<p>Shortly after Union Minister Arun Jaitley announced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/centre-has-decided-to-cut-fuel-prices-by-rs-25-with-immediate-effect-state">fuel-price cut by Rs 2.5</a>0 on Thursday, the governments of Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Tripura decided to cut fuel prices by Rs 2.50, giving a cumulative relief of Rs 5 to the consumers. While Maharashtra has offered a cut of Rs 2.50 for petrol, Jharkhand has done the same for diesel prices in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Ji has announced Rs.2.50 cuts in petrol and diesel prices, reciprocating positively to FM’s announcement, the Govt Of Gujarat has also decided to reduce Rs.2.50 on both petrol &amp; diesel. Thus petrol and diesel would be Rs. 5 cheaper in the State of Gujarat," Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Finance Minister Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arunjaitley</a> Ji has announced Rs.2.5 cuts in petrol &amp; diesel prices, reciprocating positively to FM’s announcement, the Govt Of Gujarat has also decided to reduce Rs.2.50 on both petrol &amp; diesel. Thus petrol &amp; diesel wd be Rs. 5 cheaper in the State of Gujarat</p>
— Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp/status/1047794009819602945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Maharashtra's Chief Minister also tweeted out announcing a petrol-price cut in the state by Rs 2.50. The government is contemplating a cut in state diesel price.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Govt of Chhattisgarh has also decided to reduce Rs 2.50 on both petrol &amp; diesel in the state. Thus petrol &amp; diesel will be Rs 5 cheaper in Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/7ChJfrNOwK">pic.twitter.com/7ChJfrNOwK</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047808802819592192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Maharashtra Government also decided to give additional relief of ₹2.50/litre on Petrol to give a total benefit of ₹5/litre in the State of Maharashtra," the tweet read. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Madhya Pradesh government has also decided to give an additional relief of ₹2.5/litre on petrol&amp;diesel to give total benefit of ₹5/litre in the state, tweets Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/FcENG8IbBf">pic.twitter.com/FcENG8IbBf</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047828819472736256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The government of has Jharkhand announced a Rs 2.50 cut in diesel price.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jharkhand Government has decided to give an additional relief of ₹2.5/litre on diesel in the state: Raghubar Das, Jharkhand Chief Minister. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/CZGY0clUJl">pic.twitter.com/CZGY0clUJl</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047811236031807488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday announced that the excise duty will be cut by Rs 1.5 rupee to give relief to the consumers, whereas oil companies in the country will "absorb another Rs 1" to give Rs 2.50 relief on fuel prices to consumers.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tripura Government has also decided to give additional relief of ₹2.5/litre on Petrol &amp; Diesel to give total benefit of ₹5/litre in the state of Tripura.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047809757518725120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Finance Minister urged state governments to also follow the lead and make necessary reductions in state fuel prices to give further respite to citizens.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Central Govt reduced prices of petrol &amp; diesel by Rs. 2.50 per litre today that will give a great relief to common man. UP Govt has also decided to give additional relief of Rs. 2.50 per litre on the prices of petrol &amp; diesel: CM Yogi Adityanath <a href="https://t.co/irLH9c9k63">pic.twitter.com/irLH9c9k63</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1047824280086560768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We have decided to cut the excise duty through the revenue department and the oil marketing companies. I would urge state governments to also absorb similar amount to provide relief to the consumer," Jaitley told media.</p>


Shortly after Union Minister Arun Jaitley announced fuel-price cut by Rs 2.50 on Thursday, the governments of Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Tripura decided to cut fuel prices by Rs 2.

Shortly after Union Minister Arun Jaitley announced fuel-price cut by Rs 2.50 on Thursday, the governments of Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Tripura decided to cut fuel prices by Rs 2.50, giving a cumulative relief of Rs 5 to the consumers. While Maharashtra has offered a cut of Rs 2.50 for petrol, Jharkhand has done the same for diesel prices in the state. "Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Ji has announced Rs.2.50 cuts in petrol and diesel prices, reciprocating positively to FM’s announcement, the Govt Of Gujarat has also decided to reduce Rs.2.50 on both petrol & diesel. Thus petrol and diesel would be Rs. 5 cheaper in the State of Gujarat," Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani tweeted. Finance Minister Sh @arunjaitley Ji has announced Rs.2.5 cuts in petrol & diesel prices, reciprocating positively to FM’s announcement, the Govt Of Gujarat has also decided to reduce Rs.2.50 on both petrol & diesel. Thus petrol & diesel wd be Rs. 5 cheaper in the State of Gujarat — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) October 4, 2018 × Maharashtra's Chief Minister also tweeted out announcing a petrol-price cut in the state by Rs 2.50. The government is contemplating a cut in state diesel price. Govt of Chhattisgarh has also decided to reduce Rs 2.50 on both petrol & diesel in the state. Thus petrol & diesel will be Rs 5 cheaper in Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh (file pic) pic.twitter.com/7ChJfrNOwK — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × "Maharashtra Government also decided to give additional relief of ₹2.50/litre on Petrol to give a total benefit of ₹5/litre in the State of Maharashtra," the tweet read. Madhya Pradesh government has also decided to give an additional relief of ₹2.5/litre on petrol&diesel to give total benefit of ₹5/litre in the state, tweets Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/FcENG8IbBf — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × The government of has Jharkhand announced a Rs 2.50 cut in diesel price. Jharkhand Government has decided to give an additional relief of ₹2.5/litre on diesel in the state: Raghubar Das, Jharkhand Chief Minister. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/CZGY0clUJl — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday announced that the excise duty will be cut by Rs 1.5 rupee to give relief to the consumers, whereas oil companies in the country will "absorb another Rs 1" to give Rs 2.50 relief on fuel prices to consumers. Tripura Government has also decided to give additional relief of ₹2.5/litre on Petrol & Diesel to give total benefit of ₹5/litre in the state of Tripura. — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × × The Finance Minister urged state governments to also follow the lead and make necessary reductions in state fuel prices to give further respite to citizens. Central Govt reduced prices of petrol & diesel by Rs. 2.50 per litre today that will give a great relief to common man. UP Govt has also decided to give additional relief of Rs. 2.50 per litre on the prices of petrol & diesel: CM Yogi Adityanath pic.twitter.com/irLH9c9k63 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 4, 2018 × "We have decided to cut the excise duty through the revenue department and the oil marketing companies. I would urge state governments to also absorb similar amount to provide relief to the consumer," Jaitley told media.

Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, UP follow Jaitley's lead, cut petrol, diesel prices by Rs 2.50

<p>All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Waris Pathan apologised for chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' at a pandal in Mumbai's Byculla recently.</p>

<p>The MLA tendered an apology reportedly after receiving flak from the party. Pathan released a video and sought forgiveness for using certain words.</p>

<p>'Yes, I accept my mistake. Won't do it again. I am also a human and a human being, we all commit mistakes. Even I did and I regret it. I know Allah will forgive me and so will you all,' he said.</p>

<p>While visiting a Ganesh pandal in his constituency, Pathan had chanted Ganpati Bappa Morya. As per reports, soon after the video of the MLA's visit to the pandal emerged, his party disapproved of it, forcing Pathan to tender an apology.</p>


All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Waris Pathan apologised for chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' at a pandal in Mumbai's Byculla recently. The MLA tendered an apology reportedly after receiving flak from the party.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Waris Pathan apologised for chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' at a pandal in Mumbai's Byculla recently. The MLA tendered an apology reportedly after receiving flak from the party. Pathan released a video and sought forgiveness for using certain words. 'Yes, I accept my mistake. Won't do it again. I am also a human and a human being, we all commit mistakes. Even I did and I regret it. I know Allah will forgive me and so will you all,' he said. While visiting a Ganesh pandal in his constituency, Pathan had chanted Ganpati Bappa Morya. As per reports, soon after the video of the MLA's visit to the pandal emerged, his party disapproved of it, forcing Pathan to tender an apology.

