At least 19 trains are running late due to low visibility in the Northern Railway region.

However, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures have increased by 3-4 degree Celsius over most parts of Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and at isolated places over Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and west Madhya Pradesh. The weather body has predicted that there will be no cold wave in Delhi till January 4.

Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi continued to be in the 'severe' category.

According to data provided by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), AQI was recorded at 420 (severe category) in Anand Vihar, 364 (very poor) in RK Puram, and 428 (severe) in Rohini at 7 am on Friday.

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/hazardous.

At least 19 trains are running late due to low visibility in the Northern Railway region. However, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures have increased by 3-4 degree Celsius over most parts of Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and at isolated places over Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and west Madhya Pradesh.

At least 19 trains are running late due to low visibility in the Northern Railway region. However, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures have increased by 3-4 degree Celsius over most parts of Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and at isolated places over Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and west Madhya Pradesh. The weather body has predicted that there will be no cold wave in Delhi till January 4. Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi continued to be in the 'severe' category. According to data provided by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), AQI was recorded at 420 (severe category) in Anand Vihar, 364 (very poor) in RK Puram, and 428 (severe) in Rohini at 7 am on Friday. 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/hazardous.

Trains running late due to low visibility in north India

A local court here has sent two Bangladeshi and two Turkish nationals to six-day police remand in connection with an ATM hacking case.

The accused were arrested two months ago by Barrackpore police of West Bengal.

The accused have been identified as Hakan Zanburkan, Fettah Aldemir (both Turkish nationals) and Mohammad Hannan, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam (Bangladeshi nationals).

According to Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) in-charge Bidyut Sutradhar, the hackers managed to steal more than Rs 50 lakh cash from ATMs by installing cloning devices in the machines in November last year.

A local court here has sent two Bangladeshi and two Turkish nationals to six-day police remand in connection with an ATM hacking case. The accused were arrested two months ago by Barrackpore police of West Bengal.

A local court here has sent two Bangladeshi and two Turkish nationals to six-day police remand in connection with an ATM hacking case. The accused were arrested two months ago by Barrackpore police of West Bengal. The accused have been identified as Hakan Zanburkan, Fettah Aldemir (both Turkish nationals) and Mohammad Hannan, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam (Bangladeshi nationals). According to Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) in-charge Bidyut Sutradhar, the hackers managed to steal more than Rs 50 lakh cash from ATMs by installing cloning devices in the machines in November last year.

Tripura: Bangladeshi, Turkish nationals sent to custody over ATM hacking

Around 445 trespassers have been detained by the Bangladesh authorities in the last two months while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, informed Director General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-400-bangaldeshi-nationals-trying-to-flee-india-arrested-by-border-guards-271691">Border Guard Bangladesh</a> (BGB) -&nbsp;Shafeenul Islam.

At a press briefing on Thursday, he also said that in 2019 a total of 1,002 persons were detained while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, reported Dhaka Tribune.

&nbsp;

Watch: WION Dispatch - Bangladesh witnesses reverse migration

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Talking on the issue of border killings, the BGB chief said: "The issue of border killings was discussed at the six-day 49th DG level <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bangladesh-border-forces-to-hold-high-level-talks-from-tomorrow-in-delhi-163097">BGB-BSF meeting</a> in New Delhi from December 25 to 30. We expressed our concern about the killing of Bangladeshi people by the Border Security Force (BSF) in the border areas."

He also informed that 2019 recorded the highest number of border killings.

Responding to a question whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-caa-and-nrc-are-affecting-india-bangladesh-ties-271710">NRC and CAA</a>&nbsp;were discussed during the border coordination conference with India, he said, "It's their internal matter."

He further said that BGB is planning to buy modern arms and ammunition to secure the border alongside Myanmar.

Last year, border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh held Directors General level talks from December 25 to 30 to discuss border-related issues.

Around 445 trespassers have been detained by the Bangladesh authorities in the last two months while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, informed Director General Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) - Shafeenul Islam.

Around 445 trespassers have been detained by the Bangladesh authorities in the last two months while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, informed Director General Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) - Shafeenul Islam. At a press briefing on Thursday, he also said that in 2019 a total of 1,002 persons were detained while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, reported Dhaka Tribune. Watch: WION Dispatch - Bangladesh witnesses reverse migration × Talking on the issue of border killings, the BGB chief said: "The issue of border killings was discussed at the six-day 49th DG level BGB-BSF meeting in New Delhi from December 25 to 30. We expressed our concern about the killing of Bangladeshi people by the Border Security Force (BSF) in the border areas." He also informed that 2019 recorded the highest number of border killings. Responding to a question whether NRC and CAA were discussed during the border coordination conference with India, he said, "It's their internal matter." He further said that BGB is planning to buy modern arms and ammunition to secure the border alongside Myanmar. Last year, border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh held Directors General level talks from December 25 to 30 to discuss border-related issues.

Around 445 trespassers detained in last two months: Bangladesh border guard

A dramatic escalation came in US-Iran tensions after the United States killed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-other-free-nations-will-take-revenge-for-soleimanis-killing-from-criminal-america-iran-president-hassan-rouhani-271885"> Qasem Soleimani</a>, the head of the elite Quds Force in a strike at Iraq's Baghdad airport&nbsp;on Friday. An advisor to Soleimani, Muhandis was killed in the strike.

The Soleimani's killing&nbsp;triggered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitterati-fear-world-war-iii-coming-after-irans-soleimani-killed-in-us-strike-271940">various reactions from across the world</a> and while some Republicans lauded the move other world leaders&nbsp;warned of danger and urged US and Iran&nbsp;for restraint.

So what does this escalation of tensions mean for India?

India heavily depends on crude imports from West Asian nations and the country's&nbsp;slowing economy could be further dented by the spike in crude oil prices owing to the instability.

US-Iran tensions have the potential to heavily and adversely affect stability in the region. The region supplies to a third of the world's oil demand. But while it is not just Iraq, but experts opine that most of the West-Asian nations will either align for or against the United States if the situation does not de-escalate.

According to a report, a 10 dollar rise in crude oil prices will increase India's import bill by 15 billion dollars . a confrontation of this nature has the potential to drag down other such oil-producing countries. &nbsp;

Also, India is one of the world's top recipients of external remittances. Looking at 2017 figures from the reserve bank of India, India received 69 billion US dollars worth remittances.

What can be concerning for India, owing to the escalation of tensions, is that over 50% of the remittances come from countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman, countries that could potentially be affected by the developing situation.

Substantial population from Indian states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu look to West Asian countries for better job opportunities. The tensions could affect the prospects of aspiring and existing Indian migrant workers.

A dramatic escalation came in US-Iran tensions after the United States killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of the elite Quds Force in a strike at Iraq's Baghdad airport on Friday.

A dramatic escalation came in US-Iran tensions after the United States killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of the elite Quds Force in a strike at Iraq's Baghdad airport on Friday. An advisor to Soleimani, Muhandis was killed in the strike. The Soleimani's killing triggered various reactions from across the world and while some Republicans lauded the move other world leaders warned of danger and urged US and Iran for restraint. So what does this escalation of tensions mean for India? India heavily depends on crude imports from West Asian nations and the country's slowing economy could be further dented by the spike in crude oil prices owing to the instability. US-Iran tensions have the potential to heavily and adversely affect stability in the region. The region supplies to a third of the world's oil demand. But while it is not just Iraq, but experts opine that most of the West-Asian nations will either align for or against the United States if the situation does not de-escalate. According to a report, a 10 dollar rise in crude oil prices will increase India's import bill by 15 billion dollars . a confrontation of this nature has the potential to drag down other such oil-producing countries. Also, India is one of the world's top recipients of external remittances. Looking at 2017 figures from the reserve bank of India, India received 69 billion US dollars worth remittances. What can be concerning for India, owing to the escalation of tensions, is that over 50% of the remittances come from countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman, countries that could potentially be affected by the developing situation. Substantial population from Indian states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu look to West Asian countries for better job opportunities. The tensions could affect the prospects of aspiring and existing Indian migrant workers.

How rising tension between US-Iran after Soleimani's killing will affect India

The Indian Olympic Association has offered the Commonwealth Games Federation that India could host the sporting events&nbsp;that have been removed from the roster for the 2022 Birmingham games. The games are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/in-boycott-reversal-india-to-participate-in-the-2022-commonwealth-games-in-birmingham-cgf-271095">not going to host</a> any shooting events.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had threatened to boycott the Birmingham Games over shooting's exclusion before their climbdown last week.

The Indian shooting federation has offered to host a&nbsp;Commonwealth&nbsp;shooting championship in 2022 and the IOA also wants to organise a similar competition for archery, which will not feature in Birmingham either.

"We are in the process of sending our proposal for the shooting and archery competitions to the&nbsp;Commonwealth&nbsp;Games Federation (CGF)," said IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta.

"As of now, shooting federation will finance the shooting competition and we're seeking government fund for archery."

Indian officials also want the medals won in both the tournaments to count in the final table in Birmingham.

IOA was most upset at the exclusion of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-firms-up-commonwealth-games-boycott-threats-over-shooting-exclusion-239030">shooting</a> which supplied 16 of India's 66 medals, including seven golds, at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.

In its absence, India, who finished third in the 2018 medals table, could slip to anywhere between fifth and eighth in Birmingham, according to IOA estimates.

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which led the outrage against shooting's exclusion, came up with the idea of a separate&nbsp;Commonwealth&nbsp;championship.

"It's a simple proposal to have an adjunct competition, either in New Delhi or Chandigarh, three months before the main Games in Birmingham," NRAI president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/young-guns-of-indian-shooting-ready-for-gold-rush-at-tokyo-olympics-249259">Raninder Singh</a> told sources.

The proposal follows CGF president Louise Martin's meeting with her international shooting federation (ISSF) counterpart Vladimir Lisin in Munich last month.

"Although a&nbsp;Commonwealth&nbsp;Shooting Championships is amongst one of several ideas being discussed with the ISSF, nothing has been formally proposed, let alone agreed upon..." CGF chief executive David Grevemberg said in a statement last month.

