The Centre's clearing of names of four chief justices of high courts for elevation as Supreme Court judges within 48 hours of the recommendation has left Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi awe-struck. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The apex court collegium, headed by the CJI and comprising its four-senior most judges, had on October 30 recommended to the Centre the names of the four judges for the elevation, and they took the oath of office on Friday. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"We sent the recommendations at about 11 o'clock on Wednesday and on Wednesday evening, when I was informed that the medical (test of the judges to be elevated) has been done, I myself was very shocked. I couldn't believe it. I said what you are saying. I am as much in awe as you are," the CJI said in an informal chat with journalists covering the apex court. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
When a senior journalist asked Justice Gogoi that he has created history as he was the first person from the north-east zone to become the CJI and he got cleared the names of judges from the Centre within 48 hours, he said that the best person would be the Law Minister to answer this. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The CJI, who on Thursday inaugurated the Centre for Research and Planning, an "in-house think tank" also made an important announcement that the apex court would provide translated copies of its judgments to litigants in their mother tongue if they are unable to understand English. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"To start with, we may do it in Hindi," the CJI said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The CJI, who was accompanied by fourth senior most judge Justice S A Bobde and his successor during his interaction with the scribes, dismissed the query as to how he was sure that Justice Bobde would succeed him. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Yes of course. There can be no doubt on that," Justice Gogoi said and outlined his idea to tackle the cases by the benches of different strength in future. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
He said that on Mondays and Fridays, the court takes up miscellaneous cases and there was no need of many three-judge benches and this would increase the number of courts, he said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
He also made light of the recent controversy in which second senior most judge Akil Kureshi of the Gujarat High Court could not become the Acting Chief Justice as the Centre notified his junior Justice AS Dave to the post. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The post of Acting Chief Justice in the Gujarat High Court had fallen vacant due to the elevation of Justice Subhash Reddy to the Supreme Court. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"We all make mistakes and we correct ourselves. Kureshi is the senior-most judge. There is no mystery in it," the CJI said, adding that a second notification corrected the mistake. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Now Justice Kureshi will remain the Acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court till November 14 and he would be joining the Bombay High Court a day later. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In response to the query that the Centre has not honoured the recommendations of the collegium to appoint nearly 40 judges in high courts, the CJI said, "I did not say it has not been honoured by the government. I will not say it has not been honoured. It has been kept pending. So that's around 40. Maybe it could be a little more." 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
On the issue of "in-house think tank", the CJI said, it will help in "judicial reforms, judicial jurisprudence and judicial education". 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"We have to evolve. Nobody is denying the fact that there is a need for judicial reforms. I have ideas. I have ideas which are being implemented from time to time but these are the people which will be doing the research on the prevailing system in so many jurisprudence and so many jurisdictions," he said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The think tank would give the judges inputs, and academician Mohan Gopal and his small team will give us the "inputs and the inputs will be debated by the jurists. If they are fine we will implement it". 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The CJI said that it wanted to help the litigants who lose their properties after a prolonged legal battle and have been given a judgement in English which they cannot even understand. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
He stressed on the need for providing judgements in vernacular languages but rued manpower crunch and other resources in implementing the idea. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"At this moment it is very difficult to say whether it will be translated in other languages as well. We have a gross deficiency of resources," he said.

The Centre's clearing of names of four chief justices of high courts for elevation as Supreme Court judges within 48 hours of the recommendation has left Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi awe-struck.

The Centre's clearing of names of four chief justices of high courts for elevation as Supreme Court judges within 48 hours of the recommendation has left Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi awe-struck. The apex court collegium, headed by the CJI and comprising its four-senior most judges, had on October 30 recommended to the Centre the names of the four judges for the elevation, and they took the oath of office on Friday. "We sent the recommendations at about 11 o'clock on Wednesday and on Wednesday evening, when I was informed that the medical (test of the judges to be elevated) has been done, I myself was very shocked. I couldn't believe it. I said what you are saying. I am as much in awe as you are," the CJI said in an informal chat with journalists covering the apex court. When a senior journalist asked Justice Gogoi that he has created history as he was the first person from the north-east zone to become the CJI and he got cleared the names of judges from the Centre within 48 hours, he said that the best person would be the Law Minister to answer this. The CJI, who on Thursday inaugurated the Centre for Research and Planning, an "in-house think tank" also made an important announcement that the apex court would provide translated copies of its judgments to litigants in their mother tongue if they are unable to understand English. "To start with, we may do it in Hindi," the CJI said. The CJI, who was accompanied by fourth senior most judge Justice S A Bobde and his successor during his interaction with the scribes, dismissed the query as to how he was sure that Justice Bobde would succeed him. "Yes of course. There can be no doubt on that," Justice Gogoi said and outlined his idea to tackle the cases by the benches of different strength in future. He said that on Mondays and Fridays, the court takes up miscellaneous cases and there was no need of many three-judge benches and this would increase the number of courts, he said. He also made light of the recent controversy in which second senior most judge Akil Kureshi of the Gujarat High Court could not become the Acting Chief Justice as the Centre notified his junior Justice AS Dave to the post. The post of Acting Chief Justice in the Gujarat High Court had fallen vacant due to the elevation of Justice Subhash Reddy to the Supreme Court. "We all make mistakes and we correct ourselves. Kureshi is the senior-most judge. There is no mystery in it," the CJI said, adding that a second notification corrected the mistake. Now Justice Kureshi will remain the Acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court till November 14 and he would be joining the Bombay High Court a day later. In response to the query that the Centre has not honoured the recommendations of the collegium to appoint nearly 40 judges in high courts, the CJI said, "I did not say it has not been honoured by the government. I will not say it has not been honoured. It has been kept pending. So that's around 40. Maybe it could be a little more." On the issue of "in-house think tank", the CJI said, it will help in "judicial reforms, judicial jurisprudence and judicial education". "We have to evolve. Nobody is denying the fact that there is a need for judicial reforms. I have ideas. I have ideas which are being implemented from time to time but these are the people which will be doing the research on the prevailing system in so many jurisprudence and so many jurisdictions," he said. The think tank would give the judges inputs, and academician Mohan Gopal and his small team will give us the "inputs and the inputs will be debated by the jurists. If they are fine we will implement it". The CJI said that it wanted to help the litigants who lose their properties after a prolonged legal battle and have been given a judgement in English which they cannot even understand. He stressed on the need for providing judgements in vernacular languages but rued manpower crunch and other resources in implementing the idea. "At this moment it is very difficult to say whether it will be translated in other languages as well. We have a gross deficiency of resources," he said.

CJI in awe as Centre clears names of 4 judges for elevation to SC in 48 hours

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a PIL seeking that the Centre and the National Commission for Women (NCW) to on their own inquire about the instances of sexual harassment and assault highlighted under the #MeToo movement on the social media.&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao said, “We are not inclined to entertain it. Please don’t waste our time. Let the affected individual come. Dismissed.”

The petition by a lawyer, Joginder Kumar Sukhija, said that under the #MeToo campaign several women disclosed instances of sexual harassment suffered by them, but the NCW “failed” to perform its duty to inquire into such matters.&nbsp;

The lawyer wanted the NCW and the Ministry for Women and Child Development to “suo motu take notice” of matters related to sexual harassment and assault that were appearing on the social media under the #MeToo movement.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a PIL seeking that the Centre and the National Commission for Women (NCW) to on their own inquire about the instances of sexual harassment and assault highlighted under the #MeToo movement on the social media.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a PIL seeking that the Centre and the National Commission for Women (NCW) to on their own inquire about the instances of sexual harassment and assault highlighted under the #MeToo movement on the social media. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao said, “We are not inclined to entertain it. Please don’t waste our time. Let the affected individual come. Dismissed.” The petition by a lawyer, Joginder Kumar Sukhija, said that under the #MeToo campaign several women disclosed instances of sexual harassment suffered by them, but the NCW “failed” to perform its duty to inquire into such matters. The lawyer wanted the NCW and the Ministry for Women and Child Development to “suo motu take notice” of matters related to sexual harassment and assault that were appearing on the social media under the #MeToo movement.

Delhi HC junks PIL asking Centre, NCW to inquire about #MeToo cases on social media

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the central government for pricing details of the Rafale deal. The court also asked for details of the deal's offset partner.&nbsp;

The court told the government that details of the deal that should legitimately be in the public domain should be shared with the petitioners who have filed PILs against the deal.&nbsp;

The court added that the details should be handed over in a sealed cover within the next 10 days.&nbsp;

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Supreme Court asks Centre to give details of the pricing and strategic details of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> aircraft in a sealed cover to the court, in 10 days. <a href="https://t.co/wqKbErKpbh">pic.twitter.com/wqKbErKpbh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057503215422504962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Supreme Court asks Central government to disclose information on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> deal which can be legitimately put in public domain and information on induction of Indian offset partner be furnished to petitioners who have filed PILs <a href="https://t.co/XWMpffILGJ">https://t.co/XWMpffILGJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057504656270811136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The court made clear Wednesday that it did not want technical details of the deal, saying that none of the PILs filed against the deal had challenged the suitability of the fighter jet.&nbsp;

The court also added that the government did not need to hand over any details that were secret, or which might affect national security.&nbsp;

Attorney General KK Venugopal however told the court that the deal's pricing details could not be shared with the court, in reply to which the court ordered the Centre to file an affidavit saying why that was so.&nbsp;

The court had earlier asked the government for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-supreme-court-asks-govt-for-details-of-decision-making-process-170590">details of the deal's decision-making process</a>.&nbsp;

The opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal. &nbsp;

An original deal to buy 126 Rafale fighter planes from France's Dassault Aviation had been brokered by the UPA government. Then, in 2015, Modi signed a new government-to-government deal with then French president Francois Hollande to buy 36 of the planes.&nbsp;

The opposition — led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi — says the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale. The opposition has also accused the government of crony capitalism.&nbsp;

According to India's defence acquisition rules, a foreign company making a large sale to India has to funnel 30% of the money paid to it back into India. That by definition requires it to have an Indian partner or partners.&nbsp;

The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries.&nbsp;

The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it but Hollande, while on a trip to India, recently said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the central government for pricing details of the Rafale deal. The court also asked for details of the deal's offset partner.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the central government for pricing details of the Rafale deal. The court also asked for details of the deal's offset partner. The court told the government that details of the deal that should legitimately be in the public domain should be shared with the petitioners who have filed PILs against the deal. The court added that the details should be handed over in a sealed cover within the next 10 days. Supreme Court asks Centre to give details of the pricing and strategic details of #Rafale aircraft in a sealed cover to the court, in 10 days. pic.twitter.com/wqKbErKpbh — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2018 × Supreme Court asks Central government to disclose information on #Rafale deal which can be legitimately put in public domain and information on induction of Indian offset partner be furnished to petitioners who have filed PILs https://t.co/XWMpffILGJ — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2018 × The court made clear Wednesday that it did not want technical details of the deal, saying that none of the PILs filed against the deal had challenged the suitability of the fighter jet. The court also added that the government did not need to hand over any details that were secret, or which might affect national security. Attorney General KK Venugopal however told the court that the deal's pricing details could not be shared with the court, in reply to which the court ordered the Centre to file an affidavit saying why that was so. The court had earlier asked the government for details of the deal's decision-making process. The opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal. An original deal to buy 126 Rafale fighter planes from France's Dassault Aviation had been brokered by the UPA government. Then, in 2015, Modi signed a new government-to-government deal with then French president Francois Hollande to buy 36 of the planes. The opposition — led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi — says the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale. The opposition has also accused the government of crony capitalism. According to India's defence acquisition rules, a foreign company making a large sale to India has to funnel 30% of the money paid to it back into India. That by definition requires it to have an Indian partner or partners. The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries. The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it but Hollande, while on a trip to India, recently said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name.

