The National Democratic Alliance on Saturday released its list for 39 out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ.&nbsp;

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will contest from Shatrughan Sinha's Patna Sahib seat.

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BJP in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to be BJP’s candidate from Patna Sahib.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/LIVPmAFOLA">pic.twitter.com/LIVPmAFOLA</a>
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BJP's party in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav announced that Lok Janshakti Party's Chandan Kumar will contest from Nawada. LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan's son, Chirag Paswan, is fielded from Jamui seat while his brother&nbsp;Ram Vilas Paswan's brother Pashupati Kumar Paras to contest from Hajipur

Besides this, Ramkirpal Yadav will contest from Patliputra, RK Singh from Arrah, Aswani Choubey from Buxar, Radha Mohan Singh from East Champaran, Rajiv Pratap Rudy from Saran, Yadav stated.

Meanwhile, former Chhattisgarh chief minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh on Saturday said that a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's central election committee will be held later in the day today, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Singh said that the leaders are likely to take a final call on 6 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, following which the names of the candidates will be declared.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-list-of-36-candidates-sambit-patra-to-contest-from-puri-204967">national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha)</a>, Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.

The National Democratic Alliance on Saturday released its list for 39 out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats.

The National Democratic Alliance on Saturday released its list for 39 out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats. According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will contest from Shatrughan Sinha's Patna Sahib seat. BJP in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to be BJP’s candidate from Patna Sahib.#LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/LIVPmAFOLA — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × BJP's party in-charge for Bihar, Bhupendra Yadav announced that Lok Janshakti Party's Chandan Kumar will contest from Nawada. LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan's son, Chirag Paswan, is fielded from Jamui seat while his brother Ram Vilas Paswan's brother Pashupati Kumar Paras to contest from Hajipur Besides this, Ramkirpal Yadav will contest from Patliputra, RK Singh from Arrah, Aswani Choubey from Buxar, Radha Mohan Singh from East Champaran, Rajiv Pratap Rudy from Saran, Yadav stated. Meanwhile, former Chhattisgarh chief minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh on Saturday said that a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's central election committee will be held later in the day today, news agency ANI reported. Singh said that the leaders are likely to take a final call on 6 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, following which the names of the candidates will be declared. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections. The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya). The decision was taken after a meeting of the Central Election Committee of the BJP in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.

Lok Sabha polls: NDA releases list of candidates for Bihar, Ravi Shankar Prasad replaces Shatrughan Sinha in Patna Sahib seat

Intensifying his 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am watchman) campaign, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-manohar-parrikar-in-goa-204051">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on March 31 will interact with people, who have pledged their support to the campaign, from 500 places across the country.

Speaking at a press conference here, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the campaign has become a "people's movement" as the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' hashtag has been tweeted 20 lakh times and had 1680 crore impressions.

Replying to a question if the campaign was a counter to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's 'chowkidar chor hai' (watchman is the thief) barb, he rejected the suggestion and asserted that Modi in his campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls had projected himself as the "first servant" and 'chowkidar' of the country.

On Saturday, Modi had urged his supporters to take the ''main bhi chowkidar''&nbsp;(I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils.

Following his appeal, all BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah and Union ministers, prefixed the word 'chowkidar' to their names in their Twitter profile as they sought people's support in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Intensifying his 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am watchman) campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 31 will interact with people, who have pledged their support to the campaign, from 500 places across the country.

Intensifying his 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am watchman) campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 31 will interact with people, who have pledged their support to the campaign, from 500 places across the country. Speaking at a press conference here, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the campaign has become a "people's movement" as the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' hashtag has been tweeted 20 lakh times and had 1680 crore impressions. Replying to a question if the campaign was a counter to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's 'chowkidar chor hai' (watchman is the thief) barb, he rejected the suggestion and asserted that Modi in his campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls had projected himself as the "first servant" and 'chowkidar' of the country. On Saturday, Modi had urged his supporters to take the ''main bhi chowkidar'' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils. Following his appeal, all BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah and Union ministers, prefixed the word 'chowkidar' to their names in their Twitter profile as they sought people's support in the Lok Sabha elections.

PM Modi to interact with people on March 31 over 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign

Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who is the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency in Bihar is likely to be replaced with Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, according to sources.

Sinha, a BJP leader who has criticised the party leadership several times in the past had put out a series of tweets that seemed to indicate that he will leave the party.

"Sir, the Nation respects you, but the only thing the leadership lacks is credibility &amp; trust factor. "Leadership jo kar rahi hai or jo kah rahi hai, kya log uspe vishwas kar rahein hain? Shayad nahin!" Any way it all seems to be too little and too late?" he said.

"Promises made in the past are still to be fulfilled. Hope, wish &amp; pray, though I may not be with you anymore - "Mohabbat karne vaale kam na honge, (shayad) teri mehfil mein lekin hum na honge"." Sinha tweeted on Friday.

Sinha also shared the stage with opposition leaders at an anti-BJP rally in Kolkata in January. The BJP, late on Saturday held a meeting at party's headquarters presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party national president Amit Shah, to shortlist candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

According to sources, the decision was taken to field Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib and R K Singh from Ara parliamentary constituencies. Further, the party is likely to field Sanjay Jaiswal from West Champaran and Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh from East Champaran constituencies in Bihar.

Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The dates of polling in Bihar will be on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6, 12 and 19. The counting will happen on May 23 and the results will be announced on the same day.

During the 2014 Lok Sabha General Elections, the BJP won 22 seats, Congress bagged two seats, Lok Jan Shakti Party captured six seats and Rashtriya Janata Dal won in four constituencies.

Meanwhile, sources said that while Saturday`s meet was held to deliberate on candidates that the party will field in various constituencies in 11 states, the BJP Central Election Committee is likely to meet again on Monday and by March 22 the party may announce the list of all candidates.

Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who is the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency in Bihar is likely to be replaced with Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, according to sources.

Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who is the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency in Bihar is likely to be replaced with Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, according to sources. Sinha, a BJP leader who has criticised the party leadership several times in the past had put out a series of tweets that seemed to indicate that he will leave the party. "Sir, the Nation respects you, but the only thing the leadership lacks is credibility & trust factor. "Leadership jo kar rahi hai or jo kah rahi hai, kya log uspe vishwas kar rahein hain? Shayad nahin!" Any way it all seems to be too little and too late?" he said. "Promises made in the past are still to be fulfilled. Hope, wish & pray, though I may not be with you anymore - "Mohabbat karne vaale kam na honge, (shayad) teri mehfil mein lekin hum na honge"." Sinha tweeted on Friday. Sinha also shared the stage with opposition leaders at an anti-BJP rally in Kolkata in January. The BJP, late on Saturday held a meeting at party's headquarters presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party national president Amit Shah, to shortlist candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. According to sources, the decision was taken to field Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib and R K Singh from Ara parliamentary constituencies. Further, the party is likely to field Sanjay Jaiswal from West Champaran and Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh from East Champaran constituencies in Bihar. Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The dates of polling in Bihar will be on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6, 12 and 19. The counting will happen on May 23 and the results will be announced on the same day. During the 2014 Lok Sabha General Elections, the BJP won 22 seats, Congress bagged two seats, Lok Jan Shakti Party captured six seats and Rashtriya Janata Dal won in four constituencies. Meanwhile, sources said that while Saturday`s meet was held to deliberate on candidates that the party will field in various constituencies in 11 states, the BJP Central Election Committee is likely to meet again on Monday and by March 22 the party may announce the list of all candidates.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP likely to drop Shatrughan Sinha, field Ravi Shankar Prasad from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency

The&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday stepped-up its attack on the opposition and asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify on the meeting he had with the G20 envoys on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Speaking with the media in Delhi today, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked if Gandhi presented India's stand to the envoys or the opposition's.

"Rahul Gandhi yesterday met ambassadors of G20 countries, what did he disclose to them about Pulwama attack and the AirStrikes? Did he convey to them the view of the country, Govt or Congress' view? Every day they're questioning air strikes, he needs to explain it to the country," Prasad told reporters.&nbsp;

Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh shared the party's economic and political vision with ambassadors of G20 member-countries at a meeting on Wednesday, during which the Pulwama attack and the subsequent developments were also discussed, news agency PTI reported.

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RS Prasad: Rahul Gandhi y'day met ambassadors of G20 countries, what did he disclose to them about Pulwama attack &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirStrikes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirStrikes</a>? Did he convey to them the view of the country, Govt or Congress' view. everyday they're questioning air strikes, he needs to explain it to the country. <a href="https://t.co/n7uPpjMXfd">pic.twitter.com/n7uPpjMXfd</a>
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The Pakistan High Commissioner was not invited to the meet which was attended by the ambassadors of the United States and China, the UK High Commissioner among others.

Sources said the Pulwama attack and the consequent air strikes were also learnt to have been discussed during the meeting, as the diplomats were curious about how the developments will play out in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. They also sought to know its effect on the stability of the region, PTI reported.

The meet, held at a local hotel, was earlier slated for February 15 and had been cancelled in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. 
Rahul Gandhi later tweeted out saying he enjoyed the exchange of ideas and looked forward to continuing the dialogue with the envoys.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday stepped-up its attack on the opposition and asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify on the meeting he had with the G20 envoys on Wednesday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday stepped-up its attack on the opposition and asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify on the meeting he had with the G20 envoys on Wednesday. Speaking with the media in Delhi today, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked if Gandhi presented India's stand to the envoys or the opposition's. "Rahul Gandhi yesterday met ambassadors of G20 countries, what did he disclose to them about Pulwama attack and the AirStrikes? Did he convey to them the view of the country, Govt or Congress' view? Every day they're questioning air strikes, he needs to explain it to the country," Prasad told reporters. Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh shared the party's economic and political vision with ambassadors of G20 member-countries at a meeting on Wednesday, during which the Pulwama attack and the subsequent developments were also discussed, news agency PTI reported. RS Prasad: Rahul Gandhi y'day met ambassadors of G20 countries, what did he disclose to them about Pulwama attack & #AirStrikes? Did he convey to them the view of the country, Govt or Congress' view. everyday they're questioning air strikes, he needs to explain it to the country. pic.twitter.com/n7uPpjMXfd — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2019 × The Pakistan High Commissioner was not invited to the meet which was attended by the ambassadors of the United States and China, the UK High Commissioner among others. Sources said the Pulwama attack and the consequent air strikes were also learnt to have been discussed during the meeting, as the diplomats were curious about how the developments will play out in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. They also sought to know its effect on the stability of the region, PTI reported. The meet, held at a local hotel, was earlier slated for February 15 and had been cancelled in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Rahul Gandhi later tweeted out saying he enjoyed the exchange of ideas and looked forward to continuing the dialogue with the envoys. (With inputs from PTI)

'What did he disclose on Pulwama, Balakot strikes?' BJP asks Rahul to clarify on meeting with G20 envoys

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft.

Soon after Gandhi demanded a probe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal, the BJP hit back with Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleging that the Congress president believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders.&nbsp;

"I totally condemn blatant lies of Rahul Gandhi. He does not believe the Indian Air Force, does not trust the Supreme Court verdict that clearly said there is no commercial impropriety in the (Rafale) procurement process. He does not believe the CAG," Prasad said.

