<p>A woman was operated upon in torchlight&nbsp;at a hospital in Bihar.</p>

<p>The doctors at the hospital used a torch as there was no electricity in the hospital at the time of surgery.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: A woman is operated upon in torch light at Sadar Hospital in Saharsa as there was no electricity at that time in the hospital. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/HN6T5I2683">pic.twitter.com/HN6T5I2683</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975542261923614720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Media reports say that there was no facility of generator at the hospital and therefore the doctors had no other option.</p>

<p>The video shows a woman on a stretcher in an unconscious state. Many people are seen surrounding and operating her.</p>

<p>The people operating the woman are not dressed in the usual white apron.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The operation was undertaken at Sardar Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar.</p>

<p>Giving a clarification on the issue, Bihar Health Minister has denied on any operation being conducted under torchlight.</p>

<p>He said that a patient was injured and was given stitches in the dressing room.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Patient was injured &amp; given stitches in dressing room, no operation was conducted. Have asked Civil surgeon about the incident&amp;have sought a detailed report. Incidents like these shouldn&#39;t happen:Bihar Health Minister on a woman treated in torch light at Sadar Hospital in Saharsa <a href="https://t.co/7x7SuizGQH">pic.twitter.com/7x7SuizGQH</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975644396619227136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The doctors at the hospital used a torch as there was no electricity in the hospital at the time of surgery

A woman was operated upon in torchlight at a hospital in Bihar. The doctors at the hospital used a torch as there was no electricity in the hospital at the time of surgery. #WATCH: A woman is operated upon in torch light at Sadar Hospital in Saharsa as there was no electricity at that time in the hospital. #Bihar pic.twitter.com/HN6T5I2683 — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × Media reports say that there was no facility of generator at the hospital and therefore the doctors had no other option. The video shows a woman on a stretcher in an unconscious state. Many people are seen surrounding and operating her. The people operating the woman are not dressed in the usual white apron. The operation was undertaken at Sardar Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. Giving a clarification on the issue, Bihar Health Minister has denied on any operation being conducted under torchlight. He said that a patient was injured and was given stitches in the dressing room. Patient was injured & given stitches in dressing room, no operation was conducted. Have asked Civil surgeon about the incident&have sought a detailed report. Incidents like these shouldn't happen:Bihar Health Minister on a woman treated in torch light at Sadar Hospital in Saharsa pic.twitter.com/7x7SuizGQH — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 ×

Watch: Bihar doctor operates on woman under torchlight

<p>A day after the Bihar police claims that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/biahr-70-year-old-man-tharshed-and-beheaded-36120" target="_blank">beheading of the&nbsp;70-year-old man in Darbhanga</a>, Bihar was due to old land dispute, the families have again stated that the murder happened over the name of Modi Chowk.</p>

<p>The family of the deceased said that the claims of the police are wrong and the dispute arose due to the issue of the skirmishes over the chowk name.</p>

<p>The son of the victim also said that the police was misleading and even forcing his injured brother.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What police is saying is wrong, the murder happened over the name of Modi chowk, there was no land dispute. Earlier also there have been skirmishes over the chowk name: Sushila,Daughter in Law of victim <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Darbhanga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Darbhanga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/hKUtszHbOO">pic.twitter.com/hKUtszHbOO</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975290192297971714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The murder was due to me naming the chowk after Modi ji. There is absolutely no other reason. Police is misleading and even pressurizing my injured brother. I am now contemplating leaving this place: Tej Narayan Yadav,son of victim <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Darbhanga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Darbhanga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/S98bcWn0Lp">pic.twitter.com/S98bcWn0Lp</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975290195464605696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A 70-year-old man, Ramchandra Yadav, was thrashed and beheaded by a mob in Darbhanga district of Bihar on Friday.</p>

<p>Initially,&nbsp;the reason for beheading the man was reported to have happened&nbsp;due to the renaming of the town square as &quot;Narendra Modi Chowk&quot;.</p>

<p>However, on Saturday news agency&nbsp;quoted Satya Veer Singh, SSP of Darbhanga saying that &quot;it was due to an old land dispute and has no connection with the naming of chowk.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;They named their private land as Narendra Modi Chowk. Batons were used to injure the deceased&#39;s son,&quot; Veer Singh added.</p>

<p>The SSP further clarified that there is no ongoing tension in the village.</p>

<p>Ramchandra Yadav was attacked by a mob of 40-50 people who&nbsp;allegedly thrashed Yadav with hockey sticks and swords.</p>

<p>Media has quoted Yadav&#39;s son as saying that his father went to explain the situation but he was beheaded with a sword and when his elder brother intervened he was also assaulted.</p>

<p>The elder brother is admitted to a local hospital for his treatment.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A day after the Bihar police claims that the beheading of the 70-year-old man in Darbhanga, Bihar was due to old land dispute, the families say that the murder happened over the name of Modi Chowk

A day after the Bihar police claims that the beheading of the 70-year-old man in Darbhanga, Bihar was due to old land dispute, the families have again stated that the murder happened over the name of Modi Chowk. The family of the deceased said that the claims of the police are wrong and the dispute arose due to the issue of the skirmishes over the chowk name. The son of the victim also said that the police was misleading and even forcing his injured brother. What police is saying is wrong, the murder happened over the name of Modi chowk, there was no land dispute. Earlier also there have been skirmishes over the chowk name: Sushila,Daughter in Law of victim #Darbhanga #Bihar pic.twitter.com/hKUtszHbOO — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × The murder was due to me naming the chowk after Modi ji. There is absolutely no other reason. Police is misleading and even pressurizing my injured brother. I am now contemplating leaving this place: Tej Narayan Yadav,son of victim #Darbhanga #Bihar pic.twitter.com/S98bcWn0Lp — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × A 70-year-old man, Ramchandra Yadav, was thrashed and beheaded by a mob in Darbhanga district of Bihar on Friday. Initially, the reason for beheading the man was reported to have happened due to the renaming of the town square as "Narendra Modi Chowk". However, on Saturday news agency quoted Satya Veer Singh, SSP of Darbhanga saying that "it was due to an old land dispute and has no connection with the naming of chowk." "They named their private land as Narendra Modi Chowk. Batons were used to injure the deceased's son," Veer Singh added. The SSP further clarified that there is no ongoing tension in the village. Ramchandra Yadav was attacked by a mob of 40-50 people who allegedly thrashed Yadav with hockey sticks and swords. Media has quoted Yadav's son as saying that his father went to explain the situation but he was beheaded with a sword and when his elder brother intervened he was also assaulted. The elder brother is admitted to a local hospital for his treatment.

Police are misleading, forcing injured brother: Son of man beheaded in Bihar

<p>At least 10 people, including two women and as many children, were killed when a bus skidded off an elevated highway and fell down here today, police said.</p>

<p>The bus skidded off from NH-77, according to media reports.</p>

<p>Several police teams were rushed to the spot for the rescue operation.</p>

<p>Earlier on March at least 13 persons died after a bus fell into a gorge near Uttarakhand&#39;s Totam.&nbsp;</p>


Ten people in Bihar's Sitamarhi district were killed after a bus fell off a bridge on Saturday

At least 10 people, including two women and as many children, were killed when a bus skidded off an elevated highway and fell down here today, police said. The bus skidded off from NH-77, according to media reports. Several police teams were rushed to the spot for the rescue operation. Earlier on March at least 13 persons died after a bus fell into a gorge near Uttarakhand's Totam.

10 killed in Bihar as bus skids off elevated highway

<p>A 70-year-old man was thrashed and beheaded by a mob in Darbhanga district of Bihar on Friday.</p>

<p>Initially,&nbsp;the reason for beheading the man, Ramchandra Yadav, was reportedly because he renamed the town square after Prime Minister Modi as &#39;Narendra Modi chowk&#39;.</p>

<p>But on Saturday news agency ANI quoted Satya Veer Singh, SSP of Darbhanga saying that &quot;it was due to an old land dispute and has no connection with the naming of chowk.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;They named their private land as Narendra Modi Chowk. Batons were used to injure the deceased&#39;s son,&quot; Veer Singh added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The SSP further clarified that there is no ongoing tension in the village.</p>

<p>Ramchandra Yadav was attacked by a mob of 40-50 people who&nbsp;allegedly thrashed Yadav with hockey sticks and swords.</p>

<p>Media has quoted Yadav&#39;s son as saying that his father went to explain the situation but he was beheaded with a sword and when his elder brother intervened he was also assaulted.</p>

<p>The elder brother is admitted to a local hospital for his treatment.</p>

<p>Police have registered a complaint and arrested people who were named.</p>

<p>Further probe relating to whether the incident was linked to being a Modi supporter or it was an old dispute is underway.</p>


Initially, the reason for beheading the man, Ramchandra Yadav, was reportedly because he renamed town square after Prime Minister Modi as 'Narendra Modi chowk'

A 70-year-old man was thrashed and beheaded by a mob in Darbhanga district of Bihar on Friday. Initially, the reason for beheading the man, Ramchandra Yadav, was reportedly because he renamed the town square after Prime Minister Modi as 'Narendra Modi chowk'. But on Saturday news agency ANI quoted Satya Veer Singh, SSP of Darbhanga saying that "it was due to an old land dispute and has no connection with the naming of chowk." "They named their private land as Narendra Modi Chowk. Batons were used to injure the deceased's son," Veer Singh added. The SSP further clarified that there is no ongoing tension in the village. Ramchandra Yadav was attacked by a mob of 40-50 people who allegedly thrashed Yadav with hockey sticks and swords. Media has quoted Yadav's son as saying that his father went to explain the situation but he was beheaded with a sword and when his elder brother intervened he was also assaulted. The elder brother is admitted to a local hospital for his treatment. Police have registered a complaint and arrested people who were named. Further probe relating to whether the incident was linked to being a Modi supporter or it was an old dispute is underway.

Bihar: 70-year-old man thrashed and beheaded

<p>Two people have been arrested in Bihar in connection with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-files-fir-against-men-involved-in-anti-india-pro-pakistan-sloganeering-in-bihar-35975" target="_blank">&#39;anti-India and pro-Pakistan&#39;&nbsp;sloganeering in the state&#39;s Araria district</a>.</p>

<p>The police have arrested Sultan Aazmi and Shehjad over a viral video that showed&nbsp;three men raising pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans in the district.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a>: 2 men, named Sultan Aazmi &amp; Shehjad, arrested over viral video from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Araria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Araria</a>, that showed people raising anti-India slogans.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974494041436979200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The police were on a look out of the absconding men involved in such sloganeering after the video surfaced on the internet.</p>

<p>The locals of the district had staged a protest against the alleged chanting of such slogans. They also took out a rally demanding an action against the men involved.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Araria: Locals take out protest rally demanding action in the case where a video surfaced online showing three men raising pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans in Araria. FIR has been registered and police is on the look-out of the three men who are absconding. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/AwYJXjCRmI">pic.twitter.com/AwYJXjCRmI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974329210738274310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to media reports, the sloganeering was carried out by the supporters of the&nbsp;newly elected representative in Araria.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/apologise-to-people-of-araria-rabri-devi-to-bjp-35954" target="_blank">RJD&#39;s Sarfaraz Alam&nbsp;was declared the&nbsp;winner of the region</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday beating&nbsp;his opponent Pradip Kumar Singh of BJP.</p>

<p>The bypoll for Araria seat was necessitated following the death of RJD MP Mohammed Taslimuddin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The police were on a look out of the absconding men involved in 'anti-India, pro-Pakistan' sloganeering in Araria, Bihar after a video surfaced on the internet showing three men raising such slogans

Two people have been arrested in Bihar in connection with the 'anti-India and pro-Pakistan' sloganeering in the state's Araria district. The police have arrested Sultan Aazmi and Shehjad over a viral video that showed three men raising pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans in the district. #Bihar: 2 men, named Sultan Aazmi & Shehjad, arrested over viral video from #Araria, that showed people raising anti-India slogans. — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × The police were on a look out of the absconding men involved in such sloganeering after the video surfaced on the internet. The locals of the district had staged a protest against the alleged chanting of such slogans. They also took out a rally demanding an action against the men involved. Araria: Locals take out protest rally demanding action in the case where a video surfaced online showing three men raising pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans in Araria. FIR has been registered and police is on the look-out of the three men who are absconding. #Bihar pic.twitter.com/AwYJXjCRmI — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 × According to media reports, the sloganeering was carried out by the supporters of the newly elected representative in Araria. RJD's Sarfaraz Alam was declared the winner of the region on Wednesday beating his opponent Pradip Kumar Singh of BJP. The bypoll for Araria seat was necessitated following the death of RJD MP Mohammed Taslimuddin.