Rafale deal: SC asks Centre for pricing details, govt says cannot share

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress has termed the move against Verma "illegal and unconstitutional".&nbsp;

Top Congress leaders took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration outside the CBI headquarters. Leaders of other parties also joined the protest as a mark of solidarity.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress workers stage protest against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>. <a href="https://t.co/BRk8Vvwvgv">pic.twitter.com/BRk8Vvwvgv</a>
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Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the Congress protest that started from outside Dayal Singh College on Lodhi Road.&nbsp;

Gandhi got on to a truck in front of the police barricades put up outside the CBI headquarters to prevent the protesters from reaching the building.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress has termed the move against Verma "illegal and unconstitutional". Top Congress leaders took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration outside the CBI headquarters. Leaders of other parties also joined the protest as a mark of solidarity. #WATCH: Congress workers stage protest against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma in #Delhi. pic.twitter.com/BRk8Vvwvgv — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 × Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the Congress protest that started from outside Dayal Singh College on Lodhi Road. Gandhi got on to a truck in front of the police barricades put up outside the CBI headquarters to prevent the protesters from reaching the building. #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot lead the protest march to CBI HQ against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma. pic.twitter.com/7FNkhoWQCb — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 ×

Watch: Rahul leads protest march to CBI headquarters

The Centre is ready to hold talks with anyone including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-vows-to-hold-peace-talks-with-india-173006">Pakistan</a> but terror and dialogue can never go together, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here Tuesday.

The Home Minister, who reviewed the security situation in the state, told reporters that over the past four to five months there has been a big shift as incidents of stone-pelting have come down and the recruitment of militants has also decreased.

Singh met representatives of various political parties in Srinagar during his day-long visit here and said he has appealed to all of them to participate in the upcoming panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Asked about the controversy over Article 35-A, the Union Minister said the Centre has no proposal to change any constitutional provision regarding Jammu and Kashmir.

He congratulated the state on the successful conduct of urban local bodies elections in a fair and transparent manner and said the holding of ULB and panchayat polls in the state is a historical step.

"Biggest of problems can be faced and issues resolved through democratic means.&nbsp; 
Many problems of Jammu and Kashmir can also be addressed through democracy. I appeal to people of the state to take part in this festival of democracy," he said at a press conference here.

Singh said those who do not believe in democracy can never be well-wishers of people.

The National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party had boycotted the recent urban bodies election in Jammu and Kashmir.

Singh told reporters that as far as talks are concerned, the government has no problem in holding dialogue with anyone.

"But there is a condition from our side. At least, they should see that Pakistan is sponsoring terrorism in India and promoting terrorism also. Give us this much of assurance that there will not be any such attempt by Pakistan. Terror and dialogue both can never go together," he said.

Asked if there was any initiative to hold talks with separatists, Singh said the government will talk to anyone who is willing to enter dialogue, but refused to elaborate.&nbsp;

"Government will not shy away from talks. We have been saying this time and again, anyone who wants to talk, we are ready," he said,

Singh said India has made all efforts on its part but Pakistan did not take any positive step to improve ties.

"Our Prime Minister, breaking all protocols, went there and met Pakistan Prime Minister, met his family members. Why did he meet? Our relations should be neighbourly. But from their side, they did not take any positive step," Singh said. 
In response to a question, the Home Minister said the Centre has no proposal to change any constitutional provision regarding Jammu and Kashmir.

"There is no initiative by the Centre on this (Article 35-A). The provisions in the Constitution are there and the Centre has not tinkered with any of those provisions. It is difficult to answer when a non-issue is made into an issue," he said.

The Home Minister said the Centre and the state government are working together to improve the life of people of the state.

"We want to engage the youth of the state in a constructive way. The state government along with the Centre has taken several initiatives in this regard. Through the Home Ministry alone, we are providing 11,000 jobs by various initiatives which will be implemented in several stages.

"Through various schemes of the central government, steps are afoot to provide employment to nearly 2.5 lakh youths of the state. Our government will provide all assistance needed that will help the youth of the state to chart their own destiny," he said.

On the local bodies elections, Singh said it was for the first time that an attempt has been made to empower the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh through devolution of power.&nbsp;

Every panchayat of the state will get Rs 60 lakh to Rs 70 lakh every year for carrying out development works in their respective areas, he said.

"The aim of empowering these bodies is to make them autonomous so that they can resolve their issues," he said.

On Centre's interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, the Minister said he will continue in his role till talks are held.

He termed as "very unfortunate" the death of seven civilians in a blast after an encounter had ended in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir and appealed to people not to venture such places where security operations were on.

The minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for next of kin of the deceased.

"If there is an operation by security forces, I appeal the people that they should not try to go there. The security forces do take precautions and we have repeatedly directed them to do it," he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Centre is ready to hold talks with anyone including Pakistan but terror and dialogue can never go together, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here Tuesday.

The Centre is ready to hold talks with anyone including Pakistan but terror and dialogue can never go together, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here Tuesday. The Home Minister, who reviewed the security situation in the state, told reporters that over the past four to five months there has been a big shift as incidents of stone-pelting have come down and the recruitment of militants has also decreased. Singh met representatives of various political parties in Srinagar during his day-long visit here and said he has appealed to all of them to participate in the upcoming panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Asked about the controversy over Article 35-A, the Union Minister said the Centre has no proposal to change any constitutional provision regarding Jammu and Kashmir. He congratulated the state on the successful conduct of urban local bodies elections in a fair and transparent manner and said the holding of ULB and panchayat polls in the state is a historical step. "Biggest of problems can be faced and issues resolved through democratic means. Many problems of Jammu and Kashmir can also be addressed through democracy. I appeal to people of the state to take part in this festival of democracy," he said at a press conference here. Singh said those who do not believe in democracy can never be well-wishers of people. The National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party had boycotted the recent urban bodies election in Jammu and Kashmir. Singh told reporters that as far as talks are concerned, the government has no problem in holding dialogue with anyone. "But there is a condition from our side. At least, they should see that Pakistan is sponsoring terrorism in India and promoting terrorism also. Give us this much of assurance that there will not be any such attempt by Pakistan. Terror and dialogue both can never go together," he said. Asked if there was any initiative to hold talks with separatists, Singh said the government will talk to anyone who is willing to enter dialogue, but refused to elaborate. "Government will not shy away from talks. We have been saying this time and again, anyone who wants to talk, we are ready," he said, Singh said India has made all efforts on its part but Pakistan did not take any positive step to improve ties. "Our Prime Minister, breaking all protocols, went there and met Pakistan Prime Minister, met his family members. Why did he meet? Our relations should be neighbourly. But from their side, they did not take any positive step," Singh said. In response to a question, the Home Minister said the Centre has no proposal to change any constitutional provision regarding Jammu and Kashmir. "There is no initiative by the Centre on this (Article 35-A). The provisions in the Constitution are there and the Centre has not tinkered with any of those provisions. It is difficult to answer when a non-issue is made into an issue," he said. The Home Minister said the Centre and the state government are working together to improve the life of people of the state. "We want to engage the youth of the state in a constructive way. The state government along with the Centre has taken several initiatives in this regard. Through the Home Ministry alone, we are providing 11,000 jobs by various initiatives which will be implemented in several stages. "Through various schemes of the central government, steps are afoot to provide employment to nearly 2.5 lakh youths of the state. Our government will provide all assistance needed that will help the youth of the state to chart their own destiny," he said. On the local bodies elections, Singh said it was for the first time that an attempt has been made to empower the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh through devolution of power. Every panchayat of the state will get Rs 60 lakh to Rs 70 lakh every year for carrying out development works in their respective areas, he said. "The aim of empowering these bodies is to make them autonomous so that they can resolve their issues," he said. On Centre's interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, the Minister said he will continue in his role till talks are held. He termed as "very unfortunate" the death of seven civilians in a blast after an encounter had ended in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir and appealed to people not to venture such places where security operations were on. The minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for next of kin of the deceased. "If there is an operation by security forces, I appeal the people that they should not try to go there. The security forces do take precautions and we have repeatedly directed them to do it," he said.

