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It's barely been a week since Meghna Gulzar's film Raazi hit the theatres but the film has already garnered Rs 50 crores (and counting) and been lauded by masses as well as critics alike. Starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, the film a story of an Indian spy&nbsp;in Pakistan in the most unbiased way possible.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raazi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raazi</a> is UNSTOPPABLE... Crosses ₹ 50 cr mark... Have a look at the trending on weekdays - the biz is not going to slow down soon... Fri 7.53 cr, Sat 11.30 cr, Sun 14.11 cr, Mon 6.30 cr, Tue 6.10 cr, Wed 5.90 cr. Total: ₹ 51.24 cr. India biz.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/996971548958277632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The film cast and crew spoke to media person at the film's success bash and director Meghna Gulzar said, "It was our intention to show what we wanted with simplicity and truth for which we didn`t have to become preachy or develop a propaganda. The story was such that we did not need these additional traits." Meghna was quizzed as to why she did not show Pakistan in a bad light. "Because they are human too, they are just like us. And to show ourselves good we don`t have to show others bad or evil."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-raazi-review-alia-bhatt-vicky-kaushals-film-serves-as-a-textbook-example-on-how-to-make-espionage-films-sans-jingoism--136082">Read WION's take on the film Raazi.</a>

<img alt="raazi party2.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/raazi%20party2.jpg" width="770" /> 
 
The film has not only cemented Alia's position at the top but has also catapulted Vicky Kaushal in the big league of actors. Kaushal in an earlier interview had mentioned that how he enjoyed playing Iqbal's character. &nbsp;"To try breaking the quintessential mould of the Army guy and the Pakistani guy. When we mix the two, an image always emerges - he would be crude, shrewd and a fanatic. Iqbal's character breaks the image. That was the beauty of this role," the actor was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

Now that he has gained popularity, does he feel the pressure? "If there are expectations and pressure from the audience then it means they care for you. It is a good thing, I take it as a positive thing," Vicky said.&nbsp;

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Star of the moment,&nbsp;Alia Bhatt said that to play Sehmat and show her vulnerable side was challenging. " In this film, I needed to be mad about the character and when your director gets and loves your madness, there's nothing better than that. How vulnerable an actor feels in front of the camera, especially while playing a character like this...&nbsp; 
 
"It's like being surrounded by fire and you can feel the heat even when you are aware that it's not there," Bhatt said.

<img alt="raazi party 3.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/raazi%20party%203.jpg" width="770" /> 
 
Meghna's father, the legendary poet and writer Gulzar, was also present at the success bash.

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Gulzar, who has penned the lyrics of the film's songs, said that, as a father, nothing is bigger than to be in the midst of his daughter's audience, which made Meghna teary-eyed.

The cast and crew celebrated the success of the film with a meet and greet with the media.

It's barely been a week since Meghna Gulzar's film Raazi hit the theatres but the film has already garnered Rs 50 crores (and counting) and been lauded by masses as well as critics alike. Starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, the film a story of an Indian spy in Pakistan in the most unbiased way possible. #Raazi is UNSTOPPABLE... Crosses ₹ 50 cr mark... Have a look at the trending on weekdays - the biz is not going to slow down soon... Fri 7.53 cr, Sat 11.30 cr, Sun 14.11 cr, Mon 6.30 cr, Tue 6.10 cr, Wed 5.90 cr. Total: ₹ 51.24 cr. India biz. — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) May 17, 2018 × The film cast and crew spoke to media person at the film's success bash and director Meghna Gulzar said, "It was our intention to show what we wanted with simplicity and truth for which we didn`t have to become preachy or develop a propaganda. The story was such that we did not need these additional traits." Meghna was quizzed as to why she did not show Pakistan in a bad light. "Because they are human too, they are just like us. And to show ourselves good we don`t have to show others bad or evil." Read WION's take on the film Raazi. The film has not only cemented Alia's position at the top but has also catapulted Vicky Kaushal in the big league of actors. Kaushal in an earlier interview had mentioned that how he enjoyed playing Iqbal's character. "To try breaking the quintessential mould of the Army guy and the Pakistani guy. When we mix the two, an image always emerges - he would be crude, shrewd and a fanatic. Iqbal's character breaks the image. That was the beauty of this role," the actor was quoted as saying. Now that he has gained popularity, does he feel the pressure? "If there are expectations and pressure from the audience then it means they care for you. It is a good thing, I take it as a positive thing," Vicky said. Star of the moment, Alia Bhatt said that to play Sehmat and show her vulnerable side was challenging. " In this film, I needed to be mad about the character and when your director gets and loves your madness, there's nothing better than that. How vulnerable an actor feels in front of the camera, especially while playing a character like this... "It's like being surrounded by fire and you can feel the heat even when you are aware that it's not there," Bhatt said. Meghna's father, the legendary poet and writer Gulzar, was also present at the success bash. Gulzar, who has penned the lyrics of the film's songs, said that, as a father, nothing is bigger than to be in the midst of his daughter's audience, which made Meghna teary-eyed.

Meghna Gulzar on 'Raazi': To show India as good, we don't have to show others as bad

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs General VK&nbspSingh (retired) became the first Indian minister to visit North Korea in 20 years as the latter pledged not to ever create concerns for India`s security.

As per a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, Singh arrived in Pyongyang on Wednesday for a two-day visit to hold bilateral talks on the entire gamut of bilateral relations with his North Korean counterpart and various other high-level officials.

The MoS highlighted the threat posed to India from nuclear proliferation. In response to that, North Korea emphasised that being a friendly country, it will never allow any actions that would create concerns for India's security.

Singh met a delegation including Kim Yong Dae, Vice President of the Presidium of the Supreme People`s Assembly, Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, Minister of Culture Pak Chun Nam and North Korea Vice Foreign Minister Choe Hui Chol.

North Korea also provided an overview of some of the recent development work in the Korean peninsula.

Further, Singh reiterated the ongoing peace process between North-South Korea as he encouraged both the sides to establish peace and prosperity in the Korean peninsula.

India and North Korea also decided to explore possibilities of cooperation in areas of mutual interest including vocational education, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, promotion of yoga and traditional medicines.

The two leaders also agreed on enhancing people-to-people relations in the field of education and culture.Singh visited North Korea on the occasion of completion of 45 years of establishment of diplomatic relations with India.&nbsp

MoS for External Affairs General (retd) VK Singh highlighted the threat posed to India from nuclear proliferation. In response, North Korea emphasised it would never allow any action that would create concerns for India's security

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs General VK&nbspSingh (retired) became the first Indian minister to visit North Korea in 20 years as the latter pledged not to ever create concerns for India`s security. As per a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, Singh arrived in Pyongyang on Wednesday for a two-day visit to hold bilateral talks on the entire gamut of bilateral relations with his North Korean counterpart and various other high-level officials. The MoS highlighted the threat posed to India from nuclear proliferation. In response to that, North Korea emphasised that being a friendly country, it will never allow any actions that would create concerns for India's security. Singh met a delegation including Kim Yong Dae, Vice President of the Presidium of the Supreme People`s Assembly, Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, Minister of Culture Pak Chun Nam and North Korea Vice Foreign Minister Choe Hui Chol. North Korea also provided an overview of some of the recent development work in the Korean peninsula. Further, Singh reiterated the ongoing peace process between North-South Korea as he encouraged both the sides to establish peace and prosperity in the Korean peninsula. India and North Korea also decided to explore possibilities of cooperation in areas of mutual interest including vocational education, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, promotion of yoga and traditional medicines. The two leaders also agreed on enhancing people-to-people relations in the field of education and culture.Singh visited North Korea on the occasion of completion of 45 years of establishment of diplomatic relations with India.

North Korea pledges not to create security concerns for India

The Karnataka political battle has reached the other states of the country and is slowly spreading. After Goa and Bihar, Congress leaders in Manipur and Meghalaya have now sought time from the respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow. The former Chief Ministers of Manipur and Meghalaya — Okram Ibobi Singh and Mukul Sangma — have now taken appointments to meet their respective Governors, news agency ANI reported.

Since the BJP formed the government in Karnataka on Thursday morning after Governor Vajubhai Vala, whom Congress described as 'BJP puppet', &nbsp;invited BS Yeddyurappa to form the government, aforementioned leaders are knocking on the door of respective state governors' door.&nbsp;

When BJP spun the ''single largest party'' theory in order wrest power from the Congress-JD(U), which claimed to have the numbers to form the government, has come back to haunt them in a way they never anticipated.&nbsp;

The first state to get off the block is Goa. Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress is now planning to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state.

Goa Congress leader Yatish Naik claims that in 2017 the won 17 seats and were the single largest party and continue to be but Governor chose to invite the BJP which had 13 seats. In Karnataka, Governor invited BJP as they are the single largest party. So, we appeal to Governor to invite us to form govt. &nbsp;

Similarly, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav today said that the party has decided to meet the Governor tomorrow at 1 pm and demand that like BJP, the single largest party in Karnataka, should be called to form the government in Bihar.&nbsp;

The current government in Bihar be dissolved and the single largest party, RJD, be invited to form the government, ANI quoted him as saying.&nbsp;

Yadav also attacked Modi and Amit Shah. How will BJP prove majority? he asked and added Amit Shah has only one formula, horse-trading or sending agencies like CBI & ED behind MLAs of other parties. It's dictatorship by BJP. If we aren't united today then it was Bihar yesterday, Karnataka today, can be MP or Rajasthan tomorrow, he said.&nbsp;

Former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma have also sought time from respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow, according to news agency ANI.

In the March 2017 assembly elections in Manipur, the BJP, with 21 seats, came second to the then ruling Congress, which bagged 28 – three short of the majority mark to form a government.

In spite of coming second in the electoral race, the BJP famously formed a government with support from its regional allies, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the National People’s Party (NPP).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress is preparing to demand the "Karnataka model" in neighbouring Goa, where it couldn't form a government last year despite emerging as the single largest party.

"If in Karnataka the single largest party got a chance to form the government, then the governments in Goa, Bihar, Manipur and Meghalaya should resign and make way for the single largest party," said Randeep Surjewala of the Congress.

&nbsp;

When BJP spun the ''single largest party'' theory in order wrest power from the Congress-JD(U), which claimed to have the numbers to form the government, has come back to haunt them in a way they never anticipated.

