. At the same time, he had said the armed forces and the defence ministry are steadfastly behind all officers who have conducted operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the north east.

No grudge against Army officers approaching Supreme Court: Defence Minister

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/video-knew-about-sexual-abuse-by-buddhist-teachers-since-1990s-says-dalai-lama-165972">Knew about sexual abuse by Buddhist teachers since 1990s, says Dalai Lama</a>

The Dalai Lama has said there is "nothing new" to the allegations of sexual abuse by Buddhist teachers.&nbsp

While speaking to the Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Saturday, the Dalai Lama said the problem had been "mentioned" in front of him in the early 1990s.&nbsp

"Twenty-five years ago... someone mentioned about a problem of sexual allegations" at a conference for western Buddhist teachers in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the Dalai Lama said.

"I already did know these things, (it's) nothing new," he added.

 
<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/if-given-respectable-share-of-seats-are-given-im-ready-for-alliance-anywhere-mayawati-165940">If given </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/if-given-respectable-share-of-seats-are-given-im-ready-for-alliance-anywhere-mayawati-165940">respectable</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/if-given-respectable-share-of-seats-are-given-im-ready-for-alliance-anywhere-mayawati-165940"> share of seats, I am ready for alliance anywhere: Mayawati</a>

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati said Sunday that she is ready for an alliance anywhere, in any election, provided her party is given a respectable share of seats.

''We will agree for alliance anywhere and in any election only when we get a respectable share of seats, otherwise BSP will contest alone,'' the former UP CM was quoted as saying.&nbsp

 
<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jnusu-election-result-2018-left-unity-alliance-wins-all-four-posts-165947">JNU elections: Left Unity alliance wins all four posts</a>

The Left Unity alliance has been declared the winner of all four students' union posts - president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary - at the Jawaharlal Nehru University.&nbsp

The United Left Alliance — comprises left-leaning All India Students’ Association (AISA), Democratic Students Federation (DSF), Student Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students Federation (AISF).

 
<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/after-saying-they-dont-affect-him-union-minister-says-fuel-prices-should-be-brought-down-165952">After saying they don't affect him, union minister says fuel prices should be brought down&nbsp</a>

Ramdas Athawale has apologised for saying the rises prices of petrol and diesel do not affect him since he is a union minister.&nbsp

He also demanded that the government bring down the prices of petrol and diesel.&nbsp

He had earlier been asked whether the recent hikes in fuel prices had affected him. Athawale had said they hadn't since he was a minister and was provided a government vehicle.&nbsp

"If it has hurt people's sentiments, I express my apology," Athawale said Sunday. He added that he was a "common man".&nbsp

 
<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-repeats-pledge-to-evict-each-and-every-infiltrator-from-india-165959">Amit Shah repeats </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-repeats-pledge-to-evict-each-and-every-infiltrator-from-india-165959">pledge</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-repeats-pledge-to-evict-each-and-every-infiltrator-from-india-165959"> to evict 'each and every infiltrator from India'</a>

BJP president Amit Shah repeated his pledge Sunday to evict "each and every infiltrator from India".&nbsp

Shah had first made the vow after the publication of the second draft of Assam's National Register of Citizens.&nbsp

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had at the time said the 40 lakh people who had not made it to the NRC would be given every opportunity to fight their non-inclusion in the register, and that nobody was going to be deported.&nbsp

Shah however had said all illegal aliens would be deported.&nbsp

On Sunday, he repeated his pledge.&nbsp

Knew about sexual abuse by Buddhist teachers since 1990s, says Dalai Lama The Dalai Lama has said there is "nothing new" to the allegations of sexual abuse by Buddhist teachers. While speaking to the Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Saturday, the Dalai Lama said the problem had been "mentioned" in front of him in the early 1990s. "Twenty-five years ago... someone mentioned about a problem of sexual allegations" at a conference for western Buddhist teachers in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the Dalai Lama said. "I already did know these things, (it's) nothing new," he added. If given respectable share of seats, I am ready for alliance anywhere: Mayawati Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati said Sunday that she is ready for an alliance anywhere, in any election, provided her party is given a respectable share of seats. ''We will agree for alliance anywhere and in any election only when we get a respectable share of seats, otherwise BSP will contest alone,'' the former UP CM was quoted as saying. JNU elections: Left Unity alliance wins all four posts The Left Unity alliance has been declared the winner of all four students' union posts - president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary - at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. The United Left Alliance — comprises left-leaning All India Students’ Association (AISA), Democratic Students Federation (DSF), Student Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students Federation (AISF). After saying they don't affect him, union minister says fuel prices should be brought down Ramdas Athawale has apologised for saying the rises prices of petrol and diesel do not affect him since he is a union minister. He also demanded that the government bring down the prices of petrol and diesel. He had earlier been asked whether the recent hikes in fuel prices had affected him. Athawale had said they hadn't since he was a minister and was provided a government vehicle. "If it has hurt people's sentiments, I express my apology," Athawale said Sunday. He added that he was a "common man". Amit Shah repeats pledge to evict 'each and every infiltrator from India' BJP president Amit Shah repeated his pledge Sunday to evict "each and every infiltrator from India". Shah had first made the vow after the publication of the second draft of Assam's National Register of Citizens. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had at the time said the 40 lakh people who had not made it to the NRC would be given every opportunity to fight their non-inclusion in the register, and that nobody was going to be deported. Shah however had said all illegal aliens would be deported. On Sunday, he repeated his pledge.

News brief: Big story of the day

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday described government's measures to stop rupee depreciation and curb the widening current account deficit (CAD) as "half-hearted and too late".

Chidambaram took to Twitter on Saturday and said that the government was in denial. He added that the worsening of the CAD was evident for months but nothing was done from the government's end to curb it.&nbsp;

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Government's five "measures" announced yesterday are half-hearted and too late. Because government was in denial.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1040928997251661824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The slide in CAD, the FPI outflow, the weakening rupee and the depletion of forex reserves were wake-up calls that were ignored," he noted.

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The worsening of the Current Account Deficit has been evident for several months; yet the government did nothing.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1040929119897362432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Central government, on Friday, enumerated five measures to control the depreciation in the national currency and the widening of the CAD.

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The slide in CAD, the FPI outflow, the weakening Rupee and the depletion of forex reserves were wake-up calls that were ignored.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1040929177292222464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"One broad policy decision was to address the issue of expanding current account deficit. The government will take necessary steps to cut down non-essential imports and increase exports," Jaitley briefed media after concluding a high-level meeting with the Prime Minister and other officials.

 
&nbsp;

Chidambaram took to Twitter on Saturday and said that the government was in denial.

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday described government's measures to stop rupee depreciation and curb the widening current account deficit (CAD) as "half-hearted and too late". Chidambaram took to Twitter on Saturday and said that the government was in denial. He added that the worsening of the CAD was evident for months but nothing was done from the government's end to curb it. Government's five "measures" announced yesterday are half-hearted and too late. Because government was in denial. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 15, 2018 × "The slide in CAD, the FPI outflow, the weakening rupee and the depletion of forex reserves were wake-up calls that were ignored," he noted. The worsening of the Current Account Deficit has been evident for several months; yet the government did nothing. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 15, 2018 × The Central government, on Friday, enumerated five measures to control the depreciation in the national currency and the widening of the CAD. The slide in CAD, the FPI outflow, the weakening Rupee and the depletion of forex reserves were wake-up calls that were ignored. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 15, 2018 × "One broad policy decision was to address the issue of expanding current account deficit. The government will take necessary steps to cut down non-essential imports and increase exports," Jaitley briefed media after concluding a high-level meeting with the Prime Minister and other officials.

Government's measures to stop depreciation of rupee 'half-hearted and too late': Chidambaram 

The Left Unity alliance has been declared the winner of all four students' union posts - president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary - at the Jawaharlal Nehru University.&nbsp;

The United Left Alliance — comprises left-leaning All India Students’ Association (AISA), Democratic Students Federation (DSF), Student Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students Federation (AISF).

The students affiliated to DYFI, AISA and SFI have begun celebrations at the campus.

Speaking of his loss, ABVP's Lalit Pandey, said that they are taking the results as a win.&nbsp;

"This is the win of our will. The Left had to form a coalition to defeat us. They had to come together to fight us," said Pandey.

Final results

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>President</td>
			<td>N Sai Balaji</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vice President</td>
			<td>Sarika Chaudhary</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>General Secretary</td>
			<td>Aejaz Ahmed Rather</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Joint Secretary</td>
			<td>Amutha Jayadeep</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

There was high drama on Saturday as counting was suspended for close to 14 hours after the ABVP staged protests claiming it was not informed about the start of the counting process.