"...speculation around what this event could look like, and what medals won at such an event could mean in the context of the&nbsp;Commonwealth&nbsp;Games, is extremely premature."

Singh, who attended the Munich meeting as ISS vice-president, said India's offer could lead to infrastructure-sharing among CGF members nations.

"This is a very exciting and unique offer, which can be a game-changer. It may not have happened in&nbsp;Commonwealth&nbsp;Games, but co-hosting is not unprecedented in sports.

"Why <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealths-a-waste-of-time-and-money-india-olympic-chief-251964">waste money</a> creating new infrastructure which may rot and not use the existing ones even if in another country? It gives flexibility.

"There will always be some sports which will be left out. It's shooting now, it maybe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-teen-shuttler-lakshya-sen-wins-scottish-open-264356">badminton</a>'s turn next time.

"Adjunct competitions can take the Games to a much bigger and larger audience and help retain the popular but optional disciplines," Singh added.

The Indian Olympic Association has offered the Commonwealth Games Federation that India could host the sporting events that have been removed from the roster for the 2022 Birmingham games.

The Indian Olympic Association has offered the Commonwealth Games Federation that India could host the sporting events that have been removed from the roster for the 2022 Birmingham games. The games are not going to host any shooting events. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had threatened to boycott the Birmingham Games over shooting's exclusion before their climbdown last week. The Indian shooting federation has offered to host a Commonwealth shooting championship in 2022 and the IOA also wants to organise a similar competition for archery, which will not feature in Birmingham either. "We are in the process of sending our proposal for the shooting and archery competitions to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)," said IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta. "As of now, shooting federation will finance the shooting competition and we're seeking government fund for archery." Indian officials also want the medals won in both the tournaments to count in the final table in Birmingham. IOA was most upset at the exclusion of shooting which supplied 16 of India's 66 medals, including seven golds, at the 2018 Gold Coast Games. In its absence, India, who finished third in the 2018 medals table, could slip to anywhere between fifth and eighth in Birmingham, according to IOA estimates. National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which led the outrage against shooting's exclusion, came up with the idea of a separate Commonwealth championship. "It's a simple proposal to have an adjunct competition, either in New Delhi or Chandigarh, three months before the main Games in Birmingham," NRAI president Raninder Singh told sources. The proposal follows CGF president Louise Martin's meeting with her international shooting federation (ISSF) counterpart Vladimir Lisin in Munich last month. "Although a Commonwealth Shooting Championships is amongst one of several ideas being discussed with the ISSF, nothing has been formally proposed, let alone agreed upon..." CGF chief executive David Grevemberg said in a statement last month. "...speculation around what this event could look like, and what medals won at such an event could mean in the context of the Commonwealth Games, is extremely premature." Singh, who attended the Munich meeting as ISS vice-president, said India's offer could lead to infrastructure-sharing among CGF members nations. "This is a very exciting and unique offer, which can be a game-changer. It may not have happened in Commonwealth Games, but co-hosting is not unprecedented in sports. "Why waste money creating new infrastructure which may rot and not use the existing ones even if in another country? It gives flexibility. "There will always be some sports which will be left out. It's shooting now, it maybe badminton's turn next time. "Adjunct competitions can take the Games to a much bigger and larger audience and help retain the popular but optional disciplines," Singh added.

India could host shooting events for CWG 2022: NRAI President Raninder Singh

After YSRCP lawmaker V Vijayasai Reddy urged External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-iranian-president-hassan-rouhani-discusses-progress-in-india-iran-bilateral-ties-269834">S Jaishankar</a> to seek the release of captured fishermen by Pakistan, Islamabad has announced that it will release 20 Indians on January 6.

In a letter to Indian High Commission dated December 31, Pakistan Foreign Ministry informed that repatriation of fishermen will take place on January 6 via Wagah Border. The ministry has asked the high commission to nominate a representative to receive the fishermen.

The 20 fishermen are from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts and were captured by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) off Gujarat coast by breaching into Indian waters. They are among the 483 Indian fishermen captured by Pakistan in December 2018.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Pakistan presents its compliments to the High Commission of Republic of India in Islamabad and has the honour to convey the decision of the Government of Pakistan to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-releases-100-indian-fishermen-as-goodwill-gesture-208631">release</a> and repatriate following twenty fishermen to India via Wagah Border on 06.01.2020," the ministry letter stated, along with a list of names of fishermen.

India has called for early release and repatriation of the prisoners, missing defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats from Pakistan's custody.

Reddy, in August, had written a letter to Jaishankar urging him to expedite the process of repatriation of fishermen captured by Pakistan. In his letter, he had noted that the fishermen were illegally captured by PMSA by entering into "our territorial waters".

The MP has said that he along with the family members of the captured fishermen had met the then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on the issue and was assured by her that she would try through diplomatic channels to get the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/14-indian-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lankan-navy-for-poaching-270884">fishermen</a> released.

"I request you to kindly use your good office to expedite the process of bringing them (fishermen) back to India," Reddy wrote in his letter.

After YSRCP lawmaker V Vijayasai Reddy urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to seek the release of captured fishermen by Pakistan, Islamabad has announced that it will release 20 Indians on January 6.

After YSRCP lawmaker V Vijayasai Reddy urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to seek the release of captured fishermen by Pakistan, Islamabad has announced that it will release 20 Indians on January 6. In a letter to Indian High Commission dated December 31, Pakistan Foreign Ministry informed that repatriation of fishermen will take place on January 6 via Wagah Border. The ministry has asked the high commission to nominate a representative to receive the fishermen. The 20 fishermen are from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts and were captured by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) off Gujarat coast by breaching into Indian waters. They are among the 483 Indian fishermen captured by Pakistan in December 2018. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Pakistan presents its compliments to the High Commission of Republic of India in Islamabad and has the honour to convey the decision of the Government of Pakistan to release and repatriate following twenty fishermen to India via Wagah Border on 06.01.2020," the ministry letter stated, along with a list of names of fishermen. India has called for early release and repatriation of the prisoners, missing defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats from Pakistan's custody. Reddy, in August, had written a letter to Jaishankar urging him to expedite the process of repatriation of fishermen captured by Pakistan. In his letter, he had noted that the fishermen were illegally captured by PMSA by entering into "our territorial waters". The MP has said that he along with the family members of the captured fishermen had met the then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on the issue and was assured by her that she would try through diplomatic channels to get the fishermen released. "I request you to kindly use your good office to expedite the process of bringing them (fishermen) back to India," Reddy wrote in his letter.

After MP's letter to Jaishankar, Islamabad to release 20 fishermen

The Indian Rupee weakened and shares slipped on Friday as oil prices surged after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-ordered-action-against-irans-quds-force-commander-soleimani-us-department-of-defence-271773">US&nbsp;airstrikes</a> killed a top Iranian commander, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Other Asian markets also tumbled following news of the airstrikes, in which the head of Iran's elite Quds Force and a top Iraqi militia leader were killed early on Friday at Baghdad airport.

Oil prices surged, reflecting concerns that escalating Middle East tensions may disrupt oil supplies. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-after-us-strike-kills-iranian-general-271775">Brent crude</a> futures jumped to their highest since September&nbsp;17 and were last up 2.88 per cent at $68.16 a barrel.

The Rupee weakened by 0.26 per cent to 71.5525 against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dollar-snaps-six-day-losing-streak-a-flat-start-for-2020-271653">dollar</a>. India, the world's third-biggest oil consumer, imports about 80 per cent of its oil needs, making it highly susceptible to crude price swings.

"Iran will certainly retaliate ... Oil is likely to be on boil. Bad for large oil-importing countries, especially those with large trade and current account deficit like India," said Ajay Bodke, chief executive of portfolio management services at Prabhudas Lilladher Pvt Ltd in Mumbai.

"Risk aversion would spike sharply. Investors may again find comfort in mega-caps and shun 'risky' small- and mid-cap equities."

India's NSE <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-gains-by-321-points-as-nifty-closes-on-high-record-tata-motors-on-top-winner-271672">Nifty 50</a> index, which tracks blue-chip equities, was down 0.35 per cent to 12,239.50 by 0425 GMT, while the benchmark S&amp;P BSE&nbsp;Sensex&nbsp;fell 0.28 per cent to 41,512.38.

Shares in oil refining, retail and telecoms group Reliance Industries Ltd, India's largest company by market value, fell 0.7 per cent, on concerns of falling margins due to the rise in oil prices.

State-run oil producer Oil and Natural Gas Corp and gas suppliers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-edge-higher-in-rangebound-trade-gail-power-grid-rise-270934">GAIL</a> gained roughly 2.4 per cent each.

Shares in India's top two airlines also slumped due to the surge in oil prices. InterGlobe Aviation Ltd fell 1.8 per cent, while SpiceJet Ltd shed 4.4 per cent.

Asian Paints Ltd, a Nifty 50 component, fell 1.4 per cent.

Shares in IT services companies, which receive a bulk of their revenue from overseas and benefit from a weaker Rupee, gained. Infosys Ltd and Wipro Ltd climbed 1.5 per cent each, while <a href="wionews.com/india-news/tata-sons-moves-supreme-court-over-nclat-order-to-reinstate-cyrus-mistry-as-chairman-271594">Tata</a> Consultancy Services rose 2.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, India's central bank on Thursday announced another simultaneous purchase and sale of government bonds, the third such operation in recent weeks, moves seen as an attempt to bring longer-term yields lower.

