<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-oil-imports-from-venezuela-hit-lowest-in-over-five-years-35639">India's oil imports </a>in November grew at their fastest pace in seven months, while diesel exports soared the most in about 2 years, indicating higher refinery runs amid falling local demand for gas oil due to a slowing economy.

India's November oil imports rose 12.7 per cent&nbsp;to 19.17 million tonnes (about 4.7 million barrels per day), the biggest year-on-year increase since April, preliminary data from the oil ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-fuel-demand-rises-28-per-cent-year-on-year-in-august-at-nine-month-low-249025">(PPAC)</a> showed.

"Some of the refineries were undergoing revamp because of fuel upgrade projects, that was one reason why imports were low in the previous months," said K Ravichandran, senior vice president at ICRA, a unit of Moody's Investors Service.

"Now all those refineries are coming back to production as we approach the deadline."

India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, and the consumer has set an April 1, 2020 deadline to migrate to Euro VI-compliant&nbsp;fuels to cut its carbon emissions.

India's oil demand has been subdued for most of the year mainly due to a slowdown in economy and refinery unit shutting for maintenance and fuel upgrades. India's economy grew at its slowest pace in six years in the July-September quarter.

Indian refiners raised the output of diesel expecting a spurt in demand for the fuel following the implementation of new marine fuel rules from January 2020.

"Unfortunately domestic demand is not growing," Ravichandran added.

Diesel demand, which is directly correlated to industrial activity, has been slow for most of the year, pressured by a prolonged monsoon season and softening industrial activity.

Analysts expect India's diesel demand to remain subdued until the second half of 2020.

The country's overall industrial output has fallen for three straight months for the first time since the global recession that began in 2008, with electricity demand falling for four consecutive months.

India has lowered its fuel demand growth estimates for the current fiscal year to a six-year low of 1.3 per cent. Local sales of diesel are expected to grow by 0.9 per cent, the lowest rate in five years.

Refined fuel exports rose by 16.4 per cent in November, the PPAC data showed, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-diesel-demand-growth-seen-stuck-in-low-gear-until-mid-2020-266079">diesel</a> exports soaring by about 41 per cent&nbsp;to register their biggest annual jump since January 2018.

Import of refined products rose 45.4 per cent in November from a year earlier to 3.29 million tonnes mainly because of an increase in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/cooking-gas-price-hiked-by-rs-450-per-cylinder-19th-increase-since-july-2016-23296">cooking gas</a> and fuel oil imports, the data showed.

India's oil imports in November grew at their fastest pace in seven months, while diesel exports soared the most in about 2 years, indicating higher refinery runs amid falling local demand for gas oil due to a slowing economy.

India's oil imports in November grew at their fastest pace in seven months, while diesel exports soared the most in about 2 years, indicating higher refinery runs amid falling local demand for gas oil due to a slowing economy. India's November oil imports rose 12.7 per cent to 19.17 million tonnes (about 4.7 million barrels per day), the biggest year-on-year increase since April, preliminary data from the oil ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) showed. "Some of the refineries were undergoing revamp because of fuel upgrade projects, that was one reason why imports were low in the previous months," said K Ravichandran, senior vice president at ICRA, a unit of Moody's Investors Service. "Now all those refineries are coming back to production as we approach the deadline." India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, and the consumer has set an April 1, 2020 deadline to migrate to Euro VI-compliant fuels to cut its carbon emissions. India's oil demand has been subdued for most of the year mainly due to a slowdown in economy and refinery unit shutting for maintenance and fuel upgrades. India's economy grew at its slowest pace in six years in the July-September quarter. Indian refiners raised the output of diesel expecting a spurt in demand for the fuel following the implementation of new marine fuel rules from January 2020. "Unfortunately domestic demand is not growing," Ravichandran added. Diesel demand, which is directly correlated to industrial activity, has been slow for most of the year, pressured by a prolonged monsoon season and softening industrial activity. Analysts expect India's diesel demand to remain subdued until the second half of 2020. The country's overall industrial output has fallen for three straight months for the first time since the global recession that began in 2008, with electricity demand falling for four consecutive months. India has lowered its fuel demand growth estimates for the current fiscal year to a six-year low of 1.3 per cent. Local sales of diesel are expected to grow by 0.9 per cent, the lowest rate in five years. Refined fuel exports rose by 16.4 per cent in November, the PPAC data showed, with diesel exports soaring by about 41 per cent to register their biggest annual jump since January 2018. Import of refined products rose 45.4 per cent in November from a year earlier to 3.29 million tonnes mainly because of an increase in cooking gas and fuel oil imports, the data showed.

India's November oil import growth fastest in seven months: Sources

The new President-elect of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani recently accepted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit the country.

