The police have so far arrested 342 people from various parts of Gujarat for allegedly attacking non-Gujaratis, especially those hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, following the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district, a senior officer said on Sunday.

Non-Gujaratis were targeted and hate messages circulated against them on social media after a native of Bihar was arrested for allegedly raping the toddler on September 28.

"Six districts have mainly been affected (by the violence), with Mehsana and Sabarkantha being the worst hit. In these districts, 42 cases have been lodged and so far we have arrested 342 accused. More arrests will be made as names of the accused come up during investigation," Director General of Police Shivanand Jha told reporters.

He said 17 companies of State Reserve Police (SRP) have been deployed in the affected areas.

"Security of areas inhabited by non-Gujaratis and the factories where they work has been increased. Police have also increased patrolling in these areas," he added.

Two cases have been lodged for spreading rumours on social media which led to violence, the DGP said.

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Police are interrogating the people who have been arrested for these attacks. 
Police are taking action wherever needed. We have registered 3 cases under the IT Act for spreading hatred on social media: Gujarat Home Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049203234009763841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I spoke to Gujarat CM y'day. We're in touch with them.They're monitoring situation.Those who've committed a crime should be punished but no bias should be harboured for others: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on violence against UP/Bihar migrants in Gujarat after a rape case in Sabarkantha <a href="https://t.co/vrdnddlGW1">pic.twitter.com/vrdnddlGW1</a>
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Responding to a question about the exodus of non-Gujaratis following the attacks, Jha said they may be leaving for their native states in view of the upcoming festive season.

"If people are leaving for home for a festival, it should not be seen otherwise. I have told my officers to visit residential areas, and if required, visit bus stands and railway stations and if people are found leaving due to fear, (then to) persuade them to come back," he said.

Police officials in Gandhinagar, the worst-affected district, have been directed to organise camps and communicate with local leaders to convince the people to stay, he said.

Additional forces and vehicles are being provided in districts which have asked for them to ensure safety of the non-Gujarati residents, he added.

The police have so far arrested 342 people from various parts of Gujarat for allegedly attacking non-Gujaratis, especially those hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, following the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district, a senior officer said on Sunday.

The police have so far arrested 342 people from various parts of Gujarat for allegedly attacking non-Gujaratis, especially those hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, following the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district, a senior officer said on Sunday. Non-Gujaratis were targeted and hate messages circulated against them on social media after a native of Bihar was arrested for allegedly raping the toddler on September 28. "Six districts have mainly been affected (by the violence), with Mehsana and Sabarkantha being the worst hit. In these districts, 42 cases have been lodged and so far we have arrested 342 accused. More arrests will be made as names of the accused come up during investigation," Director General of Police Shivanand Jha told reporters. He said 17 companies of State Reserve Police (SRP) have been deployed in the affected areas. "Security of areas inhabited by non-Gujaratis and the factories where they work has been increased. Police have also increased patrolling in these areas," he added. Two cases have been lodged for spreading rumours on social media which led to violence, the DGP said. Police are interrogating the people who have been arrested for these attacks. Police are taking action wherever needed. We have registered 3 cases under the IT Act for spreading hatred on social media: Gujarat Home Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × I spoke to Gujarat CM y'day. We're in touch with them.They're monitoring situation.Those who've committed a crime should be punished but no bias should be harboured for others: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on violence against UP/Bihar migrants in Gujarat after a rape case in Sabarkantha pic.twitter.com/vrdnddlGW1 — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × Responding to a question about the exodus of non-Gujaratis following the attacks, Jha said they may be leaving for their native states in view of the upcoming festive season. "If people are leaving for home for a festival, it should not be seen otherwise. I have told my officers to visit residential areas, and if required, visit bus stands and railway stations and if people are found leaving due to fear, (then to) persuade them to come back," he said. Police officials in Gandhinagar, the worst-affected district, have been directed to organise camps and communicate with local leaders to convince the people to stay, he said. Additional forces and vehicles are being provided in districts which have asked for them to ensure safety of the non-Gujarati residents, he added.

342 arrested for attacks on non-Gujaratis, security beefed up

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Sunday clarified that they have not written any letter to the Center to facilitate introducing a ban on khaini, consumption of which causes a number of serious ailments.

Pandey said they are against the consumption of gutkha and khaini, found to be the major causes of mouth cancer, but have not asked the Centre for its prohibition.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government has written to the Ministry of health requesting it to bring&nbsp;khaini&nbsp;under the list of food products. Once it has been notified as a food product by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the government will have the power to impose a ban on it on health grounds. 
 
The consumption of&nbsp;khaini&nbsp;is responsible for a number of serious ailments, including mouth cancer and ailments affecting the lungs and the cardio-vascular system, the state's principal secretary (health) Sanjay Kumar said.

The Health Minister further appealed to the people of the state to stop the consumption of gutkha and khaini.

According to a recent media report, the state government wrote to the Union Health Ministry, urging it to notify khaini as a food product. Upon notification, the state government can ban the product on health grounds.

According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act, any food product which has the presence of tobacco and nicotine in it, has to be banned.

According to the World Health Organisation's Global Adult Tobacco Survey,&nbsp;khaini&nbsp;consumers formed 20 per cent of the total population in 2016-17.

Two years earlier, the Bihar government had banned the sale and consumption of liquor in the state.&nbsp;

Pandey said they are against the consumption of gutkha and khaini, found to be the major causes of mouth cancer, but have not asked the Centre for its prohibition

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Sunday clarified that they have not written any letter to the Center to facilitate introducing a ban on khaini, consumption of which causes a number of serious ailments. Pandey said they are against the consumption of gutkha and khaini, found to be the major causes of mouth cancer, but have not asked the Centre for its prohibition. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government has written to the Ministry of health requesting it to bring khaini under the list of food products. Once it has been notified as a food product by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the government will have the power to impose a ban on it on health grounds. The consumption of khaini is responsible for a number of serious ailments, including mouth cancer and ailments affecting the lungs and the cardio-vascular system, the state's principal secretary (health) Sanjay Kumar said. The Health Minister further appealed to the people of the state to stop the consumption of gutkha and khaini. According to a recent media report, the state government wrote to the Union Health Ministry, urging it to notify khaini as a food product. Upon notification, the state government can ban the product on health grounds. According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act, any food product which has the presence of tobacco and nicotine in it, has to be banned. According to the World Health Organisation's Global Adult Tobacco Survey, khaini consumers formed 20 per cent of the total population in 2016-17. Two years earlier, the Bihar government had banned the sale and consumption of liquor in the state.

Khaini not to be banned in Bihar, says Health Minister

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad`s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav has invalidated the claims of rift between him and his&nbsp;brother&nbsp;Tejashwi.

He said, "There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close".

His clarification came amid reports that said&nbsp;Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party. He had reportedly also said that there are certain anti-social elements in the party who are trying to ruin the party.

