IPL 2019, Match 2: Preview of Kolkata vs Hyderabad

Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Simon Katich is confident that their captain Dinesh Karthik will once again excel in his designated finisher's role, making a case for his selection in India's World Cup squad.

Karthik, who didn't play the one-dayers against Australia, is back in the mix after Rishabh Pant's failure to grab the chance.

Asked about his batting position, Katich dropped a hint that the KKR skipper would use the Indian Premier League to showcase his skill set in pressure games.

"I think what Dinesh brings in his experience (in crunch situations). He has played that role very well for India and for us. You know what you will get from him down the innings. He is hard to bowl to," Katich told reporters on Thursday.

"So he will be in the mix for the World Cup. It will give the Indian selectors a tough job to pick with so much talent around," he added.

He was all praise for young Shubman Gill, who, he though, will play across formats for India.

"I am sure pretty soon he will be permanently in the Indian setup. He obviously has got talent and had a fantastic IPL last year."

The former Australia left-handed batsman was happy that the team had a great limited-overs series in India.

"Losing to India in Australia was tough for Australians to take. Full credit for the way they played. They deserved to win," said Katich.

He was all praise for the top order.

"The top order was outstanding especially Khawaja, Ashton Turner was great too. Ahead of World Cup, important decisions are there for the selectors to take. Having Smith and Warner back before World Cup gives us more confidence."

The Australian team is peaking at the right time, felt Katich.

"Their form hasn't been brilliant in the last few months but World Cup cricket is all about playing six weeks brilliantly," said Katich, who was an integral part of both Tests and ODI side during his playing days.

"It doesn't matter what happened previously. It's all about performing under pressure situations in knockout style. Smith and Warner will be hungry.

"They are hurt by the experience. What happened has happened. They will come back hungry and if they come back firing and rest of the boys are in form, then it will be good," he concluded.

Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Simon Katich is confident that their captain Dinesh Karthik will once again excel in his designated finisher's role, making a case for his selection in India's World Cup squad.

Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Simon Katich is confident that their captain Dinesh Karthik will once again excel in his designated finisher's role, making a case for his selection in India's World Cup squad. Karthik, who didn't play the one-dayers against Australia, is back in the mix after Rishabh Pant's failure to grab the chance. Asked about his batting position, Katich dropped a hint that the KKR skipper would use the Indian Premier League to showcase his skill set in pressure games. "I think what Dinesh brings in his experience (in crunch situations). He has played that role very well for India and for us. You know what you will get from him down the innings. He is hard to bowl to," Katich told reporters on Thursday. "So he will be in the mix for the World Cup. It will give the Indian selectors a tough job to pick with so much talent around," he added. He was all praise for young Shubman Gill, who, he though, will play across formats for India. "I am sure pretty soon he will be permanently in the Indian setup. He obviously has got talent and had a fantastic IPL last year." The former Australia left-handed batsman was happy that the team had a great limited-overs series in India. "Losing to India in Australia was tough for Australians to take. Full credit for the way they played. They deserved to win," said Katich. He was all praise for the top order. "The top order was outstanding especially Khawaja, Ashton Turner was great too. Ahead of World Cup, important decisions are there for the selectors to take. Having Smith and Warner back before World Cup gives us more confidence." The Australian team is peaking at the right time, felt Katich. "Their form hasn't been brilliant in the last few months but World Cup cricket is all about playing six weeks brilliantly," said Katich, who was an integral part of both Tests and ODI side during his playing days. "It doesn't matter what happened previously. It's all about performing under pressure situations in knockout style. Smith and Warner will be hungry. "They are hurt by the experience. What happened has happened. They will come back hungry and if they come back firing and rest of the boys are in form, then it will be good," he concluded.

Dinesh Karthik will play finisher's role as he is in WC mix: Assistant coach Katich

The Communist Party of India has left out student leader Kanhaiya Kumar from its first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, indicating that its seat-sharing talks with the RJD in Bihar has hit roadblocks.

The Left party on Friday said it has identified 53 seats in 24 states for the upcoming polls and announced names of 15 candidates.

"Our talks with the RJD are ongoing and we will take a call on Kanhaiya Kumar once those are finalised. Both the state and local units have identified a seat for him and we have to see how the talks with RJD pan out," said CPI leader D Raja, indicating that if the RJD doesn't concede to its demand, his party will have to go back to the drawing board.

CPI is believed to have asked for the Begusarai seat for Kanhaiya.

Sources said Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad is against giving the student leader a seat as he believes that his caste, Bhumihar, would not go down well for his party, which is traditionally anti-upper caste.

Also, the RJD feels the only Left party having significant presence and support base in Bihar is the CPI(ML).

Names of candidates have been declared for Mavelikkara, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Wayyand in Kerala, Bastar South in Chhattisgarh, Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, Kathua in Jammu, Tumakuru in Karnataka, Parbhani and Shirdi in Maharashtra, Inner Manipur, Aska in Odisha, Sri Ganganagar, Udaipur and Chittorgarh in Rajasthan.

The party has also formed an election manifesto committee with D Raja as its convener.

The Communist Party of India has left out student leader Kanhaiya Kumar from its first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, indicating that its seat-sharing talks with the RJD in Bihar has hit roadblocks.

The Communist Party of India has left out student leader Kanhaiya Kumar from its first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, indicating that its seat-sharing talks with the RJD in Bihar has hit roadblocks. The Left party on Friday said it has identified 53 seats in 24 states for the upcoming polls and announced names of 15 candidates. "Our talks with the RJD are ongoing and we will take a call on Kanhaiya Kumar once those are finalised. Both the state and local units have identified a seat for him and we have to see how the talks with RJD pan out," said CPI leader D Raja, indicating that if the RJD doesn't concede to its demand, his party will have to go back to the drawing board. CPI is believed to have asked for the Begusarai seat for Kanhaiya. Sources said Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad is against giving the student leader a seat as he believes that his caste, Bhumihar, would not go down well for his party, which is traditionally anti-upper caste. Also, the RJD feels the only Left party having significant presence and support base in Bihar is the CPI(ML). Names of candidates have been declared for Mavelikkara, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Wayyand in Kerala, Bastar South in Chhattisgarh, Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, Kathua in Jammu, Tumakuru in Karnataka, Parbhani and Shirdi in Maharashtra, Inner Manipur, Aska in Odisha, Sri Ganganagar, Udaipur and Chittorgarh in Rajasthan. The party has also formed an election manifesto committee with D Raja as its convener.

Lok Sabha: CPI(M) releases first list of 15 candidates, leaves out Kanhaiya Kumar

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chit-fund-scams-kolkata-police-chief-grilled-for-11-hours-in-second-round-of-questioning-196473">Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar</a> appeared before the CBI here for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday to face questioning in connection with the chit fund scam cases, an official said.

Kumar, who is being examined since Saturday for his alleged role in tampering of evidence in the Saradha ponzi scam, arrived shortly after 9.30 am at the CBI office, he said.

"He was accompanied by two senior IPS officers and his counsel Biswajit Deb," the official told PTI.

The Kolkata Police chief has already spent more than 30 hours over the past four days inside the highly secured CBI office here, facing questions relating to Saradha and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-not-to-monitor-saradha-probe-rejects-plea-196571">Rose Valley chit fund scam cases</a>, he added.

On Tuesday, an unidentified masked man was called in the afternoon at the CBI office. The man came out shortly after Kumar left the premises, giving headway to massive speculations about his identity.

Former Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh was also grilled by the CBI on the second and the third day, along with Kumar.

The ex-MP was arrested in 2013 in the Saradha scam and has been out on bail since 2016.

The questioning of Ghosh is over for the time being and he was allowed to return to Kolkata, a CBI official said Tuesday.

The Supreme Court had directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam.

The court chose Shillong as a neutral meeting place "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and made it clear that Kumar would not be arrested.

The CBI moved the Supreme Court after its officials were thwarted by the Kolkata Police when they had gone to Kumar's official residence to question him on February 3.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had rushed to the spot and staged a three-day 'Save the Constitution' sit-in against the CBI's move, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah of plotting a "coup".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar appeared before the CBI here for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday to face questioning in connection with the chit fund scam cases, an official said.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar appeared before the CBI here for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday to face questioning in connection with the chit fund scam cases, an official said. Kumar, who is being examined since Saturday for his alleged role in tampering of evidence in the Saradha ponzi scam, arrived shortly after 9.30 am at the CBI office, he said. "He was accompanied by two senior IPS officers and his counsel Biswajit Deb," the official told PTI. The Kolkata Police chief has already spent more than 30 hours over the past four days inside the highly secured CBI office here, facing questions relating to Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scam cases, he added. On Tuesday, an unidentified masked man was called in the afternoon at the CBI office. The man came out shortly after Kumar left the premises, giving headway to massive speculations about his identity. Former Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh was also grilled by the CBI on the second and the third day, along with Kumar. The ex-MP was arrested in 2013 in the Saradha scam and has been out on bail since 2016. The questioning of Ghosh is over for the time being and he was allowed to return to Kolkata, a CBI official said Tuesday. The Supreme Court had directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam. The court chose Shillong as a neutral meeting place "to avoid all unnecessary controversy" and made it clear that Kumar would not be arrested. The CBI moved the Supreme Court after its officials were thwarted by the Kolkata Police when they had gone to Kumar's official residence to question him on February 3. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had rushed to the spot and staged a three-day 'Save the Constitution' sit-in against the CBI's move, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah of plotting a "coup".

Rose Valley scam: Kolkata Police chief faces CBI grilling for fifth day in a row

Shortage of pilots continued to hamper budget carrier IndiGos operations with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/indigo-airlines-cancels-47-flights-hundreds-of-passengers-affected-9294">the airline cancelling as many as 30 flights Tuesday</a> from across stations and passengers allegedly being forced to buy last-minute high fares for its flights, a source said.

