Twenty lawmakers of the Aam Aadmi Party were disqualified on Sunday by the President acting on the recommendation of the Election Commission. The legislators have been disqualified for holding &lsquo;offices of profit.&rsquo; They had been appointed &lsquo;Parliamentary Secretaries&rsquo; by the Delhi government headed by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi High Court set aside the appointments in 2016 and the Aam Aadmi Party would have perhaps thought that&rsquo;s that. Expect that it wasn&rsquo;t. The Election Commission acted on the letter of the law and now many observers and, of course, the Aam Aadmi Party, are claiming that the spirit of the law has been violated.

So did the Election Commission wake up one fine morning and say - &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll huff and I&rsquo;ll puff and I&rsquo;ll blow your house down&rdquo;? Anyone familiar with the goings-on of Nirvachan Sadan would agree that its not how the Election Commission works at all. Most decisions are based on precedent and following the letter of the Constitution and the laws therein to the T. It is an institution that is admired for its impartial conduct and, come elections, it does not shy away from taking uncomfortable decisions in replacing top officials in a state, should they feel that such officials would impede the conduct of free and fair polls.

The appointments as Parliamentary Secretaries were made in March 2015, the AAP sought to exempt theMLAs by amending the provisions of the Delhi Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1997, in 2016 &mdash; a year later. The bill seeking the amendments was struck down by the then President, Pranab Mukherjee.

So why then is the disqualification of these 20 MLAs being branded as an excess? Would similar questions have been raised if the members were from the Bharatiya Janata Party? Is it playing into the politics of Centre Vs State and then some? After all, Delhi&rsquo;s state government has gone toe-to-toe with the Lieutenant Governor over the past 3-4 years and the relationship between this state government and the Centre has been tenuous, to say the least. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has branded the disqualification of AAP MLAs as &lsquo;Tughlaqshahi of the worst order&rsquo;. The reference to a former Sultan of Delhi is ironic - the Chief Minister is also branded as a despot by many within his own ranks and is capable of, shall we say, whimsical behaviour. AAP founder-member, and now a staunch Kejriwal critic, Kumar Vishwas says his opinion on the appointment of the parliamentary secretaries was disregarded.

AAP is now pinning its hopes on the Delhi High Court which will examine the decision not just on the principles of natural justice but also under the provisions of laws like the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 and Article 239 AA of the Constitution which deals with Centre-State relations.

If the disqualification holds, then Delhi is heading for a mini-poll of sorts in six months to elect 20 lawmakers. The chief minister and his ilk can continue to cry foul, suggest the Election Commission is in cahoots with the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre and perhaps garner some sympathy (and votes too).

Meanwhile, even with its diminished strength of 45, the Aam Aadmi Party has a comfortable majority in the 70-member Delhi Assembly. Assuming that AAP loses the contest for all 20 seats, while it will be a loss of face, that majority wouldn&rsquo;t change. This churn may also give Arvind Kejriwal a chance to consolidate his flock and inject some fresh loyalists in the party that has been badly plagued with dissension.

Not just an open revolt by Kumar Vishwas who is still smarting from being denied a Rajya Sabha ticket, but the Aam Aadmi Party also has Kapil Mishra and Devendra Sehrawat who are MLAs but have been suspended from the party. Some other lawmakers like Asim Ahmed Khan have been dumped as ministers. The by polls, if won, would not just serve as a referendum of Arvind Kejriwal&rsquo;s policies in government but would also keep detractors at bay.

So what has the Chief Minister to lose from this disqualification? Nothing at all. No matter how the cookie crumbles, it is a win-win situation for Arvind Kejriwal.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

AAP is now pinning its hopes on the Delhi High Court which will examine the decision.

Twenty lawmakers of the Aam Aadmi Party were disqualified on Sunday by the President acting on the recommendation of the Election Commission. The legislators have been disqualified for holding ‘offices of profit.’ They had been appointed ‘Parliamentary Secretaries’ by the Delhi government headed by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi High Court set aside the appointments in 2016 and the Aam Aadmi Party would have perhaps thought that’s that. Expect that it wasn’t. The Election Commission acted on the letter of the law and now many observers and, of course, the Aam Aadmi Party, are claiming that the spirit of the law has been violated. So did the Election Commission wake up one fine morning and say - “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down”? Anyone familiar with the goings-on of Nirvachan Sadan would agree that its not how the Election Commission works at all. Most decisions are based on precedent and following the letter of the Constitution and the laws therein to the T. It is an institution that is admired for its impartial conduct and, come elections, it does not shy away from taking uncomfortable decisions in replacing top officials in a state, should they feel that such officials would impede the conduct of free and fair polls. The appointments as Parliamentary Secretaries were made in March 2015, the AAP sought to exempt theMLAs by amending the provisions of the Delhi Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1997, in 2016 — a year later. The bill seeking the amendments was struck down by the then President, Pranab Mukherjee. So why then is the disqualification of these 20 MLAs being branded as an excess? Would similar questions have been raised if the members were from the Bharatiya Janata Party? Is it playing into the politics of Centre Vs State and then some? After all, Delhi’s state government has gone toe-to-toe with the Lieutenant Governor over the past 3-4 years and the relationship between this state government and the Centre has been tenuous, to say the least. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has branded the disqualification of AAP MLAs as ‘Tughlaqshahi of the worst order’. The reference to a former Sultan of Delhi is ironic - the Chief Minister is also branded as a despot by many within his own ranks and is capable of, shall we say, whimsical behaviour. AAP founder-member, and now a staunch Kejriwal critic, Kumar Vishwas says his opinion on the appointment of the parliamentary secretaries was disregarded. AAP is now pinning its hopes on the Delhi High Court which will examine the decision not just on the principles of natural justice but also under the provisions of laws like the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 and Article 239 AA of the Constitution which deals with Centre-State relations. If the disqualification holds, then Delhi is heading for a mini-poll of sorts in six months to elect 20 lawmakers. The chief minister and his ilk can continue to cry foul, suggest the Election Commission is in cahoots with the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre and perhaps garner some sympathy (and votes too). Meanwhile, even with its diminished strength of 45, the Aam Aadmi Party has a comfortable majority in the 70-member Delhi Assembly. Assuming that AAP loses the contest for all 20 seats, while it will be a loss of face, that majority wouldn’t change. This churn may also give Arvind Kejriwal a chance to consolidate his flock and inject some fresh loyalists in the party that has been badly plagued with dissension. Not just an open revolt by Kumar Vishwas who is still smarting from being denied a Rajya Sabha ticket, but the Aam Aadmi Party also has Kapil Mishra and Devendra Sehrawat who are MLAs but have been suspended from the party. Some other lawmakers like Asim Ahmed Khan have been dumped as ministers. The by polls, if won, would not just serve as a referendum of Arvind Kejriwal’s policies in government but would also keep detractors at bay. So what has the Chief Minister to lose from this disqualification? Nothing at all. No matter how the cookie crumbles, it is a win-win situation for Arvind Kejriwal. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Undue process? Why AAP MLAs being disqualified is a win-win situation for Arvind Kejriwal

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hosts-ceo-roundtable-meeting-at-davos-says-india-means-business-30413">PM Modi hosts CEO roundtable meet at Davos, says &#39;India means business&#39;</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told top CEOs here that India means business and presents exciting opportunity for the global businesses.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-votes-to-end-us-shutdown-trump-claims-victory-30415" target="_blank">Congress votes to end US shutdown, Trump claims victory</a>

Congress put the US government back in business Monday by voting to end a three-day shutdown, as President Donald Trump claimed victory in his standoff with Democrats in Washington.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/shah-rukh-khan-at-davos-receives-an-award-spoke-against-sexism-30406">We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos</a>

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan attended a celebrity event before the official start of the World Economic Forum&#39;s annual event at Davos on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 52-year-old actor spoke against discrimination against women and sexism.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-metoo-us-supreme-court-justice-says-she-was-sexually-harassed-30414">#MeToo: US Supreme Court Justice says she was sexually harassed</a>

The US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shocked the world by sharing her own sexual harassment story at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/social-media-is-threat-to-democracy-facebook-30427">Social media a threat to democracy: Facebook</a>

Facebook&#39;s civic engagement chief Samidh Chakrabarti recently identified social media as a &#39;potential threat&#39;. In a blog post, Chakrabarti noted that he was &quot;not blind to the damage that the internet can do to even a well-functioning democracy.&quot;

PM Modi hosts CEO roundtable meet at Davos, says 'India means business' Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told top CEOs here that India means business and presents exciting opportunity for the global businesses. Congress votes to end US shutdown, Trump claims victory Congress put the US government back in business Monday by voting to end a three-day shutdown, as President Donald Trump claimed victory in his standoff with Democrats in Washington. We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan attended a celebrity event before the official start of the World Economic Forum's annual event at Davos on Tuesday. The 52-year-old actor spoke against discrimination against women and sexism. #MeToo: US Supreme Court Justice says she was sexually harassed The US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shocked the world by sharing her own sexual harassment story at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend. Social media a threat to democracy: Facebook Facebook's civic engagement chief Samidh Chakrabarti recently identified social media as a 'potential threat'. In a blog post, Chakrabarti noted that he was "not blind to the damage that the internet can do to even a well-functioning democracy."