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All this news of family infighting etc is false, there is no such thing, I have nothing against Tejashwi and Lalu ji but yes some other senior leaders in the party are sidelining youth workers. The state President RC Purve is ignoring workers: Tej Pratap Yadav,RJD <a href="https://t.co/Ymxh3zlGVd">pic.twitter.com/Ymxh3zlGVd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005686866840936448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He said, 'There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close'

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad`s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav has invalidated the claims of rift between him and his brother Tejashwi. He said, "There are no differences with my brother Tejashwi, we are very close". His clarification came amid reports that said Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party. He had reportedly also said that there are certain anti-social elements in the party who are trying to ruin the party. All this news of family infighting etc is false, there is no such thing, I have nothing against Tejashwi and Lalu ji but yes some other senior leaders in the party are sidelining youth workers. The state President RC Purve is ignoring workers: Tej Pratap Yadav,RJD pic.twitter.com/Ymxh3zlGVd — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 ×

Tej Pratap rules out difference with Tejashwi

Regional disparity is growing in the country and despite an increase in the states' share in tax revenue, the percentage of allocation for Bihar has actually gone down, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said on Wednesday in Patna.

At a symposium on "analytical framework for fiscal federalism in India", Mr Modi - who also holds the Finance portfolio - underscored that Bihar has been at the receiving end of measures like the permanent settlement during the British Raj and the policy of freight equalisation in the years following independence.

The symposium was organised by the Centre for Economic Policy and Public Finance (CEPPF) here which is managed by city-based think-tank Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI).

"The state is also burdened by a very high density of population. Yet it has been performing well for the past many years and registering a high growth rate," the senior BJP leader said, making a strong pitch for greater central assistance to the state, at a time when demand for special category status has been revived by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

"Regional disparity - the gap between the rich states and the poor ones - is increasing. While the states' share in tax revenue has increased over the years, from 28.5 per cent under the 11th Finance Commission to 42 per cent in the 14th, if we look at the share of Bihar in the divisible pool, it has actually dropped from 14.6 per cent to 9.66 per cent during the period," Mr Modi said.

He also said the GST, "under which both the centre and the state surrender their sovereignty with regard to tax collection, provides an ideal model of cooperative federalism and it should be taken note of by the 15th Finance Commission".

Echoing the Deputy Chief Minister's views on GST, Chief Economic Advisor to Government of India Arvind Subramanian said the new tax regime was "an important and revolutionary model of politics, administration and technology".

He also highlighted "low performance" of panchayats and municipal bodies on revenue generation front, with the remark "the closer a tier of government is to the people, the more unwilling it is to raise taxes".

"The second and third tiers of government (state governments and panchayats/municipal bodies) should strive to improve their revenue generation by ensuring a better delivery of public services," he added.

He also lauded Bihar's good economic performance and said the state should maintain a growth rate of at least 10 per cent for the next 25 years to catch up with the rest of the country.

Others who spoke on the occasion included CEPPF Director Shaibal Gupta and ADRI Director Prabhat P Ghosh.

At a symposium on 'analytical framework for fiscal federalism in India', Mr Modi - who also holds the Finance portfolio - underscored that Bihar has been at the receiving end of measures like the permanent settlement during the British Raj and the policy of freight equalisation in the years following independence

Regional disparity is growing in the country and despite an increase in the states' share in tax revenue, the percentage of allocation for Bihar has actually gone down, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said on Wednesday in Patna. At a symposium on "analytical framework for fiscal federalism in India", Mr Modi - who also holds the Finance portfolio - underscored that Bihar has been at the receiving end of measures like the permanent settlement during the British Raj and the policy of freight equalisation in the years following independence. The symposium was organised by the Centre for Economic Policy and Public Finance (CEPPF) here which is managed by city-based think-tank Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI). "The state is also burdened by a very high density of population. Yet it has been performing well for the past many years and registering a high growth rate," the senior BJP leader said, making a strong pitch for greater central assistance to the state, at a time when demand for special category status has been revived by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "Regional disparity - the gap between the rich states and the poor ones - is increasing. While the states' share in tax revenue has increased over the years, from 28.5 per cent under the 11th Finance Commission to 42 per cent in the 14th, if we look at the share of Bihar in the divisible pool, it has actually dropped from 14.6 per cent to 9.66 per cent during the period," Mr Modi said. He also said the GST, "under which both the centre and the state surrender their sovereignty with regard to tax collection, provides an ideal model of cooperative federalism and it should be taken note of by the 15th Finance Commission". Echoing the Deputy Chief Minister's views on GST, Chief Economic Advisor to Government of India Arvind Subramanian said the new tax regime was "an important and revolutionary model of politics, administration and technology". He also highlighted "low performance" of panchayats and municipal bodies on revenue generation front, with the remark "the closer a tier of government is to the people, the more unwilling it is to raise taxes". "The second and third tiers of government (state governments and panchayats/municipal bodies) should strive to improve their revenue generation by ensuring a better delivery of public services," he added. He also lauded Bihar's good economic performance and said the state should maintain a growth rate of at least 10 per cent for the next 25 years to catch up with the rest of the country. Others who spoke on the occasion included CEPPF Director Shaibal Gupta and ADRI Director Prabhat P Ghosh.

Regional disparity is growing in the country: Sushil Modi

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan met with BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday raising various demands from the party in alliance including a special status for Bihar.

Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan sought an ordinance for reservation in promotion and to restore the original provisions of the&nbsp;law on atrocities against Dalit.

In the meeting, Paswan stressed on the need to bring an ordinance to restore the original stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Supreme Court, in a recent order, had introduced new guidelines which, almost every political party has claimed, dilutes the law and will lead to a rise in crimes against Dalits.

Also highlighting the demand for the special status to Bihar, he said Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it.

He said, "As far as special status to Bihar is concerned, we have been demanding for it. Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it. Govt must listen to our pleas".

The demand for special status to Bihar was also raised by state chief minister Nitish Kumar.

A JDU national spokesperson later confirmed that the&nbsp;party will not part ways with its ally, BJP. He said&nbsp;that the party would stay in NDA and continue to fight for the special status for Bihar.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan also sought an ordinance for reservation in promotion and to restore the original provisions of the law on atrocities against Dalit

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan met with BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday raising various demands from the party in alliance including a special status for Bihar. Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan sought an ordinance for reservation in promotion and to restore the original provisions of the law on atrocities against Dalit. In the meeting, Paswan stressed on the need to bring an ordinance to restore the original stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Supreme Court, in a recent order, had introduced new guidelines which, almost every political party has claimed, dilutes the law and will lead to a rise in crimes against Dalits. Also highlighting the demand for the special status to Bihar, he said Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it. He said, "As far as special status to Bihar is concerned, we have been demanding for it. Bihar is a backward state so the status must be granted to it. Govt must listen to our pleas". The demand for special status to Bihar was also raised by state chief minister Nitish Kumar. A JDU national spokesperson later confirmed that the party will not part ways with its ally, BJP. He said that the party would stay in NDA and continue to fight for the special status for Bihar. (With inputs from PTI)

Ram Vilas Paswan meets Amit Shah, demands special status for Bihar

The National Investigation Agency's(NIA) Special Court today&nbspsentenced all accused in the 2013 Bodhgaya serial blasts case.

The NIA court sentenced all five accused to life imprisonment. Special NIA judge Manoj Kumar Sinha had earlier held all five accused - Imtiyaz Ansari, Haider Ali, Mujib Ullah, Omair Siddiqui and Azharuddin Qureishi&nbsp- guilty in the case.

The serial blasts which had occurred on July 7th, 2013 around the historic Bodhgaya temple in Bihar had injured five people including Buddhist monks and spread panic in the complex.

At least ten bombs exploded that day with Indian authorities blaming it on Indian Mujahideen (IM).&nbsp

The blasts were widely condemned by nations with large Buddhist population with Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi, former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Thailand government expressing shock and dismay over the bombings.