2 arrested in 'anti-India, pro-Pakistan' sloganeering in Bihar

<p>The Bihar police have registered an FIR against absconding men involved in the chanting of pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/araria-will-become-hub-for-terrorism-due-to-rjd-win-giriraj-singh-35947" target="_blank">Araria district of </a>the state on Thursday.</p>

<p>A video surfaced on the internet showing three men raising pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans in the district.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have received the information. FIR has been registered and arrests are yet to be made. As far as the people who are circulating the video are concerned, they will be traced &amp; action will be taken: KD Singh, SDPO Araria <a href="https://t.co/UqDmlzDHfn">pic.twitter.com/UqDmlzDHfn</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974344849880244224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The locals of the district had demonstrated against the alleged chanting of such slogans. They also took out a rally demanding an action against the men involved.</p>

<p>The police have conducted a search operation against the absconding men.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports have said that the supporters of the&nbsp;newly elected representative in Araria were involved in the chanting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bypoll for Araria seat was necessitated following the death of RJD MP Mohammed Taslimuddin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/apologise-to-people-of-araria-rabri-devi-to-bjp-35954" target="_blank">RJD&#39;s Sarfaraz Alam&nbsp;was declared the&nbsp;winner of the region</a> on Wednesday beating&nbsp;his opponent Pradip Kumar Singh of BJP.</p>

<p>Araria is a Muslim-dominated area with over 40 per cent of the population belonging to the religion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


A video surfaced on the internet showing three men raising pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans in the district. Media reports have said that the supporters of the newly elected RJD representative in Araria were involved in the chanting

The Bihar police have registered an FIR against absconding men involved in the chanting of pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans in Araria district of the state on Thursday. A video surfaced on the internet showing three men raising pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans in the district. We have received the information. FIR has been registered and arrests are yet to be made. As far as the people who are circulating the video are concerned, they will be traced & action will be taken: KD Singh, SDPO Araria pic.twitter.com/UqDmlzDHfn — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 × The locals of the district had demonstrated against the alleged chanting of such slogans. They also took out a rally demanding an action against the men involved. The police have conducted a search operation against the absconding men. Media reports have said that the supporters of the newly elected representative in Araria were involved in the chanting. The bypoll for Araria seat was necessitated following the death of RJD MP Mohammed Taslimuddin. RJD's Sarfaraz Alam was declared the winner of the region on Wednesday beating his opponent Pradip Kumar Singh of BJP. Araria is a Muslim-dominated area with over 40 per cent of the population belonging to the religion. (With inputs from ANI)

Police files FIR against men involved in 'anti-India, pro-Pakistan' sloganeering in Bihar

<p>As part of his three-day visit from March 2 to 4, Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang, who aims to strengthen their partnership to ward off China&#39;s growing influence, will hold talks with his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang also paid tribute at Raj Ghat in New Delhi on Saturday morning.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: President of Vietnam Tran Dai Quang pays tribute at Raj Ghat. <a href="https://t.co/uQ9uzqeq4S">pic.twitter.com/uQ9uzqeq4S</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/969824529731158017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The visiting dignitary will also attend a Vietnam-India Business Forum and the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Days in India 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Vietnamese President is leading an 18-member delegation, including ministers, party leaders, and businessmen.</p>

<p>President Quang is also expected to interact with prominent Indian businessmen.</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister called on visiting Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang and discussed ways to further deepen the bilateral relationship.</p>

<p>&quot;Discussion focused on steps to further strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all sectors,&quot; External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s visit to Vietnam in 2017 the bilateral relationship was elevated from Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi and Quang will hold a bilateral meeting later in the day following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed.</p>

<p>Quang arrived in Delhi on Friday night and was received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival. He also received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.</p>

<p>Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter and said, &quot;And this is how we welcome our esteemed guest! Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was accorded a ceremonial welcome @RashtrapatiBhvn in the presence of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and PM @narendramodi.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And this is how we welcome our esteemed guest! Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was accorded a ceremonial welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RashtrapatiBhvn</a> in the presence of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/QKpc9pHELd">pic.twitter.com/QKpc9pHELd</a></p>
&mdash; Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/969788731195523073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Quang also received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi

As part of his three-day visit from March 2 to 4, Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang, who aims to strengthen their partnership to ward off China's growing influence, will hold talks with his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang also paid tribute at Raj Ghat in New Delhi on Saturday morning. Delhi: President of Vietnam Tran Dai Quang pays tribute at Raj Ghat. pic.twitter.com/uQ9uzqeq4S — ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018 × The visiting dignitary will also attend a Vietnam-India Business Forum and the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Days in India 2018. The Vietnamese President is leading an 18-member delegation, including ministers, party leaders, and businessmen. President Quang is also expected to interact with prominent Indian businessmen. External Affairs Minister called on visiting Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang and discussed ways to further deepen the bilateral relationship. "Discussion focused on steps to further strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vietnam in 2017 the bilateral relationship was elevated from Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Modi and Quang will hold a bilateral meeting later in the day following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed. Quang arrived in Delhi on Friday night and was received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival. He also received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter and said, "And this is how we welcome our esteemed guest! Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was accorded a ceremonial welcome @RashtrapatiBhvn in the presence of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and PM @narendramodi." And this is how we welcome our esteemed guest! Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was accorded a ceremonial welcome @RashtrapatiBhvn in the presence of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/QKpc9pHELd — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 3, 2018 ×

Vietnam President to hold bilateral talks, aims to strengthen partnership

<p>Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi quit BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday and joined Rasthtriya Janata Dal-led Grand Alliance. Manjhi had on Sunday demanded a Rajya Sabha seat for his party, the the Hindustani Awam Morcha, and threatened that he would not support the BJP-led coalition if his demands are not met.</p>

<p>&quot;The NDA must announce at least one Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader among its candidates for the six Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar. If that does not happen, our party workers will not campaign for candidates of the coalition in the by-polls,&quot; Manjhi had said.</p>

<p>&quot;He has been an old friend to my parents, we welcome him,&quot; RJD&#39;s Tejashwi Yadav said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi quits NDA, joins <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a>&#39;s &#39;grand-alliance&#39;, addressing the media along with Manjhi, RJD&#39;s Tejashwi Yadav said, &#39;he has been an old friend to my parents, we welcome him.&#39; <a href="https://t.co/EfghzUQ3WX">pic.twitter.com/EfghzUQ3WX</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/968724753358913537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha election is slated for March 23.</p>

<p>The by-polls for Araria Lok Sabha seat and Jahanabad and Bhabhua Assembly seats are scheduled to be held on March 11.</p>

<p>Manjhi said, &quot;For more than a year and a half, I and my party have been working tirelessly for strengthening the NDA in Bihar. But as the saying goes - even a mother does not feed her child until he or she cries and demands attention.&quot;</p>

<p>Manjhi had formed HAM after walking out of Nitish Kumar&#39;s Janata Dal (United) JD(U) in protest against the alleged pressure to step down as chief minister in 2015 and make way for the return of Nitish. He had fought the assembly polls held the same year as part of the NDA which lost to the grand alliance comprising JD(U), RJD and Congress.</p>

<p>Recently, the former chief minister had expressed the wish that his party be allowed to contest by-poll from Jahanabad Assembly seat, but withdrew the demand following alleged cold response from the BJP. The seat is now being contested by the JD(U), which had initially announced that it would not contest any of the three seats going for by-polls.</p>


Manjhi had formed Hindustani Awam Morcha after walking out of Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) JD(U) in protest against the alleged pressure to step down as chief minister in 2015.

Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi quit BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday and joined Rasthtriya Janata Dal-led Grand Alliance. Manjhi had on Sunday demanded a Rajya Sabha seat for his party, the the Hindustani Awam Morcha, and threatened that he would not support the BJP-led coalition if his demands are not met. "The NDA must announce at least one Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader among its candidates for the six Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar. If that does not happen, our party workers will not campaign for candidates of the coalition in the by-polls," Manjhi had said. "He has been an old friend to my parents, we welcome him," RJD's Tejashwi Yadav said. Former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi quits NDA, joins #Bihar's 'grand-alliance', addressing the media along with Manjhi, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav said, 'he has been an old friend to my parents, we welcome him.' pic.twitter.com/EfghzUQ3WX — ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018 × The Rajya Sabha election is slated for March 23. The by-polls for Araria Lok Sabha seat and Jahanabad and Bhabhua Assembly seats are scheduled to be held on March 11. Manjhi said, "For more than a year and a half, I and my party have been working tirelessly for strengthening the NDA in Bihar. But as the saying goes - even a mother does not feed her child until he or she cries and demands attention." Manjhi had formed HAM after walking out of Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) JD(U) in protest against the alleged pressure to step down as chief minister in 2015 and make way for the return of Nitish. He had fought the assembly polls held the same year as part of the NDA which lost to the grand alliance comprising JD(U), RJD and Congress. Recently, the former chief minister had expressed the wish that his party be allowed to contest by-poll from Jahanabad Assembly seat, but withdrew the demand following alleged cold response from the BJP. The seat is now being contested by the JD(U), which had initially announced that it would not contest any of the three seats going for by-polls.

Former Bihar chief minister Jitam Ram Manjhi quits NDA, joins 'Grand Alliance'

<p>A few days back, there was a very interesting news piece. In the town Shamli of western UP,&nbsp; two dreaded criminals walked into the office of Police Superintendent and handed over an affidavit stating that they were leaving the crime world once and for all and going forward they would earn their bread with honesty and hard work.</p>

<p>This very clip manifest the changes which are ushering in the largest state of the country ever since Yogi Adityanath took over the reign around 11 months back. For someone like me who was born and brought up in UP, this is news of huge significance.</p>

<p>In 2005, when Nitish Kumar became Chief Minister of Bihar for the&nbsp;first time, my friend from college, who is from Bihar called me and said: &ldquo; we finally have our man, when will you have?&rdquo;.</p>

<p>There is a background to the question asked by my friend. UP and Bihar&nbsp;are two of the largest states in India. Combined together, these two states are 1/4th&nbsp;of India. Regretfully, these are the two states, who paid the hefty price for the political turmoil over the past three decades. Both states were left lurching and in the abysmal state on all indexes of development and human life.</p>

<p>For UP, it was a sorry figure for a state which has spearheaded the political, social and even&nbsp;economic&nbsp;activities of the country since the colonial times.</p>

<p>The process of decline started in 1985 when a few months after Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s assassination, Congress swept the assembly polls in Bihar and UP (with other states as well) with Rajiv Gandhi as the Congress supremo and Prime Minister. Rajiv Gandhi subverted constitutional values in a very big way and state governments were only interested in keeping their master happy. In UP and Bihar, Congress governments were jaded and with pathetic or say nil governance. The game of musical chair for chief ministership was on as Rajiv Gandhi was sacking and appointing them&nbsp;on&nbsp;his whims. The result, Congress lost base rapidly and voters alienated with Congress.</p>

<p>1990 was one plummeted steeply in the five years during 1985-90, lost its total voter base in UP and Bihar. In UP, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Kanshiram made most of this situation and UP just got entrapped in caste-based politics with clear compartments of votes.</p>

<p>In UP, the deterioration was thick and fast in the new millennium. Mayawati had some hold on the governance during 2007-2012 but transparency was completely missing, financial irregularities were pervasive, and BSP cadre was busy in the organised loot from top to bottom.</p>

<p>But it was the rule of Samajwadi Party during 2003-07 and 2012-17, which hit UP the most. Corruption was rife and so was nepotism. Criminals got brazen political protection. As the epitome of worst of cast appeasement, each and every institution like Police, Public Service Commission, Public Works Department, etc, were disrupted and were flooded with people of just one caste. Once a transporter told his plight to me that how goons backed by political dispensation were robbing their fleets and drivers with sheer impunity. The corruption was at an unthinkable peak. A few years back, during the discussion with one supplier who used to supply consumables to UP&rsquo;s health department, it came out that he had to dole out Rs. 55,000 to babus and brokers for a billing of Rs. 1 Lakh. You can imagine what stuff a supplier would deliver after paying a 55% commission. This will also throw some light that how so many kids died in Gorakhpur Medical College a few months back.</p>

<p>The sign of revival was palpable, soon after Yogi took the reign in March 2017. He first attacked the UP&rsquo;s road, which was full of potholes. Then he came hard on illegal butcheries, which were an absolute menace and polluting environment in a big way (liberals ranted though on this and tried to give this a communal twist).</p>

<p>But Yogi&rsquo;s crackdown on criminals is his biggest achievement. Liberals are again ranting on possible human right&rsquo;s violation by Police but these liberals have little idea that how deep-rooted the problem of crimes is in UP. It warrants radical steps and Yogi is just doing that. It needs the shock therapy, which Yogi is providing.</p>

<p>Yogi is the man of action and his actions are decisive and bold. He recently cracked down on blatant cheating in UP Board examinations. To my surprise, I read a piece by a famous liberal, wherein Yogi was criticised that how Yogi is ruthless on cheaters and playing with the future of youth.</p>

<p>His investor summit in Lucknow has been encouraging on the first day itself on 21st&nbsp;Feb 2018. Narendra Modi who is the originator of this very Idea with his &ldquo;Vibrant Gujarat&rdquo; initiatives when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat himself was present and presided over.</p>

<p>So, finally, UP has its man, bit late albeit. Yogi has shown the glimpse that he can reinstate the lost glory of the largest state of the country.</p>

<p>Last but not the least, as UP send almost 15% of representative in the Lok Sabha, he is all important man for Modi and BJP as well in its run up to 2019. For the second term of Modi, UP would again play a decisive role and Yogi has the onus to deliver it, which he will.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</p>


Since Yogi Adityanath took the reign in March 2017, he has shown that he can reinstate the lost glory of the largest state of the country.