Ashraf Ghani recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-elections-preliminary-results-out-ghani-wins-presidential-poll-269554">won the majority in Afghanistan's presidential poll</a>. The preliminary results&nbsp;were announced on Sunday, nearly three months after Afghans voted in elections that were marred by low turnout and fraud claims.

Modi had invited Ghani after a telephonic conversation to congratulate him on his victory. Ghani has said that he would visit India at "an appropriate time".

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My dear friend and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, called this afternoon to congratulate me on winning the preliminary results and the Afghan people on the successful presidential elections.
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1209413101751279616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"My dear friend and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, called this afternoon to congratulate me on winning the preliminary results and the Afghan people on the successful presidential elections," Ghani had tweeted.

Ghani also said that the two leaders will discuss a range of regional and international issues during his visit to India.

"My dear friend and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, called this afternoon to congratulate me on winning the preliminary results and the Afghan people on the successful presidential elections," Ghani tweeted.

According to Ghani, Modi asserted the need for both countries to fight terrorism and extended his support to the Afghan-led peace process in the region.

"He said, India as a friend, neighbour and the world's largest democracy is fully supporting Afghanistan's democratic rule. India supports the Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and controlled peace process. And we are also with Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism. We support and are committed to a democratic, stable and developed Afghanistan," he added.

"Modi said, India is your second home, and offered a formal invitation to visit. We will discuss a range of regional and international issues during this visit. I thank the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-strong-ties-with-islamic-countries-says-relations-have-strengthened-269577">Prime Minister</a> for the invitation and will travel to India at an appropriate time," Ghani tweeted.

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We support and are committed to a democratic, stable and developed Afghanistan. I appreciated the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Afghanistan, not only for being a good neighbor and friend, but also for India's strategic partnership.
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1209413108772605953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to the Independent Election Commission, Ghani won 50.64 per cent of the vote in the September 28 poll, while his rival Abdullah Abdullah scored 39.52 per cent.

Over 1.8 million people cast their votes in the elections which were held on September 28.

Afghanistan's Electoral Complaints Commission said on Monday the election <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-round-two-of-presidential-poll-possible-amid-complaints-269766">might go to a second-round</a> as it begins reviewing thousands of complaints a day after the preliminary result handed incumbent president Ashraf Ghani a narrow victory.

(With inputs from ANI)

The new President-elect of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani recently accepted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit the country. Ashraf Ghani recently won the majority in Afghanistan's presidential poll.

The new President-elect of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani recently accepted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit the country. Ashraf Ghani recently won the majority in Afghanistan's presidential poll. The preliminary results were announced on Sunday, nearly three months after Afghans voted in elections that were marred by low turnout and fraud claims. Modi had invited Ghani after a telephonic conversation to congratulate him on his victory. Ghani has said that he would visit India at "an appropriate time". My dear friend and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, called this afternoon to congratulate me on winning the preliminary results and the Afghan people on the successful presidential elections. — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) December 24, 2019 × "My dear friend and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, called this afternoon to congratulate me on winning the preliminary results and the Afghan people on the successful presidential elections," Ghani had tweeted. Ghani also said that the two leaders will discuss a range of regional and international issues during his visit to India. "My dear friend and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, called this afternoon to congratulate me on winning the preliminary results and the Afghan people on the successful presidential elections," Ghani tweeted. According to Ghani, Modi asserted the need for both countries to fight terrorism and extended his support to the Afghan-led peace process in the region. "He said, India as a friend, neighbour and the world's largest democracy is fully supporting Afghanistan's democratic rule. India supports the Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and controlled peace process. And we are also with Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism. We support and are committed to a democratic, stable and developed Afghanistan," he added. "Modi said, India is your second home, and offered a formal invitation to visit. We will discuss a range of regional and international issues during this visit. I thank the Prime Minister for the invitation and will travel to India at an appropriate time," Ghani tweeted. We support and are committed to a democratic, stable and developed Afghanistan. I appreciated the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Afghanistan, not only for being a good neighbor and friend, but also for India's strategic partnership. — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) December 24, 2019 × According to the Independent Election Commission, Ghani won 50.64 per cent of the vote in the September 28 poll, while his rival Abdullah Abdullah scored 39.52 per cent. Over 1.8 million people cast their votes in the elections which were held on September 28. Afghanistan's Electoral Complaints Commission said on Monday the election might go to a second-round as it begins reviewing thousands of complaints a day after the preliminary result handed incumbent president Ashraf Ghani a narrow victory. (With inputs from ANI)

Afghan President-elect Ashraf Ghani accepts PM Modi's invitation to visit India

Amidst a pronounced economic slowdown in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-shares-largely-flat-yes-bank-indiabulls-real-estate-rise-269903">India</a>, the <a href="&lt;div class=&quot;videoWrapper trancodeVideo&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imf-sidesteps-clash-with-us-over-funding-delays-shareholding-changes-to-2023-256885/embed&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;350&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;max-width:560px;&quot; class=&quot;includeVideo&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; autoplay=1 allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">International Monetary Fund (IMF)</a> issued a warning today calling for immediate action to fix the slowdown. According to IMF, ''urgent policy actions'' are required to reverse the slowdown.