The counting, which was suspended at 4 am, resumed at 6.30 pm after two teachers from the Grievance Redressal Cell were appointed as observers for the exercise, officials said.

The voter turnout in the keenly contested JNUSU election on Friday was 67.8 per cent, believed to be the highest in six years. Over 5,000 students cast their votes.

The counting process, which began on Friday, was marred by allegations of rigging and had to be stopped for over 14 hours on Saturday.

The Left Unity alliance has been declared the winner of all four students' union posts - president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary - at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. The United Left Alliance — comprises left-leaning All India Students’ Association (AISA), Democratic Students Federation (DSF), Student Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students Federation (AISF). The students affiliated to DYFI, AISA and SFI have begun celebrations at the campus. Speaking of his loss, ABVP's Lalit Pandey, said that they are taking the results as a win. "This is the win of our will. The Left had to form a coalition to defeat us. They had to come together to fight us," said Pandey. Final results President N Sai Balaji Vice President Sarika Chaudhary General Secretary Aejaz Ahmed Rather Joint Secretary Amutha Jayadeep There was high drama on Saturday as counting was suspended for close to 14 hours after the ABVP staged protests claiming it was not informed about the start of the counting process. The counting, which was suspended at 4 am, resumed at 6.30 pm after two teachers from the Grievance Redressal Cell were appointed as observers for the exercise, officials said. The voter turnout in the keenly contested JNUSU election on Friday was 67.8 per cent, believed to be the highest in six years. Over 5,000 students cast their votes.

JNU elections: Left Unity alliance wins all four posts

A three-member team of central observers of the ruling BJP arrived in Goa on Sunday afternoon to take stock of the political situation in view of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's indisposition, even as the Congress said it is watching the developments.

Parrikar, 62, has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi for treatment.

Some media reports have suggested that the BJP is exploring alternatives for the chief minister's position in Goa till Parrikar gets well.

The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) sent its national general secretaries B L Santhosh and Ram Lal and Goa in-charge Vijay Puranik to assess the situation in the state, where the party came to power with the support of regional outfits and Independents.

"They will be holding a series of meetings on Sunday and Monday with BJP leaders and also the alliance partners -- the Goa Forward Party, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Independents," BJP state chief Vinay Tendulkar told reporters.

BJP leader Michael Lobo, who is the deputy speaker of the Goa Assembly, had told PTI on Saturday that the party emissaries will suggest the allies that they should become part of the saffron party.

"A proposal will be made to the GFP and the MGP, asking them to merge with the BJP. Only after that, we will take up issues such as who will be the next chief minister or who will take over the charge or anything related to it," Lobo had said.

The BJP currently has 14 legislators in the 40-member assembly while the GFP and the MGP have three each. The national party is also supported by three Independents.

The opposition Congress has 16 MLAs while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has one legislator.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Sunday said it was watching the developments and may explore the possibility of forming the government in Goa but "not by compromising the state's interest".

"Our stand is very clear. We will definitely explore all possibilities but that does not mean that we will do it by compromising the ideology or the interest of Goans," All India Congress Committee secretary A Chellakumar, who is also Goa in-charge of the party, said.

"We are not in a hurry to capture power by compromising the interest of the people of Goa. The Congress is accountable to the people," he added.

Chellakumar said his party was watching the developments in the state.

"All our MLAs are together. We are watching what is going on in the ruling camp. The internal bickering has already started. The cabinet ministers have started throwing stones at each other," he said.

The Congress leader said all legislators in Goa, cutting across party lines, should take a stand for the sake of the state.

Parrikar was admitted to the AIIMS on Saturday morning. He had undergone a three-month-long treatment in the United States for pancreatic ailment earlier this year.

The MGP had said on Saturday it was "high time" Parrikar handed over the charge to the senior-most minister in his cabinet during his absence.

Parrikar, 62, has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi for treatment.

A three-member team of central observers of the ruling BJP arrived in Goa on Sunday afternoon to take stock of the political situation in view of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's indisposition, even as the Congress said it is watching the developments. Parrikar, 62, has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi for treatment. Some media reports have suggested that the BJP is exploring alternatives for the chief minister's position in Goa till Parrikar gets well. The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) sent its national general secretaries B L Santhosh and Ram Lal and Goa in-charge Vijay Puranik to assess the situation in the state, where the party came to power with the support of regional outfits and Independents. "They will be holding a series of meetings on Sunday and Monday with BJP leaders and also the alliance partners -- the Goa Forward Party, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Independents," BJP state chief Vinay Tendulkar told reporters. BJP leader Michael Lobo, who is the deputy speaker of the Goa Assembly, had told PTI on Saturday that the party emissaries will suggest the allies that they should become part of the saffron party. "A proposal will be made to the GFP and the MGP, asking them to merge with the BJP. Only after that, we will take up issues such as who will be the next chief minister or who will take over the charge or anything related to it," Lobo had said. The BJP currently has 14 legislators in the 40-member assembly while the GFP and the MGP have three each. The national party is also supported by three Independents. The opposition Congress has 16 MLAs while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has one legislator. Meanwhile, the Congress on Sunday said it was watching the developments and may explore the possibility of forming the government in Goa but "not by compromising the state's interest". "Our stand is very clear. We will definitely explore all possibilities but that does not mean that we will do it by compromising the ideology or the interest of Goans," All India Congress Committee secretary A Chellakumar, who is also Goa in-charge of the party, said. "We are not in a hurry to capture power by compromising the interest of the people of Goa. The Congress is accountable to the people," he added. Chellakumar said his party was watching the developments in the state. "All our MLAs are together. We are watching what is going on in the ruling camp. The internal bickering has already started. The cabinet ministers have started throwing stones at each other," he said. The Congress leader said all legislators in Goa, cutting across party lines, should take a stand for the sake of the state. Parrikar was admitted to the AIIMS on Saturday morning. He had undergone a three-month-long treatment in the United States for pancreatic ailment earlier this year. The MGP had said on Saturday it was "high time" Parrikar handed over the charge to the senior-most minister in his cabinet during his absence.

BJP central observers reach Goa to take stock of situation, Congress keeps watch

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday inaugurated the website for the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019, commencing the online registration for participation in the now biennial event.

Addressing the media, the EAM said, the theme of the upcoming convention will be the 'Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India'.

"We will discuss how they can contribute towards cybersecurity, affordable alternate energy sources like solar power, etc. The recommendations that will be made during the convention will be taken up by the respective ministries for its implementation," she added.

"In reverence to the sentiments of the larger diaspora community to participate in Kumbh Mela and Republic Day celebrations, the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held from January 21 to 23, 2019 instead of January 9, which is observed as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa on the same day in 1915," an official government statement read.

The convention will be held at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. After the convention, participants would be given the opportunity to visit Prayagraj for Kumbh Mela on January 24 and witness the Republic Day Parade at New Delhi on January 26.

On January 21, the inauguration of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in partnership with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The government of Uttar Pradesh will also organise the State PBD - 2019 on the same day.

On January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention and January 23, the Valedictory Address will be delivered and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards will be conferred by President Ram Nath Kovind.

Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth will be the Chief Guest of the Convention. Member of Parliament of Norway Himanshu Gulati will be the Special Guest and Member of Parliament of New Zealand Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi will be the Guest of Honor at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention a flagship event of the government, provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas diaspora.

On January 21, the inauguration of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in partnership with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday inaugurated the website for the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019, commencing the online registration for participation in the now biennial event. Addressing the media, the EAM said, the theme of the upcoming convention will be the 'Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India'. "We will discuss how they can contribute towards cybersecurity, affordable alternate energy sources like solar power, etc. The recommendations that will be made during the convention will be taken up by the respective ministries for its implementation," she added. "In reverence to the sentiments of the larger diaspora community to participate in Kumbh Mela and Republic Day celebrations, the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held from January 21 to 23, 2019 instead of January 9, which is observed as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa on the same day in 1915," an official government statement read. The convention will be held at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. After the convention, participants would be given the opportunity to visit Prayagraj for Kumbh Mela on January 24 and witness the Republic Day Parade at New Delhi on January 26. On January 21, the inauguration of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in partnership with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The government of Uttar Pradesh will also organise the State PBD - 2019 on the same day. On January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention and January 23, the Valedictory Address will be delivered and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards will be conferred by President Ram Nath Kovind. Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth will be the Chief Guest of the Convention. Member of Parliament of Norway Himanshu Gulati will be the Special Guest and Member of Parliament of New Zealand Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi will be the Guest of Honor at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention a flagship event of the government, provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas diaspora.