On Monday also, the Gurugram-headquartered airline had pulled 32 flights from its network.

On the other hand, there was no indication of any probe by the aviation regulator into the cancellation of such a large number of flights by the airline since last Saturday.

IndiGo has cancelled 30 flights for Tuesday due to the ongoing pilots' issue. Most of the flights have been cancelled from Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai, the source said.

While eight flights are not being operated from Kolkata, another five flights are cancelled from Hyderabad and four each from Bangalore and Chennai, among others, he added.

The source also alleged that IndiGo was forcing passengers to either buy last-minute fares or offering them alternate flights with one-stop connectivity with long transit time.

Response to the queries sent to IndiGo and Directorate General of Civil Aviation on this issue was awaited.

In a statement on Sunday, the airline had blamed on weather for disruption in operations across its network.

"As part of recovering our schedule, the positioning of the crew and aircraft had to be readjusted. As a result, a number of flights were cancelled, it had said without giving any specific number of flights were cancelled. 
&nbsp;

Shortage of pilots continued to hamper budget carrier IndiGos operations with the airline cancelling as many as 30 flights Tuesday from across stations and passengers allegedly being forced to buy last-minute high fares for its flights, a source said.

Shortage of pilots continued to hamper budget carrier IndiGos operations with the airline cancelling as many as 30 flights Tuesday from across stations and passengers allegedly being forced to buy last-minute high fares for its flights, a source said. On Monday also, the Gurugram-headquartered airline had pulled 32 flights from its network. On the other hand, there was no indication of any probe by the aviation regulator into the cancellation of such a large number of flights by the airline since last Saturday. IndiGo has cancelled 30 flights for Tuesday due to the ongoing pilots' issue. Most of the flights have been cancelled from Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai, the source said. While eight flights are not being operated from Kolkata, another five flights are cancelled from Hyderabad and four each from Bangalore and Chennai, among others, he added. The source also alleged that IndiGo was forcing passengers to either buy last-minute fares or offering them alternate flights with one-stop connectivity with long transit time. Response to the queries sent to IndiGo and Directorate General of Civil Aviation on this issue was awaited. In a statement on Sunday, the airline had blamed on weather for disruption in operations across its network. "As part of recovering our schedule, the positioning of the crew and aircraft had to be readjusted. As a result, a number of flights were cancelled, it had said without giving any specific number of flights were cancelled.

For second day, IndiGo cancels 30 flights because of shortage of pilots

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/go-to-shillong-it-is-a-cool-place-cji-ranjan-gogoi-to-cbi-kolkata-police-commissioner-195460">Kolkata Police </a>on Friday conducted raids at two different places allegedly linked to former CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao in Kolkata.

The raids were conducted in two offices of Angela Mercantiles Pvt. Ltd. -- one in the city and the other in adjoining Salt Lake -- as part of the city police's probe into an old complaint lodged at the Bowbazar Police Station, a senior officer said.

A team of around 30 police officers raided the two offices, allegedly linked to Rao's wife Mannem Sandhya, he said.

Additional CBI director M Nageshwar Rao denies link with company raided by Kolkata police.

Rao, in&nbsp;a press statement, ruled out any link to M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd.&nbsp;

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Former interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao issues a press statement, refuting any link with M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd which is being raided by Kolkata Police today. <a href="https://t.co/g9RfW3Yl4c">pic.twitter.com/g9RfW3Yl4c</a>
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Former Interim CBI chief Nageshwar Rao to ANI on raids taking place in Kolkata today: All that is happening, appears to be propaganda. 
In a statement dated, 30 Oct 2018, Rao had also refuted any link with M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd which is being raided by Kolkata Police today <a href="https://t.co/xHMxL2SUKJ">https://t.co/xHMxL2SUKJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093890277763440643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The development comes&nbsp;days after an&nbsp;unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre erupted following the CBI's attempt&nbsp;to raid the residence of the Kolkata police officials on Sunday.

The officials, however, had to beat a hasty retreat from Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police.

Following this Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move.&nbsp;

The CBI will question&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-question-kolkata-police-commissioner-rajeev-kumar-on-february-9-in-shillong-195887">Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar&nbsp;</a>on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata Police on Friday conducted raids at two different places allegedly linked to former CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao in Kolkata. The raids were conducted in two offices of Angela Mercantiles Pvt.

Kolkata Police on Friday conducted raids at two different places allegedly linked to former CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao in Kolkata. The raids were conducted in two offices of Angela Mercantiles Pvt. Ltd. -- one in the city and the other in adjoining Salt Lake -- as part of the city police's probe into an old complaint lodged at the Bowbazar Police Station, a senior officer said. A team of around 30 police officers raided the two offices, allegedly linked to Rao's wife Mannem Sandhya, he said. Additional CBI director M Nageshwar Rao denies link with company raided by Kolkata police. Rao, in a press statement, ruled out any link to M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd. Former interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao issues a press statement, refuting any link with M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd which is being raided by Kolkata Police today. pic.twitter.com/g9RfW3Yl4c — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × Former Interim CBI chief Nageshwar Rao to ANI on raids taking place in Kolkata today: All that is happening, appears to be propaganda. In a statement dated, 30 Oct 2018, Rao had also refuted any link with M/s Angela Mercantile Pvt Ltd which is being raided by Kolkata Police today https://t.co/xHMxL2SUKJ — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × The development comes days after an unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre erupted following the CBI's attempt to raid the residence of the Kolkata police officials on Sunday. The officials, however, had to beat a hasty retreat from Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police. Following this Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move. The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata Police raid firms linked to ex-Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao

The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam, officials said Thursday, in the backdrop of Sunday's dramatic raid on Kumar's residence by the agency that triggered a slugfest between the Centre and the state government.

The agency has also called former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh to Shillong on February 10.

The CBI wants to question Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other ponzi scheme cases, they said.

The CBI is relying on a 91-page letter from Ghosh, who was expelled by TMC, to the Enforcement Directorate, detailing the role of Kumar in handling the ponzi scam probe after the main accused Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee, both promoters of Saradha group of companies, had fled to Kashmir, officials said in Kolkata.

Sen and Mukherjee were arrested in 2013 from Kashmir.

"State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post-collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause the disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official had said on the condition of anonymity.

The agency may confront Ghosh and Kumar to cross-check their claims, CBI sources said.

"I got a telephone from the CBI asking me to be in Shillong on Sunday. I will be there and cooperate in every possible manner," Ghosh told PTI.

Kumar's questioning on February 9 will happen in the shadow of the raid on Sunday evening on his Kolkata residence by CBI officials.

The officials had to beat a hasty retreat from Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police.

The incident had triggered an unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move. On Monday, the agency rushed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation but made it clear clear that he should not be arrested.

The court said "to avoid all unnecessary controversy", it was directing Kumar to appear before the agency at a neutral place in Shillong, Meghalaya.

The CBI has temporarily attached 10 more officers with its Kolkata unit, which is probing the scam, to augment strength during questioning of high-profile persons, including Kumar, officials said.

Officers from Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units have been sent to Kolkata and they will remain stationed there till February 20.

A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from CBI's special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said.&nbsp;

The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam, officials said Thursday, in the backdrop of Sunday's dramatic raid on Kumar's residence by the agency that triggered a slugfest between the Centre and the state government.

The CBI will question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong in connection with Saradha scam, officials said Thursday, in the backdrop of Sunday's dramatic raid on Kumar's residence by the agency that triggered a slugfest between the Centre and the state government. The agency has also called former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh to Shillong on February 10. The CBI wants to question Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other ponzi scheme cases, they said. The CBI is relying on a 91-page letter from Ghosh, who was expelled by TMC, to the Enforcement Directorate, detailing the role of Kumar in handling the ponzi scam probe after the main accused Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee, both promoters of Saradha group of companies, had fled to Kashmir, officials said in Kolkata. Sen and Mukherjee were arrested in 2013 from Kashmir. "State police was first to enter the premises of Saradha Group post-collapse and there are allegations that important documents which could have provided important leads were removed to cause the disappearance of evidence," a senior CBI official had said on the condition of anonymity. The agency may confront Ghosh and Kumar to cross-check their claims, CBI sources said. "I got a telephone from the CBI asking me to be in Shillong on Sunday. I will be there and cooperate in every possible manner," Ghosh told PTI. Kumar's questioning on February 9 will happen in the shadow of the raid on Sunday evening on his Kolkata residence by CBI officials. The officials had to beat a hasty retreat from Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police. The incident had triggered an unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move. On Monday, the agency rushed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation but made it clear clear that he should not be arrested. The court said "to avoid all unnecessary controversy", it was directing Kumar to appear before the agency at a neutral place in Shillong, Meghalaya. The CBI has temporarily attached 10 more officers with its Kolkata unit, which is probing the scam, to augment strength during questioning of high-profile persons, including Kumar, officials said. Officers from Delhi, Bhopal and Lucknow units have been sent to Kolkata and they will remain stationed there till February 20. A team led by Superintendent of Police Jagroop S Gusinha from CBI's special unit in New Delhi will camp in Kolkata, an official order said.

CBI to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on February 9 in Shillong

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-mamata-standoff-supreme-court-asks-kolkata-police-commissioner-to-join-probe-says-he-cant-be-arrested-195215">"moral victory" after the Supreme Court</a> asked the police commissioner of Kolkata Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI court.&nbsp;

"We always wanted to cooperate, Centre has its own jurisdiction, states have theirs," West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said from the podium where she is on a dharna for the past three days.

"We welcome the Supreme Court verdict, our case is very strong," the West Bengal chief minister added. Mamata accused the central government of "political vendetta".

"All the citizens of this country will be the PM," she said, "We don't want a single Modi, all the people are entitled to prime ministership."

"Rajeev Kumar never said he will not be available. He said we want to meet at a mutual place,if you want to ask for any clarification, you can come and we can sit," the West Bengal chief minister told reporters.