In its annual review, the IMF blamed slowing consumption and investment for crippling the country's GDP growth. The effects are more pronounced because of falling tax revenue, considering India was one of the fastest-growing economies in the world just last year.&nbsp;

According to the report, more efforts by the Indian government are needed to fix the slowdown.

For long, the IMF has maintained a macroeconomic outlook on India which has become more subdued in recent years.

Watch:&nbsp;IMF -&nbsp;India now in midst of major economic slowdown, needs urgent action

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imf-india-now-in-midst-of-major-economic-slowdown-needs-urgent-action-269964/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The report stressed the importance of long-term remedies but also said that growth has been strong in recent years. However, growth has not led to job creation and low food prices, which is contributing to rural distress.

Earlier in October, the IMF had slashed its forecast for Indian GDP's growth by nearly a full point to 6.1 per cent pertaining to the financial year 2019-20.

Additionally, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-pm-asks-world-bank-imf-help-with-economic-rescue-plan-267959">the organisation</a> has projected inflation to remain at around 3.4 per cent, with effects of less demand set to become pronounced over the next few months.

Food prices have increased in the country lately, pushing the retail inflation rate in November to a three-year high of 5.54 per cent.

The industrial sector output shrank for the third month in a row in October by 3.8 per cent, further indicating a slowdown in the economy.&nbsp;

Even then, India's fiscal deficit has already crossed 7 trillion Rupees, surpassing the annual target in seven months.&nbsp;

The Reserve Bank of India recently tried to contain the slowdown by cutting the key lending rate five times this year to a nine-year low. However, the policy was kept unchanged in a key meeting earlier this month.

Amidst a pronounced economic slowdown in India, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a warning today calling for immediate action to fix the slowdown. According to IMF, ''urgent policy actions'' are required to reverse the slowdown.

Amidst a pronounced economic slowdown in India, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a warning today calling for immediate action to fix the slowdown. According to IMF, ''urgent policy actions'' are required to reverse the slowdown. In its annual review, the IMF blamed slowing consumption and investment for crippling the country's GDP growth. The effects are more pronounced because of falling tax revenue, considering India was one of the fastest-growing economies in the world just last year. According to the report, more efforts by the Indian government are needed to fix the slowdown. For long, the IMF has maintained a macroeconomic outlook on India which has become more subdued in recent years. Watch: IMF - India now in midst of major economic slowdown, needs urgent action The report stressed the importance of long-term remedies but also said that growth has been strong in recent years. However, growth has not led to job creation and low food prices, which is contributing to rural distress. Earlier in October, the IMF had slashed its forecast for Indian GDP's growth by nearly a full point to 6.1 per cent pertaining to the financial year 2019-20. Additionally, the organisation has projected inflation to remain at around 3.4 per cent, with effects of less demand set to become pronounced over the next few months. Food prices have increased in the country lately, pushing the retail inflation rate in November to a three-year high of 5.54 per cent. The industrial sector output shrank for the third month in a row in October by 3.8 per cent, further indicating a slowdown in the economy. Even then, India's fiscal deficit has already crossed 7 trillion Rupees, surpassing the annual target in seven months. The Reserve Bank of India recently tried to contain the slowdown by cutting the key lending rate five times this year to a nine-year low. However, the policy was kept unchanged in a key meeting earlier this month.

Indian economic slowdown: International Monetary Fund calls for 'urgent' action

Three out of four death-row convicts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-delhi-hc-reserves-order-on-plea-seeking-fir-against-sole-witness-269306">Nirbhaya</a> rape case on Tuesday stated they want to use their remaining legal remedies and file for both curative and mercy petition.

Their reply came after the court directed the Tihar Jail authorities to issue a fresh notice to them on whether or not they want to file the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/very-important-to-teach-such-people-a-lesson-nirbhayas-mother-welcomes-delhi-hcs-dismissal-of-convicts-plea-269236">mercy</a> petition.

Based on the directions, the jail authorities had issued a notice to all four convicts stating that they have seven days' time to file a mercy petition.

The case pertains to rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student by six men on a moving bus on the night of December 16, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-review-petition-of-akshay-kumar-singh-in-2012-delhi-gang-rape-case-268900">2012</a>. Pawan, Akshay, Vinay, and Mukesh are facing the gallows in the case.

The main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail during the trial.

Another accused was a minor at the time of the commission of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years.

One of the convicts Akshay's review petition was rejected by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-s-mother-breaks-down-after-court-postpones-death-warrants-of-convicts-268942">Supreme Court</a> last week. Besides him, other convicts Mukesh, Pawan and Vinay had filed the review petition last year but it was rejected by the apex court.

