<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shahs-call-for-hindi-as-national-language-triggers-political-row-249706">Union Home Minister Amit Shah</a> chaired the 29th meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) here on Friday.

The Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Council, hosted the meeting.

The Northern Zonal Council consists of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, and Delhi.

Chief Ministers from the member states in the zone along with two ministers each, administrators of Union Territories, Chief Secretaries and senior officers from the State Governments and the Central Government are members of NZC.

The Council takes up issues involving Centre and States and one/many States falling in the Zone. The Zonal Councils thus provide a forum for resolving disputes and irritants between Centre and States and among many States in the Zone.

The Zonal Councils discuss a broad range of issues which include boundary-related disputes, security, infrastructure-related matters like road, transport, industries, water, power, matters pertaining to forests and environment, housing, education, food security, tourism, transport, etc.

Five Zonal Councils were set up in the year 1957 under the States Reorganization Act, 1956. The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of these five Zonal Councils and Chief Ministers of the host State (to be chosen by routine every year) is the Vice-Chairman. Two more Ministers from each State are nominated as Members by the Governor.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 29th meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) here on Friday. The Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Council, hosted the meeting.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 29th meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) here on Friday. The Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Council, hosted the meeting. The Northern Zonal Council consists of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi. Chief Ministers from the member states in the zone along with two ministers each, administrators of Union Territories, Chief Secretaries and senior officers from the State Governments and the Central Government are members of NZC. The Council takes up issues involving Centre and States and one/many States falling in the Zone. The Zonal Councils thus provide a forum for resolving disputes and irritants between Centre and States and among many States in the Zone. The Zonal Councils discuss a broad range of issues which include boundary-related disputes, security, infrastructure-related matters like road, transport, industries, water, power, matters pertaining to forests and environment, housing, education, food security, tourism, transport, etc. Five Zonal Councils were set up in the year 1957 under the States Reorganization Act, 1956. The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of these five Zonal Councils and Chief Ministers of the host State (to be chosen by routine every year) is the Vice-Chairman. Two more Ministers from each State are nominated as Members by the Governor.

Home Minister Amit Shah chairs 29th meeting of Northern Zonal Council

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre, Twitter, Google, and YouTube on a plea filed by Facebook seeking transfer to the court petitions pending before different high courts, demanding to interlink of Aadhaar database with social media profiles.

Several petitions are pending before Madras, Bombay and Madhya Pradesh High Courts seeking their direction for the interlinking of Aadhaar data with social media accounts for identity authentication.

A bench of Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Aniruddha Bose said the Madras High Court shall continue hearing the pleas but shall not pass any order.

The apex court will further take up the matter for hearing on September 13.

The petition was filed by the social media giant last week. Facebook and WhatsApp told the bench that the matter should be adjudicated by it and sought transfer of petitions pending before high courts to the top court as any order passed against them will have global ramifications.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Facebook, argued that the issue is of such a magnitude that only the top court should take a decision on it.

"It affects the privacy of the whole nation. This is the policy matter," he said.

Rohatgi further argued that any order passed by the high courts will have wider ramifications as Facebook is a global entity and it has to abide by laws of different nations.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for WhatsApp, told the court that the Central government is concerned about the messaging platform's end-to-end encryption and it is looking into it to frame some guidelines.

"While the government is dealing with this matter, let all the pleas come here. This can't be decided by high courts, it's a policy issue and should be decided by the Supreme Court. These are very serious issues," Sibal added.

Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, contended that 18 hearings have taken place on the petitions in the Madras High Court and the judgement would come in another month.

"Facebook should not object to it," he said.

Citing the example of the controversial Blue Whale challenge, he argued that social media platforms should provide details about the origin of a message.

"Online games like the Blue Whale caused deaths in India because service providers did not provide details of the 'originator'. We had a serious situation during the Blue Whale game. Government of India struggled to find out about its originator, some said it's from Russia. Government is not equipped to detect the originator," Venugopal said.

He further said,&nbsp;"It is pertinent for social media platforms to share data with law enforcement agencies to ensure criminal activities like abetment to suicide or call for violence inter alia, through these platforms is curbed."After hearing the arguments, the bench said that a balance has to be struck between the protection of people's privacy online as well as a mechanism to identify people who commit an online criminal offence."

There is a conflict between the right to privacy and the duty to prevent crimes online. There is no doubt that there has to be a balance between the two," the court observed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre, Twitter, Google, and YouTube on a plea filed by Facebook seeking transfer to the court petitions pending before different high courts, demanding to interlink of Aadhaar database with social media profiles.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre, Twitter, Google, and YouTube on a plea filed by Facebook seeking transfer to the court petitions pending before different high courts, demanding to interlink of Aadhaar database with social media profiles. Several petitions are pending before Madras, Bombay and Madhya Pradesh High Courts seeking their direction for the interlinking of Aadhaar data with social media accounts for identity authentication. A bench of Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Aniruddha Bose said the Madras High Court shall continue hearing the pleas but shall not pass any order. The apex court will further take up the matter for hearing on September 13. The petition was filed by the social media giant last week. Facebook and WhatsApp told the bench that the matter should be adjudicated by it and sought transfer of petitions pending before high courts to the top court as any order passed against them will have global ramifications. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Facebook, argued that the issue is of such a magnitude that only the top court should take a decision on it. "It affects the privacy of the whole nation. This is the policy matter," he said. Rohatgi further argued that any order passed by the high courts will have wider ramifications as Facebook is a global entity and it has to abide by laws of different nations. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for WhatsApp, told the court that the Central government is concerned about the messaging platform's end-to-end encryption and it is looking into it to frame some guidelines. "While the government is dealing with this matter, let all the pleas come here. This can't be decided by high courts, it's a policy issue and should be decided by the Supreme Court. These are very serious issues," Sibal added. Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, contended that 18 hearings have taken place on the petitions in the Madras High Court and the judgement would come in another month. "Facebook should not object to it," he said. Citing the example of the controversial Blue Whale challenge, he argued that social media platforms should provide details about the origin of a message. "Online games like the Blue Whale caused deaths in India because service providers did not provide details of the 'originator'. We had a serious situation during the Blue Whale game. Government of India struggled to find out about its originator, some said it's from Russia. Government is not equipped to detect the originator," Venugopal said. He further said, "It is pertinent for social media platforms to share data with law enforcement agencies to ensure criminal activities like abetment to suicide or call for violence inter alia, through these platforms is curbed."After hearing the arguments, the bench said that a balance has to be struck between the protection of people's privacy online as well as a mechanism to identify people who commit an online criminal offence." There is a conflict between the right to privacy and the duty to prevent crimes online. There is no doubt that there has to be a balance between the two," the court observed.

Supreme Court issues notices to Centre, social media majors on Facebook plea

The Centre on Friday sought one more week to decide on the implementation of Supreme Court Collegium`s recommendation to appoint Bombay High Court`s Justice Akil Kureshi as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi that the issue will be considered and Centre needs one week time.

"The decision of the Centre will be informed to the Collegium," Tushar Mehta told the bench.&nbsp;

The Bench indicated that the date will be fixed on the administrative side for a hearing next week.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to take a decision by August 14 on the recommendation of the Court`s Collegium to appoint Akil Kureshi as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.&nbsp;

The Solicitor General had said that the matter was under consideration and sought two weeks.&nbsp;

The plea was filed by the Gujarat High Court Advocates` Association seeking a direction to the Centre to implement the Supreme Court collegium`s recommendation to appoint Akil Kureshi as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The Advocates` Association said that Kureshi was appointed as a judge of Gujarat High Court in 2004 and was functioning as acting Chief Justice of High Court when he was transferred to Bombay High Court on November 2018

 
&nbsp;

The Centre on Friday sought one more week to decide on the implementation of Supreme Court Collegium`s recommendation to appoint Bombay High Court`s Justice Akil Kureshi as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The Centre on Friday sought one more week to decide on the implementation of Supreme Court Collegium`s recommendation to appoint Bombay High Court`s Justice Akil Kureshi as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi that the issue will be considered and Centre needs one week time. "The decision of the Centre will be informed to the Collegium," Tushar Mehta told the bench. The Bench indicated that the date will be fixed on the administrative side for a hearing next week. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to take a decision by August 14 on the recommendation of the Court`s Collegium to appoint Akil Kureshi as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The Solicitor General had said that the matter was under consideration and sought two weeks. The plea was filed by the Gujarat High Court Advocates` Association seeking a direction to the Centre to implement the Supreme Court collegium`s recommendation to appoint Akil Kureshi as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court. The Advocates` Association said that Kureshi was appointed as a judge of Gujarat High Court in 2004 and was functioning as acting Chief Justice of High Court when he was transferred to Bombay High Court on November 2018

Centre seeks one week's time to take decision on Justice Akil Kureshi's elevation

Governor Satya Pal Malik, in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan on Monday&nbsp;evening, reviewed prevailing security and law and order in the state, in the aftermath of developments in the Parliament relating to Jammu and Kashmir.

K Vijay Kumar, KK Sharma, K Skandan, Farooq Khan-Advisors to Governor, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir BVR Subrahmanyam were present in the meeting.

The governor's meeting took place as former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-omar-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-detained-after-special-status-to-jammu-and-kashmir-is-revoked-240931">Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah</a>, who were put under house arrest on Sunday night, were&nbsp;detained hours after resolution on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-shah-lauds-modi-for-unwavering-commitment-towards-ensuring-indias-unity-integrity-240935">scrapping of Article 370</a> was passed in the Rajya Sabha.

Other political leaders of J&amp;K including Shah Faesal, Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, Usman Majid have also&nbsp;been put under preventive detention.

Governor was given an assessment of the prevailing situation in the state. K Vijay Kumar, K Skandan, and Farooq Khan, who have returned from Jammu after taking stock of the essential services, briefed the governor about the adequacy of essential supplies and delivery of various public services to the people including electricity, water supply and health care services in both Jammu and Kashmir regions.

The officers also stressed on the need to ensure safety of the general public and advised the administration to give due consideration to the genuine needs of people in the current scenario.

The Chief Secretary informed the Governor that there is no dearth of essential commodities in the Valley and there is sufficient stocking of the same for over three months.

&nbsp;The Indian Army and Air Force were put on high alert on Monday with the Centre set to move over 8,000 paramiltary troops to J&amp;K in view of the changed situation.

Abrogation of article 370: Here are the reactions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-abrogation-of-article-370-here-are-the-reactions-240942/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Governor in the meeting emphasised on the need for constant alertness, preparedness and synergy among various departments and agencies to enable dealing with an emerging situation in a coordinated and effective manner.

He also reiterated the need to constantly maintain a close watch on the ground situation and underlined the importance of sustained efforts to bring peace and harmony in the society for the overall benefit of people.

Meanwhile, the Governor has appealed to the public and leaders of various social, religious and political organisations to cooperate with the government machinery in the maintenance of law and order in the state.

Governor Satya Pal Malik, in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan on Monday evening, reviewed prevailing security and law and order in the state, in the aftermath of developments in the Parliament relating to Jammu and Kashmir.

Governor Satya Pal Malik, in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan on Monday evening, reviewed prevailing security and law and order in the state, in the aftermath of developments in the Parliament relating to Jammu and Kashmir. K Vijay Kumar, KK Sharma, K Skandan, Farooq Khan-Advisors to Governor, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir BVR Subrahmanyam were present in the meeting. The governor's meeting took place as former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, who were put under house arrest on Sunday night, were detained hours after resolution on scrapping of Article 370 was passed in the Rajya Sabha. Other political leaders of J&K including Shah Faesal, Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, Usman Majid have also been put under preventive detention. Governor was given an assessment of the prevailing situation in the state. K Vijay Kumar, K Skandan, and Farooq Khan, who have returned from Jammu after taking stock of the essential services, briefed the governor about the adequacy of essential supplies and delivery of various public services to the people including electricity, water supply and health care services in both Jammu and Kashmir regions. The officers also stressed on the need to ensure safety of the general public and advised the administration to give due consideration to the genuine needs of people in the current scenario. The Chief Secretary informed the Governor that there is no dearth of essential commodities in the Valley and there is sufficient stocking of the same for over three months. The Indian Army and Air Force were put on high alert on Monday with the Centre set to move over 8,000 paramiltary troops to J&K in view of the changed situation. Abrogation of article 370: Here are the reactions The Governor in the meeting emphasised on the need for constant alertness, preparedness and synergy among various departments and agencies to enable dealing with an emerging situation in a coordinated and effective manner. He also reiterated the need to constantly maintain a close watch on the ground situation and underlined the importance of sustained efforts to bring peace and harmony in the society for the overall benefit of people. Meanwhile, the Governor has appealed to the public and leaders of various social, religious and political organisations to cooperate with the government machinery in the maintenance of law and order in the state.

