<p>Amid sexual harassment allegations against her ministerial colleague M J Akbar, Union minister Smriti Irani Thursday said it was for him to respond to the charges even as she favoured justice for the "ladies who are speaking out".</p>

<p>As the #MeToo campaign gathered momentum, some women journalists have come out and accused Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs, of sexually harassing them during his stint as editor in two newspapers.</p>

<p>"The gentleman concerned would be better positioned to speak on this issue," Irani, the Union Textiles Minister, told reporters here while responding to questions over allegations against Akbar.</p>

<p>Akbar, whose resignation from the government is being demanded by opposition political parties and various others, has not reacted to the allegations so far.</p>

<p>"I appreciate that the media is accosting his (former) female colleagues but I think it is for the gentleman concerned to issue a statement (and) not for me because I was personally not present there, Irani said.</p>

<p>She urged people not to mock the women who are speaking out against the harassment meted out to them.</p>

<p>I have said again and again on this particular issue, especially about women speaking out that anybody speaking out that in no way should be shamed, victimised or mocked. That is my only appeal to everybody who is witnessing this surge of outpouring of emotion, of anger on the internet and offline also, she said on the sidelines of an event here.</p>

<p>Irani, a former TV actress, underlined that women don't go to work to be harassed but to work to live their dreams and earn a respectable living.</p>

<p>So, I will say here today it must be very difficult for women to come out and talk about whatever happened in their professional lives. It is extremely an important part in time in our society where more and more women are getting support, so they can speak out.</p>

<p>"I feel there are enough instruments in our judicial and police systems to deliver justice and I am hopeful that all these ladies who are speaking out get, due to due process, the justice that they deserve, Irani said.</p>


Amid sexual harassment allegations against her ministerial colleague M J Akbar, Union minister Smriti Irani Thursday said it was for him to respond to the charges even as she favoured justice for the "ladies who are speaking out".

Amid sexual harassment allegations against her ministerial colleague M J Akbar, Union minister Smriti Irani Thursday said it was for him to respond to the charges even as she favoured justice for the "ladies who are speaking out". As the #MeToo campaign gathered momentum, some women journalists have come out and accused Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs, of sexually harassing them during his stint as editor in two newspapers. "The gentleman concerned would be better positioned to speak on this issue," Irani, the Union Textiles Minister, told reporters here while responding to questions over allegations against Akbar. Akbar, whose resignation from the government is being demanded by opposition political parties and various others, has not reacted to the allegations so far. "I appreciate that the media is accosting his (former) female colleagues but I think it is for the gentleman concerned to issue a statement (and) not for me because I was personally not present there, Irani said. She urged people not to mock the women who are speaking out against the harassment meted out to them. I have said again and again on this particular issue, especially about women speaking out that anybody speaking out that in no way should be shamed, victimised or mocked. That is my only appeal to everybody who is witnessing this surge of outpouring of emotion, of anger on the internet and offline also, she said on the sidelines of an event here. Irani, a former TV actress, underlined that women don't go to work to be harassed but to work to live their dreams and earn a respectable living. So, I will say here today it must be very difficult for women to come out and talk about whatever happened in their professional lives. It is extremely an important part in time in our society where more and more women are getting support, so they can speak out. "I feel there are enough instruments in our judicial and police systems to deliver justice and I am hopeful that all these ladies who are speaking out get, due to due process, the justice that they deserve, Irani said.

It is for Akbar to respond, says Irani on sexual harassment charges against him

<p>Cabinet reshuffle is an exercise which is carried out in secrecy but when announced, conveys a loud message. The same has happened today.</p>

<p>While the charge of finance ministry has been given to Piyush Goyal, who has won accolades during his tenure as power minister, the biggest shock is sidelining of Smriti Irani, again. Irani has been moved back to the textiles ministry, from the high profile Information and Broadcasting ministry.</p>

<p>The message is clear from Prime Minister Narendra Modi - silent workers are welcome and controversy making ministers are not. Smriti Irani was first sidelined in the year 2016 after the Rohith Vemula controversy. Prime Minister had to make a special effort to counter the charge of the Opposition that NDA is not anti-Dalit. She kept her low profile and was given a second chance by the Prime Minister in July 2017 when she was appointed as the I&B minister.</p>