Just to enter every house, just to arrest. Nobody is the big boss of this country," Mamata said while hitting out the CBI and the Centre. "Democracy and our constitution are the Bigg Boss of this country. They cannot fight a court case."

"I am not pleading for Rajeev Kumar I am pleading for millions of Indians. They have also filed contempt petition that is also not entertained," she said.

"What they started doing? They wanted to arrest him. They went to his house, on a secret operation on Sunday, without any notice. That court said "no arrest. We are so obliged. It will strengthen the morale of the officers,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamata said.

Supreme Court while deliberating on the case said no coercive steps, including arrest of Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar&nbsp;should&nbsp;take place. The top court also directed the West Bengal chief secretary, DGP and the Kolkata Police commissioner to file replies on contempt pleas moved by CBI against them.&nbsp;

Replies in the&nbsp;contempt petition filed by the CBI has to be placed by West Bengal chief secretary, DGP on or before Feb 18, India's highest court said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed "moral victory" after the Supreme Court asked the police commissioner of Kolkata Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI court.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed "moral victory" after the Supreme Court asked the police commissioner of Kolkata Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI court. "We always wanted to cooperate, Centre has its own jurisdiction, states have theirs," West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said from the podium where she is on a dharna for the past three days. "We welcome the Supreme Court verdict, our case is very strong," the West Bengal chief minister added. Mamata accused the central government of "political vendetta". "All the citizens of this country will be the PM," she said, "We don't want a single Modi, all the people are entitled to prime ministership." "Rajeev Kumar never said he will not be available. He said we want to meet at a mutual place,if you want to ask for any clarification, you can come and we can sit," the West Bengal chief minister told reporters. Just to enter every house, just to arrest. Nobody is the big boss of this country," Mamata said while hitting out the CBI and the Centre. "Democracy and our constitution are the Bigg Boss of this country. They cannot fight a court case." "I am not pleading for Rajeev Kumar I am pleading for millions of Indians. They have also filed contempt petition that is also not entertained," she said. "What they started doing? They wanted to arrest him. They went to his house, on a secret operation on Sunday, without any notice. That court said "no arrest. We are so obliged. It will strengthen the morale of the officers," Mamata said. Supreme Court while deliberating on the case said no coercive steps, including arrest of Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar should take place. The top court also directed the West Bengal chief secretary, DGP and the Kolkata Police commissioner to file replies on contempt pleas moved by CBI against them. Replies in the contempt petition filed by the CBI has to be placed by West Bengal chief secretary, DGP on or before Feb 18, India's highest court said.

Welcome Supreme Court verdict, our case is very strong: CM Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee ends 3-day long sit-in protest

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister for staging a sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.

Prasad stated that by staging a dharna the West Bengal CM, "is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal".

"What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this?" he said.

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Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal <a href="https://t.co/QOwmBbqqbh">pic.twitter.com/QOwmBbqqbh</a>
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"In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh people lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26, 2014, so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us," Prasad added.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-may-be-constitutional-breakdown-in-west-bengal-home-minister-rajnath-singh-195016">constitutional breakdown in West Bengal</a> in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action.

Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-police-cbi-face-off-wb-governor-submits-report-to-home-ministry-195075">report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday.

The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh ppl lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26,2014 so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us <a href="https://t.co/xZYA2o68NF">pic.twitter.com/xZYA2o68NF</a>
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"The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today in the morning he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI.

In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday.

Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-satyagraha-will-continue-till-india-is-saved-says-mamata-continuing-her-sit-in-194947">Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right</a> in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister for staging a sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister for staging a sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams. Prasad stated that by staging a dharna the West Bengal CM, "is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal". "What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this?" he said. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/QOwmBbqqbh — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × "In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh people lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26, 2014, so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us," Prasad added. Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has the power to take action. Amidst uproar in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday. The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known, news agency PTI reported. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: In 2014 Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhi's statement that 20 lakh ppl lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26,2014 so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us pic.twitter.com/xZYA2o68NF — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × "The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today in the morning he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI. In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday. Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant. (With inputs from PTI)

West Bengal CM is following Kejriwal's footsteps by staging dharna: Ravi Shankar Prasad  

Mamata vs CBI: Supreme Court to hear CBI plea tomorrow

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Friday sought an explanation from the Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar after he skipped the two-day Election Commission’s review meeting in the state.

“Kolkata Police commissioner was replaced by the special commissioner. We asked him where was he and said that he doesn’t know the whereabouts of the commissioner and added that he had been asked to attend the meet. We have sought an explanation from the controlling officer of the Police Commissioner. They will give us in writing why he skipped the meet,” said Arora, adding “Someone told me it was his birthday.”

&nbsp;According to sources, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) had asked the ADG Law and Order to convey to the Kolkata Police Commissioner that he must attend the meet on the second day, however, he stayed away today too. Reacting strongly to the move of the Kolkata Police Commissioner staying away from the meeting, the CEC sought an explanation from the home secretary – the controlling officer of the police commissioner.

On being quizzed whether the present prevailing conditions in the state are conducive to hold free and fair polls, the CEC said that there is room for improvement.

Sources reveal that commission was unhappy with the police in relation to the execution of non-bailable warrants. “The Commission has directed the District Magistrates and police officers to carefully look into law and order concerns. They have been asked to ensure speedy execution of non-bailable warrants (NBWs) and speedy disposal of pending cases of the electoral offences from last elections,” added Arora.

The full bench of Election Commission of India (ECI) was on a two-day visit to Kolkata to review poll preparedness in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

On the first day of the visit, the Election Commission officials held a meeting with all the political parties in the state. The second meeting was held with all the district Superintend of Police, District Magistrate and DEOs. The third meeting was held with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and nodal officers from the Bengal Police.

On the second day, the Election Commission held meetings with the Excise department, IT department, transport department. Later in the day, the commission held a meeting with the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Director General of West Bengal Police.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Friday sought an explanation from the Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar after he skipped the two-day Election Commission’s review meeting in the state.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Friday sought an explanation from the Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar after he skipped the two-day Election Commission’s review meeting in the state. “Kolkata Police commissioner was replaced by the special commissioner. We asked him where was he and said that he doesn’t know the whereabouts of the commissioner and added that he had been asked to attend the meet. We have sought an explanation from the controlling officer of the Police Commissioner. They will give us in writing why he skipped the meet,” said Arora, adding “Someone told me it was his birthday.” According to sources, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) had asked the ADG Law and Order to convey to the Kolkata Police Commissioner that he must attend the meet on the second day, however, he stayed away today too. Reacting strongly to the move of the Kolkata Police Commissioner staying away from the meeting, the CEC sought an explanation from the home secretary – the controlling officer of the police commissioner. On being quizzed whether the present prevailing conditions in the state are conducive to hold free and fair polls, the CEC said that there is room for improvement. Sources reveal that commission was unhappy with the police in relation to the execution of non-bailable warrants. “The Commission has directed the District Magistrates and police officers to carefully look into law and order concerns. They have been asked to ensure speedy execution of non-bailable warrants (NBWs) and speedy disposal of pending cases of the electoral offences from last elections,” added Arora. The full bench of Election Commission of India (ECI) was on a two-day visit to Kolkata to review poll preparedness in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. On the first day of the visit, the Election Commission officials held a meeting with all the political parties in the state. The second meeting was held with all the district Superintend of Police, District Magistrate and DEOs. The third meeting was held with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and nodal officers from the Bengal Police. On the second day, the Election Commission held meetings with the Excise department, IT department, transport department. Later in the day, the commission held a meeting with the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Director General of West Bengal Police.

CEC seeks explanation from Kolkata Police commissioner over his absence in poll review meet

The proposed rally of Narendra Modi at the Brigade Parade Grounds here next month has been cancelled, the BJP said Monday, adding that the prime minister would initially attend three rallies in West Bengal starting next week.

The historic ground, also known as the Maidan, was the venue for the mega Opposition rally organised by West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee last Saturday.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address three rallies in West Bengal. On January 28 (Monday), he will address a rally at Thakurnagar in Bongaon. On February 2, he will address a rally at Siliguri in north Bengal," state Bharatiya Janata Party president Dilip Ghosh said.

Modi's scheduled rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds on February 8 has been cancelled, instead, he will be addressing a rally at Asansol -- represented by party MP Babul Supriyo -- on the same day, Ghosh said. "So far, this is the schedule."

Asked why the BJP was not organising the Kolkata rally as scheduled, Ghosh said as the party would be holding three rallies in various parts of the state, that was why they had decided to call off the rally. "We will organise a rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds later," he added.

The state BJP will kick-start its Lok Sabha polls campaign in the state from Tuesday, with a rally of party president Amit Shah in Malda district. Shah will be addressing two other rallies at Jhargram and Suri in Birbhum district on Wednesday.

The saffron party has set a target to win 22 out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state for the upcoming general election.&nbsp;

The proposed rally of Narendra Modi at the Brigade Parade Grounds here next month has been cancelled, the BJP said Monday, adding that the prime minister would initially attend three rallies in West Bengal starting next week.

The proposed rally of Narendra Modi at the Brigade Parade Grounds here next month has been cancelled, the BJP said Monday, adding that the prime minister would initially attend three rallies in West Bengal starting next week. The historic ground, also known as the Maidan, was the venue for the mega Opposition rally organised by West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee last Saturday. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address three rallies in West Bengal. On January 28 (Monday), he will address a rally at Thakurnagar in Bongaon. On February 2, he will address a rally at Siliguri in north Bengal," state Bharatiya Janata Party president Dilip Ghosh said. Modi's scheduled rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds on February 8 has been cancelled, instead, he will be addressing a rally at Asansol -- represented by party MP Babul Supriyo -- on the same day, Ghosh said. "So far, this is the schedule." Asked why the BJP was not organising the Kolkata rally as scheduled, Ghosh said as the party would be holding three rallies in various parts of the state, that was why they had decided to call off the rally. "We will organise a rally at the Brigade Parade Grounds later," he added. The state BJP will kick-start its Lok Sabha polls campaign in the state from Tuesday, with a rally of party president Amit Shah in Malda district. Shah will be addressing two other rallies at Jhargram and Suri in Birbhum district on Wednesday. The saffron party has set a target to win 22 out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state for the upcoming general election.

