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Hitting out at the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-scrap-article-370-introduce-nrc-across-country-amit-shah-209607">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah</a> said Friday the state is rich in natural resources, but its people continue to remain poor under the Naveen Patnaik-led dispensation.

Addressing a rally here, Shah said the BJD rule in the state was marked by misrule and corruption.

Taking a jibe at the chief minister, Shah said, "Even after 19 years of rule in Odisha, Naveen (Patnaik) babu cannot talk to his people in Odia."

He asserted that people across the country are raising slogans in favour of the BJP.

"From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Odisha to Gujarat, people are raising slogans in favour of Narendra Modi. We can hear Modi... Modi... Chants everywhere," Shah said.

Slamming the opposition Congress, Shah said: "Rahul Baba's party ruled the country for 70 years, but could not eradicate poverty."

"The BJP-led government, on the other hand, launched an era of development in the country, marked by speedy and concrete steps to eradicate poverty," he insisted.

Sharing his plans for the tribal-dominated district, the BJP chief said a steel plant will be set up here if the saffron party is re-elected to power at the Centre.

"Under District Mineral Fund, Rs 1600 crore has been allocated to this district. If the BJP is voted to power again, all forest produces will be procured from the tribals at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and no GST will be levied on tendu leaves," Shah added.

Hitting out at the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said Friday the state is rich in natural resources, but its people continue to remain poor under the Naveen Patnaik-led dispensation.

Hitting out at the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said Friday the state is rich in natural resources, but its people continue to remain poor under the Naveen Patnaik-led dispensation. Addressing a rally here, Shah said the BJD rule in the state was marked by misrule and corruption. Taking a jibe at the chief minister, Shah said, "Even after 19 years of rule in Odisha, Naveen (Patnaik) babu cannot talk to his people in Odia." He asserted that people across the country are raising slogans in favour of the BJP. "From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Odisha to Gujarat, people are raising slogans in favour of Narendra Modi. We can hear Modi... Modi... Chants everywhere," Shah said. Slamming the opposition Congress, Shah said: "Rahul Baba's party ruled the country for 70 years, but could not eradicate poverty." "The BJP-led government, on the other hand, launched an era of development in the country, marked by speedy and concrete steps to eradicate poverty," he insisted. Sharing his plans for the tribal-dominated district, the BJP chief said a steel plant will be set up here if the saffron party is re-elected to power at the Centre. "Under District Mineral Fund, Rs 1600 crore has been allocated to this district. If the BJP is voted to power again, all forest produces will be procured from the tribals at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and no GST will be levied on tendu leaves," Shah added.

Even after 19 years of rule in Odisha, Naveen Patnaik can't talk in Odia: Amit Shah

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-time-lotus-will-bloom-in-odisha-modi-at-a-rally-in-sundargarh-208307">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will arrive here on April 13 to campaign for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, party sources said.

He will address an election rally at Nehru Maidan in the city at 3.30 pm in which more than a lakh people will take part, the sources said.

Meanwhile, election officer and Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil held a meeting here to finalise the security arrangements to be made for the visit.

District superintendent of police B M Laxmi Prasad, city police commissioner Sandeep Patil and zilla panchayat chief executive officer R Selvamani attended the meeting.

The Lok Sabha elections will be held in two phases in Karnataka on April 18 and 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here on April 13 to campaign for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, party sources said. He will address an election rally at Nehru Maidan in the city at 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here on April 13 to campaign for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, party sources said. He will address an election rally at Nehru Maidan in the city at 3.30 pm in which more than a lakh people will take part, the sources said. Meanwhile, election officer and Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil held a meeting here to finalise the security arrangements to be made for the visit. District superintendent of police B M Laxmi Prasad, city police commissioner Sandeep Patil and zilla panchayat chief executive officer R Selvamani attended the meeting. The Lok Sabha elections will be held in two phases in Karnataka on April 18 and 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi to campaign in Mangaluru on April 13

India Election Watch: Rally roster for top leaders for April 4, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Congress's manifesto is full of lies and termed it as a ''hypocrisy document''. He was addressing his second rally this week at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.

Modi also talked about Congress' 2014 manifesto&nbsp;and said it had promised that every house would have electricity by 2009.

"However, till 2014 around 18,000 houses were unelectrified... Just like them (the Congress), their manifesto is corrupt and full of lies. Therefore, it should be called hypocrisy document, not a manifesto," Modi said.

Citing Congress' manifesto for farmers, Modi said, ''Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) govt has never asked for votes by fooling farmers.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-unveils-manifesto-titled-congress-will-deliver-207408">Congress released party's manifesto</a> for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Modi also talked about the developments of roads, national highways and railways.

''It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improves air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us,'' Modi said.

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PM Modi in Pasighat: It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improve air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArunachalPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArunachalPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/cV7h5pfMR7">pic.twitter.com/cV7h5pfMR7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113309653402673154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">BJP on Tuesday said</a> that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Congress's manifesto is full of lies and termed it as a ''hypocrisy document''. He was addressing his second rally this week at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Congress's manifesto is full of lies and termed it as a ''hypocrisy document''. He was addressing his second rally this week at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. Modi also talked about Congress' 2014 manifesto and said it had promised that every house would have electricity by 2009. "However, till 2014 around 18,000 houses were unelectrified... Just like them (the Congress), their manifesto is corrupt and full of lies. Therefore, it should be called hypocrisy document, not a manifesto," Modi said. Citing Congress' manifesto for farmers, Modi said, ''Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) govt has never asked for votes by fooling farmers.'' Congress released party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Modi also talked about the developments of roads, national highways and railways. ''It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improves air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us,'' Modi said. PM Modi in Pasighat: It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improve air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us. #ArunachalPradesh pic.twitter.com/cV7h5pfMR7 — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2019 × BJP on Tuesday said that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous". (With inputs from PTI)

Congress manifesto corrupt, full of lies: PM Modi in Arunachal Pradesh

''Congress' expiry date is May 23rd'', says PM Modi from Kolkata rally

PM Modi addresses rally in Maharashtra's Wardha region

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/shah-heaps-praises-on-pm-modi-says-he-makes-india-proud-by-speaking-in-hindi-at-un-193699">BJP president Amit Shah</a>.

The saffron party's state leadership has decided to inform the Election Commission (EC) about the clashes.

The full bench of the EC led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata in the night on a three-day visit to review the preparedness for the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal.&nbsp;

They will also hold a series of meetings with officials of the state's chief electoral office and political parties on Thursday.

Following the clashes in Kanthi on Tuesday Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressed serious concern.

The Trinamool Congress took out a protest march in Kanthi during the day against the clashes.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Senior BJP leaders Mukul Roy and Sayantan Basu took out a protest march from the party's state headquaters to Esplande in the city.

Shouting slogans against the state government, BJP workers carried placards and posters against the TMC government.

Incidently, senior TMC minister and party leader Partha Chatterjee, who was passing through Central Avenue also faced protests and was shown black flags by the BJP workers.

"We have called for the protest against yesterday's violence. The way our party workers were attacked was undemocratic," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.

The saffron party organised agitations in various parts of the state in protest against Tuesday's violence in which several persons were injured.

Later on the BJP activists staged a sit in at Esplanade in Kolkata following which the police removed them and detained some of them, party sources said. 
The Bengal unit of the BJP has decided to inform the EC about the Tuesday violence.

"We will inform the Election Commission about the clashes that took place yesterday at Kanthi. We will portray the real picture of the ground situation that prevails in Bengal," Ghosh said here.

TMC leader and senior minister Suvendu Adhikari said "We have taken out a protest march in Kanthi town against the violence that BJP had let loose on us yesterday. The people have also come out in our support and joined the march."

As the general election is approaching, the hostility between the BJP and the ruling TMC has heightened in Bengal.

Saffron party is making concerted efforts to gain politically in Bengal, the stronghold of the TMC.

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by BJP president Amit Shah.

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by BJP president Amit Shah. The saffron party's state leadership has decided to inform the Election Commission (EC) about the clashes. The full bench of the EC led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata in the night on a three-day visit to review the preparedness for the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal. They will also hold a series of meetings with officials of the state's chief electoral office and political parties on Thursday. Following the clashes in Kanthi on Tuesday Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressed serious concern. The Trinamool Congress took out a protest march in Kanthi during the day against the clashes. Senior BJP leaders Mukul Roy and Sayantan Basu took out a protest march from the party's state headquaters to Esplande in the city. Shouting slogans against the state government, BJP workers carried placards and posters against the TMC government. Incidently, senior TMC minister and party leader Partha Chatterjee, who was passing through Central Avenue also faced protests and was shown black flags by the BJP workers. "We have called for the protest against yesterday's violence. The way our party workers were attacked was undemocratic," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. The saffron party organised agitations in various parts of the state in protest against Tuesday's violence in which several persons were injured. Later on the BJP activists staged a sit in at Esplanade in Kolkata following which the police removed them and detained some of them, party sources said. The Bengal unit of the BJP has decided to inform the EC about the Tuesday violence. "We will inform the Election Commission about the clashes that took place yesterday at Kanthi. We will portray the real picture of the ground situation that prevails in Bengal," Ghosh said here. TMC leader and senior minister Suvendu Adhikari said "We have taken out a protest march in Kanthi town against the violence that BJP had let loose on us yesterday. The people have also come out in our support and joined the march." As the general election is approaching, the hostility between the BJP and the ruling TMC has heightened in Bengal. Saffron party is making concerted efforts to gain politically in Bengal, the stronghold of the TMC.

BJP, TMC hold protest against violence after Amit Shah's rally

A rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was proposed to be held on January 28 in North 24 Parganas district's Thakurnagar area is likely to be rescheduled to February 2, a senior party leader said Wednesday.

"As of now, Prime Minister Narendra Modiji's January 28 rally at Bongoan' Thakurnagar area has been rescheduled to February 2. On February 2 he will address another rally at Durgapur and on February 8 he will address a rally at Siliguri. However, nothing is final as of now," BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said.

This is the second time in one month that the West Bengal BJP has rescheduled Modi's rallies.

Earlier it was decided that the prime minister will address a rally at Brigade Parade Ground on February 8. It was recently cancelled and the party said he would attend three rallies in the state starting next week.

It was then decided that Modi would address a rally at Thakurnagar on January 28, another at Siliguri in north Bengal on February 2 and the third one at Asansol -- represented by Union Minister Babul Supriyo -- on February 8.

However, on Wednesday evening the state BJP announced that the dates are likely to be altered.

The BJP kick-started its Lok Sabha poll campaign in the state from Tuesday, with party president Amit Shah addressing a rally in Malda district.