The Indian Rupee weakened and shares slipped on Friday as oil prices surged after US airstrikes killed a top Iranian commander, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The Indian Rupee weakened and shares slipped on Friday as oil prices surged after US airstrikes killed a top Iranian commander, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Other Asian markets also tumbled following news of the airstrikes, in which the head of Iran's elite Quds Force and a top Iraqi militia leader were killed early on Friday at Baghdad airport. Oil prices surged, reflecting concerns that escalating Middle East tensions may disrupt oil supplies. Brent crude futures jumped to their highest since September 17 and were last up 2.88 per cent at $68.16 a barrel. The Rupee weakened by 0.26 per cent to 71.5525 against the dollar. India, the world's third-biggest oil consumer, imports about 80 per cent of its oil needs, making it highly susceptible to crude price swings. "Iran will certainly retaliate ... Oil is likely to be on boil. Bad for large oil-importing countries, especially those with large trade and current account deficit like India," said Ajay Bodke, chief executive of portfolio management services at Prabhudas Lilladher Pvt Ltd in Mumbai. "Risk aversion would spike sharply. Investors may again find comfort in mega-caps and shun 'risky' small- and mid-cap equities." India's NSE Nifty 50 index, which tracks blue-chip equities, was down 0.35 per cent to 12,239.50 by 0425 GMT, while the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex fell 0.28 per cent to 41,512.38. Shares in oil refining, retail and telecoms group Reliance Industries Ltd, India's largest company by market value, fell 0.7 per cent, on concerns of falling margins due to the rise in oil prices. State-run oil producer Oil and Natural Gas Corp and gas suppliers GAIL gained roughly 2.4 per cent each. Shares in India's top two airlines also slumped due to the surge in oil prices. InterGlobe Aviation Ltd fell 1.8 per cent, while SpiceJet Ltd shed 4.4 per cent. Asian Paints Ltd, a Nifty 50 component, fell 1.4 per cent. Shares in IT services companies, which receive a bulk of their revenue from overseas and benefit from a weaker Rupee, gained. Infosys Ltd and Wipro Ltd climbed 1.5 per cent each, while Tata Consultancy Services rose 2.3 per cent. Meanwhile, India's central bank on Thursday announced another simultaneous purchase and sale of government bonds, the third such operation in recent weeks, moves seen as an attempt to bring longer-term yields lower.

Shares slip, rupee weakens as oil jumps after US airstrikes in Iraq

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-witnessing-temporary-effects-of-global-slowdown-amit-shah-270648">Reserve Bank of India's</a> move to widen its third special open market operation (OMO) helped bonds rise on Friday but worries over a likely fiscal slippage and a surge in global crude prices capped the gains.

The Indian central bank has offered to buy a wider range of papers at the latest auction as against just the benchmark 10-year at the first two OMOs, making it more attractive for participants.

The central bank announced its first-ever special open market operation to simultaneously purchase and sell bonds in the market on December&nbsp;19 to manage bond yields which had been rising despite five consecutive rate cuts.

Yields are down 25 basis points since the announcement of the first auction after having risen as much as 37 bps since the RBI shocked markets by keeping rates on hold on December5.

"The fundamentals are turning adverse for the bond market but the RBI has managed to prevent yields from rising," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-launch-first-debt-exchange-traded-fund-266182">A. Prasanna</a>, an economist with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-seen-making-sixth-interest-rate-cut-but-no-cure-for-economys-ills-265905">ICICI Securities</a> Primary Dealership.

"It is good news for the government and other borrowers but whether this equilibrium can sustain is doubtful."

The benchmark 10-year bond yield dropped as much as 3 bps to 6.48 per cent&nbsp;on Friday and traders said they expected yields to stay capped at 6.55 per cent levels in the near term despite broader economic concerns.

Brent crude futures jumped close to $3 to their highest since September after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-attack-on-baghdad-airport-top-iran-commander-killed-271756">US&nbsp;airstrike</a> killed key Iranian and Iraqi military personnel, raising concerns that escalating Middle East tensions may disrupt oil supplies.

Market participants broadly expect the government to announce a 0.4 per cent-0.6 per cent&nbsp;slippage in fiscal deficit and that could result in 500 billion rupees-600 billion rupees ($6.97 billion-$8.37 billion) worth of additional borrowing.

Yields are expected to rise on the back of increased borrowing but traders expect the RBI to continue to manage yields at least until the budget, which is likely to be announced on February&nbsp;1.

The consensus is for at least two more special OMOs before the end of the month.

"The RBI has got themselves into a situation where they cannot stop now. Yields will jump the day they stop. There is a way to manage the markets and the RBI now has to live up to the expectations that it has built," a senior debt trader at a private bank said.

The Reserve Bank of India's move to widen its third special open market operation (OMO) helped bonds rise on Friday but worries over a likely fiscal slippage and a surge in global crude prices capped the gains.

The Reserve Bank of India's move to widen its third special open market operation (OMO) helped bonds rise on Friday but worries over a likely fiscal slippage and a surge in global crude prices capped the gains. The Indian central bank has offered to buy a wider range of papers at the latest auction as against just the benchmark 10-year at the first two OMOs, making it more attractive for participants. The central bank announced its first-ever special open market operation to simultaneously purchase and sell bonds in the market on December 19 to manage bond yields which had been rising despite five consecutive rate cuts. Yields are down 25 basis points since the announcement of the first auction after having risen as much as 37 bps since the RBI shocked markets by keeping rates on hold on December5. "The fundamentals are turning adverse for the bond market but the RBI has managed to prevent yields from rising," said A. Prasanna, an economist with ICICI Securities Primary Dealership. "It is good news for the government and other borrowers but whether this equilibrium can sustain is doubtful." The benchmark 10-year bond yield dropped as much as 3 bps to 6.48 per cent on Friday and traders said they expected yields to stay capped at 6.55 per cent levels in the near term despite broader economic concerns. Brent crude futures jumped close to $3 to their highest since September after a US airstrike killed key Iranian and Iraqi military personnel, raising concerns that escalating Middle East tensions may disrupt oil supplies. Market participants broadly expect the government to announce a 0.4 per cent-0.6 per cent slippage in fiscal deficit and that could result in 500 billion rupees-600 billion rupees ($6.97 billion-$8.37 billion) worth of additional borrowing. Yields are expected to rise on the back of increased borrowing but traders expect the RBI to continue to manage yields at least until the budget, which is likely to be announced on February 1. The consensus is for at least two more special OMOs before the end of the month. "The RBI has got themselves into a situation where they cannot stop now. Yields will jump the day they stop. There is a way to manage the markets and the RBI now has to live up to the expectations that it has built," a senior debt trader at a private bank said.

Indian bonds gain as India's central bank, RBI, widens third special Open Market Operation

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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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

India in Space: ISRO's beginnings, achievements and vision 2020

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-more-infants-die-in-kota-hospital-death-toll-rises-to-hundred-271585">100 children</a> in Rajasthan's Kota last month.

Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable."

In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" staying silent on the issue.

Mayawati stated that like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prohibitory-orders-to-prevail-in-sambhal-till-january-31-271476">Uttar Pradesh</a>, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government.

She added that if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" will not visit Kota to meet the mothers who lost their children, then her meetings with families of victims in Uttar Pradesh will be considered for political interest and drama.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around 100 children in Rajasthan's Kota last month.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around 100 children in Rajasthan's Kota last month. Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable." In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" staying silent on the issue. Mayawati stated that like Uttar Pradesh, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government. She added that if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" will not visit Kota to meet the mothers who lost their children, then her meetings with families of victims in Uttar Pradesh will be considered for political interest and drama.

Kota infant deaths: Mayawati slams Priyanka Gandhi over her 'silence'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankan-cricket-team-to-go-ahead-with-pakistan-tour-despite-terror-fears-250656">Sri Lanka Cricket</a> (SLC) on Wednesday named Angelo Mathews in the squad for the three-match T20I series against India that will begin later this week.

Mathews last played for the team in 2018 against South Africa at Colombo.

Meanwhile, Nuwan Pradeep was ruled out of the series due to an injury which he sustained during practice.

Sri Lanka recently lost the two-match Test series 1-0 against Pakistan. In the second Test at Karachi, Pakistan registered a massive 263-run victory. This is the first victory by Pakistan on Pakistani soil in 10 years.

Earlier, the first Test in Rawalpindi between the two teams was drawn.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/chandika-hathurusingha-named-sri-lanka-cricket-coach-26262">national selectors</a> have chosen the following players to play in the T20I series against India.

Lasith Malinga (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-announce-icc-world-cup-squad-angelo-mathews-and-jeevan-mendis-make-a-comeback-211519">Angelo Mathews</a>, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya De Silva, Isuru Udana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday named Angelo Mathews in the squad for the three-match T20I series against India that will begin later this week. Mathews last played for the team in 2018 against South Africa at Colombo.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday named Angelo Mathews in the squad for the three-match T20I series against India that will begin later this week. Mathews last played for the team in 2018 against South Africa at Colombo. Meanwhile, Nuwan Pradeep was ruled out of the series due to an injury which he sustained during practice. Sri Lanka recently lost the two-match Test series 1-0 against Pakistan. In the second Test at Karachi, Pakistan registered a massive 263-run victory. This is the first victory by Pakistan on Pakistani soil in 10 years. Earlier, the first Test in Rawalpindi between the two teams was drawn. The national selectors have chosen the following players to play in the T20I series against India. Lasith Malinga (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya De Silva, Isuru Udana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan.

Sri Lanka includes Angelo Mathews for T20I series against India

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-uses-terrorism-as-tool-of-state-policy-army-chief-naravane-271301">new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane</a> on Wednesday said that the priority of the Indian Army will be to be operationally prepared at all times and "pay special attention to respect human rights," news agency ANI reported.

Naravane added that all three services are ready to defend the country.&nbsp;Naravane received Guard of Honour today morning as the Army chief and paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

The Army chief emphasised the need to pay more attention to India's border along China and said that the force is capable of dealing with any security challenge.

"We have been giving attention to our western front in the past. The northern front now also requires an equal amount of attention... The Army is capable of tackling any dangers to the country," General Naravane told reporters.

"In that context, we are now going in for capability development and enhancement of our capacities even in our northern borders which includes the northeastern part of our country," he said.

On the border dispute with China, the Army chief said that continuing peace along the border will pave the way for a solution.

"We have been able to maintain peace and tranquillity along borders and I'm sure that situation will prevail. By maintaining this, we will be able to set the stage for the eventual solution," he said.

On Tuesday, Naravane said that the "neighbouring country" (Pakistan) uses terrorism as a tool of state policy.

In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem.

"Terrorism is a worldwide problem, India has been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time. It is only now that the entire world and many countries affected with terrorism are coming to realise what a threat it is," he said.