Swaraj, Yogi inaugurate website for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The Dalai Lama has said there is "nothing new" to the allegations of sexual abuse by Buddhist teachers.&nbsp;

While speaking to the Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Saturday, the Dalai Lama said the problem had been "mentioned" in front of him in the early 1990s.&nbsp;

"Twenty-five years ago... someone mentioned about a problem of sexual allegations" at a conference for western Buddhist teachers in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the Dalai Lama said.

"I already did know these things, (it's) nothing new," he added.

Twelve of the victims, who alleged they were abused physically and psychologically by Tibetan Buddhist teachers in the Netherlands and Belgium, had launched a petition asking to meet the 83-year-old during his current trip to the Netherland.

A group using the hashtag #MeTooGuru gathered some 1,300 signatures so that the Dalai Lama would receive their testimonies.

"We found refuge in Buddhism with an open mind and heart, until we were raped in its name," the alleged victims said in their petition.

The Dalai Lama, 83, lives in exile in Dharamshala.

Acknowledging the issue, the Dalai Lama said the perpetrators of such crimes are far away from the teachings of Buddha.

"They don't care about Buddhism," he said, adding that a decision would be taken by Tibetan spiritual leaders on the issue while meeting in Dharamshala in November this year.&nbsp;

Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, a representative of the Tibetan spiritual leader in Europe, said Friday that the Dalai Lama "has consistently denounced such irresponsible and unethical behaviour".

Tibetan spiritual leaders are due to meet in Dharamshala in November.

"At that time they should talk about it," the Dalai Lama said in his televised comments Saturday. "I think the religious leaders should pay more attention."&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The Dalai Lama said there was 'nothing new' to the allegations. He made his comments to the Dutch public broadcaster NOS.

The Dalai Lama has said there is "nothing new" to the allegations of sexual abuse by Buddhist teachers. While speaking to the Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Saturday, the Dalai Lama said the problem had been "mentioned" in front of him in the early 1990s. "Twenty-five years ago... someone mentioned about a problem of sexual allegations" at a conference for western Buddhist teachers in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the Dalai Lama said. "I already did know these things, (it's) nothing new," he added. Twelve of the victims, who alleged they were abused physically and psychologically by Tibetan Buddhist teachers in the Netherlands and Belgium, had launched a petition asking to meet the 83-year-old during his current trip to the Netherland. A group using the hashtag #MeTooGuru gathered some 1,300 signatures so that the Dalai Lama would receive their testimonies. "We found refuge in Buddhism with an open mind and heart, until we were raped in its name," the alleged victims said in their petition. The Dalai Lama, 83, lives in exile in Dharamshala. Acknowledging the issue, the Dalai Lama said the perpetrators of such crimes are far away from the teachings of Buddha. "They don't care about Buddhism," he said, adding that a decision would be taken by Tibetan spiritual leaders on the issue while meeting in Dharamshala in November this year. Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, a representative of the Tibetan spiritual leader in Europe, said Friday that the Dalai Lama "has consistently denounced such irresponsible and unethical behaviour". Tibetan spiritual leaders are due to meet in Dharamshala in November. "At that time they should talk about it," the Dalai Lama said in his televised comments Saturday. "I think the religious leaders should pay more attention." (With inputs from AFP)

Watch: Knew about sexual abuse by Buddhist teachers since 1990s, says Dalai Lama

Haryana Police conducted raids at several places Sunday to nab the three accused, including an Army man, wanted in the gangrape case of a young woman in Mahendergarh district.

Raids were being conducted at several places in Haryana as well as in Rajasthan, Delhi and some other states, a senior official, who is part of the investigations in the case, said Sunday.

"Multiple teams are at job to nab them. We are hopeful of arresting the accused soon," he said.&nbsp

Some people have also been rounded up for questioning in connection with the case, police sources said.

The woman's family members, while demanding early arrest of the accused, told reporters in Rewari on Sunday that the woman was in "acute trauma".

"The accused should be hanged," the woman's mother told reporters in her village in Rewari

She also said that the family has decided to return a cheque of Rs 2 lakh handed over to them Saturday by district administration officials under the Haryana Victim Compensation Scheme, 2013.

"We do not want this cheque. Is this the price which is being put for honour of my daughter. All we want is justice. We used to hear about long arm of the law, but what is police doing. The accused are yet to be arrested," she said.

The Haryana Police has set up a special investigation team headed by Nuh SP, Naazneen Bhasin and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the accused.

Police said the woman was allegedly abducted, gang-raped at a secluded place which is located near a tubewell in the fields after being offered a drink laced with sedatives.

"The secluded spot is near tubewells, where a small room is built," the police official, who is part of the investigations, said.

Police have also recovered a liquor bottle from the crime spot.

Police had Saturday released photographs and names of the accused, who have been identified as Pankaj, an Army jawan, Manish and Nishu.

The accused live in the same village in Rewari and they knew the woman and her family, police said.

Lt Gen Cherish Mathson, who heads the South Western Command, had said in Jaipur Saturday that they will help the police in the probe.

The victim's father has said 8 or 10 men may have raped her but she could identify only three of them.

The woman, a school topper who had been felicitated by the government, was abducted from a bus stop in Kanina town on Wednesday while she was on way to a coaching class, police had earlier said.

She was then allegedly drugged and gang-raped after being driven to the crime spot, police said.

Haryana's Director General of Police B S Sandhu confirmed Saturday that one of the accused is an Army man posted in Rajasthan.

The accused Army personnel, who was on leave, was supposed to re-join his duty Saturday, police said.

The special investigation team had visited the crime spot Saturday. The SIT headed by Bhasin comprises two Deputy Superintendents of Police.

The case evoked sharp reaction from opposition parties who have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on moral grounds, saying the state had failed to protect its daughters. PTI

&nbsp

'The accused should be hanged,' the victim's mother told reporters in her village in Rewari. The three main accused, including an Indian Army soldier, are currently on the run.

Haryana Police conducted raids at several places Sunday to nab the three accused, including an Army man, wanted in the gangrape case of a young woman in Mahendergarh district. Raids were being conducted at several places in Haryana as well as in Rajasthan, Delhi and some other states, a senior official, who is part of the investigations in the case, said Sunday. "Multiple teams are at job to nab them. We are hopeful of arresting the accused soon," he said. Some people have also been rounded up for questioning in connection with the case, police sources said. The woman's family members, while demanding early arrest of the accused, told reporters in Rewari on Sunday that the woman was in "acute trauma". "The accused should be hanged," the woman's mother told reporters in her village in Rewari She also said that the family has decided to return a cheque of Rs 2 lakh handed over to them Saturday by district administration officials under the Haryana Victim Compensation Scheme, 2013. "We do not want this cheque. Is this the price which is being put for honour of my daughter. All we want is justice. We used to hear about long arm of the law, but what is police doing. The accused are yet to be arrested," she said. The Haryana Police has set up a special investigation team headed by Nuh SP, Naazneen Bhasin and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the accused. Police said the woman was allegedly abducted, gang-raped at a secluded place which is located near a tubewell in the fields after being offered a drink laced with sedatives. "The secluded spot is near tubewells, where a small room is built," the police official, who is part of the investigations, said. Police have also recovered a liquor bottle from the crime spot. Police had Saturday released photographs and names of the accused, who have been identified as Pankaj, an Army jawan, Manish and Nishu. The accused live in the same village in Rewari and they knew the woman and her family, police said. Lt Gen Cherish Mathson, who heads the South Western Command, had said in Jaipur Saturday that they will help the police in the probe. The victim's father has said 8 or 10 men may have raped her but she could identify only three of them. The woman, a school topper who had been felicitated by the government, was abducted from a bus stop in Kanina town on Wednesday while she was on way to a coaching class, police had earlier said. She was then allegedly drugged and gang-raped after being driven to the crime spot, police said. Haryana's Director General of Police B S Sandhu confirmed Saturday that one of the accused is an Army man posted in Rajasthan. The accused Army personnel, who was on leave, was supposed to re-join his duty Saturday, police said. The special investigation team had visited the crime spot Saturday. The SIT headed by Bhasin comprises two Deputy Superintendents of Police. The case evoked sharp reaction from opposition parties who have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on moral grounds, saying the state had failed to protect its daughters. PTI

Haryana gangrape: Victim in 'acute trauma', says family

India and France have planned eight-10 satellites as part of a “constellation” for maritime surveillance, French space agency CNES chief Jean-Yves Le Gall has said. This will be India’s largest space cooperation with any country, officials said.

They added that the launch of eight-10 maritime surveillance satellites will focus on the Indian Ocean, a region that has been witnessing increasing Chinese presence.

France will also share its expertise with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on interplanetary missions to Mars and Venus, the Indian space agency’s two major missions, Gall said.