A few days back, there was a very interesting news piece. In the town Shamli of western UP, two dreaded criminals walked into the office of Police Superintendent and handed over an affidavit stating that they were leaving the crime world once and for all and going forward they would earn their bread with honesty and hard work. This very clip manifest the changes which are ushering in the largest state of the country ever since Yogi Adityanath took over the reign around 11 months back. For someone like me who was born and brought up in UP, this is news of huge significance. In 2005, when Nitish Kumar became Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time, my friend from college, who is from Bihar called me and said: “ we finally have our man, when will you have?”. There is a background to the question asked by my friend. UP and Bihar are two of the largest states in India. Combined together, these two states are 1/4th of India. Regretfully, these are the two states, who paid the hefty price for the political turmoil over the past three decades. Both states were left lurching and in the abysmal state on all indexes of development and human life. For UP, it was a sorry figure for a state which has spearheaded the political, social and even economic activities of the country since the colonial times. The process of decline started in 1985 when a few months after Indira Gandhi’s assassination, Congress swept the assembly polls in Bihar and UP (with other states as well) with Rajiv Gandhi as the Congress supremo and Prime Minister. Rajiv Gandhi subverted constitutional values in a very big way and state governments were only interested in keeping their master happy. In UP and Bihar, Congress governments were jaded and with pathetic or say nil governance. The game of musical chair for chief ministership was on as Rajiv Gandhi was sacking and appointing them on his whims. The result, Congress lost base rapidly and voters alienated with Congress. 1990 was one plummeted steeply in the five years during 1985-90, lost its total voter base in UP and Bihar. In UP, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Kanshiram made most of this situation and UP just got entrapped in caste-based politics with clear compartments of votes. In UP, the deterioration was thick and fast in the new millennium. Mayawati had some hold on the governance during 2007-2012 but transparency was completely missing, financial irregularities were pervasive, and BSP cadre was busy in the organised loot from top to bottom. But it was the rule of Samajwadi Party during 2003-07 and 2012-17, which hit UP the most. Corruption was rife and so was nepotism. Criminals got brazen political protection. As the epitome of worst of cast appeasement, each and every institution like Police, Public Service Commission, Public Works Department, etc, were disrupted and were flooded with people of just one caste. Once a transporter told his plight to me that how goons backed by political dispensation were robbing their fleets and drivers with sheer impunity. The corruption was at an unthinkable peak. A few years back, during the discussion with one supplier who used to supply consumables to UP’s health department, it came out that he had to dole out Rs. 55,000 to babus and brokers for a billing of Rs. 1 Lakh. You can imagine what stuff a supplier would deliver after paying a 55% commission. This will also throw some light that how so many kids died in Gorakhpur Medical College a few months back. The sign of revival was palpable, soon after Yogi took the reign in March 2017. He first attacked the UP’s road, which was full of potholes. Then he came hard on illegal butcheries, which were an absolute menace and polluting environment in a big way (liberals ranted though on this and tried to give this a communal twist). But Yogi’s crackdown on criminals is his biggest achievement. Liberals are again ranting on possible human right’s violation by Police but these liberals have little idea that how deep-rooted the problem of crimes is in UP. It warrants radical steps and Yogi is just doing that. It needs the shock therapy, which Yogi is providing. Yogi is the man of action and his actions are decisive and bold. He recently cracked down on blatant cheating in UP Board examinations. To my surprise, I read a piece by a famous liberal, wherein Yogi was criticised that how Yogi is ruthless on cheaters and playing with the future of youth. His investor summit in Lucknow has been encouraging on the first day itself on 21st Feb 2018. Narendra Modi who is the originator of this very Idea with his “Vibrant Gujarat” initiatives when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat himself was present and presided over. So, finally, UP has its man, bit late albeit. Yogi has shown the glimpse that he can reinstate the lost glory of the largest state of the country. Last but not the least, as UP send almost 15% of representative in the Lok Sabha, he is all important man for Modi and BJP as well in its run up to 2019. For the second term of Modi, UP would again play a decisive role and Yogi has the onus to deliver it, which he will. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Yogi Adityanath is the man to root out crime in UP

<p>Ahead of the Class 10 examinations, the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) on Sunday directed students to sit in exams while wearing slippers or flip-flops and not shoes along with socks.</p>

<p>&quot;There is nothing new in this order to students appearing in Class 10 exams from February 21. It is a usual practice in other examinations held in the state. The board decided to adopt the practice from this year,&quot; BSEB Chairman Anand Kishore, who issued the instructions on Sunday, said.</p>

<p>Nearly 17.70 lakh students will sit for the Class 10 exams at 1,426 centres across the state from February 21 to 28.</p>

<p>Nearly 1,000 students were penalised for cheating during the Class 12 exams that concluded last Saturday.</p>

<p>According to BSEB officials, the annual examinations this year were fair and mass cheating is a thing of the past in Bihar.</p>

<p>Last year, the Class 12 Arts stream topper was a 42-year-old man, who was later arrested for on the charge of faking his age to take the exams.</p>


Nearly 17.70 lakh students will sit for the Class 10 exams at 1,426 centres across the state from February 21 to 28

Ahead of the Class 10 examinations, the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) on Sunday directed students to sit in exams while wearing slippers or flip-flops and not shoes along with socks. "There is nothing new in this order to students appearing in Class 10 exams from February 21. It is a usual practice in other examinations held in the state. The board decided to adopt the practice from this year," BSEB Chairman Anand Kishore, who issued the instructions on Sunday, said. Nearly 17.70 lakh students will sit for the Class 10 exams at 1,426 centres across the state from February 21 to 28. Nearly 1,000 students were penalised for cheating during the Class 12 exams that concluded last Saturday. According to BSEB officials, the annual examinations this year were fair and mass cheating is a thing of the past in Bihar. Last year, the Class 12 Arts stream topper was a 42-year-old man, who was later arrested for on the charge of faking his age to take the exams.

Wear chappals while taking exams, Bihar Board tells students

<p>&nbsp;RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday urged farmers of Bihar to join the Sangh and become a part of its mission to build a society free from discrimination.<br />
<br />
Speaking to farmers invited to an RSS volunteers&#39; camp here, he highlighted the work done by volunteers in villages of the country.<br />
<br />
&quot;The problems faced by our villages can be solved by only those who live in villages. The RSS has been in close touch with rural India,&quot; said the&nbsp;<em>Sarsanghchalak&nbsp;</em>of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).<br />
<br />
&quot;Thousands of our branches operate in villages. Our swayamsevaks have made a laudable contribution towards rural development,&quot; said Mr Bhagwat who arrived in this north Bihar town on a five-day tour yesterday.<br />
<br />
The RSS chief also stressed on the need to adopt organic farming. He said that organic farming has been a part of the tradition for thousands of years.<br />
<br />
The RSS chief&#39;s tour of the state is scheduled to conclude on February 15.<br />
<br />
Opposition parties, the RJD and the Congress, have alleged that Mr Bhagwat&#39;s visits have become frequent of late and it was a part of the agenda of the BJP to &quot;saffronize&quot; Bihar.</p>

<p>They have also accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of having capitulated before the BJP, and taunted him over his 2016 resolve of making a RSS-free India when he had been heading an anti-BJP coalition government.<br />
<br />
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said Mr Bhagwat was meeting farmers with a view to helping them make their own lives better.</p>


Speaking to farmers invited to a RSS volunteers' camp, he highlighted the work done by volunteers in villages of the country

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday urged farmers of Bihar to join the Sangh and become a part of its mission to build a society free from discrimination. Speaking to farmers invited to an RSS volunteers' camp here, he highlighted the work done by volunteers in villages of the country. "The problems faced by our villages can be solved by only those who live in villages. The RSS has been in close touch with rural India," said the Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "Thousands of our branches operate in villages. Our swayamsevaks have made a laudable contribution towards rural development," said Mr Bhagwat who arrived in this north Bihar town on a five-day tour yesterday. The RSS chief also stressed on the need to adopt organic farming. He said that organic farming has been a part of the tradition for thousands of years. The RSS chief's tour of the state is scheduled to conclude on February 15. Opposition parties, the RJD and the Congress, have alleged that Mr Bhagwat's visits have become frequent of late and it was a part of the agenda of the BJP to "saffronize" Bihar. They have also accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of having capitulated before the BJP, and taunted him over his 2016 resolve of making a RSS-free India when he had been heading an anti-BJP coalition government. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said Mr Bhagwat was meeting farmers with a view to helping them make their own lives better.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urges Bihar farmers to join the Sangh, build discrimination-free society

<p>Karni Sena protestors have once again taken the law into their hands after they vandalised a cinema hall in Muzaffarpur city in Bihar on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="tr">Protesters vandalize a cinema hall in Bihar&#39;s Muzaffarpur. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> <a href="https://t.co/MlleJsFBkE">pic.twitter.com/MlleJsFBkE</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953954580525494274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>This comes in the wake of Supreme Court&#39;s judgement against ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s film &quot;Padmaavat&quot; in four states namely Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.</p>

<p>The court ruled in favour of the makers of the film who said that the film had got a release certificate by the Central Board of Film certification and a blanket state ban on the film did not make sense.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;When Bandit Queen can release, why not </a></strong></em><em><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a></strong></em><em><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">, says Supreme Court</a></strong></em></p>

<p>Reacting to this news, Karni Sena called for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-should-not-be-screened-appeal-to-public-to-impose-curfew-karni-sena-chief-29942" target="_blank">&quot;Junta Curfew&quot;</a>&nbsp;(public curfew) and vandalised cinema halls in Muzaffarpur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A leader of the group talking to IANS said that they&nbsp;would reach out to cinema hall owners across the country, asking them to not show the movie or face the consequences.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Karni Sena had taken out a massive rally in Rajasthan&#39;s Dholpur to demand a countrywide ban on &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, which is scheduled for release on January 25.</p>

<p>They have <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-women-of-kshatriya-community-threaten-to-perform-jauhar-if-the-films-release-is-not-stalled-29572" target="_blank">threatened</a> mass immolation if the film is not banned.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


This comes after Supreme Court of India ruled against ban on the film as it has been granted a clearance certificate by the CBFC

Karni Sena protestors have once again taken the law into their hands after they vandalised a cinema hall in Muzaffarpur city in Bihar on Thursday. Protesters vandalize a cinema hall in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/MlleJsFBkE — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2018 × This comes in the wake of Supreme Court's judgement against ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "Padmaavat" in four states namely Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The court ruled in favour of the makers of the film who said that the film had got a release certificate by the Central Board of Film certification and a blanket state ban on the film did not make sense. Also Read: When Bandit Queen can release, why not Padmaavat, says Supreme Court Reacting to this news, Karni Sena called for "Junta Curfew" (public curfew) and vandalised cinema halls in Muzaffarpur. A leader of the group talking to IANS said that they would reach out to cinema hall owners across the country, asking them to not show the movie or face the consequences. On Tuesday, Karni Sena had taken out a massive rally in Rajasthan's Dholpur to demand a countrywide ban on "Padmaavat", which is scheduled for release on January 25. They have threatened mass immolation if the film is not banned.