Government ready to talk to anyone, including Pakistan: Rajnath Singh in Kashmir

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre and others on a plea seeking an Assam-style NRC in Tripura.&nbsp;

Assam released the second and final draft of its NRC on July 30. The Supreme Court-mandated National Register of Citizens, which aims to decide who is a citizen of Assam, and therefore of India, has left 40 lakh people off its roles.&nbsp;

It is unclear what will finally happen to these 40 lakh people. Commentators have said they might end up like the Rohingya — a stateless people.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said on July 30 that none of the 40 lakh people are going to be deported. He added that they would also have full recourse to the law. That is, the 40 lakh people are going to be allowed to appeal their exclusion from the NRC.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah however has on more than once occassion said all Bangladeshi "infiltrators" will be tracked down and deported. He has also compared Bangladesh immigrants in India to "termites" saying they are a drain on the state's resources.&nbsp;

Bangladesh has said the comments were "unwanted".&nbsp;

On Sunday, news reports quoted Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb as saying the state would go in for an NRC-like exercise if it turned out to be successful in Assam.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre and others on a plea seeking an Assam-style NRC in Tripura. Assam released the second and final draft of its NRC on July 30.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre and others on a plea seeking an Assam-style NRC in Tripura. Assam released the second and final draft of its NRC on July 30. The Supreme Court-mandated National Register of Citizens, which aims to decide who is a citizen of Assam, and therefore of India, has left 40 lakh people off its roles. It is unclear what will finally happen to these 40 lakh people. Commentators have said they might end up like the Rohingya — a stateless people. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said on July 30 that none of the 40 lakh people are going to be deported. He added that they would also have full recourse to the law. That is, the 40 lakh people are going to be allowed to appeal their exclusion from the NRC. BJP president Amit Shah however has on more than once occassion said all Bangladeshi "infiltrators" will be tracked down and deported. He has also compared Bangladesh immigrants in India to "termites" saying they are a drain on the state's resources. Bangladesh has said the comments were "unwanted". On Sunday, news reports quoted Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb as saying the state would go in for an NRC-like exercise if it turned out to be successful in Assam.

Plea for NRC in Tripura: Supreme Court issues notice to Centre, others

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance.

After meeting the protesting farmers at the Delhi-UP border, Union minister of state for agriculture Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said the government was assuring the farmers to take forward their cause.

"I assure you all this. We will move court over the NGT order (to ban tractor and vehicles which are more than 10 years old)," he said.

On another problem faced by the farmers about farm labour, the minister said the government would look at bringing in some changes to the minimum wage rules for rural areas to solve this problem.

"The government has formed a committee of six chief ministers to look into this issue of labour for farm. The committee is in talks to connect MNREGA with agriculture,"&nbsp;Shekhawat added.

"On behalf of (Union Home Minister) Rajnath Singh, I assure you that I will represent the farmers' interests in this committee and whatever changes would be required to link MNREGA with agriculture will be made," Shekhawat told the farmers.

The protesting farmers, however, decided to stay put at the Delhi border, where they have been stopped by the police from entering the national capital.

Naresh Tikait, the chief of Bharat Kisan Union (BKU), which has given the protest call, said the farmers are "not satisfied" with the government's assurance.

"We will discuss this and then decide on future course of action. I can't decide anything alone, our committee will take the decision," he added.

The farmers were marching towards Delhi over demands ranging from farm loan waiver to cut in fuel prices, but were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border with police using water cannons to disperse them.

The farmers, riding tractors and trolleys, broke barricades of the UP Police and then started proceeding towards the barricades put up by the Delhi Police, a senior police officer said.

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance.

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance. After meeting the protesting farmers at the Delhi-UP border, Union minister of state for agriculture Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said the government was assuring the farmers to take forward their cause. "I assure you all this. We will move court over the NGT order (to ban tractor and vehicles which are more than 10 years old)," he said. On another problem faced by the farmers about farm labour, the minister said the government would look at bringing in some changes to the minimum wage rules for rural areas to solve this problem. "The government has formed a committee of six chief ministers to look into this issue of labour for farm. The committee is in talks to connect MNREGA with agriculture," Shekhawat added. "On behalf of (Union Home Minister) Rajnath Singh, I assure you that I will represent the farmers' interests in this committee and whatever changes would be required to link MNREGA with agriculture will be made," Shekhawat told the farmers. The protesting farmers, however, decided to stay put at the Delhi border, where they have been stopped by the police from entering the national capital. Naresh Tikait, the chief of Bharat Kisan Union (BKU), which has given the protest call, said the farmers are "not satisfied" with the government's assurance. "We will discuss this and then decide on future course of action. I can't decide anything alone, our committee will take the decision," he added. The farmers were marching towards Delhi over demands ranging from farm loan waiver to cut in fuel prices, but were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border with police using water cannons to disperse them. The farmers, riding tractors and trolleys, broke barricades of the UP Police and then started proceeding towards the barricades put up by the Delhi Police, a senior police officer said.

Agriculture minister assures protesting farmers Centre's help

Seeing the threat of rising terrorism in the country and making an effort to thwart communication between terrorists and their contacts in tempestuous areas, the government has turned its attention towards the cross-platform messaging application named WhatsApp. The home ministry is now investigating as to how it can block the WhatsApp calling service rendered by the application in order to prevent terrorist getting information from their sources. 
 
Officials in the Home Ministry said that many a time whenever there are cross borders firing, terrorists use the WhatsApp calling feature of the application and get in touch with their associates sitting across the border. 
 
This issue was discussed in a meeting held in the North Block chaired by the Union home Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Monday. 
 
"WhatsApp calling and messaging has now become the preferred medium of communication for anti-national forces and we are right now clueless about keeping a tab on it. We need a policy where, when it comes to national security, these apps will be forced to share information with the security agencies," an officer said. 
 
According to the officer, there has been a massive rise in end-to-end cipher using these applications. It means that even if the data traffic is intercepted, they face the challenge of breaking down the cipher to extract information. 
 
Officials in the security apparatus said that it important for the Telecom Ministry and the Home Ministry to formulate a policy under which multinational mediums like Whatsaap, whose headquarters is situated in a different country, come under the eyes of the Indian Laws.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
The Home ministry is under pressure as the recent arrest of the terror-related cases showcase that terrorists get information from their sources sitting across the border. This is evident when the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists arrested by the National Investigation Agency(NIA) revealed they were directed from across the border handlers with the help of a Whatsapp call. 
 
The attack in the army camp by Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists killed seven army men. 
 
The NIA has taken the custody of three people arrested by the state police under the allegation of being involved in guiding terrorists which included taking them from the border to the army base camp.

This issue was discussed in a meeting held in the North Block chaired by the Union home Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Monday.

Seeing the threat of rising terrorism in the country and making an effort to thwart communication between terrorists and their contacts in tempestuous areas, the government has turned its attention towards the cross-platform messaging application named WhatsApp. The home ministry is now investigating as to how it can block the WhatsApp calling service rendered by the application in order to prevent terrorist getting information from their sources. Officials in the Home Ministry said that many a time whenever there are cross borders firing, terrorists use the WhatsApp calling feature of the application and get in touch with their associates sitting across the border. This issue was discussed in a meeting held in the North Block chaired by the Union home Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Monday. "WhatsApp calling and messaging has now become the preferred medium of communication for anti-national forces and we are right now clueless about keeping a tab on it. We need a policy where, when it comes to national security, these apps will be forced to share information with the security agencies," an officer said. According to the officer, there has been a massive rise in end-to-end cipher using these applications. It means that even if the data traffic is intercepted, they face the challenge of breaking down the cipher to extract information. Officials in the security apparatus said that it important for the Telecom Ministry and the Home Ministry to formulate a policy under which multinational mediums like Whatsaap, whose headquarters is situated in a different country, come under the eyes of the Indian Laws. The Home ministry is under pressure as the recent arrest of the terror-related cases showcase that terrorists get information from their sources sitting across the border. This is evident when the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists arrested by the National Investigation Agency(NIA) revealed they were directed from across the border handlers with the help of a Whatsapp call. The attack in the army camp by Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists killed seven army men. The NIA has taken the custody of three people arrested by the state police under the allegation of being involved in guiding terrorists which included taking them from the border to the army base camp.

Centre mulls blocking WhatsApp calls in insurgency-affected areas

The Government of India is looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from the private sector.&nbsp;

"Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said.&nbsp;

Candidates are expected to be graduates, over 40 years of age, and with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the aforementioned fields.&nbsp;

The 10 applicants who get the jobs will be given three-year contracts, which can be extended up to 5 years.&nbsp;

They will be paid Rs 1.44 lakh to Rs 2.18 lakh a month, over and above which they will be given government housing&nbsp;and, if required, a vehicle.&nbsp;

The last date to apply to the posts is July 30.&nbsp;

There is currently a shortage of Joint Secretary-level officers at the Centre and a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) had last year recommended the lateral entry of professionals to make up the shortfall.&nbsp;

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It's an endeavour to get the best from whichever source available. It's motivated with focus on allowing every Indian citizen a fair chance to ensure their growth depending on their potential: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh on GoI notification for lateral entry of 10 positions as Jt Secy <a href="https://t.co/5nuFa9egAj">pic.twitter.com/5nuFa9egAj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005742003022323712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 10 Joint Secretaries will be hired in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce

The Government of India is looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from the private sector. "Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said. Candidates are expected to be graduates, over 40 years of age, and with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the aforementioned fields. The 10 applicants who get the jobs will be given three-year contracts, which can be extended up to 5 years. They will be paid Rs 1.44 lakh to Rs 2.18 lakh a month, over and above which they will be given government housing and, if required, a vehicle. The last date to apply to the posts is July 30. There is currently a shortage of Joint Secretary-level officers at the Centre and a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) had last year recommended the lateral entry of professionals to make up the shortfall. It's an endeavour to get the best from whichever source available. It's motivated with focus on allowing every Indian citizen a fair chance to ensure their growth depending on their potential: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh on GoI notification for lateral entry of 10 positions as Jt Secy pic.twitter.com/5nuFa9egAj — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 ×

Government of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from private sector

The Central government is going to announce Rs 7,000 crore package which includes the creation of a buffer stock, fixing a minimum sale price for sugar and to ensure cash-starved mills clear dues to farmers at the earliest, sources said.&nbsp;

A decision in this regard is expected to be taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) scheduled tomorrow, the sources added.

Last month, the government had announced a Rs 1,500 crore production-linked subsidy for sugarcane farmers to help millers pay cane payments.

Sugar mills are unable to make payments to cane growers as their financial health has worsened due to a sharp fall in sugar prices after a record production of 31.6 million tonne (MT) so far in the 2017-18 season (October-September).

Maximum cane dues of more than Rs 12,000 crore are in Uttar Pradesh alone, the country's biggest sugarcane producing state.

According to sources, the government has worked out a slew of measures to ensure farmers' dues are cleared by mills.

India’s domestic sugar production at over 31.5 million tonnes in 2017-18 is the highest ever, and the resultant crash in wholesale prices meant mills were unable to pay farmers on time.&nbsp;

India, the second largest producer of sugar after Brazil is home to nearly 50 million cane farmers, mostly in UP, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Further, about 500,000 workers are directly employed by sugar mills.

