Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has intensified the practice of cleaning all its trains in the wake of a recent coronavirus outbreak in the country, according to an official press release.

"The practice has been intensified in the wake of recent coronavirus outbreak and subsequent directives by Delhi Chief Minister with special emphasis on locations like hand railings, train doors, etc where hands come in direct contact inside the trains," read the official press release.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-airport-takes-measures-to-tackle-coronavirus-scare-285242"> Delhi airport takes measures to tackle coronavirus scare</a>

"Emphasis on cleaning has also been intensified in lifts, escalators, handrailings alongside staircases, etc as well," it added.

The Centre on Monday confirmed that 43 cases of novel coronavirus infection have been reported in India so far.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-green-tribunal-stops-biometric-attendance-amid-coronavirus-scare-285192">National Green Tribunal stops biometric attendance amid coronavirus scare</a>

There have been no deaths in India due to COVID-19.

The four new cases of the virus have been reported since Sunday- one each from Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu.

The deadly coronavirus which originated from China`s Wuhan has caused the deaths of over 3800 people globally.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has intensified the practice of cleaning all its trains in the wake of a recent coronavirus outbreak in the country, according to an official press release.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has intensified the practice of cleaning all its trains in the wake of a recent coronavirus outbreak in the country, according to an official press release. "The practice has been intensified in the wake of recent coronavirus outbreak and subsequent directives by Delhi Chief Minister with special emphasis on locations like hand railings, train doors, etc where hands come in direct contact inside the trains," read the official press release. Also read: Delhi airport takes measures to tackle coronavirus scare "Emphasis on cleaning has also been intensified in lifts, escalators, handrailings alongside staircases, etc as well," it added. The Centre on Monday confirmed that 43 cases of novel coronavirus infection have been reported in India so far. Also see: National Green Tribunal stops biometric attendance amid coronavirus scare There have been no deaths in India due to COVID-19. The four new cases of the virus have been reported since Sunday- one each from Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu. The deadly coronavirus which originated from China`s Wuhan has caused the deaths of over 3800 people globally.

Delhi Metro intensifies cleaning of all its trains amid coronavirus outbreak

In the wake of recent coronavirus outbreak, Delhi Airport on Monday said that the airport is taking all necessary precautions to combat the virus.

The statement read,&nbsp;"The Delhi Airport is taking precautions to stay safe and keep the coronavirus away from our doorstep."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-number-of-confirmed-cases-soar-to-43-new-cases-from-up-delhi-jammu-kerala-285216">COVID-19: Number of confirmed cases soar to 43; new cases from UP, Delhi, Jammu, Kerala</a>

The Twitter handle of Delhi Airport also attached some photographs on the precautions being taken at the airport.

The statement added, "Now is the time to prepare for COVID-19. Simple precautions and planning can make a big difference."

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Glimpses of Delhi Airport taking precautions to stay safe and keep <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> away from our doorstep. Now is the time to prepare for COVID-19. Simple precautions and planning can make a big difference.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirusindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirusindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavid19</a> <a href="https://t.co/EfxUgZpDZv">pic.twitter.com/EfxUgZpDZv</a>
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiAirport/status/1236914992244391936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There were 43 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country.

Watch:

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The outbreak has caused the deaths of over 3300 people across the globe.

In the wake of recent coronavirus outbreak, Delhi Airport on Monday said that the airport is taking all necessary precautions to combat the virus. The statement read, "The Delhi Airport is taking precautions to stay safe and keep the coronavirus away from our doorstep.

In the wake of recent coronavirus outbreak, Delhi Airport on Monday said that the airport is taking all necessary precautions to combat the virus. The statement read, "The Delhi Airport is taking precautions to stay safe and keep the coronavirus away from our doorstep." Also read: COVID-19: Number of confirmed cases soar to 43; new cases from UP, Delhi, Jammu, Kerala The Twitter handle of Delhi Airport also attached some photographs on the precautions being taken at the airport. The statement added, "Now is the time to prepare for COVID-19. Simple precautions and planning can make a big difference." Glimpses of Delhi Airport taking precautions to stay safe and keep #coronavirus away from our doorstep. Now is the time to prepare for COVID-19. Simple precautions and planning can make a big difference.#coronavirusindia #Coronavid19 pic.twitter.com/EfxUgZpDZv — Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) March 9, 2020 × There were 43 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country. Watch: × The outbreak has caused the deaths of over 3300 people across the globe.

Delhi airport takes measures to tackle coronavirus scare

A couple linked to the Islamic State's Khorasan module was on Sunday detained from South Delhi's Jamia Nagar for instigating anti-CAA riots in the national capital, police said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madras-high-court-directs-tn-dgp-to-take-into-custody-proanti-caa-protestors-who-agitate-without-permission-284489">Madras High Court directs TN DGP to take into custody pro/anti CAA protestors who agitate without permission</a>

They have been identified as Jahanjeb Sami and his wife Hina Bashir Beg, said Pramod Singh Kushwah, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell).

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/expect-shaheen-bagh-protesters-to-come-up-with-amicable-solutions-says-sanjay-hegde-284220">&nbsp;Expect Shaheen Bagh protesters to come up with amicable solutions, says Sanjay Hegde</a>

"They were involved in instigating anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests," he said.

A couple linked to the Islamic State's Khorasan module was on Sunday detained from South Delhi's Jamia Nagar for instigating anti-CAA riots in the national capital, police said.

A couple linked to the Islamic State's Khorasan module was on Sunday detained from South Delhi's Jamia Nagar for instigating anti-CAA riots in the national capital, police said. Also read: Madras High Court directs TN DGP to take into custody pro/anti CAA protestors who agitate without permission They have been identified as Jahanjeb Sami and his wife Hina Bashir Beg, said Pramod Singh Kushwah, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell). Also see: Expect Shaheen Bagh protesters to come up with amicable solutions, says Sanjay Hegde "They were involved in instigating anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests," he said.

Delhi Police detains couple linked to ISIS for instigating Anti-CAA protests

A Delhi man with a travel history to Thailand and Malaysia has tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed cases in India to 31, health ministry officials said on Friday.

The latest case is the third in Delhi.

"One suspected COVID19 case has been confirmed as positive. The patient is from Delhi. He has a travel history to Thailand and Malaysia. He is stable and being monitored. The total number of confirmed cases in India now stands at 31," a health ministry official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bhutan-confirms-first-coronavirus-case-us-tourist-tested-positive-government-284643">Bhutan confirms first coronavirus case, US tourist tested positive: Government</a>

The 30 other positive cases include a 45-year-old man from Delhi's Mayur Vihar and six of his relatives from Agra whom he had recently visited.

Another is a Paytm employee who works in Gurgaon and lives in west Delhi.

They are all being treated at the Safdarjung hospital.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-iran-three-senior-politicians-die-total-death-toll-rises-to-107-284639">Coronavirus in Iran: Three senior politicians die, total death toll rises to 107</a>

A middle-aged man from Ghaziabad, who tested positive for the virus, is being treated at the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in the national capital.

A 24-year-old man from Hyderabad, who has also tested positive for coronavirus, has been isolated.

Besides, 16 members of a tourist group from Italy and their Indian guide have been found infected by the virus.

Watch:&nbsp;

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While one Italian man and his wife are being treated at Jaipur's SMS hospital, 14 members of the group and their Indian guide, who was quarantined at the ITBP camp in Chhawla, have been admitted to the Medanta hospital in Gurgaon.

The total figure of positive cases includes the first three reported from Kerala last month. All three persons have been discharged following recovery. 
Meanwhile, in a suspected coronavirus case, a man from Raipur, who returned to India from Kenya through Dubai, has been put under home quarantine.

A Delhi man with a travel history to Thailand and Malaysia has tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed cases in India to 31, health ministry officials said on Friday.

A Delhi man with a travel history to Thailand and Malaysia has tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed cases in India to 31, health ministry officials said on Friday. The latest case is the third in Delhi. "One suspected COVID19 case has been confirmed as positive. The patient is from Delhi. He has a travel history to Thailand and Malaysia. He is stable and being monitored. The total number of confirmed cases in India now stands at 31," a health ministry official said. Also read: Bhutan confirms first coronavirus case, US tourist tested positive: Government The 30 other positive cases include a 45-year-old man from Delhi's Mayur Vihar and six of his relatives from Agra whom he had recently visited. Another is a Paytm employee who works in Gurgaon and lives in west Delhi. They are all being treated at the Safdarjung hospital. Also see: Coronavirus in Iran: Three senior politicians die, total death toll rises to 107 A middle-aged man from Ghaziabad, who tested positive for the virus, is being treated at the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in the national capital. A 24-year-old man from Hyderabad, who has also tested positive for coronavirus, has been isolated. Besides, 16 members of a tourist group from Italy and their Indian guide have been found infected by the virus. Watch: × While one Italian man and his wife are being treated at Jaipur's SMS hospital, 14 members of the group and their Indian guide, who was quarantined at the ITBP camp in Chhawla, have been admitted to the Medanta hospital in Gurgaon. The total figure of positive cases includes the first three reported from Kerala last month. All three persons have been discharged following recovery. Meanwhile, in a suspected coronavirus case, a man from Raipur, who returned to India from Kenya through Dubai, has been put under home quarantine.

Delhi man with travel history to Thailand, Malaysia tests positive for coronavirus; total cases 31

International war crimes judges ruled on Thursday that a probe into wartime abuses in Afghanistan must go ahead, including looking into possible atrocities committed by US forces, as they overturned a previous court ruling.

The move was immediately hailed by human rights organisations as a "pivotal moment" for victims of the central Asian country's 18-year-war since the 2001 US invasion.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged India on Thursday to "confront extremist Hindus" and "stop the massacre of Muslims", adding to the international fallout over deadly Hindu-Muslim violence in New Delhi.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-iran-officials-reported-with-sincerity-and-transparency-since-day-one-says-khamenei-284045">Coronavirus: Iran officials reported with sincerity and transparency since day one, says Khamenei</a>

At least 44 people were killed and hundreds injured in the worst communal riots in the Indian capital in decades, triggered by clashes between supporters of a new citizenship law and those against it.

"The hearts of Muslims all over the world are grieving over the massacre of Muslims in India," Khamenei said in a tweet in English, just days after New Delhi rebuked Iran's foreign minister for commenting on the same issue.

"Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Monday, in response to which New Delhi summoned the Islamic Republic's ambassador and lodged a protest.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-future-has-been-burnt-here-rahul-gandhi-on-gutted-school-in-riot-hit-northeast-delhi-284307">Our future has been burnt here: Rahul Gandhi on gutted school in riot-hit northeast Delhi&nbsp;</a>

"We do not expect such comments from a country like Iran," ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said in a statement later.

The citizenship law provides non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan a fast track to Indian citizenship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government says this is required to help minorities from those mainly Muslim countries.

Watch: 

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&nbsp;

Critics argue the law discriminates against Muslims and violates the spirit of India's secular constitution.

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in protests since December.

Earlier this week, the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said it intended to approach India's Supreme Court about the citizenship law.

International war crimes judges ruled on Thursday that a probe into wartime abuses in Afghanistan must go ahead, including looking into possible atrocities committed by US forces, as they overturned a previous court ruling.