The Karnataka political battle has reached the other states of the country and is slowly spreading. After Goa and Bihar, Congress leaders in Manipur and Meghalaya have now sought time from the respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow. The former Chief Ministers of Manipur and Meghalaya — Okram Ibobi Singh and Mukul Sangma — have now taken appointments to meet their respective Governors, news agency ANI reported. Since the BJP formed the government in Karnataka on Thursday morning after Governor Vajubhai Vala, whom Congress described as 'BJP puppet', invited BS Yeddyurappa to form the government, aforementioned leaders are knocking on the door of respective state governors' door. When BJP spun the ''single largest party'' theory in order wrest power from the Congress-JD(U), which claimed to have the numbers to form the government, has come back to haunt them in a way they never anticipated. The first state to get off the block is Goa. Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress is now planning to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. Goa Congress leader Yatish Naik claims that in 2017 the won 17 seats and were the single largest party and continue to be but Governor chose to invite the BJP which had 13 seats. In Karnataka, Governor invited BJP as they are the single largest party. So, we appeal to Governor to invite us to form govt. Similarly, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav today said that the party has decided to meet the Governor tomorrow at 1 pm and demand that like BJP, the single largest party in Karnataka, should be called to form the government in Bihar. The current government in Bihar be dissolved and the single largest party, RJD, be invited to form the government, ANI quoted him as saying. Yadav also attacked Modi and Amit Shah. How will BJP prove majority? he asked and added Amit Shah has only one formula, horse-trading or sending agencies like CBI & ED behind MLAs of other parties. It's dictatorship by BJP. If we aren't united today then it was Bihar yesterday, Karnataka today, can be MP or Rajasthan tomorrow, he said. Former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma have also sought time from respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow, according to news agency ANI. In the March 2017 assembly elections in Manipur, the BJP, with 21 seats, came second to the then ruling Congress, which bagged 28 – three short of the majority mark to form a government. In spite of coming second in the electoral race, the BJP famously formed a government with support from its regional allies, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the National People’s Party (NPP). Meanwhile, Congress is preparing to demand the "Karnataka model" in neighbouring Goa, where it couldn't form a government last year despite emerging as the single largest party. "If in Karnataka the single largest party got a chance to form the government, then the governments in Goa, Bihar, Manipur and Meghalaya should resign and make way for the single largest party," said Randeep Surjewala of the Congress.

After invite to Karnataka BJP to form government, leaders from 4 states lineup to meet Governors

Karnataka Governor&nbsp;Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited B S&nbsp;Yeddyurappa to take oath as next chief minister of the state. &nbsp;

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Karnataka Governor's letter inviting BJP's BS Yeddyurappa to form government. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElectionResults2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElectionResults2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/EafBULC7nr">pic.twitter.com/EafBULC7nr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996783864394801153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Yeddyurappa will take the oath Thursday at 9 am.

The Governor has given Yeddyurappa 15 days to prove his majority on the floor of the house.&nbsp;

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Governor has invited BS Yeddyurappa to form govt, official communication has been received, Guv gave 15 days to prove majority, oath to take place at 9 am tomorrow: Basavaraj Bommai, BJP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElectionResults2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElectionResults2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/y3IewUswpt">pic.twitter.com/y3IewUswpt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996783156777930753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Reacting to the news, Congress leader&nbsp;P Chidambaram has tweeted ''Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days. Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111.''

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Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days. 
 
Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/996785499653062656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Tomorrow BS Yeddyurappa will be taking oath (as CM of Karnataka) alone, after proving majority cabinet will be sworn in: Murlidhar Rao, BJP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElectionResults2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElectionResults2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/WZIiA8DcdB">pic.twitter.com/WZIiA8DcdB</a>
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Earlier addressing a press conference, Congress leaders said Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala should not resort to a "perilous path" by not inviting the JD(S)-Congress coalition, which has clear majority, to form the government in the state.

The remarks by Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal came amid reports that the Governor is inviting the BJP to take a shot at power and the swearing-in of its chief ministerial nominee B S Yeddyurappa will take place tomorrow.

"Our majority is established... The Governor should not act illegally. The Congress-JD(S) combine must be invited to form the government," said Sibal.

Both the BJP and JDS-Congress combine with 104 and 115 seats have respectively staked claim to form the government in the state after it delivered a fractured verdict.&nbsp;

Yeddyurappa will take the oath tomorrow morning at 9:30

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Wednesday invited B S Yeddyurappa to take oath as next chief minister of the state. Karnataka Governor's letter inviting BJP's BS Yeddyurappa to form government. #KarnatakaElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/EafBULC7nr — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × Yeddyurappa will take the oath Thursday at 9 am. The Governor has given Yeddyurappa 15 days to prove his majority on the floor of the house. Governor has invited BS Yeddyurappa to form govt, official communication has been received, Guv gave 15 days to prove majority, oath to take place at 9 am tomorrow: Basavaraj Bommai, BJP #KarnatakaElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/y3IewUswpt — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × Reacting to the news, Congress leader P Chidambaram has tweeted ''Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days. Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111.'' Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days. Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 16, 2018 × Tomorrow BS Yeddyurappa will be taking oath (as CM of Karnataka) alone, after proving majority cabinet will be sworn in: Murlidhar Rao, BJP #KarnatakaElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/WZIiA8DcdB — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × Earlier addressing a press conference, Congress leaders said Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala should not resort to a "perilous path" by not inviting the JD(S)-Congress coalition, which has clear majority, to form the government in the state. The remarks by Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal came amid reports that the Governor is inviting the BJP to take a shot at power and the swearing-in of its chief ministerial nominee B S Yeddyurappa will take place tomorrow. "Our majority is established... The Governor should not act illegally. The Congress-JD(S) combine must be invited to form the government," said Sibal. Both the BJP and JDS-Congress combine with 104 and 115 seats have respectively staked claim to form the government in the state after it delivered a fractured verdict.

Governor Vajubhai Vala invites BJP's Yeddyurappa to take oath as Karnataka CM

The Congress on Wednesday lambasted Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala for inviting BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa to form the government in the state, accusing him of acting like a "BJP puppet" and allowing the saffron party to "manufacture" a majority in 15 days.&nbsp;

Congress leader P Chidambaram also alleged that the Governor has given Yeddyurappa 15 days time to "convert" the number of 104 legislators to 111.

"Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days.&nbsp;

"Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111," he tweeted.

Party general secretary Ashok Gehlot said that the decision was a "murder of democracy" and has been taken "under pressure from the BJP leadership".

"It is a murder of democracy in the country and it is a black day in India's history...The decision has been taken under pressure of BJP leaders," Gehlot told PTI.&nbsp;

Gehlot expressed concerns over the development and said people of the country are "worried" over the direction in which the country was moving.&nbsp;

In a communique, Vala invited Yeddyurappa to form the government and take oath as chief minister tomorrow. He also asked Yeddyurappa to seek a vote of confidence within 15 days of assuming office.

The BJP has emerged as the single largest party in the southern state winning 104 seats, but is short of a simple majority. On the other hand, the Congress and JD(S), which have already announced post-poll tie-up, have won 78 and 37 seats respectively and claimed before Vala to have numbers to form government in the state.&nbsp;

Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also hit out at Vala, accusing him of denigrating the Governor's office, trampling upon Constitution and abusing law and acting like a "BJP puppet".

Vala, Surjewala charged, chose to serve "his masters in the BJP" than serving the Constitution.&nbsp;

"Vajubhai Vala denigrates the Governor's office,tramples upon Constitution,abuses the law & acts as a BJP puppet.

"He chooses to serve his Master's in BJP rather then serve the Constitution.

As @BJPKarnataka informed in advance, orders come from BJP HQ then the sanctity of office," he said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Congress leader P Chidambaram also alleged that the Governor has given Yeddyurappa 15 days time to "convert" the number of 104 legislators to 111.

The Congress on Wednesday lambasted Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala for inviting BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa to form the government in the state, accusing him of acting like a "BJP puppet" and allowing the saffron party to "manufacture" a majority in 15 days. Congress leader P Chidambaram also alleged that the Governor has given Yeddyurappa 15 days time to "convert" the number of 104 legislators to 111. "Governor invites Mr Yeddyurappa to manufacture a majority in 15 days. "Governor gives Mr Yeddyurappa 15 days to convert the number 104 into 111," he tweeted. Party general secretary Ashok Gehlot said that the decision was a "murder of democracy" and has been taken "under pressure from the BJP leadership". "It is a murder of democracy in the country and it is a black day in India's history...The decision has been taken under pressure of BJP leaders," Gehlot told PTI. Gehlot expressed concerns over the development and said people of the country are "worried" over the direction in which the country was moving. In a communique, Vala invited Yeddyurappa to form the government and take oath as chief minister tomorrow. He also asked Yeddyurappa to seek a vote of confidence within 15 days of assuming office. The BJP has emerged as the single largest party in the southern state winning 104 seats, but is short of a simple majority. On the other hand, the Congress and JD(S), which have already announced post-poll tie-up, have won 78 and 37 seats respectively and claimed before Vala to have numbers to form government in the state. Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also hit out at Vala, accusing him of denigrating the Governor's office, trampling upon Constitution and abusing law and acting like a "BJP puppet". Vala, Surjewala charged, chose to serve "his masters in the BJP" than serving the Constitution. "Vajubhai Vala denigrates the Governor's office,tramples upon Constitution,abuses the law & acts as a BJP puppet. "He chooses to serve his Master's in BJP rather then serve the Constitution. As @BJPKarnataka informed in advance, orders come from BJP HQ then the sanctity of office," he said on Twitter.

Angry Congress dubs Karnataka Governor 'BJP puppet'

Facebook received more than 22,000 requests from the Indian government for data in 2017, the second highest globally after the US, the social networking giant said.

The company in its Transparency Report said it had received 9,853 total requests in January-June 2017, followed by 12,171 requests in the later half of the year. This is about 62 per cent higher than 2016 when the Indian government made 13,613 such requests.

According to the half-yearly report, Facebook -- which is the second largest userbase for the social networking giant -- received 12,171 requests from Indian government agencies for 17,262 users/accounts in the second half of 2017. It had produced some data in 53 per cent of the requests made.

Facebook had received over 65,000 government requests for user data in the US in 2017. Globally, it had received over 1.6 lakh requests in 2017 as compared to about 1.23 lakh requests in the previous year.

The company said it responds to government requests for data in accordance with applicable law and our terms of service.&nbsp

"Each and every request we receive is carefully reviewed for legal sufficiency and we may reject or require greater specificity on requests that appear overly broad or vague," it added.

Besides, Facebook also said it had restricted 1,914 content pieces in July-December 2017 in India, more than double that of the year-ago period following requests from law enforcement agencies.

The US-based company had restricted 719 pieces in the July-December 2016 period while 1,228 content pieces were restricted in the January-June 2017 period, the Transparency Report said.

"We restricted access to content in India in response to legal requests from law enforcement agencies and the India Computer Emergency Response Team within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology," the report said.

It added that majority of the content restricted was alleged to violate Indian laws relating to the defamation of religion, hate speech, and defamation of the state.

Globally, Facebook restricted 14,294 content pieces in the second half of 2017, compared to 28,036 in January-June 2017 and 6,944 pieces in July-December 2016.

Facebook said when something on its platform or Instagram is reported to it as violating local law but does not go against its Community Standards, it may restrict the content's availability in the country where it is alleged to be illegal. When a single piece of content is restricted in multiple countries, each restriction is counted independently.