Maximum cane dues of more than Rs 12,000 crore are in Uttar Pradesh alone, the country's biggest sugarcane producing state.

The Central government is going to announce Rs 7,000 crore package which includes the creation of a buffer stock, fixing a minimum sale price for sugar and to ensure cash-starved mills clear dues to farmers at the earliest, sources said. A decision in this regard is expected to be taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) scheduled tomorrow, the sources added. Last month, the government had announced a Rs 1,500 crore production-linked subsidy for sugarcane farmers to help millers pay cane payments. Sugar mills are unable to make payments to cane growers as their financial health has worsened due to a sharp fall in sugar prices after a record production of 31.6 million tonne (MT) so far in the 2017-18 season (October-September). Maximum cane dues of more than Rs 12,000 crore are in Uttar Pradesh alone, the country's biggest sugarcane producing state. According to sources, the government has worked out a slew of measures to ensure farmers' dues are cleared by mills. India’s domestic sugar production at over 31.5 million tonnes in 2017-18 is the highest ever, and the resultant crash in wholesale prices meant mills were unable to pay farmers on time. India, the second largest producer of sugar after Brazil is home to nearly 50 million cane farmers, mostly in UP, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Further, about 500,000 workers are directly employed by sugar mills.

Centre likely to announce bailout package of Rs 7,000 crore for sugarcane farmers

The Centre has rushed 10 additional companies of paramilitary personnel to Shillong after fresh violence broke out there Sunday night. A top officer said police had to use tear gas to quell a mob.

Shillong has been on edge since Thursday following clashes between residents of the city's Punjabi Line area and Khasi drivers of state-run buses.

A four-member delegation sent by Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to the state met Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma in Shillong. ANI reported Sangma as assuring the safety and security of the city's Punjabi Line residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Top Union home ministry officials have also been in touch with Meghalaya government officials.&nbsp;

Sangma had earlier said the clashes are <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/shillong-clash-not-communal-says-cm-curfew-relaxed-for-7-hours-141984">not communal</a>.&nbsp;

"The problem is very much in a particular locality, on a particular issue. It just happened that two particular communities were involved, but it's not a communal thing," Sangma said on Sunday.

The clashes in Shillong, he added, were given a communal colour by vested groups and a section of the media outside the state.

News reports said some 400 protesters targeted a CRPF camp in Shillong on Sunday night.

Normal life continues to be affected in the town. Authorities have imposed curfew in the capital city to curtail any fresh violence.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a>: Army conducted flag march in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shillong?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shillong</a> in the wake of violence after clashes broke out between two groups following escalation of an argument between a woman & a bus conductor. <a href="https://t.co/MGqCjtbSL6">pic.twitter.com/MGqCjtbSL6</a>
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Violence broke out last Thursday after two groups of people in the city's Punjabi Line area clashed after a bus handyman was allegedly beaten up by a group of residents. The clash&nbsp;had been sparked by a fight between the handyman and a woman.&nbsp;

More than 10 people, including policemen, were injured in the violence. One person has been arrested so far in connection with the incident.

Late on Friday night, the Army carried out a flag march in various areas of the town.&nbsp;

News reports said some 400 protesters targeted a CRPF camp in Shillong on Sunday night. Normal life continues to be affected in the town

The Centre has rushed 10 additional companies of paramilitary personnel to Shillong after fresh violence broke out there Sunday night. A top officer said police had to use tear gas to quell a mob. Shillong has been on edge since Thursday following clashes between residents of the city's Punjabi Line area and Khasi drivers of state-run buses. A four-member delegation sent by Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to the state met Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma in Shillong. ANI reported Sangma as assuring the safety and security of the city's Punjabi Line residents. Top Union home ministry officials have also been in touch with Meghalaya government officials. Sangma had earlier said the clashes are not communal. "The problem is very much in a particular locality, on a particular issue. It just happened that two particular communities were involved, but it's not a communal thing," Sangma said on Sunday. The clashes in Shillong, he added, were given a communal colour by vested groups and a section of the media outside the state. News reports said some 400 protesters targeted a CRPF camp in Shillong on Sunday night. Normal life continues to be affected in the town. Authorities have imposed curfew in the capital city to curtail any fresh violence. #Meghalaya: Army conducted flag march in #Shillong in the wake of violence after clashes broke out between two groups following escalation of an argument between a woman & a bus conductor. pic.twitter.com/MGqCjtbSL6 — ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2018 × Violence broke out last Thursday after two groups of people in the city's Punjabi Line area clashed after a bus handyman was allegedly beaten up by a group of residents. The clash had been sparked by a fight between the handyman and a woman. More than 10 people, including policemen, were injured in the violence. One person has been arrested so far in connection with the incident. Late on Friday night, the Army carried out a flag march in various areas of the town.

After fresh violence, Centre rushes 1,000 paramilitary personnel to Shillong

Head of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Masood Azhar on Saturday mocked the May 16 ceasefire declaration by the Indian government.&nbsp;

Azhar has said the Indian government was forced to declare a ceasefire in Kashmir out of compulsion and it has left open space for JeM.

Azhar's statements came out in an audio clip released by the Jaish-e-Mohammad, where he is heard addressing a gathering of new recruits.&nbsp;

According to intelligence sources, the terror chief has been stationed in Pakistan's Bahawalpur province, where he is training new recruits under a new programme which started on May 1 earlier this year.

Interestingly, JeM had claimed responsibility for the multiple grenade attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

India holds Azhar responsible for many terrorist acts in India including the 13 December 2001 attack on India’s parliament as well as the 2 January 2016 attack on the Pathankot airbase.&nbsp;

The Centre on May 16 had announced a ceasefire in J&K, directing the security forces to halt their operations during the holy month of Ramzan.&nbsp;

A week after the declaration, terrorists conducted a strike, the first since the ceasefire announcement by attacking an Indian Army camp located in the Pulwama district of South Kashmir and killing an Army jawan and a civilian.

Recently, Security agencies sounded a high alert in Jammu and Kashmir after intelligence reports warned that Jaish-e-Mohammad militants have sneaked from across the Line of Control (LoC) and planned major fidayeen attacks in next few days.

A security official said intelligence reports were received about that a group of heavily armed Jaish militants have entered the state from different sectors of LoC.

Azhar's statements came out in an audio clip released by the party, where he is heard addressing a gathering a new recruits.

Head of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Masood Azhar on Saturday mocked the May 16 ceasefire declaration by the Indian government. Azhar has said the Indian government was forced to declare a ceasefire in Kashmir out of compulsion and it has left open space for JeM. Azhar's statements came out in an audio clip released by the Jaish-e-Mohammad, where he is heard addressing a gathering of new recruits. According to intelligence sources, the terror chief has been stationed in Pakistan's Bahawalpur province, where he is training new recruits under a new programme which started on May 1 earlier this year. Interestingly, JeM had claimed responsibility for the multiple grenade attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. India holds Azhar responsible for many terrorist acts in India including the 13 December 2001 attack on India’s parliament as well as the 2 January 2016 attack on the Pathankot airbase. The Centre on May 16 had announced a ceasefire in J&K, directing the security forces to halt their operations during the holy month of Ramzan. A week after the declaration, terrorists conducted a strike, the first since the ceasefire announcement by attacking an Indian Army camp located in the Pulwama district of South Kashmir and killing an Army jawan and a civilian. Recently, Security agencies sounded a high alert in Jammu and Kashmir after intelligence reports warned that Jaish-e-Mohammad militants have sneaked from across the Line of Control (LoC) and planned major fidayeen attacks in next few days. A security official said intelligence reports were received about that a group of heavily armed Jaish militants have entered the state from different sectors of LoC.

JeM chief Masood Azhar mocks Ramzan ceasefire announced by Centre in Jammu and Kashmir

The Congress-led UDF in Kerala on Sunday attacked the Centre and said that frequent hike in prices of petroleum products was because the BJP-led government at the Centre was allegedly colluding with oil companies to 'help' them make 'unfair' profits.

The price of petrol and diesel had reached a record high in the country, PTI quoted Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala as saying.&nbsp

The price of petrol in the state capital was Rs 80 per litre and diesel Rs 73 per litre, he added.

The Leader of the Opposition in the assembly criticised the CPI(M)-led LDF government in the state, saying it was not doing anything to alleviate the sufferings of the people due to the frequent hike in the prices of fuel.

When the UDF was in power, it kept a check on the price of petroleum products by doing away with the additional tax, he added.&nbsp

The Leader of the Opposition in the assembly criticised the CPI(M)-led LDF government in the state, saying it was not doing anything to alleviate the sufferings of the people due to the frequent hike in the prices of fuel.

The Congress-led UDF in Kerala on Sunday attacked the Centre and said that frequent hike in prices of petroleum products was because the BJP-led government at the Centre was allegedly colluding with oil companies to 'help' them make 'unfair' profits. The price of petrol and diesel had reached a record high in the country, PTI quoted Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala as saying. The price of petrol in the state capital was Rs 80 per litre and diesel Rs 73 per litre, he added. The Leader of the Opposition in the assembly criticised the CPI(M)-led LDF government in the state, saying it was not doing anything to alleviate the sufferings of the people due to the frequent hike in the prices of fuel. When the UDF was in power, it kept a check on the price of petroleum products by doing away with the additional tax, he added.

Centre colluding with oil companies to 'help' them make 'unfair' profits: UDF

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-agrees-unanimously-to-send-justice-km-josephs-name-for-elevation-to-sc-back-to-centre-136144">Collegium agrees unanimously to send Justice KM Joseph's name for elevation to SC back to Centre</a>

The Supreme Court collegium has unanimously agreed to send its nomination of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph for elevation to the Supreme Court back to the Centre.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/without-nepal-indias-history-is-incomplete-pm-modi-at-janakpur-136068">Without Nepal India's history is incomplete: PM Modi at Janakpur</a>

The Prime Minister opened his address in Nepalese dialect and went on to express happiness over visiting the Himalayan nation. He stated that he wanted to visit Janakpur for long.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-maharashtra-ats-chief-himanshu-roy-commits-suicide-136091">Former Maharashtra ATS chief Himanshu Roy shoots himself</a>

Former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Chief Himanshu Roy committed suicide in Mumbai today by shooting himself with his service revolver. Himanshu Roy allegedly shot himself at his home in Mumbai. He was rushed to the Mumbai Hospital where he was declared dead.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-announces-restrictions-on-us-diplomats-says-they-will-not-be-allowed-to-roam-freely-136125">Pakistan announces restrictions on US diplomats, says they will not be allowed to roam freely</a>

Pakistan's Foreign Office has announced that all the United States diplomats in the country would face restrictions as part of which they will not be able to roam around freely from now.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-syria-has-every-right-to-defend-itself-against-israel-136132">Iran says Syria has every right to defend itself against Israel</a>

Iran on Friday supported Syria's right to defend itself against aggression from Israel, state TV reported, accusing others of remaining silent over the attacks on Tehran's key regional ally.