Shah has set a target to win more than 23 out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state.&nbsp;

A rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was proposed to be held on January 28 in North 24 Parganas district's Thakurnagar area is likely to be rescheduled to February 2, a senior party leader said Wednesday.

A rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was proposed to be held on January 28 in North 24 Parganas district's Thakurnagar area is likely to be rescheduled to February 2, a senior party leader said Wednesday. "As of now, Prime Minister Narendra Modiji's January 28 rally at Bongoan' Thakurnagar area has been rescheduled to February 2. On February 2 he will address another rally at Durgapur and on February 8 he will address a rally at Siliguri. However, nothing is final as of now," BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said. This is the second time in one month that the West Bengal BJP has rescheduled Modi's rallies. Earlier it was decided that the prime minister will address a rally at Brigade Parade Ground on February 8. It was recently cancelled and the party said he would attend three rallies in the state starting next week. It was then decided that Modi would address a rally at Thakurnagar on January 28, another at Siliguri in north Bengal on February 2 and the third one at Asansol -- represented by Union Minister Babul Supriyo -- on February 8. However, on Wednesday evening the state BJP announced that the dates are likely to be altered. The BJP kick-started its Lok Sabha poll campaign in the state from Tuesday, with party president Amit Shah addressing a rally in Malda district. Shah has set a target to win more than 23 out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

PM Modi's Bengal rally likely to be rescheduled: BJP leader

The scheduled rallies of BJP in West Bengal has been deferred by two days to January 22 owing to its national president Amit Shah's ill health, party officials said Friday.

"As he (Shah) is not well, we have decided to change dates (of the rallies) so that he can attend them. There has been change in dates. Amit Shah will address the first rally on January 22 in Malda," Dilip Ghosh, president of the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party said.

Shah, who has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, with swine flu, is doing well and will be discharged in a day or two, the party had said Thursday.

On January 23, Shah will address two rallies at Suri in Birbhum district and Jhargram district. On January 24, he will address rallies at Krishnanagar in Nadia district and Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district, Ghosh said.

The BJP has identified West Bengal as a priority state for the upcoming general elections and Shah has set a target of winning 22 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats.

The party is also looking to host a few rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi although the dates have not been confirmed yet, Ghosh said.

In the last few years, the BJP has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a commendable show in rural polls and by-elections.

Shah's rally will come just days after TMC's mega opposition rally.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday had asked the West Bengal government to allow proposed public meetings and rallies of the BJP under its "Ganatantra Bachao Yatra".

In a show of strength ahead of the national polls, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has organised a massive rally in Kolkata on January 19, which is likely to see participation of lakhs. Leaders of all major opposition parties have been invited to the rally to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of the city.&nbsp;

The scheduled rallies of BJP in West Bengal has been deferred by two days to January 22 owing to its national president Amit Shah's ill health, party officials said Friday.

The scheduled rallies of BJP in West Bengal has been deferred by two days to January 22 owing to its national president Amit Shah's ill health, party officials said Friday. "As he (Shah) is not well, we have decided to change dates (of the rallies) so that he can attend them. There has been change in dates. Amit Shah will address the first rally on January 22 in Malda," Dilip Ghosh, president of the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party said. Shah, who has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, with swine flu, is doing well and will be discharged in a day or two, the party had said Thursday. On January 23, Shah will address two rallies at Suri in Birbhum district and Jhargram district. On January 24, he will address rallies at Krishnanagar in Nadia district and Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district, Ghosh said. The BJP has identified West Bengal as a priority state for the upcoming general elections and Shah has set a target of winning 22 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats. The party is also looking to host a few rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi although the dates have not been confirmed yet, Ghosh said. In the last few years, the BJP has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a commendable show in rural polls and by-elections. Shah's rally will come just days after TMC's mega opposition rally. The Supreme Court on Tuesday had asked the West Bengal government to allow proposed public meetings and rallies of the BJP under its "Ganatantra Bachao Yatra". In a show of strength ahead of the national polls, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has organised a massive rally in Kolkata on January 19, which is likely to see participation of lakhs. Leaders of all major opposition parties have been invited to the rally to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of the city.

BJP defers West Bengal campaign, Amit Shah to address rally on January 22

Sharing the stage with opposition leaders in Kolkata, disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha Saturday called for changing the government in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-will-be-second-fight-for-independence-stalin-at-tmcs-opposition-rally-191385">2019 Lok Sabha election</a> and said he was not afraid of being removed from the ruling party.

He insisted he would continue to "show mirror" to the party and call "a spade a spade".

Sinha has been at odds with his party over several issues and has criticised the demonetisation exercise and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. He has said he was attending the rally hosted by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata as a representative of the Rashtra Manch, a political action group launched by former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha.

"My elder brother Yashwant Sinha was saying that after this I will be definitely removed from the party, I told him 'koi baat nahi hai' (no problem)," he said at the rally attended by several opposition leaders, including from the AAP and the RJD.

Known for his powerful dialogues in Hindi movies, Sinha said, "He is in Bharatiya Janata Party but before that he is with Bharat ki janata."

Two days ago, Sinha had said he did not receive "respect" in the BJP and will attend the Kolkata rally, which was being projected as a show of strength by anti-BJP political parties.

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Shatrughan Sinha, BJP at Opposition rally in Kolkata: Agar sach kehna baghawat hai toh samjho hum bhi baghi hain. Main sach ke saath, sidhanton se samjhouta nahi kar sakta. <a href="https://t.co/hJE1Z2Mv4P">pic.twitter.com/hJE1Z2Mv4P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086558467392000001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sinha was called to make his speech after several senior leaders such as former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and chief ministers H D Kumaraswamy, N Chandrababu Naidu and Arvind Kejriwal had made their speech.

He spoke at length and attacked the Modi government on the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal, demonetisation and implementation of GST.

"If you keep suppressing facts, people will continue to say 'chaukidar chor hain'," he said, using the word Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been employing to criticise the prime minister on the Rafale jet deal issue.

Sinha praised Banerjee, Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

Sinha, who served as a Union minister in the NDA cabinet of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said there was "lokshahi" during Vajpayee's tenure and now it's "tanashahi" (dictatorship).

He urged all leaders present at the dais to walk together to usher a change in the country and facilitate a new leadership to take over.&nbsp;

Sinha has been at odds with his party over several issues and has criticised the demonetisation exercise and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax.

Sharing the stage with opposition leaders in Kolkata, disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha Saturday called for changing the government in the 2019 Lok Sabha election and said he was not afraid of being removed from the ruling party. He insisted he would continue to "show mirror" to the party and call "a spade a spade". Sinha has been at odds with his party over several issues and has criticised the demonetisation exercise and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. He has said he was attending the rally hosted by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata as a representative of the Rashtra Manch, a political action group launched by former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha. "My elder brother Yashwant Sinha was saying that after this I will be definitely removed from the party, I told him 'koi baat nahi hai' (no problem)," he said at the rally attended by several opposition leaders, including from the AAP and the RJD. Known for his powerful dialogues in Hindi movies, Sinha said, "He is in Bharatiya Janata Party but before that he is with Bharat ki janata." Two days ago, Sinha had said he did not receive "respect" in the BJP and will attend the Kolkata rally, which was being projected as a show of strength by anti-BJP political parties. Shatrughan Sinha, BJP at Opposition rally in Kolkata: Agar sach kehna baghawat hai toh samjho hum bhi baghi hain. Main sach ke saath, sidhanton se samjhouta nahi kar sakta. pic.twitter.com/hJE1Z2Mv4P — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × Sinha was called to make his speech after several senior leaders such as former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and chief ministers H D Kumaraswamy, N Chandrababu Naidu and Arvind Kejriwal had made their speech. He spoke at length and attacked the Modi government on the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal, demonetisation and implementation of GST. "If you keep suppressing facts, people will continue to say 'chaukidar chor hain'," he said, using the word Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been employing to criticise the prime minister on the Rafale jet deal issue. Sinha praised Banerjee, Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. Sinha, who served as a Union minister in the NDA cabinet of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said there was "lokshahi" during Vajpayee's tenure and now it's "tanashahi" (dictatorship). He urged all leaders present at the dais to walk together to usher a change in the country and facilitate a new leadership to take over.

Shatrughan Sinha joins opposition leaders at Kolkata rally, says not afraid if BJP removes him

Thousands of <a href="http://13.232.42.114/world/protesters-police-clash-in-hungary-for-third-straight-night-184166">Hungarians marched</a> to the presidential palace late on Friday to protest against reforms to the labour code as a rally led by spoof political party MKKP merged with a subsequent demonstration staged by opposition groups.

Passage of two laws last week backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party angered a variety of groups.

One, dubbed by critics the "slave law", allows employers to ask staff to work up to 400 hours per year of overtime. Another would set up new courts which critics say could be politically manipulated.

MKKP's gathering started outside Parliament, where one protester brandished a placard saying "Happy boss, gloomy Sunday".

The Two-Tailed Dog Party (MKKP), launched over a decade ago as a joke, has become a semi-serious force, using ironic humour to tackle practical issues.

"I wanted to come because I consider the Dog Party to be the most serious of all in the current lineup, which is rather sad," said student Almos Edes, 26, a university student holding a sign saying 'We promise everything' beneath a logo of Fidesz.

Edes was sceptical of any change being triggered by the rallies but said he had joined to make his voice heard.

Friday's rally also took aim at grievances including regulations that have led to the departure of the Central European University, founded by Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros, from Budapest.

"We can finally work eight days a week. We no longer need to hassle with independent courts. Homelessness has been eliminated. Irritating foreign schools will vanish. And Soros, Soros, Soros, Soros, Soros," said an invitation to the rally posted on Facebook.

Orban has said the protests have been partly stoked by activists paid by Soros, an accusation Soros' Open Society Foundation has denied.

Demonstrators, subsequently joined by another rally called by opposition groups, then marched up to the presidential palace in Buda Castle, briefly blocking a bridge crossing the Danube River.

Thousands of Hungarians marched to the presidential palace late on Friday to protest against reforms to the labour code as a rally led by spoof political party MKKP merged with a subsequent demonstration staged by opposition groups.