J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik reviews security as government deploys more paramilitary troops

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that all the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir should come together to give a message to the central government that they cannot tamper with the state's special position.

"The workers of all political parties should come together so that a message can be given to the Centre that they cannot tamper with J-K's special position. Recent developments in the state have created fear among the people. It appears that something is about to happen," she told reporters.

Mehbooba said that it was "unfortunate" that the central government has not issued a clear statement over the current situation as the state is rocked by rumours and uncertainty.

Earlier in the day, Mehbooba said that it is a travesty that the Centre has not made efforts to reach out and clarify on the situation in the state.

"Yet again the valley is on edge. It's a travesty that Central government hasn't made efforts to reach out and clarify recent developments," she tweeted.

Yesterday, the state government advised Amarnath yatris and tourists to curtail their stay in the Valley "immediately", shortly after the Indian Army said Pakistani terrorists were planning to disrupt the pilgrimage.

Criticising the move, Mufti said that the advisory created chaos and confusion among the people.

The Union Home Ministry had ordered the deployment of an additional 100 companies of central paramilitary forces in the state.

One company comprises around 100 personnel. Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft were also pressed into service to induct the security troops in Valley.

Meanwhile, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah earlier today asked the Centre to come forward and assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that there is nothing to worry about.

He also said Governor Satya Pal Malik assured him that so far no preparation has been made for any announcement regarding rumours on Article 35A, 370, delimitation and trifurcation.&nbsp;

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that all the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir should come together to give a message to the central government that they cannot tamper with the state's special position.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that all the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir should come together to give a message to the central government that they cannot tamper with the state's special position. "The workers of all political parties should come together so that a message can be given to the Centre that they cannot tamper with J-K's special position. Recent developments in the state have created fear among the people. It appears that something is about to happen," she told reporters. Mehbooba said that it was "unfortunate" that the central government has not issued a clear statement over the current situation as the state is rocked by rumours and uncertainty. Earlier in the day, Mehbooba said that it is a travesty that the Centre has not made efforts to reach out and clarify on the situation in the state. "Yet again the valley is on edge. It's a travesty that Central government hasn't made efforts to reach out and clarify recent developments," she tweeted. Yesterday, the state government advised Amarnath yatris and tourists to curtail their stay in the Valley "immediately", shortly after the Indian Army said Pakistani terrorists were planning to disrupt the pilgrimage. Criticising the move, Mufti said that the advisory created chaos and confusion among the people. The Union Home Ministry had ordered the deployment of an additional 100 companies of central paramilitary forces in the state. One company comprises around 100 personnel. Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft were also pressed into service to induct the security troops in Valley. Meanwhile, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah earlier today asked the Centre to come forward and assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that there is nothing to worry about. He also said Governor Satya Pal Malik assured him that so far no preparation has been made for any announcement regarding rumours on Article 35A, 370, delimitation and trifurcation.

Jammu and Kashmir parties should come together to give message to Centre over special status: Mehbooba

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-case-victim-pehlu-khan-sons-charged-for-smuggling-cattle-231421">mob lynching</a>.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose sought reponse from the Home Ministry and states including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir while hearing a plea filed by Anti Corruption Council of India Trust (ACCIT).

ACCIT sought a direction to the states to comply with the apex court's directions in true letter and spirit as incidents of mob lynching were taking place.

In its verdict of July 17 last year, the Supreme Court had said that "horrendous acts of mobocracy" cannot be allowed to overrun the law of the land and issued a slew of guidelines to deal with mob lynching and cow vigilantism.

The court had ordered the appointment of nodal police officers in all districts, efficient patrolling in areas where there was a possibility of such incidents, and the completion of trial in these cases within six months.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent mob lynching.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent mob lynching. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose sought reponse from the Home Ministry and states including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir while hearing a plea filed by Anti Corruption Council of India Trust (ACCIT). ACCIT sought a direction to the states to comply with the apex court's directions in true letter and spirit as incidents of mob lynching were taking place. In its verdict of July 17 last year, the Supreme Court had said that "horrendous acts of mobocracy" cannot be allowed to overrun the law of the land and issued a slew of guidelines to deal with mob lynching and cow vigilantism. The court had ordered the appointment of nodal police officers in all districts, efficient patrolling in areas where there was a possibility of such incidents, and the completion of trial in these cases within six months.

Supreme Court notice to Centre, states for implementation of guidelines to prevent mob lynching

Pope Francis expressed his sorrow for the migrants killed by air strikes against a detention centre in Libya that killed at least 53 people, including six children.

Pope Francis Prays For Victims In Libya

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday dispatched a central team to review the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) situation in view of recently reported cases in Assam and also directed the Ministry to extend all support and assistance to the state government.

"I am closely monitoring the situation. The Health Ministry is coordinating with the Assam government for the prevention and management of JE to ensure that the cases don`t rise in the state," the Union Minister said in a statement.

He also said the Union Health Ministry is providing all logistical and technical support to the Assam government in terms of surveillance and diagnostic kits to strengthen their efforts in dealing with the JE in the state.

Noting that community participation and empowerment are the most crucial to the prevention of JE, Dr Vardhan has urged all the stakeholders to start rigorous awareness campaigns regarding the preventive steps to be taken by the communities.

The Central team, likely to reach Assam this evening, is headed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Additional Secretary Sanjeeva Kumar and is accompanied by the senior officers from the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme in New Delhi.

All 27 districts of Assam have been covered under the JE vaccination campaign (for 1-15 years) followed by the routine immunization as part of the Immunization Programme. Ten high endemic districts of Assam -&nbsp;Shivsagar Barpeta, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Darrang, Udalguri, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Morigaon, and Nalbari - have been included under the multipronged strategy for the prevention and control of JE.

These districts have also been covered under adult JE vaccination campaign.

Out of 10 high burdened districts, funds have been provided for the establishment of seven Pediatric ICUs (PICUs). Of these, four PICUs have been made functional.

For the diagnosis of the disease, till date 28 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals have been identified and the Union Health Ministry is providing diagnostic kits to Assam free of cost, said the statement.

For rehabilitation of JE disabled patients, the Centre has provided funds for the strengthening of two Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) departments at Dibrugarh Medical College and Guwahati Medical College.JE is vector-borne encephalitis transmitted by Culex groups of mosquitoes.

These mosquitoes breed mainly in rice fields and large water bodies rich in aquatic vegetations. Migratory birds along with pigs in the community play an important role in the transmission of JE from one area to other areas.&nbsp;

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday dispatched a central team to review the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) situation in view of recently reported cases in Assam and also directed the Ministry to extend all support and assistance to the state government.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday dispatched a central team to review the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) situation in view of recently reported cases in Assam and also directed the Ministry to extend all support and assistance to the state government. "I am closely monitoring the situation. The Health Ministry is coordinating with the Assam government for the prevention and management of JE to ensure that the cases don`t rise in the state," the Union Minister said in a statement. He also said the Union Health Ministry is providing all logistical and technical support to the Assam government in terms of surveillance and diagnostic kits to strengthen their efforts in dealing with the JE in the state. Noting that community participation and empowerment are the most crucial to the prevention of JE, Dr Vardhan has urged all the stakeholders to start rigorous awareness campaigns regarding the preventive steps to be taken by the communities. The Central team, likely to reach Assam this evening, is headed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Additional Secretary Sanjeeva Kumar and is accompanied by the senior officers from the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme in New Delhi. All 27 districts of Assam have been covered under the JE vaccination campaign (for 1-15 years) followed by the routine immunization as part of the Immunization Programme. Ten high endemic districts of Assam - Shivsagar Barpeta, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Darrang, Udalguri, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Morigaon, and Nalbari - have been included under the multipronged strategy for the prevention and control of JE. These districts have also been covered under adult JE vaccination campaign. Out of 10 high burdened districts, funds have been provided for the establishment of seven Pediatric ICUs (PICUs). Of these, four PICUs have been made functional. For the diagnosis of the disease, till date 28 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals have been identified and the Union Health Ministry is providing diagnostic kits to Assam free of cost, said the statement. For rehabilitation of JE disabled patients, the Centre has provided funds for the strengthening of two Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) departments at Dibrugarh Medical College and Guwahati Medical College.JE is vector-borne encephalitis transmitted by Culex groups of mosquitoes. These mosquitoes breed mainly in rice fields and large water bodies rich in aquatic vegetations. Migratory birds along with pigs in the community play an important role in the transmission of JE from one area to other areas.

Centre dispatches team to review Japanese encephalitis situation in Assam

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government.

"I have congratulated him and wished him luck for the next five years. I told him that it is important for Centre and state government to work together for the development of Delhi. I have assured him that Delhi government will work with them and hopes that we will get support from Centre too," Kejriwal said.

The Delhi chief minister briefly discussed Ayushman Bharat scheme with Modi. "Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme," he tweeted after the meeting.

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Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme. <a href="https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6">https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1141961167700578304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Water harvesting-related issues were also discussed between the two. "Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support," Kejriwal said in another tweet. 
&nbsp;

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Met Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji n congratulated him for LS victory 
 
1. Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support 
 
2. Invited PM to visit a Mohalla clinic n Del govt school
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1141958983286050816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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AAP chief also invited the Prime Minister to visit Mohalla clinic and a Delhi government school.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government.

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government. "I have congratulated him and wished him luck for the next five years. I told him that it is important for Centre and state government to work together for the development of Delhi. I have assured him that Delhi government will work with them and hopes that we will get support from Centre too," Kejriwal said. The Delhi chief minister briefly discussed Ayushman Bharat scheme with Modi. "Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme," he tweeted after the meeting. Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme. https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6 — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 21, 2019 × Water harvesting-related issues were also discussed between the two. "Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support," Kejriwal said in another tweet. Met Sh @narendramodi ji n congratulated him for LS victory 1. Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support 2. Invited PM to visit a Mohalla clinic n Del govt school — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 21, 2019 × AAP chief also invited the Prime Minister to visit Mohalla clinic and a Delhi government school. (With inputs from agencies)

Arvind Kejriwal meets PM Narendra Modi, says Delhi government and Centre must work together

The Central government has filed fresh affidavits in the Rafale review case in the Supreme Court stating that the apex court's judgement, which was pronounced last year on December 14, upholding 36 Rafale jets' deal was "correct," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Centre, in its response, also noted that the "monitoring of progress by PMO of this Government to Government process cannot be construed as interference or parallel negotiations".&nbsp;

It added that the "unsubstantiated media reports and/or part internal file notings deliberately projected in a selective manner cannot form the basis for review".&nbsp;

The top court on Tuesday had issued a formal notice to the Central government asking it to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-centre-to-reply-on-rafale-review-petition-posts-matter-for-hearing-on-may-6-214723">file its reply on the Rafale review petitions by May 4</a>. The matter will be put up for hearing on May 6.&nbsp;

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Centre files fresh affidavits in Rafale review case in SC saying- the Dec 14, 2018 judgement upholding 36 Rafale jets' deal was correct and unsubstantiated media reports and/or part internal file notings deliberately projected in a selective manner cannot form basis for review. <a href="https://t.co/oMfFYdZltG">pic.twitter.com/oMfFYdZltG</a>
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The Centre, in its letter on Monday, had said it needs time to file reply on merits on the review petitions.

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Centre in affidavit in Rafale review petition case: the then Hon’ble Raksha Mantri had recorded on file that …”it appears that PMO and French President’s office are monitoring the progress of the issues which was an outcome of the summit meeting.” 2/2 <a href="https://t.co/yKwpR9sX5d">https://t.co/yKwpR9sX5d</a>
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The petitions seek review of the apex court's verdict that was pronounced last year in December wherein it had dismissed the pleas challenging India's deal to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France.

The Supreme Court had quashed the pleas. In its decision, the apex court had said that there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision-making process".

It added that there was no reason for any intervention by the court on the "sensitive issue" of purchase of 36 jets.

 
&nbsp;

The Central government has filed fresh affidavits in the Rafale review case in the Supreme Court stating that the apex court's judgement, which was pronounced last year on December 14, upholding 36 Rafale jets' deal was "correct," news agency ANI reported.

