India's Supreme Court on Monday (Aug 5) upheld the authority of the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Delhi to nominate 10 individuals with specialised knowledge in municipal administration to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The top court said that this statutory duty is attached to the L-G’s office and does not require the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

The ruling, written by Justice P.S. Narasimha, as part of a two-judge bench comprised of Justice Sanjay Kumar as well, drew its basis from Section 3(3)(b)(1) of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957.&nbsp;

This law, amended in 1993, grants the L-G the power to nominate experts to the municipal body.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwals-aap-fades-as-india-shines-728898">Arvind Kejriwal's AAP fades as 'INDIA' shines</a>

The two-judge Bench referred to a previous Constitution Bench judgment, which established that the executive power of the Delhi government must align with parliamentary laws addressing subjects in the State and Concurrent Lists of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

Justice Narasimha dismissed the argument presented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Delhi, that the L-G’s power was outdated and merely symbolic.&nbsp;

Singhvi contended that the democratically elected Delhi government should have autonomous control over its municipal administration without interference from the L-G.

Also watch |&nbsp;India: AAP vs Delhi Lt Governor saga ends: Kejriwal govt granted powers over services | WION Pulse

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"This is a law made by the Parliament... The law requires the L-G to exercise power," the court noted.

The central question before the court was whether the LG's nomination of the 10 experts was a statutory duty independent of the Council of Ministers' advice.&nbsp;

Justice Narasimha clarified that the 1993 amendments to the DMC Act were designed to incorporate constitutional changes related to the establishment of the Delhi government, specifically Articles 239AA and 239AB concerning municipal administration.

"The statutory power under Section 3(3)(b)(1) to name the 10 persons of special knowledge was vested in the L-G for the first time through the 1993 amendments to the DMC Act, 1957, in order to incorporate constitutional changes in Articles 239AA and 239AB of the Constitution in Part 9A concerning municipal administration," Justice Narasimha observed.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Supreme Court on Monday (Aug 5) upheld the authority of the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Delhi to nominate 10 individuals with specialised knowledge in municipal administration to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

India's Supreme Court on Monday (Aug 5) upheld the authority of the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Delhi to nominate 10 individuals with specialised knowledge in municipal administration to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The top court said that this statutory duty is attached to the L-G’s office and does not require the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. The ruling, written by Justice P.S. Narasimha, as part of a two-judge bench comprised of Justice Sanjay Kumar as well, drew its basis from Section 3(3)(b)(1) of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. This law, amended in 1993, grants the L-G the power to nominate experts to the municipal body. Also read | Arvind Kejriwal's AAP fades as 'INDIA' shines The two-judge Bench referred to a previous Constitution Bench judgment, which established that the executive power of the Delhi government must align with parliamentary laws addressing subjects in the State and Concurrent Lists of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Justice Narasimha dismissed the argument presented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Delhi, that the L-G’s power was outdated and merely symbolic. Singhvi contended that the democratically elected Delhi government should have autonomous control over its municipal administration without interference from the L-G. Also watch | India: AAP vs Delhi Lt Governor saga ends: Kejriwal govt granted powers over services | WION Pulse × "This is a law made by the Parliament... The law requires the L-G to exercise power," the court noted. The central question before the court was whether the LG's nomination of the 10 experts was a statutory duty independent of the Council of Ministers' advice. Justice Narasimha clarified that the 1993 amendments to the DMC Act were designed to incorporate constitutional changes related to the establishment of the Delhi government, specifically Articles 239AA and 239AB concerning municipal administration. "The statutory power under Section 3(3)(b)(1) to name the 10 persons of special knowledge was vested in the L-G for the first time through the 1993 amendments to the DMC Act, 1957, in order to incorporate constitutional changes in Articles 239AA and 239AB of the Constitution in Part 9A concerning municipal administration," Justice Narasimha observed. (With inputs from agencies)

AAP vs Delhi Lt Governor: Supreme Court upholds L-G's powers in MCD

RK Mathur was sworn in as first lieutenant governor of Union Territory of Ladakh on Thursday.

Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh come into existence

Radha Krishna Mathur on Thursday took oath as the first Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh.

Mathur, a retired 1977-batch IAS officer from Tripura cadre retired as the Chief Information Commissioner of India in November 2018.

He served as expenditure secretary at the Centre before getting appointed as Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Geeta Mittal administered the oath to Mathur. In August this year, the government revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

An order in the Gazette of India dated October 31signed by President Ram Nath Kovind stated that all the functions of the Government of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and all the powers vested in or exercisable by the Lieutenant Governor of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

"In pursuance of sub-clause (i) of clause (c) of the Proclamation issued on this, the 31st October, 2019, by me under section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 read with articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby direct that all the functions of the Government of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and all the powers vested in or exercisable by the Lieutenant Governor of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 or under any law in force in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which have been assumed by the President by virtue of clause (a) of the said Proclamation, shall, subject to the superintendence, direction and control of the President, be exercisable also by the Lieutenant Governor of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir," read the notification.

