The Indian badminton team created history by winning the Thomas Cup final 3-0 over 14-time winners Indonesia in Bangkok, on Sunday (May 15). Following the triumph, Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur has announced a cash prize of INR 10 million&nbsp;for the Indian men’s badminton team for their achievement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bigger-than-1983-world-cup-for-badminton-pullela-gopichand-lauds-indias-thomas-cup-victory-479160">Bigger than 1983 World Cup for badminton! Pullela Gopichand lauds India's Thomas Cup victory</a>

In a statement, Thakur stated, “India's extraordinary feat of winning the Thomas Cup with successive victories over Malaysia, Denmark and Indonesia in the play-offs called for a relaxation of rules.”

He complimented the players, coaches and support staff of the Indian team for the historic victory.

“It is with pride that I announce the award of Rs 1 crore to the team that Indians so much joy this weekend."

Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy preserved their spotless records by winning every match they played.

Satiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s doubles combo lifted the standard by winning critical points in five of the six matches, including all three in the knockout stage, Thakur stated.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thomas-cup-entire-nation-is-elated-pm-narendra-modi-virat-kohli-others-hail-indias-historic-win-479139">&nbsp;Thomas Cup: 'Entire nation is elated' - PM Narendra Modi, Virat Kohli &amp; others hail India's historic win</a>

Thakur said, “Lakshya Sen showed nerves of steel in winning the opening match against Indonesia. I am sure that doubles combination of MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila ad Krishna Prasad Garaga and Panjala Vishnuvardhan Goud as well as Priyanshu Rajawat will have gained immensely by being part of this historic campaign."

The ministry said that it helped the team achieve historic success by providing training and competition support.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian badminton team created history by winning the Thomas Cup final 3-0 over 14-time winners Indonesia in Bangkok, on Sunday (May 15). Following the triumph, Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur has announced a cash prize of INR 10 million for the Indian men’s badminton team for their achievement.

The Indian badminton team created history by winning the Thomas Cup final 3-0 over 14-time winners Indonesia in Bangkok, on Sunday (May 15). Following the triumph, Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur has announced a cash prize of INR 10 million for the Indian men’s badminton team for their achievement. Also read | Bigger than 1983 World Cup for badminton! Pullela Gopichand lauds India's Thomas Cup victory In a statement, Thakur stated, “India's extraordinary feat of winning the Thomas Cup with successive victories over Malaysia, Denmark and Indonesia in the play-offs called for a relaxation of rules.” He complimented the players, coaches and support staff of the Indian team for the historic victory. “It is with pride that I announce the award of Rs 1 crore to the team that Indians so much joy this weekend." Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy preserved their spotless records by winning every match they played. Satiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s doubles combo lifted the standard by winning critical points in five of the six matches, including all three in the knockout stage, Thakur stated. Also read | Thomas Cup: 'Entire nation is elated' - PM Narendra Modi, Virat Kohli & others hail India's historic win Thakur said, “Lakshya Sen showed nerves of steel in winning the opening match against Indonesia. I am sure that doubles combination of MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila ad Krishna Prasad Garaga and Panjala Vishnuvardhan Goud as well as Priyanshu Rajawat will have gained immensely by being part of this historic campaign." The ministry said that it helped the team achieve historic success by providing training and competition support. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Thomas Cup: Indian sports ministry announces INR 10 million reward for Indian men's badminton team

Some of the biggest names of Indian cinema will walk the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival next week. We already known that Deepika Padukone is part of the jury this year. But Deepika is not the only Indian representative at the film festival this year.&nbsp; 
 
India has been named as the official 'Country of Honour at the upcoming Marche` Du Film, which is organized alongside the Cannes Film Festival, in France. 
 
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur will lead the delegation from India to Cannes. The list of celebrities will also comprise stars from major music industries across India. 
 
The delegation will include actor-producer R Madhavan, Akshay Kumar, music composer AR Rahman, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pooja Hegde and Nayanthara along with CBFC Chief Prasoon Joshi, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and music composer Ricky Rej amongst others. 
 
At a time when India is celebrating the 75th year of its independence and has launched 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', India and France are also celebrating 75 years of their association as is the annual Cannes Film Festival. 
 
Among the highlights of this year's festival will be the world premiere of the film by R Madhavan titled 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' a biographical drama film based on the life of Nambi Narayanan, a former scientist and aerospace engineer of the Indian Space Research Organisation who was falsely accused of espionage.&nbsp; 
 
The film which is produced by Madhavan will be showcased on May 19. 
 
India has also been given an opportunity to pitch 5 selected movies at the 'Goes to Cannes Section'. These films are part of the WIP lab under the Film Bazaar. A Cinema Hall called the Olympia Screen has been dedicated to India on May 22, 2022, for screening 'Unreleased Movies'. There are 5 Movies which have been selected under this category. Also, a remastered classic of Satyajit Ray Classic - 'Pratidwandi' will be screened at the Cannes Classic section. This is to mark his centenary celebration. 
 
This year`s Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 17 to May 26.&nbsp; 
 
(With agency inputs) 
&nbsp;

Some of the biggest names of Indian cinema will walk the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival next week. We already known that Deepika Padukone is part of the jury this year.

Some of the biggest names of Indian cinema will walk the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival next week. We already known that Deepika Padukone is part of the jury this year. But Deepika is not the only Indian representative at the film festival this year. India has been named as the official 'Country of Honour at the upcoming Marche` Du Film, which is organized alongside the Cannes Film Festival, in France. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur will lead the delegation from India to Cannes. The list of celebrities will also comprise stars from major music industries across India. The delegation will include actor-producer R Madhavan, Akshay Kumar, music composer AR Rahman, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pooja Hegde and Nayanthara along with CBFC Chief Prasoon Joshi, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and music composer Ricky Rej amongst others. At a time when India is celebrating the 75th year of its independence and has launched 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', India and France are also celebrating 75 years of their association as is the annual Cannes Film Festival. Among the highlights of this year's festival will be the world premiere of the film by R Madhavan titled 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' a biographical drama film based on the life of Nambi Narayanan, a former scientist and aerospace engineer of the Indian Space Research Organisation who was falsely accused of espionage. The film which is produced by Madhavan will be showcased on May 19. India has also been given an opportunity to pitch 5 selected movies at the 'Goes to Cannes Section'. These films are part of the WIP lab under the Film Bazaar. A Cinema Hall called the Olympia Screen has been dedicated to India on May 22, 2022, for screening 'Unreleased Movies'. There are 5 Movies which have been selected under this category. Also, a remastered classic of Satyajit Ray Classic - 'Pratidwandi' will be screened at the Cannes Classic section. This is to mark his centenary celebration. This year`s Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 17 to May 26. (With agency inputs)

Cannes 2022: AR Rahman, Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan to walk the red carpet as part of Indian delegation

Union Sports and Youth affairs minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday said a decision on Indian players' participation at this year`s Asian Games will be taken after receiving information from host country China, as the COVID cases rapidly increased in Shanghai.

Shanghai, China`s biggest city, has witnessed the country`s worst Covid outbreak in two years, with weeks-long restrictions keeping most of its 25 million residents caged in their homes.

The 2022 Asian Games is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou less than 200 kilometres from Shanghai, is scheduled to hold the Games from September 10-25, becoming the third host after Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010.

"This topic is being discussed all over the world and a decision will be taken on this situation in India as well. We are keeping an eye on this situation and in talks with the organizer too we will look after our players too and looking the situation over there also we are looking at what organizers will say in this matter as this is a serious issue and let`s see what happen in upcoming days," Anurag Thakur told ANI.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-ravindra-jadeja-steps-down-as-chennai-super-kings-captain-ms-dhoni-to-take-over-475245">IPL 2022: Ravindra Jadeja steps down as Chennai Super Kings captain, MS Dhoni to take over</a>

Talking about the Khelo India Master Games, Thakur said, "More than 3000 players from 23 states and union territories are participating in the Khelo India Master Games in Delhi today. This Is a Great effort to promote sports. Players above 30 years of age and up to 95 years are playing here. A lot of Ex-Olympians are participating here. I am sure from next year there will be many events not only in the country but also in our states. Schemes like Khelo India Scheme and Target Olympic Podium Scheme have done a lot of work to move the game forward."

Union Sports and Youth affairs minister also praised sports schemes for promoting awareness.

"Fit India Movement, Fit India Mobile App, Fit India Quiz and Khelo India These events are organized to promote sports and to increase awareness. And I am glad that the Masters came forward and showed their participation in this," said Thakur.

Union Sports and Youth affairs minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday said a decision on Indian players' participation at this year`s Asian Games will be taken after receiving information from host country China, as the COVID cases rapidly increased in Shanghai.

Union Sports and Youth affairs minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday said a decision on Indian players' participation at this year`s Asian Games will be taken after receiving information from host country China, as the COVID cases rapidly increased in Shanghai. Shanghai, China`s biggest city, has witnessed the country`s worst Covid outbreak in two years, with weeks-long restrictions keeping most of its 25 million residents caged in their homes. The 2022 Asian Games is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou less than 200 kilometres from Shanghai, is scheduled to hold the Games from September 10-25, becoming the third host after Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010. "This topic is being discussed all over the world and a decision will be taken on this situation in India as well. We are keeping an eye on this situation and in talks with the organizer too we will look after our players too and looking the situation over there also we are looking at what organizers will say in this matter as this is a serious issue and let`s see what happen in upcoming days," Anurag Thakur told ANI. Also Read: IPL 2022: Ravindra Jadeja steps down as Chennai Super Kings captain, MS Dhoni to take over Talking about the Khelo India Master Games, Thakur said, "More than 3000 players from 23 states and union territories are participating in the Khelo India Master Games in Delhi today. This Is a Great effort to promote sports. Players above 30 years of age and up to 95 years are playing here. A lot of Ex-Olympians are participating here. I am sure from next year there will be many events not only in the country but also in our states. Schemes like Khelo India Scheme and Target Olympic Podium Scheme have done a lot of work to move the game forward." Union Sports and Youth affairs minister also praised sports schemes for promoting awareness. "Fit India Movement, Fit India Mobile App, Fit India Quiz and Khelo India These events are organized to promote sports and to increase awareness. And I am glad that the Masters came forward and showed their participation in this," said Thakur.

We are keeping an eye on Asian Games situation, says Anurag Thakur amid COVID-19 outbreak in China

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Team India for their 'brilliant win'&nbsp;over Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Women's 50-over World Cup here at the Bay Oval on Sunday.

Fighting knocks of Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar were backed up by all-round bowling performance as India defeated Pakistan by 107 runs in the fourth game of the ongoing ICC Women's 50-over World Cup.

"Brilliant win for #TeamIndia! The partnership between Sneh and Pooja got us back in the game when we were 114/6. The best thing the two did was to rotate strike smartly and convert 2s into 3s and didn't miss out on putting loose deliveries away. Their mindset helped us win," tweeted Sachin.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/happy-we-won-against-pakistan-but-lot-of-things-to-work-on-india-skipper-mithali-raj-459534">Happy we won against Pakistan, but lot of things to work on: India skipper Mithali Raj</a>

Meanwhile, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur also took to his Twitter and wrote, "#TeamIndia WIN !!! Superb performance &amp; spectacular start to the World Cup! Congratulations Team, well done!"

Former India batter Virender Sehwag also congratulated Indian girls for their 'spectacular performance'&nbsp;against Pakistan.

"What a spectacular performance by the Indian girls against Pakistan. That was a thrashing and in grand style. Pooja Vastrakar with a valiant innings, the ever so reliable Sneh Rana's great all-round show &amp; Rajeshwari Gayakwad outstanding with the ball. Chak de India," tweeted Sehwag.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-thrash-pakistan-by-107-runs-as-mithali-raj-co-begin-womens-world-cup-2022-campaign-with-a-win-459494">India thrash Pakistan by 107 runs as Mithali Raj &amp; Co. begin Women's World Cup 2022 campaign with a win</a>

Earlier, Pooja Vastrakar (67), Smriti Mandhana (52) and Sneh Rana (53*) were the standout performers as India posted 244/7.

Vastrakar and Rana formed a 122-run stand for the seventh wicket. In the final five overs, India scored more runs to take the total past the 240-run mark.

India will next lock horns against New Zealand in the tournament on Thursday.

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Team India for their 'brilliant win' over Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Women's 50-over World Cup here at the Bay Oval on Sunday.

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Team India for their 'brilliant win' over Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Women's 50-over World Cup here at the Bay Oval on Sunday. Fighting knocks of Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar were backed up by all-round bowling performance as India defeated Pakistan by 107 runs in the fourth game of the ongoing ICC Women's 50-over World Cup. "Brilliant win for #TeamIndia! The partnership between Sneh and Pooja got us back in the game when we were 114/6. The best thing the two did was to rotate strike smartly and convert 2s into 3s and didn't miss out on putting loose deliveries away. Their mindset helped us win," tweeted Sachin. ALSO READ: Happy we won against Pakistan, but lot of things to work on: India skipper Mithali Raj Meanwhile, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur also took to his Twitter and wrote, "#TeamIndia WIN !!! Superb performance & spectacular start to the World Cup! Congratulations Team, well done!" Former India batter Virender Sehwag also congratulated Indian girls for their 'spectacular performance' against Pakistan. "What a spectacular performance by the Indian girls against Pakistan. That was a thrashing and in grand style. Pooja Vastrakar with a valiant innings, the ever so reliable Sneh Rana's great all-round show & Rajeshwari Gayakwad outstanding with the ball. Chak de India," tweeted Sehwag. ALSO READ: India thrash Pakistan by 107 runs as Mithali Raj & Co. begin Women's World Cup 2022 campaign with a win Earlier, Pooja Vastrakar (67), Smriti Mandhana (52) and Sneh Rana (53*) were the standout performers as India posted 244/7. Vastrakar and Rana formed a 122-run stand for the seventh wicket. In the final five overs, India scored more runs to take the total past the 240-run mark. India will next lock horns against New Zealand in the tournament on Thursday.

Women's WC 2022: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag congratulate Team India after win against Pakistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed happiness after India won the right to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) session in Mumbai in an unopposed race, during the 139th IOC Session in Beijing, China.

Taking to their Twitter, the Prime Minister Office of India wrote, "It is gladdening to note that India has been chosen to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee Session. I am confident this will be a memorable IOC session and will lead to positive outcomes for world sports."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-united-stated-appeal-to-cas-to-award-team-medals-454609">Beijing Winter Olympics: United Stated appeal to CAS to award team medals</a>

The decision confirms India will be hosting this prestigious IOC meeting for the first time since 1983, in what is set to be the start of a new era of engagement between India's youthful population and the Olympic Movement.