Collegium agrees unanimously to send Justice KM Joseph's name for elevation to SC back to Centre The Supreme Court collegium has unanimously agreed to send its nomination of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph for elevation to the Supreme Court back to the Centre. Without Nepal India's history is incomplete: PM Modi at Janakpur The Prime Minister opened his address in Nepalese dialect and went on to express happiness over visiting the Himalayan nation. He stated that he wanted to visit Janakpur for long. Former Maharashtra ATS chief Himanshu Roy shoots himself Former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Chief Himanshu Roy committed suicide in Mumbai today by shooting himself with his service revolver. Himanshu Roy allegedly shot himself at his home in Mumbai. He was rushed to the Mumbai Hospital where he was declared dead. Pakistan announces restrictions on US diplomats, says they will not be allowed to roam freely Pakistan's Foreign Office has announced that all the United States diplomats in the country would face restrictions as part of which they will not be able to roam around freely from now. Iran says Syria has every right to defend itself against Israel Iran on Friday supported Syria's right to defend itself against aggression from Israel, state TV reported, accusing others of remaining silent over the attacks on Tehran's key regional ally.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said he will strive to get work started on the Godavari inland waterways this year. He added that once the project is completed it will change the economy of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. 
 
"Our department has done feasibility study for Godavari waterways and I will soon give orders for preparing detailed project report (DPR)," he said after laying the foundation for four national highway projects amounting to&nbspRs.&nbsp1,523 crore in Hyderabad. 
 
"The Centre will allot an initial funding of&nbspRs.&nbsp2,000 crore for this project. This is my dream project," the Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Water Resources said. 
 
Gadkari called upon the three states to contribute 10 per cent equity each for setting up a special purpose vehicle (SPV). 
 
He added that he would procure the remaining funds at lesser interest rates and asked the governments of all the three states to send the proposals. 
 
"Work on 10 waterways in the country has begun. We are bringing in seaplanes and the rules for this will be finalized in the coming months," he said. He added that waterways would substantially bring down logistical costs.

"For our industrial development, inland waterways are very important," Gadkari said. 
 
Gadkari said 3,000 TMC of Godavari water goes waste and the Centre is working on two projects to stop this flow of water. Instead, the water would be used for the benefit of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 
 
"We are working on stopping the wastage of water. Our priority is to see to it how these states will benefit from this," he added. 
 
"First we want to tap water from Indravathi and take it to tail-end of Cauvery (in Tamil Nadu) through two dams. This will be a 50,000 crore project," Gadkari added. 
 
The second plan is through Polavaram project (in Andhra Pradesh). The plan is to transfer water from the river Godavari to Krishna river and from there to Pennar river. Finally it will join with the Cauvery, he said.

Gadkari further said, "India and Pakistan have three rivers each. Our rightful share of water is flowing into Pakistan and hence I have directed the department to prepare DPR to ensure that we will be able to transfer the water to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan." 
 
He also announced approval of an additional Central Road Fund (CRF) of&nbspRs.&nbsp750 crore to Telangana in addition to the&nbspRs.&nbsp1,700 crore to the state.

Gadkari called upon the three states to contribute 10 per cent equity each for setting up a special purpose vehicle (SPV)

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said he will strive to get work started on the Godavari inland waterways this year. He added that once the project is completed it will change the economy of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. "Our department has done feasibility study for Godavari waterways and I will soon give orders for preparing detailed project report (DPR)," he said after laying the foundation for four national highway projects amounting to&nbspRs.&nbsp1,523 crore in Hyderabad. "The Centre will allot an initial funding of&nbspRs.&nbsp2,000 crore for this project. This is my dream project," the Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Water Resources said. Gadkari called upon the three states to contribute 10 per cent equity each for setting up a special purpose vehicle (SPV). He added that he would procure the remaining funds at lesser interest rates and asked the governments of all the three states to send the proposals. "Work on 10 waterways in the country has begun. We are bringing in seaplanes and the rules for this will be finalized in the coming months," he said. He added that waterways would substantially bring down logistical costs. "For our industrial development, inland waterways are very important," Gadkari said. Gadkari said 3,000 TMC of Godavari water goes waste and the Centre is working on two projects to stop this flow of water. Instead, the water would be used for the benefit of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. "We are working on stopping the wastage of water. Our priority is to see to it how these states will benefit from this," he added. "First we want to tap water from Indravathi and take it to tail-end of Cauvery (in Tamil Nadu) through two dams. This will be a 50,000 crore project," Gadkari added. The second plan is through Polavaram project (in Andhra Pradesh). The plan is to transfer water from the river Godavari to Krishna river and from there to Pennar river. Finally it will join with the Cauvery, he said. Gadkari further said, "India and Pakistan have three rivers each. Our rightful share of water is flowing into Pakistan and hence I have directed the department to prepare DPR to ensure that we will be able to transfer the water to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan." He also announced approval of an additional Central Road Fund (CRF) of&nbspRs.&nbsp750 crore to Telangana in addition to the&nbspRs.&nbsp1,700 crore to the state.

Will start work on Godavari inland waterways this year, says Nitin Gadkari

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the Centre's demand for a stay on its verdict on the SC/ST Act and said it favoured "100 per cent" the protection of the rights of these communities and punishing those guilty of atrocities against them.

The top court also strongly disagreed with the Centre's contention that its March 20 verdict had led to loss of lives in the violence that had broken out later in several states.

The Centre told the top court that its March 20 verdict, laying guidelines putting certain safeguards on the immediate arrest of a person for offences, countermanded the law enacted by the legislature and should thus be stayed and the case referred to a larger bench.

However, a bench of Justices Adarsh Goel and U U Lalit refused to stay the verdict and said various aspects and earlier judgements of the top court were considered before arriving at this conclusion.

"It's not that the judgement says there shall be no registration of crime. It's not that accused shall not be arrested. The safeguards were for the purpose that a person should not be readily arrested or an innocent punished because there was no provision of anticipatory bail under the SC/ST Act," the bench said.

The top court said under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, theoretically a person cannot get anticipatory bail, but soon after his arrest, he can get regular bail even in offences where the punishment is just six months.

"The anticipatory bail provision was not there in-laws like TADA and MCOCA, where the offences were supposed to be of greater magnitude. If there is a grave offence, this judgement will not come in the way of arrest," the bench said.

It clarified that the court has not asked for non-registration of an FIR for the offences under the SC/ST Act, but sought verification before registration of FIR, so that innocents do not get penalised.

However, Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for Centre, said after the March 20 verdict, there has been loss of lives in several parts of country and that the order contradicts the existing provisions of SC/ST Act.

"There are separation of powers which is part of the basic structure of the Constitution and the court can only lay down guidelines for disposal of a case but cannot lay guidelines in general in the nature of law, for the whole country," he said.

The bench disagreed with the submission of the AG and said there were several apex court verdicts by which rules were framed including bringing in the existence of Collegium system for appointment of judges.

Venugopal said that courts can fill up the gap in legislation but cannot lay down the guidelines which are in inconsistent with the law made by the legislation.

The bench said that it has not added a single new word in the law and just incorporated in its order, what was already existing in the law.

The Attorney General said that the March 20 judgement is in direct contradiction of section 18 of SC/ST Act (anticipatory bail), section 4 of SC/ST Act (lodging of FIR) and section 41 of CrPC (power of arrest).

He said that this judgement can be termed as "judicial activism of the court" in view of a seven-judge verdict of 2002 which dealt with "what amounts to legislation by courts".

"This is a matter which required to be settled by a larger bench as one other bench has gone into this issue and decided the law. This March 20 judgement has resulted in loss of lives," Venugopal said and sought stay of the verdict.

The bench rejected the submission and said "No, this judgement cannot be blamed for the loss of lives. We are hundred percent for the protection of rights of SC/ST community. Those who took law into their hands should be punished in accordance with law. Those at fault needs to be punished".

The bench clarified that as far as section 4 of the SC/ST Act is concerned which deals with lodging of FIR, safeguards were put to avoid false implication of an individual.

"If a DSP rank officer is satisfied with the allegation, he can certainly proceed forward and lodge an FIR against the accused under the Act. Our concern was that without verifying of the allegation no case should be lodged against an innocent," it said.

The bench said all these were done to avoid harassment of public servants from frivolous complaints and there are several verdicts of the top court in this regard.

The apex court also dismissed a recall application filed by the original applicant B K Gaikwad, who had lodged the FIR in the case.

The hearing remained inconclusive and would continue on May 16.

The Centre had moved the apex court on April 2 seeking review of its judgement by which safeguards were put on the provisions for immediate arrest under the SC/ST Act.

The top court had on April 3 refused to keep the March 20 verdict in abeyance till it decided the Centre's review petition.

The apex court had on March 20 said that on "several occasions", innocent citizens were being termed as accused and public servants deterred from performing their duties, which was never the intention of the legislature while enacting the SC/ST Act.

Several states were rocked by wide spread violence and clashes following a 'Bharat Bandh' call given by several SC/ST organisations protesting the top court's March 20 order, that claimed eight lives.