I know Allah will forgive me: AIMIM MLA Waris Pathan apologises for chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya

<p>Maharashtra Swabhimani Paksha chief Narayan Rane on Thursday targeted the Shiv Sena and dared the Uddhav Thackeray-headed party to walk out of the BJP-led NDA government in the state as it announced its decision to contest elections on its own.</p>

<p>"You talk about fighting polls without an alliance (with the BJP). Then why do you not let go of power? You criticise your ally while being part of the government. Contesting elections separately does not befit the Sena," Rane said, addressing his party workers in suburban Bandra.&nbsp</p>

<p>Rane, a Rajya Sabha member, said there were various challenges plaguing the state but no political party seemed interested in tackling them, hence, he had to form his own political party.</p>

<p>The former Chief Minister of Maharashtra further questioned if the Sena was formed for the welfare of Marathi-speaking individuals, why did the percentage of such people decrease in Mumbai.</p>

<p>"Marathi people gave everything to the Sena but what did the party give back to them?" he questioned.</p>

<p>"If the entire responsibility of governance is on the BJP, are you just there to sit and eat? he asked.&nbsp</p>

<p>Slamming the Congress, Rane said the party did not fulfil the promises it had made to the people.</p>

<p>In an apparent dig at former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, who was earlier a Union minister, Rane said the reins of the state were given to a person who knew nothing about the state.</p>

<p>"I left the Congress because they kept making promises to me. After I quit the party, I had offers from parties including the Sena. However, I realised I had to form my own party if I wanted to give justice to my (party) workers," Rane said as he exhorted his workers to start preparations for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.</p>


Maharashtra Swabhimani Paksha chief Narayan Rane on Thursday targeted the Shiv Sena and dared the Uddhav Thackeray-headed party to walk out of the BJP-led NDA government in the state as it announced its decision to contest elections on its own

Maharashtra Swabhimani Paksha chief Narayan Rane on Thursday targeted the Shiv Sena and dared the Uddhav Thackeray-headed party to walk out of the BJP-led NDA government in the state as it announced its decision to contest elections on its own. "You talk about fighting polls without an alliance (with the BJP). Then why do you not let go of power? You criticise your ally while being part of the government. Contesting elections separately does not befit the Sena," Rane said, addressing his party workers in suburban Bandra. Rane, a Rajya Sabha member, said there were various challenges plaguing the state but no political party seemed interested in tackling them, hence, he had to form his own political party. The former Chief Minister of Maharashtra further questioned if the Sena was formed for the welfare of Marathi-speaking individuals, why did the percentage of such people decrease in Mumbai. "Marathi people gave everything to the Sena but what did the party give back to them?" he questioned. "If the entire responsibility of governance is on the BJP, are you just there to sit and eat? he asked. Slamming the Congress, Rane said the party did not fulfil the promises it had made to the people. In an apparent dig at former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, who was earlier a Union minister, Rane said the reins of the state were given to a person who knew nothing about the state. "I left the Congress because they kept making promises to me. After I quit the party, I had offers from parties including the Sena. However, I realised I had to form my own party if I wanted to give justice to my (party) workers," Rane said as he exhorted his workers to start preparations for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Maharashtra Swabhimani Paksha chief Narayan Rane dares Shiv Sena to quit BJP-led govt

<p>The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast "heavy to very heavy" rains in Maharashtra, especially in the coastal Konkan region, from June 7 to 11.</p>

<p>As per the forecast, there is a possibility of "very heavy" rainfall in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts tomorrow and on June 8.</p>

<p>Also, there is a possibility of very heavy rainfall in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts on June 9, while there is a similar forecast for the six districts of Konkan region including Mumbai and surrounding areas on June 10 and 11.</p>

<p>"As per the forecast of the met department, the state calamity relief cell has sounded a high alert at almost all the places in the state especially in the Konkan region. The state calamity relief cell has instructed district administrations to remain on high alert to face any emergency conditions," a government release stated.</p>

<p>Directions have been given to the control rooms in Mantralaya, divisional commissioner's office, district collectors' offices, municipal corporations and tehsildar offices to work round-the-clock, it added.</p>

<p>People in Mumbai can dial 1916 and those outside Mumbai can dial 1077 in case of emergency.</p>


As per the forecast, there is a possibility of "very heavy" rainfall in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts tomorrow and on June 8

The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast "heavy to very heavy" rains in Maharashtra, especially in the coastal Konkan region, from June 7 to 11. As per the forecast, there is a possibility of "very heavy" rainfall in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts tomorrow and on June 8. Also, there is a possibility of very heavy rainfall in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts on June 9, while there is a similar forecast for the six districts of Konkan region including Mumbai and surrounding areas on June 10 and 11. "As per the forecast of the met department, the state calamity relief cell has sounded a high alert at almost all the places in the state especially in the Konkan region. The state calamity relief cell has instructed district administrations to remain on high alert to face any emergency conditions," a government release stated. Directions have been given to the control rooms in Mantralaya, divisional commissioner's office, district collectors' offices, municipal corporations and tehsildar offices to work round-the-clock, it added. People in Mumbai can dial 1916 and those outside Mumbai can dial 1077 in case of emergency.

IMD predicts heavy rains in Maharashtra from June 7-11

<p>A surge in the prices of vegetable was seen in several parts of Punjab and Haryana on the third day of the farmers' protest.</p>

<p>The protests also hit the supply of milk in the region.</p>

<p>The farmers in the two states continued to dump their produce on roads on Sunday.</p>

<p>The agitation was&nbsp;launched on Friday (June 1) when the farmers started a 10-day nationwide protest against the government&nbsp;demanding a waiver of loans and the right price for crops. The protest was launched by farmers from&nbsp;Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.</p>

<p>The demands also include&nbsp;the implementation of recommendations of Swaminathan Commission.</p>

<p>The agitation is conveyed by the&nbsp;Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh which is the umbrella organisation and over 100 outfits are taking part in it.</p>

<p>The protest is likely to hit the supply of essential items like milk and vegetables in the days to come.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated the reason for the protest as a `non-issue`."They don`t have any issue they are just focusing on unnecessary things through this strike. Not selling produce will bring losses to the farmers only," Khattar said.</p>

<p>As part of the protest, farmers have shut down the supply of milk, vegetables and essential farm produce due to which the vegetable prices in the market have gone up.</p>

<p>On the last day of the protest on June 10, the farmers` bodies will organise `Bharat Bandh`.&nbsp;</p>


The protest is likely to hit the supply of essential items like milk and vegetables in the days to come

A surge in the prices of vegetable was seen in several parts of Punjab and Haryana on the third day of the farmers' protest. The protests also hit the supply of milk in the region. The farmers in the two states continued to dump their produce on roads on Sunday. The agitation was launched on Friday (June 1) when the farmers started a 10-day nationwide protest against the government demanding a waiver of loans and the right price for crops. The protest was launched by farmers from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The demands also include the implementation of recommendations of Swaminathan Commission. The agitation is conveyed by the Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh which is the umbrella organisation and over 100 outfits are taking part in it. The protest is likely to hit the supply of essential items like milk and vegetables in the days to come. On Saturday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated the reason for the protest as a `non-issue`."They don`t have any issue they are just focusing on unnecessary things through this strike. Not selling produce will bring losses to the farmers only," Khattar said. As part of the protest, farmers have shut down the supply of milk, vegetables and essential farm produce due to which the vegetable prices in the market have gone up. On the last day of the protest on June 10, the farmers` bodies will organise `Bharat Bandh`.

Farmers' agitation hits milk supply, vegetable prices go up

<p>In its annual pre-monsoon survey, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) has declared seven buildings in the city as extremely dangerous.</p>

<p>These seven buildings which come under the repair board of Mhada are said to be more than 50 years old.</p>

<p>Prakash Mehta, state housing minister said that the Mhada officials have managed to vacate 286 families from these seven buildings.</p>

<p>He also said that the officials have sent notices to the remaining 117 families to vacate.</p>

<p>"Our survey has found that there are seven buildings in the most dangerous category. We are requesting the occupants to vacate the premises for their own safety," Mehta said.</p>

<p>There are 93 dilapidated buildings which fall under the jurisdiction of the BMC and the state housing minister said that these dilapidated buildings fall in C1 (dangerous) category of the municipal corporation and the BMC will be getting them vacated too.&nbsp;</p>


In its annual pre-monsoon survey, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) has declared seven buildings in the city as extremely dangerous

In its annual pre-monsoon survey, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) has declared seven buildings in the city as extremely dangerous. These seven buildings which come under the repair board of Mhada are said to be more than 50 years old. Prakash Mehta, state housing minister said that the Mhada officials have managed to vacate 286 families from these seven buildings. He also said that the officials have sent notices to the remaining 117 families to vacate. "Our survey has found that there are seven buildings in the most dangerous category. We are requesting the occupants to vacate the premises for their own safety," Mehta said. There are 93 dilapidated buildings which fall under the jurisdiction of the BMC and the state housing minister said that these dilapidated buildings fall in C1 (dangerous) category of the municipal corporation and the BMC will be getting them vacated too.