An Indian delegation, comprising Nita Ambani, the first woman to be elected as an IOC member from India, and including Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, and India's first individual Olympic gold medallist (Beijing 2008, shooting) Abhinav Bindra, presented a compelling case during the 139th IOC Session, held alongside the ongoing Winter Olympics in Beijing.

The session, to be held in the summer of 2023, will be hosted at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-bart-swings-tops-mass-start-brings-first-belgian-winter-gold-in-74-years-454568">Beijing Winter Olympics: Bart Swings tops mass start, brings first Belgian Winter gold in 74 years</a>

An IOC session is the annual meeting of the members of the IOC, comprising 101 voting members and 45 honorary members.

It discusses and decides on the key activities of the global Olympics movement including adoption or amendment of the Olympic Charter, the election of IOC members and office bearers and election of the host city of the Olympics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed happiness after India won the right to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) session in Mumbai in an unopposed race, during the 139th IOC Session in Beijing, China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed happiness after India won the right to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) session in Mumbai in an unopposed race, during the 139th IOC Session in Beijing, China. Taking to their Twitter, the Prime Minister Office of India wrote, "It is gladdening to note that India has been chosen to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee Session. I am confident this will be a memorable IOC session and will lead to positive outcomes for world sports." ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: United Stated appeal to CAS to award team medals The decision confirms India will be hosting this prestigious IOC meeting for the first time since 1983, in what is set to be the start of a new era of engagement between India's youthful population and the Olympic Movement. An Indian delegation, comprising Nita Ambani, the first woman to be elected as an IOC member from India, and including Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, and India's first individual Olympic gold medallist (Beijing 2008, shooting) Abhinav Bindra, presented a compelling case during the 139th IOC Session, held alongside the ongoing Winter Olympics in Beijing. The session, to be held in the summer of 2023, will be hosted at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Bart Swings tops mass start, brings first Belgian Winter gold in 74 years An IOC session is the annual meeting of the members of the IOC, comprising 101 voting members and 45 honorary members. It discusses and decides on the key activities of the global Olympics movement including adoption or amendment of the Olympic Charter, the election of IOC members and office bearers and election of the host city of the Olympics.

Will lead to positive outcomes for world sports: PM Narendra Modi on Mumbai hosting 2023 IOC session

Plenty of major developments have taken place in Team India following the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. Firstly, Ravi Shastri's tenure as head coach ended and he got replaced by Rahul Dravid whereas Rohit Sharma succeeded Virat Kohli as the T20I captain post the latter's resignation after the World Cup.

Last week, the BCC announced Rohit Sharma as the new ODI captain, removing Kohli. Hence, Hitman has now taken over as the limited-overs captain whereas Kohli remains the leader in-charge of the Test line-up. In addition, Rohit has been promoted as the Test vice-captain, replacing Ajinkya Rahane. Following the turn of events, news of Rohit's injury came out, ruling him out of the Test series versus South Africa in the African nation, from December 26.

On the other hand, many news portals have reported that Kohli is willing to skip the South Africa ODIs in order to celebrate the first birthday of his daughter Vamika. Thus, Rohit's injury and Kohli's reported absence from ODIs raised eyebrows as many suspected all isn't right between the two cricketers post the captaincy switch in the 50-over format.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-shouldnt-jump-to-conclusions-gavaskar-reacts-as-many-sniff-rift-between-virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-436932">We shouldn't jump to conclusions: Gavaskar reacts as many sniff rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma</a>

Sharing his views on the Kohli-Rohit matter, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur recently told&nbsp;Times Now, "Nobody is bigger than the game. BCCI should look into it if there’s anything in this regard."

A BCCI official, on the other hand, told PTI that Virat has&nbsp;not made any such requests to the Indian board, so far, to miss the SA ODIs.

"As of now, Kohli hasn't sent any formal request to skip the ODIs to either BCCI president Sourav Ganguly or secretary Jay Shah. If something is decided at a later date or God forbid, he sustains an injury, then it's a different matter," a senior BCCI official privy to developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "As things stand today, he is playing the three ODIs on January 19, 21, 23," he added.

&nbsp;A report in Cricbuzz has also confirmed that the 33-year-old will play the ODIs in the African nation, early next year.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-hasnt-sent-any-formal-request-to-miss-sa-odis-reveals-bcci-official-436882">Virat Kohli hasn't sent any formal request to miss SA ODIs, reveals BCCI official</a>

For the unversed, Kohli is set to address the media in a press conference on Wednesday (December 15) afternoon, prior to Team India's departure to South Africa&nbsp;on December 16 (Thursday). A lot of clarity is expected following Kohli's interaction with the press.&nbsp;

India will tour SA for three Tests and equal number of ODIs, with the tour opener commencing on December 26 in the form of the first Test&nbsp;at Centurion.

Plenty of major developments have taken place in Team India following the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. Firstly, Ravi Shastri's tenure as head coach ended and he got replaced by Rahul Dravid whereas Rohit Sharma succeeded Virat Kohli as the T20I captain post the latter's resignation after the World Cup.

Plenty of major developments have taken place in Team India following the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. Firstly, Ravi Shastri's tenure as head coach ended and he got replaced by Rahul Dravid whereas Rohit Sharma succeeded Virat Kohli as the T20I captain post the latter's resignation after the World Cup. Last week, the BCC announced Rohit Sharma as the new ODI captain, removing Kohli. Hence, Hitman has now taken over as the limited-overs captain whereas Kohli remains the leader in-charge of the Test line-up. In addition, Rohit has been promoted as the Test vice-captain, replacing Ajinkya Rahane. Following the turn of events, news of Rohit's injury came out, ruling him out of the Test series versus South Africa in the African nation, from December 26. On the other hand, many news portals have reported that Kohli is willing to skip the South Africa ODIs in order to celebrate the first birthday of his daughter Vamika. Thus, Rohit's injury and Kohli's reported absence from ODIs raised eyebrows as many suspected all isn't right between the two cricketers post the captaincy switch in the 50-over format. ALSO READ | We shouldn't jump to conclusions: Gavaskar reacts as many sniff rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Sharing his views on the Kohli-Rohit matter, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur recently told Times Now, "Nobody is bigger than the game. BCCI should look into it if there’s anything in this regard." A BCCI official, on the other hand, told PTI that Virat has not made any such requests to the Indian board, so far, to miss the SA ODIs. "As of now, Kohli hasn't sent any formal request to skip the ODIs to either BCCI president Sourav Ganguly or secretary Jay Shah. If something is decided at a later date or God forbid, he sustains an injury, then it's a different matter," a senior BCCI official privy to developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "As things stand today, he is playing the three ODIs on January 19, 21, 23," he added. A report in Cricbuzz has also confirmed that the 33-year-old will play the ODIs in the African nation, early next year. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli hasn't sent any formal request to miss SA ODIs, reveals BCCI official For the unversed, Kohli is set to address the media in a press conference on Wednesday (December 15) afternoon, prior to Team India's departure to South Africa on December 16 (Thursday). A lot of clarity is expected following Kohli's interaction with the press. India will tour SA for three Tests and equal number of ODIs, with the tour opener commencing on December 26 in the form of the first Test at Centurion.

Nobody is bigger than the game: Anurag Thakur reacts to alleged rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

The detection of a new coronavirus variant - Omicron in South Africa can soon lead to the suspension of all sporting activities across the country. In the wake of the emergence of the new variant of the virus, the ongoing ODI series between South Africa and the Netherlands cricket team has been postponed while the Women's cricket World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe have also been suspended.

The new variant has been labelled as a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with medical experts and scientists claiming that it mutates quickly. The threat of the new variant of the virus also looms large over the future of India's upcoming cricket tour of South Africa in December this year.

India are scheduled to tour South Africa for a full-fledged series consisting of three Tests, as many ODIs and four T20I matches. However, there remain concerns over the tour after the detection of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should consult the government before taking a final call on sending the Indian team to South Africa. Thakur said it is not right to send the team to a country where there is a significant threat of the virus.

"Not only BCCI, but every board should also consult the Indian government before sending the team to a country where a new COVID-19 variant has emerged. It is not right to send the team to a country where there is a threat, if BCCI consults us we will deliberate on that," Thakur was quoted as saying by ANI.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-officials-likely-to-meet-to-discuss-the-fate-of-indias-tour-of-south-africa-amid-covid-19-threat-432391">BCCI officials likely to meet to discuss the fate of India's tour of South Africa amid COVID-19 threat</a>

On Saturday (November 27), the remaining two ODIs of the ongoing series between South Africa and the Netherlands in South Africa were called off over concerns due to the virus. The Omicron variant can soon lead to the shut down of all sports in the country.

"The recently discovered variant of coronavirus B.1.1.529 is of concern. It has more mutations than science knows about other alarming variants. The WHO has assessed this new variant as worrisome,"&nbsp; WHO said in a statement regarding the new variant.

&nbsp;

The detection of a new coronavirus variant - Omicron in South Africa can soon lead to the suspension of all sporting activities across the country. In the wake of the emergence of the new variant of the virus, the ongoing ODI series between South Africa and the Netherlands cricket team has been postponed while the Women's cricket World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe have also been suspended.

The detection of a new coronavirus variant - Omicron in South Africa can soon lead to the suspension of all sporting activities across the country. In the wake of the emergence of the new variant of the virus, the ongoing ODI series between South Africa and the Netherlands cricket team has been postponed while the Women's cricket World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe have also been suspended. The new variant has been labelled as a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with medical experts and scientists claiming that it mutates quickly. The threat of the new variant of the virus also looms large over the future of India's upcoming cricket tour of South Africa in December this year. India are scheduled to tour South Africa for a full-fledged series consisting of three Tests, as many ODIs and four T20I matches. However, there remain concerns over the tour after the detection of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should consult the government before taking a final call on sending the Indian team to South Africa. Thakur said it is not right to send the team to a country where there is a significant threat of the virus. "Not only BCCI, but every board should also consult the Indian government before sending the team to a country where a new COVID-19 variant has emerged. It is not right to send the team to a country where there is a threat, if BCCI consults us we will deliberate on that," Thakur was quoted as saying by ANI. Also Read: BCCI officials likely to meet to discuss the fate of India's tour of South Africa amid COVID-19 threat On Saturday (November 27), the remaining two ODIs of the ongoing series between South Africa and the Netherlands in South Africa were called off over concerns due to the virus. The Omicron variant can soon lead to the shut down of all sports in the country. "The recently discovered variant of coronavirus B.1.1.529 is of concern. It has more mutations than science knows about other alarming variants. The WHO has assessed this new variant as worrisome," WHO said in a statement regarding the new variant.

BCCI should consult government before sending team to SA amid COVID-19 threat, says Anurag Thakur

CA Bhavani Devi, the first Indian fencer to participate at the Olympics, on Monday received her Arjuna Award from Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

The 28-year-old Bhavani could not attend the sports awards ceremony on Saturday as she was participating in a competition in France.

However, on her return to the country, the fencer met Thakur who honoured her with the award.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-neeraj-chopra-to-mithali-raj-list-of-athletes-who-won-major-dhyan-chand-khel-ratna-award-in-2021-429094">From Neeraj Chopra to Mithali Raj: List of athletes who won Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021</a>

"Holding the Arjuna Award was My Childhood Dream, and today, it happened. I am so much Emotional. Work Hard &amp; Play for the Country. One day, the country will pay back. Thank YOU," Bhavani tweeted.

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Holding the Arjuna Award 🏹 was My Childhood Dream, and today, it happened. I am so much Emotional 😢 
 
Work Hard &amp; Play for the Country. One day, the country will pay back. 
Thank YOU 🇮🇳 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/iL4OssYKmo">pic.twitter.com/iL4OssYKmo</a>
— C A Bhavani Devi (@IamBhavaniDevi) <a href="https://twitter.com/IamBhavaniDevi/status/1460261525365661697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In the Tokyo Olympics in July this year, she won her round of 64 match against Tunisia's Nadia Ben Azizi 15-3 before going down to eventual bronze-medallist Manon Brunet of France in the round of 32.

In October, Bhavani won the Charleville National Competition in France, in the women's sabre individual event.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-shikhar-dhawan-to-ankita-raina-a-look-at-players-who-won-prestigious-arjuna-award-this-year-429127">From Shikhar Dhawan to Ankita Raina: A look at players who won prestigious Arjuna award this year</a>

Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, India opener Shikhar Dhawan, veteran woman cricketer Mithali Raj and history-making Paralympic stars shared the spotlight as an unprecedented 12 sportspersons were presented with India's highest sporting honour -- the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna -- by President Ram Nath Kovind here on Saturday.

In a glittering function organised at the Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President also bestowed 35 sportspersons with the Arjuna award as he recognised the country's unparalleled Olympic and Paralympic performances this year.&nbsp;

CA Bhavani Devi, the first Indian fencer to participate at the Olympics, on Monday received her Arjuna Award from Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. The 28-year-old Bhavani could not attend the sports awards ceremony on Saturday as she was participating in a competition in France.

CA Bhavani Devi, the first Indian fencer to participate at the Olympics, on Monday received her Arjuna Award from Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. The 28-year-old Bhavani could not attend the sports awards ceremony on Saturday as she was participating in a competition in France. However, on her return to the country, the fencer met Thakur who honoured her with the award. IN PICS: From Neeraj Chopra to Mithali Raj: List of athletes who won Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 "Holding the Arjuna Award was My Childhood Dream, and today, it happened. I am so much Emotional. Work Hard & Play for the Country. One day, the country will pay back. Thank YOU," Bhavani tweeted. Holding the Arjuna Award 🏹 was My Childhood Dream, and today, it happened. I am so much Emotional 😢 Work Hard & Play for the Country. One day, the country will pay back. Thank YOU 🇮🇳 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iL4OssYKmo — C A Bhavani Devi (@IamBhavaniDevi) November 15, 2021 × In the Tokyo Olympics in July this year, she won her round of 64 match against Tunisia's Nadia Ben Azizi 15-3 before going down to eventual bronze-medallist Manon Brunet of France in the round of 32. In October, Bhavani won the Charleville National Competition in France, in the women's sabre individual event. ALSO READ: From Shikhar Dhawan to Ankita Raina: A look at players who won prestigious Arjuna award this year Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, India opener Shikhar Dhawan, veteran woman cricketer Mithali Raj and history-making Paralympic stars shared the spotlight as an unprecedented 12 sportspersons were presented with India's highest sporting honour -- the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna -- by President Ram Nath Kovind here on Saturday. In a glittering function organised at the Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President also bestowed 35 sportspersons with the Arjuna award as he recognised the country's unparalleled Olympic and Paralympic performances this year.