The Central government has filed fresh affidavits in the Rafale review case in the Supreme Court stating that the apex court's judgement, which was pronounced last year on December 14, upholding 36 Rafale jets' deal was "correct," news agency ANI reported. The Centre, in its response, also noted that the "monitoring of progress by PMO of this Government to Government process cannot be construed as interference or parallel negotiations". It added that the "unsubstantiated media reports and/or part internal file notings deliberately projected in a selective manner cannot form the basis for review". The top court on Tuesday had issued a formal notice to the Central government asking it to file its reply on the Rafale review petitions by May 4. The matter will be put up for hearing on May 6. Centre files fresh affidavits in Rafale review case in SC saying- the Dec 14, 2018 judgement upholding 36 Rafale jets' deal was correct and unsubstantiated media reports and/or part internal file notings deliberately projected in a selective manner cannot form basis for review. pic.twitter.com/oMfFYdZltG — ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2019 × The Centre, in its letter on Monday, had said it needs time to file reply on merits on the review petitions. Centre in affidavit in Rafale review petition case: the then Hon’ble Raksha Mantri had recorded on file that …”it appears that PMO and French President’s office are monitoring the progress of the issues which was an outcome of the summit meeting.” 2/2 https://t.co/yKwpR9sX5d — ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2019 × The petitions seek review of the apex court's verdict that was pronounced last year in December wherein it had dismissed the pleas challenging India's deal to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France. The Supreme Court had quashed the pleas. In its decision, the apex court had said that there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision-making process". It added that there was no reason for any intervention by the court on the "sensitive issue" of purchase of 36 jets.

'Monitoring by PMO cannot be construed as interference,' says Centre in fresh affidavits in Rafale review case

Over 190 activists Wednesday requested the Union government to ask food and beverages giant PepsiCo India to withdraw its "false" cases against Gujarat farmers for allegedly illegally growing a variety of potatoes "registered" by the company.

Nine farmers from Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts have been dragged to court by PepsiCo for allegedly growing a variety of potatoes for which it has claimed Plant Variety Protection (PVP) rights.

The multinational giant has sought damages of Rs. 1 crore from each of four farmers in its suit at a court in Ahmedabad, and Rs. 20 lakh from each of the farmers sued at a district court in Modasa, activists said at a press conference.

The matter in Ahmedabad court will come up for hearing on April 26, they said.

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority Act, 2011 exempts farmers from PVP rights, said Kapil Shah, who heads Jatan, an organisation dedicated to organic farming.

"It is for the state government to ensure that farmers are not harassed. The company should immediately withdraw the case which is untenable," said Sagar Rabari of the Gujarat Khedut Samaj.

In a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture, 194 signatories have sought financial aid and protection of rights of farmers who have been sued for growing and selling a potato variety called FC-5 potato, for which PepsiCo India Holdings claimed to have obtained "exclusive rights in the country in 2016".

Reached for its reaction, a company spokesperson said that "given the issue is sub-judice, it would not be proper to offer detailed comments".

Over 190 activists Wednesday requested the Union government to ask food and beverages giant PepsiCo India to withdraw its "false" cases against Gujarat farmers for allegedly illegally growing a variety of potatoes "registered" by the company.

Over 190 activists Wednesday requested the Union government to ask food and beverages giant PepsiCo India to withdraw its "false" cases against Gujarat farmers for allegedly illegally growing a variety of potatoes "registered" by the company. Nine farmers from Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts have been dragged to court by PepsiCo for allegedly growing a variety of potatoes for which it has claimed Plant Variety Protection (PVP) rights. The multinational giant has sought damages of Rs. 1 crore from each of four farmers in its suit at a court in Ahmedabad, and Rs. 20 lakh from each of the farmers sued at a district court in Modasa, activists said at a press conference. The matter in Ahmedabad court will come up for hearing on April 26, they said. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority Act, 2011 exempts farmers from PVP rights, said Kapil Shah, who heads Jatan, an organisation dedicated to organic farming. "It is for the state government to ensure that farmers are not harassed. The company should immediately withdraw the case which is untenable," said Sagar Rabari of the Gujarat Khedut Samaj. In a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture, 194 signatories have sought financial aid and protection of rights of farmers who have been sued for growing and selling a potato variety called FC-5 potato, for which PepsiCo India Holdings claimed to have obtained "exclusive rights in the country in 2016". Reached for its reaction, a company spokesperson said that "given the issue is sub-judice, it would not be proper to offer detailed comments".

Activists seek Centre's intervention in PepsiCo's case against farmers

India-Pakistan officials will meet on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border on Thursday to decide on the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor. This will be the first meeting between the officials of the 2 countries to decide on the details such as alignment of the corridor.&nbsp;

The Indian delegation will include officials from the Ministry of home affairs(MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The delegation will be led by Joint Secretary (Foreigners) MHA, &nbsp;Anil Malik and will also include Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) MEA, Deepak Mittal.

The Pakistan Delegation will be led by Director-General South Asia and SAARC Dr Mohammad Faisal along with officials from Pakistan's interior, law and religious affairs ministry.&nbsp;

The talks will start from 10 am in the morning and will end at 4 pm.&nbsp;

New Delhi and Islamabad had last week confirmed that talks are on schedule despite the India Pakistan tensions. Meanwhile, India has clarified that talks are not a resumption of dialogue.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on 9th March said, "It is not a resumption of bilateral dialogue..its related to emotions and sentiments of Indian citizens of Sikh faith and our decision to meet reflects our strong commitment to the operationalisation of Kartarpur Sahib corridor"

India has already approved the building of a passenger terminal building (PTB complex) at the cost of Rs 190 crores which will be able to handle immigration and customs clearance facilities for5000 pilgrims every day. The design of the complex has been inspired by "Khanda" which is the symbol of Sikhism. India has already shared the crossing point for the corridor but Pakistan has suggested an alternate crossing point.

In November 2018, both India and Pakistan approved the building of the corridor. The &nbsp;Holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur is the place where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak lived for 18 years. The 2019 year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.&nbsp;

Both India and Pakistan believe the corridor can help in "facilitating and fortifying" people-to-people bonds of the 2 countries.

India-Pakistan officials will meet on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border on Thursday to decide on the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor. This will be the first meeting between the officials of the 2 countries to decide on the details such as alignment of the corridor.

India-Pakistan officials will meet on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border on Thursday to decide on the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor. This will be the first meeting between the officials of the 2 countries to decide on the details such as alignment of the corridor. The Indian delegation will include officials from the Ministry of home affairs(MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The delegation will be led by Joint Secretary (Foreigners) MHA, Anil Malik and will also include Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) MEA, Deepak Mittal. The Pakistan Delegation will be led by Director-General South Asia and SAARC Dr Mohammad Faisal along with officials from Pakistan's interior, law and religious affairs ministry. The talks will start from 10 am in the morning and will end at 4 pm. New Delhi and Islamabad had last week confirmed that talks are on schedule despite the India Pakistan tensions. Meanwhile, India has clarified that talks are not a resumption of dialogue. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on 9th March said, "It is not a resumption of bilateral dialogue..its related to emotions and sentiments of Indian citizens of Sikh faith and our decision to meet reflects our strong commitment to the operationalisation of Kartarpur Sahib corridor" India has already approved the building of a passenger terminal building (PTB complex) at the cost of Rs 190 crores which will be able to handle immigration and customs clearance facilities for5000 pilgrims every day. The design of the complex has been inspired by "Khanda" which is the symbol of Sikhism. India has already shared the crossing point for the corridor but Pakistan has suggested an alternate crossing point. In November 2018, both India and Pakistan approved the building of the corridor. The Holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur is the place where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak lived for 18 years. The 2019 year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Both India and Pakistan believe the corridor can help in "facilitating and fortifying" people-to-people bonds of the 2 countries.

India-Pakistan Kartarpur talks on March 14; Indian delegation to comprise of officials from MHA & MEA

The Centre on Tuesday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court to defend its decision to give 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for the economically weaker section (EWS) of the general category.

In the affidavit, the Centre said that the Constitution Amendment that gives 10% reservation has not violated the basic structure of the Constitution or Supreme Court ruling of 1992 which had put 50 per cent cap on the reservation.

The top court will hear on March 28 whether pleas challenging the Constitution Amendment giving 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to the economically weak should be referred to a Constitution bench.

Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for one of the petitioners, had told a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Monday that the issue involves the basic structure of the Constitution and should be heard by the five-judge Constitution bench.

The bench, also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said it would hear arguments on March 28 whether the matter should be referred to a Constitution bench.

Earlier, the apex court had refused to stay the implementation of 10 per cent reservation given to the EWS in the general category in jobs and education.

The court was hearing pleas by NGOs and others.

One of the petitions, filed by Tehseen Poonawala, has challenged the 103rd Constitution amendment saying it was against the basic structure of Constitution, which does not allow for any reservation based on economic criteria.

The 50 per cent ceiling limit cannot be breached, the plea said.

Youth for Equality has also sought the quashing of the Bill, stating that it violated the "equality code of the Constitution" as a reservation on economic grounds cannot be restricted to the general category.

By way of the present amendment, the exclusion of the OBCs and the SCs/STs from the scope of the economic reservation essentially implies that only those who are poor from the general category would avail the benefits of the quotas, the organisation has contended.&nbsp;

The Centre on Tuesday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court to defend its decision to give 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for the economically weaker section (EWS) of the general category.

The Centre on Tuesday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court to defend its decision to give 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for the economically weaker section (EWS) of the general category. In the affidavit, the Centre said that the Constitution Amendment that gives 10% reservation has not violated the basic structure of the Constitution or Supreme Court ruling of 1992 which had put 50 per cent cap on the reservation. The top court will hear on March 28 whether pleas challenging the Constitution Amendment giving 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to the economically weak should be referred to a Constitution bench. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for one of the petitioners, had told a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Monday that the issue involves the basic structure of the Constitution and should be heard by the five-judge Constitution bench. The bench, also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said it would hear arguments on March 28 whether the matter should be referred to a Constitution bench. Earlier, the apex court had refused to stay the implementation of 10 per cent reservation given to the EWS in the general category in jobs and education. The court was hearing pleas by NGOs and others. One of the petitions, filed by Tehseen Poonawala, has challenged the 103rd Constitution amendment saying it was against the basic structure of Constitution, which does not allow for any reservation based on economic criteria. The 50 per cent ceiling limit cannot be breached, the plea said. Youth for Equality has also sought the quashing of the Bill, stating that it violated the "equality code of the Constitution" as a reservation on economic grounds cannot be restricted to the general category. By way of the present amendment, the exclusion of the OBCs and the SCs/STs from the scope of the economic reservation essentially implies that only those who are poor from the general category would avail the benefits of the quotas, the organisation has contended.

10% quota to economically weak does not violate basic Constitution structure: Centre to Supreme Court

Individual departments and not universities or colleges will be considered as the unit for implementing reservation for SC/ST or OBC in the appointment of faculties members, the Supreme Court held Wednesday.&nbsp;

The apex court trashed the Centre’s plea seeking review of its earlier verdict by which it had declined to interfere with a decision of the Allahabad High Court on the crucial quota issue.

The top court also dismissed the prayer for an open court hearing of the Centre’s review petition. A bench of Justices U U Lalit and Indira Bannerjee dismissed the review petitions filed by Centre, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and several individual petitioners.

“Application for listing Review Petition in open Court is rejected. Grounds in the review petitions were also raised and gone into when the special leave petitions were considered by this Court…We have gone through the review petitions and do not find any error apparent on record to justify interference in review jurisdiction. These review petitions are, therefore, dismissed,” the bench said.

It said that appeals of the Centre and the UGC were dismissed as the findings in the order of the high court was found to be correct. The apex court had on January 21, dismissed the appeals of the Centre and UGC against the order of Allahabad High Court which had ruled that quota for SC/ST or OBC in posts of faculty will be calculated department-wise and not College or University-wise.

The high court, while deciding a petition challenging the reservation policy for faculties in Banaras Hindu University had on April 7, 2017, struck down a circular of UGC on filling of posts of teachers for SC/ST or OBC categories. “The respondent university will carry out the exercise of applying reservation to the posts under advertisement treating the department/subject as a unit for all levels of teachers rather than treating the university as a unit,” the High Court had said.

The Centre and UGC in their contention had said that process of selection of faculty members from SC/ST or OBC would get delayed due to difficulties in ensuring 15 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 27 per cent quota respectively. Earlier, Universities adopted a system under which every fourth teacher was appointed from OBC category, seventh from SC category and 14th from ST category.

Individual departments and not universities or colleges will be considered as the unit for implementing reservation for SC/ST or OBC in the appointment of faculties members, the Supreme Court held Wednesday.