A curative petition is the last legal recourse available to a person following which mercy for computation of death penalty to life imprisonment could be sought from the President of India.

Three out of four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case on Tuesday stated they want to use their remaining legal remedies and file for both curative and mercy petition.

Three out of four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case on Tuesday stated they want to use their remaining legal remedies and file for both curative and mercy petition. Their reply came after the court directed the Tihar Jail authorities to issue a fresh notice to them on whether or not they want to file the mercy petition. Based on the directions, the jail authorities had issued a notice to all four convicts stating that they have seven days' time to file a mercy petition. The case pertains to rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student by six men on a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012. Pawan, Akshay, Vinay, and Mukesh are facing the gallows in the case. The main accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail during the trial. Another accused was a minor at the time of the commission of the crime and was sent to a reform facility and released after three years. One of the convicts Akshay's review petition was rejected by the Supreme Court last week. Besides him, other convicts Mukesh, Pawan and Vinay had filed the review petition last year but it was rejected by the apex court. A curative petition is the last legal recourse available to a person following which mercy for computation of death penalty to life imprisonment could be sought from the President of India.

Three Nirbhaya convicts want to use their remaining legal remedies

Union Cabinet Committee on Security on December 24 approved the creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). This is a four star position being created as part of a defence management overhaul. CDS will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999. CDS will head the department of military affairs with salary equivalent to Service Chiefs. #India #CDS #ChiefofDefenceStaff

Union Cabinet approves creation of India's first CDS position

At a time when India's economy is suffering from an acute slowdown, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning and said the current downturn can only be reversed through "urgent" policy actions. IMF in its annual review said declining consumption and investment accompanied by falling tax revenue have arrested India's GDP growth, which was one of the fastest in the world just a year ago. #IndiaGDP #IMF #India #IndiaGDPGrowth

IMF: India now in midst of major economic slowdown, needs urgent action

Analysing The Statement Of OIC Expressing Concerns On The Safety Of Muslims In India. #Gravitas #OIC #IndianMuslims

Gravitas: OIC Lectures India On Minorities

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world. #WION #WIONSpeedNews #Australia #Australiabushfires

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 23, 2019

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Sunday said it was closely following the recent developments "affecting" Muslims in India as it voiced concern over the Citizenship Amendment Act. #OIC #WION #CAA #India #Indianminorities

OIC expresses concern over CAA, minorities in India

Christmas fever has begun to grip India ahead of the festivities of the winter holiday season. School students were joined by residents of India's southern Thiruvananthapuram city on Saturday, as they wore Christmas-themed costumes and marched with a band playing carols in a procession.

Santa Claus, carols spread Christmas cheer in India

Turkey's Ambassador To India Discusses Turkey's Offensive In Syria, U.S. Threat To Turkey & India's Stance On Kashmir

Gravitas Exclusive: Turkey's ambassador to India speaks to Wion

“Am I a Hindu or a Muslim?” 
“What do you think?” 
“I don’t know. Maybe a Muslim.” 
“Why do you say so?” 
“I don’t know.” 
“Why do you ask?” 
“My judo teacher asked me.” 
 
The boy asking the question is six and a half years old. This conversation happened a week ago. It has been bothering me since. We never needed religion as a qualifier. So we never told him what his religion was. We’ve long pulled up the judo teacher for asking the question. But that’s not even the point. He’s not an evil bigot. He’s just another person, unwittingly offensive. This is an unacceptable yet casual question in India — a secular country with a majority that harbours the angst of perceived wrongs and a minority that has forever been used as a political pawn. 
 
The makers of India’s constitution wanted a secular state but the biggest proponents of secularism, Nehru and Ambedkar, did not allow the word secular to be part of the Preamble. The debate is worth revisiting. The crux is this — for the state to truly distance itself from religion, as secularism demands, there should be no recognition of minority on the basis of religion, no reservation, no muslim personal law, no directive principle for protection of cows. In the Indian context such detachment was hard to achieve. So it was agreed to drop the term, than to “fraudulently” use it. It was only inserted much later by Indira Gandhi in 1976 through unconstitutional means. The preamble was amended without a debate in Parliament. 
 
This unsettled debate is manifesting itself today, seven decades since Independence. Secularism in India is an ideal that has been pursued but not truly achieved. It has systematically been abused for political gain. The confusion and lack of consensus has come back to bite us. The repressed Islamophobia of India is revealing itself and it makes a sorry picture. It is easy to blame a party or its leaders, but who put them there? They never hid what they stood for. Perhaps Indians hid what they really stood for, or were wary of expressing themselves. And so it is important to view this protest beyond the binaries. 
 
India is not a monolith. There are many Indias, many ideologies and beliefs that clash and co-exist. One India is protesting today. On the streets and on social media. Another India is supporting this law. And a third, perhaps much bigger India, is watching from the sidelines. Most of these people have no political agenda, no real understanding of the subject and no direct stakes in this battle of ideologies. They’re trying to make sense of the frenzy, to fathom the full import of what’s happening. The questions are confounding. 
 