The SC clarified that it has not asked for non-registration of an FIR for the offences under the SC/ST Act.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the Centre's demand for a stay on its verdict on the SC/ST Act and said it favoured "100 per cent" the protection of the rights of these communities and punishing those guilty of atrocities against them. The top court also strongly disagreed with the Centre's contention that its March 20 verdict had led to loss of lives in the violence that had broken out later in several states. The Centre told the top court that its March 20 verdict, laying guidelines putting certain safeguards on the immediate arrest of a person for offences, countermanded the law enacted by the legislature and should thus be stayed and the case referred to a larger bench. However, a bench of Justices Adarsh Goel and U U Lalit refused to stay the verdict and said various aspects and earlier judgements of the top court were considered before arriving at this conclusion. "It's not that the judgement says there shall be no registration of crime. It's not that accused shall not be arrested. The safeguards were for the purpose that a person should not be readily arrested or an innocent punished because there was no provision of anticipatory bail under the SC/ST Act," the bench said. The top court said under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, theoretically a person cannot get anticipatory bail, but soon after his arrest, he can get regular bail even in offences where the punishment is just six months. "The anticipatory bail provision was not there in-laws like TADA and MCOCA, where the offences were supposed to be of greater magnitude. If there is a grave offence, this judgement will not come in the way of arrest," the bench said. It clarified that the court has not asked for non-registration of an FIR for the offences under the SC/ST Act, but sought verification before registration of FIR, so that innocents do not get penalised. However, Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for Centre, said after the March 20 verdict, there has been loss of lives in several parts of country and that the order contradicts the existing provisions of SC/ST Act. "There are separation of powers which is part of the basic structure of the Constitution and the court can only lay down guidelines for disposal of a case but cannot lay guidelines in general in the nature of law, for the whole country," he said. The bench disagreed with the submission of the AG and said there were several apex court verdicts by which rules were framed including bringing in the existence of Collegium system for appointment of judges. Venugopal said that courts can fill up the gap in legislation but cannot lay down the guidelines which are in inconsistent with the law made by the legislation. The bench said that it has not added a single new word in the law and just incorporated in its order, what was already existing in the law. The Attorney General said that the March 20 judgement is in direct contradiction of section 18 of SC/ST Act (anticipatory bail), section 4 of SC/ST Act (lodging of FIR) and section 41 of CrPC (power of arrest). He said that this judgement can be termed as "judicial activism of the court" in view of a seven-judge verdict of 2002 which dealt with "what amounts to legislation by courts". "This is a matter which required to be settled by a larger bench as one other bench has gone into this issue and decided the law. This March 20 judgement has resulted in loss of lives," Venugopal said and sought stay of the verdict. The bench rejected the submission and said "No, this judgement cannot be blamed for the loss of lives. We are hundred percent for the protection of rights of SC/ST community. Those who took law into their hands should be punished in accordance with law. Those at fault needs to be punished". The bench clarified that as far as section 4 of the SC/ST Act is concerned which deals with lodging of FIR, safeguards were put to avoid false implication of an individual. "If a DSP rank officer is satisfied with the allegation, he can certainly proceed forward and lodge an FIR against the accused under the Act. Our concern was that without verifying of the allegation no case should be lodged against an innocent," it said. The bench said all these were done to avoid harassment of public servants from frivolous complaints and there are several verdicts of the top court in this regard. The apex court also dismissed a recall application filed by the original applicant B K Gaikwad, who had lodged the FIR in the case. The hearing remained inconclusive and would continue on May 16. The Centre had moved the apex court on April 2 seeking review of its judgement by which safeguards were put on the provisions for immediate arrest under the SC/ST Act. The top court had on April 3 refused to keep the March 20 verdict in abeyance till it decided the Centre's review petition. The apex court had on March 20 said that on "several occasions", innocent citizens were being termed as accused and public servants deterred from performing their duties, which was never the intention of the legislature while enacting the SC/ST Act. Several states were rocked by wide spread violence and clashes following a 'Bharat Bandh' call given by several SC/ST organisations protesting the top court's March 20 order, that claimed eight lives.

Supreme Court rejects Centre's plea to stay verdict on SC/ST law

The government has asked the collegium to reconsider the elevation of Justice KM Joseph to the Supreme Court, PTI has reported government sources as saying.&nbsp;

Joseph is currently Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court.&nbsp;

The Centre's decision to not clear Joseph's nomination as a Supreme Court judge is expected to set up a massive confrontation between the government and the judiciary.&nbsp;

The government had so far been sitting on Joseph's nomination along with that of Indu Malhotra's. Both names were recommended in January.&nbsp;

Malhotra's name however was cleared yesterday, making her the first woman to directly go from being a lawyer to a Supreme Court judge.&nbsp;

In a ruling in 2016, Justice Joseph had cancelled President's rule in Uttarakhand and brought back the Congress government of Harish Rawat to power. The judgement was seen as major set back to the BJP-ruled government at the Centre.

The government's decision of not approving Joseph's name has evoked sharp reactions with the Supreme Court Bar Association President terming it as "disturbing". 
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad wrote to Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra this morning requesting the collegium, a group of five senior-most judges that selects judges for the apex court, to reconsider its decision on recommending Justice Joseph to be a judge of the top court.

Prasad also informed the CJI that senior advocate Malhotra has today been appointed a judge of the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Centre's decision to not clear Joseph's — he is currently Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court — nomination as a Supreme Court judge is expected to set up a massive confrontation between the government and the judiciary

The government has asked the collegium to reconsider the elevation of Justice KM Joseph to the Supreme Court, PTI has reported government sources as saying. Joseph is currently Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. The Centre's decision to not clear Joseph's nomination as a Supreme Court judge is expected to set up a massive confrontation between the government and the judiciary. The government had so far been sitting on Joseph's nomination along with that of Indu Malhotra's. Both names were recommended in January. Malhotra's name however was cleared yesterday, making her the first woman to directly go from being a lawyer to a Supreme Court judge. In a ruling in 2016, Justice Joseph had cancelled President's rule in Uttarakhand and brought back the Congress government of Harish Rawat to power. The judgement was seen as major set back to the BJP-ruled government at the Centre. The government's decision of not approving Joseph's name has evoked sharp reactions with the Supreme Court Bar Association President terming it as "disturbing". Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad wrote to Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra this morning requesting the collegium, a group of five senior-most judges that selects judges for the apex court, to reconsider its decision on recommending Justice Joseph to be a judge of the top court. Prasad also informed the CJI that senior advocate Malhotra has today been appointed a judge of the Supreme Court. (With inputs from PTI)

Government asks collegium to reconsider elevation of Justice KM Joseph to Supreme Court: Sources

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a voter registration centre in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday, killing at least 57 people and injuring more than 100, in the most serious attack yet on preparations for elections scheduled for October.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on a project of key importance to the credibility of President Ashraf Ghani's government, which has been under international pressure to ensure long-delayed parliamentary polls take place this year.

Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said a bomber on foot approached the centre where officials were issuing identity cards as part of the registration process for around 10 million voters across Afghanistan. Registration began this month.

President Ghani issued a statement condemning the attack and said it "cannot divert us from our aims or weaken this national democratic process".

A spokesman for the ministry of public health said at least 57 people were confirmed dead and 119 wounded, but the total could still rise.

The explosion destroyed cars and shattered windows in nearby buildings, leaving rubble strewn across the blood-stained street.

It was the deadliest blast in Kabul since about 100 people were killed in January by a bomb concealed in an ambulance and it came after repeated warnings that militants could try to disrupt the election process.

Tadamichi Yamamoto, the senior United Nations official in Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the attack.

"Compounding the callous disregard for the lives of civilians, the killing appears to be part of a wholly unacceptable effort by extremists to deter Afghan citizens from carrying out their constitutional right to take part in elections," he said.

After weeks of relative calm, the blast took place in Dasht-e Barchi, an area of western Kabul inhabited by many members of the mainly Shi'ite Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State.

"There were women, children. Everyone had come to get their identity cards," said Bashir Ahmad who had been near the blast, which occurred despite heightened security after the January attack.

According to UN&nbsp;figures, more than 750 people have been killed or maimed in suicide attacks and bombings by militant groups during the three months to March ahead of an expected start of the Taliban's usual spring offensive.

Bitter reaction

Afghanistan's international partners have insisted that the elections should be held this year before a presidential vote due in 2019, although there has been widespread scepticism that they will go ahead.

More than 7,000 voter registration centres have been set up across Afghanistan to handle about 10 million registrations in a process that has been repeatedly disrupted by technical and organisational problems.

Officials had pledged tight security to ensure the process proceeded safely. But those caught by Sunday's attack voiced frustration at what many Kabul residents see as government shortcomings in securing the capital.

"They should be keeping the country safe, if they can't, someone else should be in their place," said Sajeda, who was wounded in the blast along with three other members of her family as they lined up for their cards.

The voter registration process, designed to reduce the electoral fraud that has marred past ballots, began this month but there have already been several security incidents.

On Sunday, a roadside bomb near a registration centre in the northern city of Pul-i Khumri killed six members of a family and wounded three, although there was no indication that the incident was directly linked to the Kabul attack.

Last week, two police officers in the eastern city of Jalalabad were killed outside a voter registration centre, while a voter centre in the central province of Ghor was burned down last week and electoral officials briefly abducted.

The vote could be postponed to next year if registration of voters, many of whom do not have national identity cards, is not completed before winter sets.

Parliament is still sitting three years after its term officially expired and further delays would seriously weaken already fragile confidence in the political system.

There was an additional scare on Sunday when a NATO military convoy in Kabul accidentally hit and injured a child and triggered a protest that police dispersed by firing into the air. A NATO spokesman said the child had been taken to hospital and was in a stable condition.

The blast took place in an area of Shia Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State.