In annual pre-monsoon survey, 100 buildings declared dangerous in Mumbai

<p>Maharashtra cabinet's Agriculture Minister&nbsp;Pandurang Pundalik Fundkar&nbsp;on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest.</p>

<p>Fundkar who was admitted in KJ&nbsp;Somaiya Hospital&nbsp;Mumbai&nbsp;since 2 days suffered a heart attack in the wee hours of Thursday morning.</p>

<p>Doctors tried to revive him but to no avail.</p>

<p>Fundkar was a diabetic patient.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his condolences and said that Fundkar was at the forefront of working towards the welfare of farmers.</p>

<p>"Saddened by the demise of&nbsp;Maharashtra" Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister Shri Pandurang Fundkar. He made an invaluable contribution towards building the BJP in&nbsp;Maharashtra" Maharashtra. He was also at the forefront of serving the farmers of the state. My thoughts are with his family and supporters," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was elected in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's cabinet in July 2016.</p>


Doctors tried to revive him but to no avail

Maharashtra cabinet's Agriculture Minister Pandurang Pundalik Fundkar on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Fundkar who was admitted in KJ Somaiya Hospital Mumbai since 2 days suffered a heart attack in the wee hours of Thursday morning. Doctors tried to revive him but to no avail. Fundkar was a diabetic patient. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his condolences and said that Fundkar was at the forefront of working towards the welfare of farmers. "Saddened by the demise of Maharashtra" Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister Shri Pandurang Fundkar. He made an invaluable contribution towards building the BJP in Maharashtra" Maharashtra. He was also at the forefront of serving the farmers of the state. My thoughts are with his family and supporters," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was elected in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's cabinet in July 2016.

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister dies of cardiac arrest

<p>Counting of votes in&nbsp;4 Lok Sabha bypoll seats began on Thursday morning. The bypolls were held on Monday in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra and in a single seat in Nagaland.</p>

<p>After taking an early lead through postal ballots,&nbsp;BJP's&nbsp;Mriganka Singh is now trailing against&nbsp;RLD's&nbsp;Tabassum Hasan&nbsp;by over 8,000 votes.</p>

<p>After leading in Bhandara-Gondiya, BJP is now trailing against NCP in Maharashtra's Bhandara-Gondiya by 3,000 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Palghar, BJP's Gavit Rajendra Dhedya is leading by over 10,000 votes against&nbsp;Shiv Sena.</p>

<p>The high profile Kairana seat has all political pandits transfixed with BJP's Mriganka Singh, daughter of late BJP MP Hukum Singh pitted against Rashtriya Lok Dal's (RLD) Tabassum Hasan with the Opposition Congress, Samajwadi Party and BSP providing support on the ground.</p>

<p>A victory for RLD would be seen as strengthing of the federal front after its victory in Karnataka&nbsp;Assembly elections recently and in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats in Uttar Pradesh earlier.</p>

<p>The voter turnout in Kairana was 54 per cent amid complaints of Electronic Voting Machine(EVM) Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail(VVPAT) malfunction which led the Election Commission to order repoll in 73 booths.</p>

<p>Malfunctioning of EVMs was also reported in Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The BJP and NCP are locked in a bitter battle in the crucial Maharashtra seats.</p>

<p>The lone seat in Nagaland had reported 70 per cent polling with the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) battling the NDPP and the BJP.</p>


Malfunctioning of EVMs was also reported in Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

Counting of votes in 4 Lok Sabha bypoll seats began on Thursday morning. The bypolls were held on Monday in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra and in a single seat in Nagaland. After taking an early lead through postal ballots, BJP's Mriganka Singh is now trailing against RLD's Tabassum Hasan by over 8,000 votes. After leading in Bhandara-Gondiya, BJP is now trailing against NCP in Maharashtra's Bhandara-Gondiya by 3,000 votes. In Palghar, BJP's Gavit Rajendra Dhedya is leading by over 10,000 votes against Shiv Sena. The high profile Kairana seat has all political pandits transfixed with BJP's Mriganka Singh, daughter of late BJP MP Hukum Singh pitted against Rashtriya Lok Dal's (RLD) Tabassum Hasan with the Opposition Congress, Samajwadi Party and BSP providing support on the ground. A victory for RLD would be seen as strengthing of the federal front after its victory in Karnataka Assembly elections recently and in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats in Uttar Pradesh earlier. The voter turnout in Kairana was 54 per cent amid complaints of Electronic Voting Machine(EVM) Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail(VVPAT) malfunction which led the Election Commission to order repoll in 73 booths. Malfunctioning of EVMs was also reported in Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The BJP and NCP are locked in a bitter battle in the crucial Maharashtra seats. The lone seat in Nagaland had reported 70 per cent polling with the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) battling the NDPP and the BJP.

Live Lok Sabha bypolls: BJP's Mriganka Singh trails in Kairana; NCP leads in Bhandara-Gondiya

<p>The by-elections to Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra began this morning for which all major parties have gone all out as the outcome is likely to have a bearing on their future course.</p>

<p>There was no untoward incident at any polling booth so far, police said.</p>

<p>In Palghar, the bypoll was necessitated following the death of BJP's Chintaman Wanaga. The BJP's bickering ally Shiv Sena has fielded the late MP's son Srinivas in a bid to garner the sympathy vote.</p>

<p>The BJP has put up former Congress minister Rajendra Gavit. The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) led by Vasai-Virar strongman Hitendra Thakur is also in the fray with the nomination of its ex-MP Baliram Jadhav.</p>

<p>Kiran Raja Gahla of the CPI-M, which has a base in Talasari and Dahanu, and former MP Damu Shingada (Congress) are also contesting in a multi-cornered fight from the seat reserved for scheduled tribes (ST).</p>

<p>The Sena has accused the BJP of distributing cash to voters. During a rally, Uddhav played an audio clip wherein Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis purportedly exhorted party cadre to win the elections "by all means possible." Fadnavis said the audio recording was doctored.</p>

<p>An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana today said its nominee will win the Palghar seat, despite the BJP roping in UP CM Yogi Adityanath in the poll campaign.</p>

<p>"Lord Ram will emerge from the ballot box, wielding bow and arrow (Sena's symbol) and win this seat," it said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>: Voting underway at a polling station for Bhandara Lok Sabha by-poll seat <a href="https://t.co/mARHLU5Ypc">pic.twitter.com/mARHLU5Ypc</a></p>
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<p>The constituency includes extended suburbs of Mumbai such as Vasai, Virar, Nalasopara, and Palghar in the newly-created Palghar district.</p>

<p>As many as 18 candidates are in fray in Bhandara- Gondia and seven in Palghar. There are total 3,49,1218 voters.</p>

<p>In Palghar, out of the 2,097 polling booths, 14 are listed as critical, while in Bhandara-Gondia, out of 2,149 polling booths, 71 are situated in Naxal-hit areas and 113 are listed as critical.</p>

<p>In Bhandara-Gondia, the BJP and the NCP have locked horns in the bypoll, being held after the resignation of BJP MP Nana Patole. Patole, a leader of the powerful OBC Kunbi community, had switched side from the Congress to the BJP and was elected as an MP from the constituency in Vidarbha in 2014 by defeating former union minister and NCP heavyweight Praful Patel.</p>

<p>The NCP, which has allied with the Congress, has fielded former BJP MLA Madhukar Kukde, against BJP's Hemant Patle, who belongs to the Powar community and is also a former legislator.</p>

<p>Counting of votes will be undertaken on May 31.</p>


In Palghar, the bypoll was necessitated following the death of BJP's Chintaman Wanaga

The by-elections to Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra began this morning for which all major parties have gone all out as the outcome is likely to have a bearing on their future course. There was no untoward incident at any polling booth so far, police said. In Palghar, the bypoll was necessitated following the death of BJP's Chintaman Wanaga. The BJP's bickering ally Shiv Sena has fielded the late MP's son Srinivas in a bid to garner the sympathy vote. The BJP has put up former Congress minister Rajendra Gavit. The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) led by Vasai-Virar strongman Hitendra Thakur is also in the fray with the nomination of its ex-MP Baliram Jadhav. Kiran Raja Gahla of the CPI-M, which has a base in Talasari and Dahanu, and former MP Damu Shingada (Congress) are also contesting in a multi-cornered fight from the seat reserved for scheduled tribes (ST). The Sena has accused the BJP of distributing cash to voters. During a rally, Uddhav played an audio clip wherein Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis purportedly exhorted party cadre to win the elections "by all means possible." Fadnavis said the audio recording was doctored. An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana today said its nominee will win the Palghar seat, despite the BJP roping in UP CM Yogi Adityanath in the poll campaign. "Lord Ram will emerge from the ballot box, wielding bow and arrow (Sena's symbol) and win this seat," it said. #Maharashtra: Voting underway at a polling station for Bhandara Lok Sabha by-poll seat pic.twitter.com/mARHLU5Ypc — ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2018 × The constituency includes extended suburbs of Mumbai such as Vasai, Virar, Nalasopara, and Palghar in the newly-created Palghar district. As many as 18 candidates are in fray in Bhandara- Gondia and seven in Palghar. There are total 3,49,1218 voters. In Palghar, out of the 2,097 polling booths, 14 are listed as critical, while in Bhandara-Gondia, out of 2,149 polling booths, 71 are situated in Naxal-hit areas and 113 are listed as critical. In Bhandara-Gondia, the BJP and the NCP have locked horns in the bypoll, being held after the resignation of BJP MP Nana Patole. Patole, a leader of the powerful OBC Kunbi community, had switched side from the Congress to the BJP and was elected as an MP from the constituency in Vidarbha in 2014 by defeating former union minister and NCP heavyweight Praful Patel. The NCP, which has allied with the Congress, has fielded former BJP MLA Madhukar Kukde, against BJP's Hemant Patle, who belongs to the Powar community and is also a former legislator. Counting of votes will be undertaken on May 31.