It added that the US-based company receives reports from governments and courts, as well from non-government entities like members of the Facebook community and NGOs.&nbsp

The highest number of content pieces restricted in India by Facebook was in January-June 2015 when 15,155 total restrictions were made. Facebook has been making these disclosures from as early as 2013.&nbsp

Facebook had received over 65,000 government requests for user data in the US in 2017

Facebook received more than 22,000 requests from the Indian government for data in 2017, the second highest globally after the US, the social networking giant said. The company in its Transparency Report said it had received 9,853 total requests in January-June 2017, followed by 12,171 requests in the later half of the year. This is about 62 per cent higher than 2016 when the Indian government made 13,613 such requests. According to the half-yearly report, Facebook -- which is the second largest userbase for the social networking giant -- received 12,171 requests from Indian government agencies for 17,262 users/accounts in the second half of 2017. It had produced some data in 53 per cent of the requests made. Facebook had received over 65,000 government requests for user data in the US in 2017. Globally, it had received over 1.6 lakh requests in 2017 as compared to about 1.23 lakh requests in the previous year. The company said it responds to government requests for data in accordance with applicable law and our terms of service. "Each and every request we receive is carefully reviewed for legal sufficiency and we may reject or require greater specificity on requests that appear overly broad or vague," it added. Besides, Facebook also said it had restricted 1,914 content pieces in July-December 2017 in India, more than double that of the year-ago period following requests from law enforcement agencies. The US-based company had restricted 719 pieces in the July-December 2016 period while 1,228 content pieces were restricted in the January-June 2017 period, the Transparency Report said. "We restricted access to content in India in response to legal requests from law enforcement agencies and the India Computer Emergency Response Team within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology," the report said. It added that majority of the content restricted was alleged to violate Indian laws relating to the defamation of religion, hate speech, and defamation of the state. Globally, Facebook restricted 14,294 content pieces in the second half of 2017, compared to 28,036 in January-June 2017 and 6,944 pieces in July-December 2016. Facebook said when something on its platform or Instagram is reported to it as violating local law but does not go against its Community Standards, it may restrict the content's availability in the country where it is alleged to be illegal. When a single piece of content is restricted in multiple countries, each restriction is counted independently. It added that the US-based company receives reports from governments and courts, as well from non-government entities like members of the Facebook community and NGOs. The highest number of content pieces restricted in India by Facebook was in January-June 2015 when 15,155 total restrictions were made. Facebook has been making these disclosures from as early as 2013.

Facebook received over 22 thousand data requests from Indian govt in 2017

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692"> after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP</a>

Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atmosphere-of-fear-in-country-situation-similar-to-pakistan-rahul-gandhi-137744">Atmosphere of fear in country, situation similar to Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi</a>

Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jud-chief-hafiz-saeed-setting-up-offices-in-all-pakistan-districts-reveal-intelligence-sources-137682">JuD chief Hafiz Saeed setting up offices in all Pakistan districts, reveal intelligence sources</a>

Jamat ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed who India alleges is the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks is planning to setup JuD offices in all districts of Pakistan with different names to collect funds, India's intelligence sources have revealed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-says-un-has-collapsed-in-the-face-of-gaza-violence-137688">Turkey's Erdogan says UN has 'collapsed' in the face of Gaza violence</a>

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the United Nations had "collapsed" in the face of events in Gaza where Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinian protesters on Monday as the United States relocated its Israel embassy to Jerusalem.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/after-messi-isis-threatens-to-behead-ronaldo-ahead-of-russia-world-cup--137746">After Messi, ISIS threatens to 'behead' Ronaldo ahead of Russia World Cup</a>

A pro-Islamic State(IS) organisation which earlier targeted football star Lionel Messi, has now threatened to kill and behead, Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;

Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form government after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government. Atmosphere of fear in country, situation similar to Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship". JuD chief Hafiz Saeed setting up offices in all Pakistan districts, reveal intelligence sources Jamat ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed who India alleges is the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks is planning to setup JuD offices in all districts of Pakistan with different names to collect funds, India's intelligence sources have revealed. Turkey's Erdogan says UN has 'collapsed' in the face of Gaza violence Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the United Nations had "collapsed" in the face of events in Gaza where Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinian protesters on Monday as the United States relocated its Israel embassy to Jerusalem. After Messi, ISIS threatens to 'behead' Ronaldo ahead of Russia World Cup A pro-Islamic State(IS) organisation which earlier targeted football star Lionel Messi, has now threatened to kill and behead, Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state.

''In 2017, we won 17 seats and were the single largest party and continue to be but Governor chose to invite the BJP which had 13 seats. In Karnataka, Governor invited BJP as they are the single largest party. So, we appeal to Governor to invite us to form govt,'' said Yatish Naik of Goa Congress.&nbsp;

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In 2017, we won 17 seats & were single largest party & continue to be but Governor chose to invite the BJP which had 13 seats. In Karnataka, Governor invited BJP as they are the single largest party. So, we appeal to Governor to invite us to form govt: Yatish Naik, Congress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Goa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Goa</a> <a href="https://t.co/EqCl4bxi1j">pic.twitter.com/EqCl4bxi1j</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997065210077876225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government.&nbsp;

Being the single largest party Congress should be invited to form govt in Goa, ANI report said quoting Congress party sources.&nbsp;

If necessary Congress may parade its MLAs to Governor's house, the sources added.&nbsp;

In February 2017 assembly poll, Congress had emerged as the single-largest party but had failed to form the government after the BJP, with 13 MLAs, swiftly bagged support of Goa Forward Party (GFP), Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and two Independents, to reach the magic figure of 21 in the 40-member house.

Following this, Manohar Parrikar, who was then serving as the defence minister was rushed back to Goa to return as the Chief Minister.

Goa Congress said that the state is without a leader for two months and added that state administration is in chaos. &nbsp;

Similarly, in Bihar, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav to hold a one-day protest against the ''murder of democracy''. He will also request Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like Karnataka invite the single largest party which in Bihar is RJD. &nbsp;

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I will meet Honourable Governor of Bihar along with MLAs as we are single largest party of Bihar.
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/997061828772552704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''We would be holding a one-day Dharna tomorrow against the murder of democracy in Karnataka. We also request the Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like in Karnataka invite the single largest party, which in Bihar is the RJD,'' Yadav said.&nbsp;

Former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma have sought time from respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow, according to news agency ANI.

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We are not only single largest party but single largest block of pre poll alliance in Bihar. 
 
Then why should we not be called to form government in Bihar? 
 
Tomorrow at 1 PM will meet Bihar Governor.
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/997078656844517376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government.

Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. ''In 2017, we won 17 seats and were the single largest party and continue to be but Governor chose to invite the BJP which had 13 seats. In Karnataka, Governor invited BJP as they are the single largest party. So, we appeal to Governor to invite us to form govt,'' said Yatish Naik of Goa Congress. In 2017, we won 17 seats & were single largest party & continue to be but Governor chose to invite the BJP which had 13 seats. In Karnataka, Governor invited BJP as they are the single largest party. So, we appeal to Governor to invite us to form govt: Yatish Naik, Congress #Goa pic.twitter.com/EqCl4bxi1j — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government. Being the single largest party Congress should be invited to form govt in Goa, ANI report said quoting Congress party sources. If necessary Congress may parade its MLAs to Governor's house, the sources added. In February 2017 assembly poll, Congress had emerged as the single-largest party but had failed to form the government after the BJP, with 13 MLAs, swiftly bagged support of Goa Forward Party (GFP), Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and two Independents, to reach the magic figure of 21 in the 40-member house. Following this, Manohar Parrikar, who was then serving as the defence minister was rushed back to Goa to return as the Chief Minister. Goa Congress said that the state is without a leader for two months and added that state administration is in chaos. Similarly, in Bihar, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav to hold a one-day protest against the ''murder of democracy''. He will also request Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like Karnataka invite the single largest party which in Bihar is RJD. I will meet Honourable Governor of Bihar along with MLAs as we are single largest party of Bihar. — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 17, 2018 × ''We would be holding a one-day Dharna tomorrow against the murder of democracy in Karnataka. We also request the Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like in Karnataka invite the single largest party, which in Bihar is the RJD,'' Yadav said. Former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma have sought time from respective Governors of the state for a meeting tomorrow, according to news agency ANI. We are not only single largest party but single largest block of pre poll alliance in Bihar. Then why should we not be called to form government in Bihar? Tomorrow at 1 PM will meet Bihar Governor. — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 17, 2018 ×

Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form government after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP

Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship".

At an event here, he alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country and the Constitution was under "severe attack", with even the institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened.

His remarks came hours after BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as the chief minister of Karnataka.

While the Congress-JD(S) combine in the state has been claiming a majority with the support of 117 MLAs, the BJP has 104 seats in the Assembly which has 224 elected members. Polling was not held in two seats. The House has a nominated seat.

"The Constitution is under severe attack in the country... In Karnataka, the MLAs are on one side and the Governor on the other and you know what attempt is being made," Gandhi said.

"The JD(S) leader has said its MLAs were offered Rs 100 crore," the Congress president said, apparently referring to H D Kumaraswami who had made the allegation.

Gandhi said, "One after another, you can see in every democratic institution in the country,..The RSS is trying to induct its people."

He said, "There is fear in the judiciary, there is fear in the press, and even the BJP's members of Parliament are scared as they cannot speak a single word before the prime minister."

In the last 70 years, it was generally seen that the people approached the judiciary for seeking justice, he said.

"But for the first time it was seen that four judges of the Supreme Court appeared before the press and sought support from the public, saying they were being suppressed and not allowed to perform their duties.

"Such a thing was witnessed for the first time in a democratic country. It definitely happens under dictatorships, it happens in Pakistan, it happens in different African countries, (where) a general comes and suppresses the court and the press. But in India, it has happened for the first time in last 70 years," Gandhi said.

He was apparently referring to the unprecedented press conference by four senior judges of the Supreme Court in January this year to express their grievances against the Chief Justice of India.

In his address at a 'Jan Swaraj Sammelan' here on the occasion of the silver jubilee of 73rd and 74th amendment in the Constitution related to local self-governance, the Congress leader accused the BJP and the RSS of capturing every democratic institution in country.

He said the Congress had ruled the country for several years but never tried to capture the democratic institutions.

Gandhi also alleged that the RSS and the BJP's target was to suppress the voice of Dalits, 'adivasis' (tribals) and women and distribute the country's wealth to some selected people.

"When farmers talk about loan waiver, (Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley says the Centre does not have any policy for it. But in the last one year, Rs 2.5 lakh crore loan of 15 rich people was waived. He (Jaitley) doesn't speak on it because it's in their policy," the Congress chief said.

He said that if the BJP wanted to talk about corruption, then its leaders should speak about the Rafale fighter deal, BJP chief's son and (Union minister) Piyush Goyal's company. However, he did not elaborate on it.

Gandhi alleged the BJP government has snatched the rights of farmers, villagers and poor and diluted the law.

He said the people will have to come together to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP to protect the Constitution.

"If we want to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP, the representatives and women who are sitting here, are our key strength," he said, referring to the panchayat members present at the event.

During the interaction with the representatives, Gandhi said if the Congress comes to power at the Centre, its focus will be on education, health and employment sectors in which the "Modi government has completely failed".

He said his party's government would waive farmers' loans within 10 days of coming to power in 2019.

Accusing the Modi government of considering farmers as a burden, he said the Congress considers them as its strength.

"If the Narendra Modi government can waive loans of 15 to 20 rich industrialists worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore, why can't farmers' loans be waived?" he asked.

"That amount is equivalent to Rs 35,000 crore that the UPA spent to implement the MNERGA scheme in the country," he said.

He said, "Modi calls Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai. He knows Choksi and Nirav Modi well. Modi did not respond to my request to waive farm loans in the entire country."

The Congress government had brought the Land Acquisition Bill, in which it was clearly mentioned that panchayat's permission should be mandatory for acquiring land in a village, Gandhi said.

"The attack on me (by the BJP) was launched since the day I visited Bhatta Parsaul (in 2011 in Noida in UP). There I had raised questions and from that day they have been trying to corner me," he said.&nbsp

At an event here, he alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country and the Constitution was under "severe attack", with even the institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened.

Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship". At an event here, he alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country and the Constitution was under "severe attack", with even the institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened. His remarks came hours after BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as the chief minister of Karnataka. While the Congress-JD(S) combine in the state has been claiming a majority with the support of 117 MLAs, the BJP has 104 seats in the Assembly which has 224 elected members. Polling was not held in two seats. The House has a nominated seat. "The Constitution is under severe attack in the country... In Karnataka, the MLAs are on one side and the Governor on the other and you know what attempt is being made," Gandhi said. "The JD(S) leader has said its MLAs were offered Rs 100 crore," the Congress president said, apparently referring to H D Kumaraswami who had made the allegation. Gandhi said, "One after another, you can see in every democratic institution in the country,..The RSS is trying to induct its people." He said, "There is fear in the judiciary, there is fear in the press, and even the BJP's members of Parliament are scared as they cannot speak a single word before the prime minister." In the last 70 years, it was generally seen that the people approached the judiciary for seeking justice, he said. "But for the first time it was seen that four judges of the Supreme Court appeared before the press and sought support from the public, saying they were being suppressed and not allowed to perform their duties. "Such a thing was witnessed for the first time in a democratic country. It definitely happens under dictatorships, it happens in Pakistan, it happens in different African countries, (where) a general comes and suppresses the court and the press. But in India, it has happened for the first time in last 70 years," Gandhi said. He was apparently referring to the unprecedented press conference by four senior judges of the Supreme Court in January this year to express their grievances against the Chief Justice of India. In his address at a 'Jan Swaraj Sammelan' here on the occasion of the silver jubilee of 73rd and 74th amendment in the Constitution related to local self-governance, the Congress leader accused the BJP and the RSS of capturing every democratic institution in country. He said the Congress had ruled the country for several years but never tried to capture the democratic institutions. Gandhi also alleged that the RSS and the BJP's target was to suppress the voice of Dalits, 'adivasis' (tribals) and women and distribute the country's wealth to some selected people. "When farmers talk about loan waiver, (Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley says the Centre does not have any policy for it. But in the last one year, Rs 2.5 lakh crore loan of 15 rich people was waived. He (Jaitley) doesn't speak on it because it's in their policy," the Congress chief said. He said that if the BJP wanted to talk about corruption, then its leaders should speak about the Rafale fighter deal, BJP chief's son and (Union minister) Piyush Goyal's company. However, he did not elaborate on it. Gandhi alleged the BJP government has snatched the rights of farmers, villagers and poor and diluted the law. He said the people will have to come together to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP to protect the Constitution. "If we want to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP, the representatives and women who are sitting here, are our key strength," he said, referring to the panchayat members present at the event. During the interaction with the representatives, Gandhi said if the Congress comes to power at the Centre, its focus will be on education, health and employment sectors in which the "Modi government has completely failed". He said his party's government would waive farmers' loans within 10 days of coming to power in 2019. Accusing the Modi government of considering farmers as a burden, he said the Congress considers them as its strength. "If the Narendra Modi government can waive loans of 15 to 20 rich industrialists worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore, why can't farmers' loans be waived?" he asked. "That amount is equivalent to Rs 35,000 crore that the UPA spent to implement the MNERGA scheme in the country," he said. He said, "Modi calls Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai. He knows Choksi and Nirav Modi well. Modi did not respond to my request to waive farm loans in the entire country." The Congress government had brought the Land Acquisition Bill, in which it was clearly mentioned that panchayat's permission should be mandatory for acquiring land in a village, Gandhi said. "The attack on me (by the BJP) was launched since the day I visited Bhatta Parsaul (in 2011 in Noida in UP). There I had raised questions and from that day they have been trying to corner me," he said.

Atmosphere of fear in country, situation similar to Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi

You could call it the great Korean hiccup, with the caveat that these things have happened before.&nbsp;The apparent trigger was a week-long Air Force exercise involving the US and South Korea. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The North slammed it in its typical fashion: &nbsp;A grim news reader on state-run television warning that "the United States will have to undertake careful deliberations about the fate of the planned North Korea-US summit in light of this provocative military ruckus jointly conducted with the South Korean authorities." 
&nbsp; 
The North Korean statement was actually a double whammy! &nbsp;

Earlier the North had suspended high-level official talks to be held on Wednesday. &nbsp;The South had reason to be puzzled as Kim Jong-Un had indicated he understood why the US and South Korea held joint military exercises. &nbsp;

The hint was he would not object but how does one explain the turnaround? 
&nbsp; 
The pundits on the peninsula suspect Kim maybe opening his cards on the US demand for "unilateral de-nuclearisation". &nbsp;Kim probably wanted to forewarn Trump on what to expect when they sit down for the June summit. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The US responded cautiously, saying it had not heard anything from Seoul or Pyongyang and was proceeding according to the plan. &nbsp;

Heather Nauert, State Department spokeswoman, had said: "we will continue to go ahead and plan the meeting between president Trump and Kim Jong-Un." 
&nbsp; 
What does the mercurial "rocket man" want? Clearly, he wants to keep his nuclear weapons, his refusal to spell out his views on de-nuclearisation so far may have been deliberate, intended to reap the harvest of goodwill generated by his decision to stop nuclear testing. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Now, rocket man Kim is apparently willing to play. &nbsp;Fittingly he began in Punggye-Ri, where he has so far tested six nuclear devices.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Satellite images of the Punggye-Ri test site in the eastern part of the country show some dismantling work in progress but this has not been extended to the nuclear reactor and uranium enrichment facility in Yongbyon or the missile factory at the military base in Hwange province.

The US is clear about what it wants, a point reiterated by national security adviserJohnn Bolton who said: "what ports should American freighters sail into and what airbases should American cargo planes land at so that we can dismantle your nuclear weapons program, put it in those planes and boats and sail it back to America to put it at oak ridge, Tennessee."

Bolton was referring to the Libyan model, the terms and conditions under which in 2003 and 2004, Libya was stripped of its nuclear material, equipment and uranium in return for sanctions being eased. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Rocket man" may want something more tangible from the US such as withdrawal of all US forces from South Korea and a nuclear guarantee which is exactly what nuclear guarantee means is not clear maybe a promise his regime will not be targeted, its survival is guaranteed, an end to all sanctions and so on. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
North Korea has many advantages unlike Libya, its nuclear weapons programme is advanced and it has developed and demonstrated its weapons including those that can reach the US. &nbsp;

Kim will also ensure any "de-nuclearization" is phased out with access to sites controlled by him. &nbsp;A deal on de-nuclearization could start with a moratorium on further tests, which Kim announced last month. &nbsp;

It could be followed by a freeze on the production of nuclear materials and the rollback of warhead stocks. &nbsp;This was roughly the experience with the Libyan model. &nbsp;Let's see what shape the Korean model could take but be prepared for anything even a complete reversal of what we've seen so far.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Now rocket man Kim is apparently willing to play. Fittingly he began in Punggye-Ri, where he has so far tested six nuclear devices.

You could call it the great Korean hiccup, with the caveat that these things have happened before. The apparent trigger was a week-long Air Force exercise involving the US and South Korea. The North slammed it in its typical fashion: A grim news reader on state-run television warning that "the United States will have to undertake careful deliberations about the fate of the planned North Korea-US summit in light of this provocative military ruckus jointly conducted with the South Korean authorities." The North Korean statement was actually a double whammy! Earlier the North had suspended high-level official talks to be held on Wednesday. The South had reason to be puzzled as Kim Jong-Un had indicated he understood why the US and South Korea held joint military exercises. The hint was he would not object but how does one explain the turnaround? The pundits on the peninsula suspect Kim maybe opening his cards on the US demand for "unilateral de-nuclearisation". Kim probably wanted to forewarn Trump on what to expect when they sit down for the June summit. The US responded cautiously, saying it had not heard anything from Seoul or Pyongyang and was proceeding according to the plan. Heather Nauert, State Department spokeswoman, had said: "we will continue to go ahead and plan the meeting between president Trump and Kim Jong-Un." What does the mercurial "rocket man" want? Clearly, he wants to keep his nuclear weapons, his refusal to spell out his views on de-nuclearisation so far may have been deliberate, intended to reap the harvest of goodwill generated by his decision to stop nuclear testing. Now, rocket man Kim is apparently willing to play. Fittingly he began in Punggye-Ri, where he has so far tested six nuclear devices. Satellite images of the Punggye-Ri test site in the eastern part of the country show some dismantling work in progress but this has not been extended to the nuclear reactor and uranium enrichment facility in Yongbyon or the missile factory at the military base in Hwange province. The US is clear about what it wants, a point reiterated by national security adviserJohnn Bolton who said: "what ports should American freighters sail into and what airbases should American cargo planes land at so that we can dismantle your nuclear weapons program, put it in those planes and boats and sail it back to America to put it at oak ridge, Tennessee." Bolton was referring to the Libyan model, the terms and conditions under which in 2003 and 2004, Libya was stripped of its nuclear material, equipment and uranium in return for sanctions being eased. "Rocket man" may want something more tangible from the US such as withdrawal of all US forces from South Korea and a nuclear guarantee which is exactly what nuclear guarantee means is not clear maybe a promise his regime will not be targeted, its survival is guaranteed, an end to all sanctions and so on. North Korea has many advantages unlike Libya, its nuclear weapons programme is advanced and it has developed and demonstrated its weapons including those that can reach the US. Kim will also ensure any "de-nuclearization" is phased out with access to sites controlled by him. A deal on de-nuclearization could start with a moratorium on further tests, which Kim announced last month. It could be followed by a freeze on the production of nuclear materials and the rollback of warhead stocks. This was roughly the experience with the Libyan model. Let's see what shape the Korean model could take but be prepared for anything even a complete reversal of what we've seen so far. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion - North Korean hiccup: US should apply 'Libyan model' on North Korea

Kajol's next film, directed by Pradeep Sarkar, is slated to hit the theatres on September 14, the makers say.

The movie, tentatively titled 'Eela', also features this year's National Award for Best Actor winner Riddhi Sen, who will play Kajol's son and Neha Dhupia, who will essay the role of a drama instructor.

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The movie is an adaptation of Anand Gandhi's Gujarati play, 'Beta Kaagdo'.

Kajol plays a single parent in the film, which revolves around the relationship shared by a mother and son.

The film is produced by Ajay Devgn and Jayantilal Gada.

Kajol to play a single parent in the film, which revolves around the relationship shared by a mother and son.

Kajol's next film, directed by Pradeep Sarkar, is slated to hit the theatres on September 14, the makers say. The movie, tentatively titled 'Eela', also features this year's National Award for Best Actor winner Riddhi Sen, who will play Kajol's son and Neha Dhupia, who will essay the role of a drama instructor. I woke up like this #eelathefilm. @eelathefilm @ajaydevgn A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) on Jan 24, 2018 at 2:42am PST × ‪Today, let's salute all the mothers who refused to give up on their dreams and emerged as winners in their lives. Happy #MothersDay to each one of you all from team #Eela! @kajol @wolfofwinterfall @pradeepsarkar #AjayDevgnFfilms A post shared by Eela (@eelathefilm) on May 12, 2018 at 11:01pm PDT × Meet EELA and her little one, VIVAAN! ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ #eelathefilm #kajol ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ #ajaydevgn #Adffilms A post shared by Eela (@eelathefilm) on Apr 16, 2018 at 2:05am PDT × The movie is an adaptation of Anand Gandhi's Gujarati play, 'Beta Kaagdo'. Kajol plays a single parent in the film, which revolves around the relationship shared by a mother and son. The film is produced by Ajay Devgn and Jayantilal Gada.

Kajol's next film 'Ella' to release in September

Richa Chadha loves to go unconventional when it comes to her films and characters.