&nbsp;

Radha Krishna Mathur on Thursday took oath as the first Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh. Mathur, a retired 1977-batch IAS officer from Tripura cadre retired as the Chief Information Commissioner of India in November 2018.

Radha Krishna Mathur on Thursday took oath as the first Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh. Mathur, a retired 1977-batch IAS officer from Tripura cadre retired as the Chief Information Commissioner of India in November 2018. He served as expenditure secretary at the Centre before getting appointed as Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Geeta Mittal administered the oath to Mathur. In August this year, the government revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. An order in the Gazette of India dated October 31signed by President Ram Nath Kovind stated that all the functions of the Government of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and all the powers vested in or exercisable by the Lieutenant Governor of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. "In pursuance of sub-clause (i) of clause (c) of the Proclamation issued on this, the 31st October, 2019, by me under section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 read with articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby direct that all the functions of the Government of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and all the powers vested in or exercisable by the Lieutenant Governor of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 or under any law in force in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which have been assumed by the President by virtue of clause (a) of the said Proclamation, shall, subject to the superintendence, direction and control of the President, be exercisable also by the Lieutenant Governor of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir," read the notification.

Radha Krishna Mathur takes oath as first Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory Ladakh

Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Thursday defended her decision to enforce the helmet rule in Puducherry, saying that Chief Minister V Narayanasamy’s wife died in a two-wheeler accident, but he is now calling her autocratic for telling people to wear a helmet.“His wife died in a road accident because she wasn’t wearing a helmet while riding a scooter.

That was a few years ago. It is tragic... If I go on the road and I tell people to wear a helmet, he says it’s autocratic,” Bedi said while talking to the media here.

Criticising the agitation being led by Narayanasamy, she said that the Chief Minister should have waited for her reply after writing a letter on several issues.“He (CM) wrote a letter to me on February 7 on 36 issues, some of which don`t exist or have been settled.

I received it on February 8. Yesterday, he sits on a dharna saying he demands a reply. The letter didn`t say that if you don`t reply by February 13, I will sit on a dharna,” Bedi said.

The L-G also said that she has already invited the Chief Minister for a discussion on the issues.“I wrote to him (Puducherry CM) a letter that `you are welcome to come and see me on February 21 at 10 am, as I am on a tour till February 20 starting today. I will return on February 20 midnight. And tell me what could be more right.&nbsp;

He is still sitting there. He isn`t allowing people to wear a helmet. One Puducherry citizen dies every third day. I have asked the police to enforce the decision. He is committing contempt of court and I am only carrying out my duty,” Bedi said.

Bedi has been at loggerheads with the Puducherry government on various issues with Narayanasamy accusing her of delaying clearance to welfare schemes and bypassing the elected government.

Since Wednesday evening, the Puducherry Chief Minister is sitting on protest in front of Raj Nivas and is demanding that the central government should recall the Governor.&nbsp;

Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Thursday defended her decision to enforce the helmet rule in Puducherry, saying that Chief Minister V Narayanasamy’s wife died in a two-wheeler accident, but he is now calling her autocratic for telling people to wear a helmet.

Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Thursday defended her decision to enforce the helmet rule in Puducherry, saying that Chief Minister V Narayanasamy’s wife died in a two-wheeler accident, but he is now calling her autocratic for telling people to wear a helmet.“His wife died in a road accident because she wasn’t wearing a helmet while riding a scooter. That was a few years ago. It is tragic... If I go on the road and I tell people to wear a helmet, he says it’s autocratic,” Bedi said while talking to the media here. Criticising the agitation being led by Narayanasamy, she said that the Chief Minister should have waited for her reply after writing a letter on several issues.“He (CM) wrote a letter to me on February 7 on 36 issues, some of which don`t exist or have been settled. I received it on February 8. Yesterday, he sits on a dharna saying he demands a reply. The letter didn`t say that if you don`t reply by February 13, I will sit on a dharna,” Bedi said. The L-G also said that she has already invited the Chief Minister for a discussion on the issues.“I wrote to him (Puducherry CM) a letter that `you are welcome to come and see me on February 21 at 10 am, as I am on a tour till February 20 starting today. I will return on February 20 midnight. And tell me what could be more right. He is still sitting there. He isn`t allowing people to wear a helmet. One Puducherry citizen dies every third day. I have asked the police to enforce the decision. He is committing contempt of court and I am only carrying out my duty,” Bedi said. Bedi has been at loggerheads with the Puducherry government on various issues with Narayanasamy accusing her of delaying clearance to welfare schemes and bypassing the elected government. Since Wednesday evening, the Puducherry Chief Minister is sitting on protest in front of Raj Nivas and is demanding that the central government should recall the Governor.