Individual departments and not universities or colleges will be considered as the unit for implementing reservation for SC/ST or OBC in the appointment of faculties members, the Supreme Court held Wednesday. The apex court trashed the Centre’s plea seeking review of its earlier verdict by which it had declined to interfere with a decision of the Allahabad High Court on the crucial quota issue. The top court also dismissed the prayer for an open court hearing of the Centre’s review petition. A bench of Justices U U Lalit and Indira Bannerjee dismissed the review petitions filed by Centre, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and several individual petitioners. “Application for listing Review Petition in open Court is rejected. Grounds in the review petitions were also raised and gone into when the special leave petitions were considered by this Court…We have gone through the review petitions and do not find any error apparent on record to justify interference in review jurisdiction. These review petitions are, therefore, dismissed,” the bench said. It said that appeals of the Centre and the UGC were dismissed as the findings in the order of the high court was found to be correct. The apex court had on January 21, dismissed the appeals of the Centre and UGC against the order of Allahabad High Court which had ruled that quota for SC/ST or OBC in posts of faculty will be calculated department-wise and not College or University-wise. The high court, while deciding a petition challenging the reservation policy for faculties in Banaras Hindu University had on April 7, 2017, struck down a circular of UGC on filling of posts of teachers for SC/ST or OBC categories. “The respondent university will carry out the exercise of applying reservation to the posts under advertisement treating the department/subject as a unit for all levels of teachers rather than treating the university as a unit,” the High Court had said. The Centre and UGC in their contention had said that process of selection of faculty members from SC/ST or OBC would get delayed due to difficulties in ensuring 15 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 27 per cent quota respectively. Earlier, Universities adopted a system under which every fourth teacher was appointed from OBC category, seventh from SC category and 14th from ST category.

Supreme Court dismisses Centre, UGC review pleas against department-wise quota for faculties

Raising concerns over incidents of assault and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure safety and security of these individuals in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

In a letter written to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories by MHA’s Department of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs, Director Beena Yadav said, “The Government is concerned at the reports of incidents of assaults and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students in some parts of the country, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack of February&nbsp;14, 2019. In this regard, an Advisory dated February, 16 was issued to all State Governments and Union Territory Administration to take necessary steps to ensure safety and security of the persons belonging to Jammu and Kashmir.”

The government order also cited a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-directs-chief-secretaries-dgps-of-11-states-to-take-action-against-assault-on-kashmiris-post-pulwama-198894">Supreme Court directive</a> issued on Friday in this regard and said that the state and UT administration and the nodal officers appointed by them must take all necessary steps to prevent any act of assault, threat, intimidation and social boycott against Kashmiris as well as minorities in accordance with the apex court’s order.

The MHA has also asked the states and UTs to give wide publicity to the names of nodal officers appointed in the states.

Nodal officers were appointed by various states to look into the issue following an advisory by the Centre.

The Supreme Court had directed the chief secretaries and the directors general of police of all state and Union territories to take strong and necessary measures to prevent attacks on Kashmiris and other minorities in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

The bench had also directed the MHA to give wide publicity to the appointment of nodal officers so that people could immediately approach them in case Kashmiris or other minorities face threat or discrimination in any part of the country.

As many as 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the dastardly attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama on February 14.

In the aftermath of the attack, reports suggested that a number of Kashmiris, especially students, were threatened in various parts of the country.

Raising concerns over incidents of assault and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure safety and security of these individuals in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Raising concerns over incidents of assault and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure safety and security of these individuals in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. In a letter written to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories by MHA’s Department of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs, Director Beena Yadav said, “The Government is concerned at the reports of incidents of assaults and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students in some parts of the country, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack of February 14, 2019. In this regard, an Advisory dated February, 16 was issued to all State Governments and Union Territory Administration to take necessary steps to ensure safety and security of the persons belonging to Jammu and Kashmir.” The government order also cited a Supreme Court directive issued on Friday in this regard and said that the state and UT administration and the nodal officers appointed by them must take all necessary steps to prevent any act of assault, threat, intimidation and social boycott against Kashmiris as well as minorities in accordance with the apex court’s order. The MHA has also asked the states and UTs to give wide publicity to the names of nodal officers appointed in the states. Nodal officers were appointed by various states to look into the issue following an advisory by the Centre. The Supreme Court had directed the chief secretaries and the directors general of police of all state and Union territories to take strong and necessary measures to prevent attacks on Kashmiris and other minorities in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. The bench had also directed the MHA to give wide publicity to the appointment of nodal officers so that people could immediately approach them in case Kashmiris or other minorities face threat or discrimination in any part of the country. As many as 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the dastardly attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama on February 14. In the aftermath of the attack, reports suggested that a number of Kashmiris, especially students, were threatened in various parts of the country.

Pulwama attack: MHA directs states, union territories to ensure safety, security of Kashmiris

Inaugurating a slew of projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday the NDA government has taken several development initiatives in Jharkhand in the past four-and-a-half years for the uplift of all sections of society.&nbsp;

The Hazaribag visit was another occasion to continue the development work, he said. “Three medical colleges have been inaugurated in Dumka, Palamu and Hazaribag. The state had just three such colleges so far.&nbsp;

Now with the addition of three more, students won’t have to travel far to study medicine. Also, people can avail medical facilities at ease,” he said.&nbsp;

Talking about the gift milk scheme, which he inaugurated here prior to his speech, Modi said the initiative will improve the nutritional standards of children in government schools. The prime minister also congratulated the farmers on receiving financial assistance to buy smartphones.&nbsp;

“The farmers can now get regular updates on climate, learn about modern farming techniques and find out about government initiatives,” he said.&nbsp;

Modi also said that health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY of the central government has benefitted more than 57,000 people in the state.&nbsp;

“Jharkhand has witnessed the launch of Ayushman Bharat health scheme last year. Lakhs of families across the country have benefitted from the scheme, including 57,000 people in Jharkhand,” he stated.

Modi asserted that the central government has been taking initiatives to supply clean drinking water to all homes in Jharkhand.&nbsp;

“Health is directly related to cleanliness and sanitation. In the last four-and-a-half years, the Centre has spent thousands of crores (of rupees) to launch 350 projects for supplying clean drinking water. Today, I have laid the foundation of 11 such projects to ensure that people receive clean water,” he maintained.&nbsp;

The prime minister, who inaugurated a women’s engineering college in Ramgarh, said the institute was the first-of-its-kind in Jharkhand. He also launched a centre of tribal studies at Acharya Vinoba Bhave University here.&nbsp;

Jharkhand has two dozen Eklavya schools, a modern residential school for tribal students, and work was on to set up 70 more, he said.&nbsp;

Modi also paid tribute to Vijay Soreng, the CRPF personnel from the state who was killed along with 39 others in the Pulwama terrorist attack last week, and said that the Centre would look after the families of the slain jawans. Jharkhand has seen many revolutions over the years and grown from strength to strength, he added.

Inaugurating a slew of projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday the NDA government has taken several development initiatives in Jharkhand in the past four-and-a-half years for the uplift of all sections of society.

Inaugurating a slew of projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday the NDA government has taken several development initiatives in Jharkhand in the past four-and-a-half years for the uplift of all sections of society. The Hazaribag visit was another occasion to continue the development work, he said. “Three medical colleges have been inaugurated in Dumka, Palamu and Hazaribag. The state had just three such colleges so far. Now with the addition of three more, students won’t have to travel far to study medicine. Also, people can avail medical facilities at ease,” he said. Talking about the gift milk scheme, which he inaugurated here prior to his speech, Modi said the initiative will improve the nutritional standards of children in government schools. The prime minister also congratulated the farmers on receiving financial assistance to buy smartphones. “The farmers can now get regular updates on climate, learn about modern farming techniques and find out about government initiatives,” he said. Modi also said that health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY of the central government has benefitted more than 57,000 people in the state. “Jharkhand has witnessed the launch of Ayushman Bharat health scheme last year. Lakhs of families across the country have benefitted from the scheme, including 57,000 people in Jharkhand,” he stated. Modi asserted that the central government has been taking initiatives to supply clean drinking water to all homes in Jharkhand. “Health is directly related to cleanliness and sanitation. In the last four-and-a-half years, the Centre has spent thousands of crores (of rupees) to launch 350 projects for supplying clean drinking water. Today, I have laid the foundation of 11 such projects to ensure that people receive clean water,” he maintained. The prime minister, who inaugurated a women’s engineering college in Ramgarh, said the institute was the first-of-its-kind in Jharkhand. He also launched a centre of tribal studies at Acharya Vinoba Bhave University here. Jharkhand has two dozen Eklavya schools, a modern residential school for tribal students, and work was on to set up 70 more, he said. Modi also paid tribute to Vijay Soreng, the CRPF personnel from the state who was killed along with 39 others in the Pulwama terrorist attack last week, and said that the Centre would look after the families of the slain jawans. Jharkhand has seen many revolutions over the years and grown from strength to strength, he added.

Centre working to uplift all sections of people in Jharkhand, says PM Narendra Modi

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre on a fresh plea challenging its decision to grant 10 per cent reservation in jobs and admissions to general category poor candidates.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also made it clear that there shall be no stay on the decision to grant quota to general category poor candidates.

The apex court, which had earlier issued notice to the Centre on similar petitions, Friday ordered tagging of the fresh plea of Tehseen Poonawalla with pending ones.&nbsp;

Petitions have been filed by parties, including 'Janhit Abhiyan' and NGO 'Youth For Equality', challenging the Centre's decision.

The petition, filed by Youth For Equality through its president Kaushal Kant Mishra, has sought the quashing of the Constitution (103 Amendment) Act, 2019, saying that the economic criterion cannot be the sole basis for reservation and that the bill violates basic feature of the Constitution as reservation on economic grounds cannot be limited to the general category and the overall 50 per cent ceiling limit cannot be breached.

In the present form, the upper limit of quota goes up to 60 per cent which violated the decisions of the apex court.

Referring to the nine-judge bench decision of the apex court in the landmark 1992 Indira Sawhney case, the petition said the latest amendment completely violated the Constitutional norm that economic criterion cannot be the only basis of reservation.

It also said that the amendments fail to consider that Articles 14 and 16 form the basic feature of equality, and that they have been violated with the doing away of the restraints that were imposed on the reservation policy, i.E. The 50 per cent ceiling limit and the exclusion of economic status as a sole criterion.

Later in a press release, the organisation said in principle it's a welcome step and that deprivation and not caste has been made the basis of protective discrimination.

"However, the limit of total reservation is increased to 60 per cent. This will open a pandora's box. Now more and more political parties/caste groups will claim for increased percentage of reservations, both at the Centre and state level," it said.

The fresh filed by businessman Poonawalla has sought quashing of the bill, saying that backwardness for the purpose of reservation cannot be defined by "economic status alone".&nbsp;

The top court had earlier refused to stay the Modi government's decision to grant the reservation but agreed to examine the validity of the constitutional amendment which paved the way for this quota.

In poll year, the Modi government has come out with the constitutional amendment bill giving quota benefits to the poor among general category candidates.

The quota will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation to SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha cleared the bill on January 8 and 9 respectively, and has been signed by President Ram Nath Kovind.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre on a fresh plea challenging its decision to grant 10 per cent reservation in jobs and admissions to general category poor candidates.

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre on a fresh plea challenging its decision to grant 10 per cent reservation in jobs and admissions to general category poor candidates. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also made it clear that there shall be no stay on the decision to grant quota to general category poor candidates. The apex court, which had earlier issued notice to the Centre on similar petitions, Friday ordered tagging of the fresh plea of Tehseen Poonawalla with pending ones. Petitions have been filed by parties, including 'Janhit Abhiyan' and NGO 'Youth For Equality', challenging the Centre's decision. The petition, filed by Youth For Equality through its president Kaushal Kant Mishra, has sought the quashing of the Constitution (103 Amendment) Act, 2019, saying that the economic criterion cannot be the sole basis for reservation and that the bill violates basic feature of the Constitution as reservation on economic grounds cannot be limited to the general category and the overall 50 per cent ceiling limit cannot be breached. In the present form, the upper limit of quota goes up to 60 per cent which violated the decisions of the apex court. Referring to the nine-judge bench decision of the apex court in the landmark 1992 Indira Sawhney case, the petition said the latest amendment completely violated the Constitutional norm that economic criterion cannot be the only basis of reservation. It also said that the amendments fail to consider that Articles 14 and 16 form the basic feature of equality, and that they have been violated with the doing away of the restraints that were imposed on the reservation policy, i.E. The 50 per cent ceiling limit and the exclusion of economic status as a sole criterion. Later in a press release, the organisation said in principle it's a welcome step and that deprivation and not caste has been made the basis of protective discrimination. "However, the limit of total reservation is increased to 60 per cent. This will open a pandora's box. Now more and more political parties/caste groups will claim for increased percentage of reservations, both at the Centre and state level," it said. The fresh filed by businessman Poonawalla has sought quashing of the bill, saying that backwardness for the purpose of reservation cannot be defined by "economic status alone". The top court had earlier refused to stay the Modi government's decision to grant the reservation but agreed to examine the validity of the constitutional amendment which paved the way for this quota. In poll year, the Modi government has come out with the constitutional amendment bill giving quota benefits to the poor among general category candidates. The quota will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation to SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha cleared the bill on January 8 and 9 respectively, and has been signed by President Ram Nath Kovind.