The serial blasts which had occurred on July 7th, 2013 around the historic Bodhgaya temple in Bihar

The National Investigation Agency's(NIA) Special Court today&nbspsentenced all accused in the 2013 Bodhgaya serial blasts case. The NIA court sentenced all five accused to life imprisonment. Special NIA judge Manoj Kumar Sinha had earlier held all five accused - Imtiyaz Ansari, Haider Ali, Mujib Ullah, Omair Siddiqui and Azharuddin Qureishi - guilty in the case. The serial blasts which had occurred on July 7th, 2013 around the historic Bodhgaya temple in Bihar had injured five people including Buddhist monks and spread panic in the complex. At least ten bombs exploded that day with Indian authorities blaming it on Indian Mujahideen (IM). The blasts were widely condemned by nations with large Buddhist population with Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi, former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Thailand government expressing shock and dismay over the bombings.

Bodhgaya serial blasts case: Court sentences all 5 accused to life imprisonment

RJD&nbsp;candidate Shahnawaz Alam defeated JD(U) candidate Murshid Alam by a huge margin of over 41,225 votes to bag the Jokihat assembly seat in bypoll. The results were declared on Thursday.

Shahnawaz Alam is the son of former RJD heavyweight Mohammad Taslimuddin and brother of Sarfaraj Alam.

It's the third victory for RJD under the leadership of Tejaswi Yadav, who took over the party after his father Lalu Yadav was convicted in fodder scam.&nbsp;

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Nation has rejected the poisonous politics of polarisation,vendetta, hatred & fascism in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BypollsVerdict?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BypollsVerdict</a> 
 
Special thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yadavakhilesh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MayawatiUp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MayawatiUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jayantrld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jayantrld</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SitaramYechury?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SitaramYechury</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HemantSorenJMM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HemantSorenJMM</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/RaoKavitha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaoKavitha</a> for their magnanimous politics & vision!
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1002142966172053505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The party had earlier won Jehanabad and Aaria.

He also praised his father by saying that he showed the path to fragmented opposition to unite in their common role to dislodge ''fascist forces''.&nbsp;

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Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/laluprasadrjd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@laluprasadrjd</a> ji showed the path to fragmented opposition to unite in their common goal to dislodge fascist forces. 
 
Better late than never, opposition saw merit in his vision of consolidation and result is their to be seen against 45 parties alliance of BJP. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bypoll?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bypoll</a>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1002131694298828801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Shahnawaz Alam is the son of former RJD heavyweight Mohammad Taslimuddin and brother of Sarfaraj Alam

RJD candidate Shahnawaz Alam defeated JD(U) candidate Murshid Alam by a huge margin of over 41,225 votes to bag the Jokihat assembly seat in bypoll. The results were declared on Thursday. Shahnawaz Alam is the son of former RJD heavyweight Mohammad Taslimuddin and brother of Sarfaraj Alam. It's the third victory for RJD under the leadership of Tejaswi Yadav, who took over the party after his father Lalu Yadav was convicted in fodder scam. Nation has rejected the poisonous politics of polarisation,vendetta, hatred & fascism in #BypollsVerdict Special thanks to @RahulGandhi @MamataOfficial @yadavakhilesh @MayawatiUp @jayantrld @SitaramYechury @HemantSorenJMM & @RaoKavitha for their magnanimous politics & vision! — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 31, 2018 × The party had earlier won Jehanabad and Aaria. He also praised his father by saying that he showed the path to fragmented opposition to unite in their common role to dislodge ''fascist forces''. Sh @laluprasadrjd ji showed the path to fragmented opposition to unite in their common goal to dislodge fascist forces. Better late than never, opposition saw merit in his vision of consolidation and result is their to be seen against 45 parties alliance of BJP. #bypoll — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 31, 2018 ×

Bihar: Setback for Nitish Kumar as RJD win Jokihat assembly by huge margin

Naxals in Bihar's Munger district torched four road construction vehicles on Thursday.

They also burned three other vehicles along with it.

The police authorities have confirmed that Naxals have abducted eight labourers in the process but freed four of them.

A search operation has been launched to track down the Naxals and the abductees.

Earlier on May 1 Naxalites had set ablaze as many as five vehicles engaged in road construction work in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district.

The police authorities have confirmed that Naxals have abducted eight labourers in the process but freed four of them

Naxals in Bihar's Munger district torched four road construction vehicles on Thursday. They also burned three other vehicles along with it. The police authorities have confirmed that Naxals have abducted eight labourers in the process but freed four of them. A search operation has been launched to track down the Naxals and the abductees. Earlier on May 1 Naxalites had set ablaze as many as five vehicles engaged in road construction work in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district.

Bihar: Naxals torch four road construction vehicles, abduct labours

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said today the southwest monsoon has set over Kerala, three days ahead of the normal date.

According to the Met Department, the rains were set to arrive on June 1.

Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency and a rival of the IMD, had said that the monsoon made its arrival in Kerala on Monday.&nbsp;

According to the IMD, if after May 10, 60 per cent of the available 14 stations - Minicoy, Amini, Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur, Kollam, Allapuzha, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, Kudulu and Mangalore - report 2.5 mm or more rainfall for two consecutive days, the onset of monsoon over Kerala can be declared on the second day. This is one of the main parameters for declaring the arrival of monsoon.&nbsp;

All the necessary parameters were met following which the onset of monsoon over Kerala was announced, Mritunjay Mohapatra, Additional Director General, IMD said.&nbsp;

The IMD had predicted that India will experience third successful monsoon this year, even though some foreign forecasters have said uneven rain could affect crop production in the country.

The monsoon is considered normal if the average rainfall is between 96 to 104 per cent of long period average.&nbsp;

Anything less than 90 per cent of LPA is termed a "deficient' monsoon", and 90-96 per cent of the same is considered "below normal".

The monsoon is considered normal if the average rainfall is between 96 to 104 per cent of long period average.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said today the southwest monsoon has set over Kerala, three days ahead of the normal date. According to the Met Department, the rains were set to arrive on June 1. Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency and a rival of the IMD, had said that the monsoon made its arrival in Kerala on Monday. According to the IMD, if after May 10, 60 per cent of the available 14 stations - Minicoy, Amini, Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur, Kollam, Allapuzha, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, Kudulu and Mangalore - report 2.5 mm or more rainfall for two consecutive days, the onset of monsoon over Kerala can be declared on the second day. This is one of the main parameters for declaring the arrival of monsoon. All the necessary parameters were met following which the onset of monsoon over Kerala was announced, Mritunjay Mohapatra, Additional Director General, IMD said. The IMD had predicted that India will experience third successful monsoon this year, even though some foreign forecasters have said uneven rain could affect crop production in the country. The monsoon is considered normal if the average rainfall is between 96 to 104 per cent of long period average. Anything less than 90 per cent of LPA is termed a "deficient' monsoon", and 90-96 per cent of the same is considered "below normal".

Monsoon has arrived in Kerala, 3 days ahead of schedule: IMD

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) could rise after the 2021 Census.

Kumar said this at Bagaha in West Champaran district, where he was attending a function organised by the members of the "Tharu" tribe.

"After the 2021 Census, the quota for SCs and STs may be hiked, in keeping with the rise in their population. This would provide greater opportunities to these groups," the JD(U) chief said.