Lok Sabha bypolls: Voting underway at Palghar, Bhandara-Gondia in Maharashtra

<p>Ahead of the Maharashtra by-polls to be held in the Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats on Monday the BJP and its alliance partner in the state and at the Centre Shiv Sena have accused each other of bribing voters.</p>

<p>The Shiv Sena has written to the Election Commission accusing the BJP of trying to influence voters of the Palghar constituency by bribing them.</p>

<p>While the BJP has also claimed that the Shiv Sena employed people to distribute money to voters in the Palghar constituency.</p>

<p>BJP leader Ravindra Chavan said, "The BJP is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission that the Sena has brought 1,000 people from (neighbouring) Thane, Mumbai and Kalyan who are staying illegally in Palghar even after the campaigning is over, and they are distributing money (to voters)".</p>

<p>He also added that the people who were found distributing money also included criminals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Election authorities have already registered cases against representatives of the two parties for alleged violation of poll code during campaign rallies of Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani and Uddhav Thackeray in Palghar district.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


The Election authorities have already registered cases against representatives of the two parties for alleged violation of poll code during campaign rallies of Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani and Uddhav Thackeray in Palghar district

Ahead of the Maharashtra by-polls to be held in the Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats on Monday the BJP and its alliance partner in the state and at the Centre Shiv Sena have accused each other of bribing voters. The Shiv Sena has written to the Election Commission accusing the BJP of trying to influence voters of the Palghar constituency by bribing them. While the BJP has also claimed that the Shiv Sena employed people to distribute money to voters in the Palghar constituency. BJP leader Ravindra Chavan said, "The BJP is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission that the Sena has brought 1,000 people from (neighbouring) Thane, Mumbai and Kalyan who are staying illegally in Palghar even after the campaigning is over, and they are distributing money (to voters)". He also added that the people who were found distributing money also included criminals. The Election authorities have already registered cases against representatives of the two parties for alleged violation of poll code during campaign rallies of Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani and Uddhav Thackeray in Palghar district. (With inputs from PTI)

Ahead of Maharashtra by-polls, Shiv Sena, BJP accuse each other of bribing voters

<p>Amid rising criticism over steep hike in fuel prices, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram today claimed it was possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre in petrol prices but the government will not do so.</p>

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<p>In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said the bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol and this money rightfully belongs to the average consumer. "Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts an additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol.</p>

<p>"It is possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre, but the government will not. They will cheat the people by cutting price by Rs 1 or 2 per litre of petrol," he said on Twitter.</p>

<p>More than a week after state-owned oil firms ended a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus on revising fuel prices, petrol and diesel rates have touched record highs.</p>

<p>Petrol costs Rs 76.87 per litre in Delhi and diesel costs Rs 68.08 a litre. In the last nine days, petrol price has risen by Rs 2.24 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.15.</p>

<p>Rates vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT.</p>

<p>The prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metros and most state capitals.</p>

<p>The central government levies Rs 19.48 a litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel.</p>

<p>State sales tax or VAT varies from state to state.</p>

<p>Unlike excise duty, VAT is ad valorem and results in higher revenues for the state when rates move up.</p>

<p>In Delhi, VAT on petrol was Rs 15.84 a litre and Rs 9.68 on diesel in April.</p>

<p>Now, it is Rs 16.34 on petrol and Rs 10.02 a litre on diesel.</p>

<p>Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में गिरावट से केंद्र सरकार को पेट्रोल पर 15 रु/लीटर की बचत होती है| इसके अलावा केंद्र सरकार पेट्रोल पर 10 रु/लीटर का अतिरिक्त कर लगाती है।</p>
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/999178344792051712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol. This money rightfully belongs to the average consumer.</p>
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/999113389388464133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol.</p>
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/999113260703145984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre.</p>

<p>Subsequent to that excise duty reduction, the Centre had asked states to also lower VAT. Just four of them -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh -- reduced rates while others including BJP-ruled ones ignored the call.</p>

<p>In all, duty on petrol rate was hiked by Rs 11.77 per litre and that on diesel by 13.47 a litre in those 15 months that helped governments excise mop up more than double to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.&nbsp;</p>


'It is possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre, but the government will not. They will cheat the people by cutting price by Rs 1 or 2 per litre of petrol,' the former finance minister said on Twitter. Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore

Amid rising criticism over steep hike in fuel prices, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram today claimed it was possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre in petrol prices but the government will not do so. × In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said the bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol and this money rightfully belongs to the average consumer. "Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts an additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol. "It is possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre, but the government will not. They will cheat the people by cutting price by Rs 1 or 2 per litre of petrol," he said on Twitter. More than a week after state-owned oil firms ended a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus on revising fuel prices, petrol and diesel rates have touched record highs. Petrol costs Rs 76.87 per litre in Delhi and diesel costs Rs 68.08 a litre. In the last nine days, petrol price has risen by Rs 2.24 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.15. Rates vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT. The prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metros and most state capitals. The central government levies Rs 19.48 a litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel. State sales tax or VAT varies from state to state. Unlike excise duty, VAT is ad valorem and results in higher revenues for the state when rates move up. In Delhi, VAT on petrol was Rs 15.84 a litre and Rs 9.68 on diesel in April. Now, it is Rs 16.34 on petrol and Rs 10.02 a litre on diesel. Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore. कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में गिरावट से केंद्र सरकार को पेट्रोल पर 15 रु/लीटर की बचत होती है| इसके अलावा केंद्र सरकार पेट्रोल पर 10 रु/लीटर का अतिरिक्त कर लगाती है। — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 23, 2018 × Bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol. This money rightfully belongs to the average consumer. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 23, 2018 × Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 23, 2018 × The government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre. Subsequent to that excise duty reduction, the Centre had asked states to also lower VAT. Just four of them -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh -- reduced rates while others including BJP-ruled ones ignored the call. In all, duty on petrol rate was hiked by Rs 11.77 per litre and that on diesel by 13.47 a litre in those 15 months that helped governments excise mop up more than double to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.

Government can reduce petrol price by Rs 25 but won't do it: Chidambaram

<p>The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 9 people to the fatal viral disease. The South Indian state of Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Goa's Health Department has asked the authorities to keep the hospitals ready and all facilities updated in the event of an outbreak. Goa's Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane has informed that the Goan authorities will be carrying out random checking on travellers from Kerala as per the medical guidelines provided by the Central government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rane added that the Goan officials are in regular touch with the Kerala authorities over the matter. He noted that the virus spreads through fruit seeds and that the disease infected people across the world in the year 2014.</p>

<p>Kerala was put on high alert on Monday after a number of people from one family <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-put-on-high-alert-after-rare-nipah-virus-kills-9-138503">died in Kozhikode</a> in over a fortnight due deadly Nipah virus. According to the National Virology Institute, Pune, the virus has spread and also killed people in Malappuram districts over the last fortnight. With six more people succumbing to symptoms suspected to be that of the Nipah virus on Sunday, the current death toll stands at nine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The kind of virus that caused the disease has not been ascertained. Blood and other samples of the deceased have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Pune. The results will be made available in a few days", PTI quoted state Health Minister KK Shylaja.</p>

<p>Union Health Minister JP Nadda has on Monday called for the constitution of a high-level team of doctors to tackle the situation in Kerala.</p>

<p>Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging disease that can transmit to humans from animals. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The symptoms can range from fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness to disorientation and mental confusion. A person can also go into a state of coma within 24-48 hours. There is no vaccine available for the infection, however, the disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in endemic areas and by not consuming raw date palm sap.</p>


Nine people have died in Kerala from confirmed or suspected cases of the virus. Goa's Health Department has asked authorities to keep hospitals ready and all facilities updated in the event of an outbreak

The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 9 people to the fatal viral disease. The South Indian state of Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted. Goa's Health Department has asked the authorities to keep the hospitals ready and all facilities updated in the event of an outbreak. Goa's Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane has informed that the Goan authorities will be carrying out random checking on travellers from Kerala as per the medical guidelines provided by the Central government. Rane added that the Goan officials are in regular touch with the Kerala authorities over the matter. He noted that the virus spreads through fruit seeds and that the disease infected people across the world in the year 2014. Kerala was put on high alert on Monday after a number of people from one family died in Kozhikode in over a fortnight due deadly Nipah virus. According to the National Virology Institute, Pune, the virus has spread and also killed people in Malappuram districts over the last fortnight. With six more people succumbing to symptoms suspected to be that of the Nipah virus on Sunday, the current death toll stands at nine. "The kind of virus that caused the disease has not been ascertained. Blood and other samples of the deceased have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Pune. The results will be made available in a few days", PTI quoted state Health Minister KK Shylaja. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has on Monday called for the constitution of a high-level team of doctors to tackle the situation in Kerala. Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging disease that can transmit to humans from animals. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats. The symptoms can range from fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness to disorientation and mental confusion. A person can also go into a state of coma within 24-48 hours. There is no vaccine available for the infection, however, the disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in endemic areas and by not consuming raw date palm sap.