“We started (talks) on a constellation of new satellites for maritime awareness. Of course, it will take time,” Gall told PTI in an interaction. 
Asked how many satellites will be part of the project, he said, “It would be between eight-10.”

The purpose of the constellation is monitoring sea traffic management, a CNES official said, adding that it would take less than five years to launch the satellites.

In March this year, India and France unveiled a joint vision for space, resolving to strengthen cooperation between ISRO and CNES.

“ISRO and CNES would work together for design and development of joint products and techniques, including those involving Automatic Identification System, to monitor and protect assets in land and sea. In particular, both sides will pursue the study of a constellation of satellites for maritime surveillance,” the joint vision statement said.

Several crucial sea lanes of communications pass through the Indian Ocean, a region critical to the strategic interests of India and France. 
While the Indian Ocean region is the prime focus for New Delhi, Paris has its territories spread across the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, officials said.

The robust space cooperation between India and France goes back six decades. Last week, the two countries signed an agreement to share expertise on ISRO’s human mission programme Gaganyaan. The space agencies of the two countries have also been working on climate monitoring on the joint missions Megha-Tropiques (launched in 2011) and Saral-Altika (launched in 2013).

They are also working on the Trishna satellite for land Infrared monitoring and the Oceansat3-Argos mission. Discussing collaboration for the mission to Venus and Mars and France’s expertise on the matter, Mathieu Weiss, the managing director of CNES’ India liaison office, explained, “The eyes and scientific heart of Curiosity Rover (NASA) on Mars were developed by us. France and Russia have jointly worked for the Venus mission in the past. In both the inter-planetary missions, the French scientific community is very strong and among best in the world,” Weiss told PTI.

In a media briefing at Paris on Friday, Gall said CNES is currently working with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and German space agency DLR on Hayabusa 2/ MASCOT, a mission to asteroid Ryugu. CNES has also scheduled Mission BepiColombo to Mercury.

India and France have planned eight-10 satellites as part of a “constellation” for maritime surveillance, French space agency CNES chief Jean-Yves Le Gall has said. This will be India's largest space cooperation with any country, officials said.

India and France have planned eight-10 satellites as part of a “constellation” for maritime surveillance, French space agency CNES chief Jean-Yves Le Gall has said. This will be India’s largest space cooperation with any country, officials said. They added that the launch of eight-10 maritime surveillance satellites will focus on the Indian Ocean, a region that has been witnessing increasing Chinese presence. France will also share its expertise with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on interplanetary missions to Mars and Venus, the Indian space agency’s two major missions, Gall said. “We started (talks) on a constellation of new satellites for maritime awareness. Of course, it will take time,” Gall told PTI in an interaction. Asked how many satellites will be part of the project, he said, “It would be between eight-10.” The purpose of the constellation is monitoring sea traffic management, a CNES official said, adding that it would take less than five years to launch the satellites. In March this year, India and France unveiled a joint vision for space, resolving to strengthen cooperation between ISRO and CNES. “ISRO and CNES would work together for design and development of joint products and techniques, including those involving Automatic Identification System, to monitor and protect assets in land and sea. In particular, both sides will pursue the study of a constellation of satellites for maritime surveillance,” the joint vision statement said. Several crucial sea lanes of communications pass through the Indian Ocean, a region critical to the strategic interests of India and France. While the Indian Ocean region is the prime focus for New Delhi, Paris has its territories spread across the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, officials said. The robust space cooperation between India and France goes back six decades. Last week, the two countries signed an agreement to share expertise on ISRO’s human mission programme Gaganyaan. The space agencies of the two countries have also been working on climate monitoring on the joint missions Megha-Tropiques (launched in 2011) and Saral-Altika (launched in 2013). They are also working on the Trishna satellite for land Infrared monitoring and the Oceansat3-Argos mission. Discussing collaboration for the mission to Venus and Mars and France’s expertise on the matter, Mathieu Weiss, the managing director of CNES’ India liaison office, explained, “The eyes and scientific heart of Curiosity Rover (NASA) on Mars were developed by us. France and Russia have jointly worked for the Venus mission in the past. In both the inter-planetary missions, the French scientific community is very strong and among best in the world,” Weiss told PTI. In a media briefing at Paris on Friday, Gall said CNES is currently working with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and German space agency DLR on Hayabusa 2/ MASCOT, a mission to asteroid Ryugu. CNES has also scheduled Mission BepiColombo to Mercury.

India, France plan satellites for maritime surveillance, says French space agency chief

In the run-up to the 2019 general elections, the Congress will appoint a whopping one crore ‘booth assistants’ across the country for effective booth management, party leaders said on Sunday.

After the proposal was approved by Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, party general secretary Ashok Gehlot wrote to the office bearers and state presidents of the all All India Congress Committee (AICC) intimating them about it, the party leader said.

Letters were sent to the state unit chiefs on September 13 asking them to ensure that they enrol at least 10 assistants at every booth with the help of district and block units of the party.

Gehlot further directed them to make sure that each booth assistant visits at least 20-25 households.

According to party sources, the decision was taken during the September 6 meeting of Congress state in-charges and state treasurers chaired by Gehlot and party treasurer Ahmed Patel while the Gandhi scion was on a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar.

National Secretary (Organisation) of the Congress J D Salim told PTI: “The party has decided that at least 10 assistants will be roped in at every booth. There are around 10 lakh booths across the country and we will have to appoint 1 crore booth assistants.”

“We are aiming to achieve the target before the upcoming assembly polls,” he added.

Letters were sent to the state unit chiefs on September 13 asking them to ensure that they enrol at least 10 assistants at every booth with the help of district and block units of the party.

In the run-up to the 2019 general elections, the Congress will appoint a whopping one crore ‘booth assistants’ across the country for effective booth management, party leaders said on Sunday. After the proposal was approved by Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, party general secretary Ashok Gehlot wrote to the office bearers and state presidents of the all All India Congress Committee (AICC) intimating them about it, the party leader said. Letters were sent to the state unit chiefs on September 13 asking them to ensure that they enrol at least 10 assistants at every booth with the help of district and block units of the party. Gehlot further directed them to make sure that each booth assistant visits at least 20-25 households. According to party sources, the decision was taken during the September 6 meeting of Congress state in-charges and state treasurers chaired by Gehlot and party treasurer Ahmed Patel while the Gandhi scion was on a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar. National Secretary (Organisation) of the Congress J D Salim told PTI: “The party has decided that at least 10 assistants will be roped in at every booth. There are around 10 lakh booths across the country and we will have to appoint 1 crore booth assistants.” “We are aiming to achieve the target before the upcoming assembly polls,” he added.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Congress to rope in one crore ‘booth assistants’

Over 15 per cent of the 54.95 lakh houses sanctioned in last three years under the Centre’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) have been completed, according to data provided by the Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA) Ministry.

While the government has set a target of one crore houses to be constructed in urban areas across the country over a period of seven years from 2015 to 2022 and claims the work is on full swing, the opposition Congress has questioned its seriousness citing the “small target achieved” so far.

Last month, the ministry approved construction of nearly 1.12 lakh more affordable houses for urban poor, taking the total number of number of houses being funded under the PMAY (Urban) to 54,95,443. As per the ministry’s official figures, 8.55 lakh houses have been completed till August 21 this year since the launch of PMAY (U) while work is underway on 30.4 lakh units across the country.

The opposition Congress hit out the central government, saying the scheme was turning out to be yet another “jumla” (gimmick). “The small target that has been achieved so far under the PMAY proves another jumla. The BJP is known for making false promises,” Congress spokesperson RPN Singh said.

A senior official of Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, which is mandated to implement the scheme, however, said that construction work is going on in full swing and it is exploring use of new technologies to ensure faster completion. He said out of 8.55 lakh houses, 5.68 houses have been completed in the last one year.

The PMAY (U), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015, aims to ensure “Housing for all by 2022” by providing financial assistance to beneficiary. Ministry Spokesman Rajeev Jain said, “New technologies are being implemented and further new technologies are also being explored to ensure faster completion of houses.”

BJP spokesperson Bizay Sonkar Shastri said that PMAY (urban) was an extremely beneficial scheme for the people and was on the right track. “Our government and officers are seriously working to complete the target which has been set under PMAY,” he added.

The Ministry has constituted Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) under the chairmanship for HUA Secretary for overall review and monitoring of the mission. As per the official data available, 4,320 cities and towns have been included in the PMAY (U) across the country and 11,226 projects have been approved till July this year.

The HUA Ministry has also planned to organise the Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge to attract innovative construction technologies which are adaptable, sustainable, low cost and can be used for creating large scale affordable housing at rapid pace.