WION Morning News Brief, January 23, 2018

The Delhi High Court today allowed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal&#39;s plea calling for two DDCA documents in connection with a defamation suit filed against him by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Referring to one of Jaitley&#39;s cross-examination sessions on Kejriwal&#39;s behalf, the court said questions put to the Union minister were not relevant to the case and the questioners should have restrained themselves from putting them.

The court said it was not clear in which direction the cross examination was proceeding.

Justice Manmohan also made it clear that the court was allowing Kejriwal&#39;s plea to summon only two documents of February 10, 2003 and April 6, 2003, with which Jaitley can be confronted during his cross-examination.

Jaitley&#39;s cross examination in the suit is going on before a joint registrar who has directed Kejriwal to wind up the cross examination on February 12 itself.

The high court, however, declined Kejriwal&#39;s plea to summon the entire minutes of meetings of the cricket body between 1999 and 2013, when Jaitley was president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).

The court said it cannot understand how the minutes of those meetings were relevant to this defamation suit against Kejriwal. Moreover, no grounds were given by the chief minister for summoning the details.

Regarding the documents which have been allowed to be summoned, the court asked Kejriwal to file a proper application in two days.

The high court&#39;s order came on Kejriwal&#39;s appeal challenging the joint registrar&#39;s order dismissing his plea to summon the minutes of meeting of DDCA and the other two documents.

The instant appeal has been moved by the chief minister in the Rs 10 crore defamation case filed by Jaitley against him and five other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders -- Raghav Chadha, Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh, Sanjay Singh and Deepak Bajpai -- for accusing the BJP leader of corruption when he was DDCA president.

The high court declined Kejriwal's plea to summon the entire minutes of meetings of the cricket body between 1999 and 2013, when Jaitley was president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association

The Delhi High Court today allowed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea calling for two DDCA documents in connection with a defamation suit filed against him by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Referring to one of Jaitley's cross-examination sessions on Kejriwal's behalf, the court said questions put to the Union minister were not relevant to the case and the questioners should have restrained themselves from putting them. The court said it was not clear in which direction the cross examination was proceeding. Justice Manmohan also made it clear that the court was allowing Kejriwal's plea to summon only two documents of February 10, 2003 and April 6, 2003, with which Jaitley can be confronted during his cross-examination. Jaitley's cross examination in the suit is going on before a joint registrar who has directed Kejriwal to wind up the cross examination on February 12 itself. The high court, however, declined Kejriwal's plea to summon the entire minutes of meetings of the cricket body between 1999 and 2013, when Jaitley was president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). The court said it cannot understand how the minutes of those meetings were relevant to this defamation suit against Kejriwal. Moreover, no grounds were given by the chief minister for summoning the details. Regarding the documents which have been allowed to be summoned, the court asked Kejriwal to file a proper application in two days. The high court's order came on Kejriwal's appeal challenging the joint registrar's order dismissing his plea to summon the minutes of meeting of DDCA and the other two documents. The instant appeal has been moved by the chief minister in the Rs 10 crore defamation case filed by Jaitley against him and five other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders -- Raghav Chadha, Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh, Sanjay Singh and Deepak Bajpai -- for accusing the BJP leader of corruption when he was DDCA president.

Jaitley defamation case against Kejriwal: HC allows Delhi CM to call 2 documents

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his regret over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ankit-saxena-murder-delhis-khyala-area-remains-tense-31708">Ankit Saxena&#39;s murder</a> and met with his kin today.&nbsp;

He condemned the incident and noted that the government of Delhi will try its utmost to get the best lawyer to defend Saxena&#39;s case and ensure that the culprits are punished.&nbsp;

&quot;I pray God to give strength to Ankit&#39;s family; we&#39;re with them,&quot; Kejriwal noted.&nbsp;

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अंकित के पिताजी से बात की। जो हुआ उसकी जितनी निंदा करें उतनी कम है। 
 
अंकित को न्याय दिलाने के लिए दिल्ली सरकार बड़े से बड़ा वकील खड़ा करेगी। हम हर सम्भव कोशिश करेंगे कि दोषियों को सख्त से सख्त सज़ा हो। 
 
भगवान अंकित के परिवार को शक्ति दे। इस संघर्ष में हम उनके साथ हैं।
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/960079486506151936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ankit Saxena, a 23-year-old photographer by profession, was allegedly killed by the family members of his Muslim girlfriend on Friday.&nbsp;

Saxena was dating the 20-year-old woman for three years against the wishes of her family.&nbsp;

Ankit was allegedly attacked by his girlfriend&#39;s parents, uncle and brother. He was beaten and his throat was slit with a knife.&nbsp;

&quot;Three accused -- the mother, father and uncle of the woman -- have been sent to judicial custody. Her minor brother has been sent to the juvenile home,&quot; a senior police officer said.

The incident occurred in west Delhi.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

'I pray God to give strength to Ankit's family; we're with them,' Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his regret over Ankit Saxena's murder and met with his kin today. He condemned the incident and noted that the government of Delhi will try its utmost to get the best lawyer to defend Saxena's case and ensure that the culprits are punished. "I pray God to give strength to Ankit's family; we're with them," Kejriwal noted. अंकित के पिताजी से बात की। जो हुआ उसकी जितनी निंदा करें उतनी कम है। अंकित को न्याय दिलाने के लिए दिल्ली सरकार बड़े से बड़ा वकील खड़ा करेगी। हम हर सम्भव कोशिश करेंगे कि दोषियों को सख्त से सख्त सज़ा हो। भगवान अंकित के परिवार को शक्ति दे। इस संघर्ष में हम उनके साथ हैं। — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 4, 2018 × Ankit Saxena, a 23-year-old photographer by profession, was allegedly killed by the family members of his Muslim girlfriend on Friday. Saxena was dating the 20-year-old woman for three years against the wishes of her family. Ankit was allegedly attacked by his girlfriend's parents, uncle and brother. He was beaten and his throat was slit with a knife. "Three accused -- the mother, father and uncle of the woman -- have been sent to judicial custody. Her minor brother has been sent to the juvenile home," a senior police officer said. The incident occurred in west Delhi.

'Will get best lawyer to get Ankit justice,' Arvind Kejriwal on Ankit Saxena's murder

A helpline would be launched soon by the Delhi government to connect the city residents with the administration, as part of its scheme to deliver services at the doorstep, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said.

Addressing a gathering in the Sonia Vihar area in Delhi&#39;s Karawal Nagar, he also said that the government was working to ensure that ration gets delivered to the city-dwellers every month in a bag, instead of standing in a queue at shops.

Under the doorstep delivery scheme, assistants will turn up at the doorstep of individuals willing to avail certain government services and upload requisite documents online, ending the need for them to visit government offices.

&quot;You need birth, death, income, and 21 other types of certificates from the SDM office, licence from the transport department... But, you don&#39;t have to go make rounds of offices as the Delhi government is going to issue a helpline in two months,&quot; he said.

Kejriwal told the gathering that an official will ask for a suitable timing from the caller and then the government staff would go to the person&#39;s home and do the needful.

&quot;They will carry biometric machines, scanning machines and before coming, will ask the individual to keep all the documents ready. And, after scanning and other work is done, in one week the needed certificate will be made,&quot; he said.

He earlier laid the foundation of a 26.80 ML capacity underground reservoir in Karawal Nagar, and said he would personally see to it that the project is completed in 22-24 months.

In his speech, Kejriwal also endorsed Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal&#39;s demand, seeking death penalty for those men who rape minor girls.

&quot;I also demand the toughest punishment for such heinous crime. We are with her (Maliwal). The Centre has to amend the law, and we demand that the entire country should have a law, so that next time someone should get terrified before even thinking of doing such an act,&quot; he said.