After outbreak in Kerala, Nipah virus may spread to Mumbai, Goa

<p>The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 11 people to the fatal viral disease.&nbsp;Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sixteen people are under observation at the Institute of Chest Diseases, geriatric and observation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.</p>

<p>There is no vaccine for the Nipah virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. The usual treatment is to provide supportive care.<br />
The first death in the outbreak in Kerala took place on Friday, the state`s health minister, K K Shailaja, said.</p>

<p>"This is a new situation for us. We have no prior experience in dealing with the Nipah virus," she said. "We are hopeful we can put a stop to the outbreak."</p>

<p>Of 18 people screened for the virus, 12 proved positive, Shailaja told a news conference, adding that 10 of the sufferers had died and the other two were being closely monitored.</p>

<p>The Indian government dispatched a team of officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to investigate the outbreak, it said in a statement.</p>

<p>"Since all the contacts are under observation and steps to avoid exposure through animal vectors have been taken, there is no reason for people to panic," it added.</p>

<p>The WHO is in contact with government officials in the affected areas, Henk Bekedam, its India representative, said in a statement.</p>

<p>Health experts stressed the need for early detection and infection control to arrest the virus`s spread.</p>

<p>"It will not spread like wildfire because it is not airborne, but it can be risky if they don`t follow proper infection control procedures," said Dr D Himanshu, of King George`s Medical University in the northern city of Lucknow.</p>

<p>While the cause of the outbreak is still being investigated, visiting national health officials tied the initial deaths to "many bats" in a well in Kerala from which the victims drew water, the government said.</p>

<p>Samples from those bats were among the 60 sent to laboratories to be screened for the virus, it added.</p>

<p>The cases provoked concern among residents, a local government official said.</p>

<p>"A large number of people affected by fever, and even minor ailments, are swarming to hospitals, fearing they have contracted the disease," said U.V. Jose.</p>

<p>Health officials in Kerala, which attracts many tourists, aims to soon issue a travel advisory, tourism official P Bala Kiran said.</p>

<p>The Nipah virus was first detected in Malaysia in 1998, and India has suffered two outbreaks in the last decade, killing 50 people, according to the WHO.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Sixteen more are under observation at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode.

The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 11 people to the fatal viral disease. Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted. Sixteen people are under observation at the Institute of Chest Diseases, geriatric and observation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. There is no vaccine for the Nipah virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. The usual treatment is to provide supportive care. The first death in the outbreak in Kerala took place on Friday, the state`s health minister, K K Shailaja, said. "This is a new situation for us. We have no prior experience in dealing with the Nipah virus," she said. "We are hopeful we can put a stop to the outbreak." Of 18 people screened for the virus, 12 proved positive, Shailaja told a news conference, adding that 10 of the sufferers had died and the other two were being closely monitored. The Indian government dispatched a team of officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to investigate the outbreak, it said in a statement. "Since all the contacts are under observation and steps to avoid exposure through animal vectors have been taken, there is no reason for people to panic," it added. The WHO is in contact with government officials in the affected areas, Henk Bekedam, its India representative, said in a statement. Health experts stressed the need for early detection and infection control to arrest the virus`s spread. "It will not spread like wildfire because it is not airborne, but it can be risky if they don`t follow proper infection control procedures," said Dr D Himanshu, of King George`s Medical University in the northern city of Lucknow. While the cause of the outbreak is still being investigated, visiting national health officials tied the initial deaths to "many bats" in a well in Kerala from which the victims drew water, the government said. Samples from those bats were among the 60 sent to laboratories to be screened for the virus, it added. The cases provoked concern among residents, a local government official said. "A large number of people affected by fever, and even minor ailments, are swarming to hospitals, fearing they have contracted the disease," said U.V. Jose. Health officials in Kerala, which attracts many tourists, aims to soon issue a travel advisory, tourism official P Bala Kiran said. The Nipah virus was first detected in Malaysia in 1998, and India has suffered two outbreaks in the last decade, killing 50 people, according to the WHO. (With inputs from Reuters)

Nipah virus infection: Death toll in Kerala rises to 11

<p>A mob set fire to at least 40 shops and 110 vehicles over a minor argument in Maharashtrá's Aurangabad.</p>

<p>At least one person was reportedly killed from a bullet injury and 40 others were injured in the violence. Two people are said to be in a critical condition.</p>

<p>Clashes ensued between 2 groups after illegal water connection to a ‘religious place’ was reportedly disconnected. Several parts city witnessed youths from two groups taking to streets and attacking each other with some pelting stones. Several vehicles were also burnt.</p>

<p>Various footages of the clashes are being shared on social media platforms. The violence has reportedly left at least 10 policemen injured.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Police deployed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>'s Aurangabad after clash between two groups last night. Section 144 (prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed in the city. <a href="https://t.co/JPwd1evPxU">pic.twitter.com/JPwd1evPxU</a></p>
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<p>Appealing for peace, Aurangabad CP Milind Bharambe said: “I appeal to the citizens to maintain peace, do not take law into your own hands. If one group is pelting stones, the other group is requested to keep calm not respond in kind, the police are doing its duty. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed, if a group of people are found to be breaking the curfew we will take strict action against them.”</p>

<p>Scores of vehicles were damaged and torched along with at least 40 shops in Shahgunj and Chelipura area. Reports say that a 17-year old succumbed to bullet injuries at MGM hospital. He was a resident of Rengtipura. At least four policemen were also injured in the incident.&nbsp</p>

<p>The local police had to resort to tear gas shells to control the mob.&nbsp</p>


The police have imposed section 144, prohibiting the assembly of more than four people in an area, to keep the situation under control.

A mob set fire to at least 40 shops and 110 vehicles over a minor argument in Maharashtrá's Aurangabad. At least one person was reportedly killed from a bullet injury and 40 others were injured in the violence. Two people are said to be in a critical condition. Clashes ensued between 2 groups after illegal water connection to a ‘religious place’ was reportedly disconnected. Several parts city witnessed youths from two groups taking to streets and attacking each other with some pelting stones. Several vehicles were also burnt. Various footages of the clashes are being shared on social media platforms. The violence has reportedly left at least 10 policemen injured. Police deployed in #Maharashtra's Aurangabad after clash between two groups last night. Section 144 (prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed in the city. pic.twitter.com/JPwd1evPxU — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2018 × Appealing for peace, Aurangabad CP Milind Bharambe said: “I appeal to the citizens to maintain peace, do not take law into your own hands. If one group is pelting stones, the other group is requested to keep calm not respond in kind, the police are doing its duty. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed, if a group of people are found to be breaking the curfew we will take strict action against them.” Scores of vehicles were damaged and torched along with at least 40 shops in Shahgunj and Chelipura area. Reports say that a 17-year old succumbed to bullet injuries at MGM hospital. He was a resident of Rengtipura. At least four policemen were also injured in the incident. The local police had to resort to tear gas shells to control the mob.

Aurangabad violence: Section 144 imposed, hundreds of shops and vehicles gutted

<p>NCP leader Sharad Pawar found himself stuck inside a room for some 30 minutes on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Pawar had called a press conference in Maharashtra's Satara district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were some 50 to 60 journalists attending.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Pawar had finished speaking, he tried to leave and found the door would not open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For half an hour, Pawar and the journalists tried to get the door open — but to no avail.</p>

<p>Finally, when all else had failed, the door's lock had to be broken.&nbsp;</p>


Pawar had called a press conference in Maharashtra's Satara district. After he finished speaking to the reporters present, he found he couldn't get out of the room

NCP leader Sharad Pawar found himself stuck inside a room for some 30 minutes on Wednesday. Pawar had called a press conference in Maharashtra's Satara district. There were some 50 to 60 journalists attending. After Pawar had finished speaking, he tried to leave and found the door would not open. For half an hour, Pawar and the journalists tried to get the door open — but to no avail. Finally, when all else had failed, the door's lock had to be broken.