International war crimes judges ruled on Thursday that a probe into wartime abuses in Afghanistan must go ahead, including looking into possible atrocities committed by US forces, as they overturned a previous court ruling. The move was immediately hailed by human rights organisations as a "pivotal moment" for victims of the central Asian country's 18-year-war since the 2001 US invasion. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged India on Thursday to "confront extremist Hindus" and "stop the massacre of Muslims", adding to the international fallout over deadly Hindu-Muslim violence in New Delhi. Also read: Coronavirus: Iran officials reported with sincerity and transparency since day one, says Khamenei At least 44 people were killed and hundreds injured in the worst communal riots in the Indian capital in decades, triggered by clashes between supporters of a new citizenship law and those against it. "The hearts of Muslims all over the world are grieving over the massacre of Muslims in India," Khamenei said in a tweet in English, just days after New Delhi rebuked Iran's foreign minister for commenting on the same issue. "Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Monday, in response to which New Delhi summoned the Islamic Republic's ambassador and lodged a protest. Also see: Our future has been burnt here: Rahul Gandhi on gutted school in riot-hit northeast Delhi "We do not expect such comments from a country like Iran," ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said in a statement later. The citizenship law provides non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan a fast track to Indian citizenship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government says this is required to help minorities from those mainly Muslim countries. Watch: × Critics argue the law discriminates against Muslims and violates the spirit of India's secular constitution. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in protests since December. Earlier this week, the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said it intended to approach India's Supreme Court about the citizenship law.

Iran's Khamenei asks India to stop attacks on Muslims after deadly riots

India defended its contentious citizenship law as an internal issue Tuesday as the UN rights chief sought to join efforts challenging the legislation in the country's highest court.

The law, which makes it easier for religious minorities from three neighbouring countries to get Indian citizenship but not if they are Muslim, was the spark for last week's deadly riots in New Delhi.&nbsp;

More than 40 people were killed and hundreds wounded in the worst sectarian violence to rock the capital in decades.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-riots-shahrukh-who-pointed-gun-at-constable-nabbed-in-uttar-pradesh-283924"> Delhi riots: Shahrukh who pointed gun at constable nabbed in Uttar Pradesh</a>

That followed street demonstrations that have occasionally turned deadly across the Hindu-majority country since the law was approved by parliament in December.

"The Citizenship Amendment Act is an internal matter of India and concerns the sovereign right of the Indian parliament to make laws," foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

"We strongly believe that no foreign party has any locus standi on issues pertaining to India's sovereignty."

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-of-any-muslim-or-minority-will-not-be-taken-away-through-caa-amit-shah-reiterates-in-odisha-283349">Citizenship of any Muslim or minority will not be taken away through CAA: Amit Shah reiterates in Odisha</a>

Dozens of petitions filed in the Supreme Court, including by social rights activists and political parties, are challenging the law's constitutionality.&nbsp;

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet informed India on Monday of its application to be a third party in one petition brought by a former civil servant, Kumar said.

The court is hearing all the petitions together.

Kumar said the government was confident in the legality of the law, which was approved by parliament in December.&nbsp;

The UN application came as the government Tuesday summoned the Iranian ambassador over tweets by Foreign Minister Javad Zarif condemning the "wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims" in the Delhi riots.

Kumar said a "strong protest was lodged against the unwarranted remarks", adding that they were "not acceptable".

India defended its contentious citizenship law as an internal issue Tuesday as the UN rights chief sought to join efforts challenging the legislation in the country's highest court.

India defended its contentious citizenship law as an internal issue Tuesday as the UN rights chief sought to join efforts challenging the legislation in the country's highest court. The law, which makes it easier for religious minorities from three neighbouring countries to get Indian citizenship but not if they are Muslim, was the spark for last week's deadly riots in New Delhi. More than 40 people were killed and hundreds wounded in the worst sectarian violence to rock the capital in decades. Also read: Delhi riots: Shahrukh who pointed gun at constable nabbed in Uttar Pradesh That followed street demonstrations that have occasionally turned deadly across the Hindu-majority country since the law was approved by parliament in December. "The Citizenship Amendment Act is an internal matter of India and concerns the sovereign right of the Indian parliament to make laws," foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. "We strongly believe that no foreign party has any locus standi on issues pertaining to India's sovereignty." Also see: Citizenship of any Muslim or minority will not be taken away through CAA: Amit Shah reiterates in Odisha Dozens of petitions filed in the Supreme Court, including by social rights activists and political parties, are challenging the law's constitutionality. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet informed India on Monday of its application to be a third party in one petition brought by a former civil servant, Kumar said. The court is hearing all the petitions together. Kumar said the government was confident in the legality of the law, which was approved by parliament in December. The UN application came as the government Tuesday summoned the Iranian ambassador over tweets by Foreign Minister Javad Zarif condemning the "wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims" in the Delhi riots. Kumar said a "strong protest was lodged against the unwarranted remarks", adding that they were "not acceptable".

India defends citizenship law as UN rights Chief joins legal challenge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he held an extensive review on the preparedness for novel coronavirus.

"Had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Different ministries and states are working together, from screening people arriving in India to providing prompt medical attention," he said in a tweet.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-letter-pm-modi-offers-assistance-to-chinese-president-xi-jinping-over-coronavirus-outbreak-279583">In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak </a>

The Health Ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation.

The six people had come in contact with a 45-year-old patient from Delhi, whose case came to light on Monday, and they include his family members.

According to government sources, the man, who is a resident of Mayur Vihar, had visited them in Agra.

The six have been kept in isolation at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and their samples are being sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he held an extensive review on the preparedness for novel coronavirus. "Had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he held an extensive review on the preparedness for novel coronavirus. "Had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Different ministries and states are working together, from screening people arriving in India to providing prompt medical attention," he said in a tweet. Also Read:In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak The Health Ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation. The six people had come in contact with a 45-year-old patient from Delhi, whose case came to light on Monday, and they include his family members. According to government sources, the man, who is a resident of Mayur Vihar, had visited them in Agra. The six have been kept in isolation at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and their samples are being sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation.

PM holds extensive review for coronavirus preparedness

A day after two new cases of novel coronavirus that included one from Delhi were reported, the Health Ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation.

The six people had come in contact with a 45-year-old patient from Delhi, whose case came to light on Monday, and they include his family members.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-scare-hits-noida-school-premises-closed-all-exams-cancelled-283889">&nbsp;Coronavirus scare hits Noida school: Premises closed, all exams cancelled</a>

According to government sources, the man, who is a resident of Mayur Vihar, had visited them in Agra.

The six have been kept in isolation at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and their samples are being sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation.

Contact tracing of the people who came in contact with the six is simultaneously being done through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network, the ministry said in a statement.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/work-from-home-google-and-twitter-order-their-staff-amid-coronavirus-concerns-283900">'Work from home': Google and Twitter order their staff amid coronavirus concerns</a>

Sources said the patient from Mayur Vihar was shifted to a quarantine ward at Safdarjung Hospital on Sunday night.

His other family members have been asked to stay alert and look out for symptoms. One accountant, who came in contact with the man and some of his family members, was also quarantined, they said.

India on Monday reported two new cases of the novel coronavirus, one from Delhi and another one from Hyderabad. The government has stepped up its efforts to detect and check the infection which has killed 2,912 people in China.

On Monday, Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma had said that an Italian tourist tested positive for coronavirus in Jaipur.

Watch:&nbsp;New Delhi comes under Covid-19 radar, Noida school shut

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The first sample collected from him on February 29 tested negative but his condition deteriorated, so a second sample was collected which tested positive on Monday, the minister said, adding, "Since there is a variation in the reports, the samples have been sent to the NIV, Pune for testing".

India had earlier reported three cases from Kerala, including two medical students from Wuhan in China, the epicentre of the deadly novel coronavirus. They had self-reported on their return to the country and tested positive for the infection. They were discharged from hospitals last month following recovery.

The infected person from Delhi had travelled to Italy, while the other patient who tested positive for the COVID-19 infection is from Telangana and had recently travelled to Dubai.

Both the patients had self-reported after they developed symptoms.

"They tested positive. They are stable and being closely monitored," the ministry said on Monday.?

The government has asked people to avoid non-essential travel to Iran, Italy, South Korea and Singapore and said India was in discussions with authorities in Iran and Italy, two countries badly affected by the infection, to evacuate Indians there.

The novel coronavirus or COVID-19, which originated in China, has spread to over 60 countries

A day after two new cases of novel coronavirus that included one from Delhi were reported, the Health Ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation.

A day after two new cases of novel coronavirus that included one from Delhi were reported, the Health Ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation. The six people had come in contact with a 45-year-old patient from Delhi, whose case came to light on Monday, and they include his family members. Also read: Coronavirus scare hits Noida school: Premises closed, all exams cancelled According to government sources, the man, who is a resident of Mayur Vihar, had visited them in Agra. The six have been kept in isolation at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and their samples are being sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation. Contact tracing of the people who came in contact with the six is simultaneously being done through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network, the ministry said in a statement. Also see: 'Work from home': Google and Twitter order their staff amid coronavirus concerns Sources said the patient from Mayur Vihar was shifted to a quarantine ward at Safdarjung Hospital on Sunday night. His other family members have been asked to stay alert and look out for symptoms. One accountant, who came in contact with the man and some of his family members, was also quarantined, they said. India on Monday reported two new cases of the novel coronavirus, one from Delhi and another one from Hyderabad. The government has stepped up its efforts to detect and check the infection which has killed 2,912 people in China. On Monday, Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma had said that an Italian tourist tested positive for coronavirus in Jaipur. Watch: New Delhi comes under Covid-19 radar, Noida school shut × The first sample collected from him on February 29 tested negative but his condition deteriorated, so a second sample was collected which tested positive on Monday, the minister said, adding, "Since there is a variation in the reports, the samples have been sent to the NIV, Pune for testing". India had earlier reported three cases from Kerala, including two medical students from Wuhan in China, the epicentre of the deadly novel coronavirus. They had self-reported on their return to the country and tested positive for the infection. They were discharged from hospitals last month following recovery. The infected person from Delhi had travelled to Italy, while the other patient who tested positive for the COVID-19 infection is from Telangana and had recently travelled to Dubai. Both the patients had self-reported after they developed symptoms. "They tested positive. They are stable and being closely monitored," the ministry said on Monday.? The government has asked people to avoid non-essential travel to Iran, Italy, South Korea and Singapore and said India was in discussions with authorities in Iran and Italy, two countries badly affected by the infection, to evacuate Indians there. The novel coronavirus or COVID-19, which originated in China, has spread to over 60 countries

Six cases with 'high-viral load' detected in Agra

Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police, Alok Kumar, on Tuesday said the situation in the violence-affected North-East Delhi is returning to normal and efforts are on to create a positive environment in the area.

"Traffic in almost all violence-hit areas is coming back to normal and shops are also opening. The board exams were also conducted yesterday, where appropriate security was provided by the police.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/delhi-violence-the-price-society-pays-for-violence-is-immeasurable-and-enormous-283279">Delhi violence: The price society pays for violence is immeasurable and enormous</a>

Over 98 per cent of the students appeared for the exams, which reflects that the fear among the people has ended," Kumar told ANI here.

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The senior police officer said that over 400 FIRs have been registered so far and 27 people have been arrested in connection with the riots while others have been taken into preventive detention.

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"We organised peace committee meetings in every area. Yesterday, Hindus in Gokulpur cleaned a mosque in the area and both the communities have decided to maintain peace and harmony.

There are efforts to create a positive environment," Kumar said."We are making an inventory and taking actions to ensure that no incident goes unreported.

Along with that, we are also working to identify those who were involved in the violence," he added.Kumar also refuted reports of police security being provided to BJP leader Kapil Mishra, who is alleged to have delivered hate speech.

"No security has been provided to Kapil Mishra," he added.At least 47 people were killed and more than 200 injured in the violence in North-East Delhi last week.

&nbsp;

Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police, Alok Kumar, on Tuesday said the situation in the violence-affected North-East Delhi is returning to normal and efforts are on to create a positive environment in the area.

Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police, Alok Kumar, on Tuesday said the situation in the violence-affected North-East Delhi is returning to normal and efforts are on to create a positive environment in the area. "Traffic in almost all violence-hit areas is coming back to normal and shops are also opening. The board exams were also conducted yesterday, where appropriate security was provided by the police. Also Read:Delhi violence: The price society pays for violence is immeasurable and enormous Over 98 per cent of the students appeared for the exams, which reflects that the fear among the people has ended," Kumar told ANI here. × The senior police officer said that over 400 FIRs have been registered so far and 27 people have been arrested in connection with the riots while others have been taken into preventive detention. × "We organised peace committee meetings in every area. Yesterday, Hindus in Gokulpur cleaned a mosque in the area and both the communities have decided to maintain peace and harmony. There are efforts to create a positive environment," Kumar said."We are making an inventory and taking actions to ensure that no incident goes unreported. Along with that, we are also working to identify those who were involved in the violence," he added.Kumar also refuted reports of police security being provided to BJP leader Kapil Mishra, who is alleged to have delivered hate speech. "No security has been provided to Kapil Mishra," he added.At least 47 people were killed and more than 200 injured in the violence in North-East Delhi last week.

Effort to create positive environment, situation returning to normal in North East Delhi: Police

Two more cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country on Monday, taking the number of people who have tested positive in the count

Stock markets fell after the news, reversing sharply from earlier gains. The NSE Nifty 50 index that tracks blue-chip stocks was down 1.23 per cent at 0947 GMT, having climbed about 2 per cent earlier.

The rupee was last weaker by 0.04 per cent at 72.4000 against the dollar.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-factory-activity-growth-slows-in-february-on-weak-demand-purchasing-managers-index-283685">India's factory activity growth slows in February on weak demand: Purchasing Managers' Index</a>

One of the new cases was detected in the capital New Delhi, while the other was in the southern state of Telangana, the government said in a statement.

The patients had a travel history from Italy and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, respectively, the statement said. Both patients were stable and being closely monitored.

In Italy, the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak had risen to 34, five more than a day earlier, officials said on Sunday.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-new-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-delhi-and-telangana-283737">Two new coronavirus cases confirmed in Delhi and Telangana</a>

The coronavirus, which was identified in China late last year, has quickly spread to dozens of countries, claiming nearly 3,000 lives and disrupting global business supply chains.

India is the world's second most heavily populated country after China. The government has advised Indians to refrain from non-essential travel to the worst affected countries, including China, South Korea, Iran and Italy.

U.S. intelligence agencies are monitoring the global spread of coronavirus and the ability of governments to respond, sources told Reuters last week, warning that there were concerns about how India would cope with a widespread outbreak.

Two more cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country on Monday, taking the number of people who have tested positive in the count Stock markets fell after the news, reversing sharply from earlier gains.

Two more cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country on Monday, taking the number of people who have tested positive in the count Stock markets fell after the news, reversing sharply from earlier gains. The NSE Nifty 50 index that tracks blue-chip stocks was down 1.23 per cent at 0947 GMT, having climbed about 2 per cent earlier. The rupee was last weaker by 0.04 per cent at 72.4000 against the dollar. Also read: India's factory activity growth slows in February on weak demand: Purchasing Managers' Index One of the new cases was detected in the capital New Delhi, while the other was in the southern state of Telangana, the government said in a statement. The patients had a travel history from Italy and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, respectively, the statement said. Both patients were stable and being closely monitored. In Italy, the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak had risen to 34, five more than a day earlier, officials said on Sunday. Also see: Two new coronavirus cases confirmed in Delhi and Telangana The coronavirus, which was identified in China late last year, has quickly spread to dozens of countries, claiming nearly 3,000 lives and disrupting global business supply chains. India is the world's second most heavily populated country after China. The government has advised Indians to refrain from non-essential travel to the worst affected countries, including China, South Korea, Iran and Italy. U.S. intelligence agencies are monitoring the global spread of coronavirus and the ability of governments to respond, sources told Reuters last week, warning that there were concerns about how India would cope with a widespread outbreak.

India reports two more cases of coronavirus, taking tally to five

A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court today dismissed the curative petition filed by Pawan Kumar Gupta, a death row convict in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case.

"The application for an oral hearing is rejected. The application for stay of execution of the death sentence is also rejected.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-day-before-scheduled-hanging-supreme-court-dismisses-curative-petition-filed-by-pawan-gupta-283648">Nirbhaya case: Day before scheduled hanging, Supreme Court dismisses curative petition filed by Pawan Gupta</a>

The Curative Petition is dismissed in terms of the signed order," Justice NV Ramana, said in an order. The five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice NV Ramana also consists of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice RF Nariman, Justice R Banumathi and Justice Ashok Bhushan.

Gupta had on Friday filed a curative petition before the apex court seeking the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment. He is the fourth convict in the case to file a curative petition.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-convict-pawan-gupta-files-curative-petition-in-supreme-court-283414">Nirbhaya case: Convict Pawan Gupta files curative petition in Supreme Court</a>

The Supreme Court has already rejected the curative petitions of the remaining three. This comes as a lower court issued a fresh death warrant for the four convicts -- Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and Mukesh Singh, which orders their hanging at 6 am on March 3 at Delhi's Tihar Jail.

Meanwhile, the apex court has also slated for March 5 hearing on a petition, filed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking directions to execute the death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case separately.

Watch: Nirbhaya Case: All 4 convicts to be hanged on March 3rd

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The case pertains to the brutal gang rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi.

The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.

A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court today dismissed the curative petition filed by Pawan Kumar Gupta, a death row convict in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case.

A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court today dismissed the curative petition filed by Pawan Kumar Gupta, a death row convict in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case. "The application for an oral hearing is rejected. The application for stay of execution of the death sentence is also rejected. Also read: Nirbhaya case: Day before scheduled hanging, Supreme Court dismisses curative petition filed by Pawan Gupta The Curative Petition is dismissed in terms of the signed order," Justice NV Ramana, said in an order. The five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice NV Ramana also consists of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice RF Nariman, Justice R Banumathi and Justice Ashok Bhushan. Gupta had on Friday filed a curative petition before the apex court seeking the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment. He is the fourth convict in the case to file a curative petition. Also see: Nirbhaya case: Convict Pawan Gupta files curative petition in Supreme Court The Supreme Court has already rejected the curative petitions of the remaining three. This comes as a lower court issued a fresh death warrant for the four convicts -- Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and Mukesh Singh, which orders their hanging at 6 am on March 3 at Delhi's Tihar Jail. Meanwhile, the apex court has also slated for March 5 hearing on a petition, filed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking directions to execute the death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case separately. Watch: Nirbhaya Case: All 4 convicts to be hanged on March 3rd The case pertains to the brutal gang rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.

Nirbhaya gangrape case convict Pawan Kumar Gupta's curative petition dismissed by Supreme Court

The Delhi government is set to launch a WhatsApp number on which complaints can be lodged against hate material being circulated following the recent violence in North East Delhi, government sources said on Saturday.

"There is a lot of hate material being circulated on WhatsApp. If anyone receives any such material, he/she should immediately file a complaint with Delhi Govt. The Delhi government will issue a WhatsApp number on which such complaints can be made," Delhi government sources said. They added that an official will screen all the complaints received and the complaints which are genuine would then be forwarded to the police for necessary action.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-violence-630-arrests-123-firs-registered-says-police-283409"> Delhi violence: 630 arrests, 123 FIRs registered, says police</a>

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had on Friday said that there is apparent peace in North-East Delhi but there is still need to maintain vigil. "I have reviewed the situation with all the senior officers and commissioners. There seems to be peace and quiet apparently now. But there is still a need to maintain vigil. So I have advised the forces to maintain vigil. Whenever necessary we will try to facilitate that people could come and buy the essential commodities in the area," Baijal told reporters.

"I am happy to see that at a lot of places, people are organizing yatra and living together. People are talking among themselves and are happy. There is an improvement and we will ensure that everyone lives together," he added.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/six-supreme-court-judges-infected-with-swine-flu-cji-bobde-suggests-lawyers-to-be-vaccinated-282742">Six Supreme Court judges infected with swine flu, CJI Bobde suggests lawyers to be vaccinated</a>

At least 42 people, including a police head constable, have died while around 200 people have been injured in the violence that rocked North-East Delhi for at least three days since Sunday. Two Special Investigative Teams (SITs) have been constituted under Crime Branch, Delhi Police to probe the violence.

The Delhi government is set to launch a WhatsApp number on which complaints can be lodged against hate material being circulated following the recent violence in North East Delhi, government sources said on Saturday.

The Delhi government is set to launch a WhatsApp number on which complaints can be lodged against hate material being circulated following the recent violence in North East Delhi, government sources said on Saturday. "There is a lot of hate material being circulated on WhatsApp. If anyone receives any such material, he/she should immediately file a complaint with Delhi Govt. The Delhi government will issue a WhatsApp number on which such complaints can be made," Delhi government sources said. They added that an official will screen all the complaints received and the complaints which are genuine would then be forwarded to the police for necessary action. Also read: Delhi violence: 630 arrests, 123 FIRs registered, says police Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had on Friday said that there is apparent peace in North-East Delhi but there is still need to maintain vigil. "I have reviewed the situation with all the senior officers and commissioners. There seems to be peace and quiet apparently now. But there is still a need to maintain vigil. So I have advised the forces to maintain vigil. Whenever necessary we will try to facilitate that people could come and buy the essential commodities in the area," Baijal told reporters. "I am happy to see that at a lot of places, people are organizing yatra and living together. People are talking among themselves and are happy. There is an improvement and we will ensure that everyone lives together," he added. Also see: Six Supreme Court judges infected with swine flu, CJI Bobde suggests lawyers to be vaccinated At least 42 people, including a police head constable, have died while around 200 people have been injured in the violence that rocked North-East Delhi for at least three days since Sunday. Two Special Investigative Teams (SITs) have been constituted under Crime Branch, Delhi Police to probe the violence.

Delhi government to issue WhatsApp number for complaints regarding 'hate material' being circulated

The toll in the incidents of violence that took place in various areas of the national capital over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has increased to 10, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

"Total 10 deaths and 150 injured admitted at GTB Hospital in the last 24 hours," said Sunil Kumar, Medical Superintendent of GTB Hospital.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed in parts of violence-hit North East Delhi, including Bhajanpura and Khajuri Khaas.&nbsp; 
 
"We will be detaining the miscreants and taking legal action against them. People should cooperate with us to maintain peace. We are here till the situation normalises. Else we deploy more forces," said Special CP Satish Golcha.

The&nbsp;Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a statement, asking&nbsp;political parties to&nbsp;cooperate with police to quell the&nbsp;rumours &amp; dispel fear among the public.

"HM has appealed to all to desist from spreading rumours &amp; said that political parties should cooperate with police to quell these rumours &amp; dispel fear among public. He also appealed to public at large&amp;media to communicate responsibly&amp;avoid spreading rumours," the statement said. 
 
"Home Minister Amit Shah has asked the Police Commissioner of Delhi to have senior police officers present in Police Control Rooms so that rumours can be dispelled as quickly as possible," added the statement. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The toll in the incidents of violence that took place in various areas of the national capital over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has increased to 10, reported news agency ANI.

The toll in the incidents of violence that took place in various areas of the national capital over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has increased to 10, reported news agency ANI. "Total 10 deaths and 150 injured admitted at GTB Hospital in the last 24 hours," said Sunil Kumar, Medical Superintendent of GTB Hospital. Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed in parts of violence-hit North East Delhi, including Bhajanpura and Khajuri Khaas. "We will be detaining the miscreants and taking legal action against them. People should cooperate with us to maintain peace. We are here till the situation normalises. Else we deploy more forces," said Special CP Satish Golcha. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a statement, asking political parties to cooperate with police to quell the rumours & dispel fear among the public. "HM has appealed to all to desist from spreading rumours & said that political parties should cooperate with police to quell these rumours & dispel fear among public. He also appealed to public at large&media to communicate responsibly&avoid spreading rumours," the statement said. "Home Minister Amit Shah has asked the Police Commissioner of Delhi to have senior police officers present in Police Control Rooms so that rumours can be dispelled as quickly as possible," added the statement. (With inputs from agencies)

CAA protests: 10 dead in clashes; Section 144 imposed in parts of north east Delhi

Ahead of US President Donald Trump`s visit to the national capital, the Delhi Traffic Police on Sunday issued an advisory for February 24 and 25 asking people to keep VVIP movement in mind while planning their commute.