In his address, the AAP leader also took a jibe at both the BJP and Congress, saying, &quot;In the last 70 years of Independence, no government of any party has done the kind of work in three years that our government has done.&quot;

&quot;In the last three years, we have supplied piped water in 319 unauthorised (&#39;kucchi&#39;) colonies while before we took over the government, only 35 colonies had received that supply in the 10 years period,&quot; Kejriwal claimed.&nbsp;

Addressing a gathering in the Sonia Vihar area in Delhi's Karawal Nagar, he also said that the government was working to ensure that ration gets delivered to the city-dwellers every month in a bag, instead of standing in a queue at shops

A helpline would be launched soon by the Delhi government to connect the city residents with the administration, as part of its scheme to deliver services at the doorstep, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said. Addressing a gathering in the Sonia Vihar area in Delhi's Karawal Nagar, he also said that the government was working to ensure that ration gets delivered to the city-dwellers every month in a bag, instead of standing in a queue at shops. Under the doorstep delivery scheme, assistants will turn up at the doorstep of individuals willing to avail certain government services and upload requisite documents online, ending the need for them to visit government offices. "You need birth, death, income, and 21 other types of certificates from the SDM office, licence from the transport department... But, you don't have to go make rounds of offices as the Delhi government is going to issue a helpline in two months," he said. Kejriwal told the gathering that an official will ask for a suitable timing from the caller and then the government staff would go to the person's home and do the needful. "They will carry biometric machines, scanning machines and before coming, will ask the individual to keep all the documents ready. And, after scanning and other work is done, in one week the needed certificate will be made," he said. He earlier laid the foundation of a 26.80 ML capacity underground reservoir in Karawal Nagar, and said he would personally see to it that the project is completed in 22-24 months. In his speech, Kejriwal also endorsed Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal's demand, seeking death penalty for those men who rape minor girls. "I also demand the toughest punishment for such heinous crime. We are with her (Maliwal). The Centre has to amend the law, and we demand that the entire country should have a law, so that next time someone should get terrified before even thinking of doing such an act," he said. In his address, the AAP leader also took a jibe at both the BJP and Congress, saying, "In the last 70 years of Independence, no government of any party has done the kind of work in three years that our government has done." "In the last three years, we have supplied piped water in 319 unauthorised ('kucchi') colonies while before we took over the government, only 35 colonies had received that supply in the 10 years period," Kejriwal claimed.

Helpline in two months for doorstep delivery scheme: Kejriwal

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/2nd-odi-india-romp-home-in-centurion-odi-by-9-wickets-lead-series-2-0-31746">2nd ODI: India romp home in Centurion ODI by 9 wickets, lead series 2-0</a>

Opener Shikhar Dhawan and Skipper Virat Kohli&#39;s 91 partnership helped India defeat South Africa by nine wickets in the 2nd ODI at SuperSport Park, Centurion.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-is-standing-at-the-exit-gate-in-karnataka-modi-31748">Congress is standing at &#39;exit gate&#39; in Karnataka: Modi</a>

Congress is standing at the exit gate in Karnataka. It has caused destruction here and Karnataka doesn&#39;t need a Congress culture, &nbsp;said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a major rally on Sunday in Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-ksrtc-driver-goes-on-for-70-kilometres-with-body-stuck-to-bus-31742">Karnataka: Bus driven 70 kilometres with body stuck in undercarriage</a>

A driver with the &nbsp;Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) kept on driving for nearly 70 kilometres without realising that a dead body was stuck to the undercarriage of the bus.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indian-americans-hold-rally-to-support-merit-based-immigration-31737">Indian-Americans stage rare pro-Trump immigration rally to support merit-based system</a>

Several hundred highly-skilled Indian workers, in long agonising green card, wait, from across the US along with their children and spouses held a rally in front of the White House here in support of President Donald Trump&#39;s plan for a merit-based immigration system that among other things ends chain migration and diversity lottery visa.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-get-best-lawyer-to-get-ankit-justice-arvind-kejriwalon-ankit-saxenas-murder-31740">&#39;Will get </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-get-best-lawyer-to-get-ankit-justice-arvind-kejriwalon-ankit-saxenas-murder-31740">best</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-get-best-lawyer-to-get-ankit-justice-arvind-kejriwalon-ankit-saxenas-murder-31740"> lawyer to get Ankit justice,&#39; Arvind Kejriwal on Ankit Saxena&#39;s murder</a>

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his regret over Ankit Saxena&#39;s murder and met with his kin today.&nbsp;

2nd ODI: India romp home in Centurion ODI by 9 wickets, lead series 2-0 Opener Shikhar Dhawan and Skipper Virat Kohli's 91 partnership helped India defeat South Africa by nine wickets in the 2nd ODI at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Congress is standing at 'exit gate' in Karnataka: Modi Congress is standing at the exit gate in Karnataka. It has caused destruction here and Karnataka doesn't need a Congress culture, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a major rally on Sunday in Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections. Karnataka: Bus driven 70 kilometres with body stuck in undercarriage A driver with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) kept on driving for nearly 70 kilometres without realising that a dead body was stuck to the undercarriage of the bus. Indian-Americans stage rare pro-Trump immigration rally to support merit-based system Several hundred highly-skilled Indian workers, in long agonising green card, wait, from across the US along with their children and spouses held a rally in front of the White House here in support of President Donald Trump's plan for a merit-based immigration system that among other things ends chain migration and diversity lottery visa. 'Will get best lawyer to get Ankit justice,' Arvind Kejriwal on Ankit Saxena's murder Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his regret over Ankit Saxena's murder and met with his kin today.

WION Evening News Brief, February 4, 2018

Popular markets in Delhi remained closed for the second day today after the 48-hour shutdown call by the Confederation Of All India Traders (CAIT) who are protesting against the sealing drive by the civic bodies over the past few weeks.

Popular markets including Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Khan Market, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh and the Defence Colony will be shut today.

Traders have threatened to extend the bandh (strike) to tomorrow if the civic agencies do not stop the sealing drive.

Shops, restaurants and establishments that use residential areas for commercial purposes without paying conversion charges are being sealed.

Delhi&#39;s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which considers the shutdown to be Bharatiya Janata Party sponsored, says that the sealing could have been prevented.

&quot;It&#39;s BJP&#39;s duty to fill loopholes in the master plan as it is in power in centre and MCD. Sealing could&#39;ve been prevented if BJP did that. All legitimate demands of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal have been approved in the meeting. These demands will be put in public domain,&quot;&nbsp;

On Friday, officials of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) held a meeting with LG Anil Baijal at his residence to discuss issues over the sealing drive in a bid to provide relief to the traders.

DDA member&nbsp;and AAP MLA Somnath Bharti, Congress leader Ajay Maken also joined in a protest held at Lajpat Nagar by the protestors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Popular markets including Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Khan Market, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh and the Defence Colony will be shut today

Popular markets in Delhi remained closed for the second day today after the 48-hour shutdown call by the Confederation Of All India Traders (CAIT) who are protesting against the sealing drive by the civic bodies over the past few weeks. Popular markets including Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Khan Market, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh and the Defence Colony will be shut today. Traders have threatened to extend the bandh (strike) to tomorrow if the civic agencies do not stop the sealing drive. Shops, restaurants and establishments that use residential areas for commercial purposes without paying conversion charges are being sealed. Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which considers the shutdown to be Bharatiya Janata Party sponsored, says that the sealing could have been prevented. "It's BJP's duty to fill loopholes in the master plan as it is in power in centre and MCD. Sealing could've been prevented if BJP did that. All legitimate demands of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal have been approved in the meeting. These demands will be put in public domain," On Friday, officials of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) held a meeting with LG Anil Baijal at his residence to discuss issues over the sealing drive in a bid to provide relief to the traders. DDA member and AAP MLA Somnath Bharti, Congress leader Ajay Maken also joined in a protest held at Lajpat Nagar by the protestors. (With inputs from ANI)

After sealing drive, markets in Delhi remain closed for second day

Quoting a source, the Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said that the BJP wants to ruin the retail business in Delhi to make way for Foreign Direct Investment.&nbsp;

He tweeted &quot; Someone told me today- &quot; Thro sealing, BJP wants to ruin Delhi&#39;s retail business to pave way for FDI in retail in Delhi. &quot;

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Someone told me today - &ldquo;Thro sealing, BJP wants to ruin Delhi&rsquo;s retail business to pave way for FDI in retail in Delhi.&rdquo; I hope this is not true.
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/958283025669799936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Municipal corporations in Delhi have undertaken the Supreme Court-led drive sealing commercial premises for failing to deposit conversion charges.

Conversion charge is the amount paid to convert one category of property to another -- &nbsp;i.e, from residential to commercial.

Kejriwal on Wednesday met with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor to discuss the sealing issue.

He said &quot; I spoke to LG over sealing issue. He told me he has already spoken to centre&nbsp;about it and they will try to find a solution&quot;.&nbsp;

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I spoke to LG over sealing issue. He told me he has already spoken to center about it &amp; they will try to find a solution: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after meeting LG Anil Baijal <a href="https://t.co/KEtTUITPZK">pic.twitter.com/KEtTUITPZK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/958678326662615040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He tweeted 'Someone told me today- Thro sealing, BJP wants to ruin Delhi's retail business to pave way for FDI in retail in Delhi'

Quoting a source, the Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said that the BJP wants to ruin the retail business in Delhi to make way for Foreign Direct Investment. He tweeted " Someone told me today- " Thro sealing, BJP wants to ruin Delhi's retail business to pave way for FDI in retail in Delhi. " Someone told me today - “Thro sealing, BJP wants to ruin Delhi’s retail business to pave way for FDI in retail in Delhi.” I hope this is not true. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 30, 2018 × Municipal corporations in Delhi have undertaken the Supreme Court-led drive sealing commercial premises for failing to deposit conversion charges. Conversion charge is the amount paid to convert one category of property to another -- i.e, from residential to commercial. Kejriwal on Wednesday met with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor to discuss the sealing issue. He said " I spoke to LG over sealing issue. He told me he has already spoken to centre about it and they will try to find a solution". I spoke to LG over sealing issue. He told me he has already spoken to center about it & they will try to find a solution: #Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after meeting LG Anil Baijal pic.twitter.com/KEtTUITPZK — ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2018 ×

BJP wants to ruin Delhi's retail business to make way for FDI: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, along&nbsp;with his party members, visited Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal&#39;s residence earlier today.&nbsp;

The meeting&#39;s primary agenda was to discuss the ongoing sealing drive against properties for alleged violations of civic norms.