SC declines stay on Centre's 10% quota to general category, seeks response on plea against it

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a response from activist and lawyer Prashant Bhushan on contempt pleas by Attorney General K K Venugopal and the Centre for his tweets allegedly criticising the court over the appointment of M Nageswara Rao as interim CBI director.

Bhushan was given three weeks to reply.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Naveen Sinha said it would deal with the larger question of whether it is open for lawyers or any other person to criticise the court in a sub judice matter which would lead to influencing public opinion.

Criticising the court may also lead to interference in the course of justice, the bench added.

"This issue required to be heard in length, notice issued," it said, listing the matter for further hearing on March 7.

Bhushan, in his tweets, alleged that the Centre, represented by Venugopal, misled the apex court on the issue of Rao's appointment.

On Tuesday, the Centre moved the apex court seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against Bhushan for his tweets and said they amounted to making a false statement in a pending case. This was days after Venugopal's contempt petition against Bhushan.

Venugopal, in his contempt plea, referred to the extracts of the minutes of the meeting of the high powered selection committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice A K Sikri and leader of the largest opposition party Mallikarjun Kharge.

The Centre's plea also referred to the contents of Venugopal's petition and submitted that they be also read as part of its plea.

Venugopal's petition referred to Bhushan's February 1 tweets in which he alleged that the government appeared to have misled the apex court and perhaps submitted fabricated minutes of the meeting of the high-powered selection committee.

Through his tweets, Venugopal said, Bhushan appeared to have deliberately intended to cast aspersions on the "integrity and honesty" of the attorney general who had placed the minutes of the meeting before the apex court during the February 1 hearing.

On February 1, a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra was hearing a petition filed by NGO Common Cause challenging the Centre's decision to appoint Rao, an IPS officer, as interim CBI director.

Venugopal said in his petition that Bhushan's tweets "scandalise or tend to scandalise and lower or tend to lower the authority of this court".

He said during the hearing on February 1, he had handed over to the bench the minutes of the meeting of the high-powered committee held on January 9 and January 10.

According to the petition, signatures of all the three members of the committee — were affixed in the decision taken by the panel.

Venugopal said Bhushan, in one of his tweets on February 1, had said, "I have just confirmed personally from the leader of opposition Mr Kharge that no discussion or decision in HPC meet was taken re-appointment of Nageswara Rao as interim Director of CBI. The govt appears to have misled the court and perhaps submitted fabricated minutes of the HPC meeting."

The attorney general said the statement/confirmation attributed to Kharge could never have been made by him for the simple reason that he himself had signed the minutes of the meeting which also contained the final decisions of the high-powered committee.

"If the minutes of the meeting were to be fabricated, the members of the high powered committee who constituted the majority would have to be parties to such fabrication as their signatures are contained on the very same page on which the decision is recorded in the minutes," the plea had said.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a response from activist and lawyer Prashant Bhushan on contempt pleas by Attorney General K K Venugopal and the Centre for his tweets allegedly criticising the court over the appointment of M Nageswara Rao as interim CBI director.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a response from activist and lawyer Prashant Bhushan on contempt pleas by Attorney General K K Venugopal and the Centre for his tweets allegedly criticising the court over the appointment of M Nageswara Rao as interim CBI director. Bhushan was given three weeks to reply. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Naveen Sinha said it would deal with the larger question of whether it is open for lawyers or any other person to criticise the court in a sub judice matter which would lead to influencing public opinion. Criticising the court may also lead to interference in the course of justice, the bench added. "This issue required to be heard in length, notice issued," it said, listing the matter for further hearing on March 7. Bhushan, in his tweets, alleged that the Centre, represented by Venugopal, misled the apex court on the issue of Rao's appointment. On Tuesday, the Centre moved the apex court seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against Bhushan for his tweets and said they amounted to making a false statement in a pending case. This was days after Venugopal's contempt petition against Bhushan. Venugopal, in his contempt plea, referred to the extracts of the minutes of the meeting of the high powered selection committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice A K Sikri and leader of the largest opposition party Mallikarjun Kharge. The Centre's plea also referred to the contents of Venugopal's petition and submitted that they be also read as part of its plea. Venugopal's petition referred to Bhushan's February 1 tweets in which he alleged that the government appeared to have misled the apex court and perhaps submitted fabricated minutes of the meeting of the high-powered selection committee. Through his tweets, Venugopal said, Bhushan appeared to have deliberately intended to cast aspersions on the "integrity and honesty" of the attorney general who had placed the minutes of the meeting before the apex court during the February 1 hearing. On February 1, a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra was hearing a petition filed by NGO Common Cause challenging the Centre's decision to appoint Rao, an IPS officer, as interim CBI director. Venugopal said in his petition that Bhushan's tweets "scandalise or tend to scandalise and lower or tend to lower the authority of this court". He said during the hearing on February 1, he had handed over to the bench the minutes of the meeting of the high-powered committee held on January 9 and January 10. According to the petition, signatures of all the three members of the committee — were affixed in the decision taken by the panel. Venugopal said Bhushan, in one of his tweets on February 1, had said, "I have just confirmed personally from the leader of opposition Mr Kharge that no discussion or decision in HPC meet was taken re-appointment of Nageswara Rao as interim Director of CBI. The govt appears to have misled the court and perhaps submitted fabricated minutes of the HPC meeting." The attorney general said the statement/confirmation attributed to Kharge could never have been made by him for the simple reason that he himself had signed the minutes of the meeting which also contained the final decisions of the high-powered committee. "If the minutes of the meeting were to be fabricated, the members of the high powered committee who constituted the majority would have to be parties to such fabrication as their signatures are contained on the very same page on which the decision is recorded in the minutes," the plea had said.

Supreme Court issues notice to lawyer Prashant Bhushan for tweet on appointment of CBI chief

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Centre Tuesday over Assam's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/disenfranchisement-may-be-first-possible-step-after-final-nrc-officials-182670">National Register of Citizens</a> (NRC), saying it is hell bent on not allowingwork to continue.

The top court rapped the Ministry of Home Affairs for its plea seeking to stall NRC work for two weeks keeping in mind the role of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in election duty.

Reiterating that the July 31 deadline for the completion of the NRC exercise will not be extended, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the Centre is not cooperating in the NRC process and it seems the entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the process.

The apex court asked the Election Commission to consider exempting certain state officers from election duty to ensure that the&nbsp;NRC process continues.

The top court had said on January 24 that the July 31, 2019 deadline to finalise the NRC for Assam cannot be extended. It had asked the state government, the NRC co-ordinator and the EC to ensure that the upcoming general elections did not slow down the process.

The draft National Register of Citizens for Assam was published on July 30, 2018 in which the names of 2.89 crore of the 3.29 crore people were included. The names of 40,70,707 people did not figure in the list. Of these, 37,59,630 names have been rejected and the remaining 2,48,077 are on hold.

Earlier, the apex court had extended till December 31, 2018 the deadline for filing claims and objections for inclusion of names in the NRC in Assam by those who have been left out in the draft NRC.

It had also made clear that the deadline for verifying the claims for inclusion in the NRC would be February 15, 2019 instead of February 1.

The apex court had allowed the use of five more documents by claimants for the draft Assam NRC, saying the premise "better to exclude genuine person than to include a wrongful person" can't be accepted.

The claimants for draft Assam NRC can now stake claim with the help of total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form.

The five new documents allowed by the bench to prove the legacy for the claimants include extract of names in NRC, 1951; extract/certified copy of Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of March 24, 1971 and Citizenship Certificate and refugee certificate issued by competent authority (up to March 24, 1971 midnight).

The other two legacy documents include Certified copies of pre-1971 Electoral Roll, particularly, those issued from Tripura and the ration card.

The court had also accepted the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) prepared by the Centre and had fixed the timeline for various stages in publication of draft final NRC.

The apex court had on September 5 had allowed use any one of the 10 of a total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form to be used by the claimants for proving legacy.

The ten legacy documents which were made admissible include land documents like registered sale deed, permanent residential certificate issued from outside the State, passport and LIC insurance policy of the relevant period.

The first draft of the NRC for Assam was published on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 in accordance with the top court's direction. Names of 1.9 crore people out of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated then.

Assam, which had faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state to have an NRC, first prepared in 1951.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Centre Tuesday over Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying it is hell bent on not allowingwork to continue.

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Centre Tuesday over Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying it is hell bent on not allowingwork to continue. The top court rapped the Ministry of Home Affairs for its plea seeking to stall NRC work for two weeks keeping in mind the role of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in election duty. Reiterating that the July 31 deadline for the completion of the NRC exercise will not be extended, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the Centre is not cooperating in the NRC process and it seems the entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the process. The apex court asked the Election Commission to consider exempting certain state officers from election duty to ensure that the NRC process continues. The top court had said on January 24 that the July 31, 2019 deadline to finalise the NRC for Assam cannot be extended. It had asked the state government, the NRC co-ordinator and the EC to ensure that the upcoming general elections did not slow down the process. The draft National Register of Citizens for Assam was published on July 30, 2018 in which the names of 2.89 crore of the 3.29 crore people were included. The names of 40,70,707 people did not figure in the list. Of these, 37,59,630 names have been rejected and the remaining 2,48,077 are on hold. Earlier, the apex court had extended till December 31, 2018 the deadline for filing claims and objections for inclusion of names in the NRC in Assam by those who have been left out in the draft NRC. It had also made clear that the deadline for verifying the claims for inclusion in the NRC would be February 15, 2019 instead of February 1. The apex court had allowed the use of five more documents by claimants for the draft Assam NRC, saying the premise "better to exclude genuine person than to include a wrongful person" can't be accepted. The claimants for draft Assam NRC can now stake claim with the help of total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form. The five new documents allowed by the bench to prove the legacy for the claimants include extract of names in NRC, 1951; extract/certified copy of Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of March 24, 1971 and Citizenship Certificate and refugee certificate issued by competent authority (up to March 24, 1971 midnight). The other two legacy documents include Certified copies of pre-1971 Electoral Roll, particularly, those issued from Tripura and the ration card. The court had also accepted the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) prepared by the Centre and had fixed the timeline for various stages in publication of draft final NRC. The apex court had on September 5 had allowed use any one of the 10 of a total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form to be used by the claimants for proving legacy. The ten legacy documents which were made admissible include land documents like registered sale deed, permanent residential certificate issued from outside the State, passport and LIC insurance policy of the relevant period. The first draft of the NRC for Assam was published on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 in accordance with the top court's direction. Names of 1.9 crore people out of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated then. Assam, which had faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state to have an NRC, first prepared in 1951.

Assam's National Register of Citizens: Supreme Courts slams Centre, says it is hell bent on destroying process

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Monday turned down central government's plea for hearing on the alleged destruction of electronic evidence related to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919">Saradha chit fund scam case</a> by the Kolkata Police Commissioner.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, told the Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjeev Khanna, "Extraordinary situation has arrived. The CBI office was under siege. Evidence (electronic) has been destroyed, we've issued four summons to the commissioner. On a daily basis, FIRs are being registered against CBI officers. We are also filing a contempt petition. He should immediately surrender and we have certain things to point out."

The court, however, declined the plea of the Solicitor General to hear the two applications on Monday in the post-lunch session. "We have gone through your application, there's nothing in it," the CJI said posting the matter for hearing on Tuesday.

At the same time, the bench said it is open for the Solicitor General or any other party to lay before the court any material or evidence to show that any West Bengal authority or police official is planning or trying to destroy evidence related to the case.

"If Kolkata Police Commissioner even remotely thinks of destroying evidence, bring the material before this court. We will come down so heavily on him that he will regret," the bench said.

The top court said all material or evidence has to be placed before it by means of affidavit.

An <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mamata-government-making-mockery-of-democracy-constitutional-propriety-bjp-194895">all-out war</a> broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-satyagraha-will-continue-till-india-is-saved-says-mamata-continuing-her-sit-in-194947">sit-in protest</a> over CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.

Some road restrictions have been imposed in the Metro Cinema area in the heart of West Bengal's capital Kolkata where the sit-in is being held.