Watch: Sharad Pawar calls press conference, gets stuck in room

<p>Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, a constituent of the BJP-led Goa government, today hit out at the Congress stating that the principal opposition party was not willing to clear its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute due to the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls.</p>

<p>He added that the state government was committed to protecting the interest of Goa in the dispute.</p>

<p>Karnataka and Goa, the riparian states of the Mahadayi river (known as Mandovi in Goa), have been locked in a bitter battle on sharing the river's water.</p>

<p>The river originates in Belagavi in Karnataka.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Sardesai said, "The principal opposition party (Congress) is not willing to put out its stand (on the Mahadayi river water dispute) because it (Congress) is going to be affected in Karnataka."</p>

<p>The GFP leader was reacting to statements made on the contentious river issue by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar.</p>

<p>During a poll rally in Karnataka last week, Modi had claimed that the then Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, had said, during Goa Assembly polls in 2007, that her party was "committed" to not allowing the southern state its share of water.</p>

<p>Reacting to it, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar&nbspsaid on Sunday such statements were being made just before the Karnataka polls to "confuse the voters".</p>

<p>"I urge them (BJP leaders) to make a categorical statement within 72 hours, and not to wait till the Karnataka elections are over, if they are serious about this issue," Chodankar had told reporters here last night.&nbsp</p>


Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, a constituent of the BJP-led Goa government, today hit out at the Congress stating that the principal opposition party was not willing to clear its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute due to the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls

Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, a constituent of the BJP-led Goa government, today hit out at the Congress stating that the principal opposition party was not willing to clear its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute due to the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls. He added that the state government was committed to protecting the interest of Goa in the dispute. Karnataka and Goa, the riparian states of the Mahadayi river (known as Mandovi in Goa), have been locked in a bitter battle on sharing the river's water. The river originates in Belagavi in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters, Sardesai said, "The principal opposition party (Congress) is not willing to put out its stand (on the Mahadayi river water dispute) because it (Congress) is going to be affected in Karnataka." The GFP leader was reacting to statements made on the contentious river issue by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar. During a poll rally in Karnataka last week, Modi had claimed that the then Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, had said, during Goa Assembly polls in 2007, that her party was "committed" to not allowing the southern state its share of water. Reacting to it, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar&nbspsaid on Sunday such statements were being made just before the Karnataka polls to "confuse the voters". "I urge them (BJP leaders) to make a categorical statement within 72 hours, and not to wait till the Karnataka elections are over, if they are serious about this issue," Chodankar had told reporters here last night.

BJP-led Goa government hits out at Congress over Mahadayi water dispute

<p>The first day of May is celebrated as the foundation day of Gujarat and Maharashtra.</p>

<p>On May 1, 1960, the two states were carved out of Bombay state after a&nbsplinguistic division.</p>

<p>Prior to the bifurcation, the Bombay state largely included Marathi and Gujarati- speaking regions. The state was expanded later with the addition of Saurashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.</p>

<p>Gujarat played a major role in developing trade relations between Karachi and Mumbai during the Colonial period.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation on Monday to wish Gujarat and Maharashtra Diwas.&nbsp</p>

<p>Wishing the people for Gujarat Diwas, PM Modi tweeted "Greetings on Gujarat Diwas. The state’s people are known for their simplicity and entrepreneurial zeal. Gujarat has made a significant contribution in our nation’s history, especially during the freedom movement. May Gujarat continue to add impetus to India’s progress."</p>

<p>While greeting the country on Maharashtra Diwas he wrote "Best wishes to the people of Maharashtra on their Statehood Day. I pray for the continued progress and prosperity of Maharashtra. May the state scale new heights and keep contributing to the development journey of our nation".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="gu">ગુજરાત દિવસની સૌને શુભકામનાઓ! વેપાર અંગેની કુશળતા અને સાદગી - આ બે ગુણોને કારણે ગુજરાતીઓ પ્રખ્યાત છે. ભારતના ઇતિહાસમાં, ખાસ કરીને આઝાદીની લડાઈમાં, ગુજરાતીઓનું પ્રશંસનીય યોગદાન રહ્યું છે. ભારતના વિકાસમાં ગુજરાતનું પ્રદાન હંમેશા અગ્રેસર રહે એવી મનોકામના!</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/991142401124290561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="mr">महाराष्ट्रातील सर्व नागरिकांना महाराष्ट्र दिनाच्या शुभेच्छा ! महाराष्ट्राच्या निरंतर प्रगती आणि समृद्धीसाठी मी प्रार्थना करतो. हे राज्य प्रगतीच्या नव्या उंचीवर पोहोचावे आणि देशाच्या विकासाच्या प्रवासात त्याचे योगदान असेच वाढत जावे.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/991142897755082752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>President Ram Nath Kovind also greeted the nation on the occasion.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On Maharashtra Day, greetings and good wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May the state continue to prosper and develop in the years to come <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a></p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/991131270263422978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On the occasion of Gujarat Day, warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Gujarat. May the state scale newer heights of development in the years to come <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a></p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/991129918112182272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>


On May 1, 1960, the two states were carved out of Bombay state after a linguistic division

The first day of May is celebrated as the foundation day of Gujarat and Maharashtra. On May 1, 1960, the two states were carved out of Bombay state after a&nbsplinguistic division. Prior to the bifurcation, the Bombay state largely included Marathi and Gujarati- speaking regions. The state was expanded later with the addition of Saurashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. Gujarat played a major role in developing trade relations between Karachi and Mumbai during the Colonial period. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation on Monday to wish Gujarat and Maharashtra Diwas. Wishing the people for Gujarat Diwas, PM Modi tweeted "Greetings on Gujarat Diwas. The state’s people are known for their simplicity and entrepreneurial zeal. Gujarat has made a significant contribution in our nation’s history, especially during the freedom movement. May Gujarat continue to add impetus to India’s progress." While greeting the country on Maharashtra Diwas he wrote "Best wishes to the people of Maharashtra on their Statehood Day. I pray for the continued progress and prosperity of Maharashtra. May the state scale new heights and keep contributing to the development journey of our nation". ગુજરાત દિવસની સૌને શુભકામનાઓ! વેપાર અંગેની કુશળતા અને સાદગી - આ બે ગુણોને કારણે ગુજરાતીઓ પ્રખ્યાત છે. ભારતના ઇતિહાસમાં, ખાસ કરીને આઝાદીની લડાઈમાં, ગુજરાતીઓનું પ્રશંસનીય યોગદાન રહ્યું છે. ભારતના વિકાસમાં ગુજરાતનું પ્રદાન હંમેશા અગ્રેસર રહે એવી મનોકામના! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2018 × महाराष्ट्रातील सर्व नागरिकांना महाराष्ट्र दिनाच्या शुभेच्छा ! महाराष्ट्राच्या निरंतर प्रगती आणि समृद्धीसाठी मी प्रार्थना करतो. हे राज्य प्रगतीच्या नव्या उंचीवर पोहोचावे आणि देशाच्या विकासाच्या प्रवासात त्याचे योगदान असेच वाढत जावे. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2018 × President Ram Nath Kovind also greeted the nation on the occasion. On Maharashtra Day, greetings and good wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May the state continue to prosper and develop in the years to come #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 1, 2018 × On the occasion of Gujarat Day, warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Gujarat. May the state scale newer heights of development in the years to come #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 1, 2018 ×

PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind greet nation on Gujarat, Maharashtra Day

<p>Seven Naxals were killed in an encounter with the security forces in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Friday.</p>

<p>Earlier Maharashtra police had killed 37 Naxals in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The increasing number of encounters is the outcome of the ongoing anti-Maoists operation in the red corridor region.</p>

<p>On Thursday sixty Maoists including 13 minors and 20 females surrendered before the Chhattisgarh police at restive Narayanpur district of Bastar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Each of the Naxals surrendered will be&nbsp;entitled to an incentive amount of Rs 10,000 and rehabilitation package of the state government, the police said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chhattisgarh: 7 naxals killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district. More details awaited.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/989754604240830465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier Maharashtra police killed 37 Naxals in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra

Seven Naxals were killed in an encounter with the security forces in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Friday. Earlier Maharashtra police had killed 37 Naxals in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. The increasing number of encounters is the outcome of the ongoing anti-Maoists operation in the red corridor region. On Thursday sixty Maoists including 13 minors and 20 females surrendered before the Chhattisgarh police at restive Narayanpur district of Bastar. Each of the Naxals surrendered will be entitled to an incentive amount of Rs 10,000 and rehabilitation package of the state government, the police said. Chhattisgarh: 7 naxals killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2018 ×

Seven naxals killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh

<p>A day after eliminating 16 Naxals in Karnasur jungle, the police in Gadchiroli district of eastern Maharashtra killed at least four rebels in a fresh encounter this evening, a top official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other news reports put the number of slain Naxals at six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The gun-battle took place in Rajaram Khandla jungle in Jimalgatta area of the district, said Inspector General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sharad Shelar.</p>

<p>The elite C-60 commandos of district police were involved in the operation, said another senior police official.</p>

<p>Shelar said that the exact number of slain Naxals was being confirmed, but at least four rebels have been eliminated.</p>

<p>Shelar also said that police expected to retrieve bodies of many more Naxals from the site of Sunday's encounter, as the combing operation had been made difficult by the heavy rains in the area.</p>