Kejriwal allowed the presence of media at the discussion noting that the debate must happen in the presence of media.&nbsp;

Manoj Tiwari noted that Kejriwal did not address the matter, rather his (AAP) party leaders insulted Tiwari.&nbsp;

&quot;We sought your time quite a lot of time to carry out the discussion. Today you called the entire media sector here... Why has the notification of 351 roads not happened so far? And, what has happened to the promise of regularising unauthorised colonies? As far as meeting with Lt governor is concerned, we do that whenever we like,&quot; Manoj Tiwari noted.&nbsp;

Tiwari has filed a complaint against Delhi CM for &quot;insulting him&quot; and other leaders during the meeting.

&quot;Kejriwal gave me his time and these people (MLAs) insulted me saying that I am giving a lecture,&quot; noted Tiwari.

Meanwhile, Delhi CM Kejriwal has decided to move the Supreme Court as the meeting did not yield any resolve to the situation. &ldquo;BJP should bring an ordinance to ban sealing,&quot; Kejriwal noted.&nbsp;

The Kejriwal government will seek a temporary ban on sealing drive.&nbsp;

On Monday, Kejriwal wrote to Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal seeking to meet him today, along with all BJP and AAP MLAs to discuss the sealing issue.

Delhi BJP&rsquo;s general secretary Ravinder Gupta previously wrote to Kejriwal confirming that the party&rsquo;s Delhi unit president Manoj Tiwari and other leaders will visit Kejriwal&#39;s residence at 9 am today to discuss the issue.

The brickbat between the ruling AAP and the BJP has intensified over the sealing drive. While the city is ruled by the AAP government, the BJP controls the municipal corporations.

The meeting's primary agenda was to discuss the ongoing sealing drive against properties for alleged violations of civic norms

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, along with his party members, visited Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence earlier today. The meeting's primary agenda was to discuss the ongoing sealing drive against properties for alleged violations of civic norms. Kejriwal allowed the presence of media at the discussion noting that the debate must happen in the presence of media. Manoj Tiwari noted that Kejriwal did not address the matter, rather his (AAP) party leaders insulted Tiwari. "We sought your time quite a lot of time to carry out the discussion. Today you called the entire media sector here... Why has the notification of 351 roads not happened so far? And, what has happened to the promise of regularising unauthorised colonies? As far as meeting with Lt governor is concerned, we do that whenever we like," Manoj Tiwari noted. Tiwari has filed a complaint against Delhi CM for "insulting him" and other leaders during the meeting. "Kejriwal gave me his time and these people (MLAs) insulted me saying that I am giving a lecture," noted Tiwari. Meanwhile, Delhi CM Kejriwal has decided to move the Supreme Court as the meeting did not yield any resolve to the situation. “BJP should bring an ordinance to ban sealing," Kejriwal noted. The Kejriwal government will seek a temporary ban on sealing drive. On Monday, Kejriwal wrote to Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal seeking to meet him today, along with all BJP and AAP MLAs to discuss the sealing issue. Delhi BJP’s general secretary Ravinder Gupta previously wrote to Kejriwal confirming that the party’s Delhi unit president Manoj Tiwari and other leaders will visit Kejriwal's residence at 9 am today to discuss the issue. The brickbat between the ruling AAP and the BJP has intensified over the sealing drive. While the city is ruled by the AAP government, the BJP controls the municipal corporations.

AAP-BJP sealing drive meet breaks into ruckus, Manoj Tiwari files complaint against Kejriwal for 'insulting him'

The Delhi High Court has asked the Election Commission to file a detailed affidavit stating factual aspects of its decision on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-to-hear-plea-filed-by-disqualified-aap-mlas-on-january-24-30529" target="_blank">disqualification of the 20&nbsp;MLAs</a>&nbsp;of the Aam Aadmi Party.

The court has asked the Commission to file a written reply to the MLAs plea.&nbsp;

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20 AAP disqualification matter: Delhi High Court asks Election Commission to file written reply to AAP MLAs plea. Matter to be heard on 7 February.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/958227078737838081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The twenty members of Legislative Assembly of the AAP had moved the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/disqualified-aap-mlas-withdraw-plea-in-hc-to-file-fresh-ones-30419">Delhi High Court </a>on January 23 against their disqualification.

In a huge setback to the Arvind Kejriwal-led party, the Election Commission&#39;s recommendation for the&nbsp;disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs was approved by President Ram Nath Kovind on January 21.

The recommendation for&nbsp;disqualification was issued&nbsp;for holding the post of parliamentary secretaries between March 2015 and September 2016, considered as holding an office of profit.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 7.&nbsp;

The court has asked the Commission to file a written reply to the MLAs plea

The Delhi High Court has asked the Election Commission to file a detailed affidavit stating factual aspects of its decision on disqualification of the 20 MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party. The court has asked the Commission to file a written reply to the MLAs plea. 20 AAP disqualification matter: Delhi High Court asks Election Commission to file written reply to AAP MLAs plea. Matter to be heard on 7 February. — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2018 × The twenty members of Legislative Assembly of the AAP had moved the Delhi High Court on January 23 against their disqualification. In a huge setback to the Arvind Kejriwal-led party, the Election Commission's recommendation for the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs was approved by President Ram Nath Kovind on January 21. The recommendation for disqualification was issued for holding the post of parliamentary secretaries between March 2015 and September 2016, considered as holding an office of profit. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 7.

High Court asks EC to state facts behind AAP MLAs disqualification

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-to-move-supreme-court-seeking-temporary-ban-on-sealing-drive-31227">Delhi government to move Supreme court to seek &#39;temporary ban&#39; on sealing drive</a>

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today his government will move to the Supreme Court seeking a &quot;temporary ban&quot; on the ongoing sealing drive in Delhi, after his meeting with BJP leaders on the issue ended in hostility.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-oligarch-list-may-damage-image-of-russian-firms-kremlin-31224">US &#39;oligarch list&#39; may damage image of Russian firms: Kremlin</a>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday (January 30) that a US report on people close to the Kremlin might damage the image of Russian firms, businessmen and officials and that everyone in it had been de facto labelled an enemy of the United States.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-u-19-world-cup-2018-india-trounces-pakistan-to-enter-finals-31174">ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: India trounces Pakistan to enter finals</a>

A massive victory for team India, as they trounced Pakistan by 203 runs in the semifinals. Now, India will face Australia in the finals of ICC U-19 World Cup.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/puerto-rice-to-allow-adoption-for-non-married-couples-31213">Puerto Rico to allow adoption for non-married couples</a>

Puerto Rico passed a law that will now allow non-married couples to adopt children in the socially conservative US territory.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-bigger-footprint-than-russia-for-covert-activities-cia-chief-pompeo-31207">China has bigger footprint than Russia for covert activities: CIA chief Pompeo</a>

In a freewheeling interview with the BBC, Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) director Mike Pompeo said China has much &quot;bigger footprint&quot; to carry out covert activities than Russia.

Delhi government to move Supreme court to seek 'temporary ban' on sealing drive Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today his government will move to the Supreme Court seeking a "temporary ban" on the ongoing sealing drive in Delhi, after his meeting with BJP leaders on the issue ended in hostility. US 'oligarch list' may damage image of Russian firms: Kremlin Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday (January 30) that a US report on people close to the Kremlin might damage the image of Russian firms, businessmen and officials and that everyone in it had been de facto labelled an enemy of the United States. ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: India trounces Pakistan to enter finals A massive victory for team India, as they trounced Pakistan by 203 runs in the semifinals. Now, India will face Australia in the finals of ICC U-19 World Cup. Puerto Rico to allow adoption for non-married couples Puerto Rico passed a law that will now allow non-married couples to adopt children in the socially conservative US territory. China has bigger footprint than Russia for covert activities: CIA chief Pompeo In a freewheeling interview with the BBC, Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) director Mike Pompeo said China has much "bigger footprint" to carry out covert activities than Russia.