West Bengal: BJP cancels PM Modi's Brigade rally in Kolkata

On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at their proposed ''mahagathbandhan'' or grand alliance, saying their grand alliance was an alliance of corruption, negativity and instability.

"The Opposition's mahagathbandhan is an alliance of corruption, negativity and instability. The Opposition has 'dhanshakti' (money power), we have 'janshakti' (people's power)," Modi said.

Modi also said, ''They've formed alliances with each other. We have formed an alliance with 125 crore countrymen. Which alliance do you think is stronger? Most leaders at that stage in Kolkata were either son of influential people or were trying to set their own children.''

While addressing BJP's booth-level workers through video-conference, he said, ''They've already started making excuses for their defeat (in 2019 polls). EVM is being made villain. It's natural that every political party wants to win the polls, but it's worrisome when some parties take public for granted. They consider public stupid and so keep changing colours.''

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Leaders from over a dozen opposition parties gathered in Kolkata on Saturday in ''maha-rally'' and vowed to put up a united fight in the coming Lok Sabha elections and oust Modi from power.

Modi also wished good health to Goa's chief minister Manohar Parrikar, saying ''I pray that my dear friend Manohar Ji, popular CM of Goa and architect of modern Goa, recovers soon. He is working even in this condition and his passion towards work is inspirational for us.''

On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at their proposed ''mahagathbandhan'' or grand alliance, saying their grand alliance was an alliance of corruption, negativity and instability.

On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at their proposed ''mahagathbandhan'' or grand alliance, saying their grand alliance was an alliance of corruption, negativity and instability. "The Opposition's mahagathbandhan is an alliance of corruption, negativity and instability. The Opposition has 'dhanshakti' (money power), we have 'janshakti' (people's power)," Modi said. Modi also said, ''They've formed alliances with each other. We have formed an alliance with 125 crore countrymen. Which alliance do you think is stronger? Most leaders at that stage in Kolkata were either son of influential people or were trying to set their own children.'' While addressing BJP's booth-level workers through video-conference, he said, ''They've already started making excuses for their defeat (in 2019 polls). EVM is being made villain. It's natural that every political party wants to win the polls, but it's worrisome when some parties take public for granted. They consider public stupid and so keep changing colours.'' PM: They've already started making excuses for their defeat(in 2019 polls).EVM is being made villain. It's natural that every political party wants to win the polls,but it's worrisome when some parties take public for granted.They consider public stupid & so keep changing colours — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2019 × Leaders from over a dozen opposition parties gathered in Kolkata on Saturday in ''maha-rally'' and vowed to put up a united fight in the coming Lok Sabha elections and oust Modi from power. Modi also wished good health to Goa's chief minister Manohar Parrikar, saying ''I pray that my dear friend Manohar Ji, popular CM of Goa and architect of modern Goa, recovers soon. He is working even in this condition and his passion towards work is inspirational for us.''

Opposition's 'mahagathbandhan' an alliance of corruption, negativity: PM Modi

The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government.

More than 20 national leaders, including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie; three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang will attend the meeting, TMC sources said. Most of them have already arrived in the city.

"I have met Deve Gowda-ji, Hemant-ji (Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) and Akhilesh Yadav. I will meet other Opposition leaders too," Banerjee told reporters.

With Bharatiya Janata Party's recent defeats in the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Banerjee has raised the pitch to be united against the saffron party in the 2019 general election.

Bahujan Samaj Party general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, too, have already arrived. The other leaders will either arrive on Friday night or by Saturday morning, the sources said.

Large scale preparations have been made to ensure that it is a complete success. Besides the huge stages, 20 watch towers have been erected and 1,000 microphones and 30 LED screens put up so that the spectators can see and hear the speeches of the leaders clearly.

Lakhs of TMC supporters and workers are expected to attend the rally and huge numbers of them from various corners of the state have already started pouring into the city. They have been put up in the outskirts of the city and in some auditoriums and stadiums.

Hundreds of TMC volunteers will be on the grounds to take care of supporters.

A thick security blanket has been thrown on the sprawling Brigade Parade Ground, the venue for the mega rally, to prevent any untoward incident.

As many as 10,000 police personnel will be deployed and around 400 police pickets have been set up to ensure foolproof security, police said.

Policemen in plain clothes, personnel of the Rapid Action Force and Quick Response Team would be deployed at the rally venue.

Police posting would start from as early as 4am with senior officials in the rank of assistant commissioners in charge of the five dais set up for the rally, a senior police officer said.

"We are expecting a huge turnout from all parts of the state as well as from the country. There will be so many important dignitaries. We have arranged foolproof arrangements for their security," he said.

Separate entrances have been arranged for the five dais that would be looked after by around 15 teams of police officers, he said adding that commandos and other officers would also be posted there.

"We are not allowing any food stall near the venue. Only water tanks are being allowed at a safe distance from the dais. Nobody will be allowed to light fire near the venue for cooking or any other purpose," the officer said.

Vehicular movement in and around the venue has been either restricted or directed.

"VVIPs will be taken in small cars to the venue. Other would have to park their vehicle at designated parking lots. We will not let anybody to drive motorbikes to the place," he said.

A central monitoring desk has been set up at the Kolkata Police headquarters to keep a watch on the proceedings of the rally.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government. More than 20 national leaders, including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie; three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang will attend the meeting, TMC sources said.

The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government. More than 20 national leaders, including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie; three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang will attend the meeting, TMC sources said. Most of them have already arrived in the city. "I have met Deve Gowda-ji, Hemant-ji (Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) and Akhilesh Yadav. I will meet other Opposition leaders too," Banerjee told reporters. With Bharatiya Janata Party's recent defeats in the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Banerjee has raised the pitch to be united against the saffron party in the 2019 general election. Bahujan Samaj Party general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, too, have already arrived. The other leaders will either arrive on Friday night or by Saturday morning, the sources said. Large scale preparations have been made to ensure that it is a complete success. Besides the huge stages, 20 watch towers have been erected and 1,000 microphones and 30 LED screens put up so that the spectators can see and hear the speeches of the leaders clearly. Lakhs of TMC supporters and workers are expected to attend the rally and huge numbers of them from various corners of the state have already started pouring into the city. They have been put up in the outskirts of the city and in some auditoriums and stadiums. Hundreds of TMC volunteers will be on the grounds to take care of supporters. A thick security blanket has been thrown on the sprawling Brigade Parade Ground, the venue for the mega rally, to prevent any untoward incident. As many as 10,000 police personnel will be deployed and around 400 police pickets have been set up to ensure foolproof security, police said. Policemen in plain clothes, personnel of the Rapid Action Force and Quick Response Team would be deployed at the rally venue. Police posting would start from as early as 4am with senior officials in the rank of assistant commissioners in charge of the five dais set up for the rally, a senior police officer said. "We are expecting a huge turnout from all parts of the state as well as from the country. There will be so many important dignitaries. We have arranged foolproof arrangements for their security," he said. Separate entrances have been arranged for the five dais that would be looked after by around 15 teams of police officers, he said adding that commandos and other officers would also be posted there. "We are not allowing any food stall near the venue. Only water tanks are being allowed at a safe distance from the dais. Nobody will be allowed to light fire near the venue for cooking or any other purpose," the officer said. Vehicular movement in and around the venue has been either restricted or directed. "VVIPs will be taken in small cars to the venue. Other would have to park their vehicle at designated parking lots. We will not let anybody to drive motorbikes to the place," he said. A central monitoring desk has been set up at the Kolkata Police headquarters to keep a watch on the proceedings of the rally.

Mamata Banerjee's mega rally at Kolkata's Brigade ground today, security beefed up

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance)&nbsp;by opposition parties, calling it a combine of those he prevented from looting India.

Modi said that the ''this 'gathbandhan' is not against Modi but against the people of India. Currently, they are not even properly together and already that have started bargaining for their share.''

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PM Modi in Silvassa: This 'ganthbandhan' is not against Modi but against the people of India. Currently, they are not even properly together and already that have started bargaining for their share. <a href="https://t.co/UbpNULGgHA">pic.twitter.com/UbpNULGgHA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086552329636196352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi also took potshots at the TMC's opposition rally in Kolkata while addressing a public function at Silvassa, the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

''My actions against corruption have infuriated some people. It's but natural for them to get angry as I've prevented them from looting public money. Consequently, they have now formed an alliance called Mahagathbandhan,'' Modi said.

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PM Modi in Silvassa: My actions against corruption have infuriated some people. It's but natural for them to get angry as I've prevented them from looting public money. Consequently, they have now formed an alliance called Mahagathbandhan <a href="https://t.co/3WPyJtKRx5">pic.twitter.com/3WPyJtKRx5</a>
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Speaking about his 5-year term, he said, ''The previous government was only able to build 25 lakh houses in five years. However, in the last 5 years, around 1.25 crore houses have been built.

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PM Narendra Modi in Silvassa: The previous govt was only able to build 25 lakh houses in five years. However, in the last 5 years, around 1.25 crore houses have been built. <a href="https://t.co/EDCfu3D2tX">pic.twitter.com/EDCfu3D2tX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086550876679032832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"When those involved in suffocating democracy talk of saving it, then people will say 'wah kya baat hai'," he said.

