Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has proposed a major electoral reform by seeking to lower the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections from 25 years to 21 years. The Chief Minister has also proposed reducing the eligibility age for contesting Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections from 30 years to 25 years. Telangana is expected to convene a special Assembly session in early August to pass a resolution urging the Centre to amend the relevant laws. Linking the proposal to the recent NEET paper leak protests, Revanth Reddy said India's youth deserve greater representation in politics and governance. He questioned why 21-year-olds, who are eligible to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers and contest local body elections, cannot contest parliamentary or assembly elections.

Telangana CM Proposes Lowering Election Contest Age to 21 | Gen Z in Politics?

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Saturday announced in the Legislative Council that the state government will organize a two-day special Assembly session to pass a law pertaining to women safety on the lines of the 'Disha Act' of Andhra Pradesh.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-pradesh-dgp-welcomes-new-ap-disha-act-passed-by-state-assembly-268311">Andhra Pradesh DGP welcomes new AP Disha Act passed by State Assembly</a>

The minister while addressing the state Assembly on February 28 had stated that under the proposed law, the whole trial of rape cases will be completed in 21 days and there would be provision for stricter punishment including the death penalty.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-assembly-passes-disha-bill-to-provide-stricter-rape-offences-268114">Andhra Assembly passes Disha Bill to provide stricter rape offences</a>

The Disha Act 2019, allows stringent punishment for crimes committed against women and enables the death penalty for rape and reduces the judgment period in such cases to 21 working days.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Saturday announced in the Legislative Council that the state government will organize a two-day special Assembly session to pass a law pertaining to women safety on the lines of the 'Disha Act' of Andhra Pradesh.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Saturday announced in the Legislative Council that the state government will organize a two-day special Assembly session to pass a law pertaining to women safety on the lines of the 'Disha Act' of Andhra Pradesh. Also read: Andhra Pradesh DGP welcomes new AP Disha Act passed by State Assembly The minister while addressing the state Assembly on February 28 had stated that under the proposed law, the whole trial of rape cases will be completed in 21 days and there would be provision for stricter punishment including the death penalty. Also see: Andhra Assembly passes Disha Bill to provide stricter rape offences The Disha Act 2019, allows stringent punishment for crimes committed against women and enables the death penalty for rape and reduces the judgment period in such cases to 21 working days.

Maharashtra to organise two-day special Assembly session to pass law on women safety

People from all walks of life in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-facing-biggest-crisis-since-handover-senior-china-official-241270&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjv0Pqy3fDjAhWW73MBHQ-RAOEQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Dg2YYvVQ4vzIOKY2BqMni">Hong Kong</a> have strongly condemned the recent violent acts that are harming the city's image and disrupting its order, and are calling for the return to rationality and peace.

Some radicals in Hong Kong launched a so-called "non-cooperation campaign" on Monday, greatly impacting transportation, public services and people's daily lives.

The residents have denounced the rioters' destabilizing behaviour and lamented the negative impact brought by the unrest.

"The roads are blocked and our citizens can't go to work, which is a significant blow to our economy. In the last two months, many of our retail industries and many business activities have been suspended," said Chan Kin-Keung, president of the executive committee of the Association of Hong Kong Professionals.

"Many people want to contribute to Hong Kong's economy, but they (the radicals) adopted a 'non-cooperation campaign', which stops others from working and stops Hong Kong from developing its economy. We feel pained by this," said Ip Chun-yuen, a lawyer in Hong Kong.

Another also decried the disruption caused by the violence.

"The residents are deeply worried about Hong Kong's future and public security. In the past, they could go anywhere they wanted to go. Now before they go out, they have to check and avoid the places where the rioters are," said Chan Han-pan, a member of the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

According to the Hong Kong International Airport, at least 200 flights were cancelled on Monday following the strike of airline workers under the "non-cooperation campaign".

"It is a blow to the local economy. It is also impacting Hong Kong people's ability to go out and work," said a passenger at the airport. 
Tung Chee-Hwa, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, called on Hong Kong residents on Monday to say no to those attempting to destroy Hong Kong with violence.

On the same day, many residents and organizations gathered at the Hong Kong Police Headquarters and expressed their firm support for the Hong Kong police and their law enforcement operations.

"A stable society is the only foundation for development. Only when the police operate effectively can we maintain order, develop our economy, bring our people a good life and free them of fear," said Ho Chun-yin, a LegCo member.

Latest data shows that the protests have put huge downward pressure on Hong Kong's economy. This has prompted many residents to call for a society with the order to safeguard prosperity, stability and the hard-won good life of the residents of Hong Kong.

"We want to maintain today's peaceful and stable life. I hope every Hong Kong resident can step forward peacefully," said Chan Lang-yen, a resident.