CM’s wife died as she was not wearing helmet, still obstructing enforcement of rule: Kiran Bedi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-governor-ralph-northam-now-denies-appearance-in-racist-photo-refuses-to-resign-194668">Virginia's embattled governor</a>, Ralph Northam, capped a week of political chaos ignited by racial scandals by vowing to stay in office on Friday, while the fellow Democrat in line to succeed him faced a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-governors-future-in-limbo-amid-outcry-over-racist-photo-195375">second accusation of sexual assault</a>.

Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax issued a statement denying both allegations as a "coordinated smear campaign." He said the latest accusation, that he had raped a fellow student at Duke University in 2000, was "demonstrably false" and declared he would not step down.

Fairfax, 39, insisted earlier this week that his encounter with a woman who has accused him of forcing himself on her sexually at a hotel in Boston 14 years ago was entirely consensual.

But Friday's accusation sparked a round of calls for the resignation - and even a threat of impeachment - of the once-promising young politician who seemed poised days ago to replace Northam and become the second African-American governor in Virginia history.

The second in line to succeed Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring, 57, came under fire with his own admission this week that he, like Northam, had once darkened his face to imitate a black performer - a practice widely considered to be racist.

The possibility of all three top-ranked leaders of Virginia's executive branch having to resign raised the prospect of Democrats losing the governorship to the Republican speaker of the state House of Delegates, who is next in the line of succession. And that possibility has tested Democrats' resolve to show zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and racial bigotry.

It also has stirred Democrats' concerns that political discord in Virginia, a key swing state in presidential elections, could flip it back into the Republican column in the 2020 White House race.

The upheaval began with the revelation last Friday that Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook page contained a racist photo, followed by his acknowledgement of, and apology for, masquerading in blackface that year as pop star Michael Jackson.

After a week hunkered down in virtual seclusion under mounting pressure to resign, Northam indicated in an email message on Friday to state employees that he planned to keep his post.

"You have placed your trust in me to lead Virginia forward - and I plan to do that," Northam said.

ESCALATING PRESSURE

In a separate statement responding to the latest allegation against him, Fairfax said he has "never forced myself on anyone ever" and demanded a "full investigation into these unsubstantiated and false allegations."

"I will clear my good name and I have nothing to hide," Fairfax wrote, and declared: "I will not resign."

But the latest allegation of rape brought a torrent of demands for Fairfax to quit, including from all of the state House and Senate Democrats, the Legislative Black Caucus, former Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe and Virginia's two US&nbsp;senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Democrats.

One state House member, Democrat Patrick Hope, said on Twitter that he planned to introduce articles of impeachment for Fairfax on Monday unless he resigned.

The woman who made the new accusation, identified as Meredith Watson, said she was "reluctantly coming forward out of a strong sense of civic duty and her belief that those seeking or serving in public office should be of the highest character," the law firm that is representing her said in a statement.

The firm, New Jersey-based Smith Mullin, said the alleged assault occurred in 2000. Watson is "not seeking any financial damages," and her attorneys had notified Fairfax through his lawyers "that Ms Watson hopes he will resign from public office," the firm said in its statement.

The Smith Mullin statement said the alleged attack on Watson "was premeditated and aggressive," while also saying Fairfax and Watson "were friends but never dated or had any romantic relationship."

The law firm said it possessed emails, Facebook messages and statements to corroborate that Watson had shared her account of events immediately after the alleged rape.

Fairfax's first accuser, Stanford University academic Vanessa Tyson, has alleged that Fairfax had forced her to perform oral sex in a hotel room during the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

She came forward days after the disclosure by a conservative website of a racist photo on Northam's 1984 yearbook page of one person with blackface and another dressed in white robes of the Ku Klux Klan. Northam had originally admitted he was one of the people in that photo but later said that he was not.

Seeking to mend fences with Virginia's African-American population, Northam on Friday met privately with the president and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd Jr., in Richmond, the state capital. Boyd told Reuters the two men prayed together and "we asked for forgiveness."

Boyd, whose group says it represents 109,000 farmers across the country, said on Twitter that he urged the governor not to step down.

Virginia's embattled governor, Ralph Northam, capped a week of political chaos ignited by racial scandals by vowing to stay in office on Friday, while the fellow Democrat in line to succeed him faced a second accusation of sexual assault.