Olympian fencer CA Bhavani Devi conferred with Arjuna Award by Anurag Thakur in a special event

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday physically handed over trophies to the winners of National Sports Awards 2020 after the award ceremony was held virtually last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All the winners of the National Sports Awards 2020 had already received their cash awards but were not able to collect their trophies and citation because of the pandemic.

On August 29 last, the Sports Ministry had conferred 74 National Sports Awards, including five Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna) and 27 Arjuna awards.

The notable awardees who attended Monday's ceremony at a city hotel here were women's hockey captain Rani Rampal, star wrestler Vinesh Phogat and 2016 Paralympics gold winner Thangavelu Mariyappan, who were handed the prestigious Khel Ratna.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopra-ravi-dahiya-mithali-raj-likely-to-be-conferred-with-major-dhyan-chand-khel-ratna-award-424487">Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Dahiya, Mithali Raj likely to be conferred with Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award</a>

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain, cricketer Ishant Sharma, sprinter Dutee Chand, archer Atanu Das and shuttlers Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Chandrasekhar Shetty were among others who collected their the Arjuna trophies.

"The National Sports Awards is a prestigious award that is won by athletes after years of dedication and hard work. Congratulations to all the awardees and the very best for their future events. The journey of the awardees doesn't end here, there is more to be achieved," Thakur said during the function.

"We must also continue to look for talented athletes, groom them and make them capable of winning medals at the international level. So I request all the athletes to take the pledge of at least grooming and training five such athletes who can win medals for India in the future."

The event was also graced by Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Youth Affairs Secretary Usha Sharma and other top ministry and SAI officials.

List of National Sports Awardees for 2020:

Khel Ratna Award: Rohit Sharma (Cricket), Mariyappan Thangavelu (Para-Athletics), Manika Batra (Table Tennis), Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling), Rani Rampal (Hockey).

Arjuna Award: Atanu Das (Archery), Dutee Chand (Athletics), Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy (Badminton), Chirag Chandrasekhar Shetty (Badminton), Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (Basketball), Manish Kaushik (Boxing), Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), Ishant Sharma (Cricket), Deepti Sharma (Cricket), Sawant Ajay Anant (Equestrian), Sandesh Jhingan (Football), Aditi Ashok (Golf), Akashdeep Singh (Hockey), Deepika (Hockey), Deepak (Kabaddi), Kale Sarika Sudhakar (Kho Kho), Dattu Baban Bhokanal (Rowing), Manu Bhaker (Shooting), Saurabh Chaudhary (Shooting), Madhurika Patkar (Table Tennis), Divij Sharan (Tennis), Shiva Keshavan (Winter Sports), Divya Kakran (Wrestling), Rahul Aware (Wrestling), Suyash Narayan Jadhav (Para-Swimming), Sandeep (Para-Athletics), Manish Narwal (Para Shooting).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-major-dhyan-chand-khel-ratna-wrestling-federation-wants-arjuna-award-for-ravi-dahiya-425040">Not Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna! Wrestling Federation wants Arjuna Award for Ravi Dahiya</a>

Dronacharya Award (Life-Time Category): Dharmendra Tiwary (Archery), Purushotham Rai (Athletics), Shiv Singh (Boxing), Romesh Pathania (Hockey), Krishan Kumar Hooda (Kabaddi), Vijay Bhalchandra Munishwar (Para Powerlifting), Naresh Kumar (Tennis), Om Parkash Dahiya (Wrestling).

Dronacharya (Regular Category): Jude Felix (Hockey), Yogesh Malviya (Mallakhamb), Jaspal Rana (Shooting), Kuldeep Kumar Handoo (Wushu), Gaurav Khanna (Para Badminton).

Dhyan Chand Award: Kuldip Singh Bhullar (Athletics), Jincy Philips (Athletics), Pradeep Shrikrishna Gandhe (Badminton), Trupti Murgunde (Badminton), N Usha(Boxing), Lakha Singh (Boxing), Sukhvinder Singh Sandhu (Football), Ajit Singh (Hockey), Manpreet Singh (Kabaddi), J Ranjith Kumar (Para-Athletics), Satyaprakash Tiwari (Para Badminton), Manjeet Singh (Rowing), Late Shri Sachin Nag (Swimming), Nandan Bal (Tennis), Netarpal Hooda (Wrestling).

Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards: Anita Devi (Land Adventure), Col Sarfraz Singh (Land Adventure), Taka Tamut (Land Adventure), Keval Hiren Kakka (Land Adventure), Satendra Singh (Water Adventure), Gajanand Yadava (Air Adventure), Late Magan Bissa (Life Time Achievement).

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy: Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar:

Identification and Nurturing of Budding and Young Talent: Lakshya Institute, Army Sports Institute.

Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd.

Employment of sportspersons and sports welfare measures: Air Force Sports Control Board.

Sports for Development: International Institute of Sports Management (IISM).&nbsp;

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday physically handed over trophies to the winners of National Sports Awards 2020 after the award ceremony was held virtually last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday physically handed over trophies to the winners of National Sports Awards 2020 after the award ceremony was held virtually last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All the winners of the National Sports Awards 2020 had already received their cash awards but were not able to collect their trophies and citation because of the pandemic. On August 29 last, the Sports Ministry had conferred 74 National Sports Awards, including five Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna) and 27 Arjuna awards. The notable awardees who attended Monday's ceremony at a city hotel here were women's hockey captain Rani Rampal, star wrestler Vinesh Phogat and 2016 Paralympics gold winner Thangavelu Mariyappan, who were handed the prestigious Khel Ratna. ALSO READ: Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Dahiya, Mithali Raj likely to be conferred with Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain, cricketer Ishant Sharma, sprinter Dutee Chand, archer Atanu Das and shuttlers Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Chandrasekhar Shetty were among others who collected their the Arjuna trophies. "The National Sports Awards is a prestigious award that is won by athletes after years of dedication and hard work. Congratulations to all the awardees and the very best for their future events. The journey of the awardees doesn't end here, there is more to be achieved," Thakur said during the function. "We must also continue to look for talented athletes, groom them and make them capable of winning medals at the international level. So I request all the athletes to take the pledge of at least grooming and training five such athletes who can win medals for India in the future." The event was also graced by Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Youth Affairs Secretary Usha Sharma and other top ministry and SAI officials. List of National Sports Awardees for 2020: Khel Ratna Award: Rohit Sharma (Cricket), Mariyappan Thangavelu (Para-Athletics), Manika Batra (Table Tennis), Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling), Rani Rampal (Hockey). Arjuna Award: Atanu Das (Archery), Dutee Chand (Athletics), Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy (Badminton), Chirag Chandrasekhar Shetty (Badminton), Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (Basketball), Manish Kaushik (Boxing), Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), Ishant Sharma (Cricket), Deepti Sharma (Cricket), Sawant Ajay Anant (Equestrian), Sandesh Jhingan (Football), Aditi Ashok (Golf), Akashdeep Singh (Hockey), Deepika (Hockey), Deepak (Kabaddi), Kale Sarika Sudhakar (Kho Kho), Dattu Baban Bhokanal (Rowing), Manu Bhaker (Shooting), Saurabh Chaudhary (Shooting), Madhurika Patkar (Table Tennis), Divij Sharan (Tennis), Shiva Keshavan (Winter Sports), Divya Kakran (Wrestling), Rahul Aware (Wrestling), Suyash Narayan Jadhav (Para-Swimming), Sandeep (Para-Athletics), Manish Narwal (Para Shooting). ALSO READ: Not Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna! Wrestling Federation wants Arjuna Award for Ravi Dahiya Dronacharya Award (Life-Time Category): Dharmendra Tiwary (Archery), Purushotham Rai (Athletics), Shiv Singh (Boxing), Romesh Pathania (Hockey), Krishan Kumar Hooda (Kabaddi), Vijay Bhalchandra Munishwar (Para Powerlifting), Naresh Kumar (Tennis), Om Parkash Dahiya (Wrestling). Dronacharya (Regular Category): Jude Felix (Hockey), Yogesh Malviya (Mallakhamb), Jaspal Rana (Shooting), Kuldeep Kumar Handoo (Wushu), Gaurav Khanna (Para Badminton). Dhyan Chand Award: Kuldip Singh Bhullar (Athletics), Jincy Philips (Athletics), Pradeep Shrikrishna Gandhe (Badminton), Trupti Murgunde (Badminton), N Usha(Boxing), Lakha Singh (Boxing), Sukhvinder Singh Sandhu (Football), Ajit Singh (Hockey), Manpreet Singh (Kabaddi), J Ranjith Kumar (Para-Athletics), Satyaprakash Tiwari (Para Badminton), Manjeet Singh (Rowing), Late Shri Sachin Nag (Swimming), Nandan Bal (Tennis), Netarpal Hooda (Wrestling). Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards: Anita Devi (Land Adventure), Col Sarfraz Singh (Land Adventure), Taka Tamut (Land Adventure), Keval Hiren Kakka (Land Adventure), Satendra Singh (Water Adventure), Gajanand Yadava (Air Adventure), Late Magan Bissa (Life Time Achievement). Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy: Panjab University, Chandigarh. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar: Identification and Nurturing of Budding and Young Talent: Lakshya Institute, Army Sports Institute. Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd. Employment of sportspersons and sports welfare measures: Air Force Sports Control Board. Sports for Development: International Institute of Sports Management (IISM).

Anurag Thakur hands over trophies to Rani, Vinesh and other 2020 National Sports Awards winners

The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur on Monday held a meeting with state sports ministers to draw a roadmap for preparing the country`s athletes for the future. "Meeting (with state sports ministers) was held to draw a roadmap to prepare our athletes for future Olympics, Asian Games, &amp; Commonwealth Games. We`ve agreed to meet at least twice a year, to evaluate progress on better infrastructure," Thakur told reporters after the meeting.

"We will also be holding regional meetings in various zones and will be looking at creating a dashboard where the data regarding the sports infrastructure available at block level in each state," he added. Following the major success of the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo, Thakur interacted with the States and UTs about the ways forward and how they would contribute to the mission to make India a top sporting nation. He was also joined by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Nisith Pramanik.

The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur on Monday held a meeting with state sports ministers to draw a roadmap for preparing the country`s athletes for the future.

The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur on Monday held a meeting with state sports ministers to draw a roadmap for preparing the country`s athletes for the future. "Meeting (with state sports ministers) was held to draw a roadmap to prepare our athletes for future Olympics, Asian Games, & Commonwealth Games. We`ve agreed to meet at least twice a year, to evaluate progress on better infrastructure," Thakur told reporters after the meeting. "We will also be holding regional meetings in various zones and will be looking at creating a dashboard where the data regarding the sports infrastructure available at block level in each state," he added. Following the major success of the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo, Thakur interacted with the States and UTs about the ways forward and how they would contribute to the mission to make India a top sporting nation. He was also joined by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Nisith Pramanik.

Anurag Thakur to meet state sports ministers twice a year to evaluate progress on infrastructure

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur on Friday expressed hope that the javelin will become as popular in India as the cricket bat. He was interacting with four Paralympic Games medallists, including F64 winner Sumit Antil, at a felicitation ceremony.

Thakur was referring to the four javelin throw medals won by Indians in the Paralympic Games in the wake of Neeraj Chopra`s historic gold medal in the Olympic Games.

"I hope javelin in India will now become as famous as a cricket bat," he said while felicitating the four athletes who returned this morning after winning medals in the Paralympic Games.

The athletes who the Sports Minister felicitated in his office apart from Sumit were Devendra Jhajharia (Javelin Throw F46 Silver Medal), Yogesh Kathuniya (Discus Throw F56 Silver Medal) and Sharad Kumar (High Jump T63 Bronze medal).

"On National Sports Day, India clinched four medals and there can`t be a better tribute than this to Major Dhyan Chand ji. There is a lot of hard work by the athletes combined with the support given by the Government to the National Sports Federation and athletes. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji`s encouragement has been a driving force," Thakur said.

"Government will improve the sports ecosystem in the country and through schemes like TOPS, it will keep supporting the athletes (both core and development) in an unprecedented way," he said.

Minister of State, Youth Affairs and Sports, Nisith Pramanik and Ministry officials were also present. Devendra Jhajharia and Sharad Kumar spoke of the support provided by the Government in their Paralympic Games campaign.

"In the last four years, the Government has supported us in a great way. PM Modi Ji`s interaction with us also boosted our morale and we felt motivated this time," Jhajharia said.

"This was a very difficult Paralympics because we did not know whether Games will happen or not. We are very happy that Government adopted us and offered us great support through Target Olympic Podium Scheme. The Government is working tirelessly to support us and all our sports-centric and reasonable requests are being approved quickly," Sharad Kumar said.

"The Prime Minister`s call to every athlete after their respective events is also unprecedented and many of our international contemporary competitors are in awe of such a gesture", Sharad added.&nbsp;

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur on Friday expressed hope that the javelin will become as popular in India as the cricket bat. He was interacting with four Paralympic Games medallists, including F64 winner Sumit Antil, at a felicitation ceremony.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur on Friday expressed hope that the javelin will become as popular in India as the cricket bat. He was interacting with four Paralympic Games medallists, including F64 winner Sumit Antil, at a felicitation ceremony. Thakur was referring to the four javelin throw medals won by Indians in the Paralympic Games in the wake of Neeraj Chopra`s historic gold medal in the Olympic Games. "I hope javelin in India will now become as famous as a cricket bat," he said while felicitating the four athletes who returned this morning after winning medals in the Paralympic Games. The athletes who the Sports Minister felicitated in his office apart from Sumit were Devendra Jhajharia (Javelin Throw F46 Silver Medal), Yogesh Kathuniya (Discus Throw F56 Silver Medal) and Sharad Kumar (High Jump T63 Bronze medal). "On National Sports Day, India clinched four medals and there can`t be a better tribute than this to Major Dhyan Chand ji. There is a lot of hard work by the athletes combined with the support given by the Government to the National Sports Federation and athletes. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji`s encouragement has been a driving force," Thakur said. "Government will improve the sports ecosystem in the country and through schemes like TOPS, it will keep supporting the athletes (both core and development) in an unprecedented way," he said. Minister of State, Youth Affairs and Sports, Nisith Pramanik and Ministry officials were also present. Devendra Jhajharia and Sharad Kumar spoke of the support provided by the Government in their Paralympic Games campaign. "In the last four years, the Government has supported us in a great way. PM Modi Ji`s interaction with us also boosted our morale and we felt motivated this time," Jhajharia said. "This was a very difficult Paralympics because we did not know whether Games will happen or not. We are very happy that Government adopted us and offered us great support through Target Olympic Podium Scheme. The Government is working tirelessly to support us and all our sports-centric and reasonable requests are being approved quickly," Sharad Kumar said. "The Prime Minister`s call to every athlete after their respective events is also unprecedented and many of our international contemporary competitors are in awe of such a gesture", Sharad added.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur felicitates para athletes, hopes javelin will become as popular as cricket bat

Anurag Thakur, India's&nbsp;Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, on Tuesday felicitated Tokyo Paralympics silver medallist Nishad Kumar. Nishad arrived in Delhi on Tuesday. MoS Shri Nisith Pramanik also graced the event.