While Kumar's remark drew praise from the leaders of his party and was backed by the JD-U's coalition partner BJP, the opposition RJD-Congress combine dismissed it as a political gimmick and challenged the chief minister to speak out in favour of making the data of the caste-based census public.

"During my tours of the state, I often face people from the depressed classes, who say that the existing quota is not sufficient. I can only say that a hike in it is not in the state government's hands, though the next census may pave the way for the same," Kumar said.

Reacting to the chief minister's statement, RJD spokesman Mrityunjay Tiwari alleged that Kumar was "playing a trick" to win back the Dalits, whom he had "angered by siding with the BJP".

"If he (Kumar) is really serious about the SCs and STs, why does he not put pressure on the BJP, which is his ally and also in power at the Centre, to make public the report of the caste-based census, a demand that RJD supremo Lalu Prasad has been raising for long," he said.

Dismissing the opposition's criticisms, JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar said, "The opposition is frustrated over its inability to woo the Dalits, who stand strongly behind Nitish Kumar. The number of schemes our government has been running for the SCs and STs does not have a parallel."

While Kumar's remark drew praise from the leaders of his party and was backed by the JD-U's coalition partner BJP, the opposition RJD-Congress combine dismissed it

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) could rise after the 2021 Census. Kumar said this at Bagaha in West Champaran district, where he was attending a function organised by the members of the "Tharu" tribe. "After the 2021 Census, the quota for SCs and STs may be hiked, in keeping with the rise in their population. This would provide greater opportunities to these groups," the JD(U) chief said. While Kumar's remark drew praise from the leaders of his party and was backed by the JD-U's coalition partner BJP, the opposition RJD-Congress combine dismissed it as a political gimmick and challenged the chief minister to speak out in favour of making the data of the caste-based census public. "During my tours of the state, I often face people from the depressed classes, who say that the existing quota is not sufficient. I can only say that a hike in it is not in the state government's hands, though the next census may pave the way for the same," Kumar said. Reacting to the chief minister's statement, RJD spokesman Mrityunjay Tiwari alleged that Kumar was "playing a trick" to win back the Dalits, whom he had "angered by siding with the BJP". "If he (Kumar) is really serious about the SCs and STs, why does he not put pressure on the BJP, which is his ally and also in power at the Centre, to make public the report of the caste-based census, a demand that RJD supremo Lalu Prasad has been raising for long," he said. Dismissing the opposition's criticisms, JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar said, "The opposition is frustrated over its inability to woo the Dalits, who stand strongly behind Nitish Kumar. The number of schemes our government has been running for the SCs and STs does not have a parallel."

Quota for SCs, STs may increase after 2021 Census: Nitish Kumar

After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rjd-alliance-parties-meet-bihar-governor-submit-letter-proving-majority-137916">RJD leader&nbspTejashwi Yadav</a> met with the Bihar governor Satyapal Malik demanding an invitation from him to form the government in the state, the leader also urged all the opposition parties to come together and collectively oppose the BJP led central government.

Calling the BJP government a "dictatorship" he compared the party with Britishers.

He said, " All the opposition parties need to come together and raise voice against what is being done by BJP across India. We need to oppose their dictatorship. If something is not done now, then soon there will be no Constitution. The Britishers came to India and treated us like slaves. Now BJP is doing the same".

"The BJP leaders will not follow any of the Consitution rules as they feel Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bigger than Constitution."If the Consitution is same for all, then why Karnataka is different from what happened in Bihar?" he asked.

The former deputy chief minister of Bihar was addressing ' Samvidhan Bachao Andolan' rally in Patna on Friday.

The opposition's move has come after the BJP staked claim of the Karnataka state despite not having the&nbspmajority mark required to form the government.

He said, 'All the opposition parties need to come together and raise voice against what is being done by BJP across India. We need to oppose their dictatorship'

After RJD leader&nbspTejashwi Yadav met with the Bihar governor Satyapal Malik demanding an invitation from him to form the government in the state, the leader also urged all the opposition parties to come together and collectively oppose the BJP led central government. Calling the BJP government a "dictatorship" he compared the party with Britishers. He said, " All the opposition parties need to come together and raise voice against what is being done by BJP across India. We need to oppose their dictatorship. If something is not done now, then soon there will be no Constitution. The Britishers came to India and treated us like slaves. Now BJP is doing the same". "The BJP leaders will not follow any of the Consitution rules as they feel Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bigger than Constitution."If the Consitution is same for all, then why Karnataka is different from what happened in Bihar?" he asked. The former deputy chief minister of Bihar was addressing ' Samvidhan Bachao Andolan' rally in Patna on Friday. The opposition's move has come after the BJP staked claim of the Karnataka state despite not having the&nbspmajority mark required to form the government.

Tejashwi Yadav urges opposition to join together against BJP

The ruling BJP described as a "stunt" the Congress decision to stake claim to form the government in Goa and said the opposition party's "dream" to acquire power in the coastal state will never be fulfilled.

&nbsp;Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692"> after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP</a>

Seeking adoption of the Karnataka example in Goa, the Congress decided to stake claim to form government in the coastal state, where it had emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly polls held last year.

On Thursday Congress Legislature Party chief Chandrakant Kavlekar said, "the party will stake claim tomorrow by submitting to Governor Mridula Sinha a formal letter containing signatures of all the 16 MLAs that the party has now".

"The Congress had a chance to form the government after 2017 assembly results. But their legislators and party's national leaders were busy enjoying stay at a hotel," BJP state unit president Vinay Tendulkar said.

He said the Congress should have staked their claim to form government one and half year back after the outcome of the polls.

"Why are they doing it now?" he said.

Tendulkar said the Congress was "dreaming: about forming the government in the coastal state, but their "dream" will not be fulfilled.

"The BJP had staked the claim to form government successfully (in 2017), as the party had the majority with more than 21 (MLAs) supporting it," he said, adding that the Congress move was just a "stunt".

Meanwhile, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), one of the constituents of the BJP-led NDA government, dared the Congress to parade all the 16 MLAs of the party in public before meeting the governor.

MGP chief Dipak Dhavalikar said the Congress had already missed the bus and was trying in vain to gain power.

"Do they have 16 MLAs with them? They should parade them before people before going to meet the governor," he said.

Dhavlikar said it would be a different matter altogether if the Congress had to stake claim for power in case the incumbent government runs into minority.

The BJP-led government in Goa is headed by Manohar Parrikar, who is currently undergoing treatment in the US for a pancreatic ailment.

In the Assembly elections held in February last year, the Congress had bagged 17 seats, becoming the single largest party in the 40-member House but fell short of the majority mark by four seats.

The BJP, which had bagged 13 seats, firmed up an alliance with the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), both of which had secured three seats each, and also took the support of three Independents.

Subsequently, the Goa governor had invited the BJP-led coalition to form the government.

The Congress currently has 16 members in the Goa Assembly as one of its legislators Vishwajeet Rane joined the BJP last year. Rane later won the bypoll from Valpoi Assembly constituency on a BJP ticket.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats in the Karnataka Assembly, was invited by the governor despite the JD(S)-Congress combine staking claim, citing the support of 117 MLAs.