Padmaavat: Karni Sena workers vandalise Bihar cinema hall

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/judicial-rift-bar-council-forms-7-member-committee-to-resolve-the-matter-29421">Judicial rift: Bar Council forms 7-member committee to resolve the matter</a></p>

<p>The 7-member delegation will meet the four Supreme Court judges.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-found-nothing-took-some-documents-to-justify-themselves-chidambaram-on-ed-raids-on-kartis-residence-29407">Chidambaram terms ED raids as &#39;comedy of errors&#39;</a></p>

<p>He also spoke about the absence of an FIR or any Police agency.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pawan-hans-chopper-crashes-off-mumbai-coast-4-bodies-found-29420">Pawan Hans chopper crashes off Mumbai coast, 4 bodies found</a></p>

<p>So far, four bodies have been recovered, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation said in a statement. The search operation is on for other missing persons.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-held-in-connection-with-attack-on-bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-convoy-29426">19 held in connection with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-held-in-connection-with-attack-on-bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-convoy-29426">attack</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-held-in-connection-with-attack-on-bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-convoy-29426"> on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar&#39;s convoy</a></p>

<p>Nitish Kumar was on a state-wide tour to take a stock of state government&#39;s development schemes over the years when his convoy came under attack.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/gavaskar-questions-indias-team-selection-for-2nd-test-29417">Gavaskar questions India&#39;s team selection for 2nd Test</a></p>

<p>Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Judicial rift: Bar Council forms 7-member committee to resolve the matter The 7-member delegation will meet the four Supreme Court judges. Chidambaram terms ED raids as 'comedy of errors' He also spoke about the absence of an FIR or any Police agency. Pawan Hans chopper crashes off Mumbai coast, 4 bodies found So far, four bodies have been recovered, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation said in a statement. The search operation is on for other missing persons. 19 held in connection with attack on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's convoy Nitish Kumar was on a state-wide tour to take a stock of state government's development schemes over the years when his convoy came under attack. Gavaskar questions India's team selection for 2nd Test Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place.

WION Evening News brief, January 13, 2018

<p>Former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav who was sentenced to 3.5 years of jail time and fined Rs 5 lakh for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fodder-scam-lalu-prasad-sentenced-to-35-years-in-jail-28721">fodder scam</a> has filed a complaint to special CBI judge of being treated like a common prisoner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Judge Shivpal Singh, who also announced the fodder scam verdict, informed that&nbsp;&quot;law was equal for all, including mass leaders.&quot;</p>

<p>The 69-year-old also pleaded Singh to award him 2.5 years of imprisonment for the Dumka treasury case, whose judgment is set to be pronounced soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, as Makar Sankranti nears, Lalu persisted that he does not want to eat &#39;dahi chura&#39; on the occasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Singh ordered that the dish will be served regardless.</p>

<p>&quot;No sir, this is a thing of the Yadavs. If I eat dahi-chura with you, I might end up in a problem like Syed Shahabuddin of Siwan,&quot; he said while breaking into laughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also complained earlier that the authorities were not letting him meet his party leaders and other visitors.&nbsp;Singh ruled that visitors will only be allowed following the jail manual.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Others convicted in the fodder scam case, Phool Chand, Mahesh Prasad, Bake Julious, Sunil Kumar, Sushil Kumar, Sudhir Kumar and Raja Ram sentenced to three-and-a-half&nbsp;years in jail and Rs 5 lakh fine each.</p>


Judge Shivpal Singh, who also announced the fodder scam verdict, informed that "law was equal for all, including mass leaders."

Former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav who was sentenced to 3.5 years of jail time and fined Rs 5 lakh for fodder scam has filed a complaint to special CBI judge of being treated like a common prisoner. Judge Shivpal Singh, who also announced the fodder scam verdict, informed that "law was equal for all, including mass leaders." The 69-year-old also pleaded Singh to award him 2.5 years of imprisonment for the Dumka treasury case, whose judgment is set to be pronounced soon. Also, as Makar Sankranti nears, Lalu persisted that he does not want to eat 'dahi chura' on the occasion. However, Singh ordered that the dish will be served regardless. "No sir, this is a thing of the Yadavs. If I eat dahi-chura with you, I might end up in a problem like Syed Shahabuddin of Siwan," he said while breaking into laughter. He also complained earlier that the authorities were not letting him meet his party leaders and other visitors. Singh ruled that visitors will only be allowed following the jail manual. Others convicted in the fodder scam case, Phool Chand, Mahesh Prasad, Bake Julious, Sunil Kumar, Sushil Kumar, Sudhir Kumar and Raja Ram sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail and Rs 5 lakh fine each.

Treated like 'common prisoner', complains Lalu Prasad Yadav

<p>A stampede broke out during an army recruitment drive at Dehri-on-Sone in Bihar&#39;s Rohtas district in the early hours today, killing an aspirant and injuring four others, police said.</p>

<p>The incident took place around 3 AM when thousands of aspirants, impatient as they waited outside in the cold, tried to gatecrash the BMP (Bihar Military Police) ground through the police lines to take the physical test for the job of a jawan, Rohtas Superintendent of Police M S Dhillon said.</p>

<p>The deceased has been identified as Mukesh Kumar, who hailed from Gaya district, the SP said.</p>

<p>Kumar was among the five people who were injured in the stampede, Dhillon said, adding, he was rushed to a hospital where he was declared brought dead.</p>

<p>The four other injured -- Vimlesh Kumar, Devbrat Kumar Shyamnandan Kumar Verma and Dharmendra Kumar -- were receiving treatment at the Sadar Hospital in Sasaram, the SP said adding, their condition is stated to be out of danger.</p>

<p>The situation was brought under control using mild force and entry was allowed in a disciplined manner.</p>

<p>Dehri-On-Sone is around 80 km from state capital Patna. BMP-2 is located here. BMP-1 is in Danapur on the outskirt of Patna.</p>

<p>The incident happened on the fifth day of the recruitment drive which will continue till January 18.</p>

<p>The drive was not affected by the incident and physical test continued as per schedule. The test went ahead as the incident happened at the gate and not in the ground, said Col. Rajiv Kumar, under whom the recruitment drive is underway.</p>

<p>More than 5,000 registrations are done everyday district-wise out of which nearly 4,500 aspirants turn up for the rally. Today was the turn of applicants from Gaya district.&nbsp;</p>


The incident took place around 3 AM when thousands of aspirants, impatient as they waited outside in the cold, tried to gatecrash the BMP (Bihar Military Police) ground through the police lines to take the physical test for the job of a jawan

A stampede broke out during an army recruitment drive at Dehri-on-Sone in Bihar's Rohtas district in the early hours today, killing an aspirant and injuring four others, police said. The incident took place around 3 AM when thousands of aspirants, impatient as they waited outside in the cold, tried to gatecrash the BMP (Bihar Military Police) ground through the police lines to take the physical test for the job of a jawan, Rohtas Superintendent of Police M S Dhillon said. The deceased has been identified as Mukesh Kumar, who hailed from Gaya district, the SP said. Kumar was among the five people who were injured in the stampede, Dhillon said, adding, he was rushed to a hospital where he was declared brought dead. The four other injured -- Vimlesh Kumar, Devbrat Kumar Shyamnandan Kumar Verma and Dharmendra Kumar -- were receiving treatment at the Sadar Hospital in Sasaram, the SP said adding, their condition is stated to be out of danger. The situation was brought under control using mild force and entry was allowed in a disciplined manner. Dehri-On-Sone is around 80 km from state capital Patna. BMP-2 is located here. BMP-1 is in Danapur on the outskirt of Patna. The incident happened on the fifth day of the recruitment drive which will continue till January 18. The drive was not affected by the incident and physical test continued as per schedule. The test went ahead as the incident happened at the gate and not in the ground, said Col. Rajiv Kumar, under whom the recruitment drive is underway. More than 5,000 registrations are done everyday district-wise out of which nearly 4,500 aspirants turn up for the rally. Today was the turn of applicants from Gaya district.

Stampede during army recruitment drive in Bihar; 1 dead, 4 injured

<p>In a bizarre incident, a man was forced to marry a girl at gunpoint after her family reportedly kidnapped him in Bihar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Twenty-nine-year-old Vinod Kumar, an engineer, had come to the city to attend a wedding when he was picked up by a mutual friend and taken to a remote area where he was beaten up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video clip of the marriage has gone viral. The clip shows Kumar being forced to marry the girl while he cries in denial and resists.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bihar: Engineer allegedly forced to get married at gunpoint in Patna&#39;s Pandarak, kept crying. (2.1.18) <a href="https://t.co/8ce1JwHYAP">pic.twitter.com/8ce1JwHYAP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949605333500026880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He can be seen dressed as a groom beside the bride and her relatives, who continued to convince him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon Kumar&#39;s refusal to marry the girl, one of the relatives said: &quot;We are only performing your wedding, not hanging you.&quot;</p>

<p>According to media reports, Vinod told the media that one of the bride&#39;s relatives pointed the gun at him and even beat him up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The steel engineer said he was then held captive overnight before getting across a message to his brother who called the police.</p>

<p>The police reportedly told the boy&rsquo;s family to lodge an abduction case at Mokama, Patna, because the alleged abduction took place there.</p>

<p>Ever since the incident, Vinod&rsquo;s family has been getting threat calls asking him to accept the girl forcing them to seek police protection.</p>

<p>His allegations are being investigated by the police.</p>


29-year-old Vinod Kumar, an engineer, had come to the city to attend a wedding when he was picked up by a mutual friend and taken to a remote area where he was beaten up by the girls relatives

In a bizarre incident, a man was forced to marry a girl at gunpoint after her family reportedly kidnapped him in Bihar. Twenty-nine-year-old Vinod Kumar, an engineer, had come to the city to attend a wedding when he was picked up by a mutual friend and taken to a remote area where he was beaten up. A video clip of the marriage has gone viral. The clip shows Kumar being forced to marry the girl while he cries in denial and resists. Bihar: Engineer allegedly forced to get married at gunpoint in Patna's Pandarak, kept crying. (2.1.18) pic.twitter.com/8ce1JwHYAP — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2018 × He can be seen dressed as a groom beside the bride and her relatives, who continued to convince him. Upon Kumar's refusal to marry the girl, one of the relatives said: "We are only performing your wedding, not hanging you." According to media reports, Vinod told the media that one of the bride's relatives pointed the gun at him and even beat him up. The steel engineer said he was then held captive overnight before getting across a message to his brother who called the police. The police reportedly told the boy’s family to lodge an abduction case at Mokama, Patna, because the alleged abduction took place there. Ever since the incident, Vinod’s family has been getting threat calls asking him to accept the girl forcing them to seek police protection. His allegations are being investigated by the police.

Watch: Man forced to marry girl at gunpoint in Bihar

<p>Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and 15 others were on Saturday sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail in a fodder scam case by a court in Ranchi.</p>

<p>Speaking on the verdict, Lalu&#39;s son and former Deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav said they will appeal against the sentence in the High court and will also apply for a bail.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The judiciary performed its duty. We will go to the High Court after studying the sentence and apply for a bail: Tejashwi Yadav, RJD on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FodderScam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FodderScam</a> <a href="https://t.co/17zxjyTQ2d">pic.twitter.com/17zxjyTQ2d</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949595108684447744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On the other hand, the elder son Tej Pratap Yadav said, &quot;We are confident that he (Lalu Yadav) will get the bail. We have full faith in the judiciary&quot;.</p>

<p>As per the judgement,&nbsp;none of the convicts will be granted bail from the Ranchi Court. They will have to move to the High Court.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default">
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are confident that he (Lalu Yadav) will get bail. We have full faith on judiciary. We are not going to be cowed down: Tej Pratap Yadav <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FodderScam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FodderScam</a> <a href="https://t.co/WHG1VFsKam">pic.twitter.com/WHG1VFsKam</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949598047121502209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#">&times;</a></div>

<p>Lalu, earlier, appealed to the court for minimum punishment and pleaded to announce the&nbsp;sentence keeping in view his age and health.</p>

<p>The quantum of sentence was announced in the fodder scam case of more than Rs 89 lakh from the Deoghar Treasury between 1991 and 1994.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister claims that he will appeal to the High Court to counter the judgement.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and 15 others were on Saturday sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail in a fodder scam case by a court in Ranchi. Speaking on the verdict, Lalu's son and former Deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav said they will appeal against the sentence in the High court and will also apply for a bail. The judiciary performed its duty. We will go to the High Court after studying the sentence and apply for a bail: Tejashwi Yadav, RJD on #FodderScam pic.twitter.com/17zxjyTQ2d — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2018 × On the other hand, the elder son Tej Pratap Yadav said, "We are confident that he (Lalu Yadav) will get the bail. We have full faith in the judiciary". As per the judgement, none of the convicts will be granted bail from the Ranchi Court. They will have to move to the High Court. We are confident that he (Lalu Yadav) will get bail. We have full faith on judiciary. We are not going to be cowed down: Tej Pratap Yadav #FodderScam pic.twitter.com/WHG1VFsKam — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2018 × Lalu, earlier, appealed to the court for minimum punishment and pleaded to announce the sentence keeping in view his age and health. The quantum of sentence was announced in the fodder scam case of more than Rs 89 lakh from the Deoghar Treasury between 1991 and 1994.