Virginia's embattled governor, Ralph Northam, capped a week of political chaos ignited by racial scandals by vowing to stay in office on Friday, while the fellow Democrat in line to succeed him faced a second accusation of sexual assault. Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax issued a statement denying both allegations as a "coordinated smear campaign." He said the latest accusation, that he had raped a fellow student at Duke University in 2000, was "demonstrably false" and declared he would not step down. Fairfax, 39, insisted earlier this week that his encounter with a woman who has accused him of forcing himself on her sexually at a hotel in Boston 14 years ago was entirely consensual. But Friday's accusation sparked a round of calls for the resignation - and even a threat of impeachment - of the once-promising young politician who seemed poised days ago to replace Northam and become the second African-American governor in Virginia history. The second in line to succeed Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring, 57, came under fire with his own admission this week that he, like Northam, had once darkened his face to imitate a black performer - a practice widely considered to be racist. The possibility of all three top-ranked leaders of Virginia's executive branch having to resign raised the prospect of Democrats losing the governorship to the Republican speaker of the state House of Delegates, who is next in the line of succession. And that possibility has tested Democrats' resolve to show zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and racial bigotry. It also has stirred Democrats' concerns that political discord in Virginia, a key swing state in presidential elections, could flip it back into the Republican column in the 2020 White House race. The upheaval began with the revelation last Friday that Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook page contained a racist photo, followed by his acknowledgement of, and apology for, masquerading in blackface that year as pop star Michael Jackson. After a week hunkered down in virtual seclusion under mounting pressure to resign, Northam indicated in an email message on Friday to state employees that he planned to keep his post. "You have placed your trust in me to lead Virginia forward - and I plan to do that," Northam said. ESCALATING PRESSURE In a separate statement responding to the latest allegation against him, Fairfax said he has "never forced myself on anyone ever" and demanded a "full investigation into these unsubstantiated and false allegations." "I will clear my good name and I have nothing to hide," Fairfax wrote, and declared: "I will not resign." But the latest allegation of rape brought a torrent of demands for Fairfax to quit, including from all of the state House and Senate Democrats, the Legislative Black Caucus, former Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe and Virginia's two US senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Democrats. One state House member, Democrat Patrick Hope, said on Twitter that he planned to introduce articles of impeachment for Fairfax on Monday unless he resigned. The woman who made the new accusation, identified as Meredith Watson, said she was "reluctantly coming forward out of a strong sense of civic duty and her belief that those seeking or serving in public office should be of the highest character," the law firm that is representing her said in a statement. The firm, New Jersey-based Smith Mullin, said the alleged assault occurred in 2000. Watson is "not seeking any financial damages," and her attorneys had notified Fairfax through his lawyers "that Ms Watson hopes he will resign from public office," the firm said in its statement. The Smith Mullin statement said the alleged attack on Watson "was premeditated and aggressive," while also saying Fairfax and Watson "were friends but never dated or had any romantic relationship." The law firm said it possessed emails, Facebook messages and statements to corroborate that Watson had shared her account of events immediately after the alleged rape. Fairfax's first accuser, Stanford University academic Vanessa Tyson, has alleged that Fairfax had forced her to perform oral sex in a hotel room during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. She came forward days after the disclosure by a conservative website of a racist photo on Northam's 1984 yearbook page of one person with blackface and another dressed in white robes of the Ku Klux Klan. Northam had originally admitted he was one of the people in that photo but later said that he was not. Seeking to mend fences with Virginia's African-American population, Northam on Friday met privately with the president and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd Jr., in Richmond, the state capital. Boyd told Reuters the two men prayed together and "we asked for forgiveness." Boyd, whose group says it represents 109,000 farmers across the country, said on Twitter that he urged the governor not to step down.

Virginia governor denies sexual assault allegations as 'coordinated smear campaign'

The mayor of a Utah city was killed in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday in an apparent insider attack, the state's lieutenant governor said.

The death of Brent Taylor, mayor of North Ogden and a member of the Utah National Guard, was confirmed by Utah Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox, who posted a tribute on Facebook.

"I hate this," Cox wrote. "I'm struggling for words. I love Mayor Taylor, his amazing wife Jennie and his 7 sweet kids."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/governor-top-afghan-police-chief-killed-in-shooting-us-general-escape-unhurt-172170">Top Afghan police chief, governor killed in shooting; US general escapes unhurt</a>

Senetor&nbsp;Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, called Taylor a "hero, a wonderful father and a dear friend."&nbsp;Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said he was "heartbroken."

"This is a sad day for Utah, for America," Herbert said. "He was the personification of love of God, family and country."

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Hatch on the death of North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor: 
 
“Brent was a hero, a patriot, a wonderful father, and a dear friend. News of his death in Afghanistan is devastating. My prayers and love are with Jennie and his 7 young children. His service will always be remembered.” <a href="https://t.co/UHHbhTciYo">pic.twitter.com/UHHbhTciYo</a>
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/senorrinhatch/status/1058859649846444032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Taylor had left his position in North Ogden, a city of around 17,000 people about 45 miles (70 km) north of Salt Lake City, earlier this year to serve in Afghanistan. It was his fourth deployment, according to The Deseret News, a Utah newspaper.