Seeking adoption of the Karnataka example in Goa, the Congress decided to stake claim to form government in the coastal state, where it had emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly polls held last year

The ruling BJP described as a "stunt" the Congress decision to stake claim to form the government in Goa and said the opposition party's "dream" to acquire power in the coastal state will never be fulfilled. Also read: Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form government after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP Seeking adoption of the Karnataka example in Goa, the Congress decided to stake claim to form government in the coastal state, where it had emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly polls held last year. On Thursday Congress Legislature Party chief Chandrakant Kavlekar said, "the party will stake claim tomorrow by submitting to Governor Mridula Sinha a formal letter containing signatures of all the 16 MLAs that the party has now". "The Congress had a chance to form the government after 2017 assembly results. But their legislators and party's national leaders were busy enjoying stay at a hotel," BJP state unit president Vinay Tendulkar said. He said the Congress should have staked their claim to form government one and half year back after the outcome of the polls. "Why are they doing it now?" he said. Tendulkar said the Congress was "dreaming: about forming the government in the coastal state, but their "dream" will not be fulfilled. "The BJP had staked the claim to form government successfully (in 2017), as the party had the majority with more than 21 (MLAs) supporting it," he said, adding that the Congress move was just a "stunt". Meanwhile, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), one of the constituents of the BJP-led NDA government, dared the Congress to parade all the 16 MLAs of the party in public before meeting the governor. MGP chief Dipak Dhavalikar said the Congress had already missed the bus and was trying in vain to gain power. "Do they have 16 MLAs with them? They should parade them before people before going to meet the governor," he said. Dhavlikar said it would be a different matter altogether if the Congress had to stake claim for power in case the incumbent government runs into minority. The BJP-led government in Goa is headed by Manohar Parrikar, who is currently undergoing treatment in the US for a pancreatic ailment. In the Assembly elections held in February last year, the Congress had bagged 17 seats, becoming the single largest party in the 40-member House but fell short of the majority mark by four seats. The BJP, which had bagged 13 seats, firmed up an alliance with the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), both of which had secured three seats each, and also took the support of three Independents. Subsequently, the Goa governor had invited the BJP-led coalition to form the government. The Congress currently has 16 members in the Goa Assembly as one of its legislators Vishwajeet Rane joined the BJP last year. Rane later won the bypoll from Valpoi Assembly constituency on a BJP ticket. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats in the Karnataka Assembly, was invited by the governor despite the JD(S)-Congress combine staking claim, citing the support of 117 MLAs.

Congress decision to stake claim to form govt in Goa a stunt: BJP

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav and other alliance leaders met with the Bihar Governor Satyapal Malik today&nbspto prove their majority in&nbspthe state assembly.&nbsp

The parties handed over letters to the governor showing RJD as the single largest party in the assembly.&nbsp

The meeting was organised&nbspto demand&nbspan invitation from the governor for forming the&nbspgovernment in the state.&nbsp

The parties which joined the RJD in the meeting included Congress and CPI (ML).

RJD's Tejashwi Yadav had said yesterday that their party will hold a one-day protest against the ''murder of democracy''. He also said he will request Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like Karnataka invite the single largest party which in Bihar is RJD. &nbsp

A similar meeting was organised by the Congress MLAs in Goa where they met the Goa governor and handed over a memorandum to her stating their majority.

The opposition's move has come after the BJP staked claim of the Karnataka state after emerging as the single largest party,&nbspless than the majority mark.&nbsp

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RJD and other alliance parties-Congress and CPI(ML) hand over letters to Governor Satyapal Malik stating that RJD is the single largest party hence should be invited to form Government <a href="https://t.co/NdTSuvBsB0">pic.twitter.com/NdTSuvBsB0</a>
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&nbsp

The meeting was organised to demand an invitation from the governor for forming the government in the state

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav and other alliance leaders met with the Bihar Governor Satyapal Malik today&nbspto prove their majority in&nbspthe state assembly. The parties handed over letters to the governor showing RJD as the single largest party in the assembly. The meeting was organised&nbspto demand&nbspan invitation from the governor for forming the&nbspgovernment in the state. The parties which joined the RJD in the meeting included Congress and CPI (ML). RJD's Tejashwi Yadav had said yesterday that their party will hold a one-day protest against the ''murder of democracy''. He also said he will request Bihar Governor to dissolve the state government and like Karnataka invite the single largest party which in Bihar is RJD. A similar meeting was organised by the Congress MLAs in Goa where they met the Goa governor and handed over a memorandum to her stating their majority. The opposition's move has come after the BJP staked claim of the Karnataka state after emerging as the single largest party,&nbspless than the majority mark. RJD and other alliance parties-Congress and CPI(ML) hand over letters to Governor Satyapal Malik stating that RJD is the single largest party hence should be invited to form Government pic.twitter.com/NdTSuvBsB0 — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 × Patna: Tejashwi Yadav and other alliance leaders met Bihar Governor Satyapal Malik, hand over letters stating that RJD is the single largest party and hence should be invited to form Government pic.twitter.com/K24yHxu3nH — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 ×

RJD, alliance parties meet Bihar governor, submit letter proving majority

Bhaskar Kalita, the Officer in Charge of Bordumsa Police Station in eastern Assam's Tinsukia district, lost his life during an intense gun battle between United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent ULFA-(I) cadres and the security forces on Friday evening.

Reportedly, two persons, including an ULFA-I member, were killed in the exchange of fire between the police and the militant outfit.

Earlier, an intense gunfight took place between a combined team of Army, Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans and suspected cadres of ULFA-I at Kujipathar area of Bordumsa.

According to sources, the joint team of security forces had intel about the presence of ULFA-I cadres in the area and launched an operation leading to a massive firefight.

Earlier, one ULFA terrorist was arrested by security forces in Charaideo, 2 NQ- 71 series pistols, 2 magazines and 78 live cartridges were recovered from him.

Reportedly, two persons, including an ULFA-I member, were killed in the exchange of fire between the police and the militant outfit

Bhaskar Kalita, the Officer in Charge of Bordumsa Police Station in eastern Assam's Tinsukia district, lost his life during an intense gun battle between United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent ULFA-(I) cadres and the security forces on Friday evening. Reportedly, two persons, including an ULFA-I member, were killed in the exchange of fire between the police and the militant outfit. Earlier, an intense gunfight took place between a combined team of Army, Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans and suspected cadres of ULFA-I at Kujipathar area of Bordumsa. According to sources, the joint team of security forces had intel about the presence of ULFA-I cadres in the area and launched an operation leading to a massive firefight. Earlier, one ULFA terrorist was arrested by security forces in Charaideo, 2 NQ- 71 series pistols, 2 magazines and 78 live cartridges were recovered from him.

Pakistan girl becomes ambassador for 'Swachh Jamui Swasth Jamui'

At least 27 people died when a bus caught fire after it overturned in Bihar's Motihari district.&nbsp;

The bus reportedly fell into a ditch and caught fire.

The accident occurred under the Kotwa police station area, over 75 km from the state capital.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Pratyay Amrit, Principal Secretary - Disaster Management Department, said that most of the charred bodies were still inside the bus.

According to police, an air-conditioned bus from Muzaffarpur to Delhi met with the accident after the driver lost control over it.

Soon after the bus overturned, it caught fire and the seven persons were either charred or died due to suffocation from smoke inside the vehicle.