"As far as our neighbour is concerned they are trying to use terrorism as a tool of state policy, as a way of carrying out a proxy war against us...while maintaining deniability. However, this state can't last long, as they say, you can't fool all the people, all the time," General Naravane added.

General Naravane took over as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on Tuesday, succeeding General Bipin Rawat who has become India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Wednesday said that the priority of the Indian Army will be to be operationally prepared at all times and "pay special attention to respect human rights," news agency ANI reported.

The new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Wednesday said that the priority of the Indian Army will be to be operationally prepared at all times and "pay special attention to respect human rights," news agency ANI reported. Naravane added that all three services are ready to defend the country. Naravane received Guard of Honour today morning as the Army chief and paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The Army chief emphasised the need to pay more attention to India's border along China and said that the force is capable of dealing with any security challenge. "We have been giving attention to our western front in the past. The northern front now also requires an equal amount of attention... The Army is capable of tackling any dangers to the country," General Naravane told reporters. "In that context, we are now going in for capability development and enhancement of our capacities even in our northern borders which includes the northeastern part of our country," he said. On the border dispute with China, the Army chief said that continuing peace along the border will pave the way for a solution. "We have been able to maintain peace and tranquillity along borders and I'm sure that situation will prevail. By maintaining this, we will be able to set the stage for the eventual solution," he said. On Tuesday, Naravane said that the "neighbouring country" (Pakistan) uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem. "Terrorism is a worldwide problem, India has been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time. It is only now that the entire world and many countries affected with terrorism are coming to realise what a threat it is," he said. "As far as our neighbour is concerned they are trying to use terrorism as a tool of state policy, as a way of carrying out a proxy war against us...while maintaining deniability. However, this state can't last long, as they say, you can't fool all the people, all the time," General Naravane added. General Naravane took over as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on Tuesday, succeeding General Bipin Rawat who has become India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff. (With inputs from ANI)

Need to pay more attention to India's border along China: Army Chief MM Naravane

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday unveiled Rs 102 lakh crore of infrastructure projects to be implemented in the next five years as part of the government's spending push in the sector.

Addressing a press conference, she said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in his Independence Day speech spoke of investing Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure.

Later, a task force identified Rs 102 lakh crore worth of projects after conducting 70 stakeholder consultations in a short span of four months as part of the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).

Sitharaman said another Rs 3 lakh crore of projects are likely to be added to this pipeline.

"This will enable a forward outlook on infrastructure projects which will create jobs, improve ease of living and provide equitable access to infrastructure for all, thereby making growth more inclusive," she said.

Out of total expected capital expenditure of Rs 102 lakh crore under NIP, projects worth Rs 42.7 lakh crore are under implementation, projects worth Rs 32.7 lakh crore are in conceptualisation stage and the rest under development.

These projects are on top of Rs 51 lakh crore — or 5 to 6 per cent of the GDP — spent by the Centre and states in the past six years, said Sitharaman adding the new pipeline consists of 39 per cent projects each by the Centre and states and the balance by 22 per cent by private sector.

She said the projects identified are in sectors such as power, railways, urban irrigation, mobility, education and health. During the fiscals 2020 to 2025, sectors such as energy (24 per cent), roads (19 per cent), urban (16 per cent) and railways (13 per cent) amount to about 70 per cent of the projected capital expenditure in infrastructure.

The finance minister said the Rs 102 lakh crore NIP will help make India a five trillion dollar economy by 2025.

She said an annual global investor meet will be organised, the first edition of which will be held in the second half of 2020. Besides, there will be an annual supplementary report issued every year as part of a robust monitoring framework.

The government is committed to strict enforcement of contracts accompanied with a dispute settlement mechanism, said Sitharaman.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday unveiled Rs 102 lakh crore of infrastructure projects to be implemented in the next five years as part of the government's spending push in the sector.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday unveiled Rs 102 lakh crore of infrastructure projects to be implemented in the next five years as part of the government's spending push in the sector. Addressing a press conference, she said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in his Independence Day speech spoke of investing Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure. Later, a task force identified Rs 102 lakh crore worth of projects after conducting 70 stakeholder consultations in a short span of four months as part of the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP). Sitharaman said another Rs 3 lakh crore of projects are likely to be added to this pipeline. "This will enable a forward outlook on infrastructure projects which will create jobs, improve ease of living and provide equitable access to infrastructure for all, thereby making growth more inclusive," she said. Out of total expected capital expenditure of Rs 102 lakh crore under NIP, projects worth Rs 42.7 lakh crore are under implementation, projects worth Rs 32.7 lakh crore are in conceptualisation stage and the rest under development. These projects are on top of Rs 51 lakh crore — or 5 to 6 per cent of the GDP — spent by the Centre and states in the past six years, said Sitharaman adding the new pipeline consists of 39 per cent projects each by the Centre and states and the balance by 22 per cent by private sector. She said the projects identified are in sectors such as power, railways, urban irrigation, mobility, education and health. During the fiscals 2020 to 2025, sectors such as energy (24 per cent), roads (19 per cent), urban (16 per cent) and railways (13 per cent) amount to about 70 per cent of the projected capital expenditure in infrastructure. The finance minister said the Rs 102 lakh crore NIP will help make India a five trillion dollar economy by 2025. She said an annual global investor meet will be organised, the first edition of which will be held in the second half of 2020. Besides, there will be an annual supplementary report issued every year as part of a robust monitoring framework. The government is committed to strict enforcement of contracts accompanied with a dispute settlement mechanism, said Sitharaman.

Government unveils Rs 102 lakh crore infrastructure projects for next 5 years

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/paramilitary-forces-in-process-of-being-moved-from-jk-to-assam-267714">Jammu and Kashmir</a> Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh on Tuesday said that infiltration from across the border and the number of local youth joining terror groups has gone down this year.

"As per our record, around 130 people managed to infiltrate this year, compared to last year's figure of 143. The number of youths joining <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-was-always-prepared-to-strike-pak-terror-camps-central-leadership-had-to-take-call-former-air-force-chief-bs-dhanoa-270772">terrorist organisations</a> has gone down. 218 joined in 2018 and this year it was 139," Singh said at a press conference here.

&nbsp;

Also Watch: Ex-IAF Chief: IAF planned airstrike to hit terror camps in Pak in 2008

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The top police official also said that security forces have been able to neutralise 160 terrorists in multiple operations and have also succeeded in the anti-drug drive.

"160 terrorists were killed in 80 operations and the anti-drug operations were also very successful. The number of active terrorists has gone down to 250," Singh said.

According to the DGP, there has been a 30 per cent decrease in terror-related incidents in 2019 as compared to the previous year and the civilian casualty has also come down.

Singh also pointed out that there has been an improvement in police <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-retains-top-spot-in-sdg-index-bihar-ranks-last-niti-aayog-271251">infrastructure</a> in the region and said that close to 10,000 youths had undergone training at their training centres.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh on Tuesday said that infiltration from across the border and the number of local youth joining terror groups has gone down this year.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh on Tuesday said that infiltration from across the border and the number of local youth joining terror groups has gone down this year. "As per our record, around 130 people managed to infiltrate this year, compared to last year's figure of 143. The number of youths joining terrorist organisations has gone down. 218 joined in 2018 and this year it was 139," Singh said at a press conference here. Also Watch: Ex-IAF Chief: IAF planned airstrike to hit terror camps in Pak in 2008 × The top police official also said that security forces have been able to neutralise 160 terrorists in multiple operations and have also succeeded in the anti-drug drive. "160 terrorists were killed in 80 operations and the anti-drug operations were also very successful. The number of active terrorists has gone down to 250," Singh said. According to the DGP, there has been a 30 per cent decrease in terror-related incidents in 2019 as compared to the previous year and the civilian casualty has also come down. Singh also pointed out that there has been an improvement in police infrastructure in the region and said that close to 10,000 youths had undergone training at their training centres.

Infiltration dips, local youth joining terror groups decreases in 2019: JK DGP

Rajasthan Health Minister Dr. Raghu Sharma on Tuesday said that the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) that stood at 7.62 per cent during BJP's tenure in 2014 has been reduced to 5.55 per cent in 2019.

"The Infant Mortality Rate in the state was 7.62 per cent in 2014, 7.17 per cent in 2015, 6.66 per cent in 2016, 6 per cent in 2017 and 6.11 per cent in 2018. We have reduced it to 5.55 per cent in 2019. IMR was 7.62 per cent during BJP's tenure and it has been brought down by the current Rajasthan government," said Dr. Sharma.

He also stressed on the need to create awareness in this regard and said, "There is a need for mass awareness regarding infant's care, especially anemic child, underweight or premature baby. There is a need for awareness among the people that they should immediately seek clinical support in case their infant is weak or not well. It's extremely saddening even if one infant dies. In case there is any negligence in the reports (Kota infant death case), we won't spare that person".

The minister further added that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-is-well-says-nitish-kumar-on-bjp-jdu-alliance-in-bihar-271202">BJP</a> in its tenure should have introduced a centralised oxygen system in every hospital, however, nothing of this sort was done.

"They (BJP) themselves did not do anything. The IMR during their term was much higher, whereas we have reduced IMR and Maternal Mortality Ratio. We are bringing in more facilities in the hospitals across the state. The government has focused majorly on the health sector," Dr. Sharma stated that the state government's aim is to open medical colleges across 33 districts of Rajasthan and the government is working very systematically in this sector.

Meanwhile, a BJP delegation appointed by the party's president visited the J Lon hospital in Kota on Tuesday.

BJP working <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-led-government-restored-special-status-of-himachal-jp-nadda-270602">President JP Nadda</a> had on Monday appointed four women MPs to form a delegation which will investigate the death of newborns at a hospital in Kota in Rajasthan.

The delegation consisting of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will visit Kota tomorrow and prepare a report after reviewing the situation.

BJP MPs Jaskaur Meena, Kanta Kardam, Locket Chatterjee and Bharati Pawar have been appointed as members of the delegation by Nadda.