Nishad, who hails from Himachal Pradesh, won the silver with a jump of 2.06m in the Men's High Jump T47 category at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Speaking at the event, Thakur said: "India is ecstatic at the brilliant performance of our Paralympians. India has won its highest-ever medal tally ever! We sent out the biggest contingent this year. The unflinching support of our PM Narendra Modi Ji towards sports has indeed motivated our athletes to give their best and I congratulate Nishad on his success."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-mariyappan-thangavelu-wins-silver-sharad-kumar-takes-bronze-in-high-jump-event-409676">Tokyo Paralympics: Mariyappan Thangavelu wins silver, Sharad Kumar takes bronze in high jump event</a>

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Hon’ble Union Minister of Sports Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> and Hon’ble MoS Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/NisithPramanik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NisithPramanik</a> felicitated <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> Silver Medalist Nishad Kumar on his arrival from the games 
 
Here are the glimpses from the event, take a look and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Praise4Para?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Praise4Para</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/uXg3xfNF5h">pic.twitter.com/uXg3xfNF5h</a>
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1432695337211207683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Nishad has shown that with perseverance success can be attained at the highest level. The government will continue to support India's Paralympians with facilities and funding so that they may continue to excel internationally. I have an additional reason to be thrilled by Nishad's success as he hails from my own state of Himachal Pradesh," he added.

Silver medalist Nishad Kumar said: "I could not believe that I had won a silver at the Paralympics. I asked four officials before I could actually believe it. I would like to thank our Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring that we have the full support of the govt in anything we need -- diet, equipment, coaching. I feel honoured that I have been invited by the Sports Minister and he has met me and felicitated me on the very first day of my return to India. I have never had this experience before and now the feeling of the win is really sinking in."

At the Paralympic Games, Nishad equaled the Asian record set by him earlier this year with the 2.06m jump.

He has been training at the national camp in SAI Bengaluru under the guidance of coach Satyanarayana.

The Government of India duly supported Nishad ahead of the Games in terms of facilitating foreign exposure trips and over four international competitions to the tune of Rs 10.50 lakh from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Rs 10.21 lakh from the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC).

Nishad has had a roller-coaster of a calendar year. He tested positive for Covid-19 twice but he continued improving and set two Personal Bests in 2021.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shahid-afridi-makes-glaring-remark-says-taliban-outfit-have-entered-afghanistan-with-positive-mindset-409575">Shahid Afridi makes glaring remark, says Taliban outfit have entered Afghanistan with 'positive mindset'</a>

He jumped 2.07m at the Para Athletics Selection Trials held in Delhi in June, and this helped him secure a spot in the Indian team for the Tokyo Paralympics.

He won a gold medal in the High Jump T47 category at the Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai right before the pandemic in Dubai and repeated the feat at the same competition by winning the elusive gold, also in 2021.

Nishad, who comes from a humble family of farmers, was only eight years old when his right hand was damaged by a grass-cutting machine on his family's farm.

However, he did not let this incident deter his spirit. Two years later, he started practicing in the high jump on his school grounds.

Nishad competed in the School Nationals, along with able-bodied athletes, in 2017 where he finished 10th with a jump of 1.75m.

After completing his schooling in the same year, Nishad moved to Panchkula to train at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium. It was no looking behind for him after that.

Anurag Thakur, India's Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, on Tuesday felicitated Tokyo Paralympics silver medallist Nishad Kumar. Nishad arrived in Delhi on Tuesday.

Anurag Thakur, India's Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, on Tuesday felicitated Tokyo Paralympics silver medallist Nishad Kumar. Nishad arrived in Delhi on Tuesday. MoS Shri Nisith Pramanik also graced the event. Nishad, who hails from Himachal Pradesh, won the silver with a jump of 2.06m in the Men's High Jump T47 category at the Tokyo Paralympics. Speaking at the event, Thakur said: "India is ecstatic at the brilliant performance of our Paralympians. India has won its highest-ever medal tally ever! We sent out the biggest contingent this year. The unflinching support of our PM Narendra Modi Ji towards sports has indeed motivated our athletes to give their best and I congratulate Nishad on his success." ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics: Mariyappan Thangavelu wins silver, Sharad Kumar takes bronze in high jump event Hon’ble Union Minister of Sports Shri @ianuragthakur and Hon’ble MoS Shri @NisithPramanik felicitated #Tokyo2020 Silver Medalist Nishad Kumar on his arrival from the games Here are the glimpses from the event, take a look and #Cheer4India #Praise4Para#Paralympics pic.twitter.com/uXg3xfNF5h — SAI Media (@Media_SAI) August 31, 2021 × "Nishad has shown that with perseverance success can be attained at the highest level. The government will continue to support India's Paralympians with facilities and funding so that they may continue to excel internationally. I have an additional reason to be thrilled by Nishad's success as he hails from my own state of Himachal Pradesh," he added. Silver medalist Nishad Kumar said: "I could not believe that I had won a silver at the Paralympics. I asked four officials before I could actually believe it. I would like to thank our Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring that we have the full support of the govt in anything we need -- diet, equipment, coaching. I feel honoured that I have been invited by the Sports Minister and he has met me and felicitated me on the very first day of my return to India. I have never had this experience before and now the feeling of the win is really sinking in." At the Paralympic Games, Nishad equaled the Asian record set by him earlier this year with the 2.06m jump. He has been training at the national camp in SAI Bengaluru under the guidance of coach Satyanarayana. The Government of India duly supported Nishad ahead of the Games in terms of facilitating foreign exposure trips and over four international competitions to the tune of Rs 10.50 lakh from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Rs 10.21 lakh from the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC). Nishad has had a roller-coaster of a calendar year. He tested positive for Covid-19 twice but he continued improving and set two Personal Bests in 2021. ALSO READ | Shahid Afridi makes glaring remark, says Taliban outfit have entered Afghanistan with 'positive mindset' He jumped 2.07m at the Para Athletics Selection Trials held in Delhi in June, and this helped him secure a spot in the Indian team for the Tokyo Paralympics. He won a gold medal in the High Jump T47 category at the Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai right before the pandemic in Dubai and repeated the feat at the same competition by winning the elusive gold, also in 2021. Nishad, who comes from a humble family of farmers, was only eight years old when his right hand was damaged by a grass-cutting machine on his family's farm. However, he did not let this incident deter his spirit. Two years later, he started practicing in the high jump on his school grounds. Nishad competed in the School Nationals, along with able-bodied athletes, in 2017 where he finished 10th with a jump of 1.75m. After completing his schooling in the same year, Nishad moved to Panchkula to train at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium. It was no looking behind for him after that.

Tokyo Paralympics: India's Sports Minister felicitates silver medallist Nishad Kumar

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday launched the Fit India Mobile Application at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, here on National Sports Day. 
 
Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik was also present on the occasion. The two ministers also virtually interacted with Indian hockey team captain Manpreet Singh. 
 
Congratulating everyone on the second anniversary of Fit India Movement as well as on National Sports Day, Thakur said, "The Fit India Mobile App brings ease of checking one`s fitness levels right into the palm of every Indian. It has some unique features like `fitness score`, animated videos, activity trackers and `my plan` catering to (an) individual`s specific needs." 
 
He added that, "Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched age-appropriate fitness protocols. These protocols are certified by WHO (World Health Organisation) and have been made keeping in mind international standards. Mr Narendra Modi has also given a fitness mantra for the people of the country - Fitness Ki Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz." 
 
Thakur also said that it is essential to ensure fitness of our youth if we want them to contribute meaningfully to nation building. He urged everyone to popularise the app through social media. Pramanik said that the contribution of countrymen in making the Fit India Movement a Jan Andolan is incredible. 
 
Meanwhile, Manpreet Singh, the Indian hockey team captain, appreciated the easy-to-use features of the app and its utility to monitor health parameters. 
 
The Fit India Movement was launched on August 29, 2019 by Prime Minister Modi with the vision of making India a fit and healthy nation. 
 
The unique feature of the app is to empower each individual to check his/her fitness score based on a set of age-specific fitness tests and get specific recommendations on how to improve their fitness levels through physical activities including yoga protocols. Animated videos have been provided to make individuals understand about the procedure for conducting the fitness tests themselves. 
 
"The app is free of cost but will prove invaluable for our fitness," added Thakur.

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday launched the Fit India Mobile Application at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, here on National Sports Day. Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik was also present on the occasion.

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday launched the Fit India Mobile Application at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, here on National Sports Day. Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik was also present on the occasion. The two ministers also virtually interacted with Indian hockey team captain Manpreet Singh. Congratulating everyone on the second anniversary of Fit India Movement as well as on National Sports Day, Thakur said, "The Fit India Mobile App brings ease of checking one`s fitness levels right into the palm of every Indian. It has some unique features like `fitness score`, animated videos, activity trackers and `my plan` catering to (an) individual`s specific needs." He added that, "Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched age-appropriate fitness protocols. These protocols are certified by WHO (World Health Organisation) and have been made keeping in mind international standards. Mr Narendra Modi has also given a fitness mantra for the people of the country - Fitness Ki Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz." Thakur also said that it is essential to ensure fitness of our youth if we want them to contribute meaningfully to nation building. He urged everyone to popularise the app through social media. Pramanik said that the contribution of countrymen in making the Fit India Movement a Jan Andolan is incredible. Meanwhile, Manpreet Singh, the Indian hockey team captain, appreciated the easy-to-use features of the app and its utility to monitor health parameters. The Fit India Movement was launched on August 29, 2019 by Prime Minister Modi with the vision of making India a fit and healthy nation. The unique feature of the app is to empower each individual to check his/her fitness score based on a set of age-specific fitness tests and get specific recommendations on how to improve their fitness levels through physical activities including yoga protocols. Animated videos have been provided to make individuals understand about the procedure for conducting the fitness tests themselves. "The app is free of cost but will prove invaluable for our fitness," added Thakur.

Sports Minister launches Fit India Mobile App on National Sports Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award has been renamed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said that it is "fitting" that nation's highest sporting honour will be named after the hockey legend Dhyan Chand.&nbsp;

Khel Ratna, which is the highest sporting honour of India, was launched in 1991-92. It is awarded annually and comprises a medallion, a certificate and a cash prize of ₹ 25 lakh. &nbsp;

"Major Dhyan Chand was among India’s foremost sportspersons who brought honour and pride for India. It is fitting that our nation’s highest sporting honour will be named after him," PM Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-indian-womens-hockey-team-breaks-down-during-conversation-with-pm-modi-watch-403422">Tokyo Olympics: Indian women's hockey team breaks down during conversation with PM Modi - watch</a>

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I have been getting many requests from citizens across India to name the Khel Ratna Award after Major Dhyan Chand. I thank them for their views. 
 
Respecting their sentiment, the Khel Ratna Award will hereby be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award! 
 
Jai Hind! <a href="https://t.co/zbStlMNHdq">pic.twitter.com/zbStlMNHdq</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1423538297842769921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Major Dhyan Chand was among India’s foremost sportspersons who brought honour and pride for India. It is fitting that our nation’s highest sporting honour will be named after him.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1423538492403974145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He further informed, "I have been getting many requests from citizens across India to name the Khel Ratna Award after Major Dhyan Chand. I thank them for their views. Respecting their sentiment, the Khel Ratna Award will hereby be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award! Jai Hind!"

Dhyan Chand, whose career spanned over 20 years from 1926 to 1948, has been conferred with including India’s third highest civilian honour of Padma Bhushan in 1956. He won three Olympic golds for the country and his birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-womens-hockey-team-captures-nations-imagination-heres-a-look-at-their-fairytale-run-at-tokyo-2020-403368">Indian women's hockey team captures nation's imagination, here's a look at their fairytale run at Tokyo 2020</a>

The news comes a day after the Indian men's hockey team ended their campaign at Tokyo Olympics with a historic bronze medal. The men's team defeated Germany 5-4 to win the medal after 41 years. Not just the men's team, even the women's team completed their Tokyo run with the best finish ever.&nbsp;

PM Modi praised both men's and women's team. He wrote, "The exceptional performance of the Men’s and Women’s Hockey Team has captured the imagination of our entire nation. There is a renewed interest towards Hockey that is emerging across the length and breadth of India. This is a very positive sign for the coming times."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award has been renamed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said that it is "fitting" that nation's highest sporting honour will be named after the hockey legend Dhyan Chand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award has been renamed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said that it is "fitting" that nation's highest sporting honour will be named after the hockey legend Dhyan Chand. Khel Ratna, which is the highest sporting honour of India, was launched in 1991-92. It is awarded annually and comprises a medallion, a certificate and a cash prize of ₹ 25 lakh. "Major Dhyan Chand was among India’s foremost sportspersons who brought honour and pride for India. It is fitting that our nation’s highest sporting honour will be named after him," PM Modi tweeted. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Indian women's hockey team breaks down during conversation with PM Modi - watch I have been getting many requests from citizens across India to name the Khel Ratna Award after Major Dhyan Chand. I thank them for their views. Respecting their sentiment, the Khel Ratna Award will hereby be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award! Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/zbStlMNHdq — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2021 × Major Dhyan Chand was among India’s foremost sportspersons who brought honour and pride for India. It is fitting that our nation’s highest sporting honour will be named after him. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2021 × He further informed, "I have been getting many requests from citizens across India to name the Khel Ratna Award after Major Dhyan Chand. I thank them for their views. Respecting their sentiment, the Khel Ratna Award will hereby be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award! Jai Hind!" Dhyan Chand, whose career spanned over 20 years from 1926 to 1948, has been conferred with including India’s third highest civilian honour of Padma Bhushan in 1956. He won three Olympic golds for the country and his birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day. IN PICS | Indian women's hockey team captures nation's imagination, here's a look at their fairytale run at Tokyo 2020 The news comes a day after the Indian men's hockey team ended their campaign at Tokyo Olympics with a historic bronze medal. The men's team defeated Germany 5-4 to win the medal after 41 years. Not just the men's team, even the women's team completed their Tokyo run with the best finish ever. PM Modi praised both men's and women's team. He wrote, "The exceptional performance of the Men’s and Women’s Hockey Team has captured the imagination of our entire nation. There is a renewed interest towards Hockey that is emerging across the length and breadth of India. This is a very positive sign for the coming times."