Is India sliding into a majoritarian abyss? Is this politically stimulated hype? Are the policemen devils? The pictures show them raining lathis on hapless protestors. The pictures also show them pouring tea for people on a cold Delhi evening. The pictures show people pelting stones at them. And yet others show a muslim cop telling a lady to let him do his job. So many protestors have sustained head injuries. Why are the police hitting children? What were the children doing at a protest site? Should children not be allowed to protest? At what age do you qualify? Why detain journalists? Why say things like “identifying people by their clothes” in such a volatile situation? Isn’t protest a basic right of every citizen? Isn’t civil disobedience the bedrock of Indian democracy? But what justifies violence? Should police not do their duty? Who are the people indulging in violence? It’s so vitiated now, with so many conflicting versions that sifting the “truth” is well nigh impossible. 
 
But here’s what can be done. The government has every right to pass laws, even controversial ones. They did not do it on the sly. They followed due procedure, got it passed in Parliament. What they seem to have forgotten is the universal mantra of democracy - “a government of the people, for the people, by the people.” And that includes all people. When they complain listen to them, don’t discredit them. When they break the law, investigate and punish them. Don’t&nbsp;pander to their basest emotions, don’t exploit their anxieties. 
 
Reach out. Restore peace.

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

“Am I a Hindu or a Muslim?” “What do you think?” “I don’t know. Maybe a Muslim.” “Why do you say so?” “I don’t know.” “Why do you ask?” “My judo teacher asked me.

“Am I a Hindu or a Muslim?” “What do you think?” “I don’t know. Maybe a Muslim.” “Why do you say so?” “I don’t know.” “Why do you ask?” “My judo teacher asked me.” The boy asking the question is six and a half years old. This conversation happened a week ago. It has been bothering me since. We never needed religion as a qualifier. So we never told him what his religion was. We’ve long pulled up the judo teacher for asking the question. But that’s not even the point. He’s not an evil bigot. He’s just another person, unwittingly offensive. This is an unacceptable yet casual question in India — a secular country with a majority that harbours the angst of perceived wrongs and a minority that has forever been used as a political pawn. The makers of India’s constitution wanted a secular state but the biggest proponents of secularism, Nehru and Ambedkar, did not allow the word secular to be part of the Preamble. The debate is worth revisiting. The crux is this — for the state to truly distance itself from religion, as secularism demands, there should be no recognition of minority on the basis of religion, no reservation, no muslim personal law, no directive principle for protection of cows. In the Indian context such detachment was hard to achieve. So it was agreed to drop the term, than to “fraudulently” use it. It was only inserted much later by Indira Gandhi in 1976 through unconstitutional means. The preamble was amended without a debate in Parliament. This unsettled debate is manifesting itself today, seven decades since Independence. Secularism in India is an ideal that has been pursued but not truly achieved. It has systematically been abused for political gain. The confusion and lack of consensus has come back to bite us. The repressed Islamophobia of India is revealing itself and it makes a sorry picture. It is easy to blame a party or its leaders, but who put them there? They never hid what they stood for. Perhaps Indians hid what they really stood for, or were wary of expressing themselves. And so it is important to view this protest beyond the binaries. India is not a monolith. There are many Indias, many ideologies and beliefs that clash and co-exist. One India is protesting today. On the streets and on social media. Another India is supporting this law. And a third, perhaps much bigger India, is watching from the sidelines. Most of these people have no political agenda, no real understanding of the subject and no direct stakes in this battle of ideologies. They’re trying to make sense of the frenzy, to fathom the full import of what’s happening. The questions are confounding. Is India sliding into a majoritarian abyss? Is this politically stimulated hype? Are the policemen devils? The pictures show them raining lathis on hapless protestors. The pictures also show them pouring tea for people on a cold Delhi evening. The pictures show people pelting stones at them. And yet others show a muslim cop telling a lady to let him do his job. So many protestors have sustained head injuries. Why are the police hitting children? What were the children doing at a protest site? Should children not be allowed to protest? At what age do you qualify? Why detain journalists? Why say things like “identifying people by their clothes” in such a volatile situation? Isn’t protest a basic right of every citizen? Isn’t civil disobedience the bedrock of Indian democracy? But what justifies violence? Should police not do their duty? Who are the people indulging in violence? It’s so vitiated now, with so many conflicting versions that sifting the “truth” is well nigh impossible. But here’s what can be done. The government has every right to pass laws, even controversial ones. They did not do it on the sly. They followed due procedure, got it passed in Parliament. What they seem to have forgotten is the universal mantra of democracy - “a government of the people, for the people, by the people.” And that includes all people. When they complain listen to them, don’t discredit them. When they break the law, investigate and punish them. Don’t pander to their basest emotions, don’t exploit their anxieties. Reach out. Restore peace. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why India is conflicted

Assamese minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said that the State Cabinet will introduce a new bill securing the land rights of the indigenous people. 
 