"Owing to security reasons, the traffic in the areas of Delhi Cantonment, Delhi-Gurgaon Road (NH 48), Dhaula Kuan, Chanakyapuri, SP Marg, RML Roundabout, and the adjoining areas during the evening hours on February 24 is likely to remain heavy," the traffic advisory said.

For February 25, the traffic advisory added, "From forenoon till around 4 pm, the traffic is likely to remain heavy in Moti Bagh, Chanakyapuri, India Gate, and areas around ITO, Delhi Gate and the adjoining areas of Central and New Delhi."

"On February 25 evening the traffic is likely to remain heavy in Chanakyapuri, RML roundabout, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Cantonment, Delhi-Gurgaon Road (NH 48) and the adjoining areas," the advisory said.

However, there will be traffic diversions as per the ground situation for the smooth flow of traffic.

Those planning to travel to or through those areas can contact the Delhi Traffic Police website for getting updates.

Trump will arrive in India on Monday for the two-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

&nbsp;

Ahead of US President Donald Trump`s visit to the national capital, the Delhi Traffic Police on Sunday issued an advisory for February 24 and 25 asking people to keep VVIP movement in mind while planning their commute.

Ahead of US President Donald Trump`s visit to the national capital, the Delhi Traffic Police on Sunday issued an advisory for February 24 and 25 asking people to keep VVIP movement in mind while planning their commute. "Owing to security reasons, the traffic in the areas of Delhi Cantonment, Delhi-Gurgaon Road (NH 48), Dhaula Kuan, Chanakyapuri, SP Marg, RML Roundabout, and the adjoining areas during the evening hours on February 24 is likely to remain heavy," the traffic advisory said. For February 25, the traffic advisory added, "From forenoon till around 4 pm, the traffic is likely to remain heavy in Moti Bagh, Chanakyapuri, India Gate, and areas around ITO, Delhi Gate and the adjoining areas of Central and New Delhi." "On February 25 evening the traffic is likely to remain heavy in Chanakyapuri, RML roundabout, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Cantonment, Delhi-Gurgaon Road (NH 48) and the adjoining areas," the advisory said. However, there will be traffic diversions as per the ground situation for the smooth flow of traffic. Those planning to travel to or through those areas can contact the Delhi Traffic Police website for getting updates. Trump will arrive in India on Monday for the two-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Trump visit: Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory for February 24, 25

A stretch of the road closed for over two months in Shaheen Bagh due to an anti-citizenship law protest was "opened" by a group of demonstrators on Saturday, only to be closed after some time, police said.

"Road number 9 in Shaheen Bagh was reopened by a group of protesters, but later it was closed by another group," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) R P Meena said.

Protestors claimed that they "opened" the stretch, which would allow passage to commuters between Noida and South Delhi, at around 5 pm near the protest site, but the Delhi police and the Noida police were continuing to barricade it from one side.

The road, which connects Noida to south-east Delhi and further to Faridabad in Haryana, was closed for traffic in the wake of the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protest at Shaheen Bagh since December 15.

The development came after three days of talks between the Supreme Court-appointed interlocutors -- senior advocates Sanjay Hegde and Sadhana Ramachandran -- and the protesters over the issue of difficulty to commuters due to blocking of roads.

According to the police, the protesters briefly opened a small portion of a road leading to Kalindi Kunj so that locals can pass through it with their two-wheelers.

The Noida Traffic Police, however, also continued the restrictions on the Uttar Pradesh side of the road, an official told PTI.

"It was being alleged repeatedly that the protestors have blocked the Kalindi Kunj road, which leads to Noida Sector 37. So, today it was decided that this allegation has to be done away with and the route was opened," Sonu Warsi, a protestor, said.

"The decision was also taken to give a gift to the Supreme Court-appointed interlocutors, whose interaction and mediation has helped reopen the case. We have opened the road and it is now up to the Delhi Police and UP police to decide which vehicles they will allow," he added.

After the talks on Friday, Hegde had said the protesters, in principle, were not fundamentally against the opening of the non-protest side of the road if their security could be guaranteed in writing by the Delhi Police under suitable orders of the apex court.

"We will not be holding a public interaction tomorrow to enable the protesters to come to an independent conclusion as to the way forward. We will return on Sunday only if we deem it necessary and feasible to do so," he had said.&nbsp;

A stretch of the road closed for over two months in Shaheen Bagh due to an anti-citizenship law protest was "opened" by a group of demonstrators on Saturday, only to be closed after some time, police said.

A stretch of the road closed for over two months in Shaheen Bagh due to an anti-citizenship law protest was "opened" by a group of demonstrators on Saturday, only to be closed after some time, police said. "Road number 9 in Shaheen Bagh was reopened by a group of protesters, but later it was closed by another group," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) R P Meena said. Protestors claimed that they "opened" the stretch, which would allow passage to commuters between Noida and South Delhi, at around 5 pm near the protest site, but the Delhi police and the Noida police were continuing to barricade it from one side. The road, which connects Noida to south-east Delhi and further to Faridabad in Haryana, was closed for traffic in the wake of the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protest at Shaheen Bagh since December 15. The development came after three days of talks between the Supreme Court-appointed interlocutors -- senior advocates Sanjay Hegde and Sadhana Ramachandran -- and the protesters over the issue of difficulty to commuters due to blocking of roads. According to the police, the protesters briefly opened a small portion of a road leading to Kalindi Kunj so that locals can pass through it with their two-wheelers. The Noida Traffic Police, however, also continued the restrictions on the Uttar Pradesh side of the road, an official told PTI. "It was being alleged repeatedly that the protestors have blocked the Kalindi Kunj road, which leads to Noida Sector 37. So, today it was decided that this allegation has to be done away with and the route was opened," Sonu Warsi, a protestor, said. "The decision was also taken to give a gift to the Supreme Court-appointed interlocutors, whose interaction and mediation has helped reopen the case. We have opened the road and it is now up to the Delhi Police and UP police to decide which vehicles they will allow," he added. After the talks on Friday, Hegde had said the protesters, in principle, were not fundamentally against the opening of the non-protest side of the road if their security could be guaranteed in writing by the Delhi Police under suitable orders of the apex court. "We will not be holding a public interaction tomorrow to enable the protesters to come to an independent conclusion as to the way forward. We will return on Sunday only if we deem it necessary and feasible to do so," he had said.

Road at Shaheen Bagh opened by group of protesters, blocked again: Police

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that instead of keeping departments himself, he prefers to monitor the work of each of his cabinet ministers.

"I feel the duty of a Chief Minister is to keep an eye on other ministers and, hence, I have distributed the portfolios to the ministers," Kejriwal said in response to a media query about him not keeping any portfolio.

The Delhi Chief Minister was also criticised by the opposition during his last stint for not keeping any ministry/department with himself. He was jeered as "Minister without a portfolio" by the opposition.

This time around, too, Kejriwal has not kept any department with him. He also said, "Today, I had a meeting with the secretaries and ministers of all departments of the Delhi government wherein discussions were held on the 10 guarantees."

"In the meeting, departments have been directed to prepare a presentation within a week on the guarantee for which they are responsible. In the presentation they have to specify the timeline and the budget needed to fulfil their allotted guarantee," the Chief Minister added.

He further said that after one week another meeting will be held with each department and the budget demanded by them will be presented to the public via media.

"The budget as demanded by the departments will be included in the upcoming state Budget," he added.

He also said that the Cabinet has decided to hold a three-day Assembly session of the new government from February 24.

Arvind Kejriwal also spoke to the reporters about the meeting held with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He said, "The meeting with Amit Shah was held in a cordial atmosphere. We held discussions on various issues and we agreed that the central government and Delhi government need to work together for the development of Delhi."&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that instead of keeping departments himself, he prefers to monitor the work of each of his cabinet ministers.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that instead of keeping departments himself, he prefers to monitor the work of each of his cabinet ministers. "I feel the duty of a Chief Minister is to keep an eye on other ministers and, hence, I have distributed the portfolios to the ministers," Kejriwal said in response to a media query about him not keeping any portfolio. The Delhi Chief Minister was also criticised by the opposition during his last stint for not keeping any ministry/department with himself. He was jeered as "Minister without a portfolio" by the opposition. This time around, too, Kejriwal has not kept any department with him. He also said, "Today, I had a meeting with the secretaries and ministers of all departments of the Delhi government wherein discussions were held on the 10 guarantees." "In the meeting, departments have been directed to prepare a presentation within a week on the guarantee for which they are responsible. In the presentation they have to specify the timeline and the budget needed to fulfil their allotted guarantee," the Chief Minister added. He further said that after one week another meeting will be held with each department and the budget demanded by them will be presented to the public via media. "The budget as demanded by the departments will be included in the upcoming state Budget," he added. He also said that the Cabinet has decided to hold a three-day Assembly session of the new government from February 24. Arvind Kejriwal also spoke to the reporters about the meeting held with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said, "The meeting with Amit Shah was held in a cordial atmosphere. We held discussions on various issues and we agreed that the central government and Delhi government need to work together for the development of Delhi."

I prefer to supervise each ministry instead of keeping one for myself: Kejriwal

The Supreme Court said on Monday that people have a fundamental right to protest against law but the blocking of public roads is a matter of concern and there has to be a balancing factor.

Hearing pleas over the roadblocks due to the ongoing protests at Shaheen Bagh against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a bench comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said its concern is about what will happen if people start protesting on roads.

Democracy works on expressing views but there are lines and boundaries for it, the bench said.

It asked senior advocate Sanjay Hegde and advocate Sadhana Ramachandran to talk to Shaheen Bagh protestors and persuade them to move to an alternative site where no public place is blocked.

The matter has been posted for next hearing on February 24.

People have a fundamental right to protest but the thing which is troubling us is the blocking of public roads, the bench said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said Shaheen Bagh protestors should not be given a message that every institution is on its knees trying to persuade them on this issue.

The apex court said that if nothing works, we will leave it to the authorities to deal with the situation.

Protestors have made their point and the protests have gone on for quite some time, it said.

Restrictions have been imposed on the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch and the Okhla underpass, which were closed on December 15 last year due to the protests against CAA and Register of Citizens.

The top court had earlier said the anti-CAA protesters at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh cannot block public roads and create inconvenience for others.

The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by advocate Amit Sahni, who had approached the Delhi high court seeking directions to the Delhi Police to ensure smooth traffic flow on the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch, which was blocked by anti-CAA protesters on December 15.

While dealing with Sahni's plea, the high court had asked local authorities to deal with the situation keeping in mind law and order.

Separately, former BJP MLA Nand Kishore Garg has filed a petition in the apex court seeking directions to the authorities to remove the protestors from Shaheen Bagh.

One of the pleas has sought to lay down of comprehensive and exhaustive guidelines relating to outright restrictions for holding protests or agitations leading to obstruction of the public place.

In his plea, Garg has said that law enforcement machinery was being "held hostage to the whims and fancies of the protesters" who have blocked vehicular and pedestrian movement from the road connecting Delhi to Noida.

The state has the duty to protect the fundamental rights of the citizen who were continuously being harassed by the blockage of the arterial road, it said.

"It is disappointing that the state machinery is muted and a silent spectator to hooliganism and vandalism of the protesters who are threatening the existential efficacy of the democracy and the rule of law and had already taken the law and order situation in their own hand," the plea had said.

In his appeal, Sahni had sought supervision of the situation in Shaheen Bagh, where several women are sitting on protest, by a retired Supreme Court judge or a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court.

Sahni has said in his plea that protests in Shaheen Bagh have inspired similar demonstrations in other cities and to allow it to continue would set a wrong precedent.