Rajasthan Health Minister Dr. Raghu Sharma on Tuesday said that the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) that stood at 7.62 per cent during BJP's tenure in 2014 has been reduced to 5.

Rajasthan Health Minister Dr. Raghu Sharma on Tuesday said that the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) that stood at 7.62 per cent during BJP's tenure in 2014 has been reduced to 5.55 per cent in 2019. "The Infant Mortality Rate in the state was 7.62 per cent in 2014, 7.17 per cent in 2015, 6.66 per cent in 2016, 6 per cent in 2017 and 6.11 per cent in 2018. We have reduced it to 5.55 per cent in 2019. IMR was 7.62 per cent during BJP's tenure and it has been brought down by the current Rajasthan government," said Dr. Sharma. He also stressed on the need to create awareness in this regard and said, "There is a need for mass awareness regarding infant's care, especially anemic child, underweight or premature baby. There is a need for awareness among the people that they should immediately seek clinical support in case their infant is weak or not well. It's extremely saddening even if one infant dies. In case there is any negligence in the reports (Kota infant death case), we won't spare that person". The minister further added that BJP in its tenure should have introduced a centralised oxygen system in every hospital, however, nothing of this sort was done. "They (BJP) themselves did not do anything. The IMR during their term was much higher, whereas we have reduced IMR and Maternal Mortality Ratio. We are bringing in more facilities in the hospitals across the state. The government has focused majorly on the health sector," Dr. Sharma stated that the state government's aim is to open medical colleges across 33 districts of Rajasthan and the government is working very systematically in this sector. Meanwhile, a BJP delegation appointed by the party's president visited the J Lon hospital in Kota on Tuesday. BJP working President JP Nadda had on Monday appointed four women MPs to form a delegation which will investigate the death of newborns at a hospital in Kota in Rajasthan. The delegation consisting of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will visit Kota tomorrow and prepare a report after reviewing the situation. BJP MPs Jaskaur Meena, Kanta Kardam, Locket Chatterjee and Bharati Pawar have been appointed as members of the delegation by Nadda.

IMR reduced to 5.55 per cent in 2019: Rajasthan Health Minister

As many as 15 people sustained injuries after a bus rolled down from a National Highway and plunged into a deep gorge near <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-kinnaur-receives-snowfall-schools-closed-264814">Himachal Pradesh</a>'s Bilaspur on Tuesday, police said.

The bus was carrying 57 people at the time the incident occurred, Bilaspur's Additional Superintendent of Police Bhagmal said.

The injured have been shifted to a hospital in Bilaspur for treatment.

As many as 15 people sustained injuries after a bus rolled down from a National Highway and plunged into a deep gorge near Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur on Tuesday, police said.

As many as 15 people sustained injuries after a bus rolled down from a National Highway and plunged into a deep gorge near Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur on Tuesday, police said. The bus was carrying 57 people at the time the incident occurred, Bilaspur's Additional Superintendent of Police Bhagmal said. The injured have been shifted to a hospital in Bilaspur for treatment.

Himachal Pradesh: 15 injured after bus falls into gorge near Bilaspur

Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-should-resign-and-say-i-dont-have-trust-in-constitution-says-gvl-narasimha-rao-271248">resolution seeking withdrawal</a> of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

"The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged.

Cornering the BJP and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cab-to-function-like-a-one-time-drive-says-top-rss-functionary-267715">RSS</a>, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler".

The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly.

Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country."

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-is-humanitarian-opposition-creating-panic-among-people-bs-yediyurappa-271064">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added.

Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines.

"There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said.

Making clear that Kerala will not carry forward the National Population Register (NPR) process and will not build detention centres, he said: "It is important to address concerns raised in the context of the new citizenship law. Census-like activities are something that should be carried out with the full cooperation of the people."

"Attempts to make it in line with the vision of the Centre will only raise concerns. That is why it has been decided to stop the preparation of the National Register of Citizens as currently announced and the NPR for which information will be collected. At the same time, the state government is fully cooperating with the usual census related activities," he said.

He said all processes connected to detention centres has been stopped. "No detention centres will come up in Kerala," he asserted.

The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Also Watch: Gravitas: Jagmeet Singh: CAA is wrong

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Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda. "The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged. Cornering the BJP and RSS, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler". The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly. Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country." "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added. Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines. "There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said. Making clear that Kerala will not carry forward the National Population Register (NPR) process and will not build detention centres, he said: "It is important to address concerns raised in the context of the new citizenship law. Census-like activities are something that should be carried out with the full cooperation of the people." "Attempts to make it in line with the vision of the Centre will only raise concerns. That is why it has been decided to stop the preparation of the National Register of Citizens as currently announced and the NPR for which information will be collected. At the same time, the state government is fully cooperating with the usual census related activities," he said. He said all processes connected to detention centres has been stopped. "No detention centres will come up in Kerala," he asserted. The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Also Watch: Gravitas: Jagmeet Singh: CAA is wrong ×

Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking withdrawal of CAA

The government on Tuesday said that privatisation of debt-ridden Air India has become a compulsion as fear grows about the shutdown of the national carrier.

Addressing a press conference here, Union Civil Aviation Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/appalled-by-uk-mps-statement-on-article-370-union-minister-hardeep-puri-245232">Hardeep Singh Puri</a> said that privatisation is the only&nbsp;option and it has to be done.

"I had said earlier also, for us, it is not an option. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/centre-to-go-ahead-with-disinvestment-process-of-air-india-ministry-of-civil-aviation-230982">Air India</a> has to be privatised," Puri said.

The minister said that debt over the national carrier has made it unsustainable and the national carrier needs to go in private hands to keep it running.

He said, "Air India over a period of time has now gathered debt which could be described as unsustainable."

"We do not become a slave to or victim of certain deadlines, we are doing it seriously. We are trying to do it (privatisation of Air India) as quickly as possible," he added.

He also said that the government will issue a new expression of interest to sell the national carrier.

While replying to a question over the air-line fares and will there be any regulation over the same, he said, "Airfares will always be market-driven, no plans to regulate them." Puri had similar comments over the Air India crisis, saying that the Finance Ministry no longer bears the losses of Air India.

"If it (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-supply-to-air-india-stopped-at-six-domestic-airports-report-244881">Air India</a>) is not privatised then from where the money would come for it to function? Earlier we used to go to the Finance Ministry to make up the operating loss. We are not getting any money from the finance ministry, we have to go to banks," Puri said.

This statement comes amid growing fears that the carrier may cease to fly by June next year if the issue is not solved and the resignation of pilots and engineers over non-payment of salaries and other dues.

On Monday, A senior Air India official said that the carrier will not be able to run if a solution to the issue is not found till June.

"If some concrete solution of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-training-iaf-pilots-to-fly-new-boeing-777-aircraft-for-vvip-fleet-254905">Air India</a> issue is not found till June next year, then the national carrier will not be able to run. May shut the airline," the official told sources.

Earlier, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association wrote to Puri, asking him to clear pending dues of pilots and commanders of AI, who, they claimed, have not been paid flying allowances and salaries on time for the last 2-3 years.

Also Watch: WION Wings: A visit to Air India's MRO facility

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The government on Tuesday said that privatisation of debt-ridden Air India has become a compulsion as fear grows about the shutdown of the national carrier. Addressing a press conference here, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that privatisation is the only option and it has to be done.

The government on Tuesday said that privatisation of debt-ridden Air India has become a compulsion as fear grows about the shutdown of the national carrier. Addressing a press conference here, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that privatisation is the only option and it has to be done. "I had said earlier also, for us, it is not an option. Air India has to be privatised," Puri said. The minister said that debt over the national carrier has made it unsustainable and the national carrier needs to go in private hands to keep it running. He said, "Air India over a period of time has now gathered debt which could be described as unsustainable." "We do not become a slave to or victim of certain deadlines, we are doing it seriously. We are trying to do it (privatisation of Air India) as quickly as possible," he added. He also said that the government will issue a new expression of interest to sell the national carrier. While replying to a question over the air-line fares and will there be any regulation over the same, he said, "Airfares will always be market-driven, no plans to regulate them." Puri had similar comments over the Air India crisis, saying that the Finance Ministry no longer bears the losses of Air India. "If it (Air India) is not privatised then from where the money would come for it to function? Earlier we used to go to the Finance Ministry to make up the operating loss. We are not getting any money from the finance ministry, we have to go to banks," Puri said. This statement comes amid growing fears that the carrier may cease to fly by June next year if the issue is not solved and the resignation of pilots and engineers over non-payment of salaries and other dues. On Monday, A senior Air India official said that the carrier will not be able to run if a solution to the issue is not found till June. "If some concrete solution of the Air India issue is not found till June next year, then the national carrier will not be able to run. May shut the airline," the official told sources. Earlier, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association wrote to Puri, asking him to clear pending dues of pilots and commanders of AI, who, they claimed, have not been paid flying allowances and salaries on time for the last 2-3 years. Also Watch: WION Wings: A visit to Air India's MRO facility ×

Air India has to be privatised, no other option: Hardeep Puri

It was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-fire-breaks-out-at-pms-residence-9-fire-tenders-rushed-to-the-spot-271110">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> who broke the news to General Bipin Rawat about his appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

"The Prime Minister broke the news to General&nbsp;Rawat during his farewell dinner at the Prime Minister's residence about his appointment," government sources said.

Notably, Modi had announced the creation of the post of CDS in his Independence Day speech on August 15 this year.

General Rawat received a farewell dinner by the Prime Minister at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence in New Delhi which was attended by senior members of his cabinet and armed forces officers on Monday night.

His appointment was announced by the Defence Ministry around 9 PM&nbsp;(IST) last night after it was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-better-prepared-to-take-on-challenges-at-pakistan-china-borders-cds-general-rawat-271188">General Rawat</a> becomes India's first CDS and will have his office in South Block ground floor while 3, Kamraj Marg in the Lutyens zone near Defence Ministry has been earmarked as his house.

The new rank and badges for the CDS have also been created and he will don them from Wednesday.

Also Watch: India General Bipin Rawat: Will form strategy after assuming charge

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It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who broke the news to General Bipin Rawat about his appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). "The Prime Minister broke the news to General Rawat during his farewell dinner at the Prime Minister's residence about his appointment," government sources said.