The Trinamool Congress chief said she would not attend the Assembly, where the state budget would be placed by Finance Minister Amit Mitra, on Monday.

Insisting that it the CBI stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism", Banerjee claimed that the investigation agency knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah want to impose President's Rule in whatever states the opposition is in power.

Other politicians such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister M Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav spoke to Banerjee on Sunday night and vowed support to her protest.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Monday turned down central government's plea for hearing on the alleged destruction of electronic evidence related to the Saradha chit fund scam case by the Kolkata Police Commissioner.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Monday turned down central government's plea for hearing on the alleged destruction of electronic evidence related to the Saradha chit fund scam case by the Kolkata Police Commissioner. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, told the Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjeev Khanna, "Extraordinary situation has arrived. The CBI office was under siege. Evidence (electronic) has been destroyed, we've issued four summons to the commissioner. On a daily basis, FIRs are being registered against CBI officers. We are also filing a contempt petition. He should immediately surrender and we have certain things to point out." The court, however, declined the plea of the Solicitor General to hear the two applications on Monday in the post-lunch session. "We have gone through your application, there's nothing in it," the CJI said posting the matter for hearing on Tuesday. At the same time, the bench said it is open for the Solicitor General or any other party to lay before the court any material or evidence to show that any West Bengal authority or police official is planning or trying to destroy evidence related to the case. "If Kolkata Police Commissioner even remotely thinks of destroying evidence, bring the material before this court. We will come down so heavily on him that he will regret," the bench said. The top court said all material or evidence has to be placed before it by means of affidavit. An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning the sit-in protest over CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams. Some road restrictions have been imposed in the Metro Cinema area in the heart of West Bengal's capital Kolkata where the sit-in is being held. The Trinamool Congress chief said she would not attend the Assembly, where the state budget would be placed by Finance Minister Amit Mitra, on Monday. Insisting that it the CBI stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism", Banerjee claimed that the investigation agency knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah want to impose President's Rule in whatever states the opposition is in power. Other politicians such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister M Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav spoke to Banerjee on Sunday night and vowed support to her protest.

Will come down heavily on Kolkata Police chief if he thinks of destroying evidence, says Supreme Court

In what could spell fresh trouble for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-summons-p-chidambaram-to-appear-on-june-6-in-inx-media-case--141621">P Chidambaram</a>, the Law Ministry has told the Centre that the CBI can be granted sanction to prosecute the former Union minister in the INX media case.

A senior government functionary said the law ministry's opinion was sought on whether the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) demand to prosecute Chidambaram was legally sound.&nbsp;

The law ministry has now told the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that there was "no legal infirmity" in the CBI's request seeking prosecution sanction.

The ministry, he said, gave its opinion based on evidence&nbsp;provided by the premier investigative agency.

The CBI has already been granted approval by the Centre to prosecute Chidambaram in Aircel Maxis case.

The agency had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017 against alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

The veteran Congress leader's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the matter for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh in the case.&nbsp;

In what could spell fresh trouble for P Chidambaram, the Law Ministry has told the Centre that the CBI can be granted sanction to prosecute the former Union minister in the INX media case.

In what could spell fresh trouble for P Chidambaram, the Law Ministry has told the Centre that the CBI can be granted sanction to prosecute the former Union minister in the INX media case. A senior government functionary said the law ministry's opinion was sought on whether the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) demand to prosecute Chidambaram was legally sound. The law ministry has now told the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that there was "no legal infirmity" in the CBI's request seeking prosecution sanction. The ministry, he said, gave its opinion based on evidence provided by the premier investigative agency. The CBI has already been granted approval by the Centre to prosecute Chidambaram in Aircel Maxis case. The agency had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017 against alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. The veteran Congress leader's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the matter for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh in the case.

INX media case: CBI can prosecute Chidambaram, law ministry tells Centre

The Supreme Court on Wednesday once again refused to stay amendments to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scst-act-we-are-not-against-it-says-supreme-court-but-refuses-to-cancel-earlier-order-128083">SC/ST Act</a> that restored the no anticipatory bail provision and said all matters including the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-consider-listing-of-centres-review-petitions-challenging-scst-act-amendments-together-192688">Centre's review petition</a> will be heard on February 19.

A bench headed by Justice UU Lalit said the issue requires hearing in detail and it will be appropriate if all matters are heard on February 19.

The bench refused to stay the amendments to the SC/ST Act after senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for one of the petitioners who had challenged the changes made to the Act, sought an immediate stay on it.

The apex court had on January 25 said it will consider listing the Centre's review and petitions challenging the amendments to the SC/ ST Act 2018, together before an appropriate bench.

The top court had earlier refused to stay the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 which restored the provision that no anticipatory bail be granted to the accused.&nbsp;

Parliament on August 9 last year had passed a bill to overturn the apex court order relating to certain safeguards against arrest under the SC and ST law.

On March 20, 2018, the apex court had taken note of the rampant misuse of the stringent SC/ST Act against government servants and private individuals and said there would be no immediate arrest on any complaint filed under the law.

The top court had earlier said that the new amendments to the SC/ST law passed by Parliament cannot be stayed and had sought the Centre's response to pleas challenging the provisions.

The pleas have sought a declaration of the new amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as ultra vires.

The amendments rule out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs, notwithstanding any court order.

They provide that no preliminary inquiry will be required for registering a criminal case and an arrest under this law would not be subject to any approval.

The court was hearing the pleas alleging that two Houses of Parliament had "arbitrarily" decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday once again refused to stay amendments to the SC/ST Act that restored the no anticipatory bail provision and said all matters including the Centre's review petition will be heard on February 19.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday once again refused to stay amendments to the SC/ST Act that restored the no anticipatory bail provision and said all matters including the Centre's review petition will be heard on February 19. A bench headed by Justice UU Lalit said the issue requires hearing in detail and it will be appropriate if all matters are heard on February 19. The bench refused to stay the amendments to the SC/ST Act after senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for one of the petitioners who had challenged the changes made to the Act, sought an immediate stay on it. The apex court had on January 25 said it will consider listing the Centre's review and petitions challenging the amendments to the SC/ ST Act 2018, together before an appropriate bench. The top court had earlier refused to stay the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 which restored the provision that no anticipatory bail be granted to the accused. Parliament on August 9 last year had passed a bill to overturn the apex court order relating to certain safeguards against arrest under the SC and ST law. On March 20, 2018, the apex court had taken note of the rampant misuse of the stringent SC/ST Act against government servants and private individuals and said there would be no immediate arrest on any complaint filed under the law. The top court had earlier said that the new amendments to the SC/ST law passed by Parliament cannot be stayed and had sought the Centre's response to pleas challenging the provisions. The pleas have sought a declaration of the new amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as ultra vires. The amendments rule out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs, notwithstanding any court order. They provide that no preliminary inquiry will be required for registering a criminal case and an arrest under this law would not be subject to any approval. The court was hearing the pleas alleging that two Houses of Parliament had "arbitrarily" decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.

Supreme Court again refuses to stay amendments to SC/ST Act

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system and sought a response within six weeks.

The PIL challenging the government's December 20 notification came up before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.

According to the notification, 10 central probe and snoop agencies are empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis, Home Ministry officials said.&nbsp;

The 10 agencies notified under the new order are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and Delhi Police commissioner.

The plea, filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma, termed the notification "illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires to the law".

He also sought to prohibit the agencies from initiating any criminal proceedings, enquiry or investigation against anybody under the provisions of the IT Act based on the notification.

The petition alleged that the notification gives the state the right to access every communication, computer and mobile and "to use it to protect political interest and object of the present executive political party".

The government's move set off a political storm with the opposition accusing the Centre of trying to create a "surveillance state".

However, the Central government said the rules for intercepting and monitoring computer data were framed in 2009 when the Congress-led UPA was in power and its new order only notified the designated authority which can carry out such action.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system and sought a response within six weeks.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system and sought a response within six weeks. The PIL challenging the government's December 20 notification came up before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. According to the notification, 10 central probe and snoop agencies are empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis, Home Ministry officials said. The 10 agencies notified under the new order are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and Delhi Police commissioner. The plea, filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma, termed the notification "illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires to the law". He also sought to prohibit the agencies from initiating any criminal proceedings, enquiry or investigation against anybody under the provisions of the IT Act based on the notification. The petition alleged that the notification gives the state the right to access every communication, computer and mobile and "to use it to protect political interest and object of the present executive political party". The government's move set off a political storm with the opposition accusing the Centre of trying to create a "surveillance state". However, the Central government said the rules for intercepting and monitoring computer data were framed in 2009 when the Congress-led UPA was in power and its new order only notified the designated authority which can carry out such action.

Supreme Court gives Centre six weeks to reply to notice on PIL against 'snooping'

Several protesters were arrested as sporadic incidents of vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal on Tuesday during the two-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions protesting against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre.

Stones were pelted at a school bus in Champadali area of Barasat in North 24 Parganas district. The students were later deboarded from the bus, police said.

Strike supporters burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burnt tyres in various parts of the state including Kolkata.

In Howrah, Siliguri, Bardhaman, Birbhum, North and South 24 Paraganas, clashes broke out between Trinamool Congress workers and strike supporters as TMC activists tried to stop them from forcibly imposing the strike.

Despite the incidents of violence, normal life in an around Kolkata and other parts of the state remained more or less unaffected by the strike call till 12 noon, except a few pockets.

Buses and other modes of transportation were seen on the roads although the number of passengers were much less than in other week days.

Tyres were burnt in Central Avenue of Kolkata to stop buses from plying in the roads. The protesters had a scuffle with the police when they tried to stop them from squatting on the roads.

A government bus was damaged by strike supporters at Champadali. Protesters also vandalised a bus at Jamuria in Paschim Bardhaman district.

Scuffles were witnessed between police and strike supporters in some areas of the state.

At Jadavpur area in south Kolkata, senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty along with several other strike supporters were detained by the police.

Protesters squatted on tracks in some places to stop trains and burnt tyres on the roads.

 
In Kerala

Trains were stopped, buses and auto-rickshaws kept off roads as the 48-hour general strike called by 10 central trade unions against "anti-labour policies" of the central government, hit normal life in the southern state Tuesday.

Workers from various sectors have extended support to the two-day strike.

Trains were stopped in Thiruvananthapuram, Tripunithura, Shoranur railway stations.

Venad Express, which runs from the state capital to Shoranur Junction daily, was delayed by more than one hour as agitators squatted on tracks, blocking its route, and raised slogans. Other trains that were stopped here were Jan Shatabdi and Raptisagar Express.

All trade unions except the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh have supported the strike, which has come five days after a 'hartal' was observed by right-wing groups in protest against the entry of two young women into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

The Sabarimala pilgrims, tourists, social and religious functions have been exempted from the strike Tuesday.

To ensure Sabarimala pilgrims were not affected by the strike, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has been operating buses from various destinations to Pamba, the foothills of the Sabarimala temple. However, KSRTC buses were not plying on other routes.

Meanwhile, pilgrims at Nilackal said they have been waiting for hours to reach the hill shrine.&nbsp;Private-run buses are also keeping off the roads.

Several protesters were arrested as sporadic incidents of vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal on Tuesday during the two-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions protesting against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre.

Several protesters were arrested as sporadic incidents of vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal on Tuesday during the two-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions protesting against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre. Stones were pelted at a school bus in Champadali area of Barasat in North 24 Parganas district. The students were later deboarded from the bus, police said. Strike supporters burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burnt tyres in various parts of the state including Kolkata. In Howrah, Siliguri, Bardhaman, Birbhum, North and South 24 Paraganas, clashes broke out between Trinamool Congress workers and strike supporters as TMC activists tried to stop them from forcibly imposing the strike. Despite the incidents of violence, normal life in an around Kolkata and other parts of the state remained more or less unaffected by the strike call till 12 noon, except a few pockets. Buses and other modes of transportation were seen on the roads although the number of passengers were much less than in other week days. Tyres were burnt in Central Avenue of Kolkata to stop buses from plying in the roads. The protesters had a scuffle with the police when they tried to stop them from squatting on the roads. A government bus was damaged by strike supporters at Champadali. Protesters also vandalised a bus at Jamuria in Paschim Bardhaman district. Scuffles were witnessed between police and strike supporters in some areas of the state. At Jadavpur area in south Kolkata, senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty along with several other strike supporters were detained by the police. Protesters squatted on tracks in some places to stop trains and burnt tyres on the roads. In Kerala Trains were stopped, buses and auto-rickshaws kept off roads as the 48-hour general strike called by 10 central trade unions against "anti-labour policies" of the central government, hit normal life in the southern state Tuesday. Workers from various sectors have extended support to the two-day strike. Trains were stopped in Thiruvananthapuram, Tripunithura, Shoranur railway stations. Venad Express, which runs from the state capital to Shoranur Junction daily, was delayed by more than one hour as agitators squatted on tracks, blocking its route, and raised slogans. Other trains that were stopped here were Jan Shatabdi and Raptisagar Express. All trade unions except the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh have supported the strike, which has come five days after a 'hartal' was observed by right-wing groups in protest against the entry of two young women into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The Sabarimala pilgrims, tourists, social and religious functions have been exempted from the strike Tuesday. To ensure Sabarimala pilgrims were not affected by the strike, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has been operating buses from various destinations to Pamba, the foothills of the Sabarimala temple. However, KSRTC buses were not plying on other routes. Meanwhile, pilgrims at Nilackal said they have been waiting for hours to reach the hill shrine. Private-run buses are also keeping off the roads.