WION Evening News Brief, January 30, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/onedegree/rohingya-refugee-leaders-draw-up-demands-ahead-of-repatriation-30073">Rohingya refugee leaders draw up demands ahead of repatriation</a>

Rohingya leaders in a Bangladesh refugee camp have drawn up a list of demands they want Myanmar to meet before authorities begin sending back hundreds of thousands in a repatriation process expected to begin next week and last for two years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-plans-of-a-modi-abbasi-meet-at-davos-mea-30082">No plans of a Modi-Abbasi meet at Davos: MEA</a>

There are no &quot;plans&quot; of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos next week, the external affairs ministry said today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-aap-mlas-disqualified-over-office-of-profit-30060">Election Commission disqualifies 20 AAP MLAs for holding &#39;office of profit&#39;</a>

In a major blow to Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission is learnt to have recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-china-justifies-building-infrastructure-in-doklam-india-says-keeping-a-close-vigil-30065">China &#39;justifies&#39; building infrastructure in Doklam; India says keeping a close vigil</a>

China on Friday justified its massive construction activities in the Doklam area, describing it as &quot;legitimate&quot; and aimed at improving the lives of its troops and the people living on its own territory.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-cancel-cbfc-certificate-to-padmaavat-30051">Supreme Court rejects plea to cancel CBFC certificate to &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-cancel-cbfc-certificate-to-padmaavat-30051">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-cancel-cbfc-certificate-to-padmaavat-30051">&#39;</a>

The Supreme Court today rejected a plea seeking an urgent hearing on a fresh PIL that sought cancellation of Censor Board&#39;s certificate granted to controversial Bollywood movie &#39;Padmaavat&#39;.

Rohingya refugee leaders draw up demands ahead of repatriation Rohingya leaders in a Bangladesh refugee camp have drawn up a list of demands they want Myanmar to meet before authorities begin sending back hundreds of thousands in a repatriation process expected to begin next week and last for two years. No plans of a Modi-Abbasi meet at Davos: MEA There are no "plans" of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos next week, the external affairs ministry said today. Election Commission disqualifies 20 AAP MLAs for holding 'office of profit' In a major blow to Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission is learnt to have recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit. China 'justifies' building infrastructure in Doklam; India says keeping a close vigil China on Friday justified its massive construction activities in the Doklam area, describing it as "legitimate" and aimed at improving the lives of its troops and the people living on its own territory. Supreme Court rejects plea to cancel CBFC certificate to 'Padmaavat' The Supreme Court today rejected a plea seeking an urgent hearing on a fresh PIL that sought cancellation of Censor Board's certificate granted to controversial Bollywood movie 'Padmaavat'.

WION Evening News Brief, 19 January 2018

The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board&nbsp;(DUSIB) has denied reports of deaths due to cold in the national capital region, saying that such &quot;deaths happen in summers also.&quot;

The CEO of DUSIB, Shurbir Singh said:&nbsp;&quot;DUSIB rebut the facts shown by media that 44 people died because of cold in Delhi. No such case has been reported to the board. We have checked and found that not only in cold but also in summers such deaths happen. This is completely unfair to connect it with cold,&quot; ANI reported.

He also added that there several other departments apart from the police department and no such report has been received.

The CEO further asserted that &quot;there are a total of 261-night shelters and all are active and all the facilities are available there. Till now, we have given shelters to more than 13,900 people. Our rescue team is completely functioning at night time on the ground and our control room is active at night. If we find any destitute on road we go to him and check if he wants shelter. With this practice, we have reached the number of 13,900.&quot;

On Monday there were media reports saying that over 40 people had died in Delhi because of the cold intensifying from the past couple of days.

Arvind Kejriwal also addresses the issue and fired a show cause notice to CEO of DUSIB.

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Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this?
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/950302512766058496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Delhi chief minister also blamed the Lieutenant Governor for appointing a &quot;useless officer.&quot;

Delhi is experiencing cold waves from New Year&#39;s Day. January 6 was the coldest day this winter with the night temperature plummeting&nbsp;to 4.2-degree Celsius.&nbsp;

India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director Manmohan Singh said the temperature in north India is likely to drop further in the coming days.

He also added that there several other departments apart from the police department and no such report has been received

The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has denied reports of deaths due to cold in the national capital region, saying that such "deaths happen in summers also." The CEO of DUSIB, Shurbir Singh said: "DUSIB rebut the facts shown by media that 44 people died because of cold in Delhi. No such case has been reported to the board. We have checked and found that not only in cold but also in summers such deaths happen. This is completely unfair to connect it with cold," ANI reported. He also added that there several other departments apart from the police department and no such report has been received. The CEO further asserted that "there are a total of 261-night shelters and all are active and all the facilities are available there. Till now, we have given shelters to more than 13,900 people. Our rescue team is completely functioning at night time on the ground and our control room is active at night. If we find any destitute on road we go to him and check if he wants shelter. With this practice, we have reached the number of 13,900." On Monday there were media reports saying that over 40 people had died in Delhi because of the cold intensifying from the past couple of days. Arvind Kejriwal also addresses the issue and fired a show cause notice to CEO of DUSIB. Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this? — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 8, 2018 × The Delhi chief minister also blamed the Lieutenant Governor for appointing a "useless officer." Delhi is experiencing cold waves from New Year's Day. January 6 was the coldest day this winter with the night temperature plummeting to 4.2-degree Celsius. India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director Manmohan Singh said the temperature in north India is likely to drop further in the coming days.

Deaths happen in summers also: Delhi shelter board

The media has reported that 44 homeless people have died in Delhi this winter.

On Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blamed Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal for the deaths, saying he had appointed a &quot;useless officer&quot;. &nbsp;

&quot;LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers,&quot; Kejriwal said, adding, &quot;How do we run (a) government like this?&quot;

Kejriwal compared the 44 deaths this year to the &quot;negligible deaths&quot; last year, and added that he was issuing a show-cause notice to the CEO of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).&nbsp;

&quot;Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this?&quot; Kejriwal tweeted on Monday.&nbsp;

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Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this?
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/950302512766058496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Delhi&#39;s AAP government and the LG have been in a long-running feud.&nbsp;

The AAP&#39;s main bone of contention is that they are an &quot;elected&quot;&nbsp;government but the LG, who is &quot;appointed&quot; by the Centre, gets the last word on most schemes and ideas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The LG had most recently <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-plans-home-delivery-of-40-government-services-lg-says-no-27811" target="_blank">squashed the Delhi government&#39;s proposal</a> to home-deliver over 40 government services including caste and birth certificates, pensions, and social welfare schemes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The media has reported that 44 homeless people have died so far

The media has reported that 44 homeless people have died in Delhi this winter. On Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blamed Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal for the deaths, saying he had appointed a "useless officer". "LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers," Kejriwal said, adding, "How do we run (a) government like this?" Kejriwal compared the 44 deaths this year to the "negligible deaths" last year, and added that he was issuing a show-cause notice to the CEO of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). "Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this?" Kejriwal tweeted on Monday. Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this? — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 8, 2018 × Delhi's AAP government and the LG have been in a long-running feud. The AAP's main bone of contention is that they are an "elected" government but the LG, who is "appointed" by the Centre, gets the last word on most schemes and ideas. The LG had most recently squashed the Delhi government's proposal to home-deliver over 40 government services including caste and birth certificates, pensions, and social welfare schemes.

Delhi: Kejriwal blames LG for deaths due to cold, says he appointed 'useless officer'

Delhiites are soon to get a common card for commuting via public buses and the metro.&nbsp;

In a bid to transform Delhi&#39;s transport scenario, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today launched India&#39;s first ever common mobility card.

Delhi&#39;s transport minister, Kailash Gahlot, was also present at the launch of the pilot project.&nbsp;

The card can be used on 200 DTC and 50 cluster buses operating on various routes.

Commuters will also be able to use the mobility card for metro travel.

&quot;Its a big step in the transport sector that will facilitate seamless travel for people in Delhi,&quot; Kejriwal told reporters.

Delhi CM also took a short ride on a DTC bus earlier today.

The card can be used like a debit card from April 1, 2018.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Delhi's transport minister, Kailash Gahlot, was also present at the launch of the pilot project.

Delhiites are soon to get a common card for commuting via public buses and the metro. In a bid to transform Delhi's transport scenario, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today launched India's first ever common mobility card. Delhi's transport minister, Kailash Gahlot, was also present at the launch of the pilot project. The card can be used on 200 DTC and 50 cluster buses operating on various routes. Commuters will also be able to use the mobility card for metro travel. "Its a big step in the transport sector that will facilitate seamless travel for people in Delhi," Kejriwal told reporters. Delhi CM also took a short ride on a DTC bus earlier today. The card can be used like a debit card from April 1, 2018. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal launches India's first common card for bus, metro travel

Lt Governor Anil Baijal has approved Delhi government&#39;s proposal to bear the treatment expenses of victims of motor accidents, fire and acid attacks that take place on the city&#39;s roads at private hospitals.

Baijal, in a statement issued yesterday, termed the Arvind Kejriwal government&#39;s scheme as a step in the &quot;right direction&quot;.

The LG also stressed that for a robust healthcare system, the &quot;government institutions also need to be strengthened, as the healthcare system cannot be left entirely in the hands of private sector&quot;.

The LG said complete transparency and relevant procedures or guidelines should be followed strictly while empanelling private hospitals.

He said a mechanism must be evolved for ensuring that unnecessary tests are not prescribed in collusion with private medical centres.

&quot;Further, the quality of tests and the private institutions empanelled for these tests also should be ensured through appropriate penalties in case of malpractices/poor quality,&quot; the Raj Niwas said in a statement.