The Supreme Court said on Monday that people have a fundamental right to protest against law but the blocking of public roads is a matter of concern and there has to be a balancing factor.

The Supreme Court said on Monday that people have a fundamental right to protest against law but the blocking of public roads is a matter of concern and there has to be a balancing factor. Hearing pleas over the roadblocks due to the ongoing protests at Shaheen Bagh against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a bench comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said its concern is about what will happen if people start protesting on roads. Democracy works on expressing views but there are lines and boundaries for it, the bench said. It asked senior advocate Sanjay Hegde and advocate Sadhana Ramachandran to talk to Shaheen Bagh protestors and persuade them to move to an alternative site where no public place is blocked. The matter has been posted for next hearing on February 24. People have a fundamental right to protest but the thing which is troubling us is the blocking of public roads, the bench said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said Shaheen Bagh protestors should not be given a message that every institution is on its knees trying to persuade them on this issue. The apex court said that if nothing works, we will leave it to the authorities to deal with the situation. Protestors have made their point and the protests have gone on for quite some time, it said. Restrictions have been imposed on the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch and the Okhla underpass, which were closed on December 15 last year due to the protests against CAA and Register of Citizens. The top court had earlier said the anti-CAA protesters at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh cannot block public roads and create inconvenience for others. The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by advocate Amit Sahni, who had approached the Delhi high court seeking directions to the Delhi Police to ensure smooth traffic flow on the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch, which was blocked by anti-CAA protesters on December 15. While dealing with Sahni's plea, the high court had asked local authorities to deal with the situation keeping in mind law and order. Separately, former BJP MLA Nand Kishore Garg has filed a petition in the apex court seeking directions to the authorities to remove the protestors from Shaheen Bagh. One of the pleas has sought to lay down of comprehensive and exhaustive guidelines relating to outright restrictions for holding protests or agitations leading to obstruction of the public place. In his plea, Garg has said that law enforcement machinery was being "held hostage to the whims and fancies of the protesters" who have blocked vehicular and pedestrian movement from the road connecting Delhi to Noida. The state has the duty to protect the fundamental rights of the citizen who were continuously being harassed by the blockage of the arterial road, it said. "It is disappointing that the state machinery is muted and a silent spectator to hooliganism and vandalism of the protesters who are threatening the existential efficacy of the democracy and the rule of law and had already taken the law and order situation in their own hand," the plea had said. In his appeal, Sahni had sought supervision of the situation in Shaheen Bagh, where several women are sitting on protest, by a retired Supreme Court judge or a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court. Sahni has said in his plea that protests in Shaheen Bagh have inspired similar demonstrations in other cities and to allow it to continue would set a wrong precedent.

Shaheen Bagh: SC says people have right to protest but there must be balancing factor

February 13th in History: France's first atom bomb test, assassination of Kim Jong-nam and more!

It is a commonly used cliché: History repeats itself. But no other expression can appropriately describe Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) spectacular performance which is reminiscent of 2015 when the party won 67 out of the total 70 seats. In 2014 general elections, AAP was swept away by Narendra&nbsp;Modi wave, but less than a year later, they won Delhi with a historic margin. A similar political event concluded yesterday, when AAP after facing a clear and humiliating rejection in 2019 by the same Delhi voters, was welcomed with astonishing support.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/thank-you-hanuman-ji-why-aap-swept-delhi-280258">Thank you, Hanuman Ji: Why AAP swept Delhi</a>

As India moves towards East with crucial elections in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal, here’s what BJP rivals can learn from AAP in order to counter the might of the saffron party.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-aap-sweeps-national-capital-with-62-seats-kejriwal-to-hold-closed-door-meeting-280140">Delhi Assembly election result: AAP sweeps national capital with 62 seats; Kejriwal to hold closed-door meeting</a>

1. A reliable face 
 
Delhi elections once again reiterate the point that voters’ preferences are smarter now in the state and national polls, and these choices can be completely in contrast with each other. This argument was proved in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand, where BJP’s performance was below par despite an emphatic win in&nbsp;parliamentary polls.&nbsp;

Even though BJP used all its big names which were led by astute election strategist Amit Shah, still it couldn’t answer on who will be the CM if the party is voted to power? And AAP cornered BJP on this issue.&nbsp;

2. A positive campaign

On one hand, BJP was using words like ‘terrorist’ for&nbsp;CM and indulged in fear-mongering, AAP’s campaign was focussed on their work, which was also resembled by their slogan: Acche beete 5 saal, lage raho Kejriwal (Good job in the last five years, keep up Kejriwal).&nbsp;

Kejriwal and his team did not fall into any negative commentary despite provocation from the BJP. AAP countered the hate speeches by highlighting their work in cheapening electricity, water supply, improving Delhi government schools and giving free bus rides to women. A large part of the credit also goes to political strategist Prashant Kishor who ensured that AAP’s campaign remained polite yet enthusiastic and the message was rightly received.&nbsp;

3. Nationalism 
 
Arvind Kejriwal ensured that nationalism is not a sole property of BJP, and thereby, he and AAP appreciated Centre’s actions of revoking of Article 370 and Balakot airstrikes. Chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai, Vande Mataram were heard in AAP rallies and free teerth yatra (pilgrimage) and Kejriwal promoting himself as a Hanuman bhakt gained popular support from the masses.

Delhi elections came at a time when BJP was facing strong nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which provides citizenship to non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. BJP unsuccessfully tried to incite voters that AAP is siding with the minority protesters. However, AAP leaders refused to take any stand on the issue, sensing that their inclination to any side will divide the voters. The plan worked as the party got massive support cutting across religious lines.&nbsp;

4. Minority factor

Even though Kejriwal projected himself as a Hanuman bhakt, he and his party did not do any damage to their secular credentials. AAP won all the five minority-dominated constituencies -&nbsp;Mahal, Okhla, Seelampur, Ballimaran and Mustafabad, which earlier largely backed Congress. 
 
5. Focussing on state-related issues

AAP, intelligently, did not let the national issues take the centrestage, be it Ram temple, Article 370 or Citizenship Amendment Bill. Voters got convinced that the sentiments in the aforementioned agenda matter nationally but not in the case of Delhi polls. Team Kejriwal drew a comparison between Delhi government schools and MCD-run schools, where BJP is in power. And nobody could deny that AAP greatly improved the state of the government-run schools.&nbsp;

Mohalla clinics though fell short of AAP’s own target of building 1000 of these, still, the improvement in healthcare cannot be ignored. AAP also reduced greatly reduced tariffs of electricity and water, and their whole campaign revolved around the same issues. AAP compared their governance model with BJP-run Delhi civic bodies’ model, where the party is in power for the last 15 years.&nbsp;

However, BJP opponents should remember that Delhi is a cosmopolitan city and situation here might not fully help their own cause. Also, Narendra Modi’s pan-India popularity is still a force to reckon with. But Delhi once again proves that nobody is invincible in politics.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

It is a commonly used cliché: History repeats itself. But no other expression can appropriately describe Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) spectacular performance which is reminiscent of 2015 when the party won 67 out of the total 70 seats.

It is a commonly used cliché: History repeats itself. But no other expression can appropriately describe Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) spectacular performance which is reminiscent of 2015 when the party won 67 out of the total 70 seats. In 2014 general elections, AAP was swept away by Narendra Modi wave, but less than a year later, they won Delhi with a historic margin. A similar political event concluded yesterday, when AAP after facing a clear and humiliating rejection in 2019 by the same Delhi voters, was welcomed with astonishing support. Also read: Thank you, Hanuman Ji: Why AAP swept Delhi As India moves towards East with crucial elections in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal, here’s what BJP rivals can learn from AAP in order to counter the might of the saffron party. Also read: Delhi Assembly election result: AAP sweeps national capital with 62 seats; Kejriwal to hold closed-door meeting 1. A reliable face Delhi elections once again reiterate the point that voters’ preferences are smarter now in the state and national polls, and these choices can be completely in contrast with each other. This argument was proved in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand, where BJP’s performance was below par despite an emphatic win in parliamentary polls. Even though BJP used all its big names which were led by astute election strategist Amit Shah, still it couldn’t answer on who will be the CM if the party is voted to power? And AAP cornered BJP on this issue. 2. A positive campaign On one hand, BJP was using words like ‘terrorist’ for CM and indulged in fear-mongering, AAP’s campaign was focussed on their work, which was also resembled by their slogan: Acche beete 5 saal, lage raho Kejriwal (Good job in the last five years, keep up Kejriwal). Kejriwal and his team did not fall into any negative commentary despite provocation from the BJP. AAP countered the hate speeches by highlighting their work in cheapening electricity, water supply, improving Delhi government schools and giving free bus rides to women. A large part of the credit also goes to political strategist Prashant Kishor who ensured that AAP’s campaign remained polite yet enthusiastic and the message was rightly received. 3. Nationalism Arvind Kejriwal ensured that nationalism is not a sole property of BJP, and thereby, he and AAP appreciated Centre’s actions of revoking of Article 370 and Balakot airstrikes. Chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai, Vande Mataram were heard in AAP rallies and free teerth yatra (pilgrimage) and Kejriwal promoting himself as a Hanuman bhakt gained popular support from the masses. Delhi elections came at a time when BJP was facing strong nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which provides citizenship to non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. BJP unsuccessfully tried to incite voters that AAP is siding with the minority protesters. However, AAP leaders refused to take any stand on the issue, sensing that their inclination to any side will divide the voters. The plan worked as the party got massive support cutting across religious lines. 4. Minority factor Even though Kejriwal projected himself as a Hanuman bhakt, he and his party did not do any damage to their secular credentials. AAP won all the five minority-dominated constituencies - Mahal, Okhla, Seelampur, Ballimaran and Mustafabad, which earlier largely backed Congress. 5. Focussing on state-related issues AAP, intelligently, did not let the national issues take the centrestage, be it Ram temple, Article 370 or Citizenship Amendment Bill. Voters got convinced that the sentiments in the aforementioned agenda matter nationally but not in the case of Delhi polls. Team Kejriwal drew a comparison between Delhi government schools and MCD-run schools, where BJP is in power. And nobody could deny that AAP greatly improved the state of the government-run schools. Mohalla clinics though fell short of AAP’s own target of building 1000 of these, still, the improvement in healthcare cannot be ignored. AAP also reduced greatly reduced tariffs of electricity and water, and their whole campaign revolved around the same issues. AAP compared their governance model with BJP-run Delhi civic bodies’ model, where the party is in power for the last 15 years. However, BJP opponents should remember that Delhi is a cosmopolitan city and situation here might not fully help their own cause. Also, Narendra Modi’s pan-India popularity is still a force to reckon with. But Delhi once again proves that nobody is invincible in politics. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What other BJP nemeses can learn from AAP’s triumph

Riding on tech-savvy elements like QR codes and mobile apps, poll authorities have geared up for the elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly on Saturday, making tight security arrangements across the national capital and keeping an extra vigil in Shaheen Bagh and other sensitive polling areas.

Over 1.47 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the electoral battle for Delhi, which is largely being seen as a triangular contest among the ruling AAP, a spirited Congress and the opposition BJP which has campaigned very aggressively ahead of the election.

Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said all EVMs have been tested and they are "foolproof and non-tamperable".

Security personnel kept guard at strong rooms storing EVMs. Election staff during the day carried EVMs and other polling material to booths under tight supervision in all constituencies.

"After getting polling material, a large number of polling stations have already been set up, and soon all will be done. Model polling stations will be spread across 70 locations, one in each constituency. Each of these 70 locations will also have 'pink booths'," he said.

Pink booths are those which are manned completely by women staff.

In view of the ongoing anti-citizenship law protest in Shaheen Bagh, the Delhi CEO's Office has put all five polling stations in the area under the "critical" category, and confidence-building measures are continuously being undertaken to reassure voters, officials said.