"Will Rahul Gandhi need a certificate about Rafale from Pakistan. In that, we cannot help. Of late he believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders," the senior BJP leader added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Gandhi asked why a probe cannot be ordered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an "Rs 30,000-crore scam" when an investigation has been initiated into the theft of official documents related to the fighter jet deal.

At a press conference, he accused the prime minister of conducting parallel negotiations on the fighter jet deal and the government of manipulating institutions to "save" him. 
The parallel negotiations "retarded" the delivery of Rafale, he claimed. 
&nbsp;

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft.

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft. Soon after Gandhi demanded a probe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal, the BJP hit back with Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleging that the Congress president believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders. "I totally condemn blatant lies of Rahul Gandhi. He does not believe the Indian Air Force, does not trust the Supreme Court verdict that clearly said there is no commercial impropriety in the (Rafale) procurement process. He does not believe the CAG," Prasad said. "Will Rahul Gandhi need a certificate about Rafale from Pakistan. In that, we cannot help. Of late he believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders," the senior BJP leader added. Earlier in the day, Gandhi asked why a probe cannot be ordered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an "Rs 30,000-crore scam" when an investigation has been initiated into the theft of official documents related to the fighter jet deal. At a press conference, he accused the prime minister of conducting parallel negotiations on the fighter jet deal and the government of manipulating institutions to "save" him. The parallel negotiations "retarded" the delivery of Rafale, he claimed.

Does Rahul Gandhi need certificate from Pakistan on Rafale: BJP

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-government-withdraws-security-cover-of-5-separatist-leaders-including-mirwaiz-umar-farooq-197880">withdraw the security of separatist leaders</a> in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

The Union Minister asserted that the step of revoking security cover accorded to separatists should have been taken earlier.

"These Hurriyat leaders talk to Pakistan and receive funding from various places. The most painful thing is that they get security from the central government and the Jammu and Kashmir government. India will not allow any step taken towards separating Kashmir from the country," Prasad told media here.

"Jammu and Kashmir is part of India and will remain so. This cannot be practised anymore that you talk about distributing India and take security from Indian government itself. We welcome this decision of the Jammu and Kashmir government. This step should have been taken earlier itself," he added.

Cracking down on pro-Pakistan elements in Kashmir, the state government earlier today withdrew the security provided to five separatist leaders. The decision came in the wake of Pulwama terror attack in which around 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The separatist leaders whose security was withdrawn included All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

"The Government is issuing orders withdrawing all security and any government facilities provided to the following separatist leaders namely Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah,” read the order by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

As per orders of the state government, all security and any vehicles provided to them will stand withdrawn by today evening. No security forces or cover should be provided, under any pretext, to them or any other separatists said the administration order.

The state administration has also said that the Police Headquarters will review if there are any other separatists who have government security or facilities and will withdraw these immediately.&nbsp;

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to withdraw the security of separatist leaders in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to withdraw the security of separatist leaders in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. The Union Minister asserted that the step of revoking security cover accorded to separatists should have been taken earlier. "These Hurriyat leaders talk to Pakistan and receive funding from various places. The most painful thing is that they get security from the central government and the Jammu and Kashmir government. India will not allow any step taken towards separating Kashmir from the country," Prasad told media here. "Jammu and Kashmir is part of India and will remain so. This cannot be practised anymore that you talk about distributing India and take security from Indian government itself. We welcome this decision of the Jammu and Kashmir government. This step should have been taken earlier itself," he added. Cracking down on pro-Pakistan elements in Kashmir, the state government earlier today withdrew the security provided to five separatist leaders. The decision came in the wake of Pulwama terror attack in which around 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The separatist leaders whose security was withdrawn included All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. "The Government is issuing orders withdrawing all security and any government facilities provided to the following separatist leaders namely Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah,” read the order by the Jammu and Kashmir administration. As per orders of the state government, all security and any vehicles provided to them will stand withdrawn by today evening. No security forces or cover should be provided, under any pretext, to them or any other separatists said the administration order. The state administration has also said that the Police Headquarters will review if there are any other separatists who have government security or facilities and will withdraw these immediately.

Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomes J&K government's decision to withdraw security of separatist leaders

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court judgment directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before CBI in the Saradha scam as a moral victory for the probe agency. He also stressed that there was no need to politicise the issue.

“This order was given by the Supreme Court to investigate the conspiracy angle and also the money laundering angle. This investigation must be done in a fair manner. Let`s not politicise it. This is a great moral victory for CBI,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad.He also said that Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other opposition leaders are silent on the Saradha chit fund scam which was a "huge loot" of the money of small investors.“Today we have to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated and looted of their money. Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamata Banerjee silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this?” asked Prasad. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the BJP-led central government was "settling scores" with the opposition by "misusing" the autonomous bodies.“The government is settling scores with the opposition after interfering in autonomous bodies. We are fighting against those elements. It is not about an individual, an officer or a party. We are fighting against the government`s attempt to discredit autonomous bodies,” said Kharge.The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI, in investigations related to the Saradha chit fund scam.The bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi also ruled that no coercive step should be taken against Kumar.The Supreme Court has also issued a contempt notice to the chief secretary of the West Bengal government, the DGP and the police commissioner on a plea for allegedly detaining the CBI probe team. Rajeev Kumar will now appear before the CBI in Shillong, Meghalaya as a neutral place. The case will now be heard on February 20. On the other hand, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lauded the Supreme Court verdict as a moral victory. Addressing the media from her dharna site at Kolkata’s Metro Channel, Banerjee said that she and her party TMC have great respect for the judiciary, and today’s verdict will boost the morale of the officers.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court judgment directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before CBI in the Saradha scam as a moral victory for the probe agency.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court judgment directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before CBI in the Saradha scam as a moral victory for the probe agency. He also stressed that there was no need to politicise the issue. “This order was given by the Supreme Court to investigate the conspiracy angle and also the money laundering angle. This investigation must be done in a fair manner. Let`s not politicise it. This is a great moral victory for CBI,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad.He also said that Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other opposition leaders are silent on the Saradha chit fund scam which was a "huge loot" of the money of small investors.“Today we have to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated and looted of their money. Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamata Banerjee silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this?” asked Prasad. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the BJP-led central government was "settling scores" with the opposition by "misusing" the autonomous bodies.“The government is settling scores with the opposition after interfering in autonomous bodies. We are fighting against those elements. It is not about an individual, an officer or a party. We are fighting against the government`s attempt to discredit autonomous bodies,” said Kharge.The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI, in investigations related to the Saradha chit fund scam.The bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi also ruled that no coercive step should be taken against Kumar.The Supreme Court has also issued a contempt notice to the chief secretary of the West Bengal government, the DGP and the police commissioner on a plea for allegedly detaining the CBI probe team. Rajeev Kumar will now appear before the CBI in Shillong, Meghalaya as a neutral place. The case will now be heard on February 20. On the other hand, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lauded the Supreme Court verdict as a moral victory. Addressing the media from her dharna site at Kolkata’s Metro Channel, Banerjee said that she and her party TMC have great respect for the judiciary, and today’s verdict will boost the morale of the officers.

Supreme Court verdict a moral victory for CBI: Ravi Shankar Prasad

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

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

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

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

The BJP on Monday said Congress president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-impact-of-priyanka-gandhi-on-lok-sabha-polls-says-bjp-192523">Rahul Gandhi</a>'s claim of ensuring minimum income guarantee if his party was voted to power was like "hundreds of other announcements" of the opposition party that were not meant to be implemented and asserted that people had seen through the opposition party's games.

"The people of India know the reality of the Congress and have seen through its games," Union minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, following Gandhi's announcement at a public meeting in Chhattisgarh.

He said the Congress governments did not waive farm loans in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, despite promising to do so before the Assembly polls in these states, and added that Gandhi's announcement was a "same kind of sop".

"Gandhi's claim to provide minimum income guarantee for the poor is like hundreds of Congress announcements which are not meant to be implemented. His party remained in power for 58 years at the Centre and made thousands of announcements. If they had been implemented, the face of the country, including that of the poor, would have been different," Prasad said.

He termed the Congress chief's assurance an "off-the-cuff" announcement, made "without any preparation or provision for funding or a proper agenda".

Gandhi had announced that his party would ensure "minimum income guarantee" for every poor person in the country if voted to power in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's claim of ensuring minimum income guarantee if his party was voted to power was like "hundreds of other announcements" of the opposition party that were not meant to be implemented and asserted that people had seen through the opposition party's games.

The BJP on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's claim of ensuring minimum income guarantee if his party was voted to power was like "hundreds of other announcements" of the opposition party that were not meant to be implemented and asserted that people had seen through the opposition party's games. "The people of India know the reality of the Congress and have seen through its games," Union minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, following Gandhi's announcement at a public meeting in Chhattisgarh. He said the Congress governments did not waive farm loans in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, despite promising to do so before the Assembly polls in these states, and added that Gandhi's announcement was a "same kind of sop". "Gandhi's claim to provide minimum income guarantee for the poor is like hundreds of Congress announcements which are not meant to be implemented. His party remained in power for 58 years at the Centre and made thousands of announcements. If they had been implemented, the face of the country, including that of the poor, would have been different," Prasad said. He termed the Congress chief's assurance an "off-the-cuff" announcement, made "without any preparation or provision for funding or a proper agenda". Gandhi had announced that his party would ensure "minimum income guarantee" for every poor person in the country if voted to power in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Rahul's minimum income guarantee promise not meant to be implemented: BJP

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday reacted to the row. The Union Minister alleged that the Congress had organised the EVM hackathon in London in which the cyber expert claimed that the 2014 general elections were rigged.

The event was sponsored by the Congress, the minister of Electronics and IT said at a press conference in New Delhi today.&nbsp;

Prasad stated that the cyber expert's claim will be exposed, adding that the Congress insulted the 2014 mandate.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hacking-claim-election-commission-asserts-foolproof-nature-of-its-machines-mulls-legal-action-191855">Election Commission of India on Monday</a> stated that it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, political leaders from across the country have reacted to the report. Andhra Pradesh chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hackathon-andhra-cm-demands-election-commission-to-revert-to-paper-ballot-system-191876">N Chandrababu Naidu</a> stated the Commission must go back to using ballot box system for the upcoming general elections.&nbsp;

BSP president and SP chief, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav, also spoke in favour of a strict probe into the matter. &nbsp;

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Mayawati: Keeping democracy's larger interest in view,essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper,taking this into cognizance. <a href="https://t.co/iNSxO9CSnc">pic.twitter.com/iNSxO9CSnc</a>
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"Keeping democracy's larger interest in view, essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper, taking this into cognizance," Mayawati told reporters on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC &amp; govt should make a decision," Akhilesh Yadav noted.&nbsp;

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Akhilesh Yadav, SP chief: If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC &amp; govt should make a decision. <a href="https://t.co/r5zvjDDInK">pic.twitter.com/r5zvjDDInK</a>
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An Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, Monday claimed the 2014 general election was "rigged" through the electronic voting machines, which, he said can be hacked.

Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Shuja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday reacted to the row. The Union Minister alleged that the Congress had organised the EVM hackathon in London in which the cyber expert claimed that the 2014 general elections were rigged.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday reacted to the row. The Union Minister alleged that the Congress had organised the EVM hackathon in London in which the cyber expert claimed that the 2014 general elections were rigged. The event was sponsored by the Congress, the minister of Electronics and IT said at a press conference in New Delhi today. Prasad stated that the cyber expert's claim will be exposed, adding that the Congress insulted the 2014 mandate. The Election Commission of India on Monday stated that it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter, news agency PTI reported. Meanwhile, political leaders from across the country have reacted to the report. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated the Commission must go back to using ballot box system for the upcoming general elections. BSP president and SP chief, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav, also spoke in favour of a strict probe into the matter. Mayawati: Keeping democracy's larger interest in view,essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper,taking this into cognizance. pic.twitter.com/iNSxO9CSnc — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × "Keeping democracy's larger interest in view, essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper, taking this into cognizance," Mayawati told reporters on Tuesday. "If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC & govt should make a decision," Akhilesh Yadav noted. Akhilesh Yadav, SP chief: If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC & govt should make a decision. pic.twitter.com/r5zvjDDInK — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × An Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, Monday claimed the 2014 general election was "rigged" through the electronic voting machines, which, he said can be hacked. Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Shuja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members, news agency PTI reported.

EVM hacking claim: Centre alleges Congress organised hackathon in London, opposition says switch back to ballot box

Union Minister for Law and Justice and Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that Narendra Modi government has planned to enact a data protection law to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ravi-shankar-prasad-warn-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-of-strict-actions-36622">protect sensitive personal and professional data</a> of individuals so that it cannot be misused in foreign countries by Google.

"We are planning to bring data protect law to protect personal and professional sensitive data of the individuals of India. So that it cannot be misused in foreign countries by Google. And if someone does it then we can take stringent action against the person," he said.

Addressing the ongoing Indian Science Congress, 2019, Science Communicators` Meet in Jalandhar on Saturday, he said, "India is now the third most attractive investment destination for technology transactions and it is the best time to do science in India."

The Union Minister further said that India`s ranking in global innovation index has jumped from 81st in 2015 to 60th in 2017 and that it is now at the sixth position in scientific publications and 10th in the patent filing.

A souvenir book on Science Communicators` Meet was also released by Prasad during the event.

While applauding the role of innovations in communication technology, the Minister informed that digital payments have surged to eight folds in the last five years to Rs 2,070 crore.&nbsp;

"There have been 2048 per cent growth in Aadhar Enabled Payment System transactions while transactions in UPI grew 1500 times in the last 24 months," he added.&nbsp;

Union Minister for Law and Justice and Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that Narendra Modi government has planned to enact a data protection law to protect sensitive personal and professional data of individuals so that it cannot be misused in foreign countries by Google.

Union Minister for Law and Justice and Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that Narendra Modi government has planned to enact a data protection law to protect sensitive personal and professional data of individuals so that it cannot be misused in foreign countries by Google. "We are planning to bring data protect law to protect personal and professional sensitive data of the individuals of India. So that it cannot be misused in foreign countries by Google. And if someone does it then we can take stringent action against the person," he said. Addressing the ongoing Indian Science Congress, 2019, Science Communicators` Meet in Jalandhar on Saturday, he said, "India is now the third most attractive investment destination for technology transactions and it is the best time to do science in India." The Union Minister further said that India`s ranking in global innovation index has jumped from 81st in 2015 to 60th in 2017 and that it is now at the sixth position in scientific publications and 10th in the patent filing. A souvenir book on Science Communicators` Meet was also released by Prasad during the event. While applauding the role of innovations in communication technology, the Minister informed that digital payments have surged to eight folds in the last five years to Rs 2,070 crore. "There have been 2048 per cent growth in Aadhar Enabled Payment System transactions while transactions in UPI grew 1500 times in the last 24 months," he added.

Government planning law to prevent misuse of data by Google: Law minister

In pics: War of words over Rafale jet deal - who said what

The contentious <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-wont-let-triple-talaq-bill-pass-in-rajya-sabha-k-c-venugopal-187198">triple talaq bill</a> seeking to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among Muslims is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha Monday, even as the Congress has said it will not allow its passage in the present form.

The ruling BJP has issued a whip in the Upper House asking its members to be present. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will table the bill in the Upper House.&nbsp;

The bill was cleared by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-triple-talaq-bill-congress-aiadmk-stage-walkout-186851">Lok Sabha</a> -- 245 voting in favour and 11&nbsp;opposing it -- on Thursday amid a walkout by the Opposition.

Prasad had on Friday claimed the bill will find support in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP-led NDA lacks numbers.&nbsp;

The bill is listed in the Rajya Sabha's legislative agenda for Monday.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal told reporters in Kochi Saturday the party would join hands with others to prevent the bill from getting passed in the House.

He said 10 opposition parties had openly come out against the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 when it was introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Even the parties which support the government on various issues, including the AIADMK, have opposed the bill, said Venugopal, who is also a Congress floor strategist.

The opposition has questioned the stringent provisions like criminalisation of a civil wrong in the triple talaq bill.

The Opposition has been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'Joint Select Committee' of Parliament for further scrutiny.

On Thursday, the government rejected the Opposition's contention the bill it was aimed at targeting a particular community.

Piloting the bill, Prasad had said there should be no politics on the bill, stressing it was not against any particular community.

Describing the passage of the triple talaq bill in the Lok Sabha as a historic step towards ensuring equality and dignity of Muslim women, BJP chief Amit Shah had demanded an apology from the Congress for "decades of injustice".&nbsp;

The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September.

Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House.

But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable.

However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments.

An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses.

The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament.

Introducing the bill, the Law Minister had said despite the Supreme Court striking down the practice of talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq), terming it unconstitutional, divorces in this form were taking place.

Citing details of instant triple talaq cases, the government had last week informed Lok Sabha that till now 430 incidents of triple talaq have come to the notice of the government through the media.

Of these, 229 were reported before the Supreme Court judgment, while another 201 came to the notice after it.

These cases were reported between the period of January 2017 and September 13, 2018.

The contentious triple talaq bill seeking to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among Muslims is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha Monday, even as the Congress has said it will not allow its passage in the present form.

The contentious triple talaq bill seeking to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among Muslims is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha Monday, even as the Congress has said it will not allow its passage in the present form. The ruling BJP has issued a whip in the Upper House asking its members to be present. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will table the bill in the Upper House. The bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha -- 245 voting in favour and 11 opposing it -- on Thursday amid a walkout by the Opposition. Prasad had on Friday claimed the bill will find support in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP-led NDA lacks numbers. The bill is listed in the Rajya Sabha's legislative agenda for Monday. All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal told reporters in Kochi Saturday the party would join hands with others to prevent the bill from getting passed in the House. He said 10 opposition parties had openly come out against the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 when it was introduced in the Lok Sabha. Even the parties which support the government on various issues, including the AIADMK, have opposed the bill, said Venugopal, who is also a Congress floor strategist. The opposition has questioned the stringent provisions like criminalisation of a civil wrong in the triple talaq bill. The Opposition has been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'Joint Select Committee' of Parliament for further scrutiny. On Thursday, the government rejected the Opposition's contention the bill it was aimed at targeting a particular community. Piloting the bill, Prasad had said there should be no politics on the bill, stressing it was not against any particular community. Describing the passage of the triple talaq bill in the Lok Sabha as a historic step towards ensuring equality and dignity of Muslim women, BJP chief Amit Shah had demanded an apology from the Congress for "decades of injustice". The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament. Introducing the bill, the Law Minister had said despite the Supreme Court striking down the practice of talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq), terming it unconstitutional, divorces in this form were taking place. Citing details of instant triple talaq cases, the government had last week informed Lok Sabha that till now 430 incidents of triple talaq have come to the notice of the government through the media. Of these, 229 were reported before the Supreme Court judgment, while another 201 came to the notice after it. These cases were reported between the period of January 2017 and September 13, 2018.

Rajya Sabha to discuss Triple Talaq Bill on December 31; BJP, Congress issue whips

The Congress party will not let the passage of the triple talaq bill in its present form in the Rajya Sabha, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said here Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-bjp-lawmakers-fails-to-show-up-at-triple-talaq-bill-discussion-186998">Triple Talaq Bill </a>will be moved by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Rajya Sabha on 31 December.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaq?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaq</a> Bill will be moved by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Rajya Sabha on 31 December
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The party would join hands with those parties with which it can ally with to&nbsp;defeat the bill in the present form, he told reporters here.

He said 10 opposition parties had come out openly against the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 when it was introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Even the parties, including AIADMK which supports the government on various issues and the Trinamool Congress, have come out openly against the bill, said Venugopal who is also a Congress floor strategist.

Condemning the bill, he said stringent provisions like criminalisation of a&nbsp;civil wrong were there in the triple talaq bill and it was not at all acceptable for the opposition parties, including the Congress.

"...The bill will not help empower the women", Venugopal said.

The bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, is expected to be considered by the Rajya Sabha next week.

He claimed there was no confusion in the Congress-led UPA or party-led UDF in Kerala regarding the bill.

Recalling the passage of the bill in another form in the Lok Sabha in 2017, the Alappuzha MP said the then government could not push the bill in the Upper House due to the stringent opposition from the Congress and other opposition parties.

"That is the reason why the government brought the ordinance and re-introduced the bill again in the Lok Sabha. But the Congress will oppose its passage in the present form in the Rajya Sabha," he said.

The Congress had earlier accused the NDA government of getting the triple talaq bill passed in haste in the Lok Sabha keeping in mind the 2019 general elections.

The party has said its provisions were against the Constitution as well as fundamental rights.

The Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill criminalising the practice of instant triple talaq, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community.

The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected by the government.

The bill was passed by the Lower House with 245 voting in favour and 11 opposing the legislation.

It would now go to the Rajya Sabha for passage and if passed would become the law.

Piloting the bill, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said there should be no politics on the bill, stressing that it was not against any particular community.

Describing the passage of the triple talaq bill as a historic step to ensure equality and dignity of Muslim women, BJP chief Amit Shah had demanded apology from the Congress for decades of injustice.

The Congress party will not let the passage of the triple talaq bill in its present form in the Rajya Sabha, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said here Saturday.

The Congress party will not let the passage of the triple talaq bill in its present form in the Rajya Sabha, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said here Saturday. Triple Talaq Bill will be moved by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Rajya Sabha on 31 December. #TripleTalaq Bill will be moved by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Rajya Sabha on 31 December — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × The party would join hands with those parties with which it can ally with to defeat the bill in the present form, he told reporters here. He said 10 opposition parties had come out openly against the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 when it was introduced in the Lok Sabha. Even the parties, including AIADMK which supports the government on various issues and the Trinamool Congress, have come out openly against the bill, said Venugopal who is also a Congress floor strategist. Condemning the bill, he said stringent provisions like criminalisation of a civil wrong were there in the triple talaq bill and it was not at all acceptable for the opposition parties, including the Congress. "...The bill will not help empower the women", Venugopal said. The bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, is expected to be considered by the Rajya Sabha next week. He claimed there was no confusion in the Congress-led UPA or party-led UDF in Kerala regarding the bill. Recalling the passage of the bill in another form in the Lok Sabha in 2017, the Alappuzha MP said the then government could not push the bill in the Upper House due to the stringent opposition from the Congress and other opposition parties. "That is the reason why the government brought the ordinance and re-introduced the bill again in the Lok Sabha. But the Congress will oppose its passage in the present form in the Rajya Sabha," he said. The Congress had earlier accused the NDA government of getting the triple talaq bill passed in haste in the Lok Sabha keeping in mind the 2019 general elections. The party has said its provisions were against the Constitution as well as fundamental rights. The Lok Sabha Thursday passed the bill criminalising the practice of instant triple talaq, with the government rejecting the contention that it was aimed at targeting a particular community. The opposition, which had been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'joint select committee', staged a walkout when its demand was rejected by the government. The bill was passed by the Lower House with 245 voting in favour and 11 opposing the legislation. It would now go to the Rajya Sabha for passage and if passed would become the law. Piloting the bill, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said there should be no politics on the bill, stressing that it was not against any particular community. Describing the passage of the triple talaq bill as a historic step to ensure equality and dignity of Muslim women, BJP chief Amit Shah had demanded apology from the Congress for decades of injustice.