The NATO-led mission in Afghanistan said in a statement on Saturday that a US&nbsp;armed forces member was killed but did not identify him.

"Initial reports indicate the attacker was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. Initial reports also indicate the attacker was immediately killed by other Afghan Forces," the mission said in a statement.

The attack was the latest in a series of "green-on-blue" incidents in which members of the Afghan forces have killed US&nbsp;or coalition advisers this year, and it followed the death of a Czech soldier in the western province of Herat last month.

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/any-us-military-role-in-afghan-after-peace-would-be-conditions-based-mattis-174705">James Mattis</a> said in September that training and vetting of Afghan forces was being stepped up to minimize such attacks, and that some training and advisory operations have been scaled back while security is assessed.

Last month, the NATO commander in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller, escaped unhurt when the bodyguard of a provincial governor opened fire on a group of US&nbsp;and Afghan officials in the southern province of Kandahar.

A week ago, Taylor urged Americans to vote in Tuesday's congressional elections, saying he hoped "whether the Republicans or the Democrats win, that we all remember that we have far more as Americans that unites us than divides us."

The mayor of a Utah city was killed in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday in an apparent insider attack, the state's lieutenant governor said. The death of Brent Taylor, mayor of North Ogden and a member of the Utah National Guard, was confirmed by Utah Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox, who posted a tribute on Facebook.

The mayor of a Utah city was killed in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday in an apparent insider attack, the state's lieutenant governor said. The death of Brent Taylor, mayor of North Ogden and a member of the Utah National Guard, was confirmed by Utah Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox, who posted a tribute on Facebook. "I hate this," Cox wrote. "I'm struggling for words. I love Mayor Taylor, his amazing wife Jennie and his 7 sweet kids." Also read: Top Afghan police chief, governor killed in shooting; US general escapes unhurt Senetor Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, called Taylor a "hero, a wonderful father and a dear friend." Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said he was "heartbroken." "This is a sad day for Utah, for America," Herbert said. "He was the personification of love of God, family and country." Hatch on the death of North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor: “Brent was a hero, a patriot, a wonderful father, and a dear friend. News of his death in Afghanistan is devastating. My prayers and love are with Jennie and his 7 young children. His service will always be remembered.” pic.twitter.com/UHHbhTciYo — Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) November 3, 2018 × Taylor had left his position in North Ogden, a city of around 17,000 people about 45 miles (70 km) north of Salt Lake City, earlier this year to serve in Afghanistan. It was his fourth deployment, according to The Deseret News, a Utah newspaper. The NATO-led mission in Afghanistan said in a statement on Saturday that a US armed forces member was killed but did not identify him. "Initial reports indicate the attacker was a member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. Initial reports also indicate the attacker was immediately killed by other Afghan Forces," the mission said in a statement. The attack was the latest in a series of "green-on-blue" incidents in which members of the Afghan forces have killed US or coalition advisers this year, and it followed the death of a Czech soldier in the western province of Herat last month. US Defense Secretary James Mattis said in September that training and vetting of Afghan forces was being stepped up to minimize such attacks, and that some training and advisory operations have been scaled back while security is assessed. Last month, the NATO commander in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller, escaped unhurt when the bodyguard of a provincial governor opened fire on a group of US and Afghan officials in the southern province of Kandahar. A week ago, Taylor urged Americans to vote in Tuesday's congressional elections, saying he hoped "whether the Republicans or the Democrats win, that we all remember that we have far more as Americans that unites us than divides us."

Utah mayor, deployed to Afghanistan, is killed in attack

AAP leaders and workers camped outside the chief minister's residence here today in support of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues who have been staging a sit-in at the Lieutenant Governor's office and asserted that they would continue the fight for the rights of the people without any compromise.

Tents have been put up outside Kejriwal Civil Lines residence.&nbsp;

This is a fight for the rights of the people of Delhi, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told reporters outside the chief minister's residence.

"At the instance of Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor has crippled Delhi government. We will not keep quiet now and fight till the last," Singh asserted.

Flanked by senior party leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi Marlena, the party MP said that they were prepared for a long drawn battle over issues of full statehood, IAS officers' strike and the schemes of government including doorstep delivery of ration, allegedly curtailed by the LG.

"Modi is behind the crippling of Delhi government's functioning using the Lt Governor as a pawn."

Singh said that he was in touch with opposition leaders such as D Raja of the CPI and Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M) over the developments in Delhi.

Singh also attacked former Delhi Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit over the full statehood issue.

"She ruled for ten years when Congress was at the Centre. Why did the full statehood was promised in their manifesto if they did not want it," he said

Bhardwaj said that the IAS officers of Delhi were on strike although they denied in a press statement yesterday.

Citing rules, he said that even "slowing down" work and not attending meetings called by ministers was a form of strike.