They reiterated that the area is under "tight vigil" and "there is no obstruction" in areas where poll activities will be conducted, so voters will face no problems.

He said 1,47,86,382 people are eligible to vote in the Delhi polls, and 2,32,815 are in the age group of 18-19.

Voters in various categories include males (81,05,236), females (66,80,277), service voters (11,608), third gender voters (869), and senior citizens (aged 80 and above) voters (2,04,830), officials said.

The bitterly fought high-octane campaign that lasted for over three weeks ended at 6 pm on Thursday, just 38 hours before the start of voting for the high-stakes Delhi assembly election.

There are 672 candidates in the fray for 70 assembly seats.

Tight security arrangements have been made across the national capital and police force and paramilitary personnel have been deployed.

Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Praveer Ranjan had earlier said 190 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed as part of the security measures.

This is nearly four times the number of CAPF personnel deployed during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he added.

There are 13,750 polling booths, besides one auxiliary booth, located at 2,689 locations across Delhi.

"As far as critical polling stations are concerned, there are 516 locations and 3,704 booths in that category," Singh said.

Besides police security, polling stations falling in the "critical category" get paramilitary cover. Activities will be monitored through webcasting, he said. 
Police and election machinery are on "extra vigil" and assessing the situation all the time across the national capital, including Shaheen Bagh, the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Poll authorities had met protesters recently and encouraged them to vote on the polling day.

"The 2020 Delhi polls will be tech-driven with greater use of technology elements like mobile apps, QR codes, social media interface, seeking to enhance the experience of all categories of voters, before polling or on the voting day. And we are trying to make the best use of it," he said.

Electors can carry smartphones at polling stations in 11 assembly constituencies for accessing QR codes from the voters' helpline app in case they have not brought the voter's slip to the booth.

Delhi has 70 Assembly constituencies and one constituency in each of the 11 districts will have this tech-driven facility.

The 11 are Sultanpur Majra, Seelampur, Ballimaran, Bijwasan, Trilokpuri, Shakur Basti, New Delhi, Rohtas Nagar, Chhatarpur, Rajouri Garden and Jangpura.

According to Singh, focussed campaigns were carried by his office to reach out to different sections of voters, aiming to break the "urban apathy" of the electorate. 
Special campaigns were carried out in 30 constituencies which had seen lower turnout in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Singh hoped that the twin-edged strategy of more thrust on use of technology complemented with massive campaigns in the run-up, will lead to a greater turnout than in 2015.

A mega, multi-domain outdoor campaign is being carried out by the Delhi CEO's Office to bring large numbers of electorate to the polling booths, besides jingles on all major FM stations.

The ruling AAP is going into the Delhi election with the hope to repeat its stellar performance of the last assembly polls, while the BJP, which bagged all seven seats here in the Lok Sabha election, will be aiming at expanding its vote share in the national capital.

The Aam Aadmi Party had got 54.3 per cent votes in the 2015 Assembly polls, while the Bharatiya Janata Party got a vote share of 32 per cent and the Congress managed to bag just 9.6 per cent of the total votes polled.

The AAP will fight the polls on a depleted strength of 60 MLAs as it had to concede one seat to the BJP in the subsequent bypoll, while six of the lawmakers were disqualified over joining other parties.&nbsp;

Riding on tech-savvy elements like QR codes and mobile apps, poll authorities have geared up for the elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly on Saturday, making tight security arrangements across the national capital and keeping an extra vigil in Shaheen Bagh and other sensitive polling areas.

Riding on tech-savvy elements like QR codes and mobile apps, poll authorities have geared up for the elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly on Saturday, making tight security arrangements across the national capital and keeping an extra vigil in Shaheen Bagh and other sensitive polling areas. Over 1.47 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the electoral battle for Delhi, which is largely being seen as a triangular contest among the ruling AAP, a spirited Congress and the opposition BJP which has campaigned very aggressively ahead of the election. Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said all EVMs have been tested and they are "foolproof and non-tamperable". Security personnel kept guard at strong rooms storing EVMs. Election staff during the day carried EVMs and other polling material to booths under tight supervision in all constituencies. "After getting polling material, a large number of polling stations have already been set up, and soon all will be done. Model polling stations will be spread across 70 locations, one in each constituency. Each of these 70 locations will also have 'pink booths'," he said. Pink booths are those which are manned completely by women staff. In view of the ongoing anti-citizenship law protest in Shaheen Bagh, the Delhi CEO's Office has put all five polling stations in the area under the "critical" category, and confidence-building measures are continuously being undertaken to reassure voters, officials said. They reiterated that the area is under "tight vigil" and "there is no obstruction" in areas where poll activities will be conducted, so voters will face no problems. He said 1,47,86,382 people are eligible to vote in the Delhi polls, and 2,32,815 are in the age group of 18-19. Voters in various categories include males (81,05,236), females (66,80,277), service voters (11,608), third gender voters (869), and senior citizens (aged 80 and above) voters (2,04,830), officials said. The bitterly fought high-octane campaign that lasted for over three weeks ended at 6 pm on Thursday, just 38 hours before the start of voting for the high-stakes Delhi assembly election. There are 672 candidates in the fray for 70 assembly seats. Tight security arrangements have been made across the national capital and police force and paramilitary personnel have been deployed. Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Praveer Ranjan had earlier said 190 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed as part of the security measures. This is nearly four times the number of CAPF personnel deployed during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he added. There are 13,750 polling booths, besides one auxiliary booth, located at 2,689 locations across Delhi. "As far as critical polling stations are concerned, there are 516 locations and 3,704 booths in that category," Singh said. Besides police security, polling stations falling in the "critical category" get paramilitary cover. Activities will be monitored through webcasting, he said. Police and election machinery are on "extra vigil" and assessing the situation all the time across the national capital, including Shaheen Bagh, the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Poll authorities had met protesters recently and encouraged them to vote on the polling day. "The 2020 Delhi polls will be tech-driven with greater use of technology elements like mobile apps, QR codes, social media interface, seeking to enhance the experience of all categories of voters, before polling or on the voting day. And we are trying to make the best use of it," he said. Electors can carry smartphones at polling stations in 11 assembly constituencies for accessing QR codes from the voters' helpline app in case they have not brought the voter's slip to the booth. Delhi has 70 Assembly constituencies and one constituency in each of the 11 districts will have this tech-driven facility. The 11 are Sultanpur Majra, Seelampur, Ballimaran, Bijwasan, Trilokpuri, Shakur Basti, New Delhi, Rohtas Nagar, Chhatarpur, Rajouri Garden and Jangpura. According to Singh, focussed campaigns were carried by his office to reach out to different sections of voters, aiming to break the "urban apathy" of the electorate. Special campaigns were carried out in 30 constituencies which had seen lower turnout in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Singh hoped that the twin-edged strategy of more thrust on use of technology complemented with massive campaigns in the run-up, will lead to a greater turnout than in 2015. A mega, multi-domain outdoor campaign is being carried out by the Delhi CEO's Office to bring large numbers of electorate to the polling booths, besides jingles on all major FM stations. The ruling AAP is going into the Delhi election with the hope to repeat its stellar performance of the last assembly polls, while the BJP, which bagged all seven seats here in the Lok Sabha election, will be aiming at expanding its vote share in the national capital. The Aam Aadmi Party had got 54.3 per cent votes in the 2015 Assembly polls, while the Bharatiya Janata Party got a vote share of 32 per cent and the Congress managed to bag just 9.6 per cent of the total votes polled. The AAP will fight the polls on a depleted strength of 60 MLAs as it had to concede one seat to the BJP in the subsequent bypoll, while six of the lawmakers were disqualified over joining other parties.

Delhi poll body gears up for assembly polls; EVMs foolproof, non-tamperable says Delhi CEO

Tackling traffic! Four Indian cities among top 10 world's most congested

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-will-win-lok-sabha-polls-opposition-can-keep-dreaming-pm-modi-to-wion-217331">planned a campaign</a> for the Delhi Assembly polls with party national president Jagat Prakash Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah leading from the front.

Shah and Nadda will either hold a padyatra or address group meetings in every constituency, sources said. The candidates will also be asked to hold padyatras in their constituencies every day.

On Monday night, Shah along with Nadda, national general secretary BL Santhosh along with three general secretaries (organisation) from the states of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, MPs including Manoj Tiwari, Vijay Goel, Pravesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri, Meenakshi Lekhi, Harshavardhan, Gautam Gambhir and Hansraj Hans, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Prakash Javadekar and Hardeep Singh Puri brainstormed on the campaign strategy in Delhi polls.

According to their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-proves-sceptics-wrong-with-stunning-performance-in-hindi-heartland-221136">campaign strategy</a>, 70 ministers, the majority of them from the Centre, would hold one public meeting and one padyatra each for two days.

"The campaign would begin from January 23 and a total of 280 group meetings and padyatras have been planned over two days," stated a senior party leader. "On January 23 and January 24, a total of 70 minister-rank leaders would address one group meeting and hold one padyatra in the constituency allotted to them. This would go on for two days," stated a source in BJP.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/in-victory-or-defeat-bjp-responds-to-electoral-outcomes-more-maturely-202513">In victory or defeat, BJP responds to electoral outcomes more maturely</a>

<img alt="BJP Supporters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="534bc359-1e19-4bbb-8d79-9d04376c21fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2844%29_2.jpg" /> 
[ BJP Supporters (Courtesy: ANI) ]

The strategy for carpet bombing was planned last night to destabilise the hold of AAP in Delhi and Shah asked senior leaders present in the meeting to organise meetings for him even if these were small gatherings.

These meetings could take place at the residence of the candidates to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-what-helped-bjp-return-to-power-with-a-full-majority-on-its-own-223034">strengthen their stature</a> further or in slums or colonies which were authorised by the government recently.

Other programmes planned by the party are youth 'sammelan' which will be organised between January 24 to January 26 and women 'sammelan' that will be held between January 27 to January 29, while meet-up of other segments, profession-specific could take place between January 30-31.

From January 31 to February 2, BJP leaders will highlight the schemes of the Central government. The leaders have been asked to communicate to the candidates that from January 25 onwards every day there should be a bike rally, a group of 20 people who would tour the constituency with flags and banners of the BJP candidate.

"With bike rallies, literature will also be distributed outside metro stations. Every car or other vehicle that is in support of BJP should have the candidate's sticker," added the source.

Polling on 70 Assembly seats in the national capital will be held on February 8 and the counting of votes will take place on February 11.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has planned a campaign for the Delhi Assembly polls with party national president Jagat Prakash Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah leading from the front.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has planned a campaign for the Delhi Assembly polls with party national president Jagat Prakash Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah leading from the front. Shah and Nadda will either hold a padyatra or address group meetings in every constituency, sources said. The candidates will also be asked to hold padyatras in their constituencies every day. On Monday night, Shah along with Nadda, national general secretary BL Santhosh along with three general secretaries (organisation) from the states of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, MPs including Manoj Tiwari, Vijay Goel, Pravesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri, Meenakshi Lekhi, Harshavardhan, Gautam Gambhir and Hansraj Hans, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Prakash Javadekar and Hardeep Singh Puri brainstormed on the campaign strategy in Delhi polls. According to their campaign strategy, 70 ministers, the majority of them from the Centre, would hold one public meeting and one padyatra each for two days. "The campaign would begin from January 23 and a total of 280 group meetings and padyatras have been planned over two days," stated a senior party leader. "On January 23 and January 24, a total of 70 minister-rank leaders would address one group meeting and hold one padyatra in the constituency allotted to them. This would go on for two days," stated a source in BJP. Also Read: In victory or defeat, BJP responds to electoral outcomes more maturely [ BJP Supporters (Courtesy: ANI) ] The strategy for carpet bombing was planned last night to destabilise the hold of AAP in Delhi and Shah asked senior leaders present in the meeting to organise meetings for him even if these were small gatherings. These meetings could take place at the residence of the candidates to strengthen their stature further or in slums or colonies which were authorised by the government recently. Other programmes planned by the party are youth 'sammelan' which will be organised between January 24 to January 26 and women 'sammelan' that will be held between January 27 to January 29, while meet-up of other segments, profession-specific could take place between January 30-31. From January 31 to February 2, BJP leaders will highlight the schemes of the Central government. The leaders have been asked to communicate to the candidates that from January 25 onwards every day there should be a bike rally, a group of 20 people who would tour the constituency with flags and banners of the BJP candidate. "With bike rallies, literature will also be distributed outside metro stations. Every car or other vehicle that is in support of BJP should have the candidate's sticker," added the source. Polling on 70 Assembly seats in the national capital will be held on February 8 and the counting of votes will take place on February 11.