Thousands of Hungarians marched to the presidential palace late on Friday to protest against reforms to the labour code as a rally led by spoof political party MKKP merged with a subsequent demonstration staged by opposition groups. Passage of two laws last week backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party angered a variety of groups. One, dubbed by critics the "slave law", allows employers to ask staff to work up to 400 hours per year of overtime. Another would set up new courts which critics say could be politically manipulated. MKKP's gathering started outside Parliament, where one protester brandished a placard saying "Happy boss, gloomy Sunday". The Two-Tailed Dog Party (MKKP), launched over a decade ago as a joke, has become a semi-serious force, using ironic humour to tackle practical issues. "I wanted to come because I consider the Dog Party to be the most serious of all in the current lineup, which is rather sad," said student Almos Edes, 26, a university student holding a sign saying 'We promise everything' beneath a logo of Fidesz. Edes was sceptical of any change being triggered by the rallies but said he had joined to make his voice heard. Friday's rally also took aim at grievances including regulations that have led to the departure of the Central European University, founded by Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros, from Budapest. "We can finally work eight days a week. We no longer need to hassle with independent courts. Homelessness has been eliminated. Irritating foreign schools will vanish. And Soros, Soros, Soros, Soros, Soros," said an invitation to the rally posted on Facebook. Orban has said the protests have been partly stoked by activists paid by Soros, an accusation Soros' Open Society Foundation has denied. Demonstrators, subsequently joined by another rally called by opposition groups, then marched up to the presidential palace in Buda Castle, briefly blocking a bridge crossing the Danube River.

Thousands Hungarians hit streets in fresh protest against Viktor Orban's reforms

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will visit Piplya Mandi village near Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh on June 6, the first death anniversary of six farmers who were killed in police firing during a protest there last year.

During his visit, Gandhi is will hold a condolence meeting-cum-rally, the Congress said on Wednesday.

The party, however, alleged that the district administration has given permission to the event by imposing 19 different conditions, one of which asks Gandhi not to make a "provocative" speech.

The opposition party alleged that the BJP-led government in Madhya Pradesh wanted to disturb Gandhi's event through such conditions.

When asked, the district administration, however, said it was in the process of "amending" its previous order (in which the conditions were set).

The event is being seen as the launch of Congress's poll campaign in the state, which will witness the Assembly polls later this year.

"Rahulji is coming here to condole the deaths of six farmers at Pipliya Mandi, the epicentre of last year's farmers' unrest," MP Congress chief spokesperson Manak Agrawal said.

One lakh people are expected to take part in the meeting, he added.

Sharing a copy of the district administration's permission letter, Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said, "The district administration has given its nod to the event with certain conditions like the maximum size of the tent spread for the rally can't be more than 15X15 feet, no loudspeakers above 10 decibel limit."

The letter also reads that the organisers shall be held responsible if the vehicles of anyone participating in the rally are stolen, he said, adding that "besides, the Congress was also asked to arrange for the security of the event".

"One of the conditions also says that the Congress chief should not make any provocative speech," Chaturvedi said.

He alleged that imposing such conditions was a deliberate attempt to stop Gandhi from reaching out to people.

MP Congress chief Kamal Nath in a tweet said, "The Shivraj Singh government, which did not allow Rahul ji to enter Mandsaur following the farmers' killing, again wants to disturb Rahul ji's meeting of June 6 and muzzle the voice of farmers by laying the conditions."

"Will the same conditions be laid for the meetings of Modi ji and all the BJP leaders in future?" he asked.

When contacted, district collector O P Shrivastava said, "We are amending the previous order related to the Congress event. Under the revised order, they can use the site as per their needs."

Tehsildar of the Malhargarh area of the district, Parasmal Kunhara said permission for the Congress rally was granted on four hectares of land.&nbsp

"They can use the land as per their wish. The conditions were inadvertently pasted on the order earlier," he said.&nbsp

Superintendent of plice Manoj Kumar Singh said the police would make security arrangements for the event.

"Holding a public meeting is their constitutional right. We will make all arrangements to maintain law and order. We have already detained 350 habitual offenders and criminals in view of this programme and such action is going to continue," he said.

Gandhi was detained in Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh en route Mandsaur in June last year to meet the families of the farmers killed in the police firing during their protest.&nbsp

The opposition party alleged that the BJP-led government in Madhya Pradesh wanted to disturb Gandhi's event through such conditions.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will visit Piplya Mandi village near Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh on June 6, the first death anniversary of six farmers who were killed in police firing during a protest there last year. During his visit, Gandhi is will hold a condolence meeting-cum-rally, the Congress said on Wednesday. The party, however, alleged that the district administration has given permission to the event by imposing 19 different conditions, one of which asks Gandhi not to make a "provocative" speech. The opposition party alleged that the BJP-led government in Madhya Pradesh wanted to disturb Gandhi's event through such conditions. When asked, the district administration, however, said it was in the process of "amending" its previous order (in which the conditions were set). The event is being seen as the launch of Congress's poll campaign in the state, which will witness the Assembly polls later this year. "Rahulji is coming here to condole the deaths of six farmers at Pipliya Mandi, the epicentre of last year's farmers' unrest," MP Congress chief spokesperson Manak Agrawal said. One lakh people are expected to take part in the meeting, he added. Sharing a copy of the district administration's permission letter, Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said, "The district administration has given its nod to the event with certain conditions like the maximum size of the tent spread for the rally can't be more than 15X15 feet, no loudspeakers above 10 decibel limit." The letter also reads that the organisers shall be held responsible if the vehicles of anyone participating in the rally are stolen, he said, adding that "besides, the Congress was also asked to arrange for the security of the event". "One of the conditions also says that the Congress chief should not make any provocative speech," Chaturvedi said. He alleged that imposing such conditions was a deliberate attempt to stop Gandhi from reaching out to people. MP Congress chief Kamal Nath in a tweet said, "The Shivraj Singh government, which did not allow Rahul ji to enter Mandsaur following the farmers' killing, again wants to disturb Rahul ji's meeting of June 6 and muzzle the voice of farmers by laying the conditions." "Will the same conditions be laid for the meetings of Modi ji and all the BJP leaders in future?" he asked. When contacted, district collector O P Shrivastava said, "We are amending the previous order related to the Congress event. Under the revised order, they can use the site as per their needs." Tehsildar of the Malhargarh area of the district, Parasmal Kunhara said permission for the Congress rally was granted on four hectares of land. "They can use the land as per their wish. The conditions were inadvertently pasted on the order earlier," he said. Superintendent of plice Manoj Kumar Singh said the police would make security arrangements for the event. "Holding a public meeting is their constitutional right. We will make all arrangements to maintain law and order. We have already detained 350 habitual offenders and criminals in view of this programme and such action is going to continue," he said. Gandhi was detained in Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh en route Mandsaur in June last year to meet the families of the farmers killed in the police firing during their protest.

Rahul Gandhi to hold rally on farmers' death anniversary in Mandsaur in June

Two major political parties Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Peoples Political Party have geared up for the upcoming Pakistan assembly elections.

As reported by the Dawn, the leaders of both PTI and PPP, Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto respectively will address separate rallies at different venues.

PPP will hold their meetings at -e-Jinnah near the Quaid's Mausoleum, where the party has arranged 40,000 seats.

Before the scheduled rally, the ruling PPP decorated various areas of Karachi with flags, banners and posters with photos of Bilawal.

Further, a large number of youth volunteers have gathered at the location to facilitate the management of the upcoming rally. The government has also arranged for 2,000 policemen to be deployed for the security of the rally.

As per a party worker, PPP is holding the event to pay a tribute to 14 workers and activists of the party were martyred on May 12, 2007

On the other hand, the PTI will hold a rally near Aladin Park in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

PTI Chairperson Imran Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Parvez Khattak, Fawad Chaudhry and Shah Mehmood Qureshi will address the gathering and pay tribute to the May 12 martyrs.

Earlier on Monday, there were instances of severe clashes between the PTI and PPP workers over the use of Hakim Said ground to hold rallies today.

Later the local police had apprehended at least 10 workers belonging to both parties in connection with the clash.

Bhutto had then condemned the attacks and urged its party workers to find another location to hold rallies while allowing the PTI to use the Hakim Said ground.

Though later the PTI also refused to use the Hakim Said ground to conduct the rally.

On a related note, Pakistan is scheduled to undergo the assembly elections in July.&nbsp

As reported by the Dawn, the leaders of both PTI and PPP, Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto respectively will address separate rallies at different venues

Two major political parties Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Peoples Political Party have geared up for the upcoming Pakistan assembly elections. As reported by the Dawn, the leaders of both PTI and PPP, Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto respectively will address separate rallies at different venues. PPP will hold their meetings at -e-Jinnah near the Quaid's Mausoleum, where the party has arranged 40,000 seats. Before the scheduled rally, the ruling PPP decorated various areas of Karachi with flags, banners and posters with photos of Bilawal. Further, a large number of youth volunteers have gathered at the location to facilitate the management of the upcoming rally. The government has also arranged for 2,000 policemen to be deployed for the security of the rally. As per a party worker, PPP is holding the event to pay a tribute to 14 workers and activists of the party were martyred on May 12, 2007 On the other hand, the PTI will hold a rally near Aladin Park in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. PTI Chairperson Imran Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Parvez Khattak, Fawad Chaudhry and Shah Mehmood Qureshi will address the gathering and pay tribute to the May 12 martyrs. Earlier on Monday, there were instances of severe clashes between the PTI and PPP workers over the use of Hakim Said ground to hold rallies today. Later the local police had apprehended at least 10 workers belonging to both parties in connection with the clash. Bhutto had then condemned the attacks and urged its party workers to find another location to hold rallies while allowing the PTI to use the Hakim Said ground. Though later the PTI also refused to use the Hakim Said ground to conduct the rally. On a related note, Pakistan is scheduled to undergo the assembly elections in July.

PTI, PPP to hold rallies prior to upcoming elections

Activists of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) resorted to violence and clashed with each other over a venue dispute for the rallies to be held on May 12.&nbsp;

The clashes took place in parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi yesterday after PPP and PTI both announced that they will be holding rallies at the Hakeem Saeed Ground in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

Workers belonging to both parties engaged in aerial firing and pelting stones at one another late Monday evening. Police officials then took over after both parties ended up destroying properly and injuring others.&nbsp; 
About a dozen people were wounded as the two groups attacked each other. Of the inured, two, including one with a gunshot wound to his leg, were rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

"They also destroyed camp offices of each other," Gulshan SP Ghulam Murtaza Bhutto said.

Two cars and several motorcycles were also set on fire by the workers while windows of other cars parked outside were shattered. Massive traffic jams were witnessed at University Road and its adjoining areas.

Both the parties have also written to the district commissioner for his permission to hold their rallies at the Hakeem Saeed Ground.