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a voter registration centre in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday, killing at least 57 people and injuring more than 100, in the most serious attack yet on preparations for elections scheduled for October. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on a project of key importance to the credibility of President Ashraf Ghani's government, which has been under international pressure to ensure long-delayed parliamentary polls take place this year. Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said a bomber on foot approached the centre where officials were issuing identity cards as part of the registration process for around 10 million voters across Afghanistan. Registration began this month. President Ghani issued a statement condemning the attack and said it "cannot divert us from our aims or weaken this national democratic process". A spokesman for the ministry of public health said at least 57 people were confirmed dead and 119 wounded, but the total could still rise. The explosion destroyed cars and shattered windows in nearby buildings, leaving rubble strewn across the blood-stained street. It was the deadliest blast in Kabul since about 100 people were killed in January by a bomb concealed in an ambulance and it came after repeated warnings that militants could try to disrupt the election process. Tadamichi Yamamoto, the senior United Nations official in Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the attack. "Compounding the callous disregard for the lives of civilians, the killing appears to be part of a wholly unacceptable effort by extremists to deter Afghan citizens from carrying out their constitutional right to take part in elections," he said. After weeks of relative calm, the blast took place in Dasht-e Barchi, an area of western Kabul inhabited by many members of the mainly Shi'ite Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State. "There were women, children. Everyone had come to get their identity cards," said Bashir Ahmad who had been near the blast, which occurred despite heightened security after the January attack. According to UN figures, more than 750 people have been killed or maimed in suicide attacks and bombings by militant groups during the three months to March ahead of an expected start of the Taliban's usual spring offensive. Bitter reaction Afghanistan's international partners have insisted that the elections should be held this year before a presidential vote due in 2019, although there has been widespread scepticism that they will go ahead. More than 7,000 voter registration centres have been set up across Afghanistan to handle about 10 million registrations in a process that has been repeatedly disrupted by technical and organisational problems. Officials had pledged tight security to ensure the process proceeded safely. But those caught by Sunday's attack voiced frustration at what many Kabul residents see as government shortcomings in securing the capital. "They should be keeping the country safe, if they can't, someone else should be in their place," said Sajeda, who was wounded in the blast along with three other members of her family as they lined up for their cards. The voter registration process, designed to reduce the electoral fraud that has marred past ballots, began this month but there have already been several security incidents. On Sunday, a roadside bomb near a registration centre in the northern city of Pul-i Khumri killed six members of a family and wounded three, although there was no indication that the incident was directly linked to the Kabul attack. Last week, two police officers in the eastern city of Jalalabad were killed outside a voter registration centre, while a voter centre in the central province of Ghor was burned down last week and electoral officials briefly abducted. The vote could be postponed to next year if registration of voters, many of whom do not have national identity cards, is not completed before winter sets. Parliament is still sitting three years after its term officially expired and further delays would seriously weaken already fragile confidence in the political system. There was an additional scare on Sunday when a NATO military convoy in Kabul accidentally hit and injured a child and triggered a protest that police dispersed by firing into the air. A NATO spokesman said the child had been taken to hospital and was in a stable condition.

Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 57

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Central government to seize the properties of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in Mumbai.&nbsp

The apex court bench, headed by Justice R K Agrawal, rejected the petition filed by Ibrahim’s family against the attachment of the underworld don’s properties in the Maharashtra capital.&nbsp

In November 2017, three south Mumbai properties belonging to the fugitive don were auctioned for Rs 11.58 crore. The properties were put on auction by the ministry of finance, under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act. The three properties were the Hotel Raunaq Afroz, also known as Delhi Zaika, Shabnam Guest House and six rooms in Damarwala building.

Dawood Ibrahim is the mastermind of the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. He is listed as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council's IS and al-Qaida Sanctions Committee.

India's assertion that he has been sheltered by Pakistan was confirmed recently when the latest list of terror organisations and terrorists released by the UN Security Council included Dawood Ibrahim and his Karachi address.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The prime properties in Mumbai's Nagpada belonged to Dawood but his mother and sister, both dead, had taken possession of them.

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Central government to seize the properties of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in Mumbai. The apex court bench, headed by Justice R K Agrawal, rejected the petition filed by Ibrahim’s family against the attachment of the underworld don’s properties in the Maharashtra capital. In November 2017, three south Mumbai properties belonging to the fugitive don were auctioned for Rs 11.58 crore. The properties were put on auction by the ministry of finance, under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act. The three properties were the Hotel Raunaq Afroz, also known as Delhi Zaika, Shabnam Guest House and six rooms in Damarwala building. Dawood Ibrahim is the mastermind of the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. He is listed as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council's IS and al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. India's assertion that he has been sheltered by Pakistan was confirmed recently when the latest list of terror organisations and terrorists released by the UN Security Council included Dawood Ibrahim and his Karachi address. (With inputs from Agencies)

Seize Dawood Ibrahim’s Mumbai properties: Supreme Court directs Centre

Ruling AIADMK today said it would hold state-wide public meetings on the Cauvery issue between April 25 and 29 to urge the Centre to implement the Supreme Court verdict to ensure water for irrigation in the Delta districts.

The "massive" public meetings would be held in Cauvery Delta districts of Tamil Nadu and top leaders, including Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam will address them.

The move to further mount pressure over the Centre by the ruling AIADMK comes following a "Cauvery Rights Retrieval Rally" held by arch rival DMK and its friendly parties between April 7 and 12 covering the same Cauvery delta region.

Panneerselvam and Palaniswami, party coordinator and co-coordinator respectively, in a party release here appealed to AIADMK functionaries, workers and the general public to take part in the mega rallies.

The AIADMK, which staged a state-wide fast on April 3, seeking constitution of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) and to condemn the Centre on the issue said "the massive public meetings will be held to urge the Centre to implement the Supreme Court verdict."

It said implementation of the verdict was imperative to release water for irrigation to delta districts from the Mettur reservoir on June 12.

On April 3, ending the day long fast, Chief Minister Palaniswami had said, "We will fight, get justice and win."

The hunger strike by '15 lakh' party cadres was reflective of the aspirations of the people and farmers on the issue, he had said.

Facing a high pitch campaign and relentless attack from DMK and other opposition parties on the Cauvery issue for its alleged inaction, AIADMK said Palaniswami will address a grand public rally on April 28 at Tiruvarur in the heart of the Cauvery delta region.

On the same day, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and party's propaganda secretary M Thambidurai will address a rally at Karur.

Deputy Chief Minister and party coordinator O Panneerselvam will address a similar meeting on April 25 at Nagapattinam district.

State Ministers, including Food Minister R Kamaraj, Local Administration Minister S P Velumani, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar will take part in the rallies, the AIADMK said.

The AIADMK rallies also come against the backdrop of the DMK-led opposition parties' proposed human chain demonstrations in all 32 districts of Tamil Nadu on April 23 to urge the Centre to immediately set up the CMB.&nbsp

The "massive" public meetings would be held in Cauvery Delta districts of Tamil Nadu and top leaders, including Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam will address them.

Ruling AIADMK today said it would hold state-wide public meetings on the Cauvery issue between April 25 and 29 to urge the Centre to implement the Supreme Court verdict to ensure water for irrigation in the Delta districts. The "massive" public meetings would be held in Cauvery Delta districts of Tamil Nadu and top leaders, including Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam will address them. The move to further mount pressure over the Centre by the ruling AIADMK comes following a "Cauvery Rights Retrieval Rally" held by arch rival DMK and its friendly parties between April 7 and 12 covering the same Cauvery delta region. Panneerselvam and Palaniswami, party coordinator and co-coordinator respectively, in a party release here appealed to AIADMK functionaries, workers and the general public to take part in the mega rallies. The AIADMK, which staged a state-wide fast on April 3, seeking constitution of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) and to condemn the Centre on the issue said "the massive public meetings will be held to urge the Centre to implement the Supreme Court verdict." It said implementation of the verdict was imperative to release water for irrigation to delta districts from the Mettur reservoir on June 12. On April 3, ending the day long fast, Chief Minister Palaniswami had said, "We will fight, get justice and win." The hunger strike by '15 lakh' party cadres was reflective of the aspirations of the people and farmers on the issue, he had said. Facing a high pitch campaign and relentless attack from DMK and other opposition parties on the Cauvery issue for its alleged inaction, AIADMK said Palaniswami will address a grand public rally on April 28 at Tiruvarur in the heart of the Cauvery delta region. On the same day, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and party's propaganda secretary M Thambidurai will address a rally at Karur. Deputy Chief Minister and party coordinator O Panneerselvam will address a similar meeting on April 25 at Nagapattinam district. State Ministers, including Food Minister R Kamaraj, Local Administration Minister S P Velumani, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar will take part in the rallies, the AIADMK said. The AIADMK rallies also come against the backdrop of the DMK-led opposition parties' proposed human chain demonstrations in all 32 districts of Tamil Nadu on April 23 to urge the Centre to immediately set up the CMB.

Cauvery issue: AIADMK to step up pressure, to hold rallies across Tamil Nadu

At least three loud blasts were heard and three clouds of smoke could be seen in the sky above the centre of Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on Wednesday, according to Reuters witnesses.

There was no immediate comment from the government.

At least three loud blasts were heard and three clouds of smoke could be seen in the sky above the centre of Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh

At least three loud blasts were heard and three clouds of smoke could be seen in the sky above the centre of Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on Wednesday, according to Reuters witnesses. There was no immediate comment from the government.

Loud blasts heard in Saudi capital Riyadh

The Union Home Ministry has issued an advisory to all states to take precautionary measures in view of calls on social media for "Bharat Bandh" on April 10 by some groups, an official said on Monday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs also said the districts magistrates and SPs will be personally held responsible for any violence in their area of jurisdiction.

The missive came a week after a similar protest saw massive violence in different parts of the country leading to the death of about a dozen people.

An official of the MHA said the ministry has issued an advisory to all states to take necessary precautionary measures in view of the calls on social media for Bharat Bandh on April 10 by some groups.

"The MHA has advised the states to beef up security and make appropriate arrangements to prevent any untoward incident, including the issue of prohibitory orders, if necessary," the official said.

The states have been asked to intensify patrolling in all sensitive locations so as to prevent any loss of life or damage to property.

"The advisory stressed that district magistrates and superintendents of police be made personally responsible for ensuring that law and order situation remains firmly under control in the areas of their jurisdiction," the official said.

While the April 2 Bharat Bandh was called by groups opposing the alleged dilution of SC/ST (prevention of atrocities) Act by a Supreme Court order, tomorrows protest is being reportedly called by people opposed to caste-based reservations in jobs and education.&nbsp

(With inputs from Agencies)

The missive came a week after a similar protest saw massive violence in different parts of the country leading to the death of about a dozen people.