Won't let triple talaq bill pass in Rajya Sabha: Congress general secretary KC Venugopal 

The Union Cabinet Friday approved the Gaganyaan project under which a three-member crew will be sent to space for at least seven days, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-become-trillion-dollar-digital-economy-in-two-to-three-years-ravi-shankar-prasad-184431">Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad</a> said.

The project will cost Rs 10,000 crore, he said at a press conference here.

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Cabinet approves indigenous human spaceflight programme; Gaganyaan programme to carry 3 member crew for minimum 7 days in space at a total cost of Rs 10k crores.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078594488233222144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Gaganyaan project was announced by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-contribute-rs-4500-crore-in-bhutans-12th-five-year-planpm-modi-186982">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> in his Independence Day speech.&nbsp;

He had said the mission will be undertaken by 2022.&nbsp;

India has already inked agreements with Russia and France for assistance in the ambitious project.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet Friday approved the Gaganyaan project under which a three-member crew will be sent to space for at least seven days, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

The Union Cabinet Friday approved the Gaganyaan project under which a three-member crew will be sent to space for at least seven days, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. The project will cost Rs 10,000 crore, he said at a press conference here. Cabinet approves indigenous human spaceflight programme; Gaganyaan programme to carry 3 member crew for minimum 7 days in space at a total cost of Rs 10k crores. — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × The Gaganyaan project was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech. He had said the mission will be undertaken by 2022. India has already inked agreements with Russia and France for assistance in the ambitious project.

Gaganyaan project: Govt allocates Rs 10,000 crore to send 3 Indians into space by 2022

The government has approved amendments to the POCSO Act and introduced stringent measures to check circulation of child pornography and administration of hormones to children to attain early sexual maturity.

Briefing reporters, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-cabinet-approves-10000-crore-gaganyaan-project-187001">Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad</a> said children should be protected from sexual offences and the Cabinet has approved amendments to various sections of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

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Cabinet acts to make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes against children; approves amendments to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
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"This is a wholesome initiative whereby the entire POCSO architecture is not only strengthened but also enlarged so that artificial medicines or hormones could not be abused to kill the childliness of a child," he said.

An unfortunate thing was going on in the country - that children were being administered hormones to make them artificially majors, he said.

The related provision of the POCSO Act -- Section 9 -- has been made more stringent, the minister said.

The government has approved amendments to the POCSO Act and introduced stringent measures to check circulation of child pornography and administration of hormones to children to attain early sexual maturity.

The government has approved amendments to the POCSO Act and introduced stringent measures to check circulation of child pornography and administration of hormones to children to attain early sexual maturity. Briefing reporters, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said children should be protected from sexual offences and the Cabinet has approved amendments to various sections of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Cabinet acts to make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes against children; approves amendments to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × "This is a wholesome initiative whereby the entire POCSO architecture is not only strengthened but also enlarged so that artificial medicines or hormones could not be abused to kill the childliness of a child," he said. An unfortunate thing was going on in the country - that children were being administered hormones to make them artificially majors, he said. The related provision of the POCSO Act -- Section 9 -- has been made more stringent, the minister said.

Government strengthens POCSO Act, approves death penalty for aggravated sexual assault against minors

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will move the triple talaq bill that will be taken up in the Lok Sabha today.

A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the triple talaq bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to move the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaq?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaq</a> bill to be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha today. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/pmMSsaORwF">pic.twitter.com/pmMSsaORwF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078133975875534848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The fresh bill aims to make the practice of instant triple talaq among Muslims an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with the provision of three-year jail for the husband.

BJP on Tuesday issued a whip to its Lok Sabha members to be present in the House on December 27 when the bill will be taken up for discussion and is likely to be put to vote.

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Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress on discussion on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqbill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqbill</a> in Lok Sabha today: We will take part in the discussion and keep forward our opinion. We will appeal to the govt that it should not interfere in a religious matter. <a href="https://t.co/ThQ4U5fxz5">pic.twitter.com/ThQ4U5fxz5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078156633035935744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The three-line whip is a strict instruction to the Members of Parliament from their respective party which necessitates their presence in the House and participates in the voting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-committed-to-make-law-on-triple-talaq-pm-modi-185896">Centre was committed</a> to making a law on triple talaq despite facing "hurdles" from "hardliners" and opposition parties.&nbsp; The prime minister also talked about his government's resolve to make the law on triple talaq.&nbsp;

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Congress issues whip to its Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the House today: Sources <a href="https://t.co/NS9LoS3v6D">pic.twitter.com/NS9LoS3v6D</a>
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The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17. It aims to replace the ordinance issued by the Central government in September, banning the instant triple talaq.

(With inputs from ANI)

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will move the triple talaq bill that will be taken up in the Lok Sabha today. A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the triple talaq bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, news agency ANI reported.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will move the triple talaq bill that will be taken up in the Lok Sabha today. A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the triple talaq bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, news agency ANI reported. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to move the #TripleTalaq bill to be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha today. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/pmMSsaORwF — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × The fresh bill aims to make the practice of instant triple talaq among Muslims an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with the provision of three-year jail for the husband. BJP on Tuesday issued a whip to its Lok Sabha members to be present in the House on December 27 when the bill will be taken up for discussion and is likely to be put to vote. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress on discussion on #TripleTalaqbill in Lok Sabha today: We will take part in the discussion and keep forward our opinion. We will appeal to the govt that it should not interfere in a religious matter. pic.twitter.com/ThQ4U5fxz5 — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × The three-line whip is a strict instruction to the Members of Parliament from their respective party which necessitates their presence in the House and participates in the voting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Centre was committed to making a law on triple talaq despite facing "hurdles" from "hardliners" and opposition parties. The prime minister also talked about his government's resolve to make the law on triple talaq. Congress issues whip to its Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the House today: Sources pic.twitter.com/NS9LoS3v6D — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17. It aims to replace the ordinance issued by the Central government in September, banning the instant triple talaq. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha to take up discussion on triple talaq bill today

A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-ordinance-why-no-similar-penal-provisions-for-hindu-men-deserting-women-asks-opposition-166709">Triple Talaq</a> Bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

The fresh bill, which prohibits divorce of Muslim couples by pronouncing 'talaq'&nbsp;(divorce) three times by their husbands, was first introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under this proposed law, Muslim men giving instant triple talaq will attract imprisonment of three years.

According to the Lok Sabha`s revised business list, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will introduce the bill in the lower house today."Ravi Shankar Prasad to move that the Bill protect the rights of married Muslim women and to prohibit divorce by pronouncing talaq by their husbands and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration," the document read.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-accuses-husband-of-pronouncing-triple-talaq-files-complaint-185591">Woman accuses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-accuses-husband-of-pronouncing-triple-talaq-files-complaint-185591">husband</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-accuses-husband-of-pronouncing-triple-talaq-files-complaint-185591"> of triple talaq over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-accuses-husband-of-pronouncing-triple-talaq-files-complaint-185591">phone</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-accuses-husband-of-pronouncing-triple-talaq-files-complaint-185591"> in Hyderabad</a>

The ordinance was passed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet as this bill could not be tabled on the last day of the Monsoon session held in September, owing to a lack of consensus among political quarters.

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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel: An ordinance on triple talaq will be presented as a Bill in the Lok Sabha tomorrow, hence the BJP has issued a whip. <a href="https://t.co/SHQnHOk8c4">pic.twitter.com/SHQnHOk8c4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077829616721510400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The central government gave nod to a number of crucial amendments to the Ordinance, including a provision for bail to an accused before the commencement of trial. The other amendment cleared by the Centre includes allowing only a woman or her close kin to file a police case against her spouse for instant triple talaq.

As per the Ordinance, the victim is also allowed to drop the case if her spouse comes around later and they arrive at a compromise. It also mandates that the magistrate can decide on releasing the husband on bail only after hearing the wife`s stance.

In accordance with the Ordinance, a Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared is entitled to get subsistence allowance from her spouse for herself and for her dependent children. The amount of the allowance will be determined by the Magistrate hearing the case.

The current Ordinance also allows victims to seek custody of her minor children; however, the manner of custody will be determined by the Magistrate. It also makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal.

The issue of triple talaq was taken up in the Parliament after in August last year, a five-judge bench of the apex court ruled unconstitutional a law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering "talaq" three times in quick succession.

In a landmark 3-2 verdict, the Supreme Court found the practice un-Islamic and "arbitrary", and disagreed that triple talaq was an integral part of religious practice.

A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the Triple Talaq Bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

A discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018, or the Triple Talaq Bill, is expected to take place in Lok Sabha today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. The fresh bill, which prohibits divorce of Muslim couples by pronouncing 'talaq' (divorce) three times by their husbands, was first introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under this proposed law, Muslim men giving instant triple talaq will attract imprisonment of three years. According to the Lok Sabha`s revised business list, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will introduce the bill in the lower house today."Ravi Shankar Prasad to move that the Bill protect the rights of married Muslim women and to prohibit divorce by pronouncing talaq by their husbands and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration," the document read. Also read: Woman accuses husband of triple talaq over phone in Hyderabad The ordinance was passed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet as this bill could not be tabled on the last day of the Monsoon session held in September, owing to a lack of consensus among political quarters. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel: An ordinance on triple talaq will be presented as a Bill in the Lok Sabha tomorrow, hence the BJP has issued a whip. pic.twitter.com/SHQnHOk8c4 — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × The central government gave nod to a number of crucial amendments to the Ordinance, including a provision for bail to an accused before the commencement of trial. The other amendment cleared by the Centre includes allowing only a woman or her close kin to file a police case against her spouse for instant triple talaq. As per the Ordinance, the victim is also allowed to drop the case if her spouse comes around later and they arrive at a compromise. It also mandates that the magistrate can decide on releasing the husband on bail only after hearing the wife`s stance. In accordance with the Ordinance, a Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared is entitled to get subsistence allowance from her spouse for herself and for her dependent children. The amount of the allowance will be determined by the Magistrate hearing the case. The current Ordinance also allows victims to seek custody of her minor children; however, the manner of custody will be determined by the Magistrate. It also makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal. The issue of triple talaq was taken up in the Parliament after in August last year, a five-judge bench of the apex court ruled unconstitutional a law that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives simply by uttering "talaq" three times in quick succession. In a landmark 3-2 verdict, the Supreme Court found the practice un-Islamic and "arbitrary", and disagreed that triple talaq was an integral part of religious practice.