"Over a dozen show-cause notices and memos have been sent to the officers, but the situation is the same. They are shying away from openly admitting their strike because they will lose their jobs since rules do not permit it," he said.

Marlena said that government works including those related with education and pollution were hampered due to the strike.

Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Labour Minister Gopal Rai and Health Minister Satyendar Jain spent the night at Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's office to press for their demands including a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike" and action against officers who have struck work for "four months".&nbsp;

Tents have been put up outside Kejriwal Civil Lines residence

AAP leaders and workers camped outside the chief minister's residence here today in support of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues who have been staging a sit-in at the Lieutenant Governor's office and asserted that they would continue the fight for the rights of the people without any compromise. Tents have been put up outside Kejriwal Civil Lines residence. This is a fight for the rights of the people of Delhi, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told reporters outside the chief minister's residence. "At the instance of Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor has crippled Delhi government. We will not keep quiet now and fight till the last," Singh asserted. Flanked by senior party leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi Marlena, the party MP said that they were prepared for a long drawn battle over issues of full statehood, IAS officers' strike and the schemes of government including doorstep delivery of ration, allegedly curtailed by the LG. "Modi is behind the crippling of Delhi government's functioning using the Lt Governor as a pawn." Singh said that he was in touch with opposition leaders such as D Raja of the CPI and Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M) over the developments in Delhi. Singh also attacked former Delhi Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit over the full statehood issue. "She ruled for ten years when Congress was at the Centre. Why did the full statehood was promised in their manifesto if they did not want it," he said Bhardwaj said that the IAS officers of Delhi were on strike although they denied in a press statement yesterday. Citing rules, he said that even "slowing down" work and not attending meetings called by ministers was a form of strike. "Over a dozen show-cause notices and memos have been sent to the officers, but the situation is the same. They are shying away from openly admitting their strike because they will lose their jobs since rules do not permit it," he said. Marlena said that government works including those related with education and pollution were hampered due to the strike. Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Labour Minister Gopal Rai and Health Minister Satyendar Jain spent the night at Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's office to press for their demands including a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike" and action against officers who have struck work for "four months".

AAP leaders, workers camp outside Kejriwal's residence

The Delhi Assembly today passed a resolution directing the AAP government to present a "status report" on files which have been "delayed or blocked" by the office of Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, a move which may trigger tussle between the Assembly and the L-G.

The resolution, moved by AAP MLA Sourabh Bharadwaj, stated that the report should list the files which have been "delayed or blocked" by the L-G office.

It also stated that the status report should be presented on the lines of outcome budget of the Delhi government, presented by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia last week.

According to the resolution, there have been many media reports as well as the Budget speech of Sisodia last week that mentioned the role of the L-G's office for delay and roadblocks ineffective execution of projects of the elected government of Delhi.

Speaking in the House, Sisodia said, We will prepare the report. How many proposals did the L-G add value to, how many were stopped, how many were due to the Centre and how many were passed would be covered. Like ministers and officers have one, the L-G office should also have a report card.

Since the AAP has come to power in Delhi, there has been a tussle between the Lt Governor's office and the Arvind Kejriwal government.

The resolution, moved by AAP MLA Sourabh Bharadwaj, stated that the report should list the files which have been "delayed or blocked" by the L-G office

The Delhi Assembly today passed a resolution directing the AAP government to present a "status report" on files which have been "delayed or blocked" by the office of Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, a move which may trigger tussle between the Assembly and the L-G. The resolution, moved by AAP MLA Sourabh Bharadwaj, stated that the report should list the files which have been "delayed or blocked" by the L-G office. It also stated that the status report should be presented on the lines of outcome budget of the Delhi government, presented by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia last week. According to the resolution, there have been many media reports as well as the Budget speech of Sisodia last week that mentioned the role of the L-G's office for delay and roadblocks ineffective execution of projects of the elected government of Delhi. Speaking in the House, Sisodia said, We will prepare the report. How many proposals did the L-G add value to, how many were stopped, how many were due to the Centre and how many were passed would be covered. Like ministers and officers have one, the L-G office should also have a report card. Since the AAP has come to power in Delhi, there has been a tussle between the Lt Governor's office and the Arvind Kejriwal government.

Delhi Assembly passes resolution seeking report card of L-G office

Delhi BJP MLAs met with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal today and demanded the &quot;dismissal&quot; of the Arvind Kejriwal government.

The delegation, led by Delhi assembly&#39;s Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, aimed at discussing the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

During the meeting, Gupta alleged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia of &quot;complicit connivance&quot; in the incident.

Delhi Chief Secretary, Anshu Prakash lodged an FIR with the Delhi alleging stating that he was assaulted by AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan and others during a meeting at Kejriwal&#39;s residence on Monday night.