"The state Cabinet has decided to bring a new Bill in the next Assembly session securing the land rights of the indigenous people. Under this Bill, indigenous people can sell their land only to indigenous people," Sarma said on Saturday.

"All Indian states were originally reorganised on the basis of language. Subsequently, due to migration, the number of people speaking the language of a state may vary. However, it is important to keep the language on the basis of which the state was created", the Assamese Finance Minister said. 
 
According to sources, the Assam Cabinet has sent a proposal to the Centre requesting to make Assam the state language.

(With inputs from ANI)

Assamese minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said that the State Cabinet will introduce a new bill securing the land rights of the indigenous people. "The state Cabinet has decided to bring a new Bill in the next Assembly session securing the land rights of the indigenous people.

Assamese minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said that the State Cabinet will introduce a new bill securing the land rights of the indigenous people. "The state Cabinet has decided to bring a new Bill in the next Assembly session securing the land rights of the indigenous people. Under this Bill, indigenous people can sell their land only to indigenous people," Sarma said on Saturday. "All Indian states were originally reorganised on the basis of language. Subsequently, due to migration, the number of people speaking the language of a state may vary. However, it is important to keep the language on the basis of which the state was created", the Assamese Finance Minister said. According to sources, the Assam Cabinet has sent a proposal to the Centre requesting to make Assam the state language. (With inputs from ANI)

Assam government to initiate bill protecting land rights of indigenous groups

While addressing the people of Delhi at Ramleela Maidan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashes out at the opposition for provoking violent protests against CAA & NRC all over the nation. He also washes out several doubts over CAA and NRC. #WION #PMModi #Delhi #India #CAA #NRC

Unity in diversity is India’s speciality, says PM Modi at Delhi rally

''University in diversity is India's speciality'', announced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-polls-pm-modi-urges-voters-to-vote-in-record-numbers-in-fifth-phase-269265">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> while addressing a Bharatiya Janta Party rally at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi.

Amid the chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai (hail mother India), the Prime Minister urged the crowd to join him in saying, "Vividha me ekta, Bharat ki visheshta" (Unity in diversity is India's speciality).

Starting off, Modi spoke about Delhiites and the issues they've faced. According to Modi, a large section of Delhi folks faced ''fear, uncertainty, deceit, and false electoral promises''. ''Illegal, sealing, bulldozer &amp; a cut-off date - life of a large population in Delhi was confined around these words'', he added.

While referring to the setbacks faced during the construction of Delhi metro's phase 4, Modi suggested that the state government's politicisation of the project caused the delay. ''That is why I say that those who do politics in your name, never understood your pain, they never intended to do that'', he announced.

The rally was primarily addressing the ownership rights of around 40 lakh residents of unauthorised colonies in the national capital, which has been fulfilled through a recent decision. 
 
On unauthorised colonies, Modi also took jibes at the previous state governments. ''You should know what those people, whom you were asking for something for yourself, were doing. They had illegally given 2000 lavish bungalows to their people. No one knows what was given to whom in lieu of that'', he said.

The PM accused political parties of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-in-up-879-arrested-15-dead-5000-in-preventive-custody-269553">rumour-mongering</a> and misleading them. He said, ''When we authorised the unauthorised colonies, did we ask anyone their religion? Did we ask which political party they support? Did we ask for documents from 1970, 1980?''.

The administration had made elaborate arrangements for security in view of the recent protests in the national capital after protests broke out over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari at the venue, along with other senior functionaries of the party. 
 
The PM addressed a massive crowd. Before his address, BJP members from Delhi - Gautam Gambhir, Meenakshi Lekhi, Hans Raj Hans, and Harsh Vardhan also addressed the crowd.

''Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians all were befitted, everyone who lives here was benefitted. Why did we do this? Because we live for the love of the country. We are dedicated to the mantra of 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas''', Modi spoke while alluding to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-was-passed-to-give-respect-to-those-who-fled-to-india-as-refugees-pm-modi-268376">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> and the National Register of Citizens.

(With inputs from ANI)

''University in diversity is India's speciality'', announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a Bharatiya Janta Party rally at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi.