Triple talaq bill to be discussed in Lok Sabha on December 27

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday issued a statement clarifying that the order does not confer any new powers to any of the security or law enforcement agencies. "Each case of interception, monitoring, decryption is to be approved by the competent authority i.e. Union Home Secretary," the statement added.&nbsp;

"Rule 4 of IT (Procedure &amp; Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring &amp; Decryption of Info) Rules'09 provides that ‘the authority may authorise a government agency to intercept, monitor or decrypt info generated, transmitted or stored in any computer for a purpose specified in the Act," the statement added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad defended Home Ministry's move to allow 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource. The minister stated that the move has been carried out in national security interest. &nbsp;

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MHA clarifies that no new powers have been conferred to any of the security or law enforcement agencies by the S.O dated 20.12.2018. Each case of interception, monitoring, decryption is to be approved by the competent authority i.e. Union Home secretary.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076063434142175232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"This has been done in national security interest. It has been done under the law made by the Manmohan Singh govt in 2009. Each case of interception and the decision is to be approved by Union Home Secy," Prasad stated.&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Arun <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/order-to-monitor-computers-exists-since-2009-arun-jaitley-185675">Jaitley, earlier in the day</a>, said that the order came into existence after Congress party-led Opposition joined hands on to oppose the government's move to authorise 10 Central agencies to intercept "any information" on computers.

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Union Min RS Prasad on MHA order allowing 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource: This has been done in national security interest. It has been done under the law made by the Manmohan Singh govt in'09.Each case of interception&amp;the decision is to be approved Union Home Secy. <a href="https://t.co/munR0NAdAn">pic.twitter.com/munR0NAdAn</a>
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Jaitley was responding to former Union minister Anand Sharma's remark which noted that the BJP government is converting India into a surveillance state through its recent order.

The Centre on Friday authorised select security and intelligence agencies for purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource.

The agencies empowered by the government in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau (NIB), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Cabinet Secretariat (RAW) and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday issued a statement clarifying that the order does not confer any new powers to any of the security or law enforcement agencies.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday issued a statement clarifying that the order does not confer any new powers to any of the security or law enforcement agencies. "Each case of interception, monitoring, decryption is to be approved by the competent authority i.e. Union Home Secretary," the statement added. "Rule 4 of IT (Procedure & Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring & Decryption of Info) Rules'09 provides that ‘the authority may authorise a government agency to intercept, monitor or decrypt info generated, transmitted or stored in any computer for a purpose specified in the Act," the statement added. Meanwhile, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad defended Home Ministry's move to allow 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource. The minister stated that the move has been carried out in national security interest. MHA clarifies that no new powers have been conferred to any of the security or law enforcement agencies by the S.O dated 20.12.2018. Each case of interception, monitoring, decryption is to be approved by the competent authority i.e. Union Home secretary. — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × "This has been done in national security interest. It has been done under the law made by the Manmohan Singh govt in 2009. Each case of interception and the decision is to be approved by Union Home Secy," Prasad stated. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, earlier in the day, said that the order came into existence after Congress party-led Opposition joined hands on to oppose the government's move to authorise 10 Central agencies to intercept "any information" on computers. Union Min RS Prasad on MHA order allowing 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource: This has been done in national security interest. It has been done under the law made by the Manmohan Singh govt in'09.Each case of interception&the decision is to be approved Union Home Secy. pic.twitter.com/munR0NAdAn — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × Jaitley was responding to former Union minister Anand Sharma's remark which noted that the BJP government is converting India into a surveillance state through its recent order. The Centre on Friday authorised select security and intelligence agencies for purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource. The agencies empowered by the government in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau (NIB), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Cabinet Secretariat (RAW) and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, news agency PTI reported. (With inputs from agencies)

No new powers to security, law enforcement agencies: MHA on computer surveillance

Union Minister Ravi Shankar has said that the 'Digital India' programme was politics-neutral, centre-state-neutral and ideology-neutral while adding that the country is marching towards becoming a trillion dollar digital economy in the next two to three years due to a large-scale adoption of digital technology.

Addressing the 91st Annual General Meeting of FICCI yesterday here, Prasad stated that the 'Digital India' was transformative, designed to empower the citizens, bring about digital inclusiveness and bridge the rural-urban divide.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-economy-doing-well-but-one-cant-be-complacent-world-economic-forum-president-to-wion-171077">Indian economy doing well but one can't be complacent, says WEF President to WION</a>

"The reliance was on low-cost technology as evidenced by the spread of digital identity through 'Aadhar' which supplements the physical identity of the people," the minister said. He said that the `New India` envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government marks a tectonic shift in thinking. "It is an inspiration to think big. Unless you think big, you can`t achieve modest success," he added.&nbsp;

He stated that the boost in the number of smartphones, component manufacturing factories and optical fibre network were some examples of the adoption of digital technology in the country. The minister further said that the fundamental philosophy behind the success of the "digital transformation was IT+IT=IT (India Talent+ Information Technology= India Tomorrow)."

Concluding his speech, he said that India missed the industrial revolution due to historical reasons; it missed the entrepreneurial revolution owing to the licence-permit-quota raj.&nbsp;

"We don`t want to miss the digital revolution which is designed to transform India," he added.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar has said that the 'Digital India' programme was politics-neutral, centre-state-neutral and ideology-neutral while adding that the country is marching towards becoming a trillion dollar digital economy in the next two to three years due to a large-scale adoption of digital technology.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar has said that the 'Digital India' programme was politics-neutral, centre-state-neutral and ideology-neutral while adding that the country is marching towards becoming a trillion dollar digital economy in the next two to three years due to a large-scale adoption of digital technology. Addressing the 91st Annual General Meeting of FICCI yesterday here, Prasad stated that the 'Digital India' was transformative, designed to empower the citizens, bring about digital inclusiveness and bridge the rural-urban divide. Also read: Indian economy doing well but one can't be complacent, says WEF President to WION "The reliance was on low-cost technology as evidenced by the spread of digital identity through 'Aadhar' which supplements the physical identity of the people," the minister said. He said that the `New India` envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government marks a tectonic shift in thinking. "It is an inspiration to think big. Unless you think big, you can`t achieve modest success," he added. He stated that the boost in the number of smartphones, component manufacturing factories and optical fibre network were some examples of the adoption of digital technology in the country. The minister further said that the fundamental philosophy behind the success of the "digital transformation was IT+IT=IT (India Talent+ Information Technology= India Tomorrow)." Concluding his speech, he said that India missed the industrial revolution due to historical reasons; it missed the entrepreneurial revolution owing to the licence-permit-quota raj. "We don`t want to miss the digital revolution which is designed to transform India," he added.

India to become trillion dollar digital economy in two to three years: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Indian tech ministry officials met with senior WhatsApp executives this week to ask the Facebook Inc unit to start tracing the origins of misinformation spread through its messaging platform, a senior government official said on Friday.

WhatsApp has been working to curb the circulation of what technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad termed "sinister" content in India, the firm's biggest market where it boasts over 220 million users.

Such misinformation has led to the lynching of over 30 people since January last year, according to data portal IndiaSpend, prompting Prasad to call on WhatsApp to trace its origins.

WhatsApp has previously declined to trace the origin of messages, citing security issues.

"We have been asking them for traceability," said the official at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, declining to be identified as the meeting was private. "They (WhatsApp) are non-committal on it but we are forcing this issue."

WhatsApp was represented by Director &amp; Associate General Counsel Brian Hennessy and one other executive and said it was working on measures to prevent the spread of misinformation, according to the official.

"WhatsApp regularly engages with the Government of India to discuss our commitment to maintaining a private and safe platform for people to communicate with one another," the firm said in a statement. "We look forward to continued discussions on how we can work together towards these common goals."

WhatsApp maintains that building traceability into its messaging service would undermine its private nature and end-to-end encryption, creating the potential for misuse. It has also said it will not weaken the privacy protection it provides.

The firm has since launched print, radio and television advertising campaigns to educate users on the dangers of misinformation. It is also conducted roadshows in partnership with mobile phone network provider Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd.

WhatsApp has held digital literacy training for community leaders and law enforcement as well as introduced features on its app such as limits on message forwarding and labels for forwarded messages.

Indian tech ministry officials met with senior WhatsApp executives this week to ask the Facebook Inc unit to start tracing the origins of misinformation spread through its messaging platform, a senior government official said on Friday.

Indian tech ministry officials met with senior WhatsApp executives this week to ask the Facebook Inc unit to start tracing the origins of misinformation spread through its messaging platform, a senior government official said on Friday. WhatsApp has been working to curb the circulation of what technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad termed "sinister" content in India, the firm's biggest market where it boasts over 220 million users. Such misinformation has led to the lynching of over 30 people since January last year, according to data portal IndiaSpend, prompting Prasad to call on WhatsApp to trace its origins. WhatsApp has previously declined to trace the origin of messages, citing security issues. "We have been asking them for traceability," said the official at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, declining to be identified as the meeting was private. "They (WhatsApp) are non-committal on it but we are forcing this issue." WhatsApp was represented by Director & Associate General Counsel Brian Hennessy and one other executive and said it was working on measures to prevent the spread of misinformation, according to the official. "WhatsApp regularly engages with the Government of India to discuss our commitment to maintaining a private and safe platform for people to communicate with one another," the firm said in a statement. "We look forward to continued discussions on how we can work together towards these common goals." WhatsApp maintains that building traceability into its messaging service would undermine its private nature and end-to-end encryption, creating the potential for misuse. It has also said it will not weaken the privacy protection it provides. The firm has since launched print, radio and television advertising campaigns to educate users on the dangers of misinformation. It is also conducted roadshows in partnership with mobile phone network provider Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. WhatsApp has held digital literacy training for community leaders and law enforcement as well as introduced features on its app such as limits on message forwarding and labels for forwarded messages.

Government meets with WhatsApp over tracing of fake news - source

The government will look into common service centres’ (CSCs) appeal that they be allowed to carry out Aadhaar-related work such as enrolment and updating services, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Tuesday. 
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“I can only tell you that IT Secretary and I will together look for some way out on Aadhaar…We will certainly do something…so that you all continue to be connected with the public, training, Aadhaar security, Aadhaar updating…,” Prasad said addressing Village Level Entrepreneurs at an event here.

Prasad said some discussions are taking place over the matter but did not disclose any details.

Village-level Entrepreneurs or VLEs, who run CSCs, have been asking the government to allow them to restart Aadhaar enrolment and updating services, after the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) stopped Aadhaar work through such centres nearly a year back.

The VLEs have been unhappy with the decision, contending that they had invested money in purchasing equipment and in training manpower for Aadhaar-related work.

Making a strong pitch on behalf of these centres, CSC Chief Dinesh Tyagi said that Aadhaar had helped people in rural India get an identity, and that the 12 digit identifier should be allowed to remain the ‘aadhaar’ or foundation for CSCs as well.

“Aadhaar should remain the basis for CSCs and help people in rural India to get an identity. If CSCs can do anything on Aadhaar, update or enrolment, they will do a good job…When we are providing other services for the masses, then CSCs can also do Aadhaar-related work,” Tyagi said.