He also advised that the administrative department must develop a system of online Aadhaar-based/biometric tracking of patients to ensure proper follow-up and to prevent any malpractices, given the financial implications, it said.

&quot;Lt Governor today (Friday) approved the Cabinet decision of the Health Department relating to provision of free treatment for medico-legal victims of road accidents, acid attack and burn injuries and termed it as a step in the right direction,&quot; the statement said.

Baijal has given his to the proposal of the department for outsourcing of diagnostic (non-radiological) services to provide free laboratory services at Mohalla Clinics, polyclinics and Mobile Health Clinics, it said.

He has also agreed with the amendments to the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme to provide financial assistance for specified high-end diagnostic (radiological) tests or surgeries.

However, noting that the original purpose of the scheme was to help the poor and needy sections of the society, and that the Planning Department too has advocated an income ceiling, he advised the government to retain some &quot;income ceiling&quot; so that the resources of the government were used and the &quot;poor are not crowded out by the well-to-do&quot;.

The LG also noted that the focus of these schemes appeared to be on outsourcing and there is no mention in the proposal about any action plan to strengthen the diagnostic infrastructure in the government institutions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Lt Governor Anil Baijal has approved Delhi government's proposal to bear the treatment expenses of victims of motor accidents, fire and acid attacks that take place on the city's roads at private hospitals.

Lt Governor Anil Baijal has approved Delhi government's proposal to bear the treatment expenses of victims of motor accidents, fire and acid attacks that take place on the city's roads at private hospitals. Baijal, in a statement issued yesterday, termed the Arvind Kejriwal government's scheme as a step in the "right direction". The LG also stressed that for a robust healthcare system, the "government institutions also need to be strengthened, as the healthcare system cannot be left entirely in the hands of private sector". The LG said complete transparency and relevant procedures or guidelines should be followed strictly while empanelling private hospitals. He said a mechanism must be evolved for ensuring that unnecessary tests are not prescribed in collusion with private medical centres. "Further, the quality of tests and the private institutions empanelled for these tests also should be ensured through appropriate penalties in case of malpractices/poor quality," the Raj Niwas said in a statement. He also advised that the administrative department must develop a system of online Aadhaar-based/biometric tracking of patients to ensure proper follow-up and to prevent any malpractices, given the financial implications, it said. "Lt Governor today (Friday) approved the Cabinet decision of the Health Department relating to provision of free treatment for medico-legal victims of road accidents, acid attack and burn injuries and termed it as a step in the right direction," the statement said. Baijal has given his to the proposal of the department for outsourcing of diagnostic (non-radiological) services to provide free laboratory services at Mohalla Clinics, polyclinics and Mobile Health Clinics, it said. He has also agreed with the amendments to the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme to provide financial assistance for specified high-end diagnostic (radiological) tests or surgeries. However, noting that the original purpose of the scheme was to help the poor and needy sections of the society, and that the Planning Department too has advocated an income ceiling, he advised the government to retain some "income ceiling" so that the resources of the government were used and the "poor are not crowded out by the well-to-do". The LG also noted that the focus of these schemes appeared to be on outsourcing and there is no mention in the proposal about any action plan to strengthen the diagnostic infrastructure in the government institutions.

Delhi government's proposal to bear treatment costs for motor accident, fire victims approved

The Delhi Jal Board has decided to up water and sewer tariffs in the city by 20%.&nbsp;

The increase will be applicable for water consumption over 20,000 litres in a month.&nbsp;

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Delhi Jal Board hikes tariff by 20% (including water and sewer). There will be no change in tariff for up to 20 thousand litre per month
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945575102011158528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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However, there will be no changes in the tariff for up to 20 thousand litres of water consumption.

This is the first time when water rates have risen under Arvind Kejriwal&#39;s governance.&nbsp;

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NO change in water tariff in Delhi for households using upto 20,000 litres per month for third consecutive year. 
Above 20,000 litres, a 20% combined hike on water &amp; sewer charges approved in Delhi Jal Board meeting
&mdash; Nagendar Sharma (@sharmanagendar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sharmanagendar/status/945573202956292096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Delhi&#39;s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, is the Chairman of Delhi Jal Board.

&nbsp;

This is the first time when water rates have risen under Arvind Kejriwal's governance.?

The Delhi Jal Board has decided to up water and sewer tariffs in the city by 20%. The increase will be applicable for water consumption over 20,000 litres in a month. Delhi Jal Board hikes tariff by 20% (including water and sewer). There will be no change in tariff for up to 20 thousand litre per month — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × However, there will be no changes in the tariff for up to 20 thousand litres of water consumption. This is the first time when water rates have risen under Arvind Kejriwal's governance. NO change in water tariff in Delhi for households using upto 20,000 litres per month for third consecutive year. Above 20,000 litres, a 20% combined hike on water & sewer charges approved in Delhi Jal Board meeting — Nagendar Sharma (@sharmanagendar) December 26, 2017 × Delhi's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, is the Chairman of Delhi Jal Board.

Delhi Jal Board hikes water tariff on consumption over 20,000 litres

Opposition parties today slammed Delhi&#39;s AAP government over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-jal-board-hikes-water-tariff-on-consumption-over-20000-litres-27749">the increase in water and sewer charges</a>, with the BJP calling it an &quot;irresponsible&quot; decision and the Congress accusing the ruling party of &quot;breaking&quot; its poll promises.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari met Lt. Gov. Anil Baijal after the Delhi Jal Board earlier today approved a combined 20 per cent hike in water and sewer charges for consumption above 20,000 litres a month, effective from February 2018. Tiwari sought Baijal&#39;s intervention in the matter.

&quot;The decision to raise water and sewer charges by 20 per cent is an irresponsible action of the government,&quot; he said. 
Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta too urged Baijal to ask Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to rollback the hike.

&quot;The man who is raising a hue and cry over the increase in the fares of the Delhi Metro shows no scruple in hiking (water and sewer) tariff by 20 per cent,&quot; Gupta said.

Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said the AAP was going back on the promises it had made to the people before coming to power.

&quot;The Kejriwal government has been systematically breaking all its elections promises as within days after coming to power in 2015, water charges were hiked by 10 per cent,&quot; Maken said.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the SAD-BJP MLA, said the hike was a &quot;betrayal&quot; by the AAP government.

&quot;Resorting to increase in charges of necessities of daily life Kejriwal has failed to keep his promises of providing cheaper services in Delhi,&quot; Sirsa said in a statement.&nbsp;

The increase will be applicable for water consumption over 20,000 litres in a month

Opposition parties today slammed Delhi's AAP government over the increase in water and sewer charges, with the BJP calling it an "irresponsible" decision and the Congress accusing the ruling party of "breaking" its poll promises. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari met Lt. Gov. Anil Baijal after the Delhi Jal Board earlier today approved a combined 20 per cent hike in water and sewer charges for consumption above 20,000 litres a month, effective from February 2018. Tiwari sought Baijal's intervention in the matter. "The decision to raise water and sewer charges by 20 per cent is an irresponsible action of the government," he said. Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta too urged Baijal to ask Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to rollback the hike. "The man who is raising a hue and cry over the increase in the fares of the Delhi Metro shows no scruple in hiking (water and sewer) tariff by 20 per cent," Gupta said. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said the AAP was going back on the promises it had made to the people before coming to power. "The Kejriwal government has been systematically breaking all its elections promises as within days after coming to power in 2015, water charges were hiked by 10 per cent," Maken said. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the SAD-BJP MLA, said the hike was a "betrayal" by the AAP government. "Resorting to increase in charges of necessities of daily life Kejriwal has failed to keep his promises of providing cheaper services in Delhi," Sirsa said in a statement.

Opposition slams Delhi government for hiking water, sewer tariffs

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-time-saver-to-services-all-deets-about-delhi-metros-to-be-inaugurated-majenta-line-27166">Christmas gift for&nbsp;Delhiites by Delhi Metro</a>, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/magenta-line-psds-hi-tech-signalling-among-firsts-for-dmrc-27497">Magenta line</a> will be inaugurated on December 25 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister &nbsp;Yogi Adityanath.

According to media reports, Arvind Kejriwal has not been&nbsp;invited to the inauguration of the first phase of Magenta line Metro.

The event is scheduled to&nbsp;be organised in Noida, a suburb of Delhi which falls under Uttar Pradesh.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is a 50:50 venture between Urban Development ministry and the state government.

The Magenta line which runs through Noida received funds from the Uttar Pradesh government as well as from the Delhi government.

Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath will arrive in Delhi on Saturday, before the inauguration for a review meeting with DMRC officials and the government.&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was not invited to the inauguration the extended line of Faridabad-Badarpur metro in 2015 as well.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-metros-magenta-line-to-be-inaugurated-by-modi-crashes-through-wall-on-test-run-27200">Train testing Delhi Metro&#39;s magenta line, to be inaugurated by Modi, crashes through wall</a>

The first phase of the Magenta line, 12.64-km <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kalkaji-mandir-botanical-garden-metro-line-opens-for-public-on-christmas-27071">Kalkaji Mandir-Botanical Garden section will be opened for public</a>&nbsp;on Christmas&nbsp;Day.