The clashes took place in parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi yesterday after PPP and PTI both announced that they will be holding rallies at the Hakeem Saeed Ground in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqba

Activists of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) resorted to violence and clashed with each other over a venue dispute for the rallies to be held on May 12. The clashes took place in parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi yesterday after PPP and PTI both announced that they will be holding rallies at the Hakeem Saeed Ground in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal. Workers belonging to both parties engaged in aerial firing and pelting stones at one another late Monday evening. Police officials then took over after both parties ended up destroying properly and injuring others. About a dozen people were wounded as the two groups attacked each other. Of the inured, two, including one with a gunshot wound to his leg, were rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. "They also destroyed camp offices of each other," Gulshan SP Ghulam Murtaza Bhutto said. Two cars and several motorcycles were also set on fire by the workers while windows of other cars parked outside were shattered. Massive traffic jams were witnessed at University Road and its adjoining areas. Both the parties have also written to the district commissioner for his permission to hold their rallies at the Hakeem Saeed Ground.

PPP, PTI party workers clash in Pakistan's Karachi over rally venue dispute

Taking his party's fight against the Congress to the Gandhi family's pocket borough, BJP president Amit Shah today said his party would rid Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha constituency of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, of 'parivarvad' and take it on the path of development.

Addressing a public meeting here, Shah said Rae Bareli voted for top Congress leaders, but had not witnessed development since Independence.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-breaks-out-during-amit-shahs-rally-in-raebareli--131858">Fire breaks out during Amit Shah's rally in Raebareli</a>

"Rae Bareli has seen 'parivarvad' (dynastic politics) ever since Independence till this day and no development...I have come here to make it clear that the BJP will free Rae Bareli of 'parivarvad' and will start the campaign from today itself for taking it on the path of 'vikasvad' (development)," he said.

"The Congress and its top leadership have ruled in Uttar Pradesh and Rae Bareli for years but the 'bhumi pujan' (ground breaking ceremony) of community health centre and primary health centre was carried out only lately and the Yogi Adityanath-led state government has done a lot for the constituency...Now with some Congress leaders here joining the BJP, it is our responsibility to develop it by leaps and bounds," he said.

"We will develop it as an ideal constituency and a model district," he said, virtually blowing the BJP's election bugle with the Lok Sabha polls barely some months away.

He said before the Yogi Adityanath dispensation assumed office, Uttar Pradesh was known for 'goonda raj' and bad law and order."...Yogi government has established rule of law," he said.

On acquittal of Swami Aseemanand in the Mecca Masjid blast case earlier this week, he sought to target the Congress over the party's attempts to "defame" Hindus in terror cases.

"I want to ask Rahul 'Baba', your leaders have talked about saffron terrorism...You need to apologise...Decide how low you can stoop," he said.

Shah said he wanted to tell Rae Bareli people that he had been touring all over the country and "I can say Narendra Modi government will come back with a bigger mandate in 2019".

Exuding confidence that the BJP will win the Karnataka assembly election, he said, "The BJP will have its 16th state government in the country after May 15."

Though the BJP swept Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 general election, the BJP lost both Rae Bareli and Amethi to the Congress.

Barring three exceptions -- 1977, 1996 and 1998 -- Rae Bareli has stood with the Congress since 1952.

This time the BJP is out to test Rae Bareli's love for the Nehru-Gandhi family currently represented by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, a four-term MP. Amethi is represented in Parliament by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Earlier, a minor fire broke out at the venue of the public meeting, triggering panic and commotion in the audience.

The fire, which was brought under control in short time, broke out due to an electrical short-circuit near the media enclosure, officials said.

Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the dais at the time of the incident.

State BJP chief Mahendranath Pandey was addressing the gathering when smoke and sparks were noticed. Because of the fire, the programme was stopped for a while.

Addressing a public meeting here, Shah said Rae Bareli voted for top Congress leaders, but had not witnessed development since Independence

Taking his party's fight against the Congress to the Gandhi family's pocket borough, BJP president Amit Shah today said his party would rid Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha constituency of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, of 'parivarvad' and take it on the path of development. Addressing a public meeting here, Shah said Rae Bareli voted for top Congress leaders, but had not witnessed development since Independence. Also read: Fire breaks out during Amit Shah's rally in Raebareli "Rae Bareli has seen 'parivarvad' (dynastic politics) ever since Independence till this day and no development...I have come here to make it clear that the BJP will free Rae Bareli of 'parivarvad' and will start the campaign from today itself for taking it on the path of 'vikasvad' (development)," he said. "The Congress and its top leadership have ruled in Uttar Pradesh and Rae Bareli for years but the 'bhumi pujan' (ground breaking ceremony) of community health centre and primary health centre was carried out only lately and the Yogi Adityanath-led state government has done a lot for the constituency...Now with some Congress leaders here joining the BJP, it is our responsibility to develop it by leaps and bounds," he said. "We will develop it as an ideal constituency and a model district," he said, virtually blowing the BJP's election bugle with the Lok Sabha polls barely some months away. He said before the Yogi Adityanath dispensation assumed office, Uttar Pradesh was known for 'goonda raj' and bad law and order."...Yogi government has established rule of law," he said. On acquittal of Swami Aseemanand in the Mecca Masjid blast case earlier this week, he sought to target the Congress over the party's attempts to "defame" Hindus in terror cases. "I want to ask Rahul 'Baba', your leaders have talked about saffron terrorism...You need to apologise...Decide how low you can stoop," he said. Shah said he wanted to tell Rae Bareli people that he had been touring all over the country and "I can say Narendra Modi government will come back with a bigger mandate in 2019". Exuding confidence that the BJP will win the Karnataka assembly election, he said, "The BJP will have its 16th state government in the country after May 15." Though the BJP swept Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 general election, the BJP lost both Rae Bareli and Amethi to the Congress. Barring three exceptions -- 1977, 1996 and 1998 -- Rae Bareli has stood with the Congress since 1952. This time the BJP is out to test Rae Bareli's love for the Nehru-Gandhi family currently represented by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, a four-term MP. Amethi is represented in Parliament by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Earlier, a minor fire broke out at the venue of the public meeting, triggering panic and commotion in the audience. The fire, which was brought under control in short time, broke out due to an electrical short-circuit near the media enclosure, officials said. Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the dais at the time of the incident. State BJP chief Mahendranath Pandey was addressing the gathering when smoke and sparks were noticed. Because of the fire, the programme was stopped for a while.

BJP will rid Raebareli of 'parivarvad': Amit Shah

A minor fire broke out at the venue of a public meeting of BJP president Amit Shah, triggering panic and commotion in the audience.&nbsp;

Shah was addressing a public rally in Sonia Gandhi's constituency of Raebareli on Saturday when a short circuit outside the main gate caused mild chaos.

Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the dais at the time of the incident.

State BJP chief Mahendranath Pandey was addressing the gathering when smoke and sparks were noticed.

There was a short break in the programme due to the incident but soon the BJP leaders could be again seen making speeches and going about their schedule.&nbsp;

Shah was addressing a public rally in Sonia Gandhi's constituency of Raebareli on Saturday when a short circuit outside the main gate caused mild chaos

A minor fire broke out at the venue of a public meeting of BJP president Amit Shah, triggering panic and commotion in the audience. Shah was addressing a public rally in Sonia Gandhi's constituency of Raebareli on Saturday when a short circuit outside the main gate caused mild chaos. Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the dais at the time of the incident. State BJP chief Mahendranath Pandey was addressing the gathering when smoke and sparks were noticed. There was a short break in the programme due to the incident but soon the BJP leaders could be again seen making speeches and going about their schedule.

Fire breaks out during Amit Shah's rally in Raebareli

Hundreds of women from Muslim community today took out a rally in Bhusawal in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district to protest a Central bill that criminalises the practice of talaq-e-biddat or instant divorce.

Representatives of the women handed over a memorandum to Sub-Divisional Magistrate stating that they don't want government's interference in the Shariya or Muslim law.

They claimed the government introduced the bill in a hurried manner without discussing it with community representatives.

Protesters began a march around 2 pm from Daru Falah Masjid, after which they gathered at the Jain Mandir ground in Mumbra, where members of the community would be speaking.

The protest has been organised by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Kul Jamat, a Muslim organisation based in Mumbra.

The protestors will submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through the District Magistrate of Thane.

The memorandum will state that the Triple Talaq Bill would do more harm than good to the Muslim women.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 was passed by the Lok Sabha in the winter session, but could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha with the opposition demanding that it be sent to a Select Committee for a detailed scrutiny.

The draft law prescribes a jail term of three years for a Muslim man who divorces his wife through talaq-e-biddat--uttering the word divorce three times in quick succession.

Representatives of the women handed over a memorandum to Sub-Divisional Magistrate stating that they don't want government's interference in the Shariya or Muslim law

Hundreds of women from Muslim community today took out a rally in Bhusawal in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district to protest a Central bill that criminalises the practice of talaq-e-biddat or instant divorce. Representatives of the women handed over a memorandum to Sub-Divisional Magistrate stating that they don't want government's interference in the Shariya or Muslim law. They claimed the government introduced the bill in a hurried manner without discussing it with community representatives. Protesters began a march around 2 pm from Daru Falah Masjid, after which they gathered at the Jain Mandir ground in Mumbra, where members of the community would be speaking. The protest has been organised by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Kul Jamat, a Muslim organisation based in Mumbra. The protestors will submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through the District Magistrate of Thane. The memorandum will state that the Triple Talaq Bill would do more harm than good to the Muslim women. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 was passed by the Lok Sabha in the winter session, but could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha with the opposition demanding that it be sent to a Select Committee for a detailed scrutiny. The draft law prescribes a jail term of three years for a Muslim man who divorces his wife through talaq-e-biddat--uttering the word divorce three times in quick succession.

Muslim women take out rally against triple Talaq bill

A bomb planted on a motobike exploded in Afghanistan on Monday outside a political rally being held by a veteran insurgent commander who made peace with the government last year, killing three people and wounding eight, officials said.

The former commander, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, was not hurt in the blast that came 10 minutes after his rally ended, in the eastern city of Jalalabad, as people were leaving the site, said Attahullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial governor.

Hekmatyar, a major figure in Afghanistan&#39;s decades of conflict who served as prime minister for a period during civil war in the 1990s, was in recent years allied with the Taliban.