CSCs act as access points for the delivery of digital services and there are nearly three lakh such centres operating across the country today.

Apart from delivering essential government and public utility services, CSCs also deliver a range of social welfare schemes, financial services, education and skill development courses, healthcare, agriculture services and digital literacy.

The government will look into common service centres’ (CSCs) appeal that they be allowed to carry out Aadhaar-related work such as enrolment and updating services, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Tuesday.

The government will look into common service centres’ (CSCs) appeal that they be allowed to carry out Aadhaar-related work such as enrolment and updating services, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Tuesday. Advertising “I can only tell you that IT Secretary and I will together look for some way out on Aadhaar…We will certainly do something…so that you all continue to be connected with the public, training, Aadhaar security, Aadhaar updating…,” Prasad said addressing Village Level Entrepreneurs at an event here. Prasad said some discussions are taking place over the matter but did not disclose any details. Village-level Entrepreneurs or VLEs, who run CSCs, have been asking the government to allow them to restart Aadhaar enrolment and updating services, after the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) stopped Aadhaar work through such centres nearly a year back. The VLEs have been unhappy with the decision, contending that they had invested money in purchasing equipment and in training manpower for Aadhaar-related work. Making a strong pitch on behalf of these centres, CSC Chief Dinesh Tyagi said that Aadhaar had helped people in rural India get an identity, and that the 12 digit identifier should be allowed to remain the ‘aadhaar’ or foundation for CSCs as well. “Aadhaar should remain the basis for CSCs and help people in rural India to get an identity. If CSCs can do anything on Aadhaar, update or enrolment, they will do a good job…When we are providing other services for the masses, then CSCs can also do Aadhaar-related work,” Tyagi said. CSCs act as access points for the delivery of digital services and there are nearly three lakh such centres operating across the country today. Apart from delivering essential government and public utility services, CSCs also deliver a range of social welfare schemes, financial services, education and skill development courses, healthcare, agriculture services and digital literacy.

Ravi Shankar Prasad to CSCs: Will find way out on Aadhaar work issue

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday assured the country that the biometric data on Aadhaar was kept in safe and secure condition.

Addressing an event in Delhi, Prasad said, "Biometric data on Aadhaar is kept in safe and secure conditions, in an encrypted form, it cannot be breached".

He also added that the Digital India program aims at empowering ordinary Indians with the power of technology,&nbsp;technology that is low-cost, developmental and inclusive.

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Biometric data on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadhaar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadhaar</a> is kept in safe &amp; secure conditions, in an encrypted form, it cannot be breached. By Digital India prog, we wish to empower ordinary Indians with the power of technology,a technology that is low-cost, developmental and inclusive:Union Minister RS Prasad <a href="https://t.co/a4qorMdCBE">pic.twitter.com/a4qorMdCBE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1058594186629447682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, who was also present in the event, emphasised on the importance of Technology.

Calling technology the only way forward, he said, "India must come out with a strong privacy law and should allow the private sector to innovate".

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Technology must be the key driver and it is the only way forward. My belief is that India must come out with a strong privacy law and we should allow the private sector to innovate: Amitabh Kant, CEO NITI Aayog, at an event in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/m8RfafHODC">pic.twitter.com/m8RfafHODC</a>
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The Supreme Court in September pronounced its crucial verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Centre's flagship&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aadhaar-verdict-unique-identification-number-not-mandatory-mobile-connections-bank">Aadhaar scheme</a>&nbsp;and its enabling 2016 law.

In its verdict on the constitutionality of the Unique Identification Number Aadhaar, the Supreme Court pronounced, "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies."

Strucking down&nbsp;section 57 of Aadhaar Act which allowed sharing of data with private entities, the apex court said&nbsp;that private bodies like mobile telecom operator companies, e-commerce firms, private banks cannot mandatorily ask for Aadhaar details of their customers.

However, it will still be compulsory to link the Permanent account number (PAN) to Aadhaar and for filing IT returns, the court said.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday assured the country that the biometric data on Aadhaar was kept in safe and secure condition. Addressing an event in Delhi, Prasad said, "Biometric data on Aadhaar is kept in safe and secure conditions, in an encrypted form, it cannot be breached".

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday assured the country that the biometric data on Aadhaar was kept in safe and secure condition. Addressing an event in Delhi, Prasad said, "Biometric data on Aadhaar is kept in safe and secure conditions, in an encrypted form, it cannot be breached". He also added that the Digital India program aims at empowering ordinary Indians with the power of technology, technology that is low-cost, developmental and inclusive. Biometric data on #Aadhaar is kept in safe & secure conditions, in an encrypted form, it cannot be breached. By Digital India prog, we wish to empower ordinary Indians with the power of technology,a technology that is low-cost, developmental and inclusive:Union Minister RS Prasad pic.twitter.com/a4qorMdCBE — ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 × NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, who was also present in the event, emphasised on the importance of Technology. Calling technology the only way forward, he said, "India must come out with a strong privacy law and should allow the private sector to innovate". Technology must be the key driver and it is the only way forward. My belief is that India must come out with a strong privacy law and we should allow the private sector to innovate: Amitabh Kant, CEO NITI Aayog, at an event in Delhi pic.twitter.com/m8RfafHODC — ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2018 × The Supreme Court in September pronounced its crucial verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme and its enabling 2016 law. In its verdict on the constitutionality of the Unique Identification Number Aadhaar, the Supreme Court pronounced, "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies." Strucking down section 57 of Aadhaar Act which allowed sharing of data with private entities, the apex court said that private bodies like mobile telecom operator companies, e-commerce firms, private banks cannot mandatorily ask for Aadhaar details of their customers. However, it will still be compulsory to link the Permanent account number (PAN) to Aadhaar and for filing IT returns, the court said.

Biometric data on Aadhaar is kept safe and secure: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday reiterated that Aadhaar data cannot be breached, as it is stored in a safe and secure encrypted manner.

"Biometric data on Aadhaar is kept in safe and secure conditions in an encrypted form, and so strong that even for the billionth of a second it cannot be breached. The unique initiative of Aadhaar is that we do three crore authentications every three seconds. Aadhar Data is kept in secure conditions duly backed by a parliamentary law, so strong that if anyone tries to disclose the biometric details, he can be prosecuted and it can only happen in the case of compelling national security that too after the affirmation of a committee headed by the cabinet secretary," he said while speaking at a financial inclusion conference here.

Talking about the Centre's vision of complete digitisation, Prasad acknowledged that while financial inclusion is the goal, digitalisation is the medium."We created ecosystems, relaxed the laws, created incentives, removed the barriers for development. The philosophy of the Narendra Modi government is to create the enabling atmosphere so that people can do their business and pay taxes and with that our government would help the poor. Banking the unbanked, funding the unfunded and securing the unsecured is yet another philosophy of our government. India has opened 55 per cent global bank accounts since the Narendra Modi government came to power," he added.

Talking about the Centre's vision in the field of artificial intelligence, Prasad opined that India should become the centre of data analytics.

"According to a London-based think tank, India is among the top 20 global leaders in the digitalisation and e-governance sector. India should become the centre of the data analysis. Data analytics is the future." Prasad added.

Speaking about the digitalisation of the judiciary and courts, Prasad said that around 17,000 district courts and all the high courts have become digital. "Our data, IT and digital profile and services will become a benchmark on how IT can be used for transformation in a democracy," he added.

Prasad also said that through the Digital India programme, the Centre aims to empower ordinary citizens with the power of technology, a technology that is low-cost, developmental and inclusive.&nbsp;

Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday reiterated that Aadhaar data cannot be breached, as it is stored in a safe and secure encrypted manner.

Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday reiterated that Aadhaar data cannot be breached, as it is stored in a safe and secure encrypted manner. "Biometric data on Aadhaar is kept in safe and secure conditions in an encrypted form, and so strong that even for the billionth of a second it cannot be breached. The unique initiative of Aadhaar is that we do three crore authentications every three seconds. Aadhar Data is kept in secure conditions duly backed by a parliamentary law, so strong that if anyone tries to disclose the biometric details, he can be prosecuted and it can only happen in the case of compelling national security that too after the affirmation of a committee headed by the cabinet secretary," he said while speaking at a financial inclusion conference here. Talking about the Centre's vision of complete digitisation, Prasad acknowledged that while financial inclusion is the goal, digitalisation is the medium."We created ecosystems, relaxed the laws, created incentives, removed the barriers for development. The philosophy of the Narendra Modi government is to create the enabling atmosphere so that people can do their business and pay taxes and with that our government would help the poor. Banking the unbanked, funding the unfunded and securing the unsecured is yet another philosophy of our government. India has opened 55 per cent global bank accounts since the Narendra Modi government came to power," he added. Talking about the Centre's vision in the field of artificial intelligence, Prasad opined that India should become the centre of data analytics. "According to a London-based think tank, India is among the top 20 global leaders in the digitalisation and e-governance sector. India should become the centre of the data analysis. Data analytics is the future." Prasad added. Speaking about the digitalisation of the judiciary and courts, Prasad said that around 17,000 district courts and all the high courts have become digital. "Our data, IT and digital profile and services will become a benchmark on how IT can be used for transformation in a democracy," he added. Prasad also said that through the Digital India programme, the Centre aims to empower ordinary citizens with the power of technology, a technology that is low-cost, developmental and inclusive.

Aadhaar data cannot be breached, reiterates Ravi Shankar Prasad

The BJP&nbsp;on October 28 hit out at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiv Linga, asking Congress chief Rahul Gandhi whether he supports his party leader's comments. The party, seeking a response from Gandhi, said he should apologise to Hindus, if he does not support the statements made by his party MP Tharoor.

The BJP's reaction came a day after Tharoor reportedly claimed an unnamed RSS source had told a journalist that Prime Minister Modi was like a scorpion sitting on a Shiv Linga who cannot be removed by hand or hit with a chappal (slipper).

"The Congress claims to represent the heritage of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Today, under the presidentship of Rahul Gandhi it has been reduced to hurling abuses and the worst form of civil discourse," BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said here.

He said while he would not like to comment on Tharoor's remarks "against whom a charge sheet has been filed in a murder case", but he would like to know where Rahul Gandhi, who claims to be a Shiv Bhakt, stands on the issue.

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Shashi Tharoor who is accused in a murder case has attempted to disrespect Lord Shiva. 
 
I seek a reply from Rahul Gandhi who claims himself to be a Bhakt of Lord Shiva on this horrific denunciation of Hindu gods by a Congress MP. 
 
Rahul Gandhi must apologize to all Hindus. <a href="https://t.co/QeShJoCHDZ">pic.twitter.com/QeShJoCHDZ</a>
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad/status/1056525661379198977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Gandhi claims to be a Shiv Bhakt now he should make it clear whether he supports Tharoor's remarks which are an insult to Lord Shiva. If he does not support the remarks he should apologise to Hindus," Prasad said.

"The whole nation is watching ... while Rahul Gandhi who claims himself to be a Shiv Bhakt, one of his small leader has almost abused the sanctity of Shiv Linga and Lord Mahadev by referring to chappal attack through named sources. Please reply to this very horrific denunciation of Lord Mahadev," he told reporters.