The new Metro line will provide major relief to Delhiites as it will provide an additional and more direct connectivity to the commuters travelling from Noida to south Delhi as they will be able to off at Kalkaji Mandir station instead of changing trains at Rajiv Chowk.

The section has nine stations in which Kalkaji Mandir is an underground and the others are on the elevated platform.

The event is scheduled to?organise in Noida

Christmas gift for Delhiites by Delhi Metro, the Magenta line will be inaugurated on December 25 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. According to media reports, Arvind Kejriwal has not been invited to the inauguration of the first phase of Magenta line Metro. The event is scheduled to be organised in Noida, a suburb of Delhi which falls under Uttar Pradesh. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is a 50:50 venture between Urban Development ministry and the state government. The Magenta line which runs through Noida received funds from the Uttar Pradesh government as well as from the Delhi government. Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath will arrive in Delhi on Saturday, before the inauguration for a review meeting with DMRC officials and the government. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was not invited to the inauguration the extended line of Faridabad-Badarpur metro in 2015 as well. Also read: Train testing Delhi Metro's magenta line, to be inaugurated by Modi, crashes through wall The first phase of the Magenta line, 12.64-km Kalkaji Mandir-Botanical Garden section will be opened for public on Christmas Day. The new Metro line will provide major relief to Delhiites as it will provide an additional and more direct connectivity to the commuters travelling from Noida to south Delhi as they will be able to off at Kalkaji Mandir station instead of changing trains at Rajiv Chowk. The section has nine stations in which Kalkaji Mandir is an underground and the others are on the elevated platform.

PM Modi, UP CM Adityanath to flag off Magenta line, Delhi CM Kejriwal not invited: Report

The family of the newborn who was incorrectly declared dead by the Max Hospital at Shalimar Bagh in Delhi has begun to picket the hospital.&nbsp;

They say they will not move.&nbsp;

The hospital&#39;s licence was cancelled by the Delhi government but the order was stayed&nbsp;by the Court of the Financial Commissioner on December 19 until it hears the case on January 9.&nbsp;

After the stay, the&nbsp;family had on Wednesday protested outside the gates of the hospital.&nbsp;

PTI reported the family as saying they had been told by the police to move, so they moved across the road.&nbsp;

And from there they say they will not move.&nbsp;

&quot;We&#39;ll not move. We&#39;ll not relent,&quot; PTI quoted Ashish Kumar, the father of the infants, as saying.&nbsp;

Kumar and his wife had had twins -- a boy and girl -- who were decared dead by Max Hospital on November 30.&nbsp;

The hospital reportedly handed the bodies over to the family in plastic bags for cremation.&nbsp;

It was on the way to the crematorium that the family realised one of the twins -- the boy -- was still alive.&nbsp;

The boy however died on December 6 at a private hospital in Pitampura where he was being treated.&nbsp;

A total of 10 members of the Kumar family including Ashish and his father Kailash are picketing the hospital.&nbsp;

They include four women.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the family had demanded a CBI enquiry into the case with Kailash saying the police had not taken their statements as yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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&quot;Police has not taken our statements yet. I want a CBI inquiry into the incident so I can get justice&quot;: Grandfather of the twins declared dead by Max Hospital in Delhi&#39;s Shalimar Bagh on 1st December <a href="https://t.co/z7iNqTq2ek">pic.twitter.com/z7iNqTq2ek</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943787416413880320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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PTI reported Kailash as saying he and Ashish would meet with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday. The meeting has been fixed.&nbsp;

&quot;We knew my wife was pregnant with twins, there was so much excitement. We had bought toys and baby pictures and clothes. It was supposed to be double joy for us, but the world came crashing down on us,&quot; Ashish told PTI.

&quot;My wife is back at home. She is in a state of shock. We are holding the fort here, even though we have to defecate in the open near drains, and there is filth and mosquitoes, but we will not give up,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

The father and grandfather of the newborns will meet with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday

The family of the newborn who was incorrectly declared dead by the Max Hospital at Shalimar Bagh in Delhi has begun to picket the hospital. They say they will not move. The hospital's licence was cancelled by the Delhi government but the order was stayed by the Court of the Financial Commissioner on December 19 until it hears the case on January 9. After the stay, the family had on Wednesday protested outside the gates of the hospital. PTI reported the family as saying they had been told by the police to move, so they moved across the road. And from there they say they will not move. "We'll not move. We'll not relent," PTI quoted Ashish Kumar, the father of the infants, as saying. Kumar and his wife had had twins -- a boy and girl -- who were decared dead by Max Hospital on November 30. The hospital reportedly handed the bodies over to the family in plastic bags for cremation. It was on the way to the crematorium that the family realised one of the twins -- the boy -- was still alive. The boy however died on December 6 at a private hospital in Pitampura where he was being treated. A total of 10 members of the Kumar family including Ashish and his father Kailash are picketing the hospital. They include four women. Earlier in the day, the family had demanded a CBI enquiry into the case with Kailash saying the police had not taken their statements as yet. "Police has not taken our statements yet. I want a CBI inquiry into the incident so I can get justice": Grandfather of the twins declared dead by Max Hospital in Delhi's Shalimar Bagh on 1st December pic.twitter.com/z7iNqTq2ek — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2017 × PTI reported Kailash as saying he and Ashish would meet with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday. The meeting has been fixed. "We knew my wife was pregnant with twins, there was so much excitement. We had bought toys and baby pictures and clothes. It was supposed to be double joy for us, but the world came crashing down on us," Ashish told PTI. "My wife is back at home. She is in a state of shock. We are holding the fort here, even though we have to defecate in the open near drains, and there is filth and mosquitoes, but we will not give up," he added.

Newborn death: Family squat outside hospital, say will not move

Delhi&#39;s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal commented a day after the Delhi government decided to cancel the licence of a leading hospital for alleged medical negligence.

While speaking at the launch of the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojna scheme in Delhi, Kejriwal noted that his government would not hesitate to act sternly in cases of criminal negligence and &quot;looting of parents&quot;.&nbsp;

Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, made headlines when the officials wrongly declared an alive baby dead on November 30. The baby&#39;s body was handed over to their parents in a plastic bag, along with his still-born sister. The baby boy died&nbsp;at a nursing home in Pitampura a week later.

The Delhi Medical Association and the Indian Medical Association have criticised the government&#39;s decision to cancel the license of the private hospital. The DMA called the decision &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-govts-decision-to-cancel-hospital-licence-irrational-delhi-medical-association-26321">irrational and autocratic</a>&quot;.

In the meanwhile, Kejriwal today went on to say that it takes courage to cancel the licence of a leading healthcare facility like the Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.

&quot;If we had entered into any setting with the hospital, we would not have been able to face our conscience and would have lost the faith of the people. We are not against private hospitals. But we will hesitate to act sternly in cases of criminal negligence and looting of patients,&quot; he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, made headlines when the officials wrongly declared an alive baby dead on November 30

Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal commented a day after the Delhi government decided to cancel the licence of a leading hospital for alleged medical negligence. While speaking at the launch of the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojna scheme in Delhi, Kejriwal noted that his government would not hesitate to act sternly in cases of criminal negligence and "looting of parents". Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, made headlines when the officials wrongly declared an alive baby dead on November 30. The baby's body was handed over to their parents in a plastic bag, along with his still-born sister. The baby boy died at a nursing home in Pitampura a week later. The Delhi Medical Association and the Indian Medical Association have criticised the government's decision to cancel the license of the private hospital. The DMA called the decision "irrational and autocratic". In the meanwhile, Kejriwal today went on to say that it takes courage to cancel the licence of a leading healthcare facility like the Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. "If we had entered into any setting with the hospital, we would not have been able to face our conscience and would have lost the faith of the people. We are not against private hospitals. But we will hesitate to act sternly in cases of criminal negligence and looting of patients," he said. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi government won't hesitate to act against erring private hospitals, says Kejriwal

The Delhi government would come up with a legal framework to check the &quot;loot&quot; and &quot;criminal negligence&quot; by the private hospitals, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today, in the wake of a premature baby being wrongly declared dead by a city hospital.

The chief minister said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had &quot;succeeded&quot; in restraining the private schools from arbitrarily deciding their fee structure, adding that a similar legal framework would be put in place in the health sector to take action against the errant private hospitals.

&quot;We do not want to interfere in the functioning of the private hospitals, but if those suffering from ailments are looted and cheated and the hospitals are guilty of criminal negligence against them, being a responsible government, we will interfere in such cases,&quot; Kejriwal said.

Speaking at a function at the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) here, he pointed out two recent incidents - a private hospital charging Rs 15 lakh from a dengue patient and another hospital declaring an infant dead.

On December 1, the city government had ordered an inquiry into a case of alleged criminal negligence by the Max Hospital at Shalimar Bagh, after it surfaced that its doctors had declared an infant dead, who was found to be alive later.