''University in diversity is India's speciality'', announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a Bharatiya Janta Party rally at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi. Amid the chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai (hail mother India), the Prime Minister urged the crowd to join him in saying, "Vividha me ekta, Bharat ki visheshta" (Unity in diversity is India's speciality). Starting off, Modi spoke about Delhiites and the issues they've faced. According to Modi, a large section of Delhi folks faced ''fear, uncertainty, deceit, and false electoral promises''. ''Illegal, sealing, bulldozer & a cut-off date - life of a large population in Delhi was confined around these words'', he added. While referring to the setbacks faced during the construction of Delhi metro's phase 4, Modi suggested that the state government's politicisation of the project caused the delay. ''That is why I say that those who do politics in your name, never understood your pain, they never intended to do that'', he announced. The rally was primarily addressing the ownership rights of around 40 lakh residents of unauthorised colonies in the national capital, which has been fulfilled through a recent decision. On unauthorised colonies, Modi also took jibes at the previous state governments. ''You should know what those people, whom you were asking for something for yourself, were doing. They had illegally given 2000 lavish bungalows to their people. No one knows what was given to whom in lieu of that'', he said. The PM accused political parties of rumour-mongering and misleading them. He said, ''When we authorised the unauthorised colonies, did we ask anyone their religion? Did we ask which political party they support? Did we ask for documents from 1970, 1980?''. The administration had made elaborate arrangements for security in view of the recent protests in the national capital after protests broke out over the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Prime Minister was welcomed by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari at the venue, along with other senior functionaries of the party. The PM addressed a massive crowd. Before his address, BJP members from Delhi - Gautam Gambhir, Meenakshi Lekhi, Hans Raj Hans, and Harsh Vardhan also addressed the crowd. ''Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians all were befitted, everyone who lives here was benefitted. Why did we do this? Because we live for the love of the country. We are dedicated to the mantra of 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas''', Modi spoke while alluding to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens. (With inputs from ANI)

'Unity in diversity is India's speciality': Amid nationwide protests, PM Modi addresses Delhi's Ramlila ground

The prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 were lifted in Kalaburagi on Sunday as vehicular movements were observed while curfew was relaxed in Mangaluru till 6 pm. 
 
DCP Kalaburagi had imposed Section 144, which prohibits the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-in-up-879-arrested-15-dead-5000-in-preventive-custody-269553">gathering of four or more people</a>, from December 19 till December 21 late night. 
 
"Section 144 ended in the midnight of December 21 and normalcy is back in the city with buses, vehicles running as scheduled," Deputy Commissioner of Police Kishorbabu confirmed over the phone. 
 
"Three days back despite the imposition of section 144, a huge black flag protest was held in Kalaburagi against the CAA. Now after three days, everything is normal in the city," said a local resident B M Rawoor. 
 
Earlier on Saturday, security forces held a march from Nagareshwar school to Jagat Circle in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-uttarkhand-on-high-alert-security-increased-269558">Kalaburagi</a> on Saturday to "instil confidence" in the minds of public and "fear" in minds of bad elements. 
 
Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Karnataka police personnel took out a route march. 
 
Section 144 was imposed after violent protests broke out against the CAA which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India until December 31, 2014.

The prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 were lifted in Kalaburagi on Sunday as vehicular movements were observed while curfew was relaxed in Mangaluru till 6 pm.

The prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 were lifted in Kalaburagi on Sunday as vehicular movements were observed while curfew was relaxed in Mangaluru till 6 pm. DCP Kalaburagi had imposed Section 144, which prohibits the gathering of four or more people, from December 19 till December 21 late night. "Section 144 ended in the midnight of December 21 and normalcy is back in the city with buses, vehicles running as scheduled," Deputy Commissioner of Police Kishorbabu confirmed over the phone. "Three days back despite the imposition of section 144, a huge black flag protest was held in Kalaburagi against the CAA. Now after three days, everything is normal in the city," said a local resident B M Rawoor. Earlier on Saturday, security forces held a march from Nagareshwar school to Jagat Circle in Kalaburagi on Saturday to "instil confidence" in the minds of public and "fear" in minds of bad elements. Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Karnataka police personnel took out a route march. Section 144 was imposed after violent protests broke out against the CAA which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India until December 31, 2014.

Karnataka: Section 144 relaxed in Kalaburagi

On December 19 simultaneous protests raged in multiple cities with thousands-strong crowds of students, activists and others defying prohibitory orders to voice their dissent against the new citizenship law, resulting in violence in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, where three people were killed in police firing. #CAA #CAAProtest #AntiCitizenshiplaw

Anti-Citizenship Law protests spread to more parts of India

Indian National Congress (INC) Sonia Gandhi lashes out at Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and alleges of disregarding people's voices over Citizenship Amendment Act that erupts protests all over the nation. #CAA #CAAprotest #SoniaGandhi #Congress #India

Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi speaks on CAA protests, says 'BJP shows disregard for people's voices'

Protesters rallying against the Citizenship Amendment Act marched from Seelampur in Delhi to the Jama Masjid on Friday. Thousands of protesters marched barefoot with anti-NRC and anti-CAA placards and the National Flag. #CAA #CAAprotest #Delhi #India #JamaMasjid