<p>Irani was again in news recently&nbsp;for the wrong reason. Irani had come under attack earlier this month after I&B Ministry amended guidelines on accreditation of journalists for, what it said, to check fake news.&nbsp;The amended guidelines had stated that a journalist or a publication could lose accreditation in the event of a confirmed incident of fake news. The guidelines were withdrawn following a directive to do so by the PMO.</p>

<p>The controversy impacted the office of the President. It was followed by the issue related to the freedom of press on which the PM had to intervene. These two incidents were the final nails in the coffin.</p>

<p>This decision also needs to be seen in the context of the rise and rise of the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman whose quiet work and ability to keep the government away from controversy led to her elevation as the top 5 ministers in the country. Her failure to rally the press and get along with all the constituents added to this.</p>

<p>The inclusion of SS Ahluwalia is seen as an adjustment. He is close to Sushma Swaraj and was a leading light during LK Advani’s tenure as the Deputy Prime Minister (2002-2004). This move is a clear indication that patience and silence can be more rewarding with Modi.</p>

<p>The real beneficiary has been Rajyavardhan Rathore. He already heads the Sports Ministry, and now has also been given independent charge of I&B Ministry. He is already the spokesperson for the government of India.</p>

<p>The reshuffle may be small and limited but the message is loud and clear. Ministers who create controversies at the expense of the government will not be tolerated. Smriti Irani is a case in example. She lost two ministries because of being outspoken. What keeps her alive is probably Amethi where she is pitched against Rahul Gandhi. She has not left the constituency and wants to ensure that BJP can defeat Congress in its own bastion.</p>


The message is clear from the Prime Minister. Silent workers are welcome and controversy making ministers are not

Cabinet reshuffle is an exercise which is carried out in secrecy but when announced, conveys a loud message. The same has happened today. While the charge of finance ministry has been given to Piyush Goyal, who has won accolades during his tenure as power minister, the biggest shock is sidelining of Smriti Irani, again. Irani has been moved back to the textiles ministry, from the high profile Information and Broadcasting ministry. The message is clear from Prime Minister Narendra Modi - silent workers are welcome and controversy making ministers are not. Smriti Irani was first sidelined in the year 2016 after the Rohith Vemula controversy. Prime Minister had to make a special effort to counter the charge of the Opposition that NDA is not anti-Dalit. She kept her low profile and was given a second chance by the Prime Minister in July 2017 when she was appointed as the I&B minister. Irani was again in news recently for the wrong reason. Irani had come under attack earlier this month after I&B Ministry amended guidelines on accreditation of journalists for, what it said, to check fake news. The amended guidelines had stated that a journalist or a publication could lose accreditation in the event of a confirmed incident of fake news. The guidelines were withdrawn following a directive to do so by the PMO. The controversy impacted the office of the President. It was followed by the issue related to the freedom of press on which the PM had to intervene. These two incidents were the final nails in the coffin. This decision also needs to be seen in the context of the rise and rise of the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman whose quiet work and ability to keep the government away from controversy led to her elevation as the top 5 ministers in the country. Her failure to rally the press and get along with all the constituents added to this. The inclusion of SS Ahluwalia is seen as an adjustment. He is close to Sushma Swaraj and was a leading light during LK Advani’s tenure as the Deputy Prime Minister (2002-2004). This move is a clear indication that patience and silence can be more rewarding with Modi. The real beneficiary has been Rajyavardhan Rathore. He already heads the Sports Ministry, and now has also been given independent charge of I&B Ministry. He is already the spokesperson for the government of India. The reshuffle may be small and limited but the message is loud and clear. Ministers who create controversies at the expense of the government will not be tolerated. Smriti Irani is a case in example. She lost two ministries because of being outspoken. What keeps her alive is probably Amethi where she is pitched against Rahul Gandhi. She has not left the constituency and wants to ensure that BJP can defeat Congress in its own bastion.