But did you know that Richa is not just fond of the big screen? Before she became a film actress, she did a lot of theatres and loved it too! Having trained under the guidance of Barry John, Richa has done some interesting work in theatre&nbsp;and till date when time allows, she goes back to the stage so as to reminiscence about where it all started from.

Being an ardent lover of the art of acting, it’s no surprise that Richa Chadha never ceases to surprise us with her performances par excellence. Definitely the one with a bundle of talent on screen, Richa has had a rich learning experience before she became a film actress.

Just two years ago the actress performed one of the most popular plays across the world, White Rabbit Red Rabbit, and now we hear she’s all set to make a special appearance on stage again soon.

Richa is set to do a special two-show only play with actors likes Vinay Pathak and Ashwin Musharan.

The play will run two shows each in Mumbai and Delhi end of this month.

It comprises of three stories in which Richa will be seen portraying different characters.&nbsp;

Richa has managed to squeeze in time between her manic shoot schedules, as she recently wrapped up Anubhav Sinha’s political satire, Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai and will soon begin shooting for Shakeela biopic and Section 375 with Akshaye Khanna.

When asked about going back to the stage, Richa said, “Theatre is an actor’s medium and I love being able to perform on stage whenever I get a chance. When I moved to Bombay, I participated in Thespo and ended up getting to know Q and his company. I am delighted to work with Vinay Pathak again as well.”

Richa has been a successful theatre face in the past.

Richa Chadha loves to go unconventional when it comes to her films and characters. But did you know that Richa is not just fond of the big screen? Before she became a film actress, she did a lot of theatres and loved it too! Having trained under the guidance of Barry John, Richa has done some interesting work in theatre and till date when time allows, she goes back to the stage so as to reminiscence about where it all started from. Being an ardent lover of the art of acting, it’s no surprise that Richa Chadha never ceases to surprise us with her performances par excellence. Definitely the one with a bundle of talent on screen, Richa has had a rich learning experience before she became a film actress. Just two years ago the actress performed one of the most popular plays across the world, White Rabbit Red Rabbit, and now we hear she’s all set to make a special appearance on stage again soon. Richa is set to do a special two-show only play with actors likes Vinay Pathak and Ashwin Musharan. The play will run two shows each in Mumbai and Delhi end of this month. It comprises of three stories in which Richa will be seen portraying different characters. Richa has managed to squeeze in time between her manic shoot schedules, as she recently wrapped up Anubhav Sinha’s political satire, Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai and will soon begin shooting for Shakeela biopic and Section 375 with Akshaye Khanna. When asked about going back to the stage, Richa said, “Theatre is an actor’s medium and I love being able to perform on stage whenever I get a chance. When I moved to Bombay, I participated in Thespo and ended up getting to know Q and his company. I am delighted to work with Vinay Pathak again as well.”

Richa Chadha set to take to the stage again

It's going to be a busy few weeks ahead for actress Yami Gautam as she will juggle filming two films simultaneously. Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor and Yami Gautam starer 'Batti' has been in the news and was delayed by a few weeks, but after a long time we hear hat things have now come back on track for the Shri Narayan Singh film.

The shooting of Yami’s other film, 'Uri' too will start around the same time and hence, Yami is busy figuring out the dates to ensure that none of the projects get hampered.

Yami is playing an intelligence officer in 'Uri' and is currently, prepping for her role. The film also stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead.

A spokesperson of the actress says, “Yami is committed to 'Uri' and 'Batti'. There are overlapping dates however her team is confident that they can work out the dates and ensure she can dabble in the 2 films. With film and brand commitments, Yami has currently a very busy diary and she is excited about this phase.”&nbsp;

Yami is busy figuring out the dates to ensure that none of her projects get hampered.

It's going to be a busy few weeks ahead for actress Yami Gautam as she will juggle filming two films simultaneously. Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor and Yami Gautam starer 'Batti' has been in the news and was delayed by a few weeks, but after a long time we hear hat things have now come back on track for the Shri Narayan Singh film. The shooting of Yami’s other film, 'Uri' too will start around the same time and hence, Yami is busy figuring out the dates to ensure that none of the projects get hampered. Yami is playing an intelligence officer in 'Uri' and is currently, prepping for her role. The film also stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead. A spokesperson of the actress says, “Yami is committed to 'Uri' and 'Batti'. There are overlapping dates however her team is confident that they can work out the dates and ensure she can dabble in the 2 films. With film and brand commitments, Yami has currently a very busy diary and she is excited about this phase.”

Yami Gautam to dabble between 'Batti' and 'Uri'

As Deadpool 2 hits theatres on Friday, expectations are huge from this Ryan Reynolds film. The film's trailers have already garnered a lot of buzz and with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ranveer-singh-lends-his-voice-to-deadpool-2--135037">Ranveer Singh giving his voice to the dubbed Hindi version</a>, the film has just got bigger in India.&nbsp; 
 
Incidentally, Ranveer Singh is not the only Bollywood connection to Marvel's latest superhero film. Turns out, the film pays a tribute of sorts to Shah Rukh Khan. Wondering how? Here are the details. (Spoiler alert )

According to a report in BollywoodLife, a song from SRK's film Swades is played inside Dopinder's cab in one of the scenes. The song in question is 'Yuhi Chala Chal Rahi'. &nbsp;In the scene, Dopinder is seen driving Cable and Domino to a destination. Cable appears to be annoyed at the choice of song and commands Dopinder to turn the song off, which prompts Deadpool to call him a racist.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LuTy9KGKNbA" width="560"></iframe> 
 
The film- a sequel to Deadpool- also features Josh Brolin as the antagonist. Early reviews suggest that the film is hilarious- much like the superhero himself.&nbsp;

SRK's film's song is seen playing in the background in Dopinder's cab.

As Deadpool 2 hits theatres on Friday, expectations are huge from this Ryan Reynolds film. The film's trailers have already garnered a lot of buzz and with Ranveer Singh giving his voice to the dubbed Hindi version, the film has just got bigger in India. Incidentally, Ranveer Singh is not the only Bollywood connection to Marvel's latest superhero film. Turns out, the film pays a tribute of sorts to Shah Rukh Khan. Wondering how? Here are the details. (Spoiler alert ) According to a report in BollywoodLife, a song from SRK's film Swades is played inside Dopinder's cab in one of the scenes. The song in question is 'Yuhi Chala Chal Rahi'. In the scene, Dopinder is seen driving Cable and Domino to a destination. Cable appears to be annoyed at the choice of song and commands Dopinder to turn the song off, which prompts Deadpool to call him a racist. The film- a sequel to Deadpool- also features Josh Brolin as the antagonist. Early reviews suggest that the film is hilarious- much like the superhero himself.

Does 'Deadpool 2' give tribute to Shah Rukh Khan in one of its scenes?

Thunderstorm and squall are "very likely" to hit some areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh tomorrow, the meteorological office has warned.

It said the districts that could be affected are Siddhartnagar, Kushinagar and Maharajganj.

In its forecast, the MeT office said rain and thunderstorm are very likely at isolated places over east Uttar Pradesh and the weather is likely to remain dry over the western part of the state.

Several parts of the state were hit by severe storm last week leaving 18 dead and 27 others injured. Last Wednesday, five people died in Etawah district, three each in Mathura, Aligarh and Agra, two in Firozabad and one each in Hathras and Kanpur Dehat.

On May 2-3, storm had killed 134 people and injured over 400 in five states. Uttar Pradesh was the worst affected, accounting for 80 deaths, most of them in Agra district in the western part.

On May 2-3, storm had killed 134 people and injured over 400 in five states.

Thunderstorm and squall are "very likely" to hit some areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh tomorrow, the meteorological office has warned. It said the districts that could be affected are Siddhartnagar, Kushinagar and Maharajganj. In its forecast, the MeT office said rain and thunderstorm are very likely at isolated places over east Uttar Pradesh and the weather is likely to remain dry over the western part of the state. Several parts of the state were hit by severe storm last week leaving 18 dead and 27 others injured. Last Wednesday, five people died in Etawah district, three each in Mathura, Aligarh and Agra, two in Firozabad and one each in Hathras and Kanpur Dehat. On May 2-3, storm had killed 134 people and injured over 400 in five states. Uttar Pradesh was the worst affected, accounting for 80 deaths, most of them in Agra district in the western part.

Meteorological office issues fresh thunderstorm warning in Uttar Pradesh

The big churn has begun. After the Karnataka verdict, a message seems to have gone down loud and clear in the Congress that barring few states where they are directly pitched against BJP, Congress will have to ally with regional parties.

Sources in the Congress say that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is working on a 'one constituency one candidate' plan. The idea is to have a single candidate from the opposition against BJP. The urgency stems from the fact that Congress feels that if BJP is not stopped in 2019, it may not find itself in a fighting position later.

However, many regional parties want Congress to play a subservient role. So, implementing this plan will be tough for the Rahul Gandhi-led party in many states like Uttar Pradesh where it is not a player or is in a weak position. Nonetheless, Congress will cooperate with regional partners and ensure that there is a united front. But the idea has Sonia Gandhi convinced and she has taken charge of this inter-party initiative. It, however, will also mean that Congress will have to deal with Mayawati who tied up with Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) in Karnataka and has declared support for Chautalas for Haryana assembly elections.

The challenge for the Congress would be to retain primal position within the opposition which is being challenged by the Trinamool Congress. Sources in Congress said that it seems that regional parties like KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) are playing the role of B-team of BJP but Congress has decided not to publicly trade so not to affect opposition unity. 
&nbsp; 
Many senior leaders have also suggested drastic changes in the model of the Congress party. Sources said that many of them have said that Congress will have to turn into a cadre-based party tuned towards booth management where it can convert votes into seats. Many understand that the earlier tradition of parceling out of the party to individual leaders cannot function against Modi-Shah combine. It has been seen that when the leaders defect, they take the workers along leaving the party in a lurch. A senior source said that party has an ideology but it needs to transform itself at the booth level. This idea comes in the wake of phenomenal success of panna pramukh scheme of BJP with ensures that all committed voters of the party come out to vote.

Many insiders feel that in modern era there cannot be any sense of entitlement and many things need to be changed. Sources said that party needs to take decision faster and to be extremely aggressive about countering the BJP. The lack of quick decision-making undid Goa and Manipur mandate for the Congress. As of now Congress is giving charge to younger leadership in the state and ensuring that a state incharge should only focus on one state rather than two or three which was the case in the past.

Despite being in strong position in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the Congress cannot discount the might of Modi and Shah combine which have firmly positioned the guns on Gandhis.

&nbsp;

Many senior leaders have also suggested drastic changes in the model of the Congress party.