Massive protests erupts in Delhi's Jama Masjid over CAA

India and the US have agreed to deepen their bilateral cooperation in areas of defence, counter-terrorism and trade, and to work with like-minded countries for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. #India #US #2+2dialouge #IndiaUS #RajnathSingh

India-US concludes 2+2 dialogue; Agrees to expand bilateral ties

Anti-citizenship law protestors offered roses to security personnel at the Jantar Mantar, saying police can baton charge them as much as they want, but we will offer them roses. #CAA #CAAprotest #Delhi #India

CAA Protest: Gesture of humanity amid turmoil

Mobile services, SMSes and internet have been suspended in parts of Delhi as protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act swept country. #CAA #Delhi #India #DelhiNCR #CAAprotest

CAA Protest: Mobile calls and internet services suspended in Delhi-NCR

India has witnessed a lot of protests after the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill and NRC in the Parliament. Some protests were peaceful and some were violent which led to the destruction of national property. Several countries like US, UK, Israel, Canada and Singapore, have asked their citizens to exercise caution while travelling to the Northeastern states in India. #CAAProtest #CitizenshipAmendmentBill #CAB

US issues advisory to its citizens after CAA protests in India

Asserting that the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India has increased in the last few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that global investors are looking to invest in the country with renewed hope and belief.

"In the last few years, FDI in India has increased. FDI, for me, has two meanings. One is Foreign Direct Investment, and for me, another one is, `First Develop India`," Modi said while addressing the annual ASSOCHAM conference here.

He said that there is a new mood of innovation and enterprise in the entire country today. "There`s an unprecedented belief in India`s ability across the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/economy-debate-narendra-modis-nda-versus-manmohan-singhs-upa-267271">world</a>. Global investors are looking at India today with renewed hope and belief," the Prime Minister said.

He also said that labour laws have undergone an overhaul as per suggestions from the industry sector, underlining that several steps have been taken to make the industry strong and futuristic.

"I want to tell everyone associated with the banking and corporate sector that the old weaknesses have been ironed out. Take decisions bravely, invest openly, and spend well and keep moving ahead," the Prime Minister said, adding that no action will be taken against right and commercially genuine decisions.

The Prime Minister said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-says-indian-economy-moved-to-bold-decisive-decision-making-calls-current-slowdown-temporary-265503">India</a> has made improvements in the Global Competitiveness Index and the country is one of the top 10 FDI destinations in the world.

"There`s no doubt about how weak India`s banking sector was, before 2014. Rs six lakh crores were provisioned to make up for the losses. Rs 70,000 crore and Rs 23,600,000 crore have been made available to the banks by the government," Modi added.

The Prime Minister said that Rs 10,000,000 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure in the next few years and Rs 3,500,000 crore has been set aside to ensure clean drinking water to every family in the country under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission'.

"We are going to invest Rs 10,000,000 crore on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/security-preparedness-ensuring-safety-in-cities-268773">infrastructure</a> in the coming years. On the rural infrastructure, we have dedicated an investment of Rs 2,500,000&nbsp;crore. We have also earmarked Rs 350,000&nbsp;crore to ensure drinking water to every family in the country," Modi further said.&nbsp;

Asserting that the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India has increased in the last few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that global investors are looking to invest in the country with renewed hope and belief.

Asserting that the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India has increased in the last few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that global investors are looking to invest in the country with renewed hope and belief. "In the last few years, FDI in India has increased. FDI, for me, has two meanings. One is Foreign Direct Investment, and for me, another one is, `First Develop India`," Modi said while addressing the annual ASSOCHAM conference here. He said that there is a new mood of innovation and enterprise in the entire country today. "There`s an unprecedented belief in India`s ability across the world. Global investors are looking at India today with renewed hope and belief," the Prime Minister said. He also said that labour laws have undergone an overhaul as per suggestions from the industry sector, underlining that several steps have been taken to make the industry strong and futuristic. "I want to tell everyone associated with the banking and corporate sector that the old weaknesses have been ironed out. Take decisions bravely, invest openly, and spend well and keep moving ahead," the Prime Minister said, adding that no action will be taken against right and commercially genuine decisions. The Prime Minister said that India has made improvements in the Global Competitiveness Index and the country is one of the top 10 FDI destinations in the world. "There`s no doubt about how weak India`s banking sector was, before 2014. Rs six lakh crores were provisioned to make up for the losses. Rs 70,000 crore and Rs 23,600,000 crore have been made available to the banks by the government," Modi added. The Prime Minister said that Rs 10,000,000 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure in the next few years and Rs 3,500,000 crore has been set aside to ensure clean drinking water to every family in the country under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission'. "We are going to invest Rs 10,000,000 crore on infrastructure in the coming years. On the rural infrastructure, we have dedicated an investment of Rs 2,500,000 crore. We have also earmarked Rs 350,000 crore to ensure drinking water to every family in the country," Modi further said.

Global investors looking at India with renewed hope, belief: PM Modi

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