Police officials said the passengers who managed to come out of the bus had been admitted to a hospital.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a>: Bihar: 12 people dead due to fire in a bus after it overturned, in Motihari Death toll expected to rise, more details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/SNyMYUYmih">pic.twitter.com/SNyMYUYmih</a>
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&nbsp;

At least 27 people died when a bus caught fire after it overturned in Bihar's Motihari district. The bus reportedly fell into a ditch and caught fire. The accident occurred under the Kotwa police station area, over 75 km from the state capital. Pratyay Amrit, Principal Secretary - Disaster Management Department, said that most of the charred bodies were still inside the bus. According to police, an air-conditioned bus from Muzaffarpur to Delhi met with the accident after the driver lost control over it. Soon after the bus overturned, it caught fire and the seven persons were either charred or died due to suffocation from smoke inside the vehicle. Police officials said the passengers who managed to come out of the bus had been admitted to a hospital. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. #SpotVisuals: Bihar: 12 people dead due to fire in a bus after it overturned, in Motihari Death toll expected to rise, more details awaited. pic.twitter.com/SNyMYUYmih — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2018 ×

27 killed after bus overturns, catches fire in Bihar's Motihari

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/many-killed-as-bus-catches-fire-in-bihars-motihari-134410">27 killed after bus overturns, catches fire in Bihar's Motihari</a>

At least 27 people died afer a bus overturned and caught fire in Bihar's Motihari district.&nbsp;

The bus reportedly fell into a ditch, after which it caught fire.&nbsp;

The government has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each of the victims.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-national-film-awards-2018-68-winners-skip-ceremony-janhvi-kapoor-a-r-rahman-attend-134403">National Film Awards: 68 winners skip ceremony because President Kovind does not present all awards</a>

Sixty-eight winners of the National Film Awards skipped the awards ceremony this afternoon in Delhi.&nbsp;

The winners were miffed that President Ram Nath Kovind was handing out only 11 of the National Awards, and that the rest would be handed out by Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-kills-close-to-100-in-uttar-pradesh-rajasthan-134406">Dust storm kills close to 100 in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan</a>

A severe dust storm followed by thunder showers hit parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan overnight, killing nearly 100 people and leaving a trail of destruction.

Houses collapsed and trees and poles were uprooted in the storm that also led to power outages.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-money-for-his-lawyer-cohen-not-from-the-campaign-134417">Porn star</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-money-for-his-lawyer-cohen-not-from-the-campaign-134417"> Stormy Daniels was not paid with campaign money: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his lawyer Michael Cohen did not use presidential campaign funds to pay Stormy Daniels as part of a contract he said was aimed at stopping the adult-film star from making "false and extortionist accusations" about an affair.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-45-youth-including-mba-phd-scholar-join-terrorist-ranks-in-2018-134419">Kashmir: 45 youths including MBA, PhD scholar join terrorist ranks in 2018</a>

At least 45 youths from the Kashmir Valley, including an MBA graduate and a PhD scholar, have joined militancy this year till mid-April, according to officials. The unusual surge in numbers has taken the security establishment by surprise.

27 killed after bus overturns, catches fire in Bihar's Motihari At least 27 people died afer a bus overturned and caught fire in Bihar's Motihari district. The bus reportedly fell into a ditch, after which it caught fire. The government has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each of the victims. National Film Awards: 68 winners skip ceremony because President Kovind does not present all awards Sixty-eight winners of the National Film Awards skipped the awards ceremony this afternoon in Delhi. The winners were miffed that President Ram Nath Kovind was handing out only 11 of the National Awards, and that the rest would be handed out by Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani. Dust storm kills close to 100 in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan A severe dust storm followed by thunder showers hit parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan overnight, killing nearly 100 people and leaving a trail of destruction. Houses collapsed and trees and poles were uprooted in the storm that also led to power outages. Porn star Stormy Daniels was not paid with campaign money: Trump US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his lawyer Michael Cohen did not use presidential campaign funds to pay Stormy Daniels as part of a contract he said was aimed at stopping the adult-film star from making "false and extortionist accusations" about an affair. Kashmir: 45 youths including MBA, PhD scholar join terrorist ranks in 2018 At least 45 youths from the Kashmir Valley, including an MBA graduate and a PhD scholar, have joined militancy this year till mid-April, according to officials. The unusual surge in numbers has taken the security establishment by surprise.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Katihar Superintendent of Police (SP) Siddharth Mohan Jain was caught shooting rounds of celebratory firing during his farewell ceremony in Bihar’s Katihar.&nbsp;

Jain, along with other police officials, was enjoying the farewell celebration.&nbsp;

The incident, which was caught on camera shows both DM and SP holding the mike and singing songs, thereafter ‘drunk on power’ SP can be seen taking out a gun from his pocket and firing celebratory shots.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Bihar: Celebratory firing by Katihar Superintendent of Police(SP) Siddharth Mohan Jain during his farewell ceremony (1.5.18) <a href="https://t.co/avJKoF2gsy">pic.twitter.com/avJKoF2gsy</a>
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No case has been registered against the SP for misusing the weapon which is issued to them for protecting the society.

In a video that surfaced, SP Jain and Mishra were seen happily enjoying their farewell party. The latter was singing a song from the 1975 hit Sholay film - 'Ye Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge'.

It was then the Katihar SP started firing bullets in the sky in a jubilant mood. He kept on firing till the magazine of the pistol was completely empty.

Jain, along with other police officials, was enjoying the farewell celebration.

Katihar Superintendent of Police (SP) Siddharth Mohan Jain was caught shooting rounds of celebratory firing during his farewell ceremony in Bihar’s Katihar. Jain, along with other police officials, was enjoying the farewell celebration. The incident, which was caught on camera shows both DM and SP holding the mike and singing songs, thereafter ‘drunk on power’ SP can be seen taking out a gun from his pocket and firing celebratory shots. #WATCH Bihar: Celebratory firing by Katihar Superintendent of Police(SP) Siddharth Mohan Jain during his farewell ceremony (1.5.18) pic.twitter.com/avJKoF2gsy — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2018 × No case has been registered against the SP for misusing the weapon which is issued to them for protecting the society. In a video that surfaced, SP Jain and Mishra were seen happily enjoying their farewell party. The latter was singing a song from the 1975 hit Sholay film - 'Ye Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge'. It was then the Katihar SP started firing bullets in the sky in a jubilant mood. He kept on firing till the magazine of the pistol was completely empty.

Caught on camera: Bihar IPS officer fires revolver at farewell ceremony

Four people have been detained for their alleged involvement in the molestation of a minor girl in Jehanabad.

Earlier, an FIR was lodged against unidentified persons after videos showing a minor girl being molested by a group of youths went viral on Saturday.

While some reports said that the video was filmed by the accused, others claimed&nbsp;it was captured by locals.&nbsp;

The video shows the girl being hounded and molested by a group of youths. The incident took place on Saturday. &nbsp;

Two Special Investigation Teams (SIT) were also constituted to investigate the incident, according to news agency ANI.&nbsp;

A manhunt has been launched to arrest others involved in the crime.

The SIT also seized a motorbike seen in the video.

The video shows the girl being hounded and molested by a group of youths in broad daylight.

Four people have been detained for their alleged involvement in the molestation of a minor girl in Jehanabad. Earlier, an FIR was lodged against unidentified persons after videos showing a minor girl being molested by a group of youths went viral on Saturday. While some reports said that the video was filmed by the accused, others claimed it was captured by locals. The video shows the girl being hounded and molested by a group of youths. The incident took place on Saturday. Two Special Investigation Teams (SIT) were also constituted to investigate the incident, according to news agency ANI. A manhunt has been launched to arrest others involved in the crime. The SIT also seized a motorbike seen in the video.