Tharoor had made these remarks&nbsp;on October 27 while speaking at the Bengaluru Literature Festival on his recently launched book "The Paradoxical Prime Minister: Narendra Modi And His India".

The BJP on October 28 hit out at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiv Linga, asking Congress chief Rahul Gandhi whether he supports his party leader's comments.

The BJP on October 28 hit out at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiv Linga, asking Congress chief Rahul Gandhi whether he supports his party leader's comments. The party, seeking a response from Gandhi, said he should apologise to Hindus, if he does not support the statements made by his party MP Tharoor. The BJP's reaction came a day after Tharoor reportedly claimed an unnamed RSS source had told a journalist that Prime Minister Modi was like a scorpion sitting on a Shiv Linga who cannot be removed by hand or hit with a chappal (slipper). "The Congress claims to represent the heritage of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Today, under the presidentship of Rahul Gandhi it has been reduced to hurling abuses and the worst form of civil discourse," BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said here. He said while he would not like to comment on Tharoor's remarks "against whom a charge sheet has been filed in a murder case", but he would like to know where Rahul Gandhi, who claims to be a Shiv Bhakt, stands on the issue. Shashi Tharoor who is accused in a murder case has attempted to disrespect Lord Shiva. I seek a reply from Rahul Gandhi who claims himself to be a Bhakt of Lord Shiva on this horrific denunciation of Hindu gods by a Congress MP. Rahul Gandhi must apologize to all Hindus. pic.twitter.com/QeShJoCHDZ — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) October 28, 2018 × "Gandhi claims to be a Shiv Bhakt now he should make it clear whether he supports Tharoor's remarks which are an insult to Lord Shiva. If he does not support the remarks he should apologise to Hindus," Prasad said. "The whole nation is watching ... while Rahul Gandhi who claims himself to be a Shiv Bhakt, one of his small leader has almost abused the sanctity of Shiv Linga and Lord Mahadev by referring to chappal attack through named sources. Please reply to this very horrific denunciation of Lord Mahadev," he told reporters. Tharoor had made these remarks on October 27 while speaking at the Bengaluru Literature Festival on his recently launched book "The Paradoxical Prime Minister: Narendra Modi And His India".

Ravi Shankar Prasad hits out at Shashi Tharoor over Shiv Linga remarks

In a meeting between Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad and his counterpart from Uzbekistan, Shuhrat Sadikov, the former assured that India will help Uzbekistan in setting up technology parks, regarding which a pre-agreement was signed with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).

Prasad further said that India will provide all possible technical support from the Indian side in the digital growth of Uzbekistan.

Subsequently, in the presence of both the ministers, two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed.

An agreement was signed between National Informatics Centre (NIC), India and e-Government System development centre of the Ministry for Development of Information Technologies and Communications of Uzbekistan for strengthening e-Governance cooperation.

A Declaration of Intent was also inked between Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), India and Tashkent University of Information Technologies, Uzbekistan for cooperation in the area of capacity building in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

The Uzbek side appreciated India`s achievement under the Digital India programme and expressed interest for cooperation in the area of IT-ITeS trade promotion, e-Governance, HRD and Capacity building, Telemedicine. Further, the Uzbek side showed a keen interest in techno-park cooperation.

The meeting was also aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the ICT sector.The signing of the agreements comes two days ahead of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev`s two-day maiden state visit to India.&nbsp;

In a meeting between Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad and his counterpart from Uzbekistan, Shuhrat Sadikov, the former assured that India will help Uzbekistan in setting up technology parks, regarding which a pre-agreement was signed with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).

In a meeting between Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad and his counterpart from Uzbekistan, Shuhrat Sadikov, the former assured that India will help Uzbekistan in setting up technology parks, regarding which a pre-agreement was signed with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). Prasad further said that India will provide all possible technical support from the Indian side in the digital growth of Uzbekistan. Subsequently, in the presence of both the ministers, two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed. An agreement was signed between National Informatics Centre (NIC), India and e-Government System development centre of the Ministry for Development of Information Technologies and Communications of Uzbekistan for strengthening e-Governance cooperation. A Declaration of Intent was also inked between Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), India and Tashkent University of Information Technologies, Uzbekistan for cooperation in the area of capacity building in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. The Uzbek side appreciated India`s achievement under the Digital India programme and expressed interest for cooperation in the area of IT-ITeS trade promotion, e-Governance, HRD and Capacity building, Telemedicine. Further, the Uzbek side showed a keen interest in techno-park cooperation. The meeting was also aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the ICT sector.The signing of the agreements comes two days ahead of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev`s two-day maiden state visit to India.

India will help Uzbekistan set up technology parks: Ravi Shankar Prasad

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-slams-indias-arrogant-and-negative-response-his-call-resumption-peace">Imran Khan slams India's 'arrogant' and 'negative' response to his call for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-slams-indias-arrogant-and-negative-response-his-call-resumption-peace">resumption</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-slams-indias-arrogant-and-negative-response-his-call-resumption-peace"> of peace dialogue</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday slammed India for calling off the meeting between the foreign ministers of the two nations, which was scheduled to be held in New York later this month. Khan tweeted he was disappointed at the ''arrogant'' and ''negative'' response from India to his call for the resumption of the peace dialogue.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-playing-hands-pakistan-ravi-shankar-prasad-167130">Rahul Gandhi is playing into the hands of Pakistan: Ravi Shankar Prasad</a>

Hours after Rahul Gandhi mounted a fresh attack on Narendra Modi and called the prime minister a 'thief for the alleged corruption in the Rafale deal, BJP hit back at the Congress president and described his comments as ''deplorable''.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-asks-pm-speak-former-french-presidents-allegations-167116">Rahul Gandhi asks PM to speak up on former French president's allegations</a>

A day after former French president &nbsp;Francois Hollande dropped a bombshell by telling a French journal that the Indian government proposed Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence as the India partner for the 36 Rafale jet deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi asked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify if what the Hollande is saying is true or false.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-25-including-12-revolutionary-guards-attack-iran-military-parade-167119">Gunmen kill 25, including 12 Revolutionary Guards, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-25-including-12-revolutionary-guards-attack-iran-military-parade-167119">in</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-25-including-12-revolutionary-guards-attack-iran-military-parade-167119"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-25-including-12-revolutionary-guards-attack-iran-military-parade-167119">attack</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-25-including-12-revolutionary-guards-attack-iran-military-parade-167119"> on Iran military parade </a>

Gunmen fired on a military parade in southwestern Iran on Saturday, killing 25 people, half of them members of the Revolutionary Guards, state news agencies reported, in one of the worst attacks ever on the elite force.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-group-claims-responsibility-iran-parade-attack-167131">Islamic State group claims responsibility for Iran parade attack​​​​​​</a>

Islamic State group has claimed the responsibility of&nbsp;Iran army parade attack&nbsp;which claimed the lives of 24 people on Saturday.

Imran Khan slams India's 'arrogant' and 'negative' response to his call for resumption of peace dialogue Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday slammed India for calling off the meeting between the foreign ministers of the two nations, which was scheduled to be held in New York later this month.

Imran Khan slams India's 'arrogant' and 'negative' response to his call for resumption of peace dialogue Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday slammed India for calling off the meeting between the foreign ministers of the two nations, which was scheduled to be held in New York later this month. Khan tweeted he was disappointed at the ''arrogant'' and ''negative'' response from India to his call for the resumption of the peace dialogue. Rahul Gandhi is playing into the hands of Pakistan: Ravi Shankar Prasad Hours after Rahul Gandhi mounted a fresh attack on Narendra Modi and called the prime minister a 'thief for the alleged corruption in the Rafale deal, BJP hit back at the Congress president and described his comments as ''deplorable''. Rahul Gandhi asks PM to speak up on former French president's allegations A day after former French president Francois Hollande dropped a bombshell by telling a French journal that the Indian government proposed Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence as the India partner for the 36 Rafale jet deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi asked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify if what the Hollande is saying is true or false. Gunmen kill 25, including 12 Revolutionary Guards, in attack on Iran military parade Gunmen fired on a military parade in southwestern Iran on Saturday, killing 25 people, half of them members of the Revolutionary Guards, state news agencies reported, in one of the worst attacks ever on the elite force. Islamic State group claims responsibility for Iran parade attack Islamic State group has claimed the responsibility of Iran army parade attack which claimed the lives of 24 people on Saturday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Union Minister for Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said that he is in talks with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to link driving license with Aadhaar card.

He further said that by link driving license with Aadhaar, a drunk driver would be caught easily if he/she manages to escape.

"I am in conversation with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to link Aadhaar card with (driving) licence, so that if a drunk driver escapes from one state to another by killing people, he would be caught. A person can change name not his/her fingerprints," Prasad said while addressing a press conference here.

Earlier in February this year, the Centre proposed to link driving licences with Aadhaar card in order to weed out fake licences.&nbsp;

Earlier in February this year, the Centre proposed to link driving licences with Aadhaar card in order to weed out fake licences

Union Minister for Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said that he is in talks with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to link driving license with Aadhaar card. He further said that by link driving license with Aadhaar, a drunk driver would be caught easily if he/she manages to escape. "I am in conversation with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to link Aadhaar card with (driving) licence, so that if a drunk driver escapes from one state to another by killing people, he would be caught. A person can change name not his/her fingerprints," Prasad said while addressing a press conference here. Earlier in February this year, the Centre proposed to link driving licences with Aadhaar card in order to weed out fake licences.

Centre moots linking driving license with Aadhaar

Advanced technologies like AI will spawn new jobs and fears around job losses are misplaced, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said, while admitting that India Inc needs to play a larger role in the efforts to upskill people.

"Remember, technology by its very nature requires skilling and I see potential for digital skilling in a big way which, by itself, will create a lot of jobs," Prasad told PTI.

He said IT ministry is working with other departments like Niti Aayog on various aspects of these advanced technologies, and is also engaged with software body Nasscom on skill development initiatives.

"We are working with Nasscom...Also, I have already set up several committees to examine the whole matter. Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used for governance...for improvement. We are working quite closely with other departments like Niti Aayog," he explained.

Asked if the corporate India needed to put more efforts in this area, the minister said: "There is a scope for that. Nasscom is doing that but there is a need to do more".

He dismissed concerns that technology may displace jobs, but added that it is important for people to upskill to keep pace with changing requirements in the digital world.

"If a person is not up to date in new technology, then he may have a problem. You have to be tuned to the new technology," the minister said in a recent interview.

He noted that 39.8 lakh people are working directly in IT sector, while indirectly the sector employed about 1.3 crore people.

Additionally, 10 lakh people are involved in Common Service Centre (CSC) - which acts as access point for delivery of electronic governance services - while 4.5 lakh people are involved in mobile manufacturing activities in the country, he added.

"All these numbers are excluding the startup and entrepreneurship movement. When a new technology comes, new skilling comes in, it is going to bring more and more jobs, be very clear about this," he said.

The comments come amid reports of layoffs across various IT companies and apprehensions that increasing automation across sectors could make existing jobs redundant.

Nasscom had refuted such reports saying the IT industry continues to hire people on "net" basis although techies will have to reskill themselves to stay relevant.

IT companies, on their part, too had defended their position saying trimming of workforce is a part of annual performance reviews, a process that weeds out bottom performers or non-performers.