'Will go to High Court and apply for bail,' says Tejashwi Yadav on Lalu's verdict

<p>The fate of former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-court-to-pronounce-verdict-in-fodder-scam-case-against-lalu-prasad-on-saturday-27495">Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav along</a> with 21 others will be decided today by a special CBI court in the 1996 fodder scam case.</p>

<p>Lalu, along with his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-withdraws-lalu-prasads-z-security-cover-25271"> son Tejaswi Yadav arrived in Ranchi </a>on Friday, ahead of the verdict while expressing the hope that the court will give him a &quot;clean chit&quot; in the case.</p>

<p>&quot;We trust and respect the judiciary. We will not let BJP&#39;s conspiracies work,&quot;&nbsp;he told reporters.</p>

<p>The case relates to the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of Rs. 95 lakh from the Deoghar treasury, more than Rs 900&nbsp;crores was reportedly syphoned off from the Chaibasa treasury when&nbsp;Lalu was chief minister of Bihar in the 90s.</p>

<p>The other accused in the case include former Bihar minister Vidya Sagar Nishad, former Public Accounts Committee chairmen Jagdish Sharma and Dhruv Bhagat. A chargesheet was filed against 38 persons in 1997.</p>

<p>Eleven of them died and three turned approvers while two other accused confessed to their crime and were convicted in 2006-07.</p>

<p>The accused are facing charges under IPC sections 120B, 409, 418, 420, 467, 468, 471, 477 (A), 201 and 511 and under Prevention of Corruption Act section 13 (1) D read with 13 (2).<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
RJD chief has already been convicted and sentenced to five years of imprisonment in one of the five fodder scam cases. The former Bihar chief minister faces three other fodder scam cases.</p>


The other accused in the case include former Bihar minister Vidya Sagar Nishad, former Public Accounts Committee chairmen Jagdish Sharma and Dhruv Bhagat.

The fate of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav along with 21 others will be decided today by a special CBI court in the 1996 fodder scam case. Lalu, along with his son Tejaswi Yadav arrived in Ranchi on Friday, ahead of the verdict while expressing the hope that the court will give him a "clean chit" in the case. "We trust and respect the judiciary. We will not let BJP's conspiracies work," he told reporters. The case relates to the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of Rs. 95 lakh from the Deoghar treasury, more than Rs 900 crores was reportedly syphoned off from the Chaibasa treasury when Lalu was chief minister of Bihar in the 90s. The other accused in the case include former Bihar minister Vidya Sagar Nishad, former Public Accounts Committee chairmen Jagdish Sharma and Dhruv Bhagat. A chargesheet was filed against 38 persons in 1997. Eleven of them died and three turned approvers while two other accused confessed to their crime and were convicted in 2006-07. The accused are facing charges under IPC sections 120B, 409, 418, 420, 467, 468, 471, 477 (A), 201 and 511 and under Prevention of Corruption Act section 13 (1) D read with 13 (2). RJD chief has already been convicted and sentenced to five years of imprisonment in one of the five fodder scam cases. The former Bihar chief minister faces three other fodder scam cases.

D-Day for Lalu Prasad Yadav: CBI court set to deliver verdict in fodder case today

<p>Over a thousand supporters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal were detained today for trying to enforce a shutdown in Bihar to protest against the sand-mining policy of the Nitish Kumar-led government.</p>

<p>A top police officer said protesters tried to disrupt road traffic in the morning and forced vendors to close their shops in several districts.</p>

<p>In the state capital, the bandh evoked mixed response as many commercial establishments remained open but downed shutters for brief periods during visits by RJD supporters.</p>

<p>&quot;A total of 1,734 persons were held across the state for disrupting public order, while trying to enforce the bandh,&quot; Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) S K Singhal told reporters.</p>

<p>He said 18 FIRs have been lodged at various police stations in the districts in connection with the incidents reported during the day.</p>

<p>Senior RJD leaders, including MLAs Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav and Bhola Yadav, were detained at the Dak Bungalow Road crossing when they were staging a demonstration in a tractor, police said.</p>

<p>They were taken to the Kotwali police station nearby and let off a couple of hours later after they signed bonds, they said.</p>

<p>The RJD leaders have been accusing the state government of putting stringent restrictions on sand mining.</p>

<p>The Opposition party claimed that construction activities have come to a standstill in the state and thousands of workers have been rendered jobless due to the restrictions.</p>

<p>The party had, however, kept the Patna City and the bypass area out of the bandh purview to avoid causing inconvenience to Sikh pilgrims, who had converged in the area to attend the &quot;Shukrana&quot; (thanksgiving) ceremony as part of the 350th Prakash Parv (birth anniversary) celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh.</p>

<p>Despite pleas by the top RJD leaders to allow free movement of emergency services during the bandh, ambulances were seen stranded in traffic jams here.</p>

<p>The bandh supporters blocked road traffic in Begusarai, Aurangabad, Samastipur and Siwan. In Maner, in the outskirts of Patna, led by MLA Bhai Virendra RJD members burnt tyres on the highway, disrupting movement of vehicles on the busy Patna-Ara road for several hours.</p>

<p>The bandh drew flak from the JD(U)-BJP government.</p>

<p>State minister and BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav said, &quot;The behaviour of RJD activists reminded everybody of the lawlessness that prevail in the state whenever the party has been in power.&quot;</p>

<p>JD(U) spokesman Neeraj Kumar accused the RJD of being &quot;in cahoots with the sand-mining mafia&quot; and questioned the rationale behind calling a bandh &quot;despite an announcement made by the Chief Secretary yesterday that sand mining will continue, for the time being, as per old provisions&quot;.</p>

<p>RJD national vice-president Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, however, said the chief secretary&#39;s announcement was just an eyewash.</p>

<p>&quot;The Patna High Court had categorically directed the state government, after staying its policy, to allow sand mining as per unamended provisions,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>RJD supremo Lalu Prasad remained conspicuous by his absence at the demonstrations staged by his party.&nbsp;</p>


Over a thousand supporters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal were detained today for trying to enforce a shutdown in Bihar to protest against the sand-mining policy of the Nitish Kumar-led government

Over a thousand supporters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal were detained today for trying to enforce a shutdown in Bihar to protest against the sand-mining policy of the Nitish Kumar-led government. A top police officer said protesters tried to disrupt road traffic in the morning and forced vendors to close their shops in several districts. In the state capital, the bandh evoked mixed response as many commercial establishments remained open but downed shutters for brief periods during visits by RJD supporters. "A total of 1,734 persons were held across the state for disrupting public order, while trying to enforce the bandh," Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) S K Singhal told reporters. He said 18 FIRs have been lodged at various police stations in the districts in connection with the incidents reported during the day. Senior RJD leaders, including MLAs Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav and Bhola Yadav, were detained at the Dak Bungalow Road crossing when they were staging a demonstration in a tractor, police said. They were taken to the Kotwali police station nearby and let off a couple of hours later after they signed bonds, they said. The RJD leaders have been accusing the state government of putting stringent restrictions on sand mining. The Opposition party claimed that construction activities have come to a standstill in the state and thousands of workers have been rendered jobless due to the restrictions. The party had, however, kept the Patna City and the bypass area out of the bandh purview to avoid causing inconvenience to Sikh pilgrims, who had converged in the area to attend the "Shukrana" (thanksgiving) ceremony as part of the 350th Prakash Parv (birth anniversary) celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh. Despite pleas by the top RJD leaders to allow free movement of emergency services during the bandh, ambulances were seen stranded in traffic jams here. The bandh supporters blocked road traffic in Begusarai, Aurangabad, Samastipur and Siwan. In Maner, in the outskirts of Patna, led by MLA Bhai Virendra RJD members burnt tyres on the highway, disrupting movement of vehicles on the busy Patna-Ara road for several hours. The bandh drew flak from the JD(U)-BJP government. State minister and BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav said, "The behaviour of RJD activists reminded everybody of the lawlessness that prevail in the state whenever the party has been in power." JD(U) spokesman Neeraj Kumar accused the RJD of being "in cahoots with the sand-mining mafia" and questioned the rationale behind calling a bandh "despite an announcement made by the Chief Secretary yesterday that sand mining will continue, for the time being, as per old provisions". RJD national vice-president Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, however, said the chief secretary's announcement was just an eyewash. "The Patna High Court had categorically directed the state government, after staying its policy, to allow sand mining as per unamended provisions," he said. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad remained conspicuous by his absence at the demonstrations staged by his party.

Bihar bandh: Normal life hit, over 1,000 RJD supporters held

<p>The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Mr Raghubar Das and his counterpart in Bihar, Mr Nitish Kumar were confident that the Maoist movement in Bihar has been brought under control. However, both have been proven to be wrong. Just after midnight today, a group of armed Moist insurgents killed one deputy head of village committee and abducted two staff of the Indian Railways, including an ASM. The irony is that this incident happened at Masudan Railway station which is just 164kms away from the heart of Bihar&#39;s capital city, Patna.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is a purpose in selecting the place and the action. They want to convey the message that they can reach anywhere, anytime and even in the proximity of the capital, spreading terror and insecurity in the minds of people.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is a matter of concern. Indeed, it is a matter of serious concern.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bihar and Jharkhand are important transit points for Maoists. It connects two important strongholds of the red corridor, the Dandakaranya in Chhattisgarh and Junglemahal in West Bengal and, hence, carries very high value for the Maoist movement. The entire leadership of the Maoist movement emphasises on controlling this corridor at all costs or else their movement will split and die.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>But what compelled Maoist to kill innocent civilians, burn the railway station and abduct the staff?&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The answer lies in the recent developments in Bihar, Dandakaranya (Chhattisgarh) and Jharkhand. Over last three years, Bihar and Jharkhand Police have been cracking down on the Maoists in the bordering areas of the two states. So far, they have recovered a huge quantity of arms, ammunition and incendiary literature.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, their ideologue and member of Polit Bureau, Kobad Ghandy was re-arrested by Police. As the Central Police Forces are cracking down on the Maoist leadership and their ideology, while the civil administration is making inroads in the rural and underdeveloped areas, they are constantly losing moral ground among the local population. The poor tribal and villagers who used to help Maoist movement selflessly, are now getting away from them because they have understood the reality of the movement.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A few years back, any shutdown declared by the Maoists used to be totally successful because of a whole-hearted local support. But things have changed now, and Maoists have no option but to undertake forceful measures to make their shutdown successful.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent incident of Lakhisarai reflects the highest level of frustration among the Maoist leadership. They demanded that the railway traffic on this route would be stopped till their shutdown is over. In his letter issued to the common public, some Suraj who claimed to be the secretary of Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee says, &quot;Join for protests on 18th and 19th December and follow the total Shutdown on 20th December 2017.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The message is clear. The movement which earlier claimed to be the movement of public has already turned into a terrorist movement. Not for the people but for their own prestige, money and power.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</em></p>


In choosing soft targets, the Maoists are showing vulnerability in their once stronghold.