BJP plans campaign blitzkrieg for Delhi polls; Shah and Nadda to hold padyatra, meetings in every constituency

India Meteorological Department (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-red-warning-for-delhi-as-cold-wave-conditions-continue-270768">IMD</a>) on Tuesday said the Western Disturbance is likely to cause light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi during the next 24 hours.

"The Western Disturbance as a cyclonic circulation lies over Afghanistan and neighbourhood between 2.1 and 3.6 km above mean sea level. Under its influence, scattered to fairly widespread rain/snow is likely over the western Himalayan region during the next 24 hours. It is very likely to cause light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh &amp; Delhi during the same period," IMD said in its bulletin.

The weather department also predicted dense fog in isolated parts over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim during the next 24 hours.

"Dense fog likely in isolated parts over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh &amp; Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during next 24 hours and over Odisha, Assam, and Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura during 48 hours in night/morning hours," read the bulletin.

A few regions in Himachal, including Shimla city, received snowfall today. Snow clearance work is underway on National Highway - 5 between Charabra and Kufri in Shimla district.

The air quality in the national capital today plunged to 'very poor' category with overall <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reels-under-bouts-of-air-pollution-as-aqi-crosses-350-mark-267343">AQI</a> docked at 322 at 8:50 am, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-expected-to-deteriorate-significantly-on-sunday-safar-180240">SAFAR</a>).

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe or hazardous.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said the Western Disturbance is likely to cause light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi during the next 24 hours.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said the Western Disturbance is likely to cause light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi during the next 24 hours. "The Western Disturbance as a cyclonic circulation lies over Afghanistan and neighbourhood between 2.1 and 3.6 km above mean sea level. Under its influence, scattered to fairly widespread rain/snow is likely over the western Himalayan region during the next 24 hours. It is very likely to cause light isolated rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi during the same period," IMD said in its bulletin. The weather department also predicted dense fog in isolated parts over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim during the next 24 hours. "Dense fog likely in isolated parts over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during next 24 hours and over Odisha, Assam, and Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura during 48 hours in night/morning hours," read the bulletin. A few regions in Himachal, including Shimla city, received snowfall today. Snow clearance work is underway on National Highway - 5 between Charabra and Kufri in Shimla district. The air quality in the national capital today plunged to 'very poor' category with overall AQI docked at 322 at 8:50 am, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe or hazardous.

India Meteorological Department predicts light rain over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi in next 24 hours

RJD and Congress have forged an alliance for the Delhi Assembly polls and as per the agreement former has got four seats to contest.

RJD candidates will contest on Burari, Kirari, Uttam Nagar and Palam seats. This came after Congress on Saturday, announced its list of candidates for 54 assembly constituencies out of 70 in the national capital.

According to sources, the party will most likely field "Purvanchali faces" as its candidates however it has not disclosed its cards yet.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-election-arvind-kejriwal-promises-to-end-civic-woes-in-manifesto-275254">Delhi election - Arvind Kejriwal promises to end civic woes in manifesto</a>

Both the parties will come out with a common manifesto for the Delhi elections that are expected to be announced soon.

RJD leader Manoj Jha said, "Delhi Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal`s silence over CAA, NPR and NRC is surprising."Voting in Delhi will be held on February 8 and counting of votes will take place on February 11.

&nbsp;

RJD and Congress have forged an alliance for the Delhi Assembly polls and as per the agreement former has got four seats to contest. RJD candidates will contest on Burari, Kirari, Uttam Nagar and Palam seats.

RJD and Congress have forged an alliance for the Delhi Assembly polls and as per the agreement former has got four seats to contest. RJD candidates will contest on Burari, Kirari, Uttam Nagar and Palam seats. This came after Congress on Saturday, announced its list of candidates for 54 assembly constituencies out of 70 in the national capital. According to sources, the party will most likely field "Purvanchali faces" as its candidates however it has not disclosed its cards yet. Also read: Delhi election - Arvind Kejriwal promises to end civic woes in manifesto Both the parties will come out with a common manifesto for the Delhi elections that are expected to be announced soon. RJD leader Manoj Jha said, "Delhi Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal`s silence over CAA, NPR and NRC is surprising."Voting in Delhi will be held on February 8 and counting of votes will take place on February 11.

RJD to contest on 4 seats in Delhi in alliance with Congress

Delhi and its surrounding national capital region (NCR) woke up to yet another cold day on Saturday with dense <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-quality-plunges-to-very-poor-category-light-rains-expected-today-273896">fog engulfing</a> several areas across the national capital. 
 
The fog triggered traffic snarls at several places across the city in the wee hours today. 
 
The minimum temperature recorded in Delhi today was 8.4 degrees Celsius. IMD has predicted dense fog for the city on January 19 and moderate fog for January 20.

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Dense to very dense fog observed (0530hrs of Jan, 18) in some pockets over East U P in isolated pockets over Haryana, Chandigarh &amp; Delhi and West U P and dense fog in some pockets over Punjab; in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, north Chhattisgarh and coastal Odisha.
— India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1218360701615345664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Dense to very dense fog observed (0530hrs of Jan, 18) in some pockets over East UP in isolated pockets over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi and West UP and dense fog in some pockets over Punjab; in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, north Chhattisgarh, and coastal Odisha," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-10-including-five-soldiers-killed-in-kashmir-avalanche-274280">India Meteorological Department</a> (IMD) tweeted. 
 
According to IMD, a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region and plains of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dense-fog-engulfs-up-wb-odisha-parts-of-northeast-imd-272502">northwest India</a> from January 20. Under its influence, scattered to fairly widespread rain and snow is likely over the western Himalayan region during January 20-21. 
 
The weather agency has predicted dense to very dense fog in some pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and west Madhya Pradesh and dense fog in isolated pockets over Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, west Rajasthan Odisha, and east Madhya Pradesh during next 24 hours.

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<a href="https://t.co/qwvOtGyZMN">pic.twitter.com/qwvOtGyZMN</a>
— India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1218409920732643328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Cold wave conditions very likely in some pockets over Saurashtra and Kutch and in isolated pockets over Madhya Maharashtra during the next 24 hours," IMD said adding that cold day conditions are very likely in some pockets over Saurashtra and Kutch and isolated pockets over Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

Delhi and its surrounding national capital region (NCR) woke up to yet another cold day on Saturday with dense fog engulfing several areas across the national capital.

Delhi and its surrounding national capital region (NCR) woke up to yet another cold day on Saturday with dense fog engulfing several areas across the national capital. The fog triggered traffic snarls at several places across the city in the wee hours today. The minimum temperature recorded in Delhi today was 8.4 degrees Celsius. IMD has predicted dense fog for the city on January 19 and moderate fog for January 20. Dense to very dense fog observed (0530hrs of Jan, 18) in some pockets over East U P in isolated pockets over Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi and West U P and dense fog in some pockets over Punjab; in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, north Chhattisgarh and coastal Odisha. — India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) January 18, 2020 × "Dense to very dense fog observed (0530hrs of Jan, 18) in some pockets over East UP in isolated pockets over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi and West UP and dense fog in some pockets over Punjab; in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, north Chhattisgarh, and coastal Odisha," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted. According to IMD, a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region and plains of northwest India from January 20. Under its influence, scattered to fairly widespread rain and snow is likely over the western Himalayan region during January 20-21. The weather agency has predicted dense to very dense fog in some pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and west Madhya Pradesh and dense fog in isolated pockets over Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, west Rajasthan Odisha, and east Madhya Pradesh during next 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/qwvOtGyZMN — India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) January 18, 2020 × "Cold wave conditions very likely in some pockets over Saurashtra and Kutch and in isolated pockets over Madhya Maharashtra during the next 24 hours," IMD said adding that cold day conditions are very likely in some pockets over Saurashtra and Kutch and isolated pockets over Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

Another cold day in Delhi with minimum temperature of 8.4 degree Celsius

A medium-level fire broke out at a paper printing press in Delhi's Patparganj Industrial Area on Thursday, news agency ANI reported.

As per reports, one person has been killed in the blaze.&nbsp;

As many as 35 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Fire broke out at a paper printing press in Patparganj Industrial Area today, one person dead. 35 fire tenders are present at the spot. <a href="https://t.co/7syFT5yF7V">pic.twitter.com/7syFT5yF7V</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1215089284744531968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The cause of the fire is being ascertained, more details are awaited.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Delhi Police: One person died in the fire which has broken out in Patparganj Industrial Area. <a href="https://t.co/YFHoDeKG9C">https://t.co/YFHoDeKG9C</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1215086445519486976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This comes a month after over 40 people were killed in a massive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/magisterial-probe-ordered-into-anaj-mandi-fire-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-266943">blaze that broke out at Delhi's Anaj Mandi</a>&nbsp;in December.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident and additional assistance of Rs 1 lakh for the injured.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

A medium-level fire broke out at a paper printing press in Delhi's Patparganj Industrial Area on Thursday, news agency ANI reported. As per reports, one person has been killed in the blaze.

A medium-level fire broke out at a paper printing press in Delhi's Patparganj Industrial Area on Thursday, news agency ANI reported. As per reports, one person has been killed in the blaze. As many as 35 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire. Delhi: Fire broke out at a paper printing press in Patparganj Industrial Area today, one person dead. 35 fire tenders are present at the spot. pic.twitter.com/7syFT5yF7V — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2020 × The cause of the fire is being ascertained, more details are awaited. #UPDATE Delhi Police: One person died in the fire which has broken out in Patparganj Industrial Area. https://t.co/YFHoDeKG9C — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2020 × This comes a month after over 40 people were killed in a massive blaze that broke out at Delhi's Anaj Mandi in December. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident and additional assistance of Rs 1 lakh for the injured. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi: Fire breaks out at paper printing press in Patparganj, one killed 

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-dismisses-plea-seeking-fir-against-sole-witness-in-nirbhaya-rape-case-272547">Delhi court</a> will hear today the plea of parents of 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim seeking to expedite the procedure to hang all 4 convicted in the case and also seeking issuance of death warrant against them.

Yesterday, the court dismissed an application filed by the father of one of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case, who had questioned the credibility of the sole witness by claiming that he was "tutored" and sought the registration of FIR against him.

The court had on December 20 reserved the order on an application filed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-delhi-high-court-adjourns-convicts-plea-claiming-he-was-juvenile-269075">Pawan Kumar Gupta</a>'s father till today. The petition had stated that the girl's friend committed perjury for giving false testimony in the court.

The sole eye-witness was accompanying the 23-year-old girl when she was raped and murdered by six men on a moving bus on December 16, 2012.

Besides Pawan Kumar Gupta, three others - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-nirbhaya-convicts-want-to-use-their-remaining-legal-remedies-270009">Akshay, Vinay, and Mukesh</a> are facing the gallows in the case.

The main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-priyanka-gandhi-to-meet-chidambaram-at-tihar-jail-tomorrow-264716">Tihar Jail</a> during the trial. Another accused was a minor at the time of the commission of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years.

A Delhi court will hear today the plea of parents of 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim seeking to expedite the procedure to hang all 4 convicted in the case and also seeking issuance of death warrant against them.