Bihar: Four held for molesting, stripping minor in broad daylight, video goes viral

At least eight people died in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district after the boat they were travelling in capsized in Kosi river on Sunday, news agency ANI reported.

“Seven people were rescued and sent to Sadar Hospital for treatment,” an official said.

At least eight people died in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district after the boat they were travelling in capsized in Kosi river on Sunday, news agency ANI reported. “Seven people were rescued and sent to Sadar Hospital for treatment,” an official said.

8 feared dead as boat capsizes in Kosi river in Bihar's Bhagalpur

NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Tuesday said that the states in India's eastern region like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are keeping India backward, especially on social indicators.

Speaking at the first Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia University, Kant said, "Eastern part of India particularly states like Bihar, UP, Chattisgarh, MP, and Rajasthan are keeping India backward especially on social indicators. While we have improved on ease of doing business, we have remained backward on human development index."Kant further said that India is still 131 out of 188 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI).

Reacting to 'Challenges of Transforming India' he said that the part of southern and western India was doing well and growing speedily."And when the country's HDI has to improve and we have to focus on these social indicators. We are working on these things through Aspirational Districts Programme," he added.

Stressing upon the significance of sustainable growth, the NITI Aayog CEO said, "Education and health are vital and in these two areas India is lagging behind. Our learning outcomes are poor - a class 5 student is not able to do class 2 subtractions. Class 5 student is not able to read his mother tongue. Infant mortality rates are very high. Unless we improve on these aspects, it will be difficult to grow in a consistent way."

He also encouraged women to participate in decision-making process. He said, "There must be a conscious effort to frame policies to give women opportunities."

The other states he included in his list were Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Tuesday said that the states in India's eastern region like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are keeping India backward, especially on social indicators. Speaking at the first Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia University, Kant said, "Eastern part of India particularly states like Bihar, UP, Chattisgarh, MP, and Rajasthan are keeping India backward especially on social indicators. While we have improved on ease of doing business, we have remained backward on human development index."Kant further said that India is still 131 out of 188 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI). Reacting to 'Challenges of Transforming India' he said that the part of southern and western India was doing well and growing speedily."And when the country's HDI has to improve and we have to focus on these social indicators. We are working on these things through Aspirational Districts Programme," he added. Stressing upon the significance of sustainable growth, the NITI Aayog CEO said, "Education and health are vital and in these two areas India is lagging behind. Our learning outcomes are poor - a class 5 student is not able to do class 2 subtractions. Class 5 student is not able to read his mother tongue. Infant mortality rates are very high. Unless we improve on these aspects, it will be difficult to grow in a consistent way." He also encouraged women to participate in decision-making process. He said, "There must be a conscious effort to frame policies to give women opportunities."

States like UP, Bihar holding India back: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant

Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday slammed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-like-up-bihar-holding-india-back-niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kant-132435">NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant</a>’s statement blaming the state for India’s backwardness, saying the remark has exposed the mindset of “babus” in the Modi-led government.

"Bihar and Bihari`s pay equal taxes, contribute equally or more to governance and nation-building. Bihar gave 33 MPs to NDA, seven Union Ministers from Bihar, both State and Centre governments are of same party and alliance. But still, these Babus say Bihar is backward..." the former Deputy Chief Minister tweeted.

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Bihar & Bihari’s pay equal taxes, contribute equally or more in governance & Nation building. Bihar gave 33 MPs to NDA, 7 Union Ministers r frm Bihar, both State & Centre govts are of same party nd alliance But still these Babu’s says Bihar is backward.BJP ruling state for 10yrs <a href="https://t.co/Ii9pxjt4Xt">https://t.co/Ii9pxjt4Xt</a>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/988632682597900288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Modi has failed to grant special category status or special packages promised by him. Four years have passed, but nothing has happened so far, except 'jumlas' (hollow words)," he said.

While speaking at the first Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia University, NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amitabh Kant said, "India was backward because of the eastern states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, especially on social indicators."

Kant said that the states in India's southern and western region were growing rapidly, but those like Bihar, UP and Chattisgarh were keeping the country backwards.

"Modi has failed to grant special category status or special packages promised by him," he said.

Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday slammed NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant’s statement blaming the state for India’s backwardness, saying the remark has exposed the mindset of “babus” in the Modi-led government. "Bihar and Bihari`s pay equal taxes, contribute equally or more to governance and nation-building. Bihar gave 33 MPs to NDA, seven Union Ministers from Bihar, both State and Centre governments are of same party and alliance. But still, these Babus say Bihar is backward..." the former Deputy Chief Minister tweeted. Bihar & Bihari’s pay equal taxes, contribute equally or more in governance & Nation building. Bihar gave 33 MPs to NDA, 7 Union Ministers r frm Bihar, both State & Centre govts are of same party nd alliance But still these Babu’s says Bihar is backward.BJP ruling state for 10yrs https://t.co/Ii9pxjt4Xt — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) April 24, 2018 × "Modi has failed to grant special category status or special packages promised by him. Four years have passed, but nothing has happened so far, except 'jumlas' (hollow words)," he said. While speaking at the first Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia University, NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amitabh Kant said, "India was backward because of the eastern states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, especially on social indicators." Kant said that the states in India's southern and western region were growing rapidly, but those like Bihar, UP and Chattisgarh were keeping the country backwards.

Tejashwi replies to NITI Aayog CEO for blaming Bihar for India's backwardness

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today asserted that Naxalism will be "wiped out" from the country as he lauded the efforts of the Nitish Kumar government in tackling the menace in Bihar.

Addressing an event organised by the state party unit on the eve of Babu Veer Kuer Singh's 160th Viyotsav Diwas in Patna, he said the number of incidents related to the rebels has come down since 2013.&nbsp 
Also, the number of deaths due to Naxal attacks has come down to one third, he said.&nbsp

"Naxalite's confidence is shattered...Naxalism will be wiped out from the country," Singh said at the programme attended by a galaxy of BJP leaders and Union ministers.

"These Naxalites thrive at the cost of poor people...I would like to tell the poor of the country as well as those of Bihar that the Naxal leaders want them to remain poor, whereas their own children study in prominent colleges and universities, and some of them even study abroad. The Naxalite leaders have become crorepatis," he said.

Thirteen Naxals were on Sunday gunned down in an encounter with security forces at Etapalli's Boriya forest area in Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered and the search operation is still on.

The home minister asked the people to be on guard against the Naxalites' designs to win their sympathies.

Earlier, addressing a function to inaugurate the ITBP's 6th battalion's buildings at Saran, the headquarter town of Chapra district, the Union minister lauded the efforts of the Nitish Kumar government in tackling Naxalism.

"I would like to mention the situation of Naxalism in Bihar. The number of Naxal incidents has come down to less than half here since 2013 and the deaths to one-third," Singh said.

"I would like to thank CM Nitish Kumar, deputy CM Sushil Modi, the police and para military forces for this (achievement)," he said.&nbsp 
The senior BJP leader also appreciated the Bihar government for posting a resounding 10 per cent plus growth rate.