The big churn has begun. After the Karnataka verdict, a message seems to have gone down loud and clear in the Congress that barring few states where they are directly pitched against BJP, Congress will have to ally with regional parties. Sources in the Congress say that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is working on a 'one constituency one candidate' plan. The idea is to have a single candidate from the opposition against BJP. The urgency stems from the fact that Congress feels that if BJP is not stopped in 2019, it may not find itself in a fighting position later. However, many regional parties want Congress to play a subservient role. So, implementing this plan will be tough for the Rahul Gandhi-led party in many states like Uttar Pradesh where it is not a player or is in a weak position. Nonetheless, Congress will cooperate with regional partners and ensure that there is a united front. But the idea has Sonia Gandhi convinced and she has taken charge of this inter-party initiative. It, however, will also mean that Congress will have to deal with Mayawati who tied up with Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) in Karnataka and has declared support for Chautalas for Haryana assembly elections. The challenge for the Congress would be to retain primal position within the opposition which is being challenged by the Trinamool Congress. Sources in Congress said that it seems that regional parties like KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) are playing the role of B-team of BJP but Congress has decided not to publicly trade so not to affect opposition unity. Many senior leaders have also suggested drastic changes in the model of the Congress party. Sources said that many of them have said that Congress will have to turn into a cadre-based party tuned towards booth management where it can convert votes into seats. Many understand that the earlier tradition of parceling out of the party to individual leaders cannot function against Modi-Shah combine. It has been seen that when the leaders defect, they take the workers along leaving the party in a lurch. A senior source said that party has an ideology but it needs to transform itself at the booth level. This idea comes in the wake of phenomenal success of panna pramukh scheme of BJP with ensures that all committed voters of the party come out to vote. Many insiders feel that in modern era there cannot be any sense of entitlement and many things need to be changed. Sources said that party needs to take decision faster and to be extremely aggressive about countering the BJP. The lack of quick decision-making undid Goa and Manipur mandate for the Congress. As of now Congress is giving charge to younger leadership in the state and ensuring that a state incharge should only focus on one state rather than two or three which was the case in the past. Despite being in strong position in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the Congress cannot discount the might of Modi and Shah combine which have firmly positioned the guns on Gandhis.

After Karnataka verdict, churn begins in Congress

In a country where PDA continues to be taboo, Sanjay Mishra says his upcoming film 'Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain' is an endearing effort to make showing love to one another, especially for the older couples, more acceptable.&nbsp;

The veteran actor says people have a skewed notion about the idea of love and romance and how it belongs only to youth.

"Romance is not just for a boy and a girl, the romance which takes place around the trees and flowers... Some people have a romance with food, so different things for different people. That's how even Mira and Khusro came to be. We have very limited notion of romance. We have made it like that.&nbsp;

"Love is beyond all this. It is ageless. You see an older couple sitting in a cafe sharing coffee and you know that's love when they look at you with those eyes. That's romance," Mishra told in an interview.

Directed by Harish Vyas, the Banaras-set film is a story of a couple, played by Mishra and Ekavali Khanna - married for over 30 years. They try to find love and spark back in their lives with the help of the younger generation - Anshuman Jha and Shivani Raghuvanshi.

Pankaj Tripathi also stars in the film.

Asked why love stories focus on youth, the actor says it is a question that needs to be asked.

"Does it mean that after 20 life is over? That all good things will happen below the age of 30? After that, you're done?

"Maybe someone wakes up late. They would want to achieve something at the age of 60. Will you discourage them? How much of a struggle would that be? To establish oneself in one's own society?"&nbsp;

The actor says language may have been created for the humans to express themselves but people have learned "more cusswords" than saying 'those three lovely words'.

In the film, Mishra plays Yashwant Batra, a conservative middle-class man who tries reigniting his relationship with his wife Kiran, whom he realises he has taken for granted for a long time.&nbsp;

"We need to add a little language in our daily lives to acknowledge these gestures, we have learned so many cuss words, this is also possible. Why does 'I love you' has to have such a short shelf life?&nbsp;

"Language is necessary. We express through it. The language of love has become silent. The world would have been different had it been the other way," the actor says.

Mishra says it is unfortunate that the societal norms do not even let people freely express themselves to their mother.

"We don't even feel the need to say it to mothers. This attitude that has been given to us by the society. For that language to emerge, we need to be in touch with ourselves. Then profess love to the other person." 
"But you should not say 'I love you' to everyone," he quips.&nbsp;

Love is beyond everything and it is simply ageless.

In a country where PDA continues to be taboo, Sanjay Mishra says his upcoming film 'Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain' is an endearing effort to make showing love to one another, especially for the older couples, more acceptable. The veteran actor says people have a skewed notion about the idea of love and romance and how it belongs only to youth. "Romance is not just for a boy and a girl, the romance which takes place around the trees and flowers... Some people have a romance with food, so different things for different people. That's how even Mira and Khusro came to be. We have very limited notion of romance. We have made it like that. "Love is beyond all this. It is ageless. You see an older couple sitting in a cafe sharing coffee and you know that's love when they look at you with those eyes. That's romance," Mishra told in an interview. Directed by Harish Vyas, the Banaras-set film is a story of a couple, played by Mishra and Ekavali Khanna - married for over 30 years. They try to find love and spark back in their lives with the help of the younger generation - Anshuman Jha and Shivani Raghuvanshi. Pankaj Tripathi also stars in the film. Asked why love stories focus on youth, the actor says it is a question that needs to be asked. "Does it mean that after 20 life is over? That all good things will happen below the age of 30? After that, you're done? "Maybe someone wakes up late. They would want to achieve something at the age of 60. Will you discourage them? How much of a struggle would that be? To establish oneself in one's own society?" The actor says language may have been created for the humans to express themselves but people have learned "more cusswords" than saying 'those three lovely words'. In the film, Mishra plays Yashwant Batra, a conservative middle-class man who tries reigniting his relationship with his wife Kiran, whom he realises he has taken for granted for a long time. "We need to add a little language in our daily lives to acknowledge these gestures, we have learned so many cuss words, this is also possible. Why does 'I love you' has to have such a short shelf life? "Language is necessary. We express through it. The language of love has become silent. The world would have been different had it been the other way," the actor says. Mishra says it is unfortunate that the societal norms do not even let people freely express themselves to their mother. "We don't even feel the need to say it to mothers. This attitude that has been given to us by the society. For that language to emerge, we need to be in touch with ourselves. Then profess love to the other person." "But you should not say 'I love you' to everyone," he quips.

Romance not just for a boy and a girl: Sanjay Mishra on his new film 'Angrezi Mein Kehte Hai'

Not just Sonam Kapoor, but it looks like her husband Anand Ahuja is also a trendsetter. Ahuja has added an 'S' to his name on his Instagram account. His name on Instagram now reads as 'Anand S Ahuja'. 
 
Now, changing one's name and adding the husband's surname to one's own name is something that a lot of new brides do. Sonam too changed her name to Sonam Kapoor Ahuja on all her social media handles soon after she got married to Anand on 8th May. But it is surely refreshing to see Anand too adding Sonam's initial to his name post-wedding.&nbsp;

<img alt="sonam insta.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sonam%20insta.jpg" width="770" /> 
<img alt="anand insta.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/anand%20insta.jpg" width="770" />

Many had criticised Sonam, a self-proclaimed feminist for changing her name. The actress had, in an interview to a publication, stated that no one had forced her to change her name and it solely her decision. "I have always said that I am a feminist. I have the choice to change my name to what I want to. Kapoor is also my father’s name. So it is a man’s name anyway. I chose to keep both. Anand has also changed his name but nobody wrote about that. I just decided to do it on social media because that’s my platform to say that I have made a choice. It is my personal choice. Nobody put a gun to my head. You should ask him (Anand). He has also changed his name and decided to add something as well.”

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-this-is-where-sonam-kapoor-ahuja-is-shifting-post-her-wedding-137367">Also read:&nbsp;This is where Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is shifting post her wedding</a> 
 
Twitter, meanwhile, has given a thumbs up to Anand's name change and lauded him for breaking the trend.&nbsp;

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Anand Ahuja just added Sonam's name to his! Okay is this a benchmark? Coz I think it is ? Find yourself an Anand Ahuja u guys!
— Atrayee (@atraychoudhury) <a href="https://twitter.com/atraychoudhury/status/996981566831284224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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See the name ?? 
Dayumm!!! ANAND S AHUJA ?? 
NO ONE WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THIS STUFF ?? 
GOALS <a href="https://twitter.com/anandahuja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anandahuja</a> 
And you are so damn lucky <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamakapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sonamakapoor</a> !!! 
God keep on blessing them plz!! <a href="https://t.co/IOwwocLgVr">pic.twitter.com/IOwwocLgVr</a>
— HBD Mr.chopda ❤ (@Itz_AnjuPriya) <a href="https://twitter.com/Itz_AnjuPriya/status/996998648834678785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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O God.This Man Raised The Bar Sooooo High.Hubby Goals.This Kind Of Man What We Need.He Added His Wife Name As His Surname. Sonam Is Dammm Lucky.Anand Is One In Million. ANAND S AHUJA ??. ?????
— ?Janani?Kumar♏️? (@JananiKumar0012) <a href="https://twitter.com/JananiKumar0012/status/996999324197269504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The couple got married in a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-sonam-kapoor-anand-ahuja-hurt-religious-sentiments-of-the-sikh-community-during-their-wedding-ceremony-137357"> traditional Sikh ceremony in Mumbai on 8th May. </a>The who's who of Bollywood attended the gala reception that followed.&nbsp; 
 
Post wedding, Sonam made appearances at Cannes as an ambassador of a beauty brand. Now, the actress is gearing up for the release of her next film 'Veere Di Wedding'.&nbsp;

These two are giving all of us major couple goals!

Not just Sonam Kapoor, but it looks like her husband Anand Ahuja is also a trendsetter. Ahuja has added an 'S' to his name on his Instagram account. His name on Instagram now reads as 'Anand S Ahuja'. Now, changing one's name and adding the husband's surname to one's own name is something that a lot of new brides do. Sonam too changed her name to Sonam Kapoor Ahuja on all her social media handles soon after she got married to Anand on 8th May. But it is surely refreshing to see Anand too adding Sonam's initial to his name post-wedding. Many had criticised Sonam, a self-proclaimed feminist for changing her name. The actress had, in an interview to a publication, stated that no one had forced her to change her name and it solely her decision. "I have always said that I am a feminist. I have the choice to change my name to what I want to. Kapoor is also my father’s name. So it is a man’s name anyway. I chose to keep both. Anand has also changed his name but nobody wrote about that. I just decided to do it on social media because that’s my platform to say that I have made a choice. It is my personal choice. Nobody put a gun to my head. You should ask him (Anand). He has also changed his name and decided to add something as well.” Also read: This is where Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is shifting post her wedding Twitter, meanwhile, has given a thumbs up to Anand's name change and lauded him for breaking the trend. Anand Ahuja just added Sonam's name to his! Okay is this a benchmark? Coz I think it is ? Find yourself an Anand Ahuja u guys! — Atrayee (@atraychoudhury) May 17, 2018 × See the name ?? Dayumm!!! ANAND S AHUJA ?? NO ONE WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THIS STUFF ?? GOALS @anandahuja And you are so damn lucky @sonamakapoor !!! God keep on blessing them plz!! pic.twitter.com/IOwwocLgVr — HBD Mr.chopda ❤ (@Itz_AnjuPriya) May 17, 2018 × O God.This Man Raised The Bar Sooooo High.Hubby Goals.This Kind Of Man What We Need.He Added His Wife Name As His Surname. Sonam Is Dammm Lucky.Anand Is One In Million. ANAND S AHUJA ??. ????? — ?Janani?Kumar♏️? (@JananiKumar0012) May 17, 2018 × The couple got married in a traditional Sikh ceremony in Mumbai on 8th May. The who's who of Bollywood attended the gala reception that followed. Post wedding, Sonam made appearances at Cannes as an ambassador of a beauty brand. Now, the actress is gearing up for the release of her next film 'Veere Di Wedding'.