He returned to Kabul last year under a peace deal with the government, as head of his powerful Hizb-i-Islami party.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Nangarhar province, of which Jalalabad is capital, shares a long and porous border with Pakistan, and has recent years become a hotbed of militants affiliated to both Islamic State and the Taliban.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast

A bomb planted on a motobike exploded in Afghanistan on Monday outside a political rally being held by a veteran insurgent commander who made peace with the government last year, killing three people and wounding eight, officials said. The former commander, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, was not hurt in the blast that came 10 minutes after his rally ended, in the eastern city of Jalalabad, as people were leaving the site, said Attahullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial governor. Hekmatyar, a major figure in Afghanistan's decades of conflict who served as prime minister for a period during civil war in the 1990s, was in recent years allied with the Taliban. He returned to Kabul last year under a peace deal with the government, as head of his powerful Hizb-i-Islami party. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast. Nangarhar province, of which Jalalabad is capital, shares a long and porous border with Pakistan, and has recent years become a hotbed of militants affiliated to both Islamic State and the Taliban.

3 killed in blast outside Hekmatyar rally in Afghanistan

Cars

Veteran Spaniard Carlos Sainz closed in on a second Dakar Rally title on Friday, as the Peugeot driver finished sixth behind penultimate stage winner Nasser Al-Attiyah.

Qatari Al-Attiyah cruised to his fourth win of the race in the 13th stage by 11 minutes and 16 seconds from Argentinian Lucio Alvarez, as Sainz consolidated his overall lead.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/the-dakar-rally-2018-7753" target="_blank">Watch: All&nbsp;you&nbsp;need to know about Dakar Rally</a>

The 55-year-old, the father of Renault Formula One driver Carlos Sainz Jr, just needs a safe drive on the final day around Cordoba in Argentina to secure a second Dakar title and first since 2010, having failed to finish for the last five years in a row.

His task was made easier by problems for team-mate Stephane Peterhansel on Friday, as the French reigning champion hit a tree near the start and was stranded for 40 minutes.

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???? GC - CARS???????? 
1. <a href="https://twitter.com/CSainz_oficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CSainz_oficial</a> 
2. <a href="https://twitter.com/AlAttiyahN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlAttiyahN</a> +46&#39;18&quot; 
3. <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealGiniel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRealGiniel</a> +1h20&#39;00&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dakar2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dakar2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DakarArgentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DakarArgentina</a> 
More / m&aacute;s info &gt; <a href="https://t.co/R0ezQ07YE0">https://t.co/R0ezQ07YE0</a> <a href="https://t.co/7g5cRPKv7s">pic.twitter.com/7g5cRPKv7s</a>
&mdash; DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) <a href="https://twitter.com/dakar/status/954497331470233600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Peterhansel, a 13-time winner across the cars and bikes categories, started the day in second overall but finished it outside the podium places for the first time since the start of the rally in Lima.

That left Sainz 46 minutes clear of 2012 Olympic shooting medallist Al-Attiyah, with South African Giniel de Villiers rounding out the top three after coming third on Friday.

Bikes

Austria&#39;s Matthias Walkner will take a 20-minute lead into the final day of the bikes race, after finishing fourth behind stage 13 winner Toby Price.

Australian Price, who won the Dakar in 2016 but didn&#39;t complete the rally last year, held off home favourite Kevin Benavides to win from San Juan to Cordoba.

KTM rider Walkner finished over 11 minutes behind Price on the day but will take a lead of over 20 minutes into Saturday&#39;s final 284-kilometre ride around Cordoba as he looks for a maiden Dakar title after taking second 12 months ago.

&nbsp;

Carlos Sainz, a father of F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr, secured a second Dakar title

Cars Veteran Spaniard Carlos Sainz closed in on a second Dakar Rally title on Friday, as the Peugeot driver finished sixth behind penultimate stage winner Nasser Al-Attiyah. Qatari Al-Attiyah cruised to his fourth win of the race in the 13th stage by 11 minutes and 16 seconds from Argentinian Lucio Alvarez, as Sainz consolidated his overall lead. Watch: All you need to know about Dakar Rally The 55-year-old, the father of Renault Formula One driver Carlos Sainz Jr, just needs a safe drive on the final day around Cordoba in Argentina to secure a second Dakar title and first since 2010, having failed to finish for the last five years in a row. His task was made easier by problems for team-mate Stephane Peterhansel on Friday, as the French reigning champion hit a tree near the start and was stranded for 40 minutes. ???? GC - CARS???????? 1. @CSainz_oficial 2. @AlAttiyahN +46'18" 3. @TheRealGiniel +1h20'00"#Dakar2018 #DakarArgentina More / más info > https://t.co/R0ezQ07YE0 pic.twitter.com/7g5cRPKv7s — DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 19, 2018 × Peterhansel, a 13-time winner across the cars and bikes categories, started the day in second overall but finished it outside the podium places for the first time since the start of the rally in Lima. That left Sainz 46 minutes clear of 2012 Olympic shooting medallist Al-Attiyah, with South African Giniel de Villiers rounding out the top three after coming third on Friday. Bikes Austria's Matthias Walkner will take a 20-minute lead into the final day of the bikes race, after finishing fourth behind stage 13 winner Toby Price. Australian Price, who won the Dakar in 2016 but didn't complete the rally last year, held off home favourite Kevin Benavides to win from San Juan to Cordoba. KTM rider Walkner finished over 11 minutes behind Price on the day but will take a lead of over 20 minutes into Saturday's final 284-kilometre ride around Cordoba as he looks for a maiden Dakar title after taking second 12 months ago.

Dakar Rally: Peugeot driver Carlos Sainz wins

PM Modi praised the efforts of Rahul Dravid at a recent political rally in Karnataka.

The prime minister said, &quot;Rahul Dravid has played an important role in the recent U-19 World Cup victory. He has taught us to be honest and to live for others.&quot;

Prime Minister Modi had earlier tweeted to congratulate the Indian U-19 team after they won the World Cup on Saturday.

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Absolutely thrilled by the stupendous achievement of our young cricketers. Congratulations to them on winning the Under-19 World Cup. This triumph makes every Indian extremely proud.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/959713422077317120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The young guns of India played exceptionally well and clinched the trophy remaining unbeaten through the tournament.

Rahul Dravid the head coach of the U-19 team&nbsp;himself a commendable player had guided the Indian colts to victory.

His contribution towards India&#39;s victory was praised throughout the cricketing world, including Sachin Tendulkar who shared several partnerships with the former Karnataka batsmen.

&quot;I am really proud of the boys, proud of the effort that they have put in and proud of the support staff as well.

I think the effort we have put in over the last 14 months has been sensational. They really deserved this, couldn&#39;t be really happier and proud for this bunch of boys,&quot; the legendary batsman said after India won the cup.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi had earlier tweeted to congratulate the Indian U-19 team after they won the World Cup on Saturday

PM Modi praised the efforts of Rahul Dravid at a recent political rally in Karnataka. The prime minister said, "Rahul Dravid has played an important role in the recent U-19 World Cup victory. He has taught us to be honest and to live for others." Prime Minister Modi had earlier tweeted to congratulate the Indian U-19 team after they won the World Cup on Saturday. Absolutely thrilled by the stupendous achievement of our young cricketers. Congratulations to them on winning the Under-19 World Cup. This triumph makes every Indian extremely proud. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2018 × The young guns of India played exceptionally well and clinched the trophy remaining unbeaten through the tournament. Rahul Dravid the head coach of the U-19 team himself a commendable player had guided the Indian colts to victory. His contribution towards India's victory was praised throughout the cricketing world, including Sachin Tendulkar who shared several partnerships with the former Karnataka batsmen. "I am really proud of the boys, proud of the effort that they have put in and proud of the support staff as well. I think the effort we have put in over the last 14 months has been sensational. They really deserved this, couldn't be really happier and proud for this bunch of boys," the legendary batsman said after India won the cup.

U-19 World Cup victory: PM Modi praises Dravid in Karnataka poll rally

Several hundred highly-skilled Indian workers, in long agonising green card wait, from across the US along with their children and spouses held a rally in front of the White House here in support of President Donald Trump&#39;s plan for a merit-based immigration system that among other things ends chain migration and diversity lottery visa.

Flying to the US capital from as far as California, Texas and Chicago and driving several hundred miles from places like Florida, New York and Massachusetts, these highly skilled Indians, living in the US for the past several years and in many cases for more than a decade, urged Trump to end the per country limit on legal permanent residency so as to eliminate the massive Green Card backlog of highly skilled Indians.

&quot;We are looking strictly for a merit-based immigration. That will bring prosperity and fast economic growth of the US,&quot; Krishna Bansal, national policy and political director of Republican Hindu Coalition, told the rally of highly skilled

Indians, who want to make the US now their permanent home.

&quot;We are with President Trump for taking initiative towards a merit-based immigration system,&quot; Bansal said, adding that his group is working with the White House and lawmakers towards a comprehensive immigration bill that should include all these things.

Giving green cards to thousands of highly skilled professionals from India would help them realise their full potential and boost country?s growth and prosperity, he said.

The participants, many of them software engineers, at the rally yesterday had banner and posters with slogans like &#39;Cut Green Card backlog&#39;, &#39;strictly merit-based point system&#39;, &#39;end country limit&#39;, &#39;we need to support legal dreamers&#39;, and &#39;We support Trump.&#39;

This was one of the rare pro-Trump immigration rallies at the White House.

President Trump last week used his first State of the Union address to push for the merit-based immigration system that admits skilled people, a proposal that could benefit technology professionals from countries like India. 
&quot;It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system -- one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country,&quot; Trump had said.

Akshita Ramesh, 13, a student of Ronald Regan Middle School in Virginia, said that green card backlogs have been taunting most high skilled immigrants who have come to this country for a better life.

&quot;The wait expectancy for a green card for a high skilled immigrant from India tends to be somewhat from 12 Years to 70+ Years, when most of the world can get their Green Card in less than 2 years,&quot; she said.

Thanjavur-born, Akshita was one and half year old when she moved to the US along with her father Ramesh Ranathan, who is in the IT profession and had a H-1B visa.

Describing herself as legal H-4 dreamer, Akshita said the current green card waiting period for Indians means that her parents are unlikely to get legal permanent residency for next few decades.

&quot;I have always known I was born in India, and that I was on H4 Visa with my dad having an approved petition to apply for Green Card, but I didn?t know about everything to the full extent. I didn?t know that being on a H4 could mean that it will be much harder for colleges to accept me, no matter how good my grades are,&quot; she said.

&quot;I didn&#39;t know that having a H4 until 21 would mean possibly getting pretty much &#39;kicked out&#39; of the US, the only home I?ve ever known, the land that I felt all the happiness of achievement, and the burning anger of disappointment,&quot; Akshita said in a passionate plea.

&quot;And all of this just because I was born in a different country that I barely even lived in? ?Don?t you think that?s unfair?&quot; she said, adding that she feels that her dreams would be shattered.