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award renamed after hockey legend Dhyan Chand, says PM Modi

Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said the government has provided 175.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses so far to states and union territories for inoculation of people of all age groups and 4.6 million doses will be supplied to them in the next three days.&nbsp;

Thakur's remarks came in response to senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to use Rs 350 billion allocated in the Union Budget to ensure free vaccine for all citizens instead of the current system of multiple pricing for various users.&nbsp;

Pune-based Serum Institute of India is supplying Covishield to the Centre for Rs 150 a dose while to states for Rs 300 a dose. Private Hospitals are getting it at double the state's price at Rs 600. &nbsp;

Whereas, Covaxin manufacturer Bharat Biotech has priced its vaccine at Rs 150 a dose for the Centre, Rs 600 a dose for state governments and Rs 1,200 a dose for private hospitals.&nbsp;

Both anti-COVID vaccines are administered in two doses. &nbsp;

Calling for free inoculation, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Kharge in his letter said the Parliament had allocated Rs 350,000 million in the Union budget to ensure free vaccines for all. &nbsp;

He also urged the prime minister to immediately convene an all-party meeting to collectively forge a holistic blueprint to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp;

Dispelling claims of vaccine shortage in states, Thakur said 7.2 million doses are still available with states and union territories. &nbsp;

On further supply of vaccines, he said that "0.15 million doses of Sputnik V have already reached India and RDIF has also tied up with local Indian companies for bulk production." &nbsp;

In a series of tweets, the minister highlighted various measures taken by the government to increase supply of medicine and liquid medical oxygen, add more beds and distribute foreign aid to various states to fight the pandemic. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said the government has provided 175.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses so far to states and union territories for inoculation of people of all age groups and 4.

Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said the government has provided 175.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses so far to states and union territories for inoculation of people of all age groups and 4.6 million doses will be supplied to them in the next three days. Thakur's remarks came in response to senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to use Rs 350 billion allocated in the Union Budget to ensure free vaccine for all citizens instead of the current system of multiple pricing for various users. Pune-based Serum Institute of India is supplying Covishield to the Centre for Rs 150 a dose while to states for Rs 300 a dose. Private Hospitals are getting it at double the state's price at Rs 600. Whereas, Covaxin manufacturer Bharat Biotech has priced its vaccine at Rs 150 a dose for the Centre, Rs 600 a dose for state governments and Rs 1,200 a dose for private hospitals. Both anti-COVID vaccines are administered in two doses. Calling for free inoculation, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Kharge in his letter said the Parliament had allocated Rs 350,000 million in the Union budget to ensure free vaccines for all. He also urged the prime minister to immediately convene an all-party meeting to collectively forge a holistic blueprint to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Dispelling claims of vaccine shortage in states, Thakur said 7.2 million doses are still available with states and union territories. On further supply of vaccines, he said that "0.15 million doses of Sputnik V have already reached India and RDIF has also tied up with local Indian companies for bulk production." In a series of tweets, the minister highlighted various measures taken by the government to increase supply of medicine and liquid medical oxygen, add more beds and distribute foreign aid to various states to fight the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

175.6 million free vaccine doses provided to states: MoS Anurag Thakur 

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat claimed in the Delhi High Court on Thursday that a cognisable offence is made out against Union Minister Anurag Thakur and his BJP colleague and MP Pravesh Verma and an FIR should be lodged against them for their alleged hate speeches in relation to anti-CAA protest at Shaheen Bagh here.

Karat has challenged a trial court's August 26 order dismissing her plea seeking lodging of FIR against the two leaders on the grounds that the requisite sanction from the competent authority, the central government, was not obtained.

Justice Yogesh Khanna, after hearing the submissions, asked the counsel for Karat and Delhi Police to file relevant judgements in support of their contentions.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on November 2.

Advocate Richa Kapoor, appearing for the police, questioned maintainability of the petition.

Advocate Siddarth Aggarwal, representing Karat, said the complaint was kept pending before the trial court for 9 months and thereafter, the magistrate rejected the plea and did not even go into the merits of the case.

"The proposition adopted by the magistrate is in the teeth of many judgements of the Supreme Court. The magistrate has refused to exercise the jurisdiction which the law vests on him," he contended.

He added that a cognisable offence is made out and they were only asking the police to investigate the matter. 
CPI(M) leaders Brinda Karat and KM Tewari had filed the complaint before the trial court seeking a direction to the Parliament Street Police Station to register an FIR against Thakur and Verma.

However, the trial court said that the complaint was not sustainable without the prior sanction.

Karat, in her petition in the high court, sought quashing of the trial court's order and also a direction for expeditious disposal of applications under Section 156(3) CrPC (power of a magistrate to direct the police to conduct investigation in respect of a cognisable offence) and that technical objections and maintainability be decided at the threshold to avoid prejudice to the complainant and wastage of judicial time.

The plea, filed through advocate Tara Narula and Adit S Pujari, said the relevant provision of CrPC demonstrates that the sanction to be taken thereunder is a sanction for taking cognisance.

"It is settled law that the stage of cognisance does not arise at a time when directions under Section 156(3) CrPC are given, and as such, no sanction is required under either Section 195 or 196 CrPC for the registration of an FIR and/or for investigation," the plea said.

It contended when the State and the police have pointedly excused the speeches of the accused and other persons, the petitioners submit that the only recourse available to them is judicial.

"The petitioners' judicial recourse has been barred by the ACMM without considering that the very State that is supportive of the accused persons (who are sitting Members of Parliament) would function as the Sanctioning Authority.

"Public policy and the interest of justice demand that this court forms a view on the content of the speeches given by the accused on the basis of settled law and opine whether cognisable offence is made out thereupon,? it said and sought lodging of an FIR on the complaint.

The plea said they had filed the complaint over 9 months ago and the registration of FIR is already extremely delayed despite cognisable offences being made out.

Karat had claimed in her complaint that 'Thakur and Verma had sought to incite people as a result of which three incidents of firing took place at two different protest sites in Delhi'

The complaint had sought lodging of FIRs under various sections, including 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.), 153-B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) and 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the IPC.

It had also sought action under other sections of the IPC, including 298 (uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation).

The maximum punishment for the offences is jail term for seven years.

Karat had approached the court after her written complaints to the Commissioner of Police and the SHO, Parliament Street, failed to elicit any response.

The CPI (M) leader had mentioned that at the Rithala rally here, Thakur, the minister of state for finance and corporate affairs, had on January 27 egged on the crowd to raise an incendiary slogan ? ?shoot the traitors? ? after lashing out at anti-CAA protesters.

In the complaint, she had mentioned that Verma had on January 28 allegedly made incendiary comments against the anti-CAA protesters in Shaheen Bagh. 
&nbsp;

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat claimed in the Delhi High Court on Thursday that a cognisable offence is made out against Union Minister Anurag Thakur and his BJP colleague and MP Pravesh Verma and an FIR should be lodged against them for their alleged hate speeches in relation to anti-CAA protest at Shaheen Bagh here.

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat claimed in the Delhi High Court on Thursday that a cognisable offence is made out against Union Minister Anurag Thakur and his BJP colleague and MP Pravesh Verma and an FIR should be lodged against them for their alleged hate speeches in relation to anti-CAA protest at Shaheen Bagh here. Karat has challenged a trial court's August 26 order dismissing her plea seeking lodging of FIR against the two leaders on the grounds that the requisite sanction from the competent authority, the central government, was not obtained. Justice Yogesh Khanna, after hearing the submissions, asked the counsel for Karat and Delhi Police to file relevant judgements in support of their contentions. The court listed the matter for further hearing on November 2. Advocate Richa Kapoor, appearing for the police, questioned maintainability of the petition. Advocate Siddarth Aggarwal, representing Karat, said the complaint was kept pending before the trial court for 9 months and thereafter, the magistrate rejected the plea and did not even go into the merits of the case. "The proposition adopted by the magistrate is in the teeth of many judgements of the Supreme Court. The magistrate has refused to exercise the jurisdiction which the law vests on him," he contended. He added that a cognisable offence is made out and they were only asking the police to investigate the matter. CPI(M) leaders Brinda Karat and KM Tewari had filed the complaint before the trial court seeking a direction to the Parliament Street Police Station to register an FIR against Thakur and Verma. However, the trial court said that the complaint was not sustainable without the prior sanction. Karat, in her petition in the high court, sought quashing of the trial court's order and also a direction for expeditious disposal of applications under Section 156(3) CrPC (power of a magistrate to direct the police to conduct investigation in respect of a cognisable offence) and that technical objections and maintainability be decided at the threshold to avoid prejudice to the complainant and wastage of judicial time. The plea, filed through advocate Tara Narula and Adit S Pujari, said the relevant provision of CrPC demonstrates that the sanction to be taken thereunder is a sanction for taking cognisance. "It is settled law that the stage of cognisance does not arise at a time when directions under Section 156(3) CrPC are given, and as such, no sanction is required under either Section 195 or 196 CrPC for the registration of an FIR and/or for investigation," the plea said. It contended when the State and the police have pointedly excused the speeches of the accused and other persons, the petitioners submit that the only recourse available to them is judicial. "The petitioners' judicial recourse has been barred by the ACMM without considering that the very State that is supportive of the accused persons (who are sitting Members of Parliament) would function as the Sanctioning Authority. "Public policy and the interest of justice demand that this court forms a view on the content of the speeches given by the accused on the basis of settled law and opine whether cognisable offence is made out thereupon,? it said and sought lodging of an FIR on the complaint. The plea said they had filed the complaint over 9 months ago and the registration of FIR is already extremely delayed despite cognisable offences being made out. Karat had claimed in her complaint that 'Thakur and Verma had sought to incite people as a result of which three incidents of firing took place at two different protest sites in Delhi' The complaint had sought lodging of FIRs under various sections, including 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.), 153-B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) and 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the IPC. It had also sought action under other sections of the IPC, including 298 (uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation). The maximum punishment for the offences is jail term for seven years. Karat had approached the court after her written complaints to the Commissioner of Police and the SHO, Parliament Street, failed to elicit any response. The CPI (M) leader had mentioned that at the Rithala rally here, Thakur, the minister of state for finance and corporate affairs, had on January 27 egged on the crowd to raise an incendiary slogan ? ?shoot the traitors? ? after lashing out at anti-CAA protesters. In the complaint, she had mentioned that Verma had on January 28 allegedly made incendiary comments against the anti-CAA protesters in Shaheen Bagh.

Brinda Karat urges HC to order lodging of FIR against Thakur, Verma for hate speech

The government on Monday said India's near-term macroeconomic outlook is vulnerable to disruption of trade with China due to the coronavirus outbreak but the latest data do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy, and sliding crude oil prices may be a silver lining.

The coronavirus outbreak, first in China and now having been confirmed in more than 100 countries, has emerged as a key risk to human health as well as global growth outlook through numerous channels like trade, production and supply chain disruptions as well as decline in demand.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-must-work-together-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic-imf-286112">Countries must work together to combat coronavirus pandemic: IMF</a>

This was stated by Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

"As is true for the world at large, India's near-term macroeconomic outlook is also vulnerable to disruption of trade with China and second-round effects arising from an expected slowdown in global growth," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adb-to-provide-200-million-to-support-strained-supply-chains-in-fight-against-covid-19-285801">ADB to provide $200 million to support strained supply chains in fight against COVID-19</a>

However, the latest available data on trade and domestic output indicators do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy, the minister said.

"Additionally, a positive impact on India's economy may arise from a decline in global oil prices triggered by the outbreak of COVID-19," Thakur added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imfs-chief-economist-gita-gopinath-suggest-ways-to-counter-economic-impact-from-coronavirus-285440">IMF's chief economist Gita Gopinath suggest ways to counter economic impact from coronavirus</a>

He told the House that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been coordinating the efforts of the central government in terms of preparedness, control and containment measures and working with state governments in order to mitigate the impact of the virus outbreak in India.

In order to address the possibility of trade-induced adverse impact on the economy, the government is constantly engaging with export promotion councils and trade bodies, particularly in pharmaceutical, electronics and automobile sectors where the supply chains are sourcing imports from China.

These agencies, Thakur said, have been put in touch with Indian Missions abroad to secure and transport inventories available with the existing suppliers.

Indian Missions abroad have also been asked to explore alternative sources of supply of raw materials in their respective countries for supporting India's domestic production.

The government on Monday said India's near-term macroeconomic outlook is vulnerable to disruption of trade with China due to the coronavirus outbreak but the latest data do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy, and sliding crude oil prices may be a silver lining.

The government on Monday said India's near-term macroeconomic outlook is vulnerable to disruption of trade with China due to the coronavirus outbreak but the latest data do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy, and sliding crude oil prices may be a silver lining. The coronavirus outbreak, first in China and now having been confirmed in more than 100 countries, has emerged as a key risk to human health as well as global growth outlook through numerous channels like trade, production and supply chain disruptions as well as decline in demand. Also read: Countries must work together to combat coronavirus pandemic: IMF This was stated by Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. "As is true for the world at large, India's near-term macroeconomic outlook is also vulnerable to disruption of trade with China and second-round effects arising from an expected slowdown in global growth," he said. Also read: ADB to provide $200 million to support strained supply chains in fight against COVID-19 However, the latest available data on trade and domestic output indicators do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy, the minister said. "Additionally, a positive impact on India's economy may arise from a decline in global oil prices triggered by the outbreak of COVID-19," Thakur added. Also read: IMF's chief economist Gita Gopinath suggest ways to counter economic impact from coronavirus He told the House that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been coordinating the efforts of the central government in terms of preparedness, control and containment measures and working with state governments in order to mitigate the impact of the virus outbreak in India. In order to address the possibility of trade-induced adverse impact on the economy, the government is constantly engaging with export promotion councils and trade bodies, particularly in pharmaceutical, electronics and automobile sectors where the supply chains are sourcing imports from China. These agencies, Thakur said, have been put in touch with Indian Missions abroad to secure and transport inventories available with the existing suppliers. Indian Missions abroad have also been asked to explore alternative sources of supply of raw materials in their respective countries for supporting India's domestic production.