"We must communicate with sense. Because violence is not permitted in such a society like Hong Kong, which has the rule of law. We should keep an open mind and work together to continue building Hong Kong into the beautiful home that we have always known," said Noel Shih, a member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.

According to the Hong Kong police, they arrested 148 people during Monday's operations. The suspects were arrested for various offences including unlawful assembly, assaulting police and possession of offensive weapons. Seven police officers were injured during the operations.

People from all walks of life in Hong Kong have strongly condemned the recent violent acts that are harming the city's image and disrupting its order, and are calling for the return to rationality and peace.

People from all walks of life in Hong Kong have strongly condemned the recent violent acts that are harming the city's image and disrupting its order, and are calling for the return to rationality and peace. Some radicals in Hong Kong launched a so-called "non-cooperation campaign" on Monday, greatly impacting transportation, public services and people's daily lives. The residents have denounced the rioters' destabilizing behaviour and lamented the negative impact brought by the unrest. "The roads are blocked and our citizens can't go to work, which is a significant blow to our economy. In the last two months, many of our retail industries and many business activities have been suspended," said Chan Kin-Keung, president of the executive committee of the Association of Hong Kong Professionals. "Many people want to contribute to Hong Kong's economy, but they (the radicals) adopted a 'non-cooperation campaign', which stops others from working and stops Hong Kong from developing its economy. We feel pained by this," said Ip Chun-yuen, a lawyer in Hong Kong. Another also decried the disruption caused by the violence. "The residents are deeply worried about Hong Kong's future and public security. In the past, they could go anywhere they wanted to go. Now before they go out, they have to check and avoid the places where the rioters are," said Chan Han-pan, a member of the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). According to the Hong Kong International Airport, at least 200 flights were cancelled on Monday following the strike of airline workers under the "non-cooperation campaign". "It is a blow to the local economy. It is also impacting Hong Kong people's ability to go out and work," said a passenger at the airport. Tung Chee-Hwa, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, called on Hong Kong residents on Monday to say no to those attempting to destroy Hong Kong with violence. On the same day, many residents and organizations gathered at the Hong Kong Police Headquarters and expressed their firm support for the Hong Kong police and their law enforcement operations. "A stable society is the only foundation for development. Only when the police operate effectively can we maintain order, develop our economy, bring our people a good life and free them of fear," said Ho Chun-yin, a LegCo member. Latest data shows that the protests have put huge downward pressure on Hong Kong's economy. This has prompted many residents to call for a society with the order to safeguard prosperity, stability and the hard-won good life of the residents of Hong Kong. "We want to maintain today's peaceful and stable life. I hope every Hong Kong resident can step forward peacefully," said Chan Lang-yen, a resident. "We must communicate with sense. Because violence is not permitted in such a society like Hong Kong, which has the rule of law. We should keep an open mind and work together to continue building Hong Kong into the beautiful home that we have always known," said Noel Shih, a member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong. According to the Hong Kong police, they arrested 148 people during Monday's operations. The suspects were arrested for various offences including unlawful assembly, assaulting police and possession of offensive weapons. Seven police officers were injured during the operations.

Hong Kong residents stand in support of the authorities, codemn riots

Several hundred thousand people jammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-hong-kong-protest-expected-in-last-push-to-scrap-extradition-bill-225466">Hong Kong's streets on Sunday</a> in the last bid to thwart a proposed extradition law that would allow suspects to be sent to China to face trial, with police bracing for the biggest march in the city in 15 years.

Police chiefs called for public restraint, government-funded broadcaster RTHK reported, as they mobilised more than 2,000 officers for a march that organisers expected to draw more than half a million people.

That would make it the biggest rally since a similar number turned out in 2003 to challenge government plans for tighter national security laws, which were later shelved.

Police and organisers had yet to give estimates, but as tens of thousands reached the Legislative Council in Admiralty business district, the starting point in Victoria Park was crowded with thousands more still waiting to join the march.

Streets were packed along the route, with Reuters witnesses at various key points estimating the crowd at several hundred strong.

Debates start at the council on Wednesday over the amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. The bill could be passed into law by the end of June.

Chants of "no China extradition, no evil law" echoed through the high-rise city streets, while other marchers called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-hong-kong-lawyers-march-against-china-extradition-plans-225042">Hong Kong's</a> Chief Executive Carrie Lam to step down. One protester held a sign reading "Carry off Carrie".

Lam has tweaked the proposals but has refused to withdraw the bill, saying it is vital to plug a long-standing "loophole".

The genial crowd included young families pushing babies in prams as well as the elderly braving 32 degrees C (90°F) heat, some spraying each other with water misters.

Opposition to the proposed bill has united a broad range of the community, from usually pro-establishment business people and lawyers to students, pro-democracy figures and religious groups.