It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who broke the news to General Bipin Rawat about his appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). "The Prime Minister broke the news to General Rawat during his farewell dinner at the Prime Minister's residence about his appointment," government sources said. Notably, Modi had announced the creation of the post of CDS in his Independence Day speech on August 15 this year. General Rawat received a farewell dinner by the Prime Minister at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence in New Delhi which was attended by senior members of his cabinet and armed forces officers on Monday night. His appointment was announced by the Defence Ministry around 9 PM (IST) last night after it was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. General Rawat becomes India's first CDS and will have his office in South Block ground floor while 3, Kamraj Marg in the Lutyens zone near Defence Ministry has been earmarked as his house. The new rank and badges for the CDS have also been created and he will don them from Wednesday. Also Watch: India General Bipin Rawat: Will form strategy after assuming charge ×

PM Modi broke news to General Rawat about appointment as first CDS

Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ride-hailing-services-metro-trains-bs-vi-among-other-reasons-for-auto-sector-slowdown-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-248878">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> on Tuesday said the government has identified infrastructure projects worth ₹102 lakh crore spread across 23 ministries, 18 states and union territories with another ₹3 lakh crore of projects likely to come from the states.

"In line with the announcement made by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/2002-gujarat-riots-nanavati-mehta-commission-gives-clean-chit-to-narendra-modi-267592">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> in his Independence Day speech to make infrastructure investment worth ₹100 lakh crore for the next five years, a task force was formed to identify projects. Today, the task force has identified ₹102 lakh crore worth of projects after conducting 70 stakeholder consultations in a short period of four months," Sitharaman said in a press conference here.

"In addition, ₹3 lakh crore projects by states are likely to be added to the pipeline. So, in all, we will have a ₹105 lakh crore total projects for the 100 lakh crore commitment we have made," she said.

Also Watch: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement to boost 'Make in India'

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The Finance Minister also announced that India's first National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) comprising the Centre, states and the private sector for detailed planning on infrastructure projects will be launched.

"We intend to launch the National Infrastructure Pipeline Coordination Mechanism comprising the Centre, states and private sector for detailed planning, information dissemination and monitoring implementation of the NIP framework," she said.

The minister said that the Centre and states will have an equal share of 39 per cent in the NIP while 22 per cent will be the share of the private sector.

"In NIP, the share of Centre is 39 per cent, 39 per cent will be the share of state and 22 per cent share of the private sector. We expect the private sector share to increase to at least 30 per cent by 2025. This is the first time that NIP has been formed which makes the job of monitoring, linking with the developers fairly well structured and easier," she said.

Sitharaman said that a total of 51 lakh crores that is about 5-6 per cent of the GDP has been spent on infrastructure in the last six years by Centre and states.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the government has identified infrastructure projects worth ₹102 lakh crore spread across 23 ministries, 18 states and union territories with another ₹3 lakh crore of projects likely to come from the states.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the government has identified infrastructure projects worth ₹102 lakh crore spread across 23 ministries, 18 states and union territories with another ₹3 lakh crore of projects likely to come from the states. "In line with the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech to make infrastructure investment worth ₹100 lakh crore for the next five years, a task force was formed to identify projects. Today, the task force has identified ₹102 lakh crore worth of projects after conducting 70 stakeholder consultations in a short period of four months," Sitharaman said in a press conference here. "In addition, ₹3 lakh crore projects by states are likely to be added to the pipeline. So, in all, we will have a ₹105 lakh crore total projects for the 100 lakh crore commitment we have made," she said. Also Watch: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement to boost 'Make in India' × The Finance Minister also announced that India's first National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) comprising the Centre, states and the private sector for detailed planning on infrastructure projects will be launched. "We intend to launch the National Infrastructure Pipeline Coordination Mechanism comprising the Centre, states and private sector for detailed planning, information dissemination and monitoring implementation of the NIP framework," she said. The minister said that the Centre and states will have an equal share of 39 per cent in the NIP while 22 per cent will be the share of the private sector. "In NIP, the share of Centre is 39 per cent, 39 per cent will be the share of state and 22 per cent share of the private sector. We expect the private sector share to increase to at least 30 per cent by 2025. This is the first time that NIP has been formed which makes the job of monitoring, linking with the developers fairly well structured and easier," she said. Sitharaman said that a total of 51 lakh crores that is about 5-6 per cent of the GDP has been spent on infrastructure in the last six years by Centre and states.

Government has identified ₹102 lakh crore infrastructure projects: Finance Minister

Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh wrote a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, requesting to 'impose a ban on Popular Front of India (PFI) as investigations found PFI's involvement in the violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-a-ticking-ignorance-bomb-and-a-sheer-vandalism-with-truth-269453">CAA</a>) that took place on 19 December.'

"PFI should be banned. We have written to the Home Ministry. We expect investigation on the same," he said while speaking to sources in Lucknow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-317-arrested-over-70-cases-registered-in-up-for-violence-270471">PFI</a>, an organisation based in Delhi, was founded on November 22, 2006.

Protests which affected the state earlier this month saw people expressing their dissent against the CAA and seeking its withdrawal.

Police personnel and protesters clashed during the agitation across the state.

Pursuant to the widespread protests, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leader-who-drove-priyanka-gandhi-on-scooter-fined-for-violating-traffic-rules-270988">Uttar Pradesh</a> Police had arrested three members of PFI including its state president Waseem Ahmad.

Also Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protestors to introspect

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Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh wrote a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, requesting to 'impose a ban on Popular Front of India (PFI) as investigations found PFI's involvement in the violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) that took place on 19 December.

Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh wrote a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, requesting to 'impose a ban on Popular Front of India (PFI) as investigations found PFI's involvement in the violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) that took place on 19 December.' "PFI should be banned. We have written to the Home Ministry. We expect investigation on the same," he said while speaking to sources in Lucknow. PFI, an organisation based in Delhi, was founded on November 22, 2006. Protests which affected the state earlier this month saw people expressing their dissent against the CAA and seeking its withdrawal. Police personnel and protesters clashed during the agitation across the state. Pursuant to the widespread protests, the Uttar Pradesh Police had arrested three members of PFI including its state president Waseem Ahmad. Also Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protestors to introspect ×

Anti-CAA riots: PFI should be banned, says UP DGP

By Mallika Singh&nbsp;

Mobile internet services were cut off in 21 districts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday and security forces were deployed as precautionary measures to avoid the eruption of fresh protests in the state.

The internet suspension is aimed at curbing fake news in relation to the newly passed Citizenship Amendment Act that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities-namely Hindus, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan who moved to the country before the date of December 31, 2014.

Police have been strategically deployed in sensitive areas and law and order situation has been under control after weeks of violence protests told Director General of Police, OP Singh.

"We have suspended internet services in 21 districts. They will be restored as and when the situation demands...law and order situation is absolutely under control," Singh said.

Singh also informed that people indulging in violence are not to be spared citing it as the reason for hundreds of arrests made. &nbsp;

All districts of Uttar Pradesh were put on high alert on Thursday, ahead of Friday prayers in the backdrop of raging protests against the CAA. 
"We are not touching innocents and we will not spare people who were involved in it (violence). And that is the reason we have arrested active members of many organisations, whether it is PFI or any other political parties," he said.

Over 19 people have died; 1,110 people have been arrested and 5,558 were taken into preventive custody in connection with violence during the anti-CAA protests across the state.

"The administration is educating people on CAA and we are also monitoring social media," Additional Director General (ADG) Prashant Kumar on Thursday.

The passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act has provoked violent protests throughout India and has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community.

The fundamental criticism being faced is that the new Act specifically targets Muslims, making it in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution which enshrines the Fundamental Right to equality.

The Citizenship Act is also being linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which is currently under implementation in Assam and according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to be prepared for every state in the country.

By Mallika Singh Mobile internet services were cut off in 21 districts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday and security forces were deployed as precautionary measures to avoid the eruption of fresh protests in the state.

By Mallika Singh Mobile internet services were cut off in 21 districts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday and security forces were deployed as precautionary measures to avoid the eruption of fresh protests in the state. The internet suspension is aimed at curbing fake news in relation to the newly passed Citizenship Amendment Act that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities-namely Hindus, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan who moved to the country before the date of December 31, 2014. Police have been strategically deployed in sensitive areas and law and order situation has been under control after weeks of violence protests told Director General of Police, OP Singh. "We have suspended internet services in 21 districts. They will be restored as and when the situation demands...law and order situation is absolutely under control," Singh said. Singh also informed that people indulging in violence are not to be spared citing it as the reason for hundreds of arrests made. All districts of Uttar Pradesh were put on high alert on Thursday, ahead of Friday prayers in the backdrop of raging protests against the CAA. "We are not touching innocents and we will not spare people who were involved in it (violence). And that is the reason we have arrested active members of many organisations, whether it is PFI or any other political parties," he said. Over 19 people have died; 1,110 people have been arrested and 5,558 were taken into preventive custody in connection with violence during the anti-CAA protests across the state. "The administration is educating people on CAA and we are also monitoring social media," Additional Director General (ADG) Prashant Kumar on Thursday. The passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act has provoked violent protests throughout India and has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community. The fundamental criticism being faced is that the new Act specifically targets Muslims, making it in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution which enshrines the Fundamental Right to equality. The Citizenship Act is also being linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which is currently under implementation in Assam and according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to be prepared for every state in the country.