<p>As of now, police have found 16 bodies, and identified 11 of them. The encounter took place between the Naxals and a team of police commandos and the CRPF in Kasansur forest in Bhamragad yesterday morning.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Director General of Police Satish Mathur, earlier on Monday, attributed the success to accurate and specific intelligence, the low morale of the Naxals and divisions in their ranks.&nbsp;</p>


Inspector General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sharad Shelar said combing operations had been made difficult by heavy rains but that police expected to retrieve the bodies of more Naxals from the site of Sunday's encounter

A day after eliminating 16 Naxals in Karnasur jungle, the police in Gadchiroli district of eastern Maharashtra killed at least four rebels in a fresh encounter this evening, a top official said. Other news reports put the number of slain Naxals at six. The gun-battle took place in Rajaram Khandla jungle in Jimalgatta area of the district, said Inspector General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sharad Shelar. The elite C-60 commandos of district police were involved in the operation, said another senior police official. Shelar said that the exact number of slain Naxals was being confirmed, but at least four rebels have been eliminated. Shelar also said that police expected to retrieve bodies of many more Naxals from the site of Sunday's encounter, as the combing operation had been made difficult by the heavy rains in the area. As of now, police have found 16 bodies, and identified 11 of them. The encounter took place between the Naxals and a team of police commandos and the CRPF in Kasansur forest in Bhamragad yesterday morning. Maharashtra Director General of Police Satish Mathur, earlier on Monday, attributed the success to accurate and specific intelligence, the low morale of the Naxals and divisions in their ranks.

Maharashtra: Day after 16 Naxals slain, police kill 6 more in Gadchiroli

<p>Fifteen more bodies of Maoists, who were killed in an encounter with C-60 squad of commandos of the Maharashtra Police, have been recovered, taking the total number of casualties of Naxals in the Gadchiroli encounter to 31.</p>

<p>"In the operation by C-60 squad in Kasanasur jungle area, 16 bodies of Naxals (9 men and 7 women) were recovered on April 22," a senior police official said Tuesday.</p>

<p>"Due to heavy rain and paucity of manpower, search was stopped. Yesterday an operation was launched to search for bodies in Indravati river&nbsp;and 15 more bodies were recovered," the official said.</p>

<p>Search for more bodies and weapons is going on, he said.</p>

<p>In another operation in Kapewancha area of Rajaram Khandla post on Tuesday, six Naxals were killed and their bodies recovered. These include two men and four women,the official said.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Director General of Police Satish Mathur said the massive operation against Naxals was a result of "accurate and specific" intelligence, low morale of Naxals and divisions in their ranks.</p>


Maharashtra Director General of Police Satish Mathur said the massive operation against Naxals was a result of 'accurate and specific' intelligence, low morale of Naxals and divisions in their ranks

Fifteen more bodies of Maoists, who were killed in an encounter with C-60 squad of commandos of the Maharashtra Police, have been recovered, taking the total number of casualties of Naxals in the Gadchiroli encounter to 31. "In the operation by C-60 squad in Kasanasur jungle area, 16 bodies of Naxals (9 men and 7 women) were recovered on April 22," a senior police official said Tuesday. "Due to heavy rain and paucity of manpower, search was stopped. Yesterday an operation was launched to search for bodies in Indravati river and 15 more bodies were recovered," the official said. Search for more bodies and weapons is going on, he said. In another operation in Kapewancha area of Rajaram Khandla post on Tuesday, six Naxals were killed and their bodies recovered. These include two men and four women,the official said. Maharashtra Director General of Police Satish Mathur said the massive operation against Naxals was a result of "accurate and specific" intelligence, low morale of Naxals and divisions in their ranks.

Maharashtra: Police say total number of Naxals killed in Gadchiroli is 37

<p>More than 24,000 government officials were among over one lakh ineligible applicants for the Maharashtra government's crop loan waiver scheme, a scrutiny has found.</p>

<p>While announcing the Rs 34,000 crore waiver scheme last year, the government had made it clear that government employees -- even if they are involved in farming -- will not get its benefit.</p>

<p>"More than one lakh applications were filed by people who do not comply with some or other criterion. Surprisingly, 24,221 of them were state government officials," a senior government official said Thursday.</p>

<p>Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil had recently stated that names of some government officials were found in the list of loan waiver applicants, and these names were removed. But this resulted in need for more scrutiny and delay in the implementation of the scheme, he had said.</p>

<p>The official said that around 1.30 lakh applications were rejected as they didn't meet some or other criterion.</p>

<p>"One of the basic criteria was that beneficiary should not have any other major source of income apart from agriculture, and most of the rejected applicants had other sources of income, such as shops, government or semi-government jobs, or some were elected representatives," the official said.</p>

<p>The scheme is being implemented by the Cooperation Department. Interestingly, 9,262 rejected applications had come from the employees of the Cooperation Department itself, he said.</p>

<p>The scrutiny committee also found 14 cases where the applicant's spouse was a member of a Zilla Parishad or was an elected representative, the official said.&nbsp</p>


While announcing the Rs 34,000 crore waiver scheme last year, the government had made it clear that government employees -- even if they are involved in farming -- will not get its benefit

More than 24,000 government officials were among over one lakh ineligible applicants for the Maharashtra government's crop loan waiver scheme, a scrutiny has found. While announcing the Rs 34,000 crore waiver scheme last year, the government had made it clear that government employees -- even if they are involved in farming -- will not get its benefit. "More than one lakh applications were filed by people who do not comply with some or other criterion. Surprisingly, 24,221 of them were state government officials," a senior government official said Thursday. Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil had recently stated that names of some government officials were found in the list of loan waiver applicants, and these names were removed. But this resulted in need for more scrutiny and delay in the implementation of the scheme, he had said. The official said that around 1.30 lakh applications were rejected as they didn't meet some or other criterion. "One of the basic criteria was that beneficiary should not have any other major source of income apart from agriculture, and most of the rejected applicants had other sources of income, such as shops, government or semi-government jobs, or some were elected representatives," the official said. The scheme is being implemented by the Cooperation Department. Interestingly, 9,262 rejected applications had come from the employees of the Cooperation Department itself, he said. The scrutiny committee also found 14 cases where the applicant's spouse was a member of a Zilla Parishad or was an elected representative, the official said.

Maharashtra: Over 24,000 govt officials applied for crop loan waiver

<p>Supreme Court on Thursday said that the sale of Sahara property has to be completed on or before May 15 and proceeds deposited in SEBI-Sahara refund account. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;The court also allowed Sahara Group to sell properties in any parcel of its choice at the Aamby Valley City Project in Maharashtra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court further added that if Sahara Group fails to sell the Aamby Valley property, then Bombay HC official liquidator will proceed with the proposed auction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier the SC allowed the Official Liquidator of the Bombay High Court permission to split the Sahara group's prized Aamby Valley property into “saleable parcels” and put it up for sale.</p>

<p>SC&nbsp; also took strong objection to Sahara Group allegedly obstructing the auction of Aamby Valley and warned that anybody trying to impede it in future would be held guilty of contempt and sent to jail.</p>

<p>Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had moved a contempt plea against Sahara, claiming that the group obstructed the auction by writing a letter to Pune’s SP (Rural) raising the issue of law and order at the prime property.</p>

<p>On August 10, 2017, the apex court had rejected Sahara chief Subrata Roy’s plea to put on hold the auction process.</p>


The court also allowed Sahara Group to sell properties in any parcel of its choice at the Aamby Valley City Project in Maharashtra.

Supreme Court on Thursday said that the sale of Sahara property has to be completed on or before May 15 and proceeds deposited in SEBI-Sahara refund account. The court also allowed Sahara Group to sell properties in any parcel of its choice at the Aamby Valley City Project in Maharashtra. The court further added that if Sahara Group fails to sell the Aamby Valley property, then Bombay HC official liquidator will proceed with the proposed auction. Earlier the SC allowed the Official Liquidator of the Bombay High Court permission to split the Sahara group's prized Aamby Valley property into “saleable parcels” and put it up for sale. SC also took strong objection to Sahara Group allegedly obstructing the auction of Aamby Valley and warned that anybody trying to impede it in future would be held guilty of contempt and sent to jail. Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had moved a contempt plea against Sahara, claiming that the group obstructed the auction by writing a letter to Pune’s SP (Rural) raising the issue of law and order at the prime property. On August 10, 2017, the apex court had rejected Sahara chief Subrata Roy’s plea to put on hold the auction process.