Insurance agents, executives and small entrepreneurs joined bus drivers and mechanics, with Reuters speaking to dozens of people saying it was their first protest march.

"I come here to fight," said a wheelchair-bound, 78-year-old man surnamed Lai, who was among the first to arrive.

School teacher Garry Chiu joined the protest with his wife and 1-year-old daughter, saying "it is no longer about me".

"I need to save my daughter. If the law is implemented anyone can disappear from Hong Kong. No one will get justice in China. We know there are no human rights," he said.

"The extradition bill will directly threaten the core values of Hong Kong and rule of law," said 21-year-old Kelvin Tam, a student in London. "It will remove the firewall of Hong Kong judicial independence."

Sunday protests were also being planned in 25 cities globally, including London, Sydney, New York and Chicago.

The changes will simplify case-by-case arrangements to allow the extradition of wanted suspects to jurisdictions, including mainland China, Macau and Taiwan, beyond the 20 that Hong Kong already has extradition treaties with.

But it is the prospect of renditions to mainland China that has alarmed many in Hong Kong. The former British colony was handed back to Chinese rule in 1997 amid guarantees of autonomy and freedoms, including a separate legal system.

"It's a proposal, or a set of proposals, which strike a terrible blow ... against the rule of law, against Hong Kong's stability and security, against Hong Kong's position as a great international trading hub," the last British governor, Chris Patten, said on Thursday.

Opponents of the plan say they deeply question the fairness and transparency of the Chinese court system and worry about security forces contriving charges.

Foreign governments have also expressed concern, warning of the impact on Hong Kong's reputation as an international financial hub, and noting that foreigners wanted in China risk getting ensnared in Hong Kong.

The concerns were highlighted on Saturday with news that a local high court judge had been reprimanded by the chief justice after his signature appeared on a public petition against the bill.

Reuters reported earlier that several senior Hong Kong judges were concerned about the changes, noting a lack of trust in mainland courts as well as the limited nature of extradition hearings.

Human rights groups have repeatedly expressed concerns about the use of torture, arbitrary detentions, forced confessions and problems accessing lawyers in China.

Hong Kong officials have defended the plans, even as they raised the threshold of extraditable offences to crimes carrying penalties of seven years or more.

They say the laws carry adequate safeguards, including the protection of independent local judges who will hear cases before any approval by the Hong Kong chief executive. No-one will be extradited if they face political or religious persecution or torture, or the death penalty.

"We continue to listen to a wide cross-section of views and opinions and remain to open to suggestions on ways to improve the new regime," a government official said on Sunday.

Several hundred thousand people jammed Hong Kong's streets on Sunday in the last bid to thwart a proposed extradition law that would allow suspects to be sent to China to face trial, with police bracing for the biggest march in the city in 15 years.

Several hundred thousand people jammed Hong Kong's streets on Sunday in the last bid to thwart a proposed extradition law that would allow suspects to be sent to China to face trial, with police bracing for the biggest march in the city in 15 years. Police chiefs called for public restraint, government-funded broadcaster RTHK reported, as they mobilised more than 2,000 officers for a march that organisers expected to draw more than half a million people. That would make it the biggest rally since a similar number turned out in 2003 to challenge government plans for tighter national security laws, which were later shelved. Police and organisers had yet to give estimates, but as tens of thousands reached the Legislative Council in Admiralty business district, the starting point in Victoria Park was crowded with thousands more still waiting to join the march. Streets were packed along the route, with Reuters witnesses at various key points estimating the crowd at several hundred strong. Debates start at the council on Wednesday over the amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. The bill could be passed into law by the end of June. Chants of "no China extradition, no evil law" echoed through the high-rise city streets, while other marchers called for Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam to step down. One protester held a sign reading "Carry off Carrie". Lam has tweaked the proposals but has refused to withdraw the bill, saying it is vital to plug a long-standing "loophole". The genial crowd included young families pushing babies in prams as well as the elderly braving 32 degrees C (90°F) heat, some spraying each other with water misters. Opposition to the proposed bill has united a broad range of the community, from usually pro-establishment business people and lawyers to students, pro-democracy figures and religious groups. Insurance agents, executives and small entrepreneurs joined bus drivers and mechanics, with Reuters speaking to dozens of people saying it was their first protest march. "I come here to fight," said a wheelchair-bound, 78-year-old man surnamed Lai, who was among the first to arrive. School teacher Garry Chiu joined the protest with his wife and 1-year-old daughter, saying "it is no longer about me". "I need to save my daughter. If the law is implemented anyone can disappear from Hong Kong. No one will get justice in China. We know there are no human rights," he said. "The extradition bill will directly threaten the core values of Hong Kong and rule of law," said 21-year-old Kelvin Tam, a student in London. "It will remove the firewall of Hong Kong judicial independence." Sunday protests were also being planned in 25 cities globally, including London, Sydney, New York and Chicago. The changes will simplify case-by-case arrangements to allow the extradition of wanted suspects to jurisdictions, including mainland China, Macau and Taiwan, beyond the 20 that Hong Kong already has extradition treaties with. But it is the prospect of renditions to mainland China that has alarmed many in Hong Kong. The former British colony was handed back to Chinese rule in 1997 amid guarantees of autonomy and freedoms, including a separate legal system. "It's a proposal, or a set of proposals, which strike a terrible blow ... against the rule of law, against Hong Kong's stability and security, against Hong Kong's position as a great international trading hub," the last British governor, Chris Patten, said on Thursday. Opponents of the plan say they deeply question the fairness and transparency of the Chinese court system and worry about security forces contriving charges. Foreign governments have also expressed concern, warning of the impact on Hong Kong's reputation as an international financial hub, and noting that foreigners wanted in China risk getting ensnared in Hong Kong. The concerns were highlighted on Saturday with news that a local high court judge had been reprimanded by the chief justice after his signature appeared on a public petition against the bill. Reuters reported earlier that several senior Hong Kong judges were concerned about the changes, noting a lack of trust in mainland courts as well as the limited nature of extradition hearings. Human rights groups have repeatedly expressed concerns about the use of torture, arbitrary detentions, forced confessions and problems accessing lawyers in China. Hong Kong officials have defended the plans, even as they raised the threshold of extraditable offences to crimes carrying penalties of seven years or more. They say the laws carry adequate safeguards, including the protection of independent local judges who will hear cases before any approval by the Hong Kong chief executive. No-one will be extradited if they face political or religious persecution or torture, or the death penalty. "We continue to listen to a wide cross-section of views and opinions and remain to open to suggestions on ways to improve the new regime," a government official said on Sunday.