&quot;We will work on it (on the legal framework) and the government will try to ensure that there is no recurrence of such cases,&quot; Kejriwal, who was the chief guest at the &#39;Delhi Smiles - Dental Health Utsav, 2017&#39; at the MAIDS, said.

On the occasion, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said the government would set up 100 dental clinics on the lines of the mohalla clinics.

The chief minister said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had 'succeeded' in restraining the private schools from arbitrarily deciding their fee structure, adding that a similar legal framework would be put in place in the health sector to take action against the errant private hospitals

The Delhi government would come up with a legal framework to check the "loot" and "criminal negligence" by the private hospitals, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today, in the wake of a premature baby being wrongly declared dead by a city hospital. The chief minister said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had "succeeded" in restraining the private schools from arbitrarily deciding their fee structure, adding that a similar legal framework would be put in place in the health sector to take action against the errant private hospitals. "We do not want to interfere in the functioning of the private hospitals, but if those suffering from ailments are looted and cheated and the hospitals are guilty of criminal negligence against them, being a responsible government, we will interfere in such cases," Kejriwal said. Speaking at a function at the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) here, he pointed out two recent incidents - a private hospital charging Rs 15 lakh from a dengue patient and another hospital declaring an infant dead. On December 1, the city government had ordered an inquiry into a case of alleged criminal negligence by the Max Hospital at Shalimar Bagh, after it surfaced that its doctors had declared an infant dead, who was found to be alive later. "We will work on it (on the legal framework) and the government will try to ensure that there is no recurrence of such cases," Kejriwal, who was the chief guest at the 'Delhi Smiles - Dental Health Utsav, 2017' at the MAIDS, said. On the occasion, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said the government would set up 100 dental clinics on the lines of the mohalla clinics.

Delhi government to come up with legal framework for errant: Kejriwal

The National Green Tribunal slammed the Delhi government Monday for not filing an action plan to curb air pollution.&nbsp;

&quot;Where is your action plan? Why have you not submitted it? What can we do if you keep on changing everybody? It&#39;s not our problem if people don&#39;t want to stick to you,&quot; PTI reported a bench headed by NGT chairperson as saying.&nbsp;

&quot;You keep on doing meetings but tell us a single action or step you have taken in the last four days to combat air pollution,&quot; the bench said.

The NGT also slammed the government for letting the India-Sri Lanka Test go ahead.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/3rd-test-play-halted-twice-due-to-pollution-lanka-players-wear-masks-while-fielding-25729" target="_blank">Pollution halts play three times, Lanka players wear masks while fielding</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/cricketers-vomiting-after-playing-in-polluted-delhi-sri-lanka-coach-25769" target="_blank">Cricketers vomiting after playing in polluted Delhi, says Sri Lanka coach</a>

&quot;Every newspaper has been carrying headline that the air pollution was going to be higher this week. Still you took no action. Even the players were playing match wearing masks. You should have not held the match if the air quality was so bad. Are people of Delhi supposed to bear this?&quot; PTI reported the bench as saying.&nbsp;

The bench also pulled up the city government for not introducing the odd-even car scheme considering the air quality is so bad.&nbsp;

The NGT had recently put a stop to all construction activity and the entry of trucks into the city.&nbsp;

It had however refused to allow any exemptions to women drivers, two-wheeler users, and government servants in the odd-even scheme which the Delhi government had wanted to roll out.&nbsp;

As a result, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government had decided against rolling out the scheme.&nbsp;

The National Green Tribunal slammed the Delhi government on Monday for not filing an action plan to curb pollution

The National Green Tribunal slammed the Delhi government Monday for not filing an action plan to curb air pollution. "Where is your action plan? Why have you not submitted it? What can we do if you keep on changing everybody? It's not our problem if people don't want to stick to you," PTI reported a bench headed by NGT chairperson as saying. "You keep on doing meetings but tell us a single action or step you have taken in the last four days to combat air pollution," the bench said. The NGT also slammed the government for letting the India-Sri Lanka Test go ahead. Also read: Pollution halts play three times, Lanka players wear masks while fielding Also read: Cricketers vomiting after playing in polluted Delhi, says Sri Lanka coach "Every newspaper has been carrying headline that the air pollution was going to be higher this week. Still you took no action. Even the players were playing match wearing masks. You should have not held the match if the air quality was so bad. Are people of Delhi supposed to bear this?" PTI reported the bench as saying. The bench also pulled up the city government for not introducing the odd-even car scheme considering the air quality is so bad. The NGT had recently put a stop to all construction activity and the entry of trucks into the city. It had however refused to allow any exemptions to women drivers, two-wheeler users, and government servants in the odd-even scheme which the Delhi government had wanted to roll out. As a result, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government had decided against rolling out the scheme.

Air is so bad, why have you not rolled out odd-even scheme? NGT asks Delhi government

Hyderabad Metro which was flagged by Narendra Modi on November 28 was opened for public on Wednesday, many passengers took Metro in excitement and have reacted&nbsp;on social media.

The Hyderabad metro rail commenced its operations between Miyapur and Nagole, covering a total distance of 30 km and 24 stations.

There is no second opinion that Metro received an overwhelming response from the passengers with over two lakh travelling on the day of its first commercial operation.

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&nbsp;

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But a few&nbsp;people complained about the steep price. People on social media expressed their disappointment over the pricing saying that the Metro isn&#39;t that affordable as they were expecting it to be.

Commuters in Hyderabad said&nbsp;that the fares were a hindrance towards the Metro Rail becoming their&nbsp;preferred transport medium, not just that some passengers complained that it takes almost the same time as&nbsp;it would take them to travel by car.

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Sir,Hyderabad Metro ticket Prices are very high for common man .Pls. reduce the price to 40% atleast on the existing price to use public transportation effectivly
&mdash; balagangadhara reddy (@BalukdpReddy) <a href="https://twitter.com/BalukdpReddy/status/935412184934367232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Hyderabad metro train ticket is little expensive for daily commuters <a href="https://twitter.com/KTRTRS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KTRTRS</a> hopes cut down some price for long distance <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HyderabadMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HyderabadMetro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a>
&mdash; arshad ahmed (@arshadnrml) <a href="https://twitter.com/arshadnrml/status/934415961838444546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabadmetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabadmetro</a> Great ride but a costly ride!! I think high ticket cost will result in low volumes, neccisitating far higher priced tickets for viability. It will be a vicious cycle! Hope for the best!!
&mdash; MADHU LAGISETTY (@LAGISETTY) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAGISETTY/status/935896895280447488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Recently the&nbsp;Delhi Metro also saw a sharp decline in commuters after&nbsp;fare hike by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).&nbsp;

According to reports after the May fare hike, about 80,000 people in India&#39;s national capital stopped using the Metro. After October, nearly 3 lakh commuters stopped using the Metro.

&nbsp;Following the DMRC fare hike, Delhi CM Kejriwal sent a letter to the Union Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, criticising the decision of the DRMC and demanding a&nbsp;roll-back of the fare hike.

The metro rail commenced its operations between Miyapur and Nagole, having a total distance of 30 km and 24 stations, the concessionaire, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd.

Hyderabad Metro which was flagged by Narendra Modi on November 28 was opened for public on Wednesday, many passengers took Metro in excitement and have reacted on social media. The Hyderabad metro rail commenced its operations between Miyapur and Nagole, covering a total distance of 30 km and 24 stations. There is no second opinion that Metro received an overwhelming response from the passengers with over two lakh travelling on the day of its first commercial operation. × × But a few people complained about the steep price. People on social media expressed their disappointment over the pricing saying that the Metro isn't that affordable as they were expecting it to be. Commuters in Hyderabad said that the fares were a hindrance towards the Metro Rail becoming their preferred transport medium, not just that some passengers complained that it takes almost the same time as it would take them to travel by car. Sir,Hyderabad Metro ticket Prices are very high for common man .Pls. reduce the price to 40% atleast on the existing price to use public transportation effectivly — balagangadhara reddy (@BalukdpReddy) November 28, 2017 × Hyderabad metro train ticket is little expensive for daily commuters @KTRTRS hopes cut down some price for long distance #HyderabadMetro #Hyderabad — arshad ahmed (@arshadnrml) November 25, 2017 × × #Hyderabadmetro Great ride but a costly ride!! I think high ticket cost will result in low volumes, neccisitating far higher priced tickets for viability. It will be a vicious cycle! Hope for the best!! — MADHU LAGISETTY (@LAGISETTY) November 29, 2017 × × Recently the Delhi Metro also saw a sharp decline in commuters after fare hike by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). According to reports after the May fare hike, about 80,000 people in India's national capital stopped using the Metro. After October, nearly 3 lakh commuters stopped using the Metro. Following the DMRC fare hike, Delhi CM Kejriwal sent a letter to the Union Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, criticising the decision of the DRMC and demanding a roll-back of the fare hike.

Will Hyderabad Metro suffer the same fate as Delhi Metro?

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