Bharat Bandh: School bus attacked in West Bengal, buses & autos stay off roads in Kerala

The Centre informed the Supreme Court Monday that all appropriate steps were being taken to rescue 15 miners trapped since December 13 in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya and Indian Navy has deployed remotely operated underwater vehicle in the operation there.

A bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that 71 members of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 20 from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 16 Navy personnel and others, including those from Odisha fire service and Coal India Ltd were working in the rescue operation.

The Meghalaya government meanwhile filed a status report on the rescue operation and said there were problems like difficult terrain and lack of proper infrastructure at the site which was creating hurdles.

The apex court is hearing public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Aditya N Prasad who has sought urgent steps to rescue 15 miners trapped in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district.

Senior lawyer Anand Grover, representing the petitioner, told the bench that he would make a note based on the status report filed in the court and give suggestions which could be considered.

The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on January 11.

During the brief hearing, Mehta told the bench that the Navy was using a remotely operated underwater vehicle in the rescue operation and soon three more such vehicles would be sent there.

The state government, in its status report, said there was no blueprint of the illegal coal mine as it was being run "clandestinely" and rescue operation was extremely challenging as the site was in a difficult terrain where public services, infrastructure and material required were not easily available.

It said the site is located at Ksan near river Letein and is more than 30 km away from the headquarters and from the road, it was about 3.7 kilometre into the jungle and can be accessed after crossing three streams.

The state said water was rushing into the mine from the nearby river and it was interlinked with at least 20 other mines there.

It said the site can be accessed only by 4X4 vehicles and there was a complete lack of availability of electricity in the nearby areas.

It informed the court that fuel required to run generator sets, pumps and vehicles there have to be brought from a distance of one hour and high powered generator sets have to be brought in there for the rescue operation.

"All efforts to rescue the trapped miners are being made with all earnestness and with the hope that the miners are surviving and shall be released from the ordeal," it said.

On the issue of funds, the state said, "Advance fund for meeting any emergency arising from natural calamities is placed with the Deputy Commissioner (DC).

At the start of the rescue operation, DC had more than Rs 30 lakh at his disposal.

On January 3, the government took a decision to place an additional Rs 20 lakh with the DC to meet the requirements.

" It said the state was getting requisite support from the Centre, the Indian Navy, Odisha Fire Department and other concerned agencies to expedite the rescue operation.

"The NDRF team also used the SONAR system for detection of the trapped victims but were not successful," it said.

SONAR system uses sound propagation to navigate or detect objects on or under the surface of the water.

Meghalaya government said that on December 13 last year, the district administration had received information at around 2 PM that some miners are trapped and the NDRF, SDRF and civil defence services were immediately requisitioned for the rescue operation.

It said that on December 28-29, Indian Navy divers reached the spot and high powered water pumps were also being used there to flush out the water from the mine.

On January 4, the Centre had told the apex court that they were facing difficulties in rescuing the 15 miners as there was no blueprint of the 355-feet well which has "maze of rat holes" and seepage of water from the river was hindering the operation.

The rat-hole mine, atop a hillock fully covered with trees in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, was flooded when water from the nearby Letein river gushed into it, trapping 15 miners.

Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually three-four feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal.

The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat holes" as each just about fits one person.

The apex court had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the steps taken by the Meghalaya government to rescue 15 miners trapped in the illegal coal mine and had said "prompt, immediate and effective" operation was needed to rescue them as it was a matter of life and death.

The Centre informed the Supreme Court Monday that all appropriate steps were being taken to rescue 15 miners trapped since December 13 in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya and Indian Navy has deployed remotely operated underwater vehicle in the operation there.

The Centre informed the Supreme Court Monday that all appropriate steps were being taken to rescue 15 miners trapped since December 13 in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya and Indian Navy has deployed remotely operated underwater vehicle in the operation there. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that 71 members of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 20 from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 16 Navy personnel and others, including those from Odisha fire service and Coal India Ltd were working in the rescue operation. The Meghalaya government meanwhile filed a status report on the rescue operation and said there were problems like difficult terrain and lack of proper infrastructure at the site which was creating hurdles. The apex court is hearing public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Aditya N Prasad who has sought urgent steps to rescue 15 miners trapped in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. Senior lawyer Anand Grover, representing the petitioner, told the bench that he would make a note based on the status report filed in the court and give suggestions which could be considered. The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on January 11. During the brief hearing, Mehta told the bench that the Navy was using a remotely operated underwater vehicle in the rescue operation and soon three more such vehicles would be sent there. The state government, in its status report, said there was no blueprint of the illegal coal mine as it was being run "clandestinely" and rescue operation was extremely challenging as the site was in a difficult terrain where public services, infrastructure and material required were not easily available. It said the site is located at Ksan near river Letein and is more than 30 km away from the headquarters and from the road, it was about 3.7 kilometre into the jungle and can be accessed after crossing three streams. The state said water was rushing into the mine from the nearby river and it was interlinked with at least 20 other mines there. It said the site can be accessed only by 4X4 vehicles and there was a complete lack of availability of electricity in the nearby areas. It informed the court that fuel required to run generator sets, pumps and vehicles there have to be brought from a distance of one hour and high powered generator sets have to be brought in there for the rescue operation. "All efforts to rescue the trapped miners are being made with all earnestness and with the hope that the miners are surviving and shall be released from the ordeal," it said. On the issue of funds, the state said, "Advance fund for meeting any emergency arising from natural calamities is placed with the Deputy Commissioner (DC). At the start of the rescue operation, DC had more than Rs 30 lakh at his disposal. On January 3, the government took a decision to place an additional Rs 20 lakh with the DC to meet the requirements. " It said the state was getting requisite support from the Centre, the Indian Navy, Odisha Fire Department and other concerned agencies to expedite the rescue operation. "The NDRF team also used the SONAR system for detection of the trapped victims but were not successful," it said. SONAR system uses sound propagation to navigate or detect objects on or under the surface of the water. Meghalaya government said that on December 13 last year, the district administration had received information at around 2 PM that some miners are trapped and the NDRF, SDRF and civil defence services were immediately requisitioned for the rescue operation. It said that on December 28-29, Indian Navy divers reached the spot and high powered water pumps were also being used there to flush out the water from the mine. On January 4, the Centre had told the apex court that they were facing difficulties in rescuing the 15 miners as there was no blueprint of the 355-feet well which has "maze of rat holes" and seepage of water from the river was hindering the operation. The rat-hole mine, atop a hillock fully covered with trees in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, was flooded when water from the nearby Letein river gushed into it, trapping 15 miners. Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually three-four feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat holes" as each just about fits one person. The apex court had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the steps taken by the Meghalaya government to rescue 15 miners trapped in the illegal coal mine and had said "prompt, immediate and effective" operation was needed to rescue them as it was a matter of life and death.

All appropriate steps being taken to rescue 15 people trapped in illegal mine: Centre to SC

The Centre has set up a high-level committee to assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in the Assam Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people, besides providing other safeguards.

The move came days after the Union Cabinet took a decision in this effect as per the 1985 Assam Accord.

The committee will be headed by headed by former Union tourism secretary M P Bezbaruah.&nbsp;

In a notification, the Home Ministry said the committee will examine the effectiveness of actions taken since 1985 to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

"The committee will assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people.

"The committee will recommend the appropriate level of reservations in employment under the government of Assam for the Assamese people," the notification said.

The notification said the panel will also hold discussions with various stakeholders, including social organisations, legal and constitutional experts, eminent persons from the field of art, culture and literature, conservationists, economists, linguists and sociologists.

It will suggest measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam.

The committee can also suggest any other measures, as may be necessary, to protect, preserve and promote cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. It will submit its report within six months from the date of notification (January 5).

The panel will be facilitated by the Noth East Division of the Home Ministry and the state government will provide the necessary administrative and logistic support to the committee.

The clause 6 of the Accord states, "Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people".

Besides, Bezbarauah, a retired IAS officer, the members of the panel are: former IAS officer Subhash Das, Nagen Saikia, former President, Assam Sahitya Sabha, Dhiren Bezbaruah, former editor of The Sentinel, Mukunda Rajbangshi, educationalist, Ramesh Borpatragohain, advocate general of Assam, Rongbong Terang, former president of the Assam Sahitya Sabha, and one representative of the All Assam Students' Union.&nbsp;

The joint secretary in the Home Ministry will be member secretary.&nbsp;

The Centre has set up a high-level committee to assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in the Assam Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people, besides providing other safeguards.

The Centre has set up a high-level committee to assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in the Assam Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people, besides providing other safeguards. The move came days after the Union Cabinet took a decision in this effect as per the 1985 Assam Accord. The committee will be headed by headed by former Union tourism secretary M P Bezbaruah. In a notification, the Home Ministry said the committee will examine the effectiveness of actions taken since 1985 to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. "The committee will assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people. "The committee will recommend the appropriate level of reservations in employment under the government of Assam for the Assamese people," the notification said. The notification said the panel will also hold discussions with various stakeholders, including social organisations, legal and constitutional experts, eminent persons from the field of art, culture and literature, conservationists, economists, linguists and sociologists. It will suggest measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam. The committee can also suggest any other measures, as may be necessary, to protect, preserve and promote cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. It will submit its report within six months from the date of notification (January 5). The panel will be facilitated by the Noth East Division of the Home Ministry and the state government will provide the necessary administrative and logistic support to the committee. The clause 6 of the Accord states, "Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people". Besides, Bezbarauah, a retired IAS officer, the members of the panel are: former IAS officer Subhash Das, Nagen Saikia, former President, Assam Sahitya Sabha, Dhiren Bezbaruah, former editor of The Sentinel, Mukunda Rajbangshi, educationalist, Ramesh Borpatragohain, advocate general of Assam, Rongbong Terang, former president of the Assam Sahitya Sabha, and one representative of the All Assam Students' Union. The joint secretary in the Home Ministry will be member secretary.

Centre sets up panel for reservation of seats in assembly, local bodies for Assamese

The centre has submitted a letter to the Supreme Court stating that it has initiated to amend the POSCO Act.&nbsp;

In its letter, the centre proposes to ensure a maximum punishment of death penalty in child rape cases between the age group of 0-12.

The&nbsp;Centre&nbsp;submitted its report in response to a PIL.

Earlier the Women and Children Development minister Maneka Gandhi had asked her department to work on amending the POSCO law in order to introduce the provision of death penalty for the rape of a minor below the age of 12 years.

The present POSCO Act does not have the provision for the death penalty with the maximum sentence being life imprisonment.

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Union Law Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad: Cabinet has approved death penalty in aggravated sexual offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. <a href="https://t.co/E1JB8xCOOq">pic.twitter.com/E1JB8xCOOq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078600617860378624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The union minister's proposal came after the horrific murder of an eight-year-old in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua.

The court will hear the matter on April 27.

In its letter, the centre proposes to ensure a maximum punishment of death penalty in child rape cases between the age group of 0-12

The centre has submitted a letter to the Supreme Court stating that it has initiated to amend the POSCO Act. In its letter, the centre proposes to ensure a maximum punishment of death penalty in child rape cases between the age group of 0-12. The Centre submitted its report in response to a PIL. Earlier the Women and Children Development minister Maneka Gandhi had asked her department to work on amending the POSCO law in order to introduce the provision of death penalty for the rape of a minor below the age of 12 years. The present POSCO Act does not have the provision for the death penalty with the maximum sentence being life imprisonment. Union Law Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad: Cabinet has approved death penalty in aggravated sexual offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. pic.twitter.com/E1JB8xCOOq — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × The union minister's proposal came after the horrific murder of an eight-year-old in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua. The court will hear the matter on April 27.