Indian macroeconomic outlook vulnerable to disruption of trade with China: FinMin on coronavirus

Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on March 4 a plea seeking immediate registration of FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and others for their alleged "hate speech", that allegedly led to the violence in North-East Delhi.

The petition was filed by a group of Delhi violence survivors.&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde posted the matter for hearing on Wednesday after senior advocate Colin Gonsalves appearing for the survivors told the apex court that Delhi High Court had last week adjourned the issue for six weeks whereas people are dying every day.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airtel-deposits-another-rs-8000-crore-towards-agr-dues-in-compliance-with-sc-order-283450">Airtel deposits another Rs 8,000 crore towards AGR dues in compliance with SC order</a>

Gonsalves said that it is an urgent issue and added that the top court should hear the matter today or tomorrow. The Chief Justice said that he "wished for peace" but added that the court cannot give preventive relief.

"We are not saying people should die. That kind of pressure we are not equipped to handle. We cannot stop things from happening. We cannot give preventive relief. We feel a kind of pressure on us... We can only deal with the situation after it occurs, the kind of pressure on us, we can`t handle that... it's like the court is responsible," Chief Justice Bobde observed.

"We read newspapers, we know the kind of comments that are made. Courts come on to the scene after the thing is done and courts have not been able to prevent such a thing. We wish peace...," he added.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-declines-to-refer-the-petitions-challenging-government-move-on-article-370-to-a-larger-bench-283634">Supreme Court declines to refer the petitions challenging government move on Article 370 to a larger bench</a>

The plea filed by a group of 10 Delhi violence survivors sought an immediate FIR against Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma and Abhay Verma who allegedly "indulged in hate speech, rioting, murder, and arson".

It sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with officers from outside Delhi to probe violence and call in the army to maintain law and order in the national capital. The plea further sought an inquiry committee headed by a retired judge to probe police persons involved in the violence and exemplary compensation to all victims.

The petitioners also sought postmortem reports to be released immediately to the families of victims. IT also sought a direction to the government and police to make public the full list of persons detained by police and paramilitary and to preserve all CCTV footage of violence-affected areas.

At least 46 people lost their lives and more than 200 others sustained serious injuries in the violence that rocked North-East Delhi last week.

Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on March 4 a plea seeking immediate registration of FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and others for their alleged "hate speech", that allegedly led to the violence in North-East Delhi.

Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on March 4 a plea seeking immediate registration of FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and others for their alleged "hate speech", that allegedly led to the violence in North-East Delhi. The petition was filed by a group of Delhi violence survivors. A bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde posted the matter for hearing on Wednesday after senior advocate Colin Gonsalves appearing for the survivors told the apex court that Delhi High Court had last week adjourned the issue for six weeks whereas people are dying every day. Also read: Airtel deposits another Rs 8,000 crore towards AGR dues in compliance with SC order Gonsalves said that it is an urgent issue and added that the top court should hear the matter today or tomorrow. The Chief Justice said that he "wished for peace" but added that the court cannot give preventive relief. "We are not saying people should die. That kind of pressure we are not equipped to handle. We cannot stop things from happening. We cannot give preventive relief. We feel a kind of pressure on us... We can only deal with the situation after it occurs, the kind of pressure on us, we can`t handle that... it's like the court is responsible," Chief Justice Bobde observed. "We read newspapers, we know the kind of comments that are made. Courts come on to the scene after the thing is done and courts have not been able to prevent such a thing. We wish peace...," he added. Also see: Supreme Court declines to refer the petitions challenging government move on Article 370 to a larger bench The plea filed by a group of 10 Delhi violence survivors sought an immediate FIR against Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma and Abhay Verma who allegedly "indulged in hate speech, rioting, murder, and arson". It sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with officers from outside Delhi to probe violence and call in the army to maintain law and order in the national capital. The plea further sought an inquiry committee headed by a retired judge to probe police persons involved in the violence and exemplary compensation to all victims. The petitioners also sought postmortem reports to be released immediately to the families of victims. IT also sought a direction to the government and police to make public the full list of persons detained by police and paramilitary and to preserve all CCTV footage of violence-affected areas. At least 46 people lost their lives and more than 200 others sustained serious injuries in the violence that rocked North-East Delhi last week.

Supreme Court to hear plea seeking FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur

Firing incident in Jamia has taken the sheen of the BJP government. What started as a protest reflecting the anxiety felt by the minority community has become a statement on what the Indian Constitution stands for. What was being ridiculed as an endless protest received a shot in its arm when a religious bigot fired a shot adjacent to the protest site, amplifying ugly face of reverse polarisation which the government is attempting to do because it cannot see beyond electoral politics.

As electoral politics has become the start and end of the government, anything which can deliver voters to the booth has become acceptable. It is for this reason no disciplinary action has been taken against Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma. That is the bad part.

The good part is that protests have been able to draw attention to the nuance of Gandhi’s politics. Earlier, Shaheen Bagh protesters came under attack for heckling the journalist and not letting them enter the venue. I, as a fellow journalist, disagree with this approach as protests cannot be exclusionary even if it means that reporters or editors hold a different view on the subject. They should have been allowed to report and move inside the venue.

But Thursday’s firing has changed all that. The firing is a rude reminder that BJP’s commitment to Gandhi’s politics seems limited to Rajghat or Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was a masterstroke on part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was able to break the biggest stigma which continues to hurt RSS and that being its ideology was behind assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

By embracing Gandhi and taking him out of school textbooks and seminar halls, Modi was able to blunt Opposition’s ideological edge. Congress was not able to attack Modi because he utilised Gandhi as a campaign to mobilise people for important civic issues like cleanliness which struck a chord with the electorate.

It allowed BJP to ignore other facets of Gandhi’s politics especially his focus on Hindu-Muslim unity during his last days. The present event has almost reversed the wheel. The challenge posed by Shaheen Bagh is that it has snatched Gandhi’s imagination of India from Prime Minister who very carefully took it away from the Congress Party post-2014 Lok Sabha elections through multiple social campaigns. Today the most important aspect of Gandhi, which is peace and religious harmony, rests with the Shaheen Bagh protesters.

This should worry the Prime Minister as many would now challenge his practice of Gandhi as cosmetic and divorced from Gandhi’s real message. The violence blunts his incorporation of Gandhi into BJP-RSS discourse which has already absorbed a number of pre-colonial Congress leaders.

Shaheen Bagh protest should not be evaluated from the perspective of electoral impact. It would be a disservice. It should be seen from the perspective of right or wrong. It has brought the debate on Constitution and citizenship to the centrestage of Indian politics.

PM’s effort to bring Gandhi out of seminars and school books was a welcome move but by not embracing his approach on Hindu Muslim unity it will end up becoming his Achilles heel as Gandhi cannot be absorbed in bits and pieces. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Firing incident in Jamia has taken the sheen of the BJP government. What started as a protest reflecting the anxiety felt by the minority community has become a statement on what the Indian Constitution stands for.

Firing incident in Jamia has taken the sheen of the BJP government. What started as a protest reflecting the anxiety felt by the minority community has become a statement on what the Indian Constitution stands for. What was being ridiculed as an endless protest received a shot in its arm when a religious bigot fired a shot adjacent to the protest site, amplifying ugly face of reverse polarisation which the government is attempting to do because it cannot see beyond electoral politics. As electoral politics has become the start and end of the government, anything which can deliver voters to the booth has become acceptable. It is for this reason no disciplinary action has been taken against Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma. That is the bad part. The good part is that protests have been able to draw attention to the nuance of Gandhi’s politics. Earlier, Shaheen Bagh protesters came under attack for heckling the journalist and not letting them enter the venue. I, as a fellow journalist, disagree with this approach as protests cannot be exclusionary even if it means that reporters or editors hold a different view on the subject. They should have been allowed to report and move inside the venue. But Thursday’s firing has changed all that. The firing is a rude reminder that BJP’s commitment to Gandhi’s politics seems limited to Rajghat or Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was a masterstroke on part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was able to break the biggest stigma which continues to hurt RSS and that being its ideology was behind assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. By embracing Gandhi and taking him out of school textbooks and seminar halls, Modi was able to blunt Opposition’s ideological edge. Congress was not able to attack Modi because he utilised Gandhi as a campaign to mobilise people for important civic issues like cleanliness which struck a chord with the electorate. It allowed BJP to ignore other facets of Gandhi’s politics especially his focus on Hindu-Muslim unity during his last days. The present event has almost reversed the wheel. The challenge posed by Shaheen Bagh is that it has snatched Gandhi’s imagination of India from Prime Minister who very carefully took it away from the Congress Party post-2014 Lok Sabha elections through multiple social campaigns. Today the most important aspect of Gandhi, which is peace and religious harmony, rests with the Shaheen Bagh protesters. This should worry the Prime Minister as many would now challenge his practice of Gandhi as cosmetic and divorced from Gandhi’s real message. The violence blunts his incorporation of Gandhi into BJP-RSS discourse which has already absorbed a number of pre-colonial Congress leaders. Shaheen Bagh protest should not be evaluated from the perspective of electoral impact. It would be a disservice. It should be seen from the perspective of right or wrong. It has brought the debate on Constitution and citizenship to the centrestage of Indian politics. PM’s effort to bring Gandhi out of seminars and school books was a welcome move but by not embracing his approach on Hindu Muslim unity it will end up becoming his Achilles heel as Gandhi cannot be absorbed in bits and pieces. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Has Mahatma Gandhi become BJP’s Achilles heel?

The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered the expulsion of BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma from the list of star campaigners for upcoming Delhi Assembly Election over their objectionable comments.

The order has been issued by the Election Commission that barred the two leaders from campaigning for their party who made disputable comments during poll rallies.

"The Election Commission has ordered the removal of Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma from the list of star campaigners of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the general elections to the Legislative Assembly of the NCT of Delhi with immediate effect and until further orders," it stated.

<img alt="EC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="00981176-39d4-4a43-9290-829745f8d851" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EC.jpg" />

The West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma, who asserted in an election rally on Monday that the Shaheen Bagh protest site will be cleared in an hour on February 11 if his party comes to power, also said what happened in Kashmir with Kashmiri Pandits could happen in Delhi too.

On the other hand Union Minister, Thakur was heard saying to a rally that &nbsp;"traitors should be shot at" as he was lashing out at anti-CAA opposers.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered the expulsion of BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma from the list of star campaigners for upcoming Delhi Assembly Election over their objectionable comments.

The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered the expulsion of BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma from the list of star campaigners for upcoming Delhi Assembly Election over their objectionable comments. The order has been issued by the Election Commission that barred the two leaders from campaigning for their party who made disputable comments during poll rallies. "The Election Commission has ordered the removal of Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma from the list of star campaigners of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the general elections to the Legislative Assembly of the NCT of Delhi with immediate effect and until further orders," it stated. The West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma, who asserted in an election rally on Monday that the Shaheen Bagh protest site will be cleared in an hour on February 11 if his party comes to power, also said what happened in Kashmir with Kashmiri Pandits could happen in Delhi too. On the other hand Union Minister, Thakur was heard saying to a rally that "traitors should be shot at" as he was lashing out at anti-CAA opposers. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Assembly Election 2020: Remove Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma as BJP star campaigners, orders Election Commission

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday held her fourth pre-budget consultations with different stakeholder groups from agriculture and agro-processing sectors in connection with the forthcoming general budget 2020-21.

The main areas of discussion during the meeting included agricultural marketing reforms, organic and natural farming, agricultural commodity markets and future trading, storage infrastructure for agricultural produce, animal husbandry, agro-processing industry, ideas for reducing food subsidy among others.

Along with the Finance Minister, the meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur.

Representatives of the agro-processing and rural development sectors submitted various suggestions to boost investment in the agricultural sector and enhance market access to farmers.

Significant suggestions received from the stakeholders included building brands of Indian agricultural products abroad, giving processing industry benefits, importance equivalent to agriculture, accelerate depreciation benefit to the agri-processing industry, revamping of PMFBY and encouraging the development of farm eco-system services and market intelligence systems.

Representatives also felt the need for expansion of multi-dimensional research in agriculture for the development of new technologies and further suggested for promoting start-ups in institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Agriculture Universities for young agricultural students.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday held her fourth pre-budget consultations with different stakeholder groups from agriculture and agro-processing sectors in connection with the forthcoming general budget 2020-21.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday held her fourth pre-budget consultations with different stakeholder groups from agriculture and agro-processing sectors in connection with the forthcoming general budget 2020-21. The main areas of discussion during the meeting included agricultural marketing reforms, organic and natural farming, agricultural commodity markets and future trading, storage infrastructure for agricultural produce, animal husbandry, agro-processing industry, ideas for reducing food subsidy among others. Along with the Finance Minister, the meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur. Representatives of the agro-processing and rural development sectors submitted various suggestions to boost investment in the agricultural sector and enhance market access to farmers. Significant suggestions received from the stakeholders included building brands of Indian agricultural products abroad, giving processing industry benefits, importance equivalent to agriculture, accelerate depreciation benefit to the agri-processing industry, revamping of PMFBY and encouraging the development of farm eco-system services and market intelligence systems. Representatives also felt the need for expansion of multi-dimensional research in agriculture for the development of new technologies and further suggested for promoting start-ups in institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Agriculture Universities for young agricultural students.

Finance Minister holds pre-budget consultation with representatives of agriculture, agro-processing sectors

Anurag Thakur and Suresh Angadi take oath as Cabinet minister. To know more watch the video

Anurag Thakur and Suresh Angadi take oath as Cabinet minister

A day after releasing its first list of 184 candidates, the Central Election Committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released its 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th lists of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

The party announced the names of 48 candidates. The list was announced by Union Minister JP Nadda during a press conference in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The list was released by BJP's Central Election Committee secretary and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here at a press conference. Out of 48 candidates, two are from Goa, 15 from Madhya Pradesh, 15 from Gujarat, 10 from Jharkhand, 4 from Himachal Pradesh and two from Karnataka. BJP MP Janardan Mishra will contest from Madhya Pradesh`s Reva while MP Rakesh Singh from Jabalpur.

The BJP has fielded former BCCI President Anurag Thakur from Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, Suresh Kashyap from Shimla, Kishan Kapoor from Kangra.

Among those contesting from Jharkhand include Sunil Soren from Dumka, Nishikant Dubey from Godda, and Pashupati Nath Singh from Dhanbad.

The BJP will support Sumalatha as the independent candidate from Karnataka`s Mandya.BJP also released its list of six candidates legislative assembly bye-polls in Gujarat and Goa candidates.