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Modi also met his mother Hiraba in Raisan village before going to Ahmedabad airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) by opposition parties, calling it a combine of those he prevented from looting India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) by opposition parties, calling it a combine of those he prevented from looting India. Modi said that the ''this 'gathbandhan' is not against Modi but against the people of India. Currently, they are not even properly together and already that have started bargaining for their share.'' PM Modi in Silvassa: This 'ganthbandhan' is not against Modi but against the people of India. Currently, they are not even properly together and already that have started bargaining for their share. pic.twitter.com/UbpNULGgHA — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × Modi also took potshots at the TMC's opposition rally in Kolkata while addressing a public function at Silvassa, the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. ''My actions against corruption have infuriated some people. It's but natural for them to get angry as I've prevented them from looting public money. Consequently, they have now formed an alliance called Mahagathbandhan,'' Modi said. PM Modi in Silvassa: My actions against corruption have infuriated some people. It's but natural for them to get angry as I've prevented them from looting public money. Consequently, they have now formed an alliance called Mahagathbandhan pic.twitter.com/3WPyJtKRx5 — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × Speaking about his 5-year term, he said, ''The previous government was only able to build 25 lakh houses in five years. However, in the last 5 years, around 1.25 crore houses have been built. PM Narendra Modi in Silvassa: The previous govt was only able to build 25 lakh houses in five years. However, in the last 5 years, around 1.25 crore houses have been built. pic.twitter.com/EDCfu3D2tX — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × "When those involved in suffocating democracy talk of saving it, then people will say 'wah kya baat hai'," he said. PM Modi in Silvassa: Jab loktantra ka gala ghotne wale loktantra ko bachane ki baat karte toh desh ke munh se nikalta hai 'wah kya baat'. pic.twitter.com/Ac7D0e3tkt — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × Modi also met his mother Hiraba in Raisan village before going to Ahmedabad airport.

'Mahagathbandhan' is not against me but people of India: PM Modi in Gujarat

The Indian Premier League auction for the 2019 edition will be held in Jaipur on December 18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Monday.&nbsp;

A total of 70 slots are available with a maximum of 50 Indian players and 20 overseas players allowed to be picked.

Punjab have the maximum amount left in the purse having released 11 players from their pool.&nbsp; 
Defending champions Chennai, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, can buy just two players - having retained 23 players - and have Rs. 8.4 crores in their bank.&nbsp;

Apart from these two, Delhi, Rajasthan and Kolkata are also expected to be on a shopping spree.

Mumbai will look to fill just one overseas spot while Kolkata can buy the maximum number of overseas players - five.&nbsp;

Hyderabad have Rs 9.70 crores in their purse and have three Indian slots and two overseas slots to fill.

The Indian Premier League auction for the 2019 edition will be held in Jaipur on December 18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Monday. A total of 70 slots are available with a maximum of 50 Indian players and 20 overseas players allowed to be picked.

The Indian Premier League auction for the 2019 edition will be held in Jaipur on December 18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Monday. A total of 70 slots are available with a maximum of 50 Indian players and 20 overseas players allowed to be picked. Punjab have the maximum amount left in the purse having released 11 players from their pool. Defending champions Chennai, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, can buy just two players - having retained 23 players - and have Rs. 8.4 crores in their bank. Apart from these two, Delhi, Rajasthan and Kolkata are also expected to be on a shopping spree. Mumbai will look to fill just one overseas spot while Kolkata can buy the maximum number of overseas players - five. Hyderabad have Rs 9.70 crores in their purse and have three Indian slots and two overseas slots to fill.

IPL 2019 auction to be held on December 18

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will not be a part of cash-rich tournament Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, after he was released by franchise Kolkata via a text message.&nbsp;

Starc, who was picked by Bollywood actor SRK owned team for a whopping Rs 9.4 crore, missed the 2018 edition due to a right leg injury which he sustained during the infamous Test series against South Africa.&nbsp;

"I got a text message two days ago from the owners of Kolkata saying I've been released from my contract," Starc was quoted as saying to a Sports website.&nbsp;

"At the moment I'll be home in April. I obviously didn't go last year with my tibia injury and it was a great opportunity to freshen the body up, let everything heal by itself."

"I guess barring a little niggle in my hammy I've felt pretty good with my body and my strength and the rest of it. That little period of time has really paid off for the body. If I don't play the IPL next year it's a good opportunity to freshen up for a massive six months of cricket in the UK."

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia is expected to limit how much its players will feature in the IPL, with the World Cup a major focus.

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will not be a part of cash-rich tournament Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, after he was released by franchise Kolkata via a text message.

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will not be a part of cash-rich tournament Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, after he was released by franchise Kolkata via a text message. Starc, who was picked by Bollywood actor SRK owned team for a whopping Rs 9.4 crore, missed the 2018 edition due to a right leg injury which he sustained during the infamous Test series against South Africa. "I got a text message two days ago from the owners of Kolkata saying I've been released from my contract," Starc was quoted as saying to a Sports website. "At the moment I'll be home in April. I obviously didn't go last year with my tibia injury and it was a great opportunity to freshen the body up, let everything heal by itself." "I guess barring a little niggle in my hammy I've felt pretty good with my body and my strength and the rest of it. That little period of time has really paid off for the body. If I don't play the IPL next year it's a good opportunity to freshen up for a massive six months of cricket in the UK." Meanwhile, Cricket Australia is expected to limit how much its players will feature in the IPL, with the World Cup a major focus.

IPL 2019: Kolkata end Australian pacer Mitchell Starc's contract via text message

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested an executive of a firm linked to fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi on Monday in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, officials said.

They added that Deepak Kulkarni was arrested&nbsp;from the Kolkata airport after he landed from Hong Kong.

Deepak Kulkarni was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and was expected to be produced before a court on Tuesday, the officials said, adding that the ED would seek his transit remand to take him to Mumbai, where the case was registered.

Kulkarni was linked to the overseas businesses of Mehul Choksi, one of the main accused in the case, and the ED had notified a Look-out Circular (LoC) against him, the officials said.

He was a director in a Hong Kong-based "dummy" firm linked to Choksi, an official said, adding that the ED had named him in a chargesheet filed against the fugitive jeweller earlier this year and a Mumbai court had also issued a non-bailable warrant against him.<iframe data-google-container-id="6" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

Mehul Choksi, his nephew and diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year, following a complaint from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of some of its employees.

Both Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi are absconding since the case was registered by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested an executive of a firm linked to fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi on Monday in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, officials said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested an executive of a firm linked to fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi on Monday in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, officials said. They added that Deepak Kulkarni was arrested from the Kolkata airport after he landed from Hong Kong. Deepak Kulkarni was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and was expected to be produced before a court on Tuesday, the officials said, adding that the ED would seek his transit remand to take him to Mumbai, where the case was registered. Kulkarni was linked to the overseas businesses of Mehul Choksi, one of the main accused in the case, and the ED had notified a Look-out Circular (LoC) against him, the officials said. He was a director in a Hong Kong-based "dummy" firm linked to Choksi, an official said, adding that the ED had named him in a chargesheet filed against the fugitive jeweller earlier this year and a Mumbai court had also issued a non-bailable warrant against him. Mehul Choksi, his nephew and diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year, following a complaint from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs. 13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of some of its employees. Both Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi are absconding since the case was registered by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Mehul Choksi's associate Deepak Kulkarni arrested in Kolkata over PNB fraud

Qatar Airways flight grounded as water tanker hits plane at Kolkata airport

More than 100 passengers were stranded at Kolkata airport early Thursday after a water tanker hit a Qatar Airways aircraft, which was preparing to take off for Doha.

Around 2.30am, when passengers were boarding the plane, a water tanker hit the belly of the Doha-bound flight, near the landing gear, an official of Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.

The plane was immediately grounded for inspection and the passengers were safely deboarded, he said.

No one was hurt in the accident, the official noted.

"All 103 passengers of the flight have been provided accommodation at a nearby hotel. They will be taking the 3am flight to Doha tomorrow (Friday)," he said.

Initial inspection suggests that the water tanker had technical issues, the brake wasn't functioning properly, the AAI official added.

Meanwhile, a source in the DGCA said an inquiry has been initiated into the incident.

"We will take corrective measures based on the inquiry report," he said.

More than 100 passengers were stranded at Kolkata airport early Thursday after a water tanker hit a Qatar Airways aircraft, which was preparing to take off for Doha.

More than 100 passengers were stranded at Kolkata airport early Thursday after a water tanker hit a Qatar Airways aircraft, which was preparing to take off for Doha. Around 2.30am, when passengers were boarding the plane, a water tanker hit the belly of the Doha-bound flight, near the landing gear, an official of Airports Authority of India (AAI) said. The plane was immediately grounded for inspection and the passengers were safely deboarded, he said. No one was hurt in the accident, the official noted. "All 103 passengers of the flight have been provided accommodation at a nearby hotel. They will be taking the 3am flight to Doha tomorrow (Friday)," he said. Initial inspection suggests that the water tanker had technical issues, the brake wasn't functioning properly, the AAI official added. Meanwhile, a source in the DGCA said an inquiry has been initiated into the incident. "We will take corrective measures based on the inquiry report," he said.

Water tanker hits Qatar Airways flight in Kolkata airport, none hurt

Potterheads take note! A law university in Kolkata is offering a new course on Harry Potter which will encourage students to explore legal aspects of JK Rowling's fictional world and its many real life lessons.&nbsp;

The course titled "An interface between Fantasy Fiction Literature and Law: Special focus on Rowling's Potterverse" will be offered as an elective to 4th and 5th year students of the BA LLB (Hons) programme at the National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS) in Kolkata.

The course, designed for the winter semester by Assistant Professor Shouvik Kumar Guha, attempts to serve as a breather from the orthodox law school curriculum.

"This course is meant to be more of an experiment. It will take both me and the students out of our comfort zones," Guha told PTI in a phone interview.

"In law schools, people get a very specific set of subjects. The curriculum revolves around the hard letter of the law, case laws etc. Given the fact that this course lasts about five years, students also get bored," he said.