As per the conditions of PMAY (Urban), an applicant should not own a pucca house in his or her name in any part of the country.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) has four components – ‘Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme’ (CLSS), In Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) and Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) under which ministry provide central assistance to beneficiaries to construct their own houses.

The scope of CLSS, initially for EWS and Low Income Group (LIG), was last year extended to Middle Income Group (MIG). The scheme approved initially for one year has been extended up to March 31, 2019.

Under CLSS, Centre provides interest subsidy of up to around Rs 2.67 lakh on home loans to individuals, which reduces the principal outstanding amount of the loan. The total estimated investment under the PMAY (Urban) is Rs 2,96,919 crore. The Ministry said that it has approved central funding of Rs 82,040 crore till last month.

It has divided MIG in two categories which cover annual household income between Rs 6 lakh to 12 lakh and second category covers Rs 12 lakh to 18 lakh. The home loan borrower can then opt for lower EMIs or repay loan faster with original EMI. Beneficiaries who are eligible for interest subsidy under the CLSS scheme have to apply to their lenders for availing the subsidy benefit.

Under ISSR, slum redevelopment grant of Rs 1 lakh per house is admissible for all houses built for eligible slum dwellers under this component using land as resource with participation of private developers.

Central assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh is available Under BLC to individual eligible families belonging to EWS categories while central assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh per EWS house is also provided under AHP for projects where at least 35 per cent of the houses are for EWS category and a single project has at least 250 houses.

On the CLSS under PMAY (U), Noida Extension Flat Owners’ Welfare Association (NEFOWA) said that the central government needs to make people aware about the eligibility for the scheme.

“There are certain conditions of the PMAY (U). Every builder attracts buyers through CLSS. But when the applicant applies for the subsidy, his or her application is rejected,” Indreesh Gupta of NEFOMA said.

The ministry had last month told Lok Sabha in a written reply that keeping in view the roadmap for achieving the goal of housing for all by 2022, states and Union territories have been asked to strategise fast tracking in submission of project proposals to saturate their entire demand by 2018-19.

The opposition Congress hit out the central government, saying the scheme was turning out to be yet another "jumla" (gimmick).

Over 15 per cent of the 54.95 lakh houses sanctioned in last three years under the Centre’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) have been completed, according to data provided by the Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA) Ministry. While the government has set a target of one crore houses to be constructed in urban areas across the country over a period of seven years from 2015 to 2022 and claims the work is on full swing, the opposition Congress has questioned its seriousness citing the “small target achieved” so far. Last month, the ministry approved construction of nearly 1.12 lakh more affordable houses for urban poor, taking the total number of number of houses being funded under the PMAY (Urban) to 54,95,443. As per the ministry’s official figures, 8.55 lakh houses have been completed till August 21 this year since the launch of PMAY (U) while work is underway on 30.4 lakh units across the country. The opposition Congress hit out the central government, saying the scheme was turning out to be yet another “jumla” (gimmick). “The small target that has been achieved so far under the PMAY proves another jumla. The BJP is known for making false promises,” Congress spokesperson RPN Singh said. A senior official of Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, which is mandated to implement the scheme, however, said that construction work is going on in full swing and it is exploring use of new technologies to ensure faster completion. He said out of 8.55 lakh houses, 5.68 houses have been completed in the last one year. The PMAY (U), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015, aims to ensure “Housing for all by 2022” by providing financial assistance to beneficiary. Ministry Spokesman Rajeev Jain said, “New technologies are being implemented and further new technologies are also being explored to ensure faster completion of houses.” BJP spokesperson Bizay Sonkar Shastri said that PMAY (urban) was an extremely beneficial scheme for the people and was on the right track. “Our government and officers are seriously working to complete the target which has been set under PMAY,” he added. The Ministry has constituted Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) under the chairmanship for HUA Secretary for overall review and monitoring of the mission. As per the official data available, 4,320 cities and towns have been included in the PMAY (U) across the country and 11,226 projects have been approved till July this year. The HUA Ministry has also planned to organise the Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge to attract innovative construction technologies which are adaptable, sustainable, low cost and can be used for creating large scale affordable housing at rapid pace. As per the conditions of PMAY (Urban), an applicant should not own a pucca house in his or her name in any part of the country. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) has four components – ‘Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme’ (CLSS), In Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) and Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) under which ministry provide central assistance to beneficiaries to construct their own houses. The scope of CLSS, initially for EWS and Low Income Group (LIG), was last year extended to Middle Income Group (MIG). The scheme approved initially for one year has been extended up to March 31, 2019. Under CLSS, Centre provides interest subsidy of up to around Rs 2.67 lakh on home loans to individuals, which reduces the principal outstanding amount of the loan. The total estimated investment under the PMAY (Urban) is Rs 2,96,919 crore. The Ministry said that it has approved central funding of Rs 82,040 crore till last month. It has divided MIG in two categories which cover annual household income between Rs 6 lakh to 12 lakh and second category covers Rs 12 lakh to 18 lakh. The home loan borrower can then opt for lower EMIs or repay loan faster with original EMI. Beneficiaries who are eligible for interest subsidy under the CLSS scheme have to apply to their lenders for availing the subsidy benefit. Under ISSR, slum redevelopment grant of Rs 1 lakh per house is admissible for all houses built for eligible slum dwellers under this component using land as resource with participation of private developers. Central assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh is available Under BLC to individual eligible families belonging to EWS categories while central assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh per EWS house is also provided under AHP for projects where at least 35 per cent of the houses are for EWS category and a single project has at least 250 houses. On the CLSS under PMAY (U), Noida Extension Flat Owners’ Welfare Association (NEFOWA) said that the central government needs to make people aware about the eligibility for the scheme. “There are certain conditions of the PMAY (U). Every builder attracts buyers through CLSS. But when the applicant applies for the subsidy, his or her application is rejected,” Indreesh Gupta of NEFOMA said. The ministry had last month told Lok Sabha in a written reply that keeping in view the roadmap for achieving the goal of housing for all by 2022, states and Union territories have been asked to strategise fast tracking in submission of project proposals to saturate their entire demand by 2018-19.

15% houses completed in urban areas under Centre’s flagship PMAY scheme in 3 years: Ministry

Indira Gandhi made two “serious mistakes — declaring the Emergency in 1975 and allowing Operation Blue Star to happen”, but regardless of these she was a great and powerful prime minister and a considerate humanist, feels veteran Congressman K Natwar Singh.

Singh worked in her office from 1966 to 1971 as a civil services officer before joining the Congress in the 80s and becoming a minister in the Rajiv Gandhi Cabinet.

“Ever so often, Indira Gandhi is depicted as solemn, severe, prickly and ruthless. Seldom is it mentioned that this beautiful, caring, charming, graceful and sparkling human being was a considerate humanist and a voracious reader, that she was endowed with charm, elegance, style, good taste and, above all, gravitas,” he says about the former prime minister.

Singh says Gandhi “made two serious mistakes – declaring the Emergency in 1975 and allowing Operation Blue Star to happen”, but hastens to add, “And yet, regardless of these, she was a great and powerful prime minister.”

Singh expresses these views in his new book, ‘Treasured Epistles’, a collection of letters. Those who regularly wrote to him included friends, contemporaries and colleagues, from the days of his foreign service to ambassadorship, to recent days as the minister of foreign affairs.

Some of whose letters feature in the book include Indira Gandhi, E M Forster, C Rajagopalachari, Lord Mountbatten, Jawaharlal Nehru’s two sisters Vijaylakshmi Pandit and Krishna Hutheesing, R K Narayan, Nirad C Chaudhuri, Mulk Raj Anand and Han Suyin. He says each of these luminaries influenced him in a different way and consequently his “Weltanschauung” or worldview was vastly extended and enriched.

The topics of Indira Gandhi’s letters to Singh ranged from congratulating him for becoming a father to politics, books, birthday wishes and get-well-soon messages.

After sweeping the Lok Sabha elections in 1980, Gandhi wrote to Singh, who was then the High Commissioner of India to Islamabad: “The real difficulties now begin. The people’s expectations are high but the situation – both political or economic, is an extremely complex one.” “I cannot help being an optimist and I have no doubt that if only our legislators and the people as a whole have the patience and forbearance to climb the steep and stony path for the next few months, we can get over the hump and arrive at a place from which progress is possible once again.”

Among the several other nuggets in the book, published by Rupa, is Rajagopalachari once telling Singh that he had “sold” the idea of Partition to Lord Mountbatten as “Partition was the only answer”.

When Singh persisted by saying that Mahatma Gandhi was against the Partition, Rajagopalachari said, “Gandhi was a very great man but he saw what was going on. He was a very disillusioned man. When he realised that we were all for Partition, he said, ‘If you all agree, I will go along with you,’ and left Delhi the next day.”