Centre initiates to amend POSCO Act, submits proposal to Supreme Court

Asserting that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-objections-of-aimplb-on-triple-talaq-is-not-valid-28450">triple talaq bill</a> is about "Insaaniyat aur insaaf", the government on Thursday said the legislation should not be weighed on the scales of politics while a united opposition strongly demanded that it should be referred to a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/3-year-prison-for-triple-talaq-in-india-7125"> joint select committee of Parliament,</a> dubbing its provisions "unconstitutional".

The debate on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, which was tabled by Prasad last week, began in Lok Sabha amidst exchange of barbs between the treasury benches and the Opposition.

With opposition parties, including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress demanding that the bill is sent to a select committee for greater scrutiny, Prasad said the government has already taken note of concerns expressed by members earlier and amended the bill accordingly.

Prasad told the Lok Sabha that the bill has made the offence compoundable, meaning that the case can be withdrawn if the man and his estranged wife reach a compromise and that only the wife and her close relatives can file an FIR, ruling out the law's misuse.

"Don't weigh the bill on the scales of politics. The bill is about Insaaniyat aur insaaf (humanity and justice)," he said, urging lawmakers of different parties to speak in one voice to support the legislation.

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Ravi Shankar Prasad, Law Minister in Lok Sabha: This bill is not against any community, religion or belief. This bill is for the rights of women and about justice <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> <a href="https://t.co/IjgoI2U1Tl">pic.twitter.com/IjgoI2U1Tl</a>
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Parliament had earlier unanimously supported laws, including the one prescribing death in rape cases, aimed at giving justice to women, and the triple talaq bill is also a step towards justice for women, he said.&nbsp;

As soon as the House met at 2 pm after an adjournment to take up the bill, Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that it be referred to a joint select committee of the two Houses for greater scrutiny. He said several provisions of the bill were "unconstitutional".

AIADMK leader P Venugopal, TMC's Sudip Bandhopadhyay, AIMIM's Assaduddin Owaisi and Supriya Sule (NCP) also made similar demands.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said an earlier bill on triple talaq was discussed and passed by the Lok Sabha. Therefore, members can flag issues during the debate. She said all of a sudden a demand cannot be made to send it to a committee.

Opposing the bill in its current form, Congress MP Sushmita Dev said the real purpose of the bill was not to empower Muslim women but to "penalise" Muslim men and added criminalisation of triple talaq goes against the Supreme Court verdict.

"In the name of empowerment you (the government) has given nothing but a criminal case to women...The aim of the bill is not to empower Muslim women but to penalise Muslim men," she said.

The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September.

Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. 
The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable.

However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments.

An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses.

The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament.

Asserting that the triple talaq bill is about "Insaaniyat aur insaaf", the government on Thursday said the legislation should not be weighed on the scales of politics while a united opposition strongly demanded that it should be referred to a joint select committee of Parliament, dubbing its provisions "unconstitutional".

Asserting that the triple talaq bill is about "Insaaniyat aur insaaf", the government on Thursday said the legislation should not be weighed on the scales of politics while a united opposition strongly demanded that it should be referred to a joint select committee of Parliament, dubbing its provisions "unconstitutional". The debate on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, which was tabled by Prasad last week, began in Lok Sabha amidst exchange of barbs between the treasury benches and the Opposition. With opposition parties, including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress demanding that the bill is sent to a select committee for greater scrutiny, Prasad said the government has already taken note of concerns expressed by members earlier and amended the bill accordingly. Prasad told the Lok Sabha that the bill has made the offence compoundable, meaning that the case can be withdrawn if the man and his estranged wife reach a compromise and that only the wife and her close relatives can file an FIR, ruling out the law's misuse. "Don't weigh the bill on the scales of politics. The bill is about Insaaniyat aur insaaf (humanity and justice)," he said, urging lawmakers of different parties to speak in one voice to support the legislation. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Law Minister in Lok Sabha: This bill is not against any community, religion or belief. This bill is for the rights of women and about justice #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/IjgoI2U1Tl — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × Parliament had earlier unanimously supported laws, including the one prescribing death in rape cases, aimed at giving justice to women, and the triple talaq bill is also a step towards justice for women, he said. As soon as the House met at 2 pm after an adjournment to take up the bill, Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that it be referred to a joint select committee of the two Houses for greater scrutiny. He said several provisions of the bill were "unconstitutional". AIADMK leader P Venugopal, TMC's Sudip Bandhopadhyay, AIMIM's Assaduddin Owaisi and Supriya Sule (NCP) also made similar demands. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said an earlier bill on triple talaq was discussed and passed by the Lok Sabha. Therefore, members can flag issues during the debate. She said all of a sudden a demand cannot be made to send it to a committee. Opposing the bill in its current form, Congress MP Sushmita Dev said the real purpose of the bill was not to empower Muslim women but to "penalise" Muslim men and added criminalisation of triple talaq goes against the Supreme Court verdict. "In the name of empowerment you (the government) has given nothing but a criminal case to women...The aim of the bill is not to empower Muslim women but to penalise Muslim men," she said. The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament.

Triple talaq debate: Centre says don't use a political prism, opposition wants bill to go to parliament panel

The Central government has decided to rename three islands in Andaman and Nicobar, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island will be renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose island, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively.

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Three islands in Andaman and Nicobar — Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island to be renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Shaheed Dweep &amp; Swaraj Dweep respectively by Centre.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077371982566440961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The renaming of the islands will take place to mark the 75th year of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose hoisting the national flag at Port Blair, ANI added.

Bose had hoisted the flag at Port Blair on December 30, 1943, as he believed that Port Blair was the first territory to be freed from British rule. This was done after the Japenese captured that area during the time of the Second World War. Bose had reportedly suggested back then that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands be renamed as Shahid and Swaraj dweep.&nbsp;

It is also reported that the new names will officially be announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his trip to Port Blair on December 30.

The Uttar Pradesh government, earlier this year, renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj, while Mughalsarai railway station was renamed as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction and Faizabad is now known as Ayodhya.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Central government has decided to rename three islands in Andaman and Nicobar, news agency ANI reported. Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island will be renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose island, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively.

The Central government has decided to rename three islands in Andaman and Nicobar, news agency ANI reported. Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island will be renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose island, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively. Three islands in Andaman and Nicobar — Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island to be renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Shaheed Dweep & Swaraj Dweep respectively by Centre. — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2018 × The renaming of the islands will take place to mark the 75th year of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose hoisting the national flag at Port Blair, ANI added. Bose had hoisted the flag at Port Blair on December 30, 1943, as he believed that Port Blair was the first territory to be freed from British rule. This was done after the Japenese captured that area during the time of the Second World War. Bose had reportedly suggested back then that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands be renamed as Shahid and Swaraj dweep. It is also reported that the new names will officially be announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his trip to Port Blair on December 30. The Uttar Pradesh government, earlier this year, renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj, while Mughalsarai railway station was renamed as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction and Faizabad is now known as Ayodhya. (With inputs from agencies)

Neil, Ross, Havelock: Centre says it will rename 3 islands in Andaman and Nicobar

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its judgment on the petitions filed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-top-officers-were-fighting-like-kilkenny-cats-says-attorney-general-venugopal-181677">CBI Director Alok Verma </a>and NGO Common Cause challenging the Centre’s decision to divest Verma of his charges and send him on leave.

The bench, which heard the arguments, was headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.

It also heard the petition moved by NGO Common Cause which had sought court-monitored SIT probe into allegations of corruption against various CBI officials including Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

Verma and his deputy in the CBI, Rakesh Asthana, have made allegations of corruption against each other.

The apex court&nbsp;came down heavily on the central government on the issue of CBI power struggle and said that difference between the two warring officers did not emerge overnight.&nbsp;

The court also questioned the government's hasty act to divest Verma of his powers.

''Why the government acted hastily to divest the CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee?'' the CJI asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Vigilance Commission which had passed the order recommending to send him on leave.

CJI Gogoi added, "The government has to be fair, what was the difficulty in consulting the selection committee before divesting Alok Verma of his power? The essence of every government action should be to adopt the best course."

The court had on November 29 said that it would first consider whether the government has the power to divest the CBI director of his duties under whatever circumstances or whether the selection committee headed by the Prime Minister should have been approached before moving against Verma on corruption allegations against him.

The court had taken this stand after making it clear that for now it was not going into the allegations and counter-allegations involving Verma and CBI's No 2 officer Asthana, both of whom have been stripped of their powers and sent on leave following their bitter feud.

Verma's two-year tenure ends on January 31.

(With inputs from&nbsp;PTI)

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its judgment on the petitions filed by CBI Director Alok Verma and NGO Common Cause challenging the Centre’s decision to divest Verma of his charges and send him on leave.

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its judgment on the petitions filed by CBI Director Alok Verma and NGO Common Cause challenging the Centre’s decision to divest Verma of his charges and send him on leave. The bench, which heard the arguments, was headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. It also heard the petition moved by NGO Common Cause which had sought court-monitored SIT probe into allegations of corruption against various CBI officials including Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Verma and his deputy in the CBI, Rakesh Asthana, have made allegations of corruption against each other. The apex court came down heavily on the central government on the issue of CBI power struggle and said that difference between the two warring officers did not emerge overnight. The court also questioned the government's hasty act to divest Verma of his powers. ''Why the government acted hastily to divest the CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee?'' the CJI asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Vigilance Commission which had passed the order recommending to send him on leave. CJI Gogoi added, "The government has to be fair, what was the difficulty in consulting the selection committee before divesting Alok Verma of his power? The essence of every government action should be to adopt the best course." The court had on November 29 said that it would first consider whether the government has the power to divest the CBI director of his duties under whatever circumstances or whether the selection committee headed by the Prime Minister should have been approached before moving against Verma on corruption allegations against him. The court had taken this stand after making it clear that for now it was not going into the allegations and counter-allegations involving Verma and CBI's No 2 officer Asthana, both of whom have been stripped of their powers and sent on leave following their bitter feud. Verma's two-year tenure ends on January 31. (With inputs from PTI)

SC reserves order on Alok Verma's plea, asks Centre 'what was the hurry to send CBI chief on leave?

The Centre has approved the release of Rs 353.70 crore to Tamil Nadu as assistance for the damage caused by Cyclone Gaja last month.

At a high-level meeting held Friday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh approved the release of the second instalment of the central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) amounting to Rs 353.70 crore for the year 2018-19, a Home Ministry statement said.

The amount is an interim relief to help Tamil Nadu in providing relief measures to the affected people.

Further, assistance will be provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), based on the final report of the Inter-ministerial Central Team (IMCT).

Tamil Nadu faced a severe cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ on the night of November 15 and the early hours on November 16, during which 12 districts of the state were severely affected.

Based on an interim memorandum submitted by the Tamil Nadu government for additional assistance, the central government constituted an IMCT on November 20, the statement said.

The IMCT has visited areas affected by Gaja on November 23-27.

The central government provided support to the Tamil Nadu government by mobilising timely logistics resources to supplement the efforts of the state government to deal with the situation effectively in the wake of the cyclone.

The logistics support provided includes adequate teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Air Force and Coast Guard helicopters and Navy and Coast Guard personnel along with necessary rescue equipment.

The Centre has approved the release of Rs 353.70 crore to Tamil Nadu as assistance for the damage caused by Cyclone Gaja last month. At a high-level meeting held Friday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh approved the release of the second instalment of the central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) amounting to Rs 353.

The Centre has approved the release of Rs 353.70 crore to Tamil Nadu as assistance for the damage caused by Cyclone Gaja last month. At a high-level meeting held Friday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh approved the release of the second instalment of the central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) amounting to Rs 353.70 crore for the year 2018-19, a Home Ministry statement said. The amount is an interim relief to help Tamil Nadu in providing relief measures to the affected people. Further, assistance will be provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), based on the final report of the Inter-ministerial Central Team (IMCT). Tamil Nadu faced a severe cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ on the night of November 15 and the early hours on November 16, during which 12 districts of the state were severely affected. Based on an interim memorandum submitted by the Tamil Nadu government for additional assistance, the central government constituted an IMCT on November 20, the statement said. The IMCT has visited areas affected by Gaja on November 23-27. The central government provided support to the Tamil Nadu government by mobilising timely logistics resources to supplement the efforts of the state government to deal with the situation effectively in the wake of the cyclone. The logistics support provided includes adequate teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Air Force and Coast Guard helicopters and Navy and Coast Guard personnel along with necessary rescue equipment.

Cyclone Gaja: Centre approves release of Rs 353 crore to Tamil Nadu

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