Students will learn to apply legal principles in a completely new scenario, and understand how things will work through insights into a wizarding world constantly under government surveillance.

Given the many societal, legal and political changes, including the slew of landmark Supreme Court judgements, law students need to learn to adapt and respond to events unfolding around them, Guha said.

"I could have designed the course based on our real political situation but it is not necessary that all my students will share my political leanings," he said.&nbsp;

Guha decided instead to turn to a fictional universe, which would not create political controversies but help students learn to apply their legal knowledge to a completely alien set of scenarios.

According to a statement by NUJS, the Harry Potter series vividly exposes the limitations of laws and institutions.

In Potterverse for example, The Ministry of Magic uses its representatives to torture children for daring to tell the truth, and imprisons or even executes its citizens without the benefit of due process of law.

Its infamous prison Azkaban is designed to drive inmates to despair and suicidal tendencies without any hope of reformation.

In numerous instances, the wealthy control and influence government policy. Freedom of the press in Potterverse is curtailed, and the major newspaper 'The Daily Prophet' is used to spread propaganda.

The series thus provides a unique platform for students to reflect and compare the legal situations with their own government. The course aims to cover legal traditions and institutions, crimes and punishments, economy, politics, contracts in the Potterverse.

Guha says his assignments to the students would be very creative in nature, and hopes that some of the works can eventually be published.

"I was introduced to Potterverse in my tenth standard. Since then I have read the books multiple times. I am familiar with each and every line of all the seven books. So it will come to me naturally," said Guha, quipping that he probably knows Harry Potter literature better than Company Law.

Classes for the course are due to start this December.

This is not the first time in India that a professor has turned to the magical world of Harry Potter to pique student interest.

Rashmi Raman, a former student of NUJS, first started a Potterverse-centric elective law course at the Jindal Global Law School in Sonipat in 2012.

The course was one of the most popular among students in the law school, Raman told PTI.

"I have not offered it for the last two semesters because it always exceeds the class limit, and I end up having to teach a class of 40-45, when I could teach another elective and get away with 15-20 students," she said.

Raman said she plans to bring back the course again in the spring semester.

Rowling's series of seven books which were made into eight films about the boy wizard Harry Potter and his friends Ron and Hermoine has already found its way into classrooms abroad.&nbsp;

The Kansas State University in the US, for instance, offers a class called&nbsp; 
"Harry Potter's Library," where students have the opportunity to examine political themes that reoccur in the series.&nbsp;

Frostburg University, also in the US, offers "Science of Harry Potter" which teaches students about the scientific concepts behind the magical events in the series.

For example, students explore the physics that makes Quidditch possible and the possible genetics associated with magical creatures.

Potterheads take note! A law university in Kolkata is offering a new course on Harry Potter which will encourage students to explore legal aspects of JK Rowling's fictional world and its many real life lessons.

Potterheads take note! A law university in Kolkata is offering a new course on Harry Potter which will encourage students to explore legal aspects of JK Rowling's fictional world and its many real life lessons. The course titled "An interface between Fantasy Fiction Literature and Law: Special focus on Rowling's Potterverse" will be offered as an elective to 4th and 5th year students of the BA LLB (Hons) programme at the National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS) in Kolkata. The course, designed for the winter semester by Assistant Professor Shouvik Kumar Guha, attempts to serve as a breather from the orthodox law school curriculum. "This course is meant to be more of an experiment. It will take both me and the students out of our comfort zones," Guha told PTI in a phone interview. "In law schools, people get a very specific set of subjects. The curriculum revolves around the hard letter of the law, case laws etc. Given the fact that this course lasts about five years, students also get bored," he said. Students will learn to apply legal principles in a completely new scenario, and understand how things will work through insights into a wizarding world constantly under government surveillance. Given the many societal, legal and political changes, including the slew of landmark Supreme Court judgements, law students need to learn to adapt and respond to events unfolding around them, Guha said. "I could have designed the course based on our real political situation but it is not necessary that all my students will share my political leanings," he said. Guha decided instead to turn to a fictional universe, which would not create political controversies but help students learn to apply their legal knowledge to a completely alien set of scenarios. According to a statement by NUJS, the Harry Potter series vividly exposes the limitations of laws and institutions. In Potterverse for example, The Ministry of Magic uses its representatives to torture children for daring to tell the truth, and imprisons or even executes its citizens without the benefit of due process of law. Its infamous prison Azkaban is designed to drive inmates to despair and suicidal tendencies without any hope of reformation. In numerous instances, the wealthy control and influence government policy. Freedom of the press in Potterverse is curtailed, and the major newspaper 'The Daily Prophet' is used to spread propaganda. The series thus provides a unique platform for students to reflect and compare the legal situations with their own government. The course aims to cover legal traditions and institutions, crimes and punishments, economy, politics, contracts in the Potterverse. Guha says his assignments to the students would be very creative in nature, and hopes that some of the works can eventually be published. "I was introduced to Potterverse in my tenth standard. Since then I have read the books multiple times. I am familiar with each and every line of all the seven books. So it will come to me naturally," said Guha, quipping that he probably knows Harry Potter literature better than Company Law. Classes for the course are due to start this December. This is not the first time in India that a professor has turned to the magical world of Harry Potter to pique student interest. Rashmi Raman, a former student of NUJS, first started a Potterverse-centric elective law course at the Jindal Global Law School in Sonipat in 2012. The course was one of the most popular among students in the law school, Raman told PTI. "I have not offered it for the last two semesters because it always exceeds the class limit, and I end up having to teach a class of 40-45, when I could teach another elective and get away with 15-20 students," she said. Raman said she plans to bring back the course again in the spring semester. Rowling's series of seven books which were made into eight films about the boy wizard Harry Potter and his friends Ron and Hermoine has already found its way into classrooms abroad. The Kansas State University in the US, for instance, offers a class called "Harry Potter's Library," where students have the opportunity to examine political themes that reoccur in the series. Frostburg University, also in the US, offers "Science of Harry Potter" which teaches students about the scientific concepts behind the magical events in the series. For example, students explore the physics that makes Quidditch possible and the possible genetics associated with magical creatures.

University in Kolkata offers law course based on Harry Potter 

India could witness deadly heatwaves if the planet's temperature goes up by two degrees Celsius, according to a report released on Monday by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC).

Avoiding global climate chaos will require a major transformation of society and the world economy that is "unprecedented in scale", the IPCC said in the landmark report that warns time is running out to avert disaster.

"At +1.5 degrees Celsius, twice as many megacities as present such as Lagos in Nigeria and Shanghai in China are likely to become heat stressed, potentially exposing more than 350 million more people to deadly heat stress by 2050.

"At +2&nbsp;degrees Celsius warming, Karachi (Pakistan) and Kolkata (India) could expect annual conditions equivalent to their deadly 2015 heatwaves (medium confidence)," the report said.

The report said regionally differentiated multi-sector risks are already apparent at 1.5 degrees Celsius warming, being more prevalent (where) vulnerable people live, predominantly in South Asia -- mostly Pakistan, India, and China, but these spread to sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and East Asia as temperature rises, with the world's poorest disproportionately impacted by 2?C.

The report said that although warming is projected to be the highest in the Northern Hemisphere under 1.5&nbsp;degrees Celsius or 2&nbsp;degrees Celsius of global warming, regions in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere subtropics that are projected to experience the largest impacts on economic growth.

Despite the uncertainties associated with climate change projections and econometrics, it is more likely than not that there will be large differences in economic growth under 1.5 degrees Celsius and 2&nbsp;degrees Celsius of global warming for developing versus developed countries.

"Statistically significant reductions in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita growth are projected across much of the African continent, southeast Asia, India, Brazil and Mexico," the report said.

Coastal flooding by the sea is likely to cost thousands on billions of USD annually, with damage costs under constant protection 0.3-5.0 per cent of global GDP in 2100, it said.

Risks are projected to be highest in south and south-east Asia, assuming there is no upgrade to present protection levels, for all temperatures of climate warming.

"Countries where at least 50 million people exposed to SLR (sea level rise)...Include China, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, United States and Vietnam," it said.

The report said recent projections of the potential impacts of climate change on malaria globally and for Asia, Africa, and South America confirm that weather and climate are among the drivers of the geographic range, intensity of transmission, and seasonality of malaria, and that the relationships are not necessarily linear, resulting in complex patterns of changes in risk with additional warming.

"Projections suggest the burden of malaria could increase with climate change because of a greater geographic range of the anopheles vector, longer season, and increase in the number of people at risk, with larger burdens with greater amounts of warming, with regionally variable patterns."

Vector populations are projected to shift with climate change, with expansions and reductions depending on the degree of local warming, the ecology of the mosquito vector, and other factors, it said.

"Aedes (mosquito vector for dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus) - projections of the geographic distribution of Aedes aegypti and Ae. Albopictus (principal vectors) or of the prevalence of dengue fever generally conclude there will be an increase in the number of mosquitos and a larger geographic range at 2 degrees Celsius than at 1.5 degrees Celsius and beyond than at present, and suggest more individuals at risk of dengue fever, with regional differences," the report stated.

Earth's surface has warmed one degree Celsius -- enough to lift oceans and unleash a crescendo of deadly storms, floods and droughts -- and is on track toward an unliveable 3C or 4C rise, the report said.

The IPCC report, however, shows that global warming impacts have come sooner and hit harder than predicted.

The IPCC report was timed to feed into the December UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, where world leaders will be under pressure to ramp up national carbon-cutting pledges which -- even if fulfilled -- would yield a 3C world.&nbsp;

India could witness deadly heatwaves if the planet's temperature goes up by two degrees Celsius, according to a report released on Monday by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC).