In Goa, BJP has fielded Dayanand Raghunath Sopte will contest from Mandrem, Joushua Peter Desouza from Mapusa and Subhash Ankush Shirodkar from Siroda.

Three Candidates each for the legislative assembly of Gujarat and Goa bye-polls were also announced.&nbsp;

Parsotambhai Sabariya (Dhrangradhra) Raghavjibhai Patel (Jamnagar Rural) and Javaharabhai Chavda (Manavadar) will contest bye-polls in Gujarat.&nbsp;

The seven-phase of 17th Lok Sabha elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

(With inputs from ANI)

A day after releasing its first list of 184 candidates, the Central Election Committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released its 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th lists of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

A day after releasing its first list of 184 candidates, the Central Election Committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released its 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th lists of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections 2019. The party announced the names of 48 candidates. The list was announced by Union Minister JP Nadda during a press conference in New Delhi. The list was released by BJP's Central Election Committee secretary and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda here at a press conference. Out of 48 candidates, two are from Goa, 15 from Madhya Pradesh, 15 from Gujarat, 10 from Jharkhand, 4 from Himachal Pradesh and two from Karnataka. BJP MP Janardan Mishra will contest from Madhya Pradesh`s Reva while MP Rakesh Singh from Jabalpur. The BJP has fielded former BCCI President Anurag Thakur from Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, Suresh Kashyap from Shimla, Kishan Kapoor from Kangra. Among those contesting from Jharkhand include Sunil Soren from Dumka, Nishikant Dubey from Godda, and Pashupati Nath Singh from Dhanbad. The BJP will support Sumalatha as the independent candidate from Karnataka`s Mandya.BJP also released its list of six candidates legislative assembly bye-polls in Gujarat and Goa candidates. In Goa, BJP has fielded Dayanand Raghunath Sopte will contest from Mandrem, Joushua Peter Desouza from Mapusa and Subhash Ankush Shirodkar from Siroda. Three Candidates each for the legislative assembly of Gujarat and Goa bye-polls were also announced. Parsotambhai Sabariya (Dhrangradhra) Raghavjibhai Patel (Jamnagar Rural) and Javaharabhai Chavda (Manavadar) will contest bye-polls in Gujarat. The seven-phase of 17th Lok Sabha elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP fields Anurag Thakur from Hamirpur, Jayant Sinha gets Hazaribagh

Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary IT Committee, briefed the media after concluding the meeting with officials of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on Wednesday. Thakur informed that the officials of social media platforms "accepted there is a need for corrective measures and that they're ready for them," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission and work on the information provided by the concerned ministries,"&nbsp;Thakur noted, adding that the Parliamentary Committee has asked the officials to ensure the respective platforms are not used to "create division in society or incite violence."&nbsp;

"We asked them to ensure their platforms aren't used to create division in society, incite violence, pose threat to India's security or let foreign powers meddle in Indian elections," Thakur told reporters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

A parliamentary panel Wednesday expressed concern over social media giant Facebook's ability to prevent misuse of its platform during elections in India, news agency PTI reported.

The 31-member panel had met to hear the views of the representatives of Facebook and its affiliates WhatsApp and Instagram on 'safeguarding citizens rights on social/online news media platforms'.&nbsp;

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Anurag Thakur, Chairman, Parliamentary IT Committee: They accepted there is a need for corrective measures &amp; that they're ready for them. They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission &amp; work on the information provided by the concerned ministries. <a href="https://t.co/pjDkGT5WXq">https://t.co/pjDkGT5WXq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103225244930719750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A senior official of Facebook appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur and responded to concerns raised by the lawmakers over the possible misuse of social media to influence elections, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Facebook has given a commitment to the panel that identity, location and who paid for advertisements during elections will be available on a special web page for users, sources said.

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Facebook Vice-President, Joel Kaplan after meeting with Parliamentary IT Comm: We are very grateful to the honourable Parliamentary Comm for giving us opportunity to come &amp; share how we are preparing for the Indian election &amp; helping keep people in India safe on our platform. <a href="https://t.co/SzcWpTkU9T">pic.twitter.com/SzcWpTkU9T</a>
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According&nbsp;to reports, Facebook told the committee members that it was a "hybrid company" and failed to clearly answer which regulatory framework apply to their content, advertising and marketing operations in India.

The US-based company also admitted it doesn't "always get it right" regarding content moderation on its platform, PTI reported.&nbsp;

One of the sources said that the sense of committee members was that "despite all the apologies for past mistakes that Facebook has made, it still seems unwilling to be properly scrutinised and transparent."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary IT Committee, briefed the media after concluding the meeting with officials of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on Wednesday.

Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary IT Committee, briefed the media after concluding the meeting with officials of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on Wednesday. Thakur informed that the officials of social media platforms "accepted there is a need for corrective measures and that they're ready for them," news agency ANI reported. "They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission and work on the information provided by the concerned ministries," Thakur noted, adding that the Parliamentary Committee has asked the officials to ensure the respective platforms are not used to "create division in society or incite violence." "We asked them to ensure their platforms aren't used to create division in society, incite violence, pose threat to India's security or let foreign powers meddle in Indian elections," Thakur told reporters in New Delhi. A parliamentary panel Wednesday expressed concern over social media giant Facebook's ability to prevent misuse of its platform during elections in India, news agency PTI reported. The 31-member panel had met to hear the views of the representatives of Facebook and its affiliates WhatsApp and Instagram on 'safeguarding citizens rights on social/online news media platforms'. Anurag Thakur, Chairman, Parliamentary IT Committee: They accepted there is a need for corrective measures & that they're ready for them. They have said they will be in touch with the Election Commission & work on the information provided by the concerned ministries. https://t.co/pjDkGT5WXq — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × A senior official of Facebook appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur and responded to concerns raised by the lawmakers over the possible misuse of social media to influence elections, PTI reported. Facebook has given a commitment to the panel that identity, location and who paid for advertisements during elections will be available on a special web page for users, sources said. Facebook Vice-President, Joel Kaplan after meeting with Parliamentary IT Comm: We are very grateful to the honourable Parliamentary Comm for giving us opportunity to come & share how we are preparing for the Indian election & helping keep people in India safe on our platform. pic.twitter.com/SzcWpTkU9T — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × According to reports, Facebook told the committee members that it was a "hybrid company" and failed to clearly answer which regulatory framework apply to their content, advertising and marketing operations in India. The US-based company also admitted it doesn't "always get it right" regarding content moderation on its platform, PTI reported. One of the sources said that the sense of committee members was that "despite all the apologies for past mistakes that Facebook has made, it still seems unwilling to be properly scrutinised and transparent." (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook officials agreed to ensure that their platforms aren't used to create division in society: Parliamentary panel

Days before the Twitter representative was summoned by the Parliamentary Committee in India to answer accusations of alleged bias against "nationalist" accounts, the social media had released a blog stating that it was passionate to serve the users in the country and was committed to the principles of openness, transparency and impartiality.

Twitter had been summoned by the committee on February 11 but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1.&nbsp;

The committee head and BJP MP Anurag Thakur on February 5 had tweeted about the agenda of the February 11 Parliamentary meet as examining the issue of "safeguarding citizens'' rights on social/online news media platforms".

Over the last few months, social media players like Facebook, Twitter and Google have promised to infuse more transparency into political advertisements on their platform, and have since announced a slew of measures as part of election integrity efforts.

In the blog released on February 8, Twitter had repeatedly clarified that its product and policies were not influenced by any political ideology.

The blog stated that the company had made over 70 product, policy and operational changes since the beginning of 2018 to make people feel safe.

Citing that mistakes can happen, the blog said that these mistakes were not political statements of intent, they were "basic human error rate of running the fastest, most open conversational tool in history".

The blog also assured that the company had a specialised global team to enforce the Twitter Rules with impartiality.

Speaking about the trending topics the blog said that the trends were based on regular speculation and the topics trending have been popular for a while or on a daily basis.

It further added that the trends are not determined by the total number of Tweets on a topic alone but also the number of Tweets in a given time period (i.e. velocity), which is not necessarily related to the total number of Tweets (i.e. volume).

It also stated that "very rare instances" where Twitter prevents certain content from trending is when trends contain profanity or adult/graphic references, incite hate on the basis of a protected characteristic, or violate the Twitter Rules.&nbsp;

It reiterated that political ideology had never been the reason for preventing trending topics.

Last year Twitter had updated the follower counts of every account and had removed a significant number of inactive accounts. The social networking site said it would continue to proactively identify and challenge problematic accounts globally.

In the wake of the Lok Sabha elections the company said it was working with Indian political parties to verify candidates, elected officials and relevant party officials.

Days before the Twitter representative was summoned by the Parliamentary Committee in India to answer accusations of alleged bias against "nationalist" accounts, the social media had released a blog stating that it was passionate to serve the users in the country and was committed to the principles of openness, transparency and impartiality.

Days before the Twitter representative was summoned by the Parliamentary Committee in India to answer accusations of alleged bias against "nationalist" accounts, the social media had released a blog stating that it was passionate to serve the users in the country and was committed to the principles of openness, transparency and impartiality. Twitter had been summoned by the committee on February 11 but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1. The committee head and BJP MP Anurag Thakur on February 5 had tweeted about the agenda of the February 11 Parliamentary meet as examining the issue of "safeguarding citizens'' rights on social/online news media platforms". Over the last few months, social media players like Facebook, Twitter and Google have promised to infuse more transparency into political advertisements on their platform, and have since announced a slew of measures as part of election integrity efforts. In the blog released on February 8, Twitter had repeatedly clarified that its product and policies were not influenced by any political ideology. The blog stated that the company had made over 70 product, policy and operational changes since the beginning of 2018 to make people feel safe. Citing that mistakes can happen, the blog said that these mistakes were not political statements of intent, they were "basic human error rate of running the fastest, most open conversational tool in history". The blog also assured that the company had a specialised global team to enforce the Twitter Rules with impartiality. Speaking about the trending topics the blog said that the trends were based on regular speculation and the topics trending have been popular for a while or on a daily basis. It further added that the trends are not determined by the total number of Tweets on a topic alone but also the number of Tweets in a given time period (i.e. velocity), which is not necessarily related to the total number of Tweets (i.e. volume). It also stated that "very rare instances" where Twitter prevents certain content from trending is when trends contain profanity or adult/graphic references, incite hate on the basis of a protected characteristic, or violate the Twitter Rules. It reiterated that political ideology had never been the reason for preventing trending topics. Last year Twitter had updated the follower counts of every account and had removed a significant number of inactive accounts. The social networking site said it would continue to proactively identify and challenge problematic accounts globally. In the wake of the Lok Sabha elections the company said it was working with Indian political parties to verify candidates, elected officials and relevant party officials.

Ahead of Parliamentary meet, Twitter said it was passionate to serve the Indian users 

The parliamentary committee on information technology has given Twitter another 15 days to appear before it.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI quoted sources as saying the parliamentary committee, headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur, passed a resolution, unanimously, that they would not meet any Twitter officials until senior members or the CEO of Twitter's global team deposed before the committee.&nbsp;

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Sources: Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology has passed a resolution unanimously that they will not meet any Twitter officials until senior members or CEO of the Twitter Global team depose before the Committee. 15 days deadline has been given to Twitter.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094926635340652544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-ceo-and-senior-officials-refuse-to-appear-before-parliamentary-committee-196223">the company had declined to appear</a> saying the notice was too short.&nbsp;

The summons had been sent out on February 1.&nbsp;

Thakur had hinted earlier that action would be taken against the microblogging site.&nbsp;

"Of course it can be an issue of breach of parliamentary privilege. They are taking advantage of the world's biggest market and are unwilling to answer," IANS quoted Thakur as saying. He added that Twitter's reply has been taken note of by the committee&nbsp;and "we will take a serious note of it".

"It is a very serious subject, and the kind of reply they have given will be discussed in the parliamentary committee, and we will take further action on that," IANS quoted Thakur as saying.

BJP national spokesperson Meenakashi Lekhi had also warned Twitter of "repercussions".&nbsp;

"In this situation, if Twitter is disrespecting the established institution of Parliament, then there are repercussions," she said at a press conference.

"There are repercussions because in any democratic country, institutions need to be respected by the world powers. If there is any violation of any sort, then there are repercussions to those violations...The institutions need to be respected," Lekhi added.

A Twitter team including Twitter India representatives had arrived in Parliament on Monday to depose before the committee but the committee had insisted on senior members or the CEO of the global team.&nbsp;

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Twitter team including Twitter India representatives arrive at Parliament to appear before Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology today. Earlier Twitter had refused to appear citing 'short notice' of the hearing. The Committee had called Twitter via a letter on Feb 1. <a href="https://t.co/UZkLoEIyu3">pic.twitter.com/UZkLoEIyu3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094922083983867905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Twitter CEO is Jack Dorsey, who is also co-founder of the microblogging site.&nbsp;

Dorsey had recently got into trouble in India, after he was pictured next to a woman holding up a poster saying "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-says-sorry-as-ceos-photo-in-india-with-placard-sparks-anger-178384">Smash Brahminical patriarchy</a>", and in Myanmar, where he was accused <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-ceo-jack-dorsey-slammed-after-he-tweets-about-everything-in-myanmar-but-rohingya-crisis-182891">of tweeting about everything but the Rohingya crisis</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Twitter had been summoned by the parliamentary committee to answer accusations of alleged bias against "nationalist" accounts.&nbsp;The committee is deliberating the issue of safeguarding citizens' rights on social media platforms.

The parliamentary committee on information technology has given Twitter another 15 days to appear before it. The news agency ANI quoted sources as saying the parliamentary committee, headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur, passed a resolution, unanimously, that they would not meet any Twitter officials until senior members or the CEO of Twitter's global team deposed before the committee.