Anti-Citizenship Act Protests: Internet suspended in 21 districts, security forces deployed in Uttar Pradesh

By Mallika Singh&nbsp;

NITI Aayog on Monday released its latest SDG India Index 2019, assessing each state and Union Territory’s progress on the sustainable development goals (SDG) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Kerala retained its rank as the top-performing state in the country by being a front runner with a score of 70, while Chandigarh also retained its top spot among the Union Territories with the same net score.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Goa and Sikkim were the other states that achieved above 65 points, taking the total tally to eight with Sikkim showing the highest improvement among them by jumping from 58 to 65 points.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Bihar performed the lowest on the report with a score of 50 even after graduating as a performer, followed by Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh with a score of 53. While Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir shared the bottom spot at the list for Union Territories with 59 points each.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Uttar Pradesh marked as the highest gainer for increasing its overall score from 42 in 2018 to 55 in 2019 while observing the biggest improvement in Goal 7 of attaining affordable and clean energy by jumping by 40 points.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Odisha took the second spot in overall improvement, with an increase of 7 points, from 51 to 58 and Sikkim came in third with an improvement from a score of 58 to 65. 
&nbsp; 
India’s overall score improved from 57 to 60 this year, indicating the country’s progress in achieving the goals. However, the report urged special attention to the goals of attaining zero hunger and gender equality, where most states fall short, with India scoring 35 and 42 points in these goals respectively.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The report attributed the significant improvement in Goal 6 to the successful implementation of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan which is aimed at eliminating open defecation, and that of Goal 7 to extensive coverage of LPG for households and saturation of electricity connections.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Two goals – 2 (zero hunger) and 5 (gender equality) demand special attention, as the overall country score is below 50,” the report said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
SDGs signify global aspirations and efforts to push the frontiers of development. They represent the agenda for governments to achieve social, economic and environmental progress&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“It is now universally acknowledged that the SDGs represent an elaborate agenda for governments, that necessitates achieving progress simultaneously across social, economic and environmental pillars,” said the report.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
India holds the global key to the achievement of SDGs that are intended to be achieved by 2030, due to its vast population that incorporates 17 per cent of the world’s population. According to the report, it is conducive for the country to come up with innovative solutions to solve the problems it presently faces, says the report.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Today, the country faces multiple challenges in several sectors of development, be it health, nutrition, education, sanitation and infrastructure. However, these challenges also make India conducive for developing innovative solutions to address them and also provide a useful lens for solving similar problems in other parts of the world,” said the report.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
To evaluate the overall progress of India in the mentioned frontiers, the federal structure of the country makes it imperative for the report to assess the individual advancement made by all States and Union Territories as they are best placed to put people first and are essential stakeholders in the realisation of the goals.

By Mallika Singh NITI Aayog on Monday released its latest SDG India Index 2019, assessing each state and Union Territory’s progress on the sustainable development goals (SDG) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.

By Mallika Singh NITI Aayog on Monday released its latest SDG India Index 2019, assessing each state and Union Territory’s progress on the sustainable development goals (SDG) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. Kerala retained its rank as the top-performing state in the country by being a front runner with a score of 70, while Chandigarh also retained its top spot among the Union Territories with the same net score. Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Goa and Sikkim were the other states that achieved above 65 points, taking the total tally to eight with Sikkim showing the highest improvement among them by jumping from 58 to 65 points. Bihar performed the lowest on the report with a score of 50 even after graduating as a performer, followed by Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh with a score of 53. While Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir shared the bottom spot at the list for Union Territories with 59 points each. Uttar Pradesh marked as the highest gainer for increasing its overall score from 42 in 2018 to 55 in 2019 while observing the biggest improvement in Goal 7 of attaining affordable and clean energy by jumping by 40 points. Odisha took the second spot in overall improvement, with an increase of 7 points, from 51 to 58 and Sikkim came in third with an improvement from a score of 58 to 65. India’s overall score improved from 57 to 60 this year, indicating the country’s progress in achieving the goals. However, the report urged special attention to the goals of attaining zero hunger and gender equality, where most states fall short, with India scoring 35 and 42 points in these goals respectively. The report attributed the significant improvement in Goal 6 to the successful implementation of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan which is aimed at eliminating open defecation, and that of Goal 7 to extensive coverage of LPG for households and saturation of electricity connections. “Two goals – 2 (zero hunger) and 5 (gender equality) demand special attention, as the overall country score is below 50,” the report said. SDGs signify global aspirations and efforts to push the frontiers of development. They represent the agenda for governments to achieve social, economic and environmental progress “It is now universally acknowledged that the SDGs represent an elaborate agenda for governments, that necessitates achieving progress simultaneously across social, economic and environmental pillars,” said the report. India holds the global key to the achievement of SDGs that are intended to be achieved by 2030, due to its vast population that incorporates 17 per cent of the world’s population. According to the report, it is conducive for the country to come up with innovative solutions to solve the problems it presently faces, says the report. “Today, the country faces multiple challenges in several sectors of development, be it health, nutrition, education, sanitation and infrastructure. However, these challenges also make India conducive for developing innovative solutions to address them and also provide a useful lens for solving similar problems in other parts of the world,” said the report. To evaluate the overall progress of India in the mentioned frontiers, the federal structure of the country makes it imperative for the report to assess the individual advancement made by all States and Union Territories as they are best placed to put people first and are essential stakeholders in the realisation of the goals.

Kerala retains top spot in SDG Index, Bihar ranks last: NITI Aayog

After the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP GVL Narasimha Rao said that Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-urges-state-leaders-mamata-vijayan-to-not-stop-updating-npr-270061">Pinarayi Vijayan</a> should resign and say that he does not have trust in the Constitution.

When asked about the resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly, Rao said, "CAA is Central law passed by both Houses of Parliament. If you are passing a resolution against it that means you are making a mockery of the Indian Constitution through which you are the Chief Minister."

"In this case, Pinarayi Vijayan should resign from the (state) government and say I don't have trust in the Constitution," Rao added.

The Kerala Assembly passed the resolution on Tuesday.

Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targeted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-a-ticking-ignorance-bomb-and-a-sheer-vandalism-with-truth-269453">CAA</a> is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged.

Cornering the BJP and RSS, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler".

The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly.

Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-is-humanitarian-opposition-creating-panic-among-people-bs-yediyurappa-271064">The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019</a> has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country."

"The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added.

Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines.

"There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/caa-and-nrc-protests-addressing-concerns-of-protesters-a-must-for-government-268749">protests</a>. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said.

The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

After the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP GVL Narasimha Rao said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should resign and say that he does not have trust in the Constitution.

After the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP GVL Narasimha Rao said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should resign and say that he does not have trust in the Constitution. When asked about the resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly, Rao said, "CAA is Central law passed by both Houses of Parliament. If you are passing a resolution against it that means you are making a mockery of the Indian Constitution through which you are the Chief Minister." "In this case, Pinarayi Vijayan should resign from the (state) government and say I don't have trust in the Constitution," Rao added. The Kerala Assembly passed the resolution on Tuesday. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targeted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda. "The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged. Cornering the BJP and RSS, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler". The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly. Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country." "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added. Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines. "There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said. The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Kerala CM should resign and say I don't have trust in Constitution, says GVL Narasimha Rao

December 28 in history: From foundation of Indian National Congress to natural disasters of Messina

December 29 in history: From foundation of Hyundai Motors to introduction of two nation theory in India

India has increased its total forest cover by 13,000 square kilometres in the past four years, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-take-lesser-time-than-beijing-javadekar-on-tackling-delhis-air-pollution-263969">Prakash Javdekar</a> said on Monday, adding that his ministry is on the right track to further increase the green cover in the country. 
 
Speaking on the occasion of the release of India State of Forest Report (2019) here, Javdekar said, "India is one of the leading countries in the world which has increased the total forest cover. We have increased it by 13,000 sq kilometres, including that in very dense forest, moderately dense forest and outside forests. This is a big achievement for the nation." 
 
According to the report, there has been an increase of 5,188 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country, when compared to the 2017 assessment. In addition, the tree cover has seen an increase of 1,212 sq km, while the forest cover has increased by 3,976 sq km. 
 
Under the current assessment, the total carbon stock in country's forest is estimated 7,124.6 million tonnes and there has been an increase of 42.6 million tonnes in the carbon stock of country as compared to the assessment of 2017, the report read. 
 
Javadekar credited the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/health-of-poor-improved-up-to-70-per-cent-due-to-ujjawala-swachha-bharat-amit-shah-258168">Ujjawala scheme</a> for the decline in fuelwood dependence. "According to the study, the per capita fuelwood dependence from forests in the forest fringe villages shows a declining trend." 
 
The top three states showing an increase in forest cover are Karnataka (1,025 sq km), followed by Andhra Pradesh (990 sq km) and Kerala (823 sq km), according to the report. 
 
Mangrove cover has been separately reported in the ISFR 2019. The total <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/blog-saving-our-burning-home-242457">mangrove cover </a>in the country is 4,975 sq km. An increase of 54 sq Km in mangrove cover has been observed as compared to the previous assessment of 2017. Top three states showing mangrove cover increase are Gujarat (37 sq km) followed by Maharashtra (16 sq km) and Odisha (8 sq km). 
 
The total growing stock of woods in the country is estimated 5,915.76 million cum, of which, 4,273.47 million cum is inside the forests while 1,642.29 million cum is outside. There is an increase of 93.38 million cum of total growing stock, compared to the previous assessment. 
 
The extent of the bamboo bearing area of the country has been estimated 16.00 million hectares. The total estimated green weight of bamboo culms is 278 million tonnes, showing an increase of 88 million tonnes as compared to ISFR 2017, the report noted.

India has increased its total forest cover by 13,000 square kilometres in the past four years, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javdekar said on Monday, adding that his ministry is on the right track to further increase the green cover in the country.