"And yet, regardless of these, she was a great and powerful prime minister," veteran Congressman K Natwar Singh wrote in his book.

Indira Gandhi made two “serious mistakes — declaring the Emergency in 1975 and allowing Operation Blue Star to happen”, but regardless of these she was a great and powerful prime minister and a considerate humanist, feels veteran Congressman K Natwar Singh. Singh worked in her office from 1966 to 1971 as a civil services officer before joining the Congress in the 80s and becoming a minister in the Rajiv Gandhi Cabinet. “Ever so often, Indira Gandhi is depicted as solemn, severe, prickly and ruthless. Seldom is it mentioned that this beautiful, caring, charming, graceful and sparkling human being was a considerate humanist and a voracious reader, that she was endowed with charm, elegance, style, good taste and, above all, gravitas,” he says about the former prime minister. Singh says Gandhi “made two serious mistakes – declaring the Emergency in 1975 and allowing Operation Blue Star to happen”, but hastens to add, “And yet, regardless of these, she was a great and powerful prime minister.” Singh expresses these views in his new book, ‘Treasured Epistles’, a collection of letters. Those who regularly wrote to him included friends, contemporaries and colleagues, from the days of his foreign service to ambassadorship, to recent days as the minister of foreign affairs. Some of whose letters feature in the book include Indira Gandhi, E M Forster, C Rajagopalachari, Lord Mountbatten, Jawaharlal Nehru’s two sisters Vijaylakshmi Pandit and Krishna Hutheesing, R K Narayan, Nirad C Chaudhuri, Mulk Raj Anand and Han Suyin. He says each of these luminaries influenced him in a different way and consequently his “Weltanschauung” or worldview was vastly extended and enriched. The topics of Indira Gandhi’s letters to Singh ranged from congratulating him for becoming a father to politics, books, birthday wishes and get-well-soon messages. After sweeping the Lok Sabha elections in 1980, Gandhi wrote to Singh, who was then the High Commissioner of India to Islamabad: “The real difficulties now begin. The people’s expectations are high but the situation – both political or economic, is an extremely complex one.” “I cannot help being an optimist and I have no doubt that if only our legislators and the people as a whole have the patience and forbearance to climb the steep and stony path for the next few months, we can get over the hump and arrive at a place from which progress is possible once again.” Among the several other nuggets in the book, published by Rupa, is Rajagopalachari once telling Singh that he had “sold” the idea of Partition to Lord Mountbatten as “Partition was the only answer”. When Singh persisted by saying that Mahatma Gandhi was against the Partition, Rajagopalachari said, “Gandhi was a very great man but he saw what was going on. He was a very disillusioned man. When he realised that we were all for Partition, he said, ‘If you all agree, I will go along with you,’ and left Delhi the next day.”

Indira Gandhi made two serious mistakes – Emergency, Operation Blue Star: Natwar Singh

Terming mob lynching in the name of cow vigilantism as a “blot on democracy”, BSP supremo Mayawati Sunday accused the BJP governments of laxity and indifference on the issue.

“The increasing tendency of indulging in mob lynching in the name of cow vigilantism in the BJP-ruled states is a blot on democracy, yet the governments are exercising laxity and are being indifferent to it,” Mayawati told reporters here.

“These activities of the BJP governments (against the Dalits, tribals, backwards, Muslims and Christians) are going on since inception and are the result of the BJP’s intention to go against the Constitution and maintaining a step-motherly relationship with the Constitution. This has been the part of the basic policy of the BJP, which has assumed alarming proportions after they came to power.”

Mayawati was speaking to reporters in Lucknow after she moved into her new residence vacating her sprawling bungalow on Supreme Court orders.

Accusing the BJP of resorting to different diversionary tactics as 2019 Lok Sabha elections are approaching, Mayawati said the saffron party is making lucrative announcements and not leaving any stone unturned to derive advantage from the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

“…They never followed his (Vajpayee’s) footsteps, when he was alive,” she charged.

The BSP supremo’s statement assumes significance as Sunday marks the completion of one month of the death of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Mayawati said: “People of the country know that the campaign undertaken by the BJP and the RSS in the name of Vajpayee is an attempt to hide its failures. The BJP will not get any benefit from this. The people of the country now understand that none of the election promises made in 2014 Lok Sabha elections was fulfilled.”

Referring to demonetisation, Mayawati alleged it was implemented in an unplanned manner leading to “financial emergency”.

She claimed some persons also lost their lives due to the withdrawal of high-value currency notes.

“It exploited the labourers, farmers, small traders and hardworking people. Time has come to seek a report. The BJP has no consolation to offer to the people in the aftermath of demonetisation,” Mayawati said.

Mayawati said the saffron party is making lucrative announcements and not leaving any stone unturned to derive advantage from the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Terming mob lynching in the name of cow vigilantism as a “blot on democracy”, BSP supremo Mayawati Sunday accused the BJP governments of laxity and indifference on the issue. “The increasing tendency of indulging in mob lynching in the name of cow vigilantism in the BJP-ruled states is a blot on democracy, yet the governments are exercising laxity and are being indifferent to it,” Mayawati told reporters here. “These activities of the BJP governments (against the Dalits, tribals, backwards, Muslims and Christians) are going on since inception and are the result of the BJP’s intention to go against the Constitution and maintaining a step-motherly relationship with the Constitution. This has been the part of the basic policy of the BJP, which has assumed alarming proportions after they came to power.” Mayawati was speaking to reporters in Lucknow after she moved into her new residence vacating her sprawling bungalow on Supreme Court orders. Accusing the BJP of resorting to different diversionary tactics as 2019 Lok Sabha elections are approaching, Mayawati said the saffron party is making lucrative announcements and not leaving any stone unturned to derive advantage from the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “…They never followed his (Vajpayee’s) footsteps, when he was alive,” she charged. The BSP supremo’s statement assumes significance as Sunday marks the completion of one month of the death of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Mayawati said: “People of the country know that the campaign undertaken by the BJP and the RSS in the name of Vajpayee is an attempt to hide its failures. The BJP will not get any benefit from this. The people of the country now understand that none of the election promises made in 2014 Lok Sabha elections was fulfilled.” Referring to demonetisation, Mayawati alleged it was implemented in an unplanned manner leading to “financial emergency”. She claimed some persons also lost their lives due to the withdrawal of high-value currency notes. “It exploited the labourers, farmers, small traders and hardworking people. Time has come to seek a report. The BJP has no consolation to offer to the people in the aftermath of demonetisation,” Mayawati said.

Mob lynching in name of cow vigilantism ‘blot on democracy’: Mayawati

Bahujan Samaj Party&nbsp;supremo Mayawati said Sunday that she is ready for an alliance anywhere, <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/parties-bet-big-on-social-media-data-analytics-for-2019-poll-campaign--165920">in any election</a>, provided her party is given a respectable share of seats.

''We will agree for alliance anywhere and in any election only when we get a respectable share of seats, otherwise BSP will contest alone,'' the former UP CM was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

The BSP chief also accused BJP governments at the Centre and in&nbsp;various states of diversionary tactics.&nbsp;

''BJP Governments in states and in the Centre are trying to hide their failures by diversionary tactics. They have not fulfilled their election promises,'' she said. 
&nbsp; 
She also accused BJP of trying to use Atal Behari Vajpayee's death for political gains.&nbsp;

The opposition has been working at stitching together a mahagatbandhan (grand alliance) for the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

There has also been talk&nbsp;of this grand alliance putting up only one opposition candidate in each seat to take on the BJP.&nbsp;

That would ensure there is no splitting of the non-BJP vote.&nbsp;

The opposition has had some success with this strategy, like in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/defeat-for-those-who-do-not-believe-in-democracy-akhilesh-yadav--141317?amp">the recent Kairana Lok Sabha byelections</a> in UP where the joint&nbsp;opposition candidate won.&nbsp;

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We will agree to alliance anywhere & in any election only when we get a respectable share of seats, otherwise BSP will contest alone: Former UP CM Mayawati <a href="https://t.co/iiFuuvde6h">pic.twitter.com/iiFuuvde6h</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1041223428345233408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, Mayawati added that she had "no relation" with Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad who was recently released from prison.&nbsp;

''I have no relation to such people. I am only related to the common man, Dalits, Adivasis and people from backward castes,'' Mayawati said.&nbsp;Azad on the other hand had recently referred to Mayawati as "Buaji"&nbsp;(aunt).&nbsp;

'We will agree for alliance anywhere and in any election only when we get a respectable share of seats, otherwise BSP will contest alone,'' the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said. .