The parliamentary committee on information technology has given Twitter another 15 days to appear before it. The news agency ANI quoted sources as saying the parliamentary committee, headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur, passed a resolution, unanimously, that they would not meet any Twitter officials until senior members or the CEO of Twitter's global team deposed before the committee. Sources: Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology has passed a resolution unanimously that they will not meet any Twitter officials until senior members or CEO of the Twitter Global team depose before the Committee. 15 days deadline has been given to Twitter. — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1. Thakur had hinted earlier that action would be taken against the microblogging site. "Of course it can be an issue of breach of parliamentary privilege. They are taking advantage of the world's biggest market and are unwilling to answer," IANS quoted Thakur as saying. He added that Twitter's reply has been taken note of by the committee and "we will take a serious note of it". "It is a very serious subject, and the kind of reply they have given will be discussed in the parliamentary committee, and we will take further action on that," IANS quoted Thakur as saying. BJP national spokesperson Meenakashi Lekhi had also warned Twitter of "repercussions". "In this situation, if Twitter is disrespecting the established institution of Parliament, then there are repercussions," she said at a press conference. "There are repercussions because in any democratic country, institutions need to be respected by the world powers. If there is any violation of any sort, then there are repercussions to those violations...The institutions need to be respected," Lekhi added. A Twitter team including Twitter India representatives had arrived in Parliament on Monday to depose before the committee but the committee had insisted on senior members or the CEO of the global team. Twitter team including Twitter India representatives arrive at Parliament to appear before Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology today. Earlier Twitter had refused to appear citing 'short notice' of the hearing. The Committee had called Twitter via a letter on Feb 1. pic.twitter.com/UZkLoEIyu3 — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × The Twitter CEO is Jack Dorsey, who is also co-founder of the microblogging site. Dorsey had recently got into trouble in India, after he was pictured next to a woman holding up a poster saying "Smash Brahminical patriarchy", and in Myanmar, where he was accused of tweeting about everything but the Rohingya crisis. Twitter had been summoned by the parliamentary committee to answer accusations of alleged bias against "nationalist" accounts. The committee is deliberating the issue of safeguarding citizens' rights on social media platforms.

Parliamentary committee gives Twitter another 15-day deadline to appear before it

Lok Sabha passed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-targets-congress-for-opposing-triple-talaq-bill-in-lok-sabha-186906">triple talaq bill</a> on Friday amid huge uproar by some opposition parties.

BJP had issued a whip to all it's Lok Sabha MP's, two days before tabling the bill mentioning that everyone needs to be present while the Triple Talaq Bill will be taken up for discussion.

However, 30 party lawmakers did not show up for the discussion.

“I am aware, some MPs told me and took prior permission, about others we will look into the matter. The remaining MPs will be asked for reasons for their absence,” Anurag Thakur, BJP Chief Whip said.

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Anurag Thakur, BJP Chief Whip in Lok Sabha on reports of 30 BJP MPs absent during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> voting: I am aware, some MPs told me and took prior permission, about others we will look into the matter <a href="https://t.co/4jLXgIDvMF">pic.twitter.com/4jLXgIDvMF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078506002360733697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The bill passed in Lok Sabha proposes to make the practice of instant triple talaq a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code with the provision of a three-year jail term for the erring husband.

During the proceedings in Lok Sabha regarding the bill, some Opposition parties kept insisting on sending the bill to a Joint Select Committee and walked out of the House just before the bill was put to vote as their demand was not accepted.

The Bill was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court termed unconstitutional the law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering the word "talaq" three times in quick succession.

Lok Sabha passed triple talaq bill on Friday amid huge uproar by some opposition parties. BJP had issued a whip to all it's Lok Sabha MP's, two days before tabling the bill mentioning that everyone needs to be present while the Triple Talaq Bill will be taken up for discussion.

Lok Sabha passed triple talaq bill on Friday amid huge uproar by some opposition parties. BJP had issued a whip to all it's Lok Sabha MP's, two days before tabling the bill mentioning that everyone needs to be present while the Triple Talaq Bill will be taken up for discussion. However, 30 party lawmakers did not show up for the discussion. “I am aware, some MPs told me and took prior permission, about others we will look into the matter. The remaining MPs will be asked for reasons for their absence,” Anurag Thakur, BJP Chief Whip said. Anurag Thakur, BJP Chief Whip in Lok Sabha on reports of 30 BJP MPs absent during #TripleTalaqBill voting: I am aware, some MPs told me and took prior permission, about others we will look into the matter pic.twitter.com/4jLXgIDvMF — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × The bill passed in Lok Sabha proposes to make the practice of instant triple talaq a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code with the provision of a three-year jail term for the erring husband. During the proceedings in Lok Sabha regarding the bill, some Opposition parties kept insisting on sending the bill to a Joint Select Committee and walked out of the House just before the bill was put to vote as their demand was not accepted. The Bill was taken up in the Parliament in August last year after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court termed unconstitutional the law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering the word "talaq" three times in quick succession.

30 BJP lawmakers fails to show up at Triple Talaq Bill discussion

The BJP has moved a privilege motion against Congress President Rahul Gandhi over the Rafale issue.&nbsp;

The motion was moved by BJP MP from Himachal's Hamirpur Anurag Thakur.&nbsp;

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BJP moves Privilege Motion in Lok Sabha against Rahul Gandhi over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> issue. The Motion has been moved by Anurag Thakur. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/Lfia6e1WPE">pic.twitter.com/Lfia6e1WPE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074598857227390977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Gandhi and other leaders had alleged <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-increased-benchmark-price-of-rafale-jets-negotiating-team-overruled-by-mr-56-rahul-gandhi-177594">the price of the Rafale jets were inflated</a> in the new deal signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French president Francois Hollande. Gandhi said the price of the jets was inflated by as much as three times what the previous UPA government had agreed on with Rafale.&nbsp;

Gandhi had also alleged that that Rafale's India partner — Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence — had been offered a sweetheart deal by the Modi government. The original offset partner had been HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) but the PSU had suddenly been junked in favour of Reliance Defence.&nbsp;

Consequently, a number of petitions were filed in the Supreme Court asking the court to look into the deal.&nbsp;

The court however said last week that there appeared to be nothing wrong with the deal and that it did not need to be probed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The BJP has moved a privilege motion against Congress President Rahul Gandhi over the Rafale issue. The motion was moved by BJP MP from Himachal's Hamirpur Anurag Thakur.

The BJP has moved a privilege motion against Congress President Rahul Gandhi over the Rafale issue. The motion was moved by BJP MP from Himachal's Hamirpur Anurag Thakur. BJP moves Privilege Motion in Lok Sabha against Rahul Gandhi over #Rafale issue. The Motion has been moved by Anurag Thakur. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/Lfia6e1WPE — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × Gandhi and other leaders had alleged the price of the Rafale jets were inflated in the new deal signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French president Francois Hollande. Gandhi said the price of the jets was inflated by as much as three times what the previous UPA government had agreed on with Rafale. Gandhi had also alleged that that Rafale's India partner — Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence — had been offered a sweetheart deal by the Modi government. The original offset partner had been HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) but the PSU had suddenly been junked in favour of Reliance Defence. Consequently, a number of petitions were filed in the Supreme Court asking the court to look into the deal. The court however said last week that there appeared to be nothing wrong with the deal and that it did not need to be probed.

BJP's Anurag Thakur moves privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi over Rafale deal

Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi are expected to meet a Parliamentary panel today.&nbsp;

There have been strong&nbsp;protests against Bhansali&#39;s movie Padmavati, which Rajput and Hindu groups say disrespects Rajput history.&nbsp;

&quot;The panel has asked Bhansali and Joshi to appear before it and present their views on the movie. They can present their case before the panel. The members have also decided to call the producers of the movie,&quot; chairman of the panel Anurag Thakur was quoted as saying by PTI.&nbsp;

Actors Raj Babbar and Paresh Rawal, who are also MPs, are also part of the panel.

Source said the panel is expected to ask Bhansali the following questions:&nbsp;

-- Is your movie based on fiction or reality?&nbsp;

-- When you were making this particular film, did you have any particular intention to change characters from history?&nbsp;

-- Did u promise any particular group of private citizens that you would show them your movie prior to its release, and did you then decide otherwise?&nbsp;

-- As a filmmaker, do you feel that&nbsp;if a particular community is being sensitive about a few scenes, those scenes can be altered or cut. This is not going to be for the first time that a movie is being altered; then why such resilience?

-- Did you try to reach out to this group on your own when the protests began?&nbsp;

-- There are murmurs that you are not ready for cuts as you feel these protests might help your movie?&nbsp;

-- You are also an Indian. You know how sensitive these things can become. Why don&rsquo;t you sit with the other side -- if required this committee would recommend to ministers that they should mediate a meeting between you and the protestors. Are you open to the idea?&nbsp;

-- Have you shot any scene relating to any historical character that is obscene in nature?&nbsp;

The Padmavati director and the CBFC chairperson are expected to meet a Parliamentary panel today

Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi are expected to meet a Parliamentary panel today. There have been strong protests against Bhansali's movie Padmavati, which Rajput and Hindu groups say disrespects Rajput history. "The panel has asked Bhansali and Joshi to appear before it and present their views on the movie. They can present their case before the panel. The members have also decided to call the producers of the movie," chairman of the panel Anurag Thakur was quoted as saying by PTI. Actors Raj Babbar and Paresh Rawal, who are also MPs, are also part of the panel. Source said the panel is expected to ask Bhansali the following questions: -- Is your movie based on fiction or reality? -- When you were making this particular film, did you have any particular intention to change characters from history? -- Did u promise any particular group of private citizens that you would show them your movie prior to its release, and did you then decide otherwise? -- As a filmmaker, do you feel that if a particular community is being sensitive about a few scenes, those scenes can be altered or cut. This is not going to be for the first time that a movie is being altered; then why such resilience? -- Did you try to reach out to this group on your own when the protests began? -- There are murmurs that you are not ready for cuts as you feel these protests might help your movie? -- You are also an Indian. You know how sensitive these things can become. Why don’t you sit with the other side -- if required this committee would recommend to ministers that they should mediate a meeting between you and the protestors. Are you open to the idea? -- Have you shot any scene relating to any historical character that is obscene in nature?

Padmavati row: The questions a Parliamentary panel is expected to ask Bhansali, Prasoon Joshi today

Rattled after the Supreme Court removed both BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke, the Board&#39;s senior vice-president Gokaraju Ganga Raju made it clear that his association, Andhra CA, would implement the Lodha reforms with immediate effect.

&quot;There is no confusion as Supreme Court has passed its verdict. As the president of Andhra Cricket Association we would implement Lodha reforms in totality with immediate effect. If it means that we have to go into cooling off period, so be it. Indian cricket should move forward,&quot; Ganga Raju told news agency PTI.

When he was asked why&nbsp;Andhra CA did not adhere to the Lodha reforms earlier, Ganga Raju said: &quot;It was because everyone was together. But now when the verdict is out there is no question of defiance. We have been in BCCI long enough to know how to run administration.

&quot;Andhra has 19 cricket grounds owned by association and a second international stadium is coming up. We would do a good job,&quot; he concluded.

Earlier on Monday, in a blow for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Supreme Court removed Anurag Thakur and Ajay Shirke from the post of BCCI President and Secretary respectively.

The court gave the decision while hearing perjury charges levelled against Thakur by amicus curiae Gopal Subramaniam.

Issuing a contempt notice to Thakur, the top court said that the committee of the administrator will look after the affairs of BCCI. &quot;Senior-most Vice President of BCCI will act as President and Joint Secretary will act as Secretary,&quot; the Supreme Court said.

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The apex court also requested senior advocate Fali Nariman and Gopal Subramaniam to assist in nominating persons of impeccable integrity as members of the committee of administrators.

The court further added that all office bearers of BCCI and state associations must give an undertaking to abide by recommendations of Lodha Committee. &quot;All office bearers of BCCI and state associations who refuse to abide by recommendations of Lodha panel shall demit office forthwith,&quot; court said.

On December 15, the top court had observed that prima facie Thakur appeared to have committed matter of perjury in relation to demanding an intervention via a letter from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in order to sidestep the implementation of the Lodha committee recommendations.

The apex court, which was hearing the Lodha panel&#39;s third status report which asked for the removal of the top brass of the BCCI, also asked the Amicus Curiae whether Thakur committed perjury or not in the case.

In reply, the Amicus Curiae revealed that the BCCI chief, in his affidavit submitted to the top court, had said that he sought Shashank Manohar&#39;s opinion as the BCCI chairman, which was denied by the latter saying that it was asked in the ICC meeting.

On October 1, the board had accepted many of the &quot;significant recommendations&quot; of the Lodha Committee, but excluded the important ones which have been a bone of contention between the cricket body and the Lodha Panel.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI and DNA)

Supreme Court today removed Anurag Thakur from post of BCCI president and Ajay Shirke from the secretary's post

Rattled after the Supreme Court removed both BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke, the Board's senior vice-president Gokaraju Ganga Raju made it clear that his association, Andhra CA, would implement the Lodha reforms with immediate effect. "There is no confusion as Supreme Court has passed its verdict. As the president of Andhra Cricket Association we would implement Lodha reforms in totality with immediate effect. If it means that we have to go into cooling off period, so be it. Indian cricket should move forward," Ganga Raju told news agency PTI. When he was asked why Andhra CA did not adhere to the Lodha reforms earlier, Ganga Raju said: "It was because everyone was together. But now when the verdict is out there is no question of defiance. We have been in BCCI long enough to know how to run administration. "Andhra has 19 cricket grounds owned by association and a second international stadium is coming up. We would do a good job," he concluded. Earlier on Monday, in a blow for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Supreme Court removed Anurag Thakur and Ajay Shirke from the post of BCCI President and Secretary respectively. The court gave the decision while hearing perjury charges levelled against Thakur by amicus curiae Gopal Subramaniam. Issuing a contempt notice to Thakur, the top court said that the committee of the administrator will look after the affairs of BCCI. "Senior-most Vice President of BCCI will act as President and Joint Secretary will act as Secretary," the Supreme Court said. × The apex court also requested senior advocate Fali Nariman and Gopal Subramaniam to assist in nominating persons of impeccable integrity as members of the committee of administrators. The court further added that all office bearers of BCCI and state associations must give an undertaking to abide by recommendations of Lodha Committee. "All office bearers of BCCI and state associations who refuse to abide by recommendations of Lodha panel shall demit office forthwith," court said. On December 15, the top court had observed that prima facie Thakur appeared to have committed matter of perjury in relation to demanding an intervention via a letter from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in order to sidestep the implementation of the Lodha committee recommendations. The apex court, which was hearing the Lodha panel's third status report which asked for the removal of the top brass of the BCCI, also asked the Amicus Curiae whether Thakur committed perjury or not in the case. In reply, the Amicus Curiae revealed that the BCCI chief, in his affidavit submitted to the top court, had said that he sought Shashank Manohar's opinion as the BCCI chairman, which was denied by the latter saying that it was asked in the ICC meeting. On October 1, the board had accepted many of the "significant recommendations" of the Lodha Committee, but excluded the important ones which have been a bone of contention between the cricket body and the Lodha Panel. (With inputs from PTI and DNA)

India: Will implement Lodha Reforms right away, says BCCI senior vice president

It has taken the BCCI one year and two suspensions by Supreme Court to say it will implement the recommendations

Lodha panel reccomendations: A timeline

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