India could witness deadly heatwaves if the planet's temperature goes up by two degrees Celsius, according to a report released on Monday by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC). Avoiding global climate chaos will require a major transformation of society and the world economy that is "unprecedented in scale", the IPCC said in the landmark report that warns time is running out to avert disaster. "At +1.5 degrees Celsius, twice as many megacities as present such as Lagos in Nigeria and Shanghai in China are likely to become heat stressed, potentially exposing more than 350 million more people to deadly heat stress by 2050. "At +2 degrees Celsius warming, Karachi (Pakistan) and Kolkata (India) could expect annual conditions equivalent to their deadly 2015 heatwaves (medium confidence)," the report said. The report said regionally differentiated multi-sector risks are already apparent at 1.5 degrees Celsius warming, being more prevalent (where) vulnerable people live, predominantly in South Asia -- mostly Pakistan, India, and China, but these spread to sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and East Asia as temperature rises, with the world's poorest disproportionately impacted by 2?C. The report said that although warming is projected to be the highest in the Northern Hemisphere under 1.5 degrees Celsius or 2 degrees Celsius of global warming, regions in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere subtropics that are projected to experience the largest impacts on economic growth. Despite the uncertainties associated with climate change projections and econometrics, it is more likely than not that there will be large differences in economic growth under 1.5 degrees Celsius and 2 degrees Celsius of global warming for developing versus developed countries. "Statistically significant reductions in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita growth are projected across much of the African continent, southeast Asia, India, Brazil and Mexico," the report said. Coastal flooding by the sea is likely to cost thousands on billions of USD annually, with damage costs under constant protection 0.3-5.0 per cent of global GDP in 2100, it said. Risks are projected to be highest in south and south-east Asia, assuming there is no upgrade to present protection levels, for all temperatures of climate warming. "Countries where at least 50 million people exposed to SLR (sea level rise)...Include China, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, United States and Vietnam," it said. The report said recent projections of the potential impacts of climate change on malaria globally and for Asia, Africa, and South America confirm that weather and climate are among the drivers of the geographic range, intensity of transmission, and seasonality of malaria, and that the relationships are not necessarily linear, resulting in complex patterns of changes in risk with additional warming. "Projections suggest the burden of malaria could increase with climate change because of a greater geographic range of the anopheles vector, longer season, and increase in the number of people at risk, with larger burdens with greater amounts of warming, with regionally variable patterns." Vector populations are projected to shift with climate change, with expansions and reductions depending on the degree of local warming, the ecology of the mosquito vector, and other factors, it said. "Aedes (mosquito vector for dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus) - projections of the geographic distribution of Aedes aegypti and Ae. Albopictus (principal vectors) or of the prevalence of dengue fever generally conclude there will be an increase in the number of mosquitos and a larger geographic range at 2 degrees Celsius than at 1.5 degrees Celsius and beyond than at present, and suggest more individuals at risk of dengue fever, with regional differences," the report stated. Earth's surface has warmed one degree Celsius -- enough to lift oceans and unleash a crescendo of deadly storms, floods and droughts -- and is on track toward an unliveable 3C or 4C rise, the report said. The IPCC report, however, shows that global warming impacts have come sooner and hit harder than predicted. The IPCC report was timed to feed into the December UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, where world leaders will be under pressure to ramp up national carbon-cutting pledges which -- even if fulfilled -- would yield a 3C world.

At 2 degree Celsius warming, Kolkata could see deadly heatwaves: IPCC report

A major fire broke out at the department of pharmacy in Calcutta Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday morning.

Ten fire motors and a team of Kolkata police officers were hurried to the spot.&nbsp;

Around 250 patients have been cleared. No losses of lives have been accounted for so far.

The fire office was told after smoke was spotted surging from the working in which the drug store is situated at around 8:00 am.&nbsp;

Frenzy grasped the patients of the hospital quickly after the news of flame spread.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a>: Firefighting operation underway at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kolkata?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kolkata</a> <a href="https://t.co/hfU2Ggp0r2">pic.twitter.com/hfU2Ggp0r2</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a>: Fire breaks out in the pharmacy department of Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. 10 fire engines and Kolkata police rushed to the spot. All the patients are safe. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kolkata?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kolkata</a> <a href="https://t.co/IX7ENRRpUu">pic.twitter.com/IX7ENRRpUu</a>
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The West Bengal's disaster management specialist are also at the medical college.

A major fire broke out at the department of pharmacy in Calcutta Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday morning. Ten fire motors and a team of Kolkata police officers were hurried to the spot.

A major fire broke out at the department of pharmacy in Calcutta Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday morning. Ten fire motors and a team of Kolkata police officers were hurried to the spot. Around 250 patients have been cleared. No losses of lives have been accounted for so far. The fire office was told after smoke was spotted surging from the working in which the drug store is situated at around 8:00 am. Frenzy grasped the patients of the hospital quickly after the news of flame spread. #Visuals: Firefighting operation underway at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/hfU2Ggp0r2 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × #Visuals: Fire breaks out in the pharmacy department of Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. 10 fire engines and Kolkata police rushed to the spot. All the patients are safe. #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/IX7ENRRpUu — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × The West Bengal's disaster management specialist are also at the medical college.

Fire breaks out at Calcutta Medical College, over 250 patients evacuated

A seven-year-old boy was killed and nine people, including his mother, were injured in a low-intensity explosion in front of a multi-storey building in the Nagerbazar area in Kolkata's northern suburbs on Tuesday, police said.

"A child, who was severely injured in the blast, has died in hospital. A total of nine people are injured," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Barrackpore Commissionerate, Ananda Roy said.

As per initial investigation, ammonium nitrate was used in carrying out the low-intensity blast outside the building, which also houses the office of South Dum Dum Municipality chairman Panchu Roy.

"It was a socket bomb explosion. Forensic team and the bomb squad of CID are examining the spot. We have started further investigation," a police officer said.

The explosion was reported outside a fruit shop on the ground floor of the building in the congested Kazipara area under the jurisdiction of Dum Dum Police Station around 9 am, the officer said.

"Initially, we thought it was a gas cylinder blast. But it is not so. We have found a few iron nails but there is no smell of gunpowder," another senior police officer said.

Trinamool Congress leader Roy claimed that he was the target of the blast.

Roy, stopping short of naming any political party, said the forces, which are currently attacking the ruling TMC all over Bengal, are behind the attack.

"It was a pre-planned blast... They had planned to kill me and other TMC workers, as it would create panic and help them gain foothold in the area," he told PTI.

Asked whether the explosion was a result of infighting within the TMC, Roy said there was no such issue in south Bengal.

A seven-year-old boy was killed and nine people, including his mother, were injured in a low-intensity explosion in front of a multi-storey building in the Nagerbazar area in Kolkata's northern suburbs on Tuesday, police said.

A seven-year-old boy was killed and nine people, including his mother, were injured in a low-intensity explosion in front of a multi-storey building in the Nagerbazar area in Kolkata's northern suburbs on Tuesday, police said. "A child, who was severely injured in the blast, has died in hospital. A total of nine people are injured," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Barrackpore Commissionerate, Ananda Roy said. As per initial investigation, ammonium nitrate was used in carrying out the low-intensity blast outside the building, which also houses the office of South Dum Dum Municipality chairman Panchu Roy. "It was a socket bomb explosion. Forensic team and the bomb squad of CID are examining the spot. We have started further investigation," a police officer said. The explosion was reported outside a fruit shop on the ground floor of the building in the congested Kazipara area under the jurisdiction of Dum Dum Police Station around 9 am, the officer said. "Initially, we thought it was a gas cylinder blast. But it is not so. We have found a few iron nails but there is no smell of gunpowder," another senior police officer said. Trinamool Congress leader Roy claimed that he was the target of the blast. Roy, stopping short of naming any political party, said the forces, which are currently attacking the ruling TMC all over Bengal, are behind the attack. "It was a pre-planned blast... They had planned to kill me and other TMC workers, as it would create panic and help them gain foothold in the area," he told PTI. Asked whether the explosion was a result of infighting within the TMC, Roy said there was no such issue in south Bengal.

Kolkata: Blast in northern suburbs kills one, nine injured 

Five people were injured in an explosion in front of a multi-storey building in the Nagerbazar area in the city’s northern suburbs on Tuesday, police said.

The explosion was reported outside a fruit shop on the ground floor of the building in the congested Kazipara area under the jurisdiction of Dum Dum Police Station around 9 am, a police officer said.

The injured have been rushed to the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, he said.

The building also houses the office of South Dum Dum Municipality Chairman, the officer said.

A forensic team and sniffer dogs have been sent to the spot to ascertain the nature of the explosion, police said.

Five people were injured in an explosion in front of a multi-storey building in the Nagerbazar area in the city’s northern suburbs on Tuesday, police said. The explosion was reported outside a fruit shop on the ground floor of the building in the congested Kazipara area under the jurisdiction of Dum Dum Police Station around 9 am, a police officer said.

Five people were injured in an explosion in front of a multi-storey building in the Nagerbazar area in the city’s northern suburbs on Tuesday, police said. The explosion was reported outside a fruit shop on the ground floor of the building in the congested Kazipara area under the jurisdiction of Dum Dum Police Station around 9 am, a police officer said. The injured have been rushed to the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, he said. The building also houses the office of South Dum Dum Municipality Chairman, the officer said. A forensic team and sniffer dogs have been sent to the spot to ascertain the nature of the explosion, police said.

Kolkata: Five injured in explosion in northern suburbs

The Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran and Dornier aircraft on Thursday rescued all the 22 crew members on board Indian flag Container vessel, MV SSL Kolkata which had caught fire Wednesday night.

The Rajkiran ship that reached the area at about 8:30 am was launched from Haldia while the Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was launched from Kolkata.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Merchant Vessel SSL KOLKATA caught fire last night 11 out of 22 crew members rescued by Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran from Haldia, rescue operation for remaining crew members underway <a href="https://t.co/FS6KccSSQA">pic.twitter.com/FS6KccSSQA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1007164884885180416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The coast guard conducted the rescue operation under bad weather and rough sea condition. It also clarified that there was no spill of fuel as of now.