"Bihar's growth rate has increased tremendously during the NDA government. The state has clocked a growth rate of 10.3 per cent for the first time when the national growth stands at 7.3 per cent. Both Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi deserve praise for this," he said.&nbsp

Singh termed as "historic" the enforcement of complete prohibition in the state and said the decision had been taken for the better future of the state's people.

"As a home minister of the country, I can say that the crime rate has gone down in Bihar after the enforcement of prohibition," he said, adding that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appreciated the same during the recent centenary celebrations of Champaran satyagraha.&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp

The Bihar chief minister, deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi and BJP MPs Janardan Singh Sigriwal and Rajiv Pratap Rudy were among those present at the programme.

(With inputs from PTI)

Addressing an event organised by the state party unit on the eve of Babu Veer Kuer Singh's 160th Viyotsav Diwas in Patna, he said the number of incidents related to the rebels has come down since 2013

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today asserted that Naxalism will be "wiped out" from the country as he lauded the efforts of the Nitish Kumar government in tackling the menace in Bihar. Addressing an event organised by the state party unit on the eve of Babu Veer Kuer Singh's 160th Viyotsav Diwas in Patna, he said the number of incidents related to the rebels has come down since 2013. Also, the number of deaths due to Naxal attacks has come down to one third, he said. "Naxalite's confidence is shattered...Naxalism will be wiped out from the country," Singh said at the programme attended by a galaxy of BJP leaders and Union ministers. "These Naxalites thrive at the cost of poor people...I would like to tell the poor of the country as well as those of Bihar that the Naxal leaders want them to remain poor, whereas their own children study in prominent colleges and universities, and some of them even study abroad. The Naxalite leaders have become crorepatis," he said. Thirteen Naxals were on Sunday gunned down in an encounter with security forces at Etapalli's Boriya forest area in Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered and the search operation is still on. The home minister asked the people to be on guard against the Naxalites' designs to win their sympathies. Earlier, addressing a function to inaugurate the ITBP's 6th battalion's buildings at Saran, the headquarter town of Chapra district, the Union minister lauded the efforts of the Nitish Kumar government in tackling Naxalism. "I would like to mention the situation of Naxalism in Bihar. The number of Naxal incidents has come down to less than half here since 2013 and the deaths to one-third," Singh said. "I would like to thank CM Nitish Kumar, deputy CM Sushil Modi, the police and para military forces for this (achievement)," he said. The senior BJP leader also appreciated the Bihar government for posting a resounding 10 per cent plus growth rate. "Bihar's growth rate has increased tremendously during the NDA government. The state has clocked a growth rate of 10.3 per cent for the first time when the national growth stands at 7.3 per cent. Both Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi deserve praise for this," he said. Singh termed as "historic" the enforcement of complete prohibition in the state and said the decision had been taken for the better future of the state's people. "As a home minister of the country, I can say that the crime rate has gone down in Bihar after the enforcement of prohibition," he said, adding that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appreciated the same during the recent centenary celebrations of Champaran satyagraha. The Bihar chief minister, deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi and BJP MPs Janardan Singh Sigriwal and Rajiv Pratap Rudy were among those present at the programme. (With inputs from PTI)

Naxalism will be wiped out from the country: Rajnath Singh

Farmers in Bihar's Rohtas on Sunday dumped tomatoes on roads and ran vehicles over them in a bid to protest over insufficient profits from the produce.&nbsp

Farmers stated that they hardly earn the profit and did not get fair and adequate prices from the produced tomatoes.&nbsp

The farmers said that they are not even getting wholesale rate of Rs&nbsp1 per kilogram for tomatoes and whereas the cost to bring tomatoes to the market comes at Rs&nbsp2 per kilogram.

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Rohtas based farmers threw away tomatoes on road & ran a vehicle over them alleging they didn't get fair and adequate prices for the product in the market said, 'we haven't even met our expenses & that's why we are protesting on road' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/nYCqwyyUxJ">pic.twitter.com/nYCqwyyUxJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/988018358040891392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A farmer said, "I spent Rs. 50000 per acre to produce tomatoes and now I am not even getting Rs. 500 for tomatoes produced in an acre. We don't have any other option left than destroying tomatoes here only."

To register their protest, the farmers spilled tomatoes on road near Post Office square and ran their tractor trolleys over it. Some of them were seen crushing tomatoes with their feet.

The farmers said that they are not even getting wholesale rate of Rs 1 per kilogram for tomatoes and whereas the cost to bring tomatoes to the market comes at Rs 2 per kilogram

Farmers in Bihar's Rohtas on Sunday dumped tomatoes on roads and ran vehicles over them in a bid to protest over insufficient profits from the produce. Farmers stated that they hardly earn the profit and did not get fair and adequate prices from the produced tomatoes. The farmers said that they are not even getting wholesale rate of Rs&nbsp1 per kilogram for tomatoes and whereas the cost to bring tomatoes to the market comes at Rs&nbsp2 per kilogram. Rohtas based farmers threw away tomatoes on road & ran a vehicle over them alleging they didn't get fair and adequate prices for the product in the market said, 'we haven't even met our expenses & that's why we are protesting on road' #Bihar pic.twitter.com/nYCqwyyUxJ — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2018 × A farmer said, "I spent Rs. 50000 per acre to produce tomatoes and now I am not even getting Rs. 500 for tomatoes produced in an acre. We don't have any other option left than destroying tomatoes here only." To register their protest, the farmers spilled tomatoes on road near Post Office square and ran their tractor trolleys over it. Some of them were seen crushing tomatoes with their feet.

Bihar: Farmers dump tomatoes on roads over inadequate prices

Arijit Shashwat, accused in the Bhagalpur communal violence case, was released from Bhagalpur jail earlier today after being granted bail.

An arrest warrant was issued against Shashwat and eight others in a communal clash case on March 17.&nbsp

Arijit Shashwat was arrested in Patna for his alleged involvement in the Bhagalpur communal clashes late night on March 31.&nbsp

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Arijit shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, released from Bhagalpur jail after being granted bail in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bhagalpur?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bhagalpur</a> communal clash <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/OK6JTmCf9O">pic.twitter.com/OK6JTmCf9O</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/983995656527335424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, was denied bail on March 31. He was then sent to judicial custody for 14-days. A local court on April 9 finally granted him bail.

Clashes broke out after Shashwat led a rally of saffron-clad youths in Nathnagar, Patna. Some people objected to the loud music that was being played during the procession. Several were injured while shops were vandalised.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp

Shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, was denied bail on March 31. He was then sent to judicial custody for 14-days

Arijit Shashwat, accused in the Bhagalpur communal violence case, was released from Bhagalpur jail earlier today after being granted bail. An arrest warrant was issued against Shashwat and eight others in a communal clash case on March 17. Arijit Shashwat was arrested in Patna for his alleged involvement in the Bhagalpur communal clashes late night on March 31. Arijit shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, released from Bhagalpur jail after being granted bail in #Bhagalpur communal clash #Bihar (File pic) pic.twitter.com/OK6JTmCf9O — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2018 × Shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, was denied bail on March 31. He was then sent to judicial custody for 14-days. A local court on April 9 finally granted him bail. Clashes broke out after Shashwat led a rally of saffron-clad youths in Nathnagar, Patna. Some people objected to the loud music that was being played during the procession. Several were injured while shops were vandalised. (With inputs from agencies)

Bhagalpur communal violence case: Arijit Shashwat released from jail

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