Not Just Sonam Kapoor, but Anand Ahuja too has changed his name post wedding

Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani on Thursday approached the Supreme Court in his personal capacity against Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala`s decision of inviting BJP leader BS&nbspYeddyurappa to form a new government in the state despite being eight short of a simple majority in the assembly.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani speaks on Karnataka politics, says, 'What has BJP said to Guv, that he did such a stupid action? Order of Guv is open invitation to do corruption.' Jethmalani has approached SC against Karnataka Guv's invitation to Yeddyurappa for forming govt. <a href="https://t.co/uLa0oXcPQZ">pic.twitter.com/uLa0oXcPQZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997019222332067840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM&nbspKhanwilkar and Justice DY&nbspChandrachud asked Jethmalani to mention his plea on Friday before the bench concerned.

Jethmalani, who had taken retirement from law practice, told the bench that the Karnataka Governor`s order is a "gross abuse of Constitutional power".

The apex court early on Thursday after a midnight hearing refused to stall the swearing-in of Yeddyurappa as Karnataka`s new Chief Minister.

Yeddyurappa took the oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Raj Bhavan amid tight security.

The court, however, sought the communications which Yeddyurappa had written to Karnataka Governor informing him his election as BJP legislature party.

The apex court said that the swearing-in is subject to the final outcome of the matter before it.

The bench headed by Justice A.K. Sikri, while seeking Yeddyurappa`s response on the petition by Congress and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) seeking to stall his swearing-in, has directed further hearing of the matter at 10.30 a.m. on Friday.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud asked Jethmalani to mention his plea on Friday before the bench concerned.

Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani on Thursday approached the Supreme Court in his personal capacity against Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala`s decision of inviting BJP leader BS&nbspYeddyurappa to form a new government in the state despite being eight short of a simple majority in the assembly. #WATCH Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani speaks on Karnataka politics, says, 'What has BJP said to Guv, that he did such a stupid action? Order of Guv is open invitation to do corruption.' Jethmalani has approached SC against Karnataka Guv's invitation to Yeddyurappa for forming govt. pic.twitter.com/uLa0oXcPQZ — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM&nbspKhanwilkar and Justice DY&nbspChandrachud asked Jethmalani to mention his plea on Friday before the bench concerned. Jethmalani, who had taken retirement from law practice, told the bench that the Karnataka Governor`s order is a "gross abuse of Constitutional power". The apex court early on Thursday after a midnight hearing refused to stall the swearing-in of Yeddyurappa as Karnataka`s new Chief Minister. Yeddyurappa took the oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Raj Bhavan amid tight security. The court, however, sought the communications which Yeddyurappa had written to Karnataka Governor informing him his election as BJP legislature party. The apex court said that the swearing-in is subject to the final outcome of the matter before it. The bench headed by Justice A.K. Sikri, while seeking Yeddyurappa`s response on the petition by Congress and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) seeking to stall his swearing-in, has directed further hearing of the matter at 10.30 a.m. on Friday.

Ram Jethmalani moves SC against Karnataka Governor''s decision

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the party formed a government in Karnataka and termed the entire episode as a conspiracy to destroy the Constitution, according to news agency ANI.

Addressing the media here, Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre.

"It is a conspiracy to destroy the constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, since they (BJP) came to power they have been misusing government machinery, thereby attacking democracy," ANI reported quoting Mayawati.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Yeddyurappa took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka after the Supreme Court early today morning decided not to put a stay on the swearing-in, while conducting a post-midnight hearing, wherein Congress and JD(S) pleaded for the same citing BJP`s inadequate strength in the assembly to stake claim at forming the state government.

Late last night, Congress and JD(S) challenged Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala`s decision in the top court to invite BJP to form the government even when the saffron party, with 105 MLAs, including one Independent MLA, is seven short of the halfway mark of 112.

They contended that they, with a total strength of 115 MLAs, are in a better position to form the government. Though Vala invited the BJP to form the government, he has given 15 days to the saffron party to prove its majority in the state assembly.&nbsp;

Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the party formed a government in Karnataka and termed the entire episode as a conspiracy to destroy the Constitution, according to news agency ANI. Addressing the media here, Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre. "It is a conspiracy to destroy the constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, since they (BJP) came to power they have been misusing government machinery, thereby attacking democracy," ANI reported quoting Mayawati. Earlier in the day, Yeddyurappa took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka after the Supreme Court early today morning decided not to put a stay on the swearing-in, while conducting a post-midnight hearing, wherein Congress and JD(S) pleaded for the same citing BJP`s inadequate strength in the assembly to stake claim at forming the state government. Late last night, Congress and JD(S) challenged Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala`s decision in the top court to invite BJP to form the government even when the saffron party, with 105 MLAs, including one Independent MLA, is seven short of the halfway mark of 112. They contended that they, with a total strength of 115 MLAs, are in a better position to form the government. Though Vala invited the BJP to form the government, he has given 15 days to the saffron party to prove its majority in the state assembly.

Mayawati accuses BJP of conspiring to destroy Constitution

Jamat ud Dawa (JuD) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hafiz-saeeds-mml-designated-terror-group-by-us-vows-to-fight-pak-elections-128355">chief Hafiz Saeed who India alleges </a>is the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks is planning to setup JuD offices in all districts of Pakistan with different names to collect funds, India's intelligence sources have revealed.

Under Saeed's new strategy, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/unfriend-india-and-america-hafiz-saeed-136538">each district of Pakistan will have</a> a new trust with a name similar to the JuD, sources said. It is being done so that fund collection continues unhindered, sources added.

Hafiz Saeed who was under house arrest for most parts of last year was let of by a Pakistan court after authorities failed to furnish proof of his involvement in terror-related activities. Later, he said through his associates that he would be floating a political party to fight elections but it was nixed by the Pakistan election commission.

The US has consistently criticised Saeed's involvement in Pakistan civilian life and his ambition to join politics in the country.

As per agency reports, in case of action against JuD, it would be hard for the authorities to ban hundreds of "small trusts", sources revealed.

Intelligence sources said JuD is still active in various part of Pakistan and is actively diverting funds to orchestrate terror attacks inside India.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LXxTX2tJhDw" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

As per agency reports, in case of action against JuD, it would be hard for the authorities to ban hundreds of "small trusts", sources revealed.

Jamat ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed who India alleges is the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks is planning to setup JuD offices in all districts of Pakistan with different names to collect funds, India's intelligence sources have revealed. Under Saeed's new strategy, each district of Pakistan will have a new trust with a name similar to the JuD, sources said. It is being done so that fund collection continues unhindered, sources added. Hafiz Saeed who was under house arrest for most parts of last year was let of by a Pakistan court after authorities failed to furnish proof of his involvement in terror-related activities. Later, he said through his associates that he would be floating a political party to fight elections but it was nixed by the Pakistan election commission. The US has consistently criticised Saeed's involvement in Pakistan civilian life and his ambition to join politics in the country. As per agency reports, in case of action against JuD, it would be hard for the authorities to ban hundreds of "small trusts", sources revealed. Intelligence sources said JuD is still active in various part of Pakistan and is actively diverting funds to orchestrate terror attacks inside India.

JuD chief Hafiz Saeed setting up offices in all Pakistan districts, reveal intelligence sources

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on finalisation of the Cauvery management scheme which will deal with the smooth distribution of water among four southern riparian states.

According to news agency PTI, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said it will consider the suggestions given by all stakeholders while finalising the Cauvery scheme.

"We will pronounce the order tomorrow. If that is not possible, then we will pass the order on May 22 or 23," PTI reported quoting the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the Karnataka government, submitted suggestions to be dealt while finalising the Cauvery scheme.

Divan said that Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) had provided for minimum water to be allowed to remain in the reservoir on behalf of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to maintain a steady flow of water, adding that, the draft scheme does not deal with this aspect.

Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the Union has modified the provision of the scheme that had empowered it to pass directions from time to time with regard to water distribution.

The top court on Wednesday asked the central government to modify its draft scheme for setting up of a Cauvery Management Board (CMB) that will be the sole authority for implementing the Cauvery Water Tribunal Award.

It also sought to drop the clause which said that in case of a dispute, the matter would be decided by the Centre and it would be final and binding.

The Centre was also asked to drop the clause that said that the Centre would give directions from time to time to the implementing authority -- a clause objected to by Tamil Nadu.

The 2007 Cauvery Water Tribunal Award was modified and reaffirmed by the top court by its February 16 verdict.

The court said the Central government would only be issuing administrative directions for implementing the award.

The CMB would be headquartered in Delhi while the office of the regulatory authority would be in Bengaluru.

&nbsp

(With PTI inputs)

&nbsp

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the Karnataka government, submitted suggestions to be dealt while finalising the Cauvery scheme.

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on finalisation of the Cauvery management scheme which will deal with the smooth distribution of water among four southern riparian states. According to news agency PTI, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said it will consider the suggestions given by all stakeholders while finalising the Cauvery scheme. "We will pronounce the order tomorrow. If that is not possible, then we will pass the order on May 22 or 23," PTI reported quoting the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the Karnataka government, submitted suggestions to be dealt while finalising the Cauvery scheme. Divan said that Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) had provided for minimum water to be allowed to remain in the reservoir on behalf of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to maintain a steady flow of water, adding that, the draft scheme does not deal with this aspect. Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the Union has modified the provision of the scheme that had empowered it to pass directions from time to time with regard to water distribution. The top court on Wednesday asked the central government to modify its draft scheme for setting up of a Cauvery Management Board (CMB) that will be the sole authority for implementing the Cauvery Water Tribunal Award. It also sought to drop the clause which said that in case of a dispute, the matter would be decided by the Centre and it would be final and binding. The Centre was also asked to drop the clause that said that the Centre would give directions from time to time to the implementing authority -- a clause objected to by Tamil Nadu. The 2007 Cauvery Water Tribunal Award was modified and reaffirmed by the top court by its February 16 verdict. The court said the Central government would only be issuing administrative directions for implementing the award. The CMB would be headquartered in Delhi while the office of the regulatory authority would be in Bengaluru. (With PTI inputs)

Cauvery dispute: Supreme Court reserves order on Centre's draft scheme

The stupendous success of Baahubali has ensured superstardom for its actors, especially its lead actor Prabhas. He is one of the most sought-after actors of Indian cinema currently, and Bollywood producers have been queuing up to work with the actor. Karan Johar, who had presented both Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion, had earlier approached Prabhas for a film. But the project fell through as the actor demanded a whopping Rs 20 crores for the film- which for a debutant actor (Prabhas would be making his debut in Hindi films) was a lot.&nbsp; 
 
Reports now suggest that Johar has again approached Prabhas and the actor seems to have no dates free for the producer-filmmaker. Prabhas is currently working on Saaho which is taking up all his time and hence the actor has rejected Johar's offer once again.&nbsp; 
 
There is no bad blood between the two, though. In an earlier interview to a newspaper, the actor was all praises for Johar and said, "I made a good association with Karan Johar. If I want anything, I think I can ask him. He has helped us a lot," he said. 
 
Prabhas' next release after Baahubali will be Saaho which is being made at a budget of Rs 300 crores. The film also marks the debut of Shraddha Kapoor in the Southern film industry.&nbsp;

Prabhas has been approached by Johar twice for a film.