The container carrier was on a coastal voyage from Krishnapatnam to Kolkata with the crew and 464 containers.

We have successfully rescued all the crew members and they are safe," said Inspector General Kuldeep Singh Sheoran, Coast Guard Commander at Regional Headquarters (North East) in Kolkata.

About 70 per cent of the vessel was on fire when the rescue team reached MV SSL Kolkata.

The fire in the vessel broke out due to explosion in one of the container and gradually spread over.

"All the 22 survivors including the captain of the ship were picked up by the Coast Guard vessel," Coast Guard Commander (NE) Inspector General K S Sheoran said. The crew of the ship was rescued amid rough seas and inclement weather, he added.

(With input&nbspfrom Agencies)

The coast guard conducted the rescue operation under bad weather and rough sea condition. It also clarified that there was no spill of fuel as of now

The Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran and Dornier aircraft on Thursday rescued all the 22 crew members on board Indian flag Container vessel, MV SSL Kolkata which had caught fire Wednesday night. The Rajkiran ship that reached the area at about 8:30 am was launched from Haldia while the Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was launched from Kolkata. #WATCH Merchant Vessel SSL KOLKATA caught fire last night 11 out of 22 crew members rescued by Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran from Haldia, rescue operation for remaining crew members underway pic.twitter.com/FS6KccSSQA — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 × The coast guard conducted the rescue operation under bad weather and rough sea condition. It also clarified that there was no spill of fuel as of now. The container carrier was on a coastal voyage from Krishnapatnam to Kolkata with the crew and 464 containers. We have successfully rescued all the crew members and they are safe," said Inspector General Kuldeep Singh Sheoran, Coast Guard Commander at Regional Headquarters (North East) in Kolkata. About 70 per cent of the vessel was on fire when the rescue team reached MV SSL Kolkata. The fire in the vessel broke out due to explosion in one of the container and gradually spread over. "All the 22 survivors including the captain of the ship were picked up by the Coast Guard vessel," Coast Guard Commander (NE) Inspector General K S Sheoran said. The crew of the ship was rescued amid rough seas and inclement weather, he added. (With input&nbspfrom Agencies)

Watch: Merchant vessel SSL Kolkata catches fire, all 22 members rescued

According to reports, as many as eight people have died in West Bengal after being struck by lightning. 4 people died in Bankura, one each in East Midnapore, Birbhum, North 24 Parganas and Hooghly district respectively, ANI reported.&nbsp;

On Sunday, a young cricketer died on the field while practising after being struck by lightning. Kolkata and North Bengal districts have witnessed torrential rainfall over the last 48 hours.

The weather office has predicted more rainfall for Bengal, Sikkim and other North-Eastern states in days to come with the onset of monsoon.

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8 people have died in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> after being struck by lightening. (4 people died in Bankura, one each in East Midnapore, Birbhum, North 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts)
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006539313566412801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As per reports, heavy rainfall in Kolkata region affected eastern zone servers owing to which railway reservation services took a hit.&nbsp;

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Heavy rain lashes parts of Kolkata. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/tV62CrK7y6">pic.twitter.com/tV62CrK7y6</a>
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&nbsp;

The weather office has predicted more rainfall for Bengal, Sikkim and other North-Eastern states in days to come with the onset of the monsoon

According to reports, as many as eight people have died in West Bengal after being struck by lightning. 4 people died in Bankura, one each in East Midnapore, Birbhum, North 24 Parganas and Hooghly district respectively, ANI reported. On Sunday, a young cricketer died on the field while practising after being struck by lightning. Kolkata and North Bengal districts have witnessed torrential rainfall over the last 48 hours. The weather office has predicted more rainfall for Bengal, Sikkim and other North-Eastern states in days to come with the onset of monsoon. 8 people have died in #WestBengal after being struck by lightening. (4 people died in Bankura, one each in East Midnapore, Birbhum, North 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts) — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2018 × As per reports, heavy rainfall in Kolkata region affected eastern zone servers owing to which railway reservation services took a hit. Heavy rain lashes parts of Kolkata. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/tV62CrK7y6 — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2018 ×

Lightning kills at least 8 in West Bengal

A die-hard Argentina fan in Kolkata has painted his house in the team's blue and white colours ahead of the football World Cup, saying his love for Lionel Messi's men knows no bounds. 
 
Shib Shankar Patra's passion for Argentina began during the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona helped the team win the coveted trophy. 
 
"For me Messi is an extension of Maradona. Everyone in my family loves Messi. We love his behaviour, we love everything about him," Patra told AFP. 
 
Patra who sells tea from a shop on the ground floor of his house wanted to travel to Russia to see his football heroes in person but ran short of money. 
 
"I had saved 60,000 rupees ($890) but it was not enough for the trip. I will now watch Argentina's games on TV and cheer for my favourite footballers."

The family has also made elaborate plans for Messi's birthday which will fall during the World Cup on June 24. 
 
"We will cut a cake and distribute T-shirts among kids with Messi's face embossed on them," said Patra, a father of two. 
 
Patra has even decorated the walls of each room in his house with life-size posters of Messi. 
 
India is currently ranked 97 in FIFA's rankings but that has not deterred football crazy fans from cheering for their favourite teams over the world. Especially, Kolkata which has an avid following of the sport.

Argentina launches their World Cup campaign against Iceland on Saturday in Moscow, with games to follow against Croatia and Nigeria in Group D. 
 
"I will be praying every day for Argentina's success. Nothing gives me more happiness than seeing them win on the field," said Patra.

Shib Shankar Patra's passion for Argentina began during the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona helped the team win the coveted trophy

A die-hard Argentina fan in Kolkata has painted his house in the team's blue and white colours ahead of the football World Cup, saying his love for Lionel Messi's men knows no bounds. Shib Shankar Patra's passion for Argentina began during the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona helped the team win the coveted trophy. "For me Messi is an extension of Maradona. Everyone in my family loves Messi. We love his behaviour, we love everything about him," Patra told AFP. Patra who sells tea from a shop on the ground floor of his house wanted to travel to Russia to see his football heroes in person but ran short of money. "I had saved 60,000 rupees ($890) but it was not enough for the trip. I will now watch Argentina's games on TV and cheer for my favourite footballers." The family has also made elaborate plans for Messi's birthday which will fall during the World Cup on June 24. "We will cut a cake and distribute T-shirts among kids with Messi's face embossed on them," said Patra, a father of two. Patra has even decorated the walls of each room in his house with life-size posters of Messi. India is currently ranked 97 in FIFA's rankings but that has not deterred football crazy fans from cheering for their favourite teams over the world. Especially, Kolkata which has an avid following of the sport. Argentina launches their World Cup campaign against Iceland on Saturday in Moscow, with games to follow against Croatia and Nigeria in Group D. "I will be praying every day for Argentina's success. Nothing gives me more happiness than seeing them win on the field," said Patra.

Messi's magic in India: Kolkata tea-seller paints home in Argentina colours

One person was killed and another was severely injured when their Ferrari sports car met with an accident a Pakuria area of Domjur in West Bengal on Sunday, reports said.&nbsp;

Media reports quoted sources saying that the accident took place on Sunday morning when the driver lost control of the car on the highway and crashed near NH 6.&nbsp;

The woman was sent to a nearby hospital in Kolkata.&nbsp;

The exact reason for the crash is yet to be revealed.&nbsp;

The car, a Ferrari California T, is a two-door, hardtop convertible sports car, that makes over 500 horsepower. 
&nbsp;

Media reports quoted sources saying that the accident took place on Sunday morning when the driver lost control of the car on the highway and crashed near NH 6.

One person was killed and another was severely injured when their Ferrari sports car met with an accident a Pakuria area of Domjur in West Bengal on Sunday, reports said. Media reports quoted sources saying that the accident took place on Sunday morning when the driver lost control of the car on the highway and crashed near NH 6. The woman was sent to a nearby hospital in Kolkata. The exact reason for the crash is yet to be revealed. The car, a Ferrari California T, is a two-door, hardtop convertible sports car, that makes over 500 horsepower.

Ferrari crashes into flyover near Kolkata, 1 dead

Wriddhiman Saha has been ruled out from the one-off test against Afghanistan with a thumb injury that will need up to six weeks to heal.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the news on Saturday.

The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman injured his right thumb while playing for Hyderabad against Kolkata in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs on May 25.

Saha will be replaced by Dinesh Karthik for the match starting June 14 in Bengaluru, when Afghanistan will make their debut in the five-day format after being granted full member status along with Ireland last June.

"He was under observation by the medical staff of the BCCI and the management has decided to give him adequate rest before the start of the England test series," the BCCI said in a statement.&nbsp

"Saha`s recovery period is expected to be around five to six weeks."

Saha has been India's regular gloveman since the retirement of former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in December 2014.&nbsp

He has played 32 tests and averages above 30 with the bat. 
&nbsp

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the news on Saturday.

Wriddhiman Saha has been ruled out from the one-off test against Afghanistan with a thumb injury that will need up to six weeks to heal. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the news on Saturday. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman injured his right thumb while playing for Hyderabad against Kolkata in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs on May 25. Saha will be replaced by Dinesh Karthik for the match starting June 14 in Bengaluru, when Afghanistan will make their debut in the five-day format after being granted full member status along with Ireland last June. "He was under observation by the medical staff of the BCCI and the management has decided to give him adequate rest before the start of the England test series," the BCCI said in a statement. "Saha`s recovery period is expected to be around five to six weeks." Saha has been India's regular gloveman since the retirement of former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in December 2014. He has played 32 tests and averages above 30 with the bat.

Wriddhiman Saha ruled out of Afghanistan test

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