&quot;It sounds scary when I think the day I would turn 21, I would be made to feel a bit like an outcast, or a misfit in the country that I grew up in, how would you feel if you were the only one kid in an area who will be stamped as an alien, a foreigner when you turn 21, even though you?ve lived in the country your whole life?&quot; she asked.

&quot;I urge all lawmakers and the President to hear me and support us in every way you can to solve the backlogs ASAP, and guarantee that this problem is solved once and for all, and no single ambitious kid and parent will have to go through the same scenario as me,&quot; Akshita said.

According to Republican Hindu Coalition, there are nearly 200,000 children of legal immigrants-in-line from India, who have never broken the law, but who simply age out at 21 and have to go back, because their parents have a 60 year wait to get their green card after it is approved.

&quot;US Economy if it was to grow four per cent per year will need another 400,000 high-skilled workers added to the work force each year. Immigration reform needs to address this issue as well. The Hindu and Indian community has some anxiety related to Immigration issues,&quot; said Anil Sharma a member of the organizing team.

Souptik Mukherjee, another member, said that for the high skilled professional with advanced degrees the green card wait seems to be endless. &quot;Any initiative to move towards a merit- based immigration system is highly laudable.&quot;&nbsp;

Rally participants had banner and posters with slogans like 'Cut Green Card backlog', 'strictly merit-based point system', 'end country limit', 'we need to support legal dreamers', and 'We support Trump'

Several hundred highly-skilled Indian workers, in long agonising green card wait, from across the US along with their children and spouses held a rally in front of the White House here in support of President Donald Trump's plan for a merit-based immigration system that among other things ends chain migration and diversity lottery visa. Flying to the US capital from as far as California, Texas and Chicago and driving several hundred miles from places like Florida, New York and Massachusetts, these highly skilled Indians, living in the US for the past several years and in many cases for more than a decade, urged Trump to end the per country limit on legal permanent residency so as to eliminate the massive Green Card backlog of highly skilled Indians. "We are looking strictly for a merit-based immigration. That will bring prosperity and fast economic growth of the US," Krishna Bansal, national policy and political director of Republican Hindu Coalition, told the rally of highly skilled Indians, who want to make the US now their permanent home. "We are with President Trump for taking initiative towards a merit-based immigration system," Bansal said, adding that his group is working with the White House and lawmakers towards a comprehensive immigration bill that should include all these things. Giving green cards to thousands of highly skilled professionals from India would help them realise their full potential and boost country?s growth and prosperity, he said. The participants, many of them software engineers, at the rally yesterday had banner and posters with slogans like 'Cut Green Card backlog', 'strictly merit-based point system', 'end country limit', 'we need to support legal dreamers', and 'We support Trump.' This was one of the rare pro-Trump immigration rallies at the White House. President Trump last week used his first State of the Union address to push for the merit-based immigration system that admits skilled people, a proposal that could benefit technology professionals from countries like India. "It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system -- one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country," Trump had said. Akshita Ramesh, 13, a student of Ronald Regan Middle School in Virginia, said that green card backlogs have been taunting most high skilled immigrants who have come to this country for a better life. "The wait expectancy for a green card for a high skilled immigrant from India tends to be somewhat from 12 Years to 70+ Years, when most of the world can get their Green Card in less than 2 years," she said. Thanjavur-born, Akshita was one and half year old when she moved to the US along with her father Ramesh Ranathan, who is in the IT profession and had a H-1B visa. Describing herself as legal H-4 dreamer, Akshita said the current green card waiting period for Indians means that her parents are unlikely to get legal permanent residency for next few decades. "I have always known I was born in India, and that I was on H4 Visa with my dad having an approved petition to apply for Green Card, but I didn?t know about everything to the full extent. I didn?t know that being on a H4 could mean that it will be much harder for colleges to accept me, no matter how good my grades are," she said. "I didn't know that having a H4 until 21 would mean possibly getting pretty much 'kicked out' of the US, the only home I?ve ever known, the land that I felt all the happiness of achievement, and the burning anger of disappointment," Akshita said in a passionate plea. "And all of this just because I was born in a different country that I barely even lived in? ?Don?t you think that?s unfair?" she said, adding that she feels that her dreams would be shattered. "It sounds scary when I think the day I would turn 21, I would be made to feel a bit like an outcast, or a misfit in the country that I grew up in, how would you feel if you were the only one kid in an area who will be stamped as an alien, a foreigner when you turn 21, even though you?ve lived in the country your whole life?" she asked. "I urge all lawmakers and the President to hear me and support us in every way you can to solve the backlogs ASAP, and guarantee that this problem is solved once and for all, and no single ambitious kid and parent will have to go through the same scenario as me," Akshita said. According to Republican Hindu Coalition, there are nearly 200,000 children of legal immigrants-in-line from India, who have never broken the law, but who simply age out at 21 and have to go back, because their parents have a 60 year wait to get their green card after it is approved. "US Economy if it was to grow four per cent per year will need another 400,000 high-skilled workers added to the work force each year. Immigration reform needs to address this issue as well. The Hindu and Indian community has some anxiety related to Immigration issues," said Anil Sharma a member of the organizing team. Souptik Mukherjee, another member, said that for the high skilled professional with advanced degrees the green card wait seems to be endless. "Any initiative to move towards a merit- based immigration system is highly laudable."

Indian-Americans stage rare pro-Trump immigration rally to support merit-based system

Spanish Dakar leader Carlos Sainz was penalised 10 minutes on Monday for &quot;potentially dangerous behaviour&quot; during the fourth stage last week, cutting his advantage to under an hour.

The 55-year-old Peugeot driver was punished by the Dakar disciplinary committee over an incident with Dutch quad rider Kees Koolen, who accused him of hitting his vehicle and not stopping.

&quot;It&#39;s an unfair decision, I&#39;m not happy,&quot; said Sainz. &quot;For me, I avoided an accident.

&quot;I didn&#39;t touch him, there was no damage to my car.&quot;

Sainz&#39;s Peugeot boss Bruno Famin said the Spaniard was driving at more than 150kph (almost 100mph) when the supposed incident happened, adding that had there been a&nbsp;contact between the two &quot;I don&#39;t think there would have been any discussion about the state of the quad and the car&quot;.

Famin, who said Peugeot would appeal, also said if it was a question about Sainz&#39;s behaviour then disciplinary committee &quot;should penalise Carlos with a fine and not in a sporting way&quot;.

Sainz, the 2010 champion, now leads Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah by 56 minutes, 37 seconds after eight stages.

Monday&#39;s 242km ninth stage from Tupiza to Salta in Argentina was cancelled following torrential rain and a huge mudslide.

The Dakar Rally is due to finish on Saturday.

&nbsp;

Sainz, the 2010 champion, who leads Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah by 56 minutes, 37 seconds after eight stages is penalised for potentially dangerous behaviour by Dakar disciplinary committee

Spanish Dakar leader Carlos Sainz was penalised 10 minutes on Monday for "potentially dangerous behaviour" during the fourth stage last week, cutting his advantage to under an hour. The 55-year-old Peugeot driver was punished by the Dakar disciplinary committee over an incident with Dutch quad rider Kees Koolen, who accused him of hitting his vehicle and not stopping. "It's an unfair decision, I'm not happy," said Sainz. "For me, I avoided an accident. "I didn't touch him, there was no damage to my car." Sainz's Peugeot boss Bruno Famin said the Spaniard was driving at more than 150kph (almost 100mph) when the supposed incident happened, adding that had there been a contact between the two "I don't think there would have been any discussion about the state of the quad and the car". Famin, who said Peugeot would appeal, also said if it was a question about Sainz's behaviour then disciplinary committee "should penalise Carlos with a fine and not in a sporting way". Sainz, the 2010 champion, now leads Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah by 56 minutes, 37 seconds after eight stages. Monday's 242km ninth stage from Tupiza to Salta in Argentina was cancelled following torrential rain and a huge mudslide. The Dakar Rally is due to finish on Saturday.

Dakar Rally: Spaniard Carlos Sainz gets 10 minutes penalty

Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans on Saturday poured into the streets of the capital Harare to celebrate the military&rsquo;s takeover of the government and add their voices to growing calls for President Robert Mugabe to resign.

Waving placards with messages such as &quot;Mugabe must go&quot; and &quot;No to Mugabe dynasty,&quot; the jubilant Zimbabweans, some dancing, singing and honking cars, braved the chilly weather and flooded the streets to participate in the demonstration.

Thousands were marching to the State House while others headed to Zimbabwe Grounds, the venue of yet another pro-resignation rally that was organized by the influential Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association.

&quot;Zimbabwe is breaking with the past. We are shaping a new future, a new Zimbabwe as Zimbabweans. We are united as Zimbabweans to say Mugabe must go, Mugabe must go and give this country an opportunity to shape a new future,&quot; said Arthur Mutambara, former deputy prime minister.

Zimbabwean flags were waved with optimism for a brighter future.

&quot;We are tired of staying at home with nothing to do. We are looking forward to a new government that can create opportunities for us because we have been to school, but we have nothing do with that education,&quot; said a protester.

The march and rally have both been backed by the military, however, they emphasized that the rally should be peaceful and orderly.

The war veterans association invited citizens from across the country&#39;s political divide to attend the rally and participate in the march.

As Zimbabweans are celebrating in the streets waiting for Mugabe&#39;s eventual downfall, the ruling ZANU-PF party has called for the resignation of the president as well, warning that if the 93-year-old leader refuses to step down the party will recall him.

All the 10 provinces of the party have endorsed Mugabe&#39;s resignation. The party&#39;s provinces are also calling for the reinstatement of former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was fired by Mugabe last week.

The party has also called for the convening of a special central committee meeting within 48 hours to re-align the party with revised development goals

Waving placards with messages such as "Mugabe must go" and "No to Mugabe dynasty," the jubilant Zimbabweans, some dancing, singing and honking cars, braved the chilly weather and flooded the streets to participate in the demonstration.

Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans on Saturday poured into the streets of the capital Harare to celebrate the military’s takeover of the government and add their voices to growing calls for President Robert Mugabe to resign. Waving placards with messages such as "Mugabe must go" and "No to Mugabe dynasty," the jubilant Zimbabweans, some dancing, singing and honking cars, braved the chilly weather and flooded the streets to participate in the demonstration. Thousands were marching to the State House while others headed to Zimbabwe Grounds, the venue of yet another pro-resignation rally that was organized by the influential Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association. "Zimbabwe is breaking with the past. We are shaping a new future, a new Zimbabwe as Zimbabweans. We are united as Zimbabweans to say Mugabe must go, Mugabe must go and give this country an opportunity to shape a new future," said Arthur Mutambara, former deputy prime minister. Zimbabwean flags were waved with optimism for a brighter future. "We are tired of staying at home with nothing to do. We are looking forward to a new government that can create opportunities for us because we have been to school, but we have nothing do with that education," said a protester. The march and rally have both been backed by the military, however, they emphasized that the rally should be peaceful and orderly. The war veterans association invited citizens from across the country's political divide to attend the rally and participate in the march. As Zimbabweans are celebrating in the streets waiting for Mugabe's eventual downfall, the ruling ZANU-PF party has called for the resignation of the president as well, warning that if the 93-year-old leader refuses to step down the party will recall him. All the 10 provinces of the party have endorsed Mugabe's resignation. The party's provinces are also calling for the reinstatement of former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was fired by Mugabe last week. The party has also called for the convening of a special central committee meeting within 48 hours to re-align the party with revised development goals

Thousands rally to demand President Mugabe's resignation

Buses left Zimbabwe&#39;s second city, Bulawayo on Friday night (November 17) carrying jubilant supporters of a military seizure seeking to remove<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pushes-for-trade-talks-to-solve-north-ireland-border-issue-24446"> President Mugabe </a>from power.

People danced and sang songs about the country&#39;s future without Mugabe as they boarded buses.

Inside one bus, travellers gestured with their hands to show the snap of a crocodile - nickname of Emerson Mnangagwa, whose sacking last week as vice president sparked the army action.

Mugabe, at Zimbabwe&#39;s helm since independence from Britain in 1980, faces the starkest challenge ever to his rule after the army seized power on Wednesday (November 15), saying it was targeting &quot;criminals&quot; around the nonagenarian leader.

People danced and sang songs about the country's future without Mugabe as they boarded buses

Buses left Zimbabwe's second city, Bulawayo on Friday night (November 17) carrying jubilant supporters of a military seizure seeking to remove President Mugabe from power. People danced and sang songs about the country's future without Mugabe as they boarded buses. Inside one bus, travellers gestured with their hands to show the snap of a crocodile - nickname of Emerson Mnangagwa, whose sacking last week as vice president sparked the army action. Mugabe, at Zimbabwe's helm since independence from Britain in 1980, faces the starkest challenge ever to his rule after the army seized power on Wednesday (November 15), saying it was targeting "criminals" around the nonagenarian leader.

Zimbabweans ready for rally calling for Mugabe to resign

It was a glorious day for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gay-marriage-only-matter-of-timein-north-ireland-irish-pm-18628">Australia on Wednesday as same-sex marriage</a> got legalized in a historic, non-binding poll.&nbsp;

With around 61.6% votes in favor of same-sex marriage of the total 12.7 million participants in the two-month long survey, the parliament has decided to implement the law before Christmas.&nbsp;

The Australian Bureau of Statistics stated that out of the total eligible voters, around 80% participates out of which 38.4% voted against gay marriages.&nbsp;

Same-sex couples could be able to marry by Christmas, but first&nbsp;the parliament must adopt legislation giving the non-binding vote result the force of law.

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Australians paving the way for legislation to make the country the 26th nation to formalise the unions by the end of the year (Reuters)
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Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull - who voted for same-sex marriage, stated that the &quot;overwhelming&quot; outcome and is now deciding the components to be included in the bill.&nbsp;

&quot;[Australians] have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality,&quot; he said after the result was announced.

&quot;They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love. And now it is up to us here in the parliament of Australia to get on with it.&quot;

Australians broke out on the streets to celebrate the joyous day on Wednesday and marched through the streets waving flags, singing, and dancing.&nbsp;

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Thousands of people gathered in a central Sydney park, some wearing wedding dresses and sequined suits, broke into a loud cheer, hugged and cried. (Reuters)
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Some conservative MPs are urging the officials to include exemptions that would let business who do not support same-sex marriages to deny supply of goods and services for the wedding.&nbsp;

That bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate as early as Thursday.&nbsp;

Conservative opponents vowed before Wednesday&#39;s result was announced to pursue their campaign for exemptions from the eventual legalization of gay marriage, which they say will lead to attacks on their freedoms of speech and religion.

&quot;If a &#39;yes&#39; vote is returned, we will do what we can to guard against restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of religion, to defend parents&#39; rights, and to protect Australian kids from being exposed to radical LGBTIQ sex and gender education in the classrooms,&quot; Lyle Shelton, a spokesman for the Coalition for Marriage, said at the weekend.

&quot;We promise our supporters that no matter the result, we will continue to work to defend Australian families,&quot; he said. 
&nbsp;

With around 61.6% votes in favor of same-sex marriage of the total 12.7 million participants in the two-month long survey, the parliament has decided to implement the law before Christmas.?

It was a glorious day for Australia on Wednesday as same-sex marriage got legalized in a historic, non-binding poll. With around 61.6% votes in favor of same-sex marriage of the total 12.7 million participants in the two-month long survey, the parliament has decided to implement the law before Christmas. The Australian Bureau of Statistics stated that out of the total eligible voters, around 80% participates out of which 38.4% voted against gay marriages. Same-sex couples could be able to marry by Christmas, but first the parliament must adopt legislation giving the non-binding vote result the force of law. Australians paving the way for legislation to make the country the 26th nation to formalise the unions by the end of the year (Reuters) × Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull - who voted for same-sex marriage, stated that the "overwhelming" outcome and is now deciding the components to be included in the bill. "[Australians] have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality," he said after the result was announced. "They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love. And now it is up to us here in the parliament of Australia to get on with it." Australians broke out on the streets to celebrate the joyous day on Wednesday and marched through the streets waving flags, singing, and dancing. Thousands of people gathered in a central Sydney park, some wearing wedding dresses and sequined suits, broke into a loud cheer, hugged and cried. (Reuters) × Some conservative MPs are urging the officials to include exemptions that would let business who do not support same-sex marriages to deny supply of goods and services for the wedding. That bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate as early as Thursday. Conservative opponents vowed before Wednesday's result was announced to pursue their campaign for exemptions from the eventual legalization of gay marriage, which they say will lead to attacks on their freedoms of speech and religion. "If a 'yes' vote is returned, we will do what we can to guard against restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of religion, to defend parents' rights, and to protect Australian kids from being exposed to radical LGBTIQ sex and gender education in the classrooms," Lyle Shelton, a spokesman for the Coalition for Marriage, said at the weekend. "We promise our supporters that no matter the result, we will continue to work to defend Australian families," he said.

Australia votes 'yes' to same-sex marriage

Police fired pepper spray to disperse protesters outside a&nbsp;rally&nbsp;by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday after being pelted with rocks and bottles, police said.

Police have not given an estimate of the number of protesters, but Arizona media said there were several thousand. Police did not say whether the pepper spray was used on pro- or anti-Trump protesters, or both.

&quot;People in the crowd have begun throwing rocks and bottles at police,&quot; Phoenix Police Department spokesman Sergeant Jonathan Howard said.

&quot;Police have responded with pepper balls and OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray in an attempt to disperse the crowd and stop the assaults,&quot; he said.

Four people were arrested during the protest, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said during a news conference.

&quot;We had tens of thousands of people downtown peacefully exercising their first amendment rights,&quot; Williams said. &quot;What&rsquo;s unfortunate is that a very small number of individuals chose criminal conduct.&quot;

Police called on the crowds to disperse. Many of the protesters quit the scene, while dozens of police in riot gear and carrying shields sought to clear remaining protesters from the downtown area.

The Phoenix Fire Department said it treated 56 people for heat exhaustion and dehydration at the convention center. Twelve people were taken to the hospital.

"People in the crowd have begun throwing rocks and bottles at police," Phoenix Police Department spokesman Sergeant Jonathan Howard said

Police fired pepper spray to disperse protesters outside a rally by US President Donald Trump in Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday after being pelted with rocks and bottles, police said. Police have not given an estimate of the number of protesters, but Arizona media said there were several thousand. Police did not say whether the pepper spray was used on pro- or anti-Trump protesters, or both. "People in the crowd have begun throwing rocks and bottles at police," Phoenix Police Department spokesman Sergeant Jonathan Howard said. "Police have responded with pepper balls and OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray in an attempt to disperse the crowd and stop the assaults," he said. Four people were arrested during the protest, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said during a news conference. "We had tens of thousands of people downtown peacefully exercising their first amendment rights," Williams said. "What’s unfortunate is that a very small number of individuals chose criminal conduct." Police called on the crowds to disperse. Many of the protesters quit the scene, while dozens of police in riot gear and carrying shields sought to clear remaining protesters from the downtown area. The Phoenix Fire Department said it treated 56 people for heat exhaustion and dehydration at the convention center. Twelve people were taken to the hospital.

Trump's Phoenix rally pelted with rocks and bottles, Police used pepper spray to disperse protesters

Large protests could greet President Donald Trump&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;when he travels to Arizona for his first campaign rally since he caused an uproar with his remarks about a white nationalist demonstration in Virginia.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, a Democrat, asked the Republican president to postpone&nbsp;Tuesday&#39;s&nbsp;event scheduled for&nbsp;7 p.m. MST&nbsp;(0200 GMT&nbsp;on Wednesday) in light of his response to the street battles that broke out earlier this month at a protest against the removal of a Confederate statue in Charlottesville.

Trump was widely criticized for blaming both white nationalists and counter-protesters for the violence at the rally organized by neo-Nazis and white supremacists.

&quot;America is hurting. And it is hurting largely because Trump has doused racial tensions with gasoline,&quot; Stanton wrote in the Washington Post. &quot;With his planned visit to Phoenix&nbsp;on Tuesday, I fear the president may be looking to light a match.&quot;

Several anti-Trump demonstrations are planned for Phoenix, according to social media postings by local activists.

Some White House officials privately expressed concern&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;about Trump&#39;s Phoenix rally, fearing he might revisit the Charlottesville issue in the heat of the moment while cheered on by thousands of supporters.

Trump has railed against the media coverage of his remarks, saying on Twitter that news outlets &quot;totally misrepresent what I say about hate, bigotry.&quot;

It will be Trump&#39;s first trip as president to Arizona, which he won in the 2016 election. He will also visit a border protection facility in Yuma, Arizona, along the U.S.-Mexican border as he seeks congressional funding for the wall he wants built..

Republican Governor Doug Ducey told the Arizona Republic&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;that he would welcome Trump on the tarmac when he arrived but would not attend the campaign rally. Instead, he said he would be focused on ensuring the safety of the event.

Trump has clashed with Arizona&#39;s two Republican U.S. senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, on various issues. Both lawmakers are critics of the president.