The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Mr Raghubar Das and his counterpart in Bihar, Mr Nitish Kumar were confident that the Maoist movement in Bihar has been brought under control. However, both have been proven to be wrong. Just after midnight today, a group of armed Moist insurgents killed one deputy head of village committee and abducted two staff of the Indian Railways, including an ASM. The irony is that this incident happened at Masudan Railway station which is just 164kms away from the heart of Bihar's capital city, Patna. There is a purpose in selecting the place and the action. They want to convey the message that they can reach anywhere, anytime and even in the proximity of the capital, spreading terror and insecurity in the minds of people. It is a matter of concern. Indeed, it is a matter of serious concern. Bihar and Jharkhand are important transit points for Maoists. It connects two important strongholds of the red corridor, the Dandakaranya in Chhattisgarh and Junglemahal in West Bengal and, hence, carries very high value for the Maoist movement. The entire leadership of the Maoist movement emphasises on controlling this corridor at all costs or else their movement will split and die. But what compelled Maoist to kill innocent civilians, burn the railway station and abduct the staff? The answer lies in the recent developments in Bihar, Dandakaranya (Chhattisgarh) and Jharkhand. Over last three years, Bihar and Jharkhand Police have been cracking down on the Maoists in the bordering areas of the two states. So far, they have recovered a huge quantity of arms, ammunition and incendiary literature. Also, their ideologue and member of Polit Bureau, Kobad Ghandy was re-arrested by Police. As the Central Police Forces are cracking down on the Maoist leadership and their ideology, while the civil administration is making inroads in the rural and underdeveloped areas, they are constantly losing moral ground among the local population. The poor tribal and villagers who used to help Maoist movement selflessly, are now getting away from them because they have understood the reality of the movement. A few years back, any shutdown declared by the Maoists used to be totally successful because of a whole-hearted local support. But things have changed now, and Maoists have no option but to undertake forceful measures to make their shutdown successful. The recent incident of Lakhisarai reflects the highest level of frustration among the Maoist leadership. They demanded that the railway traffic on this route would be stopped till their shutdown is over. In his letter issued to the common public, some Suraj who claimed to be the secretary of Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee says, "Join for protests on 18th and 19th December and follow the total Shutdown on 20th December 2017." The message is clear. The movement which earlier claimed to be the movement of public has already turned into a terrorist movement. Not for the people but for their own prestige, money and power. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why Maoists chose soft targets to prove their dominance

<p>I like sleeping outside, right underneath the bamboo rooftop on the balcony, falling asleep to Bihar&rsquo;s heavy rain and the wind rustling the coconut trees nearby. My eyes get heavy to the unpredictable rhythmic of the rain hitting our gravel dirt road. Without any walls, the sunrise busts in at 5:03 in the morning, making a scene, warming my cold nose, blinding me awake, telling me it&rsquo;s time to wake up. It is the most relaxing and beautiful sight I&rsquo;ve ever woken up to. I still wiggle out of my sleeping bag, step off my cot and lean over the balcony to soak in its red-orange warmth before sneaking back for a couple more hours of sleep.</p>

<p>When I first arrived at eArthshala, <a href="http://www.projectpotential.org/" rel="nofollow" target="blank">Project Potential</a>&rsquo;s campus, and I climbed the stairs to what is now my favourite spot, the bamboo rooftop balcony, I was hesitant because I imagined rain soaking through. I even tried to look for signs of water on the ground to prove my point but couldn&rsquo;t find any. I brushed it off, perhaps it hadn&rsquo;t rained for a few days? Eventually, I asked someone, wouldn&rsquo;t the rain slip through and soak whoever is up here? The answer was no, but I&rsquo;m not sure I actually believed them. I&rsquo;ve come to realise that bamboo is versatile. You can eat it, you can wear it and you can build a home with it, not to mention countless other things. And yet, I believed it to be both fragile and archaic.</p>

<p>I had to wonder &ndash; did the problem exist with natural materials such as bamboo and even mud, or was it merely a problem of the modern mind? The common misconception of bamboo or mud &ndash; natural materials used for construction &ndash; is that they are not as strong as cement and steel. However, these traditional structures are what we should rely on, as we face issues that human beings have yet to experience to this magnitude: A rapidly deteriorating planet, overpopulation, countless environmental issues, natural disasters and globally destructive wars.</p>

<p>As I marvel at the beauty of Project Potential&rsquo;s bamboo roof, I have to wonder: How can we begin to build on today&rsquo;s issues without damaging our environment further? How will we mass produce construction materials for places such as Aleppo, Syria, that desperately need them? How can we build sturdy homes with locally-sourced materials that can also withstand cyclones and earthquakes? How we decide to build for those that can not afford &lsquo;modern materials,&rsquo; or what materials we decide to use will nonetheless have an impact on our Earth.</p>

<p>In some &lsquo;developing&rsquo; countries like India and some &lsquo;developed&rsquo; countries like the United States, children and adults are conditioned to believe that mud houses are temporary, while brick and cement are permanent in nature; this is a fundamentally flawed argument, as natural materials like mud and lime plaster, when used appropriately, only strengthen over time (as demonstrated by mud structures built centuries ago and still standing). Withstanding time seems reasonable but structures made from earthen materials can also be used to rebuild for the next earthquake. In the face of natural disasters, these organic materials can still hold up. I myself was doubtful, thinking about the natural disasters that plagued our world in 2017, from heavy flooding in Bangladesh and Nepal to earthquakes in Mexico. It is indeed possible to build a structure &ndash; a home &ndash; with sustainable materials designed to meet not only contemporary needs but more specifically withstand earthquakes, flooding and other disasters.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/esmeralda-pic-4-250x333-20171213083645.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Example of a bamboo house in a nearby village. (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>However, it is important to point out that these organic homes aren&rsquo;t the only ones to withstand natural disasters. Thanks to modern technology, we have created shock absorbers and techniques that can save thousands of lives in a city, and allow skyscrapers to shake but still survive. Although this technology exists, it is quite costly and largely inaccessible and arguably an unnecessary development in some areas, not to mention irrelevant in certain parts of the world. Why not get back to the basics?</p>

<p>I am not advocating that we all tear down our buildings and move into earthen houses; mud and bamboo will not be the answer for everything and everywhere. However, I ask that we open our minds and view these materials as an intentional choice, instead of as poverty. That perhaps ideas of development and the right to development be open to debate so that locations that were robbed of resources, can view all their options with untainted societal pressures. Let&rsquo;s instead tear down stereotypes and build a humanity of intentionality. Let&rsquo;s stop teaching our children that mud houses are &lsquo;<i>kachcha</i>&rsquo; (wrong) and cement houses are &lsquo;<i>pakka</i>&rsquo; (right)&nbsp;because it will only harm us in the name of progress.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/esmeralda-pic-5-680x510-20171213083803.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Architects visiting Project Potential&rsquo;s site and local houses to view how locals use bamboo, and how to assist us in thinking about our construction goals. (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Building our homes with intentionality, be it from organic material, or traditional processes, to the values we hope to encourage visitors to think about, is what Project Potential is doing right here in rural Bihar, close to the borders of Nepal and West Bengal. In March 2016, Project Potential sought to create an alternative learning environment for local youth so that they can explore new notions of self, community, and environment that would ultimately lead to meaningful employment.</p>

<p>It was with this goal in mind that we purchased a 15-acre campus through which we hoped youth will be exposed to skills required to make a sustainable living. We aim to frame eco-toilets, bamboo, mud construction and solar panels in a new way. We hope that these will create an 18- degree transformation through which youth will define their own values and interests (not by societal standards), and accordingly learn skills that they can use to sustain themselves, their communities, and the environment.</p>

<p>We see our campus &mdash; e???????? (eArthshala) from English earth and Hindi arth, which means both &lsquo;economy&rsquo; and &lsquo;meaning&rsquo; &mdash; as a gathering space for such learning. e???????? is meant to serve as a kind of &lsquo;ashram&rsquo; for our programs. In other words, through its design, practices and culture, the campus will be a space which inspires us toward better versions of ourselves and a better future, even if the core focus for the gathering is educational.</p>

<p>We strive to have positive effects on the local economy and be a catalyst for local development through everything we do, including construction. Together, our youth and campus would contribute to the image building of Bihar, and in turn, they could leverage the positive change in perception. Thus, our honest intent to bring in this transformation must be reflected in our spaces and design language.</p>

<p>Project Potential isn&rsquo;t just trying to tackle the youth unemployment crisis in Bihar; it also wants to understand how our organisation&rsquo;s presence makes a difference. From analysing the way in which we decide to engage youth, to the language we use to engage the community, to how we place ourselves within the community.</p>

<p>Ultimately, we desire to utilise the community&rsquo;s economy and natural materials that will protect the community and empower the people to create sustainable living. Bamboo can offer us shelter, food, clothing, a good fire, clean air; let us view it in the light, instead of poverty. Everything we need is right here.</p>

<p>This <a href="http://aif.org/mud-and-bamboo-houses-are-proving-our-stereotypes-of-poverty-wrong/" rel="nofollow">article</a> was originally published on&nbsp;29/ 11/ 2017 on <a href="http://aif.org/" rel="nofollow">American India Foundation</a></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).</em></p>


It is indeed possible to build a structure ? a home ? with sustainable materials designed to meet not only contemporary needs but more specifically withstand earthquakes, flooding and other disasters.

I like sleeping outside, right underneath the bamboo rooftop on the balcony, falling asleep to Bihar’s heavy rain and the wind rustling the coconut trees nearby. My eyes get heavy to the unpredictable rhythmic of the rain hitting our gravel dirt road. Without any walls, the sunrise busts in at 5:03 in the morning, making a scene, warming my cold nose, blinding me awake, telling me it’s time to wake up. It is the most relaxing and beautiful sight I’ve ever woken up to. I still wiggle out of my sleeping bag, step off my cot and lean over the balcony to soak in its red-orange warmth before sneaking back for a couple more hours of sleep. When I first arrived at eArthshala, Project Potential’s campus, and I climbed the stairs to what is now my favourite spot, the bamboo rooftop balcony, I was hesitant because I imagined rain soaking through. I even tried to look for signs of water on the ground to prove my point but couldn’t find any. I brushed it off, perhaps it hadn’t rained for a few days? Eventually, I asked someone, wouldn’t the rain slip through and soak whoever is up here? The answer was no, but I’m not sure I actually believed them. I’ve come to realise that bamboo is versatile. You can eat it, you can wear it and you can build a home with it, not to mention countless other things. And yet, I believed it to be both fragile and archaic. I had to wonder – did the problem exist with natural materials such as bamboo and even mud, or was it merely a problem of the modern mind? The common misconception of bamboo or mud – natural materials used for construction – is that they are not as strong as cement and steel. However, these traditional structures are what we should rely on, as we face issues that human beings have yet to experience to this magnitude: A rapidly deteriorating planet, overpopulation, countless environmental issues, natural disasters and globally destructive wars. As I marvel at the beauty of Project Potential’s bamboo roof, I have to wonder: How can we begin to build on today’s issues without damaging our environment further? How will we mass produce construction materials for places such as Aleppo, Syria, that desperately need them? How can we build sturdy homes with locally-sourced materials that can also withstand cyclones and earthquakes? How we decide to build for those that can not afford ‘modern materials,’ or what materials we decide to use will nonetheless have an impact on our Earth. In some ‘developing’ countries like India and some ‘developed’ countries like the United States, children and adults are conditioned to believe that mud houses are temporary, while brick and cement are permanent in nature; this is a fundamentally flawed argument, as natural materials like mud and lime plaster, when used appropriately, only strengthen over time (as demonstrated by mud structures built centuries ago and still standing). Withstanding time seems reasonable but structures made from earthen materials can also be used to rebuild for the next earthquake. In the face of natural disasters, these organic materials can still hold up. I myself was doubtful, thinking about the natural disasters that plagued our world in 2017, from heavy flooding in Bangladesh and Nepal to earthquakes in Mexico. It is indeed possible to build a structure – a home – with sustainable materials designed to meet not only contemporary needs but more specifically withstand earthquakes, flooding and other disasters. Example of a bamboo house in a nearby village. (Others) × However, it is important to point out that these organic homes aren’t the only ones to withstand natural disasters. Thanks to modern technology, we have created shock absorbers and techniques that can save thousands of lives in a city, and allow skyscrapers to shake but still survive. Although this technology exists, it is quite costly and largely inaccessible and arguably an unnecessary development in some areas, not to mention irrelevant in certain parts of the world. Why not get back to the basics? I am not advocating that we all tear down our buildings and move into earthen houses; mud and bamboo will not be the answer for everything and everywhere. However, I ask that we open our minds and view these materials as an intentional choice, instead of as poverty. That perhaps ideas of development and the right to development be open to debate so that locations that were robbed of resources, can view all their options with untainted societal pressures. Let’s instead tear down stereotypes and build a humanity of intentionality. Let’s stop teaching our children that mud houses are ‘kachcha’ (wrong) and cement houses are ‘pakka’ (right) because it will only harm us in the name of progress. Architects visiting Project Potential’s site and local houses to view how locals use bamboo, and how to assist us in thinking about our construction goals. (Others) × Building our homes with intentionality, be it from organic material, or traditional processes, to the values we hope to encourage visitors to think about, is what Project Potential is doing right here in rural Bihar, close to the borders of Nepal and West Bengal. In March 2016, Project Potential sought to create an alternative learning environment for local youth so that they can explore new notions of self, community, and environment that would ultimately lead to meaningful employment. It was with this goal in mind that we purchased a 15-acre campus through which we hoped youth will be exposed to skills required to make a sustainable living. We aim to frame eco-toilets, bamboo, mud construction and solar panels in a new way. We hope that these will create an 18- degree transformation through which youth will define their own values and interests (not by societal standards), and accordingly learn skills that they can use to sustain themselves, their communities, and the environment. We see our campus — e???????? (eArthshala) from English earth and Hindi arth, which means both ‘economy’ and ‘meaning’ — as a gathering space for such learning. e???????? is meant to serve as a kind of ‘ashram’ for our programs. In other words, through its design, practices and culture, the campus will be a space which inspires us toward better versions of ourselves and a better future, even if the core focus for the gathering is educational. We strive to have positive effects on the local economy and be a catalyst for local development through everything we do, including construction. Together, our youth and campus would contribute to the image building of Bihar, and in turn, they could leverage the positive change in perception. Thus, our honest intent to bring in this transformation must be reflected in our spaces and design language. Project Potential isn’t just trying to tackle the youth unemployment crisis in Bihar; it also wants to understand how our organisation’s presence makes a difference. From analysing the way in which we decide to engage youth, to the language we use to engage the community, to how we place ourselves within the community. Ultimately, we desire to utilise the community’s economy and natural materials that will protect the community and empower the people to create sustainable living. Bamboo can offer us shelter, food, clothing, a good fire, clean air; let us view it in the light, instead of poverty. Everything we need is right here. This article was originally published on 29/ 11/ 2017 on American India Foundation (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Mud and bamboo houses are not signs of poverty