The Union Home Ministry has issued an advisory to all states to take precautionary measures in view of calls on social media for "Bharat Bandh" on April 10 by some groups, an official said on Monday. The Ministry of Home Affairs also said the districts magistrates and SPs will be personally held responsible for any violence in their area of jurisdiction. The missive came a week after a similar protest saw massive violence in different parts of the country leading to the death of about a dozen people. An official of the MHA said the ministry has issued an advisory to all states to take necessary precautionary measures in view of the calls on social media for Bharat Bandh on April 10 by some groups. "The MHA has advised the states to beef up security and make appropriate arrangements to prevent any untoward incident, including the issue of prohibitory orders, if necessary," the official said. The states have been asked to intensify patrolling in all sensitive locations so as to prevent any loss of life or damage to property. "The advisory stressed that district magistrates and superintendents of police be made personally responsible for ensuring that law and order situation remains firmly under control in the areas of their jurisdiction," the official said. While the April 2 Bharat Bandh was called by groups opposing the alleged dilution of SC/ST (prevention of atrocities) Act by a Supreme Court order, tomorrows protest is being reportedly called by people opposed to caste-based reservations in jobs and education. (With inputs from Agencies)

Bharat Bandh on April 10: Centre issues advisory, asks states to beef up security

Every five years, a finance commission decides how to split India's tax revenue between the Centre and India's states.&nbsp;

A major factor deciding the split is a state's population. The bigger a state's population, the greater the share of tax revenue given to it.&nbsp;

That however, say the experts, is also unfair for it punishes the states that have done the hard work of controlling their populations.&nbsp;

There is at the moment a massive difference in fertility rates — the rate at which a state's population grows — between the southern and other states, with the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra, Telangana, and the western state of Maharashtra having a fertility rate of about 1.5.&nbsp;

Bihar on the other hand has a fertility rate of about 3.5, and the other Bimaru states a rate of about 2.5.&nbsp;

The problem cropped up when the previous finance commission switched over to the 2011 Census to decide&nbsp;the split the commissions had so far been using the 1971 Census.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu's politicians, including Chief Minister E Palaniswami and Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin, have said a division on the basis of the 2011 Census will be patently unfair. They say they have done the hard work of controlling their populations and instead of being rewarded for having done so, they are now being punished.&nbsp;

They have also accused the Centre of "highway robbery". And are insisting the current 15th finance commission go back to the 1971 Census.&nbsp;

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav met on Wednesday with Finance Commission Chairperson NK Singh, news reports said, and promised that the southern states would not lose out.&nbsp;

The reports however did not say how he would ensure that.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tax revenue is divided on the basis of population. The larger a state's population, the higher its share of revenue. That, say the southern states and experts, is patently unfair

Every five years, a finance commission decides how to split India's tax revenue between the Centre and India's states. A major factor deciding the split is a state's population. The bigger a state's population, the greater the share of tax revenue given to it. That however, say the experts, is also unfair for it punishes the states that have done the hard work of controlling their populations. There is at the moment a massive difference in fertility rates — the rate at which a state's population grows — between the southern and other states, with the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra, Telangana, and the western state of Maharashtra having a fertility rate of about 1.5. Bihar on the other hand has a fertility rate of about 3.5, and the other Bimaru states a rate of about 2.5. The problem cropped up when the previous finance commission switched over to the 2011 Census to decide the split the commissions had so far been using the 1971 Census. Tamil Nadu's politicians, including Chief Minister E Palaniswami and Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin, have said a division on the basis of the 2011 Census will be patently unfair. They say they have done the hard work of controlling their populations and instead of being rewarded for having done so, they are now being punished. They have also accused the Centre of "highway robbery". And are insisting the current 15th finance commission go back to the 1971 Census. BJP general secretary Ram Madhav met on Wednesday with Finance Commission Chairperson NK Singh, news reports said, and promised that the southern states would not lose out. The reports however did not say how he would ensure that.

Southern states accuse Centre of 'highway robbery', say not getting fair share of tax revenue

The Centre today gave its nod for the launch of Ayushman Bharat - National Health Protection Mission, which will provide a coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year and benefit more than 10 crore families belonging to the poor and vulnerable sections of the society.

Under the centrally-sponsored scheme, touted to be the world&#39;s largest government-funded healthcare programme, it is proposed to set up the Ayushman Bharat - National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC), chaired by the Union health minister, apart from establishing the AB-NHPM Governing Board.

&quot;The benefits cover will also include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. All pre-existing conditions will be covered from day one of the policy,&quot; an official statement said.

The Union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the launch of the AB-NHPM with a central sector component under the Ayushman Bharat Mission.

The AB-NHPM will target about 10.74 crores poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational category of urban workers&#39; families as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, covering both rural and urban areas.

It is proposed to establish an AB-NHPM Agency to manage the AB-NHPM at the operational level in the form of a society.

&quot;NHPM will leverage on the Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Health &amp; Wellness Centres (HWCs) for providing a universal health coverage and making health services equitable, affordable and accessible. It will benefit the poorest and the needy.

&quot;NHPM will cover over 10 crore poor families (approximately 50 crore people), providing a coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. There is no limit on family size. This will be the world&#39;s largest government-funded healthcare programme,&quot; Union Health Minister J P Nadda said in a series of tweets.

One of the core principles of AB-NHPM was co-operative federalism and flexibility to states, the statement said, adding that there was a provision to partner the states through co-alliance.

&quot;This will ensure appropriate integration with the existing health insurance or protection schemes of various central ministries/departments and state governments (at their own cost). The state governments will be allowed to expand AB-NHPM both horizontally and vertically,&quot; it said.

&quot;The cover will take care of almost all secondary care and most of the tertiary care procedures. To ensure that nobody is left out, especially women, children and the elderly people, there will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme,&quot; the statement said. 
The AB-NHPM Agency will be headed by a full-time CEO of the rank of secretary or additional secretary.

&quot;AB-NHPM will subsume the ongoing centrally-sponsored schemes -- the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS),&quot; the statement said.

The different categories in the rural areas include families having only one room with &quot;kucha&quot; walls and &quot;kucha&quot; roof, families having no adult members among others.

At the national level, an Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Agency (AB-NHPMA) would be put in place and states and UTs would be advised to implement the scheme by a dedicated entity called State Health Agency (SHA).

&quot;Also, automatically included families in rural areas having any one of the following: households without shelter, destitute, living on alms, manual scavenger families, primitive tribal groups, legally released bonded labour. For urban areas, 11 defined occupational categories are entitled under the scheme.

&quot;The beneficiaries can avail benefits in both public and empanelled private facilities. All public hospitals in the states implementing AB-NHPM will be deemed empanelled for the scheme,&quot; the statement said.

It added that hospitals belonging to ESIC may also be empanelled based on the bed occupancy ratio parameter. As for private hospitals, they will be empanelled online based on defined criteria.

&quot;The expenditure incurred in premium payment will be shared between the central and state governments in a specified ratio as per Ministry of Finance guidelines in vogue,&quot; the statement said. 
AB-NHPM will have a major impact on the reduction of Out Of Pocket (OOP) expenditure on the ground of an increased benefit cover to nearly 40 per cent of the population, the statement said.

&quot;This will lead to an increased access to quality health and medication. In addition, the unmet needs of the population which remained hidden due to lack of financial resources will be catered to. 
&quot;This will lead to timely treatments, improvements in health outcomes, patient satisfaction, improvement in productivity and efficiency, job creation thus, leading to an improvement in the quality of life,&quot; the government said.

In partnership with NITI Aayog, a &quot;robust, modular, scalable and interoperable&quot; IT platform will be made operational to prevent and detect misuse or fraud.

The Union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the launch of the AB-NHPM with a central sector component under the Ayushman Bharat Mission

The Centre today gave its nod for the launch of Ayushman Bharat - National Health Protection Mission, which will provide a coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year and benefit more than 10 crore families belonging to the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. Under the centrally-sponsored scheme, touted to be the world's largest government-funded healthcare programme, it is proposed to set up the Ayushman Bharat - National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC), chaired by the Union health minister, apart from establishing the AB-NHPM Governing Board. "The benefits cover will also include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. All pre-existing conditions will be covered from day one of the policy," an official statement said. The Union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the launch of the AB-NHPM with a central sector component under the Ayushman Bharat Mission. The AB-NHPM will target about 10.74 crores poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational category of urban workers' families as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, covering both rural and urban areas. It is proposed to establish an AB-NHPM Agency to manage the AB-NHPM at the operational level in the form of a society. "NHPM will leverage on the Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) for providing a universal health coverage and making health services equitable, affordable and accessible. It will benefit the poorest and the needy. "NHPM will cover over 10 crore poor families (approximately 50 crore people), providing a coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. There is no limit on family size. This will be the world's largest government-funded healthcare programme," Union Health Minister J P Nadda said in a series of tweets. One of the core principles of AB-NHPM was co-operative federalism and flexibility to states, the statement said, adding that there was a provision to partner the states through co-alliance. "This will ensure appropriate integration with the existing health insurance or protection schemes of various central ministries/departments and state governments (at their own cost). The state governments will be allowed to expand AB-NHPM both horizontally and vertically," it said. "The cover will take care of almost all secondary care and most of the tertiary care procedures. To ensure that nobody is left out, especially women, children and the elderly people, there will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme," the statement said. The AB-NHPM Agency will be headed by a full-time CEO of the rank of secretary or additional secretary. "AB-NHPM will subsume the ongoing centrally-sponsored schemes -- the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS)," the statement said. The different categories in the rural areas include families having only one room with "kucha" walls and "kucha" roof, families having no adult members among others. At the national level, an Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Agency (AB-NHPMA) would be put in place and states and UTs would be advised to implement the scheme by a dedicated entity called State Health Agency (SHA). "Also, automatically included families in rural areas having any one of the following: households without shelter, destitute, living on alms, manual scavenger families, primitive tribal groups, legally released bonded labour. For urban areas, 11 defined occupational categories are entitled under the scheme. "The beneficiaries can avail benefits in both public and empanelled private facilities. All public hospitals in the states implementing AB-NHPM will be deemed empanelled for the scheme," the statement said. It added that hospitals belonging to ESIC may also be empanelled based on the bed occupancy ratio parameter. As for private hospitals, they will be empanelled online based on defined criteria. "The expenditure incurred in premium payment will be shared between the central and state governments in a specified ratio as per Ministry of Finance guidelines in vogue," the statement said. AB-NHPM will have a major impact on the reduction of Out Of Pocket (OOP) expenditure on the ground of an increased benefit cover to nearly 40 per cent of the population, the statement said. "This will lead to an increased access to quality health and medication. In addition, the unmet needs of the population which remained hidden due to lack of financial resources will be catered to. "This will lead to timely treatments, improvements in health outcomes, patient satisfaction, improvement in productivity and efficiency, job creation thus, leading to an improvement in the quality of life," the government said. In partnership with NITI Aayog, a "robust, modular, scalable and interoperable" IT platform will be made operational to prevent and detect misuse or fraud.

Centre okays launch of National Health Protection scheme

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