India has increased its total forest cover by 13,000 square kilometres in the past four years, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javdekar said on Monday, adding that his ministry is on the right track to further increase the green cover in the country. Speaking on the occasion of the release of India State of Forest Report (2019) here, Javdekar said, "India is one of the leading countries in the world which has increased the total forest cover. We have increased it by 13,000 sq kilometres, including that in very dense forest, moderately dense forest and outside forests. This is a big achievement for the nation." According to the report, there has been an increase of 5,188 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country, when compared to the 2017 assessment. In addition, the tree cover has seen an increase of 1,212 sq km, while the forest cover has increased by 3,976 sq km. Under the current assessment, the total carbon stock in country's forest is estimated 7,124.6 million tonnes and there has been an increase of 42.6 million tonnes in the carbon stock of country as compared to the assessment of 2017, the report read. Javadekar credited the Ujjawala scheme for the decline in fuelwood dependence. "According to the study, the per capita fuelwood dependence from forests in the forest fringe villages shows a declining trend." The top three states showing an increase in forest cover are Karnataka (1,025 sq km), followed by Andhra Pradesh (990 sq km) and Kerala (823 sq km), according to the report. Mangrove cover has been separately reported in the ISFR 2019. The total mangrove cover in the country is 4,975 sq km. An increase of 54 sq Km in mangrove cover has been observed as compared to the previous assessment of 2017. Top three states showing mangrove cover increase are Gujarat (37 sq km) followed by Maharashtra (16 sq km) and Odisha (8 sq km). The total growing stock of woods in the country is estimated 5,915.76 million cum, of which, 4,273.47 million cum is inside the forests while 1,642.29 million cum is outside. There is an increase of 93.38 million cum of total growing stock, compared to the previous assessment. The extent of the bamboo bearing area of the country has been estimated 16.00 million hectares. The total estimated green weight of bamboo culms is 278 million tonnes, showing an increase of 88 million tonnes as compared to ISFR 2017, the report noted.

India's forest covers increased by 13,000 sq km in past four years: Prakash Javadekar

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-many-including-historian-ramachandra-guha-detained-269090">Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)</a> was a humanitarian step for the welfare of the minorities who had to flee from the neighbouring countries due to religious persecution.

The BJP leader added that opposition parties were needlessly creating a controversy over it.

"The CAA is a humanitarian Act, it gives life to those minorities who came to our country. Nobody will be sent out from the 130 crores Indians. Congress and communists are just creating panic in the people," Yediyurappa told reporters here.

Stating that the Act was meant for giving citizenship and not taking it away from any person, he congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-urges-people-to-take-up-task-to-uplift-poor-270835">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-lauds-crpf-as-bravest-force-in-the-world-270873">Home Minister Amit Shah</a> for taking this step.

"No one was scared when the discussion on the CAA was underway in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The CAA gives citizenship, it will not snatch the citizenship of anyone. I congratulate our Prime Minister and Home Minister for taking such a bold decision," Yediyurappa said.

"Nobody has applied for citizenship in Bangladesh and Pakistan. On the other hand, many have applied for citizenship in India and our government has already given citizenship to more than 600 people," he added.

Earlier amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-border-dispute-between-karnataka-and-maharashtra-bjp-leader-basavaraj-ingin-271062">tension between Karnataka and neighbouring Maharashtra</a> over the border issue with protests on both sides, Yediyurappa had on Monday urged people of the state to maintain peace stating that 'not a single piece of land' would be given away.

"As per Mahajan Ayog, it is clear that which part has to be given for Maharashtra and Karnataka. Creating this sort of controversy is not fair. Will not give even a single inch of land. I request all people of the border to maintain peace," Yediyurappa told media reporters here.

The protests in Karnataka and Maharashtra have led to the cancellation of bus services between the two states.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was a humanitarian step for the welfare of the minorities who had to flee from the neighbouring countries due to religious persecution.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was a humanitarian step for the welfare of the minorities who had to flee from the neighbouring countries due to religious persecution. The BJP leader added that opposition parties were needlessly creating a controversy over it. "The CAA is a humanitarian Act, it gives life to those minorities who came to our country. Nobody will be sent out from the 130 crores Indians. Congress and communists are just creating panic in the people," Yediyurappa told reporters here. Stating that the Act was meant for giving citizenship and not taking it away from any person, he congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for taking this step. "No one was scared when the discussion on the CAA was underway in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The CAA gives citizenship, it will not snatch the citizenship of anyone. I congratulate our Prime Minister and Home Minister for taking such a bold decision," Yediyurappa said. "Nobody has applied for citizenship in Bangladesh and Pakistan. On the other hand, many have applied for citizenship in India and our government has already given citizenship to more than 600 people," he added. Earlier amid tension between Karnataka and neighbouring Maharashtra over the border issue with protests on both sides, Yediyurappa had on Monday urged people of the state to maintain peace stating that 'not a single piece of land' would be given away. "As per Mahajan Ayog, it is clear that which part has to be given for Maharashtra and Karnataka. Creating this sort of controversy is not fair. Will not give even a single inch of land. I request all people of the border to maintain peace," Yediyurappa told media reporters here. The protests in Karnataka and Maharashtra have led to the cancellation of bus services between the two states.

CAA is humanitarian, opposition creating panic among people: BS Yediyurappa

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) handling the security of Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leader-who-drove-priyanka-gandhi-on-scooter-fined-for-violating-traffic-rules-270988">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> said that this is not the first time when such lapses from her side have been communicated to her.

According to a top CRPF official responsible for the security told sources that earlier also CRPF has communicated and advised her about lapses.

"This is not the first time since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-lauds-crpf-as-bravest-force-in-the-world-270873">CRPF</a> has been given the security of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra when such lapses have taken place. There have been instances when Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was officially communicated about the lapses and advised by CRPF to keep security team in the loop," a top CRPF official told sources.

"We fortnightly or weekly or when it happens, we tell the protectee to follow the security protocols by giving the instances. Accordingly, CRPF also make changes if required with the security structure of the protectee," CRPF official claimed.

When asked about the details particular instances, CRPF official refused to divulge the details claiming it "secret in nature" but confirmed that in last one month CRPF has written to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra multiple times. "In one such instance she made an unscheduled tour to Bijnor," a CRPF official claimed.

"Tour programme of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Z+ Category ASL Central Category (CRPF Protectee) to visit Lucknow on 27/28-12-2019 was received and communicated to state authorities. On December 28, 2019 the only programme indicated was to visit PCC office for attending Congress foundation function for which ASL had been conducted," CRPF clarified on Monday.

"On December 28, Abhay Mishra, CO Hazratganj at around 0800hrs visited the place of stay to enquire about the detailed programme of the day of the protectee which was not communicated by the personal staff. There was no breach in security by the official. Regarding the sequence of events on December 28, 2019 the following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-security-breach-crpf-delhi-police-misjudged-intruders-vehicle-as-rahul-gandhis-car-265936">security violation</a> had occurred," CRPF said in a press statement.

"Unscheduled Movement of the protectee without intimation as such ASL could not be conducted, During travelling the protectee used non-BR civil vehicle without PSO, The protectee took a lift in scooty as a pillion rider," CRPF said.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) handling the security of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that this is not the first time when such lapses from her side have been communicated to her.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) handling the security of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that this is not the first time when such lapses from her side have been communicated to her. According to a top CRPF official responsible for the security told sources that earlier also CRPF has communicated and advised her about lapses. "This is not the first time since CRPF has been given the security of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra when such lapses have taken place. There have been instances when Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was officially communicated about the lapses and advised by CRPF to keep security team in the loop," a top CRPF official told sources. "We fortnightly or weekly or when it happens, we tell the protectee to follow the security protocols by giving the instances. Accordingly, CRPF also make changes if required with the security structure of the protectee," CRPF official claimed. When asked about the details particular instances, CRPF official refused to divulge the details claiming it "secret in nature" but confirmed that in last one month CRPF has written to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra multiple times. "In one such instance she made an unscheduled tour to Bijnor," a CRPF official claimed. "Tour programme of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Z+ Category ASL Central Category (CRPF Protectee) to visit Lucknow on 27/28-12-2019 was received and communicated to state authorities. On December 28, 2019 the only programme indicated was to visit PCC office for attending Congress foundation function for which ASL had been conducted," CRPF clarified on Monday. "On December 28, Abhay Mishra, CO Hazratganj at around 0800hrs visited the place of stay to enquire about the detailed programme of the day of the protectee which was not communicated by the personal staff. There was no breach in security by the official. Regarding the sequence of events on December 28, 2019 the following security violation had occurred," CRPF said in a press statement. "Unscheduled Movement of the protectee without intimation as such ASL could not be conducted, During travelling the protectee used non-BR civil vehicle without PSO, The protectee took a lift in scooty as a pillion rider," CRPF said.

Not the first time when Priyanka Gandhi has made such security lapses: CRPF

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip.&nbsp;

According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family. He visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Varadkar was born to Ashok and Miriam Varadkar in Dublin, Ireland in 1979. Ashok Varadkar moved to Ireland in the 1960s from Mumbai, Maharashtra to pursue his career as a doctor.&nbsp;

Varadkar took charge as Ireland's prime minister in the year 2017 and heads one of the prominent political parties of Ireland - Fine Gael.&nbsp;

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Irish PM Leo Varadkar is on an private visit to India to meet his family. Leo is Indian origin and his father Ashok Varadkar is from Maharashtra. <a href="https://t.co/gFkisFsqiK">pic.twitter.com/gFkisFsqiK</a>
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In 2015, Varadkar made headlines for coming out as gay - the first Irish prime minister and the only openly gay head&nbsp;of state in today's time.&nbsp;

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Varadkar is also the first and the only Indian-origin Taoiseach or prime minister of Ireland.&nbsp;

Before taking charge as the Irish Prime Minister, Varadkar had served as the Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport (2011-14) and as Minister of Health from 2014-16.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip. According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip. According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family. He visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. Varadkar was born to Ashok and Miriam Varadkar in Dublin, Ireland in 1979. Ashok Varadkar moved to Ireland in the 1960s from Mumbai, Maharashtra to pursue his career as a doctor. Varadkar took charge as Ireland's prime minister in the year 2017 and heads one of the prominent political parties of Ireland - Fine Gael. Irish PM Leo Varadkar is on an private visit to India to meet his family. Leo is Indian origin and his father Ashok Varadkar is from Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/gFkisFsqiK — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 29, 2019 × In 2015, Varadkar made headlines for coming out as gay - the first Irish prime minister and the only openly gay head of state in today's time. Maharashtra: Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar today visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg. pic.twitter.com/fhzcMakmVN — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2019 × Varadkar is also the first and the only Indian-origin Taoiseach or prime minister of Ireland. Before taking charge as the Irish Prime Minister, Varadkar had served as the Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport (2011-14) and as Minister of Health from 2014-16.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar visits family in India

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