<p>The Delhi High Court today will hear the plea filed by former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav in connection with his disqualification from Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plea&nbsp;demanding urgent hearing&nbsp;seeks immediate termination of his &quot;disqualification from Rajya Sabha&quot;.</p>

<p>Sharad Yadav&#39;s counsel demanded an urgent hearing into the matter citing&nbsp;that the Winter session of Parliament was approaching and he will not be able to participate in it if the order is not suspended. He also demanded an interim stay into&nbsp;the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plea for an urgent hearing of the matter was filed by Sharad Yadav&#39;s&nbsp;Advocate Nizam Pasha and&nbsp;was put before a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar.</p>

<p>The plea says that Yadav was not given any chance by Rajya Sabha chairman before the order was passed against him.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On the other hand, the counsel for the leader of JD(U) in the house, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh has opposed to the urgent listing of the matter.</p>

<p>Sharad Yadav was disqualified from the party by Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu due to Anti-Defection Law on December 4.</p>

<p>His disqualification came after Yadav joined hands with the opposition and attended a rally of the opposition party in Patna.</p>

<p>Yadav teamed up with the opposition after JD(U) president and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar broke out from the Grand Alliance and joined up with BJP.</p>

<p>The chairman then disqualified Sharad Yadav along with another party leader citing that the two senior leaders had&nbsp;&quot;voluntarily given up&quot; their membership by defying the party&#39;s directives and attending events of opposition parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Sharad Yadav was disqualified from the party by Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu due to Anti-Defection Law on December 4

The Delhi High Court today will hear the plea filed by former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav in connection with his disqualification from Rajya Sabha. The plea demanding urgent hearing seeks immediate termination of his "disqualification from Rajya Sabha". Sharad Yadav's counsel demanded an urgent hearing into the matter citing that the Winter session of Parliament was approaching and he will not be able to participate in it if the order is not suspended. He also demanded an interim stay into the matter. The plea for an urgent hearing of the matter was filed by Sharad Yadav's Advocate Nizam Pasha and was put before a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar. The plea says that Yadav was not given any chance by Rajya Sabha chairman before the order was passed against him. On the other hand, the counsel for the leader of JD(U) in the house, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh has opposed to the urgent listing of the matter. Sharad Yadav was disqualified from the party by Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu due to Anti-Defection Law on December 4. His disqualification came after Yadav joined hands with the opposition and attended a rally of the opposition party in Patna. Yadav teamed up with the opposition after JD(U) president and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar broke out from the Grand Alliance and joined up with BJP. The chairman then disqualified Sharad Yadav along with another party leader citing that the two senior leaders had "voluntarily given up" their membership by defying the party's directives and attending events of opposition parties.

Delhi High Court to hear Sharad Yadav's plea in Rajya Sabha disqualification case

<p>The Enforcement Directorate questioned <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-didnt-even-have-a-mooch-17856" target="_blank">Tejashwi Yadav</a>, son of RJD chief Lalu Yadav, for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-summons-tejashwi-yadav-on-november-13-23432" target="_blank">nine hours on Monday</a>.</p>

<p>ED&#39;s questioning was in connection with money laundering probe in the railway hotels allotment corruption case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was the&nbsp;second time when ED questioned the former Deputy chief minister of Bihar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The previous questioning was conducted on October 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tejashwi&#39;s latest appearance before the ED came after he was issued a fresh summon by the law enforcement agency.</p>

<p>Before this, he had&nbsp;skipped four appearances.</p>

<p>The agency had registered a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cbi-files-case-against-lalu-yadav-wife-rabri-and-son-tejaswi-in-irctc-tender-irregularity-17689" target="_blank">case against the Yadav family</a> and others under the provision of the prevention of money laundering act.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tejashwi&#39;s mother and former chief minister of Bihar Rabri Devi had skipped the ED summon six times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CBI had registered an FIR against Lalu Prasad Yadav in&nbsp;July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FIR lodged by the CBI against Lalu Yadav stated that there were irregularities in awarding the tender for development, maintenance and operation of the BNR hotels in Ranchi and Pune during his tenure as the railway minister from 2004-2009.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CBI alleged that the tender process was manipulated and changed&nbsp;by Lalu to help private company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


This was the?second time when ED questioned the former Deputy chief minister of Bihar

The Enforcement Directorate questioned Tejashwi Yadav, son of RJD chief Lalu Yadav, for nine hours on Monday. ED's questioning was in connection with money laundering probe in the railway hotels allotment corruption case. This was the second time when ED questioned the former Deputy chief minister of Bihar. The previous questioning was conducted on October 10. Tejashwi's latest appearance before the ED came after he was issued a fresh summon by the law enforcement agency. Before this, he had skipped four appearances. The agency had registered a case against the Yadav family and others under the provision of the prevention of money laundering act. Tejashwi's mother and former chief minister of Bihar Rabri Devi had skipped the ED summon six times. The CBI had registered an FIR against Lalu Prasad Yadav in July. The FIR lodged by the CBI against Lalu Yadav stated that there were irregularities in awarding the tender for development, maintenance and operation of the BNR hotels in Ranchi and Pune during his tenure as the railway minister from 2004-2009. The CBI alleged that the tender process was manipulated and changed by Lalu to help private company.

Enforcement Directorate questions Tejashwi Yadav for nine hours

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind is on a one day tour to Bihar.</p>

<p>This will be his&nbsp;first trip to the state after assuming office earlier this year.</p>

<p>He will commence his visit by paying tributes to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, at his statue at the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Golambar in Patna.</p>

<p>The former Governor of Bihar will also launch the Bihar Krishi Road Map 2017-2022 at Samrat Ashok Convention Centre in the capital city.</p>

<p>Later in the day, he will pay tributes to freedom fighter Jayprakash Narayan at his statue at the Jayprakash Golambar.</p>

<p>He will leave for Delhi on the same day.&nbsp;</p>


The former Governor of Bihar will also launch the Bihar Krishi Road Map 2017-2022 at Samrat Ashok Convention Centre in the capital city

President Ram Nath Kovind is on a one day tour to Bihar. This will be his first trip to the state after assuming office earlier this year. He will commence his visit by paying tributes to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, at his statue at the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Golambar in Patna. The former Governor of Bihar will also launch the Bihar Krishi Road Map 2017-2022 at Samrat Ashok Convention Centre in the capital city. Later in the day, he will pay tributes to freedom fighter Jayprakash Narayan at his statue at the Jayprakash Golambar. He will leave for Delhi on the same day.

President Kovind visits Bihar, to launch farmer roadmap

<p>A British couple was attacked Tuesday in Bihar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple were camping on the banks of the Ganga in Pandarak in Patna district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple said they were attacked by two men with sticks, that the men misbehaved with&nbsp;them, and tried to rob them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple said they&nbsp;&quot;somehow crossed the river&quot; and reached the police.&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The 2 came with weapons &amp; sticks, misbehaved &amp; tried to loot us. We somehow crossed the river &amp; sought help from police: Matthew <a href="https://t.co/MV8YlRCfxW">pic.twitter.com/MV8YlRCfxW</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/927748549579698177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>The Patna SSP said the men were arrested within two hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;It will be seen that such incidents do not recur,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The men were arrested within 2 hours. A speedy trial will be done and it will be seen that such incidents do not recur: SSP Patna <a href="https://t.co/BAjtqxYKq0">pic.twitter.com/BAjtqxYKq0</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/927748855281598464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>This is the third attack on foreign tourists in the past few weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A German tourist was attacked at&nbsp;Robertsganj railway station last Saturday by a railway employee. The employee has since accused the German -- Holger Eric -- of attacking him first.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/german-tourist-assaulted-in-up-days-after-attack-on-swiss-couple-23531" target="_blank">Also read: Days after attack on Swiss couple, German tourist assaulted in UP</a></p>

<p>And on October 22, a Swiss couple was attacked in Fatehpur Sikri.</p>

<p>The attack was so vicious that it left him Quentin Jeremy Clerc, 24, with&nbsp;a fractured skull, a clot in his brain, a hearing impairment, a broken arm, and multiple bruises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When his girlfriend, Marie Droz, also 24, intervened, she too was attacked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She ended up with a broken arm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their attackers turned out to be minors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-steps-in-after-swiss-couple-brutally-attacked-in-fatehpur-sikri-22931" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Swiss couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri: Police arrest one person; Opposition slams UP govt</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/attacks-on-foreign-tourists-raise-questions-on-indian-ethos-22979" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Attacks on Swiss couple raise questions on Indian ethics</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The couple said they were attacked by two men with sticks, that the men misbehaved with?them, and tried to rob them

A British couple was attacked Tuesday in Bihar. The couple were camping on the banks of the Ganga in Pandarak in Patna district. The couple said they were attacked by two men with sticks, that the men misbehaved with them, and tried to rob them. The couple said they "somehow crossed the river" and reached the police. The 2 came with weapons & sticks, misbehaved & tried to loot us. We somehow crossed the river & sought help from police: Matthew pic.twitter.com/MV8YlRCfxW — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2017 × The Patna SSP said the men were arrested within two hours. "It will be seen that such incidents do not recur," he added. The men were arrested within 2 hours. A speedy trial will be done and it will be seen that such incidents do not recur: SSP Patna pic.twitter.com/BAjtqxYKq0 — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2017 × This is the third attack on foreign tourists in the past few weeks. A German tourist was attacked at Robertsganj railway station last Saturday by a railway employee. The employee has since accused the German -- Holger Eric -- of attacking him first. Also read: Days after attack on Swiss couple, German tourist assaulted in UP And on October 22, a Swiss couple was attacked in Fatehpur Sikri. The attack was so vicious that it left him Quentin Jeremy Clerc, 24, with a fractured skull, a clot in his brain, a hearing impairment, a broken arm, and multiple bruises. When his girlfriend, Marie Droz, also 24, intervened, she too was attacked. She ended up with a broken arm. Their attackers turned out to be minors. Also read: Swiss couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri: Police arrest one person; Opposition slams UP govt Also read: Attacks on Swiss couple raise questions on Indian ethics