Nasscom had argued that tech startups, e-commerce, Digital India and digital payments are creating new opportunities for growth. As many as three million new jobs are expected to be created in the sector by 2025, as per industry estimates.&nbsp

A poll conducted by EY recently found that while business leaders are optimistic about the impact of AI on job creation, talent crisis remains.

"AI is creating jobs, yet 80 per cent of respondents say there is a lack of talent to fill positions," EY had said.

The IT sector is also battling challenges in business environment and stricter work permit regime in countries like the US, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

Asked if corporate India needed to put more efforts in this area, the minister said: "There is a scope for that. Nasscom is doing that but there is a need to do more".

Advanced technologies like AI will spawn new jobs and fears around job losses are misplaced, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said, while admitting that India Inc needs to play a larger role in the efforts to upskill people. "Remember, technology by its very nature requires skilling and I see potential for digital skilling in a big way which, by itself, will create a lot of jobs," Prasad told PTI. He said IT ministry is working with other departments like Niti Aayog on various aspects of these advanced technologies, and is also engaged with software body Nasscom on skill development initiatives. "We are working with Nasscom...Also, I have already set up several committees to examine the whole matter. Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used for governance...for improvement. We are working quite closely with other departments like Niti Aayog," he explained. Asked if the corporate India needed to put more efforts in this area, the minister said: "There is a scope for that. Nasscom is doing that but there is a need to do more". He dismissed concerns that technology may displace jobs, but added that it is important for people to upskill to keep pace with changing requirements in the digital world. "If a person is not up to date in new technology, then he may have a problem. You have to be tuned to the new technology," the minister said in a recent interview. He noted that 39.8 lakh people are working directly in IT sector, while indirectly the sector employed about 1.3 crore people. Additionally, 10 lakh people are involved in Common Service Centre (CSC) - which acts as access point for delivery of electronic governance services - while 4.5 lakh people are involved in mobile manufacturing activities in the country, he added. "All these numbers are excluding the startup and entrepreneurship movement. When a new technology comes, new skilling comes in, it is going to bring more and more jobs, be very clear about this," he said. The comments come amid reports of layoffs across various IT companies and apprehensions that increasing automation across sectors could make existing jobs redundant. Nasscom had refuted such reports saying the IT industry continues to hire people on "net" basis although techies will have to reskill themselves to stay relevant. IT companies, on their part, too had defended their position saying trimming of workforce is a part of annual performance reviews, a process that weeds out bottom performers or non-performers. Nasscom had argued that tech startups, e-commerce, Digital India and digital payments are creating new opportunities for growth. As many as three million new jobs are expected to be created in the sector by 2025, as per industry estimates. A poll conducted by EY recently found that while business leaders are optimistic about the impact of AI on job creation, talent crisis remains. "AI is creating jobs, yet 80 per cent of respondents say there is a lack of talent to fill positions," EY had said. The IT sector is also battling challenges in business environment and stricter work permit regime in countries like the US, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

Fear of job losses misplaced, says Ravi Shankar Prasad

India will take a long-term view on the retail pricing of petrol and diesel to shield consumers from volatility in global markets, the government said on Wednesday, suggesting it could change the way pump prices are calculated.

Prices of diesel and petrol in India have surged to a record high, stoking opposition criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration for causing hardship to ordinary people.

Rising global crude prices are largely behind the surge, but fuel is also heavily taxed by India's state and federal authorities, accounting for about half the cost of petrol and 40 per cent of the diesel price. In Delhi, petrol costs 77.17 rupees&nbspa litre and diesel costs 68.34 rupees a litre.

"The government is keen that instead of having an ad hoc measure it may be desirable to have a long-term view which addresses not only the volatility but also takes care of the unnecessary ambiguity arising out of frequent ups and downs," Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told a news conference.

India is particularly at risk from stronger global prices for crude oil as it is the No.3 importer of the commodity buying about 80 percent of its oil needs. India&nbsphas a surplus of refined products, but local prices of petrol and diesel are linked to Singapore gasoline prices and Arab Gulf diesel prices.

The pump price of the two locally-refined fuels also include import tax on the two products which the government could tinker with to help customers, industry sources say.

M. K. Surana, chairman of state-run fuel retailer and refiner Hindustan Petroleum Corp, said the government should review taxation of petrol and diesel to provide relief to the customer.

"The long term solution is to bring all the petroleum products under goods and service tax that will rationalise the taxation structure," he added.

Opposition leaders have criticised the government for failing to rein in rising fuel prices, a politically-sensitive issue in one of the world's biggest economies.

Rising pump prices are already adding to inflationary pressure and are strengthening the case for a rate hike.

India's Economic Survey, issued by the finance ministry at the end of January, estimated a $10 per barrel rise in global oil prices reduced growth by 0.2-0.3 percentage points, increased wholesale price inflation by about 1.7 percentage points and worsens the current account deficit by about $9-10 billion.

Former finance minister P. Chidambaram of the opposition Congress Party tweeted that there was space to reduce petrol prices by about 25 rupees a litre.

"Fuel price hike has a cascading effect on inflation and the Reserve Bank of India will have to front-load interest rate hikes now," said Rupa Rege Nitsure, group chief economist at L&T Finance Holdings in Mumbai.

Rising pump prices are already adding to inflationary pressure and are strengthening the case for a rate hike.

India will take a long-term view on the retail pricing of petrol and diesel to shield consumers from volatility in global markets, the government said on Wednesday, suggesting it could change the way pump prices are calculated. Prices of diesel and petrol in India have surged to a record high, stoking opposition criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration for causing hardship to ordinary people. Rising global crude prices are largely behind the surge, but fuel is also heavily taxed by India's state and federal authorities, accounting for about half the cost of petrol and 40 per cent of the diesel price. In Delhi, petrol costs 77.17 rupees&nbspa litre and diesel costs 68.34 rupees a litre. "The government is keen that instead of having an ad hoc measure it may be desirable to have a long-term view which addresses not only the volatility but also takes care of the unnecessary ambiguity arising out of frequent ups and downs," Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told a news conference. India is particularly at risk from stronger global prices for crude oil as it is the No.3 importer of the commodity buying about 80 percent of its oil needs. India&nbsphas a surplus of refined products, but local prices of petrol and diesel are linked to Singapore gasoline prices and Arab Gulf diesel prices. The pump price of the two locally-refined fuels also include import tax on the two products which the government could tinker with to help customers, industry sources say. M. K. Surana, chairman of state-run fuel retailer and refiner Hindustan Petroleum Corp, said the government should review taxation of petrol and diesel to provide relief to the customer. "The long term solution is to bring all the petroleum products under goods and service tax that will rationalise the taxation structure," he added. Opposition leaders have criticised the government for failing to rein in rising fuel prices, a politically-sensitive issue in one of the world's biggest economies. Rising pump prices are already adding to inflationary pressure and are strengthening the case for a rate hike. India's Economic Survey, issued by the finance ministry at the end of January, estimated a $10 per barrel rise in global oil prices reduced growth by 0.2-0.3 percentage points, increased wholesale price inflation by about 1.7 percentage points and worsens the current account deficit by about $9-10 billion. Former finance minister P. Chidambaram of the opposition Congress Party tweeted that there was space to reduce petrol prices by about 25 rupees a litre. "Fuel price hike has a cascading effect on inflation and the Reserve Bank of India will have to front-load interest rate hikes now," said Rupa Rege Nitsure, group chief economist at L&T Finance Holdings in Mumbai.

Government keen take long-term view on petrol prices: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Justice J Chelameswar, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India asking him to convene a meeting of the collegium to urgently forward the name of Uttarakhand Chief Justice KM Joseph as a judge of the apex court to the Centre.

The government had on April 26 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-asks-collegium-to-reconsider-elevation-of-justice-km-joseph-to-supreme-court-sources-132958http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-asks-collegium-to-reconsider-elevation-of-justice-km-joseph-to-supreme-court-sources-132958">returned the collegium's recommendation</a> to elevate Justice Joseph seeking its reconsideration, saying the proposal was not in accordance with the top court's parameters and there was adequate representation of Kerala in the higher judiciary from where he hails. It had also questioned Justice Joseph's seniority for elevation as a judge of the apex court.

An apex court official said, in his letter sent to the CJI on Wednesday evening, Justice Chelameswar has conveyed that he was reiterating his decision for the elevation of Justice Joseph as the judge of the top court since there was no change in the circumstance that had led the collegium to recommend his name to the government on January 10. 
It is also learnt that, Justice Chelameswar, who retires on June 22, has responded to all the points raised in the communication to the CJI by law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad expressing reservations on the elevation of Justice Joseph.&nbsp;

The meeting of the collegium was expected to take place yesterday but Justice Chelameswar was on leave. Besides the CJI and Justice Chelameswar, other members of the collegium are Justices Ranjan Gogoi, MB Lokur and Kurian Joseph.

Justice Kurian Joseph, during his visit to Kerala last week, had also reportedly made it clear that he was in favour of reiterating the recommendation of the collegium on the issue of Uttarakhand Chief Justice Joseph.

Though no official word was there on when the collegium would meet, the official said it is for the CJI to fix the date as there is no other agenda but to discuss the issue of returning the recommendation relating to Justice Joseph to the Centre.

Earlier also, notwithstanding the letters written by the collegium members to the CJI which had come into the public domain, the Centre had disregarded the recommendation about Justice Joseph.

The government had on April 26 returned Justice Joseph's name to the collegium asking it to reconsider its nomination of him. The government had said Kerala, from where Joseph hails, was adequately represented in the higher judiciary. It also wondered whether Justice Joseph was senior enough to be elevated to the Supreme Court

Justice J Chelameswar, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India asking him to convene a meeting of the collegium to urgently forward the name of Uttarakhand Chief Justice KM Joseph as a judge of the apex court to the Centre. The government had on April 26 returned the collegium's recommendation to elevate Justice Joseph seeking its reconsideration, saying the proposal was not in accordance with the top court's parameters and there was adequate representation of Kerala in the higher judiciary from where he hails. It had also questioned Justice Joseph's seniority for elevation as a judge of the apex court. An apex court official said, in his letter sent to the CJI on Wednesday evening, Justice Chelameswar has conveyed that he was reiterating his decision for the elevation of Justice Joseph as the judge of the top court since there was no change in the circumstance that had led the collegium to recommend his name to the government on January 10. It is also learnt that, Justice Chelameswar, who retires on June 22, has responded to all the points raised in the communication to the CJI by law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad expressing reservations on the elevation of Justice Joseph. The meeting of the collegium was expected to take place yesterday but Justice Chelameswar was on leave. Besides the CJI and Justice Chelameswar, other members of the collegium are Justices Ranjan Gogoi, MB Lokur and Kurian Joseph. Justice Kurian Joseph, during his visit to Kerala last week, had also reportedly made it clear that he was in favour of reiterating the recommendation of the collegium on the issue of Uttarakhand Chief Justice Joseph. Though no official word was there on when the collegium would meet, the official said it is for the CJI to fix the date as there is no other agenda but to discuss the issue of returning the recommendation relating to Justice Joseph to the Centre. Earlier also, notwithstanding the letters written by the collegium members to the CJI which had come into the public domain, the Centre had disregarded the recommendation about Justice Joseph.

Resend Justice KM Joseph's name to Centre: Justice Chelameswar to CJI

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