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati said Sunday that she is ready for an alliance anywhere, in any election, provided her party is given a respectable share of seats. ''We will agree for alliance anywhere and in any election only when we get a respectable share of seats, otherwise BSP will contest alone,'' the former UP CM was quoted as saying. The BSP chief also accused BJP governments at the Centre and in various states of diversionary tactics. ''BJP Governments in states and in the Centre are trying to hide their failures by diversionary tactics. They have not fulfilled their election promises,'' she said. She also accused BJP of trying to use Atal Behari Vajpayee's death for political gains. The opposition has been working at stitching together a mahagatbandhan (grand alliance) for the 2019 elections. There has also been talk of this grand alliance putting up only one opposition candidate in each seat to take on the BJP. That would ensure there is no splitting of the non-BJP vote. The opposition has had some success with this strategy, like in the recent Kairana Lok Sabha byelections in UP where the joint opposition candidate won. We will agree to alliance anywhere & in any election only when we get a respectable share of seats, otherwise BSP will contest alone: Former UP CM Mayawati pic.twitter.com/iiFuuvde6h — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 16, 2018 × Interestingly, Mayawati added that she had "no relation" with Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad who was recently released from prison. ''I have no relation to such people. I am only related to the common man, Dalits, Adivasis and people from backward castes,'' Mayawati said. Azad on the other hand had recently referred to Mayawati as "Buaji" (aunt).

If given respectable share of seats, I am ready for alliance anywhere: Mayawati

Ramdas Athawale has apologised for saying the rises prices of petrol and diesel do not affect him since he is a union minister.&nbsp

He also demanded that the government bring down the prices of petrol and diesel.&nbsp

He had earlier been asked whether the recent hikes in fuel prices had affected him. Athawale had said they hadn't since he was a minister and was provided a government vehicle.&nbsp

"If it has hurt people's sentiments, I express my apology," Athawale said Sunday. He added that he was a "common man".&nbsp

"I had no intention to do this. I am a common man who became a minister. I know the problems people face. I am a part of the government and I demand that the price of petrol, diesel should be brought down."&nbsp

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If it has hurt people's sentiments, I express my apology. I had no intention to do this. I am a common man who became a Minister. I know the problems people face. I am a part of the govt & I demand that the price of petrol-diesel should be brought down: Union Min Ramdas Athawale <a href="https://t.co/pfxHOr1axE">pic.twitter.com/pfxHOr1axE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1041250486064635905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Athawale is union minister for social justice and empowerment.&nbsp

"Journalists had asked me prices of petrol and diesel are rising, if I have any problem with it. I had said I've no problem, I'm a minister, we're provided government vehicles. But people do face problems and prices should be brought down. I didn't say this to insult anyone," he added.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Ramdas Athawale said the recent hikes in fuel prices do not affect him since he is a minister and is provided a government vehicle. He quickly backtracked, and apologised, after the public furore.

Ramdas Athawale has apologised for saying the rises prices of petrol and diesel do not affect him since he is a union minister. He also demanded that the government bring down the prices of petrol and diesel. He had earlier been asked whether the recent hikes in fuel prices had affected him. Athawale had said they hadn't since he was a minister and was provided a government vehicle. "If it has hurt people's sentiments, I express my apology," Athawale said Sunday. He added that he was a "common man". "I had no intention to do this. I am a common man who became a minister. I know the problems people face. I am a part of the government and I demand that the price of petrol, diesel should be brought down." If it has hurt people's sentiments, I express my apology. I had no intention to do this. I am a common man who became a Minister. I know the problems people face. I am a part of the govt & I demand that the price of petrol-diesel should be brought down: Union Min Ramdas Athawale pic.twitter.com/pfxHOr1axE — ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2018 × Athawale is union minister for social justice and empowerment. "Journalists had asked me prices of petrol and diesel are rising, if I have any problem with it. I had said I've no problem, I'm a minister, we're provided government vehicles. But people do face problems and prices should be brought down. I didn't say this to insult anyone," he added.

After saying they don't affect him, union minister says fuel prices should be brought down 

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/if-given-respectable-share-of-seats-are-given-im-ready-for-alliance-anywhere-mayawati-165940">Election 2019</a> will be an intense, high-stakes tussle for power like all others but with one difference, in a first, it is likely to be as hotly contested in the virtual world as in the real one with parties already busy getting their social media warriors battle-ready.

Social media played a key role in propelling the BJP to power in 2014 but is set to take on a different dimension altogether in 2019 with the opposition led by the Congress getting their arsenal ready to combat the ruling party's formidable cyber army.

War rooms are getting ready and thousands of volunteers being trained in data analytics and communication through digital platforms as parties, including not just the Congress and the BJP but also smaller players like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), prep for the electoral battle ahead.

The Congress, which seems to have learnt its lessons from 2014, is scaling up its operations to challenge the BJP on a front which has been the saffron party's forte.

The process to widen the Congress' digital presence started a long time ago and digital war rooms have already been set up in every state, said the party's social media department head Divya Spandana.

"We have a (social media) unit in every state and now we are going down to districts. Since it's digital, everybody is already connected. Everybody has data on their phone and everything is managed through the state teams," Spandana told.

Last week, Congress president Rahul Gandhi put out a Facebook post inviting people to fill out a customised form to improve the party's communications.

The party also shared a WhatsApp number and asked users to connect on the platform.

The BJP, the first party to realise the potential of social media, is still formidable in the digital space with a robust organisation ready to face the opposition's challenge.

It has approximately 1.2 million volunteers, an ever-increasing network, said BJP's national information and technology in-charge Amit Malviya.

"BJP's social media strategy relies on its well-trained cadre, who are adept at using the medium for political communication, and committed volunteer network," Malviya told PTI. The Congress hopes to match up.

Spandana, who is credited with the turnaround in the party's popularity online, said a "significant number" of people was working in the social media team.

The team will be further strengthened in the run-up to the 2019 polls, she asserted.

The "social media warriors" are fully geared for the elections, she said, adding that the challenge would be to counter BJP's "misuse" of digital presence to "spread the fake news".

The Congress is not alone in realising the importance of social media to checkmate the BJP.

Even the CPI (M), which has relied on traditional outreach initiatives in the past, is looking to expand its digital presence.

The party's social media team coordinator Pranjal said 2019 would be fought in the digital space and on the ground as most parties are looking to match the challenge posed by the BJP.

"We started quite late when it comes to social media. Actually, it was in 2014 that we started realising that we need to go for it. I think over the last two years, we have covered large ground," he said.

The CPI (M) has dedicated teams in states such as Kerala, West Bengal, Tripura and Tamil Nadu looking after the digital space, he added.

The party has a presence on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and is working to scale up activity on all of these as well as its YouTube channel.

"We don't function in the BJP manner. We don't have secret war rooms or secret underground bunkers. But we have a lot of volunteers," said AAP social media strategist Ankit Lal.

Parties are also looking at data analytics to expand their connect with workers and voters.

Praveen Chakravarty, head of the Congress data analytics department, said a lot of initiatives were being taken to strengthen the party's base.

These include Project Shakti which aims at organizing all party workers on a common digital platform and has become a "roaring success" over the last five months.

"Establishing a data analytics department in a major political party is a big step...The party has recognised the importance of making decisions through data," he said.

BJP's Malviya said studying electoral data to interpret voting patterns is not new to electoral politics, but the advent of big data and machine learning facilitated deeper analysis and insights.

CPI(M)'s Pranjal also acknowledged that data analytics was an important sphere, but conceded that it needed a special skill set and wondered how his party would meet the challenge.

Noting that data analytics would be crucial for elections, AAP's Lal cautioned, "After the Cambridge Analytica scandal, we will be very careful as to how the data is being procured and we will be very cautious how others use it, keeping a watch on others."

The UK-based data mining firm was accused of harvesting personal user data from Facebook illegally to influence polls in several countries.

At an estimated 462.12 million, India has the second highest number of internet users in the world after China.

In 2019, it is estimated there will be 258.27 million social network users in India, up from close to 168 million in 2016, according to market research firm Statista.&nbsp;

The Congress, which seems to have learnt its lessons from 2014, is scaling up its operations to challenge the BJP on a front which has been the saffron party's forte.