Hundreds of thousands march in Hong Kong to protest China extradition bill

A brawl broke out in Hong Kong's Legislative Council on Saturday as pro-democracy lawmakers and those loyal to Beijing discussed a extradition law that would extend Beijing's powers over the financial hub.

Brawl breaks out in Hong Kong's legislative council, lawmaker wheeled away on stretcher

Some suspected militants looted four AK-47 rifles from the residence of a legislator in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

The incident took place at the house of Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Muzaffar Parray, who resides in Jawahar Nagar area of the city.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Suspected terrorists loot four AK rifles from the residence of Congress legislator (MLC) Muzaffar Parray from Jawahar Nagar area of Srinagar. Police have filed a case and an alert sounded in Srinagar. More details awaited.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079326011987116032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Police have filed a case and this regard and an alert has been sounded in Srinagar to nab the suspect terrorists. More details of this incident are awaited.

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J&amp;K Police: Reportedly 4 weapons have gone missing from a residence of former MLC Muzaffar Ahmad Parray in Jawaharnagar area. Case registered. 3 policemen from security wing &amp; 1 from District Police Sopore attached with the former legislator have been summoned for questioning. <a href="https://t.co/wd4bEc4yb0">https://t.co/wd4bEc4yb0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079344699545210880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, a possible terror attack at a military station in Jammu was foiled by the alert Army jawans.&nbsp;

The Army noticed some suspicious movement at around 2 am at Ratnuchak Military station and spotted two suspects approaching the Army gate.&nbsp;

The gun battle ensued after the Army guards stopped the suspects. However, the suspects managed to flee the spot.&nbsp;

Some suspected militants looted four AK-47 rifles from the residence of a legislator in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The incident took place at the house of Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Muzaffar Parray, who resides in Jawahar Nagar area of the city.

Some suspected militants looted four AK-47 rifles from the residence of a legislator in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The incident took place at the house of Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Muzaffar Parray, who resides in Jawahar Nagar area of the city. #JammuAndKashmir: Suspected terrorists loot four AK rifles from the residence of Congress legislator (MLC) Muzaffar Parray from Jawahar Nagar area of Srinagar. Police have filed a case and an alert sounded in Srinagar. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × Police have filed a case and this regard and an alert has been sounded in Srinagar to nab the suspect terrorists. More details of this incident are awaited. J&K Police: Reportedly 4 weapons have gone missing from a residence of former MLC Muzaffar Ahmad Parray in Jawaharnagar area. Case registered. 3 policemen from security wing & 1 from District Police Sopore attached with the former legislator have been summoned for questioning. https://t.co/wd4bEc4yb0 — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × Earlier in the day, a possible terror attack at a military station in Jammu was foiled by the alert Army jawans. The Army noticed some suspicious movement at around 2 am at Ratnuchak Military station and spotted two suspects approaching the Army gate. The gun battle ensued after the Army guards stopped the suspects. However, the suspects managed to flee the spot.

Suspected terrorists loot AK-47 rifles from Jammu & Kashmir legislator's residence

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