A Delhi court will hear today the plea of parents of 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim seeking to expedite the procedure to hang all 4 convicted in the case and also seeking issuance of death warrant against them. Yesterday, the court dismissed an application filed by the father of one of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case, who had questioned the credibility of the sole witness by claiming that he was "tutored" and sought the registration of FIR against him. The court had on December 20 reserved the order on an application filed by Pawan Kumar Gupta's father till today. The petition had stated that the girl's friend committed perjury for giving false testimony in the court. The sole eye-witness was accompanying the 23-year-old girl when she was raped and murdered by six men on a moving bus on December 16, 2012. Besides Pawan Kumar Gupta, three others - Akshay, Vinay, and Mukesh are facing the gallows in the case. The main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail during the trial. Another accused was a minor at the time of the commission of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years.

Court to hear plea of Nirbhaya's parents seeking to expedite punishment to 4 convicts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-public-campaign-on-citizenship-amendment-act-to-begin-from-today-272261">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP) working president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-cong-not-behind-anti-caa-violence-why-havent-they-condemned-it-nadda-271808">JP Nadda</a> on Sunday claimed that his party works on the basis of "ideology" and not "nepotism." 
 
He further stated that the saffron is the only party that has leadership and has intentions to work for the development. 
 
"Other parties if they have a leader, don't have a strategy. Some do not have intentions to work. If they organize a program, they do not have workers. But BJP has the leadership of Modi Ji and also has support at the international level. The party has leadership at booth level also," he added while addressing a Booth Karyakarta Sammelan in New Delhi. 
 
At the programme, Delhi BJP president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unity-in-diversity-is-indias-speciality-amid-nationwide-protests-pm-modi-addresses-a-rally-in-delhis-ramlila-ground-269566">Manoj Tiwari</a> also addressed the huge gathering and targeted Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-not-to-attend-hemant-sorens-swearing-in-ceremony-270800">Arvind Kejriwal</a> for doing little to develop the city. 
 
"I would like to tell Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that the registry has begun for the unauthorized colonies of Delhi. Stop this if you have strength," Tiwari said. 
 
In a bid to dispel rumours about the newly enacted citizenship law, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday launched a campaign to generate awareness among the people regarding the citizenship law. 
 
The campaign will conclude on January 15. 
 
As part of its programme, the BJP has also launched a toll-free number 8866288662 for the people where they can register their endorsement to the new law by giving a missed call. 
 
The Act grants <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-all-countries-indian-missions-across-the-globe-informed-about-indias-perspective-on-caa-nrc-271690">Indian citizenship</a> to Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Sunday claimed that his party works on the basis of "ideology" and not "nepotism." He further stated that the saffron is the only party that has leadership and has intentions to work for the development.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Sunday claimed that his party works on the basis of "ideology" and not "nepotism." He further stated that the saffron is the only party that has leadership and has intentions to work for the development. "Other parties if they have a leader, don't have a strategy. Some do not have intentions to work. If they organize a program, they do not have workers. But BJP has the leadership of Modi Ji and also has support at the international level. The party has leadership at booth level also," he added while addressing a Booth Karyakarta Sammelan in New Delhi. At the programme, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari also addressed the huge gathering and targeted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for doing little to develop the city. "I would like to tell Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that the registry has begun for the unauthorized colonies of Delhi. Stop this if you have strength," Tiwari said. In a bid to dispel rumours about the newly enacted citizenship law, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday launched a campaign to generate awareness among the people regarding the citizenship law. The campaign will conclude on January 15. As part of its programme, the BJP has also launched a toll-free number 8866288662 for the people where they can register their endorsement to the new law by giving a missed call. The Act grants Indian citizenship to Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Bharatiya Janata Party works on 'ideology, not nepotism': JP Nadda

Contrary to the earlier claims that no firing was done by the police during the violent protest against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-public-campaign-on-citizenship-amendment-act-to-begin-from-today-272261">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> on December 15, the top sources in Delhi police are now admitting that police might have fired in "self-defence" in Mathura Road area where the protesters went haywire and resorted to vandalism and arson. 
 
Though, the sources maintain that no firing took place in the Jamia area. 
 
Police sources clarified that the purported video that went viral, in which police personnel is seen with his pistol, is being investigated and seems to be of Mathura road area. Police asserted that the fire-arm seems to have been taken out in self-defence. 
 
On December 15, Several students and the police personnel had sustained injuries in the clash, which broke out between protesters and cops during the demonstration. 
 
Several private and public vehicles were torched. The cops were stone pelted, following which they fired tear gas shells. Police later said that it had to enter the university to nab the violent protesters. 
 
On the other hand, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jamia-millia-islamia-varsity-to-finally-reopen-on-monday-after-three-consecutive-weeks-of-anti-caa-protests-and-violence-272127">Jamia Millia Islamia</a> is scheduled to reopen on January 6 after a winter vacation following which semester examination will commence. 
 
The varsity was closed on December 16 after protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act turned violent on December 15. It had also cancelled the examinations and declared vacation till January 5.

Contrary to the earlier claims that no firing was done by the police during the violent protest against Citizenship (Amendment) Act on December 15, the top sources in Delhi police are now admitting that police might have fired in "self-defence" in Mathura Road area where the protesters went haywire and resorted to vandalism and arson.

Contrary to the earlier claims that no firing was done by the police during the violent protest against Citizenship (Amendment) Act on December 15, the top sources in Delhi police are now admitting that police might have fired in "self-defence" in Mathura Road area where the protesters went haywire and resorted to vandalism and arson. Though, the sources maintain that no firing took place in the Jamia area. Police sources clarified that the purported video that went viral, in which police personnel is seen with his pistol, is being investigated and seems to be of Mathura road area. Police asserted that the fire-arm seems to have been taken out in self-defence. On December 15, Several students and the police personnel had sustained injuries in the clash, which broke out between protesters and cops during the demonstration. Several private and public vehicles were torched. The cops were stone pelted, following which they fired tear gas shells. Police later said that it had to enter the university to nab the violent protesters. On the other hand, Jamia Millia Islamia is scheduled to reopen on January 6 after a winter vacation following which semester examination will commence. The varsity was closed on December 16 after protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act turned violent on December 15. It had also cancelled the examinations and declared vacation till January 5.

Police might have fired in 'self-defence' at Mathura road: Sources on Jamia violence

As many as 14 people, including 13 fire brigade personnel, were injured in the factory fire incident that occurred in the Peeragarhi area here on Thursday.

A fire had broken out in a factory on Thursday morning. Rescue operations by NDRF and fire personnel are underway.

"14 people have been injured in the incident, including 13 fire brigade personnel. The back portion of the building has collapsed. Fire though is under control now. Rescue operations continuing," said Rajendra Sagar, Additional DCP (Outer).

Delhi Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-not-to-attend-hemant-sorens-swearing-in-ceremony-270800">Arvind Kejriwal</a> had also expressed concerns over the fire and had tweeted, "Very sad to hear this. I am closely monitoring the situation. Fire personnel trying their best. Praying for the safety of those trapped."

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V sad to hear this. Am closely monitoring the situation. Fire personnel trying their best. Praying for the safety of those trapped <a href="https://t.co/sIQBPe98Zj">https://t.co/sIQBPe98Zj</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1212603019310710784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

As many as 14 people, including 13 fire brigade personnel, were injured in the factory fire incident that occurred in the Peeragarhi area here on Thursday. A fire had broken out in a factory on Thursday morning.

As many as 14 people, including 13 fire brigade personnel, were injured in the factory fire incident that occurred in the Peeragarhi area here on Thursday. A fire had broken out in a factory on Thursday morning. Rescue operations by NDRF and fire personnel are underway. "14 people have been injured in the incident, including 13 fire brigade personnel. The back portion of the building has collapsed. Fire though is under control now. Rescue operations continuing," said Rajendra Sagar, Additional DCP (Outer). Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also expressed concerns over the fire and had tweeted, "Very sad to hear this. I am closely monitoring the situation. Fire personnel trying their best. Praying for the safety of those trapped." V sad to hear this. Am closely monitoring the situation. Fire personnel trying their best. Praying for the safety of those trapped https://t.co/sIQBPe98Zj — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 2, 2020 ×

Delhi factory fire: 14 injured, rescue operations underway

The national capital once again woke up in severe cold after it was reported that minimum temperature in Delhi reached <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-continues-to-shiver-in-cold-wave-270806">2.5 degrees Celsius </a>yesterday.&nbsp;

"Today in most of the places in Delhi-NCR, the temperature was between three to two degrees Celsius. As compared to yesterday, the minimum temperatures have slightly increased in most of the places. Yesterday, there were severe cold wave conditions but today it was only cold wave condition since morning," Kuldeep Srivastava, head of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) regional forecasting centre said.

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Low visibility in Ghaziabad due to fog, cold wave continues <a href="https://t.co/aVi8XeGwwZ">pic.twitter.com/aVi8XeGwwZ</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1211480815625916417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Though the minimum temperature of Delhi was slightly higher than yesterday morning, still visibility touched a new low as streets were engulfed with dense fog. On Sunday, the minimum temperature was 2.5 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> latest temperature(minimum) figures: Safdarjung at 2.6 degrees and Palam at 2.9 degrees. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/3r9uk0F1dU">pic.twitter.com/3r9uk0F1dU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1211489010431905792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Srivastava, however, added that residents of Delhi will get some respite from cold from tomorrow as the minimum temperature is expected to increase due to a change in the wind speed.&nbsp;

The reduction in minimum temperature also affects air quality and Delhi's air quality index (AQI) stood at 448 at 9:38 am, which falls under the severe zone.&nbsp;

An AQI between 0-50 is regarded as good , 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe. Above 500 falls under the severe-plus emergency category.

Nearly 30 trains are running late because of the cold weather and dense fog&nbsp;in the North Indian region. Normal operations of the flight services have also been suspended from the Delhi airport due to poor visibility.&nbsp;

Delhi is witnessing its coldest winter season, so far, as per the officials.

(with inputs from agencies)

The national capital once again woke up in severe cold after it was reported that minimum temperature in Delhi reached 2.5 degrees Celsius yesterday. "Today in most of the places in Delhi-NCR, the temperature was between three to two degrees Celsius.

The national capital once again woke up in severe cold after it was reported that minimum temperature in Delhi reached 2.5 degrees Celsius yesterday. "Today in most of the places in Delhi-NCR, the temperature was between three to two degrees Celsius. As compared to yesterday, the minimum temperatures have slightly increased in most of the places. Yesterday, there were severe cold wave conditions but today it was only cold wave condition since morning," Kuldeep Srivastava, head of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) regional forecasting centre said. Low visibility in Ghaziabad due to fog, cold wave continues pic.twitter.com/aVi8XeGwwZ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 30, 2019 × Though the minimum temperature of Delhi was slightly higher than yesterday morning, still visibility touched a new low as streets were engulfed with dense fog. On Sunday, the minimum temperature was 2.5 degrees Celsius. #UPDATE latest temperature(minimum) figures: Safdarjung at 2.6 degrees and Palam at 2.9 degrees. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/3r9uk0F1dU — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2019 × Srivastava, however, added that residents of Delhi will get some respite from cold from tomorrow as the minimum temperature is expected to increase due to a change in the wind speed. The reduction in minimum temperature also affects air quality and Delhi's air quality index (AQI) stood at 448 at 9:38 am, which falls under the severe zone. An AQI between 0-50 is regarded as good , 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe. Above 500 falls under the severe-plus emergency category. Nearly 30 trains are running late because of the cold weather and dense fog in the North Indian region. Normal operations of the flight services have also been suspended from the Delhi airport due to poor visibility. Delhi is witnessing its coldest winter season, so far, as per the officials. (with inputs from agencies)

Severe cold continues in Delhi; dense fog hampers visibility

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