Election 2019 will be an intense, high-stakes tussle for power like all others but with one difference, in a first, it is likely to be as hotly contested in the virtual world as in the real one with parties already busy getting their social media warriors battle-ready. Social media played a key role in propelling the BJP to power in 2014 but is set to take on a different dimension altogether in 2019 with the opposition led by the Congress getting their arsenal ready to combat the ruling party's formidable cyber army. War rooms are getting ready and thousands of volunteers being trained in data analytics and communication through digital platforms as parties, including not just the Congress and the BJP but also smaller players like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), prep for the electoral battle ahead. The Congress, which seems to have learnt its lessons from 2014, is scaling up its operations to challenge the BJP on a front which has been the saffron party's forte. The process to widen the Congress' digital presence started a long time ago and digital war rooms have already been set up in every state, said the party's social media department head Divya Spandana. "We have a (social media) unit in every state and now we are going down to districts. Since it's digital, everybody is already connected. Everybody has data on their phone and everything is managed through the state teams," Spandana told. Last week, Congress president Rahul Gandhi put out a Facebook post inviting people to fill out a customised form to improve the party's communications. The party also shared a WhatsApp number and asked users to connect on the platform. The BJP, the first party to realise the potential of social media, is still formidable in the digital space with a robust organisation ready to face the opposition's challenge. It has approximately 1.2 million volunteers, an ever-increasing network, said BJP's national information and technology in-charge Amit Malviya. "BJP's social media strategy relies on its well-trained cadre, who are adept at using the medium for political communication, and committed volunteer network," Malviya told PTI. The Congress hopes to match up. Spandana, who is credited with the turnaround in the party's popularity online, said a "significant number" of people was working in the social media team. The team will be further strengthened in the run-up to the 2019 polls, she asserted. The "social media warriors" are fully geared for the elections, she said, adding that the challenge would be to counter BJP's "misuse" of digital presence to "spread the fake news". The Congress is not alone in realising the importance of social media to checkmate the BJP. Even the CPI (M), which has relied on traditional outreach initiatives in the past, is looking to expand its digital presence. The party's social media team coordinator Pranjal said 2019 would be fought in the digital space and on the ground as most parties are looking to match the challenge posed by the BJP. "We started quite late when it comes to social media. Actually, it was in 2014 that we started realising that we need to go for it. I think over the last two years, we have covered large ground," he said. The CPI (M) has dedicated teams in states such as Kerala, West Bengal, Tripura and Tamil Nadu looking after the digital space, he added. The party has a presence on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and is working to scale up activity on all of these as well as its YouTube channel. "We don't function in the BJP manner. We don't have secret war rooms or secret underground bunkers. But we have a lot of volunteers," said AAP social media strategist Ankit Lal. Parties are also looking at data analytics to expand their connect with workers and voters. Praveen Chakravarty, head of the Congress data analytics department, said a lot of initiatives were being taken to strengthen the party's base. These include Project Shakti which aims at organizing all party workers on a common digital platform and has become a "roaring success" over the last five months. "Establishing a data analytics department in a major political party is a big step...The party has recognised the importance of making decisions through data," he said. BJP's Malviya said studying electoral data to interpret voting patterns is not new to electoral politics, but the advent of big data and machine learning facilitated deeper analysis and insights. CPI(M)'s Pranjal also acknowledged that data analytics was an important sphere, but conceded that it needed a special skill set and wondered how his party would meet the challenge. Noting that data analytics would be crucial for elections, AAP's Lal cautioned, "After the Cambridge Analytica scandal, we will be very careful as to how the data is being procured and we will be very cautious how others use it, keeping a watch on others." The UK-based data mining firm was accused of harvesting personal user data from Facebook illegally to influence polls in several countries. At an estimated 462.12 million, India has the second highest number of internet users in the world after China. In 2019, it is estimated there will be 258.27 million social network users in India, up from close to 168 million in 2016, according to market research firm Statista.

Lok Sabha elections will be fought on the ground, and online

Congress Party has deployed a team of young professionals to organize crowdfunding for Rajasthan assembly elections which are due to be held in November 2018. The obvious reason is that the coffers of the Congress Party aren’t that deep anymore because of its reduced strength in Lok Sabha and few governments across the states in the country. The second reason is that Congress wants to use crowdfunding not only as a tool to gather money but also a mode to reach out to ordinary citizens.&nbsp;

Former United States President Barak Obama had used crowdfunding as a tool to connect to ordinary citizens and changed the way US elections were fought. Today billions of dollars are being raised through crowdfunding throughout the world. The World Bank predicts that global crowdfunding is expected to cross 93 billion by 2025. Former United States President Barak Obama raised 750 million dollars in 2008 elections out of which 600 million came from 3 million people which came down to 86 dollar per person. Even in 2011, he raised 614 million dollars in individual donations out of which 214 million dollars came from small donors.

Congress also wants to use crowdfunding as it pitches for clean money in politics. It is for this reason that Sachin Pilot, the Pradesh Congress Committee Chief, released a video appeal and requested people to contribute to the Congress Party through contribute.inc.in. Sachin Pilot says that crowdfunding would create public stake and involvement in the election.

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We are taking a big stride towards transparency in political funding. Rajasthan Congress is launching a crowdfunding drive for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Let's join hands to fight BJP's suit-boot sarkar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CleanPolitics?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CleanPolitics</a> 
Click here: <a href="https://t.co/MYVdHLDFwK">https://t.co/MYVdHLDFwK</a> <a href="https://t.co/mKxoRNJAGp">pic.twitter.com/mKxoRNJAGp</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1040940799108833281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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“The Rajasthan crowdfunding campaign is one among a series of campaigns the party is planning in the run-up to the 2019 general elections. The party leadership is seeking to inject transparency into campaign finance by bringing up clean funds,” said Divya Spandana, head of social media and digital communications for the Congress Party. &nbsp;“We understand that majority of Indians contribute through traditional methods but as our digital footprint grows across the country, more and more people are finding crowdfunding as a platform to directly connect with the Congress Party,” she said.

Earlier this year, the Congress Party announced its pilot Crowdfunding campaign during Karnataka elections where a first-time candidate took on B Sreeramulu in the assembly elections. The second crowdfunding campaign was to offer support to 30-year-old Muktikant Biswal, a man from Odisha who walked 1400 km to Delhi urging the government to deliver on his promise made to the people of Rourkela.

The current crowdfunding campaign is being organized by Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s close aide Kanishka Singh and Divya Spandana.

Today billions of dollars are being raised through crowdfunding throughout the world. The World Bank predicts that global crowdfunding is expected to cross 93 billion by 2025.

Congress Party has deployed a team of young professionals to organize crowdfunding for Rajasthan assembly elections which are due to be held in November 2018. The obvious reason is that the coffers of the Congress Party aren’t that deep anymore because of its reduced strength in Lok Sabha and few governments across the states in the country. The second reason is that Congress wants to use crowdfunding not only as a tool to gather money but also a mode to reach out to ordinary citizens. Former United States President Barak Obama had used crowdfunding as a tool to connect to ordinary citizens and changed the way US elections were fought. Today billions of dollars are being raised through crowdfunding throughout the world. The World Bank predicts that global crowdfunding is expected to cross 93 billion by 2025. Former United States President Barak Obama raised 750 million dollars in 2008 elections out of which 600 million came from 3 million people which came down to 86 dollar per person. Even in 2011, he raised 614 million dollars in individual donations out of which 214 million dollars came from small donors. Congress also wants to use crowdfunding as it pitches for clean money in politics. It is for this reason that Sachin Pilot, the Pradesh Congress Committee Chief, released a video appeal and requested people to contribute to the Congress Party through contribute.inc.in. Sachin Pilot says that crowdfunding would create public stake and involvement in the election. We are taking a big stride towards transparency in political funding. Rajasthan Congress is launching a crowdfunding drive for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Let's join hands to fight BJP's suit-boot sarkar #CleanPolitics Click here: https://t.co/MYVdHLDFwK pic.twitter.com/mKxoRNJAGp — Congress (@INCIndia) September 15, 2018 × “The Rajasthan crowdfunding campaign is one among a series of campaigns the party is planning in the run-up to the 2019 general elections. The party leadership is seeking to inject transparency into campaign finance by bringing up clean funds,” said Divya Spandana, head of social media and digital communications for the Congress Party. “We understand that majority of Indians contribute through traditional methods but as our digital footprint grows across the country, more and more people are finding crowdfunding as a platform to directly connect with the Congress Party,” she said. Earlier this year, the Congress Party announced its pilot Crowdfunding campaign during Karnataka elections where a first-time candidate took on B Sreeramulu in the assembly elections. The second crowdfunding campaign was to offer support to 30-year-old Muktikant Biswal, a man from Odisha who walked 1400 km to Delhi urging the government to deliver on his promise made to the people of Rourkela. The current crowdfunding campaign is being organized by Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s close aide Kanishka Singh and Divya Spandana.

Rahul Gandhi goes Obama way: Crowdfunding becomes Congress party’s new mantra

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