Sale of Sahara property has to be completed on or before May 15: Supreme Court

<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sounded a conciliatory note for its ally Shiv Sena when he hinted that BJP will jointly contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections with Uddhav Thackeray's party.</p>

<p>Fadnavis was speaking at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday where Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut interviewed him.</p>

<p>"The Shiv Sena may be a party led by Uddhav Thackeray, but it is run on the ethos of late Balasaheb Thackeray. Looking at the current situation, I can say that all secular, but Hindutva parties will come together to counter the pseudo-secular opposition parties," Fadnavis said. "This was Balasaheb's thinking as well," he added.</p>

<p>When Raut asked him why Bal Thackeray's ideology was forgotten by the BJP in 2014 when it snapped ties with the Sena, Fadnavis blamed the estranged ally for being adamant for just four more seats.</p>

<p>"We had offered you 147 seats, but you were adamant on 151. Had you accepted our offer, the Sena would have got more seats than the BJP (in the ensuing Assembly polls), and either Uddhavji or you would have become the CM," Fadnavis retorted.</p>

<p>Raut also asked Fadnavis how he knew the Sena's future plans when he could not even predict the next move of the RSS.</p>

<p>"The Shiv Sena is a political party and hence it is easy to predict what it will do in future. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) does not have any political compulsions. Its programmes are fixed at times a year in advance and it executes them as per their schedule," Fadnavis said.</p>

<p>He denied that Prime Minister Narendra Modi or BJP chief Amit Shah hold the "remote control" of the Maharashtra government.</p>

<p>Fadnavis also refuted allegations that he has failed as the state's home minister, saying the conviction rate is important and not the crime rate.</p>

<p>"In the last three years, we have taken the rate of conviction to 32 per cent from 8 per cent. That is my achievement.... (late NCP leader and former home minister) R R Patil had once told me that the CM must keep the Home portfolio with himself, because most of the decisions of the department are given a final nod by the CM," the Maharashtra Chief Minister said.</p>

<p>Fadnavis also appealed to all political parties to introspect whether they were glorifying criminals by inducting them. People too should decide if such criminals should be elected, he said.</p>


When Raut asked him why Bal Thackeray's ideology was forgotten by the BJP in 2014 when it snapped ties with the Sena, Fadnavis blamed the estranged ally for being adamant for just four seats.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sounded a conciliatory note for its ally Shiv Sena when he hinted that BJP will jointly contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections with Uddhav Thackeray's party. Fadnavis was speaking at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday where Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut interviewed him. "The Shiv Sena may be a party led by Uddhav Thackeray, but it is run on the ethos of late Balasaheb Thackeray. Looking at the current situation, I can say that all secular, but Hindutva parties will come together to counter the pseudo-secular opposition parties," Fadnavis said. "This was Balasaheb's thinking as well," he added. When Raut asked him why Bal Thackeray's ideology was forgotten by the BJP in 2014 when it snapped ties with the Sena, Fadnavis blamed the estranged ally for being adamant for just four more seats. "We had offered you 147 seats, but you were adamant on 151. Had you accepted our offer, the Sena would have got more seats than the BJP (in the ensuing Assembly polls), and either Uddhavji or you would have become the CM," Fadnavis retorted. Raut also asked Fadnavis how he knew the Sena's future plans when he could not even predict the next move of the RSS. "The Shiv Sena is a political party and hence it is easy to predict what it will do in future. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) does not have any political compulsions. Its programmes are fixed at times a year in advance and it executes them as per their schedule," Fadnavis said. He denied that Prime Minister Narendra Modi or BJP chief Amit Shah hold the "remote control" of the Maharashtra government. Fadnavis also refuted allegations that he has failed as the state's home minister, saying the conviction rate is important and not the crime rate. "In the last three years, we have taken the rate of conviction to 32 per cent from 8 per cent. That is my achievement.... (late NCP leader and former home minister) R R Patil had once told me that the CM must keep the Home portfolio with himself, because most of the decisions of the department are given a final nod by the CM," the Maharashtra Chief Minister said. Fadnavis also appealed to all political parties to introspect whether they were glorifying criminals by inducting them. People too should decide if such criminals should be elected, he said.

Devendra Fadnavis subtly hints at BJP-Shiv Sena tie-up for 2019 polls

<p>Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil company, on Wednesday announced a $44-billion deal to build a giant refinery complex in India with three Indian oil majors.</p>

<p>The refinery at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra will be handle up to 1.2 million barrels of oil a day, the Saudi company said in a statement after signing a memorandum of understanding with Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation.</p>

<p>The Ratnagiri complex "will rank among the largest world refining and petrochemicals projects and will be designed to meet India's fast-growing fuels and petrochemicals demand. The project cost is estimated at around $44 billion."</p>

<p>The Indian accord is just the latest in a string of deals — with French, US and Malaysia companies — announced by Aramco as it seeks to secure buyers for its oil.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia is the world's second-biggest oil producer behind Russia, according to the International Energy Agency, while Aramco is the biggest company putting oil on the world market currently awash with the product.</p>

<p>"Investing in India is a key part of our company's global downstream strategy and another milestone in our growing relationship with India," said Saudi Aramco president Amin Nasser.</p>

<p>"The signing marks a significant development in India's oil and gas sector, enabling a strategic joint venture and investment partnership that will serve India's fast-growing demand for transportation fuels and chemical products.</p>

<p>"Participating in this mega project will allow Saudi Aramco to go beyond our crude oil supplier role to a fully integrated position that may help usher in other areas of collaboration, such as refining, marketing, and petrochemicals for India's future energy demands," said Nasser.</p>

<p>Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum have set up a joint venture for the deal with Aramco, Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd.</p>

<p>Aramco said it may "seek to include a strategic partner to co-invest in the mega refinery".</p>

<p>Aramco and French firm Total this week announced a $5 billion deal to build a refinery at Jubail in Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>Last month the Saudi firm awarded more than $8 billion worth of contracts to US firms to boost its US refinery operations.</p>

<p>Aramco has also pledged billions of dollars for deals in Malaysia and Indonesia in the past year.</p>

<p>The hotly-awaited stock market debut of the Saudi energy giant will be launched in 2018 or 2019, depending on the market, the kingdom's finance minister told AFP on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"If the market is ready in 2018, we will go in 2018. If not, we will wait until 2019," Mohammed al-Jadaan said of the giant initial public offering.</p>

<p>"We are not desperate for listing. We will only list when the market is right," he said.</p>

<p>The Aramco chief said last month that the company was on track for a 2018 listing, but that the date and venue would be decided by the company's state owner.</p>

<p>Jadaan said the government had not yet decided whether to list Aramco on the Saudi exchange alone, on a stock market abroad or seek a dual listing.</p>

<p>Saudi authorities plan to list five per cent of Aramco but the company has struggled to arrive at the $2 trillion valuation sought by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.</p>


The Indian accord is just the latest in a string of deals — with French, US and Malaysia companies — announced by Aramco as it seeks to secure buyers for its oil.

Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil company, on Wednesday announced a $44-billion deal to build a giant refinery complex in India with three Indian oil majors. The refinery at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra will be handle up to 1.2 million barrels of oil a day, the Saudi company said in a statement after signing a memorandum of understanding with Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation. The Ratnagiri complex "will rank among the largest world refining and petrochemicals projects and will be designed to meet India's fast-growing fuels and petrochemicals demand. The project cost is estimated at around $44 billion." The Indian accord is just the latest in a string of deals — with French, US and Malaysia companies — announced by Aramco as it seeks to secure buyers for its oil. Saudi Arabia is the world's second-biggest oil producer behind Russia, according to the International Energy Agency, while Aramco is the biggest company putting oil on the world market currently awash with the product. "Investing in India is a key part of our company's global downstream strategy and another milestone in our growing relationship with India," said Saudi Aramco president Amin Nasser. "The signing marks a significant development in India's oil and gas sector, enabling a strategic joint venture and investment partnership that will serve India's fast-growing demand for transportation fuels and chemical products. "Participating in this mega project will allow Saudi Aramco to go beyond our crude oil supplier role to a fully integrated position that may help usher in other areas of collaboration, such as refining, marketing, and petrochemicals for India's future energy demands," said Nasser. Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum have set up a joint venture for the deal with Aramco, Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. Aramco said it may "seek to include a strategic partner to co-invest in the mega refinery". Aramco and French firm Total this week announced a $5 billion deal to build a refinery at Jubail in Saudi Arabia. Last month the Saudi firm awarded more than $8 billion worth of contracts to US firms to boost its US refinery operations. Aramco has also pledged billions of dollars for deals in Malaysia and Indonesia in the past year. The hotly-awaited stock market debut of the Saudi energy giant will be launched in 2018 or 2019, depending on the market, the kingdom's finance minister told AFP on Tuesday. "If the market is ready in 2018, we will go in 2018. If not, we will wait until 2019," Mohammed al-Jadaan said of the giant initial public offering. "We are not desperate for listing. We will only list when the market is right," he said. The Aramco chief said last month that the company was on track for a 2018 listing, but that the date and venue would be decided by the company's state owner. Jadaan said the government had not yet decided whether to list Aramco on the Saudi exchange alone, on a stock market abroad or seek a dual listing. Saudi authorities plan to list five per cent of Aramco but the company has struggled to arrive at the $2 trillion valuation sought by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Aramco's $44-billion deal may change the entire oil game for India

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