Now, British couple attacked in Bihar

<p>There are no surprises here. A report released by the women and child development ministry has declared Goa as the safest state for women and Delhi as one of the most unsafe places.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings of the first-ever gender vulnerability index (GVI) are expected to help identify the challenges women across India face in various states in terms of education, health, poverty and protection against violence. The findings are supposed to help policymakers in chalking out a plan to safeguard the fairer gender.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Goa is at the top position, followed by Kerala, Mizoram, Sikkim and Manipur. States, where women are most vulnerable, are Bihar, Jharkhand, UP and Delhi.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
According to the report, Goa&#39;s GVI is 0.656, more than the national average of 0.5314. The index scores are on a scale of zero to one. The closer the score is to one, the better the performance. Kerala&#39;s GVI stands at 0.634 and at the bottom of the table is Bihar with a GVI of 0.410.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Delhi ranks at 28 with a GVI score of 0.436 due to its infamous track record in the field of education and protection. Jharkhand ranks at 27, ahead of Delhi with GVI score of 0.450 while UP&#39;s GVI score is 0.434. The study was based on 170 indicators including the Census 2011.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Goa is the safest state for women; Bihar, Delhi are not

There are no surprises here. A report released by the women and child development ministry has declared Goa as the safest state for women and Delhi as one of the most unsafe places. The findings of the first-ever gender vulnerability index (GVI) are expected to help identify the challenges women across India face in various states in terms of education, health, poverty and protection against violence. The findings are supposed to help policymakers in chalking out a plan to safeguard the fairer gender. Goa is at the top position, followed by Kerala, Mizoram, Sikkim and Manipur. States, where women are most vulnerable, are Bihar, Jharkhand, UP and Delhi. According to the report, Goa's GVI is 0.656, more than the national average of 0.5314. The index scores are on a scale of zero to one. The closer the score is to one, the better the performance. Kerala's GVI stands at 0.634 and at the bottom of the table is Bihar with a GVI of 0.410. Delhi ranks at 28 with a GVI score of 0.436 due to its infamous track record in the field of education and protection. Jharkhand ranks at 27, ahead of Delhi with GVI score of 0.450 while UP's GVI score is 0.434. The study was based on 170 indicators including the Census 2011.

<p>Five people have died after consuming illicit liquor in Bihar&#39;s Rohtas district.</p>

<p>ANI reported that the condition of four others is critical.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Rohtas Station House Officer (SHO) was suspended after the deaths.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bihar: 5 dead in Rohtas&#39; Danwar after consuming illicit liquor, 4 others critical.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/924120704756334592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> 5 dead after consuming illicit liquor: Rohtas SHO suspended <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/924133407847694336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bihar was declared a dry&nbsp;state in 2016 by chief minister Nitish Kumar.</p>


The Rohtas SHO was suspended after the deaths

Five people have died after consuming illicit liquor in Bihar's Rohtas district. ANI reported that the condition of four others is critical. The Rohtas Station House Officer (SHO) was suspended after the deaths. Bihar: 5 dead in Rohtas' Danwar after consuming illicit liquor, 4 others critical. — ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2017 × #UPDATE 5 dead after consuming illicit liquor: Rohtas SHO suspended #Bihar — ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2017 × Bihar was declared a dry state in 2016 by chief minister Nitish Kumar.

Liquor banned in Bihar; 5 dead after consuming illicit liquor, 4 critical

<p>Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, who were yesterday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2008-aarushi-murder-case-timeline-22357">acquitted by the Allahabad High Court of the charge of murdering their daughter </a>and domestic help Hemraj are likely to be released from a prison in Ghaziabad at 4 pm today, their lawyer said.</p>

<p>The couple will be released once the prison authorities receive the court order, the jailer confirmed.</p>

<p>&quot;We have not received the court order as yet. We will release them once we get it,&quot; Dasna Jail Superintendent Dadhiram Maurya told reporters here.</p>

<p>&quot;I think release orders will be received by jail superintendent by afternoon and the Talwars will be released by 4 pm,&quot;&nbsp;the Talwars&#39; lawyer, Tanveer A Mir told ANI.</p>

<p>The couple have been serving life imprisonment in Dasna jail since 2013, after they were held guilty of murdering their daughter by a CBI court.</p>

<p>The jailer told PTI there were two methods to complete the process of releasing a prisoner from jail.</p>

<p>&quot;Either the Allahabad High Court sends its order copy directly to jail authorities or it is sent through the CBI court concerned which awarded them life sentence,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The Allahabad High Court had yesterday acquitted the Talwars of the 2008 sensational murder <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-what-allahabad-hc-said-while-acquitting-talwars-22342">on the grounds that neither the circumstances nor the evidence </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-what-allahabad-hc-said-while-acquitting-talwars-22342">was</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-what-allahabad-hc-said-while-acquitting-talwars-22342"> enough</a> to hold them guilty.</p>

<p>The verdict ends, at least for now, the nine-year ordeal of the Noida couple who were sentenced to life by a Ghaziabad CBI court on November 28, 2013.</p>

<p>With the acquittal, the central question in the bizarre mystery resurfaces - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-judgement-leaves-twitter-clueless-users-ask-who-killed-aarushi-22348">who killed the 14-year-old teenager and the 45-year-old</a>&nbsp;domestic help.</p>

<p>&quot;There is a strong possibility that (the) incident was caused by some outsider,&quot; a bench comprising justices B K Narayana and A K Mishra had said, upholding the Talwars&#39; appeal against the CBI court verdict.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Chhath Pooja, an eco-friendly festival that highlights the enduring and devotional capabilities of women

Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, who were yesterday acquitted by the Allahabad High Court of the charge of murdering their daughter and domestic help Hemraj are likely to be released from a prison in Ghaziabad at 4 pm today, their lawyer said. The couple will be released once the prison authorities receive the court order, the jailer confirmed. "We have not received the court order as yet. We will release them once we get it," Dasna Jail Superintendent Dadhiram Maurya told reporters here. "I think release orders will be received by jail superintendent by afternoon and the Talwars will be released by 4 pm," the Talwars' lawyer, Tanveer A Mir told ANI. The couple have been serving life imprisonment in Dasna jail since 2013, after they were held guilty of murdering their daughter by a CBI court. The jailer told PTI there were two methods to complete the process of releasing a prisoner from jail. "Either the Allahabad High Court sends its order copy directly to jail authorities or it is sent through the CBI court concerned which awarded them life sentence," he said. The Allahabad High Court had yesterday acquitted the Talwars of the 2008 sensational murder on the grounds that neither the circumstances nor the evidence was enough to hold them guilty. The verdict ends, at least for now, the nine-year ordeal of the Noida couple who were sentenced to life by a Ghaziabad CBI court on November 28, 2013. With the acquittal, the central question in the bizarre mystery resurfaces - who killed the 14-year-old teenager and the 45-year-old domestic help. "There is a strong possibility that (the) incident was caused by some outsider," a bench comprising justices B K Narayana and A K Mishra had said, upholding the Talwars' appeal against the CBI court verdict.

Chhath, an all-women festival of the sun

<p>A teacher of a private school in Bihar has been arrested, ANI reported, for indulging in &quot;unnatural sex&quot;&nbsp;with students.</p>

<p>The crime is reported to have been undertaken inside the school premises.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Supaul (Bihar): Teacher of a private school arrested for indulging in unnatural sex with students inside the school premises, says Police. <a href="https://t.co/8ol2qQBRcm">pic.twitter.com/8ol2qQBRcm</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/915943969850146817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The incident has added to the list of increasing crimes against school students in the recent past.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;Delhi: School sweeper arrested for allegedly molesting six-year-old</p>

<p>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/india-are-school-bypassing-basic-safety-norms-4838" target="_blank">&nbsp;India: Are school bypassing basic safety norms?</a></p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/new-delhi-five-year-old-raped-by-peon-inside-school-premises-accused-arrested-4843" target="_blank">New Delhi: Five-year-old raped by peon inside school premises; accused arrested</a></p>


The incident has been reported to happen inside the school premises in Supaul, Bihar

A teacher of a private school in Bihar has been arrested, ANI reported, for indulging in "unnatural sex" with students. The crime is reported to have been undertaken inside the school premises. Supaul (Bihar): Teacher of a private school arrested for indulging in unnatural sex with students inside the school premises, says Police. pic.twitter.com/8ol2qQBRcm — ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2017 × The incident has added to the list of increasing crimes against school students in the recent past. Also read: Delhi: School sweeper arrested for allegedly molesting six-year-old Also read: India: Are school bypassing basic safety norms? Also read: New Delhi: Five-year-old raped by peon inside school premises; accused arrested

School teacher arrested for indulging in unnatural sex with students

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind appointed five new governors on Saturday with Brig&nbsp;(Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) taking over as governor of Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>Banwarilal Purohit was appointed governor of Tamil Nadu, and Satya Pal Malik as governor of Bihar.</p>

<p>Professor Jagdish Mukhi was appointed governor of Assam, and Ganga Prasad governor of Meghalaya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition, Admiral (Retd) DK Joshi was made lieutenant governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.&nbsp;</p>


In addition, Admiral (Retd) DK Joshi was made LG of Andaman and Nicobar

President Ram Nath Kovind appointed five new governors on Saturday with Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) taking over as governor of Arunachal Pradesh. Banwarilal Purohit was appointed governor of Tamil Nadu, and Satya Pal Malik as governor of Bihar. Professor Jagdish Mukhi was appointed governor of Assam, and Ganga Prasad governor of Meghalaya. In addition, Admiral (Retd) DK Joshi was made lieutenant governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Five states get new governors

<p>Former Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ashok Choudhary who was sacked by party president Sonia Gandhi said he expected an honourable exit.</p>

<p>However, he said that he did not deserve the kind of insult that was inflicted upon him through his expulsion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Choudhary was ousted from the Congress because he was planning&nbsp;a split in the Bihar Congress party, media reports said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Party ke nirnay ka swagat karte hain lekin...:Ashok Choudhary,who was relieved from the post of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief y&#39;day</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912890181581189121">September 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="tl">...jis tarah se humein apmanit karke nikala gaya hum woh deserve nahi karte: Ashok Choudhary, frmr Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912890526965301248">September 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>He added that though he was not willing to quit from the party at this stage, he would have to because the insult was not acceptable.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Abhi humara party chorrne ka koi irada nahi hai lekin yeh bhi manzoor nahi hai: Ashok Choudhary, frmr Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912890802745077761">September 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Claiming himself to be a &quot;committed Congressman&quot; he said he expected an honourable&nbsp;exit from the party post.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As a committed Congressman, I expected an honorable exit from the party post: Ashok Choudhary, former Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief <a href="https://t.co/EXgMLowUwm">pic.twitter.com/EXgMLowUwm</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912918607335710721">September 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>VP Kaukab Quadri has been given the responsibility till new chief of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee is appointed. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ashok Choudhary relieved;VP Kaukab Quadri to take charge of responsibilities till new chief of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee is announced</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912693796088963072">September 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>A full-time Bihar Congress State Committee president will be elected after organisational elections in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former Bihar pradesh Congress committee chief Ashok Choudhary was sacked by party president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday

Former Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ashok Choudhary who was sacked by party president Sonia Gandhi said he expected an honourable exit. However, he said that he did not deserve the kind of insult that was inflicted upon him through his expulsion. Choudhary was ousted from the Congress because he was planning a split in the Bihar Congress party, media reports said. Party ke nirnay ka swagat karte hain lekin...:Ashok Choudhary,who was relieved from the post of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief y'day — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2017 × ...jis tarah se humein apmanit karke nikala gaya hum woh deserve nahi karte: Ashok Choudhary, frmr Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2017 × He added that though he was not willing to quit from the party at this stage, he would have to because the insult was not acceptable. Abhi humara party chorrne ka koi irada nahi hai lekin yeh bhi manzoor nahi hai: Ashok Choudhary, frmr Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2017 × Claiming himself to be a "committed Congressman" he said he expected an honourable exit from the party post. As a committed Congressman, I expected an honorable exit from the party post: Ashok Choudhary, former Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief pic.twitter.com/EXgMLowUwm — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2017 × VP Kaukab Quadri has been given the responsibility till new chief of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee is appointed. Ashok Choudhary relieved;VP Kaukab Quadri to take charge of responsibilities till new chief of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee is announced — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2017 × A full-time Bihar Congress State Committee president will be elected after organisational elections in November.

Did not deserve insult: Ashok Choudhary after expulsion from Congress

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