The stupendous success of Baahubali has ensured superstardom for its actors, especially its lead actor Prabhas. He is one of the most sought-after actors of Indian cinema currently, and Bollywood producers have been queuing up to work with the actor. Karan Johar, who had presented both Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion, had earlier approached Prabhas for a film. But the project fell through as the actor demanded a whopping Rs 20 crores for the film- which for a debutant actor (Prabhas would be making his debut in Hindi films) was a lot. Reports now suggest that Johar has again approached Prabhas and the actor seems to have no dates free for the producer-filmmaker. Prabhas is currently working on Saaho which is taking up all his time and hence the actor has rejected Johar's offer once again. There is no bad blood between the two, though. In an earlier interview to a newspaper, the actor was all praises for Johar and said, "I made a good association with Karan Johar. If I want anything, I think I can ask him. He has helped us a lot," he said. Prabhas' next release after Baahubali will be Saaho which is being made at a budget of Rs 300 crores. The film also marks the debut of Shraddha Kapoor in the Southern film industry.

Did Prabhas reject Karan Johar's film yet again?

Democracy was murdered the moment "desperate" Congress made an "opportunist" offer to the JD(S) to form the government in Karnataka for "petty political gains", BJP President Amit Shah said today while hitting back at the Congress over its "murder of democracy" accusation.

The Congress on Wednesday termed Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to invite BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa to form the government as "murder of democracy and trampling of Constitution".

Responding to the accusation, Shah, in a tweet, said, "The 'Murder of Democracy' happens the minute a desperate Congress made an 'opportunist' offer to the JD(S), not for Karnataka's welfare but for their petty political gains. Shameful!" He also cited the fall in Congress tally from 122 in 2013 to 78 seats this time and said his party's number stood at 104 seats, suggesting that the BJP has the mandate to form the government.

"Who has the people's mandate in Karnataka? The BJP, which has won 104 seats.Or Congress which dropped to 78 seats, whose own CM and Ministers lost by big margins.

JD(S) who won only 37 seats and lost their deposits on several others. People are wise to realise," he said in another tweet.

BJP legislature party leader B S Yeddyurappa was today sworn in as the chief minister of Karnataka for a second time, after an overnight high-voltage legal battle in the Supreme Court which refused to stay his swearing-in.

Yeddyurappa has 15 days to prove his majority in the Assembly.

The BJP has 104 MLAs in the House, eight short of the magic figure of 112. On the other hand, the Congress and JD(S), which have already announced post-poll tie-up, have won 78 and 37 seats respectively.

Launching a fusillade against Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala after he invited the BJP to form the government in the state, the Congress had yesterday dubbed him a "stooge" of the NDA major and termed his decision as "murder of democracy and trampling of Constitution".&nbsp

Democracy was murdered the moment 'desperate Congress' made an 'opportunist' offer to the JD(S) to form the government in Karnataka for 'petty political gains', BJP President Amit Shah said today while hitting back at the Congress over its 'murder of democracy' accusation

Democracy was murdered the moment "desperate" Congress made an "opportunist" offer to the JD(S) to form the government in Karnataka for "petty political gains", BJP President Amit Shah said today while hitting back at the Congress over its "murder of democracy" accusation. The Congress on Wednesday termed Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to invite BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa to form the government as "murder of democracy and trampling of Constitution". Responding to the accusation, Shah, in a tweet, said, "The 'Murder of Democracy' happens the minute a desperate Congress made an 'opportunist' offer to the JD(S), not for Karnataka's welfare but for their petty political gains. Shameful!" He also cited the fall in Congress tally from 122 in 2013 to 78 seats this time and said his party's number stood at 104 seats, suggesting that the BJP has the mandate to form the government. "Who has the people's mandate in Karnataka? The BJP, which has won 104 seats.Or Congress which dropped to 78 seats, whose own CM and Ministers lost by big margins. JD(S) who won only 37 seats and lost their deposits on several others. People are wise to realise," he said in another tweet. BJP legislature party leader B S Yeddyurappa was today sworn in as the chief minister of Karnataka for a second time, after an overnight high-voltage legal battle in the Supreme Court which refused to stay his swearing-in. Yeddyurappa has 15 days to prove his majority in the Assembly. The BJP has 104 MLAs in the House, eight short of the magic figure of 112. On the other hand, the Congress and JD(S), which have already announced post-poll tie-up, have won 78 and 37 seats respectively. Launching a fusillade against Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala after he invited the BJP to form the government in the state, the Congress had yesterday dubbed him a "stooge" of the NDA major and termed his decision as "murder of democracy and trampling of Constitution".

'Murder of Democracy' was by 'desperate Congress': Amit Shah responds to Rahul jibe

Whenever the monsoon hits the country, the people's biggest complaint is with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) because their forecast often proves incorrect. However, now IIT Bombay professor Subimal Ghosh and his team have come up with a weather forecasting model which they claim is more accurate than that&nbsp;of the met department. They have named it the Weather Research and Forecasting model.

So how is this model different from the one used by the IMD?

The forecasting model of the IMD used to be a statistical model up till 2000 based on data and was not able to work accurately as far as predictions were concerned.

In 2010-11, the IMD and the Ministry of Art and Science established the National Monsoon Mission which selected a model which it named the Climate Forecast System Version 2. This was seen as an operational monsoon model and was borrowed from the USA. However, despite a lot of modifications, this model also proved to be inaccurate. This condition came to be known as dry bias - or being unable to prroduce rainfall because of systemic error.

This model was also based on data because of which predictions proved to be inaccurate. The reason for the dry bias was that the model's moisture circulation was not correct and because the model's land surface process, which took feedback between the land and the atmosphere was very slow. Because of this the representation of the Himalayas was not right and the recycled precipitation in the months of August and September in which the moisture of the ground water returns to the atmosphere and precipitates was not being recorded properly. 
&nbsp; 
After this, the IIT Bombau team gave the Weather Research and Forecasting model which was combined with a land surface model. The model was able to provide information on the cold winds blowing from the Himalayas and was able to give correct information of the recycled precipitation.

The model is yet to predict the amount of rainfall this year. The IMD has predicted that this year the monsoon will be normal and is expected to be between 96 per cent to 104 per cent. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
It has adopted models for prediction, one is statistical and the other is the Monsoon Mission model which makes short range, middle range and long range predictions. Since last year, it has adopted a new prediction model which can forecast the extended range outlook three to four weeks in advance. Weather prediction is done through two ways -- land and air and predictions are made through physics and maths.

After adopting this monsoon prediction model, the IIT Bombay team examined the monsoon from 1981 to 2013 and was successful in most of the cases. 
&nbsp; 
The new model has not yet made any forecasts for this year's monsoons but in the next 20 days, this new monsoon forecasting model will be examined on this parameter and when the monsoon hits Kerala and Maharashtra in the coming month, its predictions can be seen turning into reality.

After adopting this monsoon prediction model, the IIT Bombay team examined the monsoon from 1981 to 2013 and was successful in most of the cases

Whenever the monsoon hits the country, the people's biggest complaint is with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) because their forecast often proves incorrect. However, now IIT Bombay professor Subimal Ghosh and his team have come up with a weather forecasting model which they claim is more accurate than that of the met department. They have named it the Weather Research and Forecasting model. So how is this model different from the one used by the IMD? The forecasting model of the IMD used to be a statistical model up till 2000 based on data and was not able to work accurately as far as predictions were concerned. In 2010-11, the IMD and the Ministry of Art and Science established the National Monsoon Mission which selected a model which it named the Climate Forecast System Version 2. This was seen as an operational monsoon model and was borrowed from the USA. However, despite a lot of modifications, this model also proved to be inaccurate. This condition came to be known as dry bias - or being unable to prroduce rainfall because of systemic error. This model was also based on data because of which predictions proved to be inaccurate. The reason for the dry bias was that the model's moisture circulation was not correct and because the model's land surface process, which took feedback between the land and the atmosphere was very slow. Because of this the representation of the Himalayas was not right and the recycled precipitation in the months of August and September in which the moisture of the ground water returns to the atmosphere and precipitates was not being recorded properly. After this, the IIT Bombau team gave the Weather Research and Forecasting model which was combined with a land surface model. The model was able to provide information on the cold winds blowing from the Himalayas and was able to give correct information of the recycled precipitation. The model is yet to predict the amount of rainfall this year. The IMD has predicted that this year the monsoon will be normal and is expected to be between 96 per cent to 104 per cent. It has adopted models for prediction, one is statistical and the other is the Monsoon Mission model which makes short range, middle range and long range predictions. Since last year, it has adopted a new prediction model which can forecast the extended range outlook three to four weeks in advance. Weather prediction is done through two ways -- land and air and predictions are made through physics and maths. After adopting this monsoon prediction model, the IIT Bombay team examined the monsoon from 1981 to 2013 and was successful in most of the cases. The new model has not yet made any forecasts for this year's monsoons but in the next 20 days, this new monsoon forecasting model will be examined on this parameter and when the monsoon hits Kerala and Maharashtra in the coming month, its predictions can be seen turning into reality.

IMD's weather-prediction model to be replaced by one built by IIT professor

It’s good news for makers of “Veere Di Wedding” as the CBFC today granted the film an ‘A’ certificate, just what they wanted. Producers Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor wanted the certificate so that the film goes through certification without any cuts or edits.&nbsp;

The film starring four girls Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania will now retain all the cuss words and symbolic gestures. The credit for this goes entirely to Jeetendra and Anil Kapoor who fought for the film made by their daughters.&nbsp;

According to a report published in a daily, a source revealed: "Both Jeetendra (Ekta Kapoor's father) and Anil argued heatedly in favour of the colourful language spoken in the film. They are convinced that today's youngsters speak that foul lurid leery language. Some panel members objected. But finally, the board members agreed to let the language remain intact and gave the film an 'A' certificate."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Kareena had said in an earlier interview, “Veere Di Wedding is a movie about four women who attend my wedding and all the dhamaal that it involves. It is the perfect time to do this movie that deals with women and their emotions.” 
&nbsp; 
“I started Veere Di Wedding nine months after Taimur’s birth and it is almost unheard of in Bollywood. I think people should be patient with me because I do not have the bandwidth to work so hard so soon. I would like to spend some time with my son, get things sorted, and take my time to figure out what I want to do and sort my head out,” Kareena had said earlier. 
&nbsp; 
The movie is all set to hit the screens on June 1, this year 
&nbsp;

It’s good news for makers of “Veere Di Wedding” as the CBFC today granted the film an ‘A’ certificate, just what they wanted. Producers Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor wanted the certificate so that the film goes through certification without any cuts or edits. The film starring four girls Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania will now retain all the cuss words and symbolic gestures. The credit for this goes entirely to Jeetendra and Anil Kapoor who fought for the film made by their daughters. According to a report published in a daily, a source revealed: "Both Jeetendra (Ekta Kapoor's father) and Anil argued heatedly in favour of the colourful language spoken in the film. They are convinced that today's youngsters speak that foul lurid leery language. Some panel members objected. But finally, the board members agreed to let the language remain intact and gave the film an 'A' certificate." Kareena had said in an earlier interview, “Veere Di Wedding is a movie about four women who attend my wedding and all the dhamaal that it involves. It is the perfect time to do this movie that deals with women and their emotions.” “I started Veere Di Wedding nine months after Taimur’s birth and it is almost unheard of in Bollywood. I think people should be patient with me because I do not have the bandwidth to work so hard so soon. I would like to spend some time with my son, get things sorted, and take my time to figure out what I want to do and sort my head out,” Kareena had said earlier. The movie is all set to hit the screens on June 1, this year

Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor's film 'Veere Di Wedding' gets 'A' certificate from CBFC

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