The accused have been arrested by the police.

&quot;The complaint of the chief secretary clearly states that no one tried to save him during the assault. This implies that the CM and the Deputy CM along with the MLAs were equally guilty of connivance in the offence,&quot; Gupta said in a statement.

&quot;The BJP MLAs submitted before the L-G that the Kejriwal government had no right to continue in power and demanded its early dismissal,&quot; the statement said.

AAP leaders want to create an atmosphere of &quot;fear&quot; and &quot;unquestioned compliance of dictates&quot; in the mind of senior officers of IAS, Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Services (DANICS) and Delhi Administrative Subordinate Services (DASS) cadres, Gupta alleged.&nbsp;

The delegation was led by Delhi assembly's Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta

Delhi BJP MLAs met with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal today and demanded the "dismissal" of the Arvind Kejriwal government. The delegation, led by Delhi assembly's Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, aimed at discussing the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash. During the meeting, Gupta alleged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia of "complicit connivance" in the incident. Delhi Chief Secretary, Anshu Prakash lodged an FIR with the Delhi alleging stating that he was assaulted by AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan and others during a meeting at Kejriwal's residence on Monday night. The accused have been arrested by the police. "The complaint of the chief secretary clearly states that no one tried to save him during the assault. This implies that the CM and the Deputy CM along with the MLAs were equally guilty of connivance in the offence," Gupta said in a statement. "The BJP MLAs submitted before the L-G that the Kejriwal government had no right to continue in power and demanded its early dismissal," the statement said. AAP leaders want to create an atmosphere of "fear" and "unquestioned compliance of dictates" in the mind of senior officers of IAS, Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Services (DANICS) and Delhi Administrative Subordinate Services (DASS) cadres, Gupta alleged.

Delhi Chief Secretary assault case: BJP MLAs meet Lt Governor, seek dismissal of AAP government

The media has reported that 44 homeless people have died in Delhi this winter.

On Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blamed Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal for the deaths, saying he had appointed a &quot;useless officer&quot;. &nbsp;

&quot;LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers,&quot; Kejriwal said, adding, &quot;How do we run (a) government like this?&quot;

Kejriwal compared the 44 deaths this year to the &quot;negligible deaths&quot; last year, and added that he was issuing a show-cause notice to the CEO of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).&nbsp;

&quot;Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this?&quot; Kejriwal tweeted on Monday.&nbsp;

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Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this?
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/950302512766058496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Delhi&#39;s AAP government and the LG have been in a long-running feud.&nbsp;

The AAP&#39;s main bone of contention is that they are an &quot;elected&quot;&nbsp;government but the LG, who is &quot;appointed&quot; by the Centre, gets the last word on most schemes and ideas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The LG had most recently <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-plans-home-delivery-of-40-government-services-lg-says-no-27811" target="_blank">squashed the Delhi government&#39;s proposal</a> to home-deliver over 40 government services including caste and birth certificates, pensions, and social welfare schemes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The media has reported that 44 homeless people have died so far

The media has reported that 44 homeless people have died in Delhi this winter. On Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blamed Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal for the deaths, saying he had appointed a "useless officer". "LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers," Kejriwal said, adding, "How do we run (a) government like this?" Kejriwal compared the 44 deaths this year to the "negligible deaths" last year, and added that he was issuing a show-cause notice to the CEO of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). "Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this?" Kejriwal tweeted on Monday. Media reporting 44 deaths of homeless due to cold. Am issuing show cause notice to CEO, DUSIB. Negligible deaths last year. This year, LG appointed a useless officer. LG refuses to consult us before appointing officers. How do we run govt like this? — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 8, 2018 × Delhi's AAP government and the LG have been in a long-running feud. The AAP's main bone of contention is that they are an "elected" government but the LG, who is "appointed" by the Centre, gets the last word on most schemes and ideas. The LG had most recently squashed the Delhi government's proposal to home-deliver over 40 government services including caste and birth certificates, pensions, and social welfare schemes.

Delhi: Kejriwal blames LG for deaths due to cold, says he appointed 'useless officer'

Continuing the battle for agreement on<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-plans-home-delivery-of-40-government-services-lg-says-no-27811"> government services to now be available</a> at the doorstep, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has rebutted Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal&rsquo;s decision to trun it down.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Sisodia lashed out at Baijal asking whether he is &quot;trying to protect a corrupt system,&quot; calling it a &quot;huge setback&quot; to the government&#39;s efforts to provide good and corruption-free governance.&nbsp;

Sisodia further questioned whether the &#39;selected L-G&#39; should have the powers to pass on decisions of an elected government.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is yet to announce their verdict on powers of the Delhi government and the L-G.&nbsp;

Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government&#39;s proposal to home deliver 40 government services - which was considered as a &nbsp;&ldquo;progressive step&rdquo;&nbsp;

However, Baijal clarified that he had not turned down the proposal but &quot;advised to reconsider the proposal and suggested an alternate model.&quot;

The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions.&nbsp;

Baijal clarified that he had not turned down the proposal but 'advised to reconsider the proposal and suggested an alternate model.'