Last week, Trump in a tweet called Flake &quot;WEAK on borders, crime and a non-factor in Senate. He&#39;s toxic!&quot; and appeared to endorse Kelli Ward, Flake&#39;s Republican challenger in his 2018 re-election race.

Trump said earlier this month that he was considering pardoning Joe Arpaio, the former Arizona sheriff found guilty of criminal contempt for violating the terms of a 2011 court order in a racial profiling case.

Trump has caused an uproar with his remarks about a white nationalist demonstration in Virginia which is expected to lead to protests by local activists in his Phoenix's rally

Large protests could greet President Donald Trump on Tuesday when he travels to Arizona for his first campaign rally since he caused an uproar with his remarks about a white nationalist demonstration in Virginia. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, a Democrat, asked the Republican president to postpone Tuesday's event scheduled for 7 p.m. MST (0200 GMT on Wednesday) in light of his response to the street battles that broke out earlier this month at a protest against the removal of a Confederate statue in Charlottesville. Trump was widely criticized for blaming both white nationalists and counter-protesters for the violence at the rally organized by neo-Nazis and white supremacists. "America is hurting. And it is hurting largely because Trump has doused racial tensions with gasoline," Stanton wrote in the Washington Post. "With his planned visit to Phoenix on Tuesday, I fear the president may be looking to light a match." Several anti-Trump demonstrations are planned for Phoenix, according to social media postings by local activists. Some White House officials privately expressed concern on Monday about Trump's Phoenix rally, fearing he might revisit the Charlottesville issue in the heat of the moment while cheered on by thousands of supporters. Trump has railed against the media coverage of his remarks, saying on Twitter that news outlets "totally misrepresent what I say about hate, bigotry." It will be Trump's first trip as president to Arizona, which he won in the 2016 election. He will also visit a border protection facility in Yuma, Arizona, along the U.S.-Mexican border as he seeks congressional funding for the wall he wants built.. Republican Governor Doug Ducey told the Arizona Republic on Monday that he would welcome Trump on the tarmac when he arrived but would not attend the campaign rally. Instead, he said he would be focused on ensuring the safety of the event. Trump has clashed with Arizona's two Republican U.S. senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, on various issues. Both lawmakers are critics of the president. Last week, Trump in a tweet called Flake "WEAK on borders, crime and a non-factor in Senate. He's toxic!" and appeared to endorse Kelli Ward, Flake's Republican challenger in his 2018 re-election race. Trump said earlier this month that he was considering pardoning Joe Arpaio, the former Arizona sheriff found guilty of criminal contempt for violating the terms of a 2011 court order in a racial profiling case.

Phoenix Mayor asked Trump to reschedule his rally in Phoenix.

A military jeep carried the ashes of Fidel Castro along streets lined with flag-waving Cubans in Havana on Wednesday, starting a four-day journey to his final resting place across the island.

After two days of tributes in Havana, the &quot;caravan of freedom&quot; departed on a 950-kilometer (590-mile) trek retracing the route of the revolution&#39;s victory tour of 1959.

The flag-covered urn rested on a small olive-green trailer, flanked by white flowers and protected by a glass case as Havana bid farewell to the communist icon who ruled the island with an iron fist for almost half a century.

Hundreds of thousands chanted &quot;I am Fidel!&quot; and &quot;viva Fidel!&quot; as the &quot;caravan of freedom&quot; headed on long trip that will end with a final ceremony in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba on Sunday.

Senior officials of the government and Communist Party, and Castro&#39;s longtime partner, Dalia Soto del Valle, attended the farewell ceremony at the armed forces ministry before the caravan headed out.

Cubans were observing the fifth of nine days of mourning for Castro following his death on Friday at age 90. Castro ruled from 1959 until an illness forced him to hand power to his brother, Raul, in 2006.

&quot;It&#39;s very moving to say goodbye to a person who meant so much but who lived long enough to accomplish what he wanted,&quot; said a tearful Esperanza Pares, 86.

Castro&#39;s ashes will take the reverse route that his band of guerrilla fighters took after defeating dictator Fulgencio Batista.

From January 2 to January 8, 1959, the bearded rebels traveled from Santiago to Havana, stopping in Castro&#39;s home region, Holguin, as well as the cities of Camaguey, Las Tunas, Sancti Spiritus, Santa Clara and Matanzas.

One of the most symbol-filled stops of this last trip will be in Santa Clara, where the ashes of his Argentine comrade-in-arms, Ernesto &quot;Che&quot; Guevara, rest.

The urn will be laid to rest at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery, next to the mausoleum of 19th century independence hero Jose Marti.

&#39;Until victory, always!&#39;

The trip follows two days of tributes in Havana where hundreds of thousands were encouraged by the government to view a picture memorial to Castro at the Revolution Square.

The commemorations in the capital ended with a massive rally Tuesday night at the square attended by Latin American, African and Caribbean leaders, along with the Greek prime minister -- the only European leader at the event.

Raul Castro, 85, thanked the &quot;countless gestures of solidarity and affection from around the world&quot; and ending with the revolutionary battle cry, &quot;Until victory, always!&quot;

But the presidents of Western powers, and even friendly nations including Russia, China and Iran, sent deputies in their place.

The absences underscored the divisive legacy of a leader who defied the United States, backed guerrilla movements in Latin America and deployed his army to conflicts in Africa during the Cold War.

Leftist Latin American leaders vowed to carry the torch of Castro&#39;s revolution as they addressed the rally.

&quot;Today it is up to us to raise the flags of independence of the great fatherland, today it is up to us to hold the flag of dignity and freedom of the people,&quot; said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose late mentor, Hugo Chavez, had a special bond with Castro.

Allies praised Castro in almost religious tones, with Bolivian President Evo Morales saying, &quot;Fidel is not dead. ...Fidel is more alive than ever, more necessary than ever.&quot;

Fading left

Castro&#39;s death, however, comes as Latin America&#39;s left is losing ground.

Maduro is facing a deep economic crisis and fighting opposition attempts to hold a recall referendum, while Brazil&#39;s Dilma Rousseff was impeached in August and a conservative took over in Argentina last year.

US President Barack Obama, who along with Raul Castro ended decades of enmity to restore diplomatic relations, did not attend the rally, sending an advisor and a diplomat without the status of a &quot;presidential delegation.&quot;

&quot;We continue to have some significant concerns about the way the Cuban government currently operates, particularly with regard to protecting the basic human rights of the Cuban people,&quot; White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The urn holding Castro's ashes began the four-day journey to the Cuban revolutionary icon's final resting place

A military jeep carried the ashes of Fidel Castro along streets lined with flag-waving Cubans in Havana on Wednesday, starting a four-day journey to his final resting place across the island. After two days of tributes in Havana, the "caravan of freedom" departed on a 950-kilometer (590-mile) trek retracing the route of the revolution's victory tour of 1959. The flag-covered urn rested on a small olive-green trailer, flanked by white flowers and protected by a glass case as Havana bid farewell to the communist icon who ruled the island with an iron fist for almost half a century. Hundreds of thousands chanted "I am Fidel!" and "viva Fidel!" as the "caravan of freedom" headed on long trip that will end with a final ceremony in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba on Sunday. Senior officials of the government and Communist Party, and Castro's longtime partner, Dalia Soto del Valle, attended the farewell ceremony at the armed forces ministry before the caravan headed out. Cubans were observing the fifth of nine days of mourning for Castro following his death on Friday at age 90. Castro ruled from 1959 until an illness forced him to hand power to his brother, Raul, in 2006. "It's very moving to say goodbye to a person who meant so much but who lived long enough to accomplish what he wanted," said a tearful Esperanza Pares, 86. Castro's ashes will take the reverse route that his band of guerrilla fighters took after defeating dictator Fulgencio Batista. From January 2 to January 8, 1959, the bearded rebels traveled from Santiago to Havana, stopping in Castro's home region, Holguin, as well as the cities of Camaguey, Las Tunas, Sancti Spiritus, Santa Clara and Matanzas. One of the most symbol-filled stops of this last trip will be in Santa Clara, where the ashes of his Argentine comrade-in-arms, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, rest. The urn will be laid to rest at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery, next to the mausoleum of 19th century independence hero Jose Marti. 'Until victory, always!' The trip follows two days of tributes in Havana where hundreds of thousands were encouraged by the government to view a picture memorial to Castro at the Revolution Square. The commemorations in the capital ended with a massive rally Tuesday night at the square attended by Latin American, African and Caribbean leaders, along with the Greek prime minister -- the only European leader at the event. Raul Castro, 85, thanked the "countless gestures of solidarity and affection from around the world" and ending with the revolutionary battle cry, "Until victory, always!" But the presidents of Western powers, and even friendly nations including Russia, China and Iran, sent deputies in their place. The absences underscored the divisive legacy of a leader who defied the United States, backed guerrilla movements in Latin America and deployed his army to conflicts in Africa during the Cold War. Leftist Latin American leaders vowed to carry the torch of Castro's revolution as they addressed the rally. "Today it is up to us to raise the flags of independence of the great fatherland, today it is up to us to hold the flag of dignity and freedom of the people," said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose late mentor, Hugo Chavez, had a special bond with Castro. Allies praised Castro in almost religious tones, with Bolivian President Evo Morales saying, "Fidel is not dead. ...Fidel is more alive than ever, more necessary than ever." Fading left Castro's death, however, comes as Latin America's left is losing ground. Maduro is facing a deep economic crisis and fighting opposition attempts to hold a recall referendum, while Brazil's Dilma Rousseff was impeached in August and a conservative took over in Argentina last year. US President Barack Obama, who along with Raul Castro ended decades of enmity to restore diplomatic relations, did not attend the rally, sending an advisor and a diplomat without the status of a "presidential delegation." "We continue to have some significant concerns about the way the Cuban government currently operates, particularly with regard to protecting the basic human rights of the Cuban people," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. (AFP)

'Viva Fidel!': Castro takes final voyage across Cuba

Turkish riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to break up a rally of about 50 members of the LGBT community in Istanbul on Sunday, an AFP correspondent said. 
 
Several hundred policeman surrounded the city`s main Taksim Square to prevent the demonstration taking place during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan 
(AFP)

Hundreds of policemen surround the area to prevent 50-LGBT members from demonstrating during Ramzan

Turkish riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to break up a rally of about 50 members of the LGBT community in Istanbul on Sunday, an AFP correspondent said. Several hundred policeman surrounded the city`s main Taksim Square to prevent the demonstration taking place during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan (AFP)

Riot police fires rubber bullets and tear gas at LGBT rally in Istanbul

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