Continuing the battle for agreement on government services to now be available at the doorstep, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has rebutted Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal’s decision to trun it down. On Wednesday, Sisodia lashed out at Baijal asking whether he is "trying to protect a corrupt system," calling it a "huge setback" to the government's efforts to provide good and corruption-free governance. Sisodia further questioned whether the 'selected L-G' should have the powers to pass on decisions of an elected government. The Supreme Court is yet to announce their verdict on powers of the Delhi government and the L-G. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government's proposal to home deliver 40 government services - which was considered as a “progressive step” However, Baijal clarified that he had not turned down the proposal but "advised to reconsider the proposal and suggested an alternate model." The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions.

Manish Sisodia: Are you trying to protect a corrupt system, Anil Baijal?

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said Tuesday that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government&#39;s proposal to home deliver 40 government services.&nbsp;

The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions.&nbsp;

Sisodia said the LG had thought the digitisation of the services was enough.&nbsp;

Sisodia however said on Twitter that most of the services had already been digitised, and yet there were &quot;long queues in offices... most people still have to run around government offices with docs (documents)&quot;.&nbsp;

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LG rejects proposal of doorstep delivery of 40 govt services like caste-birth-address certificates, licences, social welfare schemes, pensions, registrations..etc 
 
LG sends it back for reconsideration. LG says digitalization of services enough. No need for doorstep delivery. 1/N
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945640419903205381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Most of these services r already digital. Yet, long queues in offices. Despite digitalization, most people still hv to run around govt offices with docs etc. Under doorstep delivery scheme, a govt rep wud visit ur house on a ph call to collect, certify n upload ur docs.2/N
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945641013292318721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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LG has taken decision without knowing field reality. Announcement of doorstep delivery scheme was welcomed by all sections of society. 
 
Huge setback in Del govt&rsquo;s efforts to provide good and corruption free governance.. 3/N
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945641203931889664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Should LG have power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures? Public hugely suffering because of that... 4/4
&mdash; Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/945641381145354240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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He added that the &quot;LG has taken decision without knowing field reality.&quot;&nbsp;

And that this was a huge setback to the Delhi government&#39;s efforts to &quot;provide good and corruption free governance&quot;.&nbsp;

Sisodia also wondered whether the LG should have the &quot;power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures?&quot;

He said that the public was &quot;hugely suffering because of that&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Today I feel sad for people of Delhi,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

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LG says digitisation enough. 
 
Elected govt says digitisation needs to be coupled wid doorstep delivery 
 
LG does not agree 
 
So, the question is - in a democracy, in such a situation, who shud have final say - LG or elected govt?? <a href="https://t.co/o1iNid6sxa">https://t.co/o1iNid6sxa</a>
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/945845187061858304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said Tuesday that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had turned down the government's proposal to home deliver 40 government services. The government services included caste, birth, and address certificates, licences, and pensions. Sisodia said the LG had thought the digitisation of the services was enough. Sisodia however said on Twitter that most of the services had already been digitised, and yet there were "long queues in offices... most people still have to run around government offices with docs (documents)". LG rejects proposal of doorstep delivery of 40 govt services like caste-birth-address certificates, licences, social welfare schemes, pensions, registrations..etc LG sends it back for reconsideration. LG says digitalization of services enough. No need for doorstep delivery. 1/N — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × Most of these services r already digital. Yet, long queues in offices. Despite digitalization, most people still hv to run around govt offices with docs etc. Under doorstep delivery scheme, a govt rep wud visit ur house on a ph call to collect, certify n upload ur docs.2/N — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × LG has taken decision without knowing field reality. Announcement of doorstep delivery scheme was welcomed by all sections of society. Huge setback in Del govt’s efforts to provide good and corruption free governance.. 3/N — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × Should LG have power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures? Public hugely suffering because of that... 4/4 — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 26, 2017 × He added that the "LG has taken decision without knowing field reality." And that this was a huge setback to the Delhi government's efforts to "provide good and corruption free governance". Sisodia also wondered whether the LG should have the "power to express difference of opinion with elected govt on such critical matters of public interest n be able to scuttle such measures?" He said that the public was "hugely suffering because of that". "Today I feel sad for people of Delhi," he added. LG says digitisation enough. Elected govt says digitisation needs to be coupled wid doorstep delivery LG does not agree So, the question is - in a democracy, in such a situation, who shud have final say - LG or elected govt?? https://t.co/o1iNid6sxa — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 27, 2017 ×

Delhi plans home delivery of 40 government services, LG says no

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