Opinion: PM Modi shows way, reshuffles cabinet, sidelines Smriti Irani again

<p>According to reports, the central government carried out a cabinet reshuffle on Monday wherein Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was allotted the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Rathore will continue to retain the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Piyush Goyal given additional charge of Finance Ministry till Arun Jaitley recovers, Rajyavardhan Rathore new Information & Broadcasting Minister. <a href="https://t.co/Rv1HH7cJiN">pic.twitter.com/Rv1HH7cJiN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996056907235262465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Smriti Irani will retain the Textiles Ministry.</p>

<p>Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal will look after the Finance Ministry until Arun Jaitley's recovers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"During the period of the indisposition of Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister; the portfolios of Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs held by him, be temporarily assigned to Shri Piyush Goyal, in addition to his existing portfolios," read the official release.</p>

<p>SS Ahluwalia will be relieved of the charge of Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation. He has now been assigned the Ministry of State, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">SS Ahluwalia assigned the portfolio of MoS in Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, relieved of his charges of MoS in Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation. Alphons Kannanthanam relieved of charge of MoS in Ministry of Electrionics and Information Technology. <a href="https://t.co/PqI5ovpemw">pic.twitter.com/PqI5ovpemw</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996058511002910720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Minister of State, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, KJ Alphons, will now look after the Tourism Ministry.</p>

<p>Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday underwent a successful kidney transplant at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), an official at the premier health institute said.</p>

<p>Jaitley, 65, was admitted to the hospital on Saturday and taken to the operation theatre at 8 am today.</p>

<p>The minister, suffering from a kidney ailment, has been undergoing dialysis for the last one month.</p>


Smriti Irani will retain Textiles Ministry. Piyush Goyal will temporarily look after the Finance Ministry until Arun Jaitley's recovers

According to reports, the central government carried out a cabinet reshuffle on Monday wherein Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was allotted the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Rathore will continue to retain the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Piyush Goyal given additional charge of Finance Ministry till Arun Jaitley recovers, Rajyavardhan Rathore new Information & Broadcasting Minister. pic.twitter.com/Rv1HH7cJiN — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Smriti Irani will retain the Textiles Ministry. Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal will look after the Finance Ministry until Arun Jaitley's recovers. "During the period of the indisposition of Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister; the portfolios of Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs held by him, be temporarily assigned to Shri Piyush Goyal, in addition to his existing portfolios," read the official release. SS Ahluwalia will be relieved of the charge of Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation. He has now been assigned the Ministry of State, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. SS Ahluwalia assigned the portfolio of MoS in Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, relieved of his charges of MoS in Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation. Alphons Kannanthanam relieved of charge of MoS in Ministry of Electrionics and Information Technology. pic.twitter.com/PqI5ovpemw — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Minister of State, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, KJ Alphons, will now look after the Tourism Ministry. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday underwent a successful kidney transplant at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), an official at the premier health institute said. Jaitley, 65, was admitted to the hospital on Saturday and taken to the operation theatre at 8 am today. The minister, suffering from a kidney ailment, has been undergoing dialysis for the last one month.

Smriti Irani out, Rajyavardhan Rathore gets I&B ministry in cabinet reshuffle

<p>A delegation led by &nbspInformation and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani will promote regional cinema at Cannes Film Festival this year. National Award-winning films from Assam, Kerala, West Bengal and Lakshadweep will be showcased by the contingent as they will push for their distribution and exhibition in the global market.</p>

<p>The prestigious film jamboree, where Nandita Das` "Manto" and Rohena Gera`s "Sir" are in separate competition sections, will get under way in the French Riviera on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Assamese film "Village Rockstars", Malayalam film "Bhayanakam", Bengali movie "Nagarkirtan", and "Sinjar", a film from Lakshadweep made in the Jasari language, will be showcased at the festival`s India Pavilion, organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with Ficci.</p>

<p>"With a strong Indian delegation at the festival, we are positive that the world will see the diversity of our cinema and the exceptional cinematic talent our country possesses," Leena Jaisani, Assistant Secretary General, Ficci, told a news agency.</p>

<p>Irani, who has been persistent in drawing attention to the need to celebrate the country`s regional cinema, will inaugurate the India Pavilion on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The other delegates will include Ashok Kumar Parmar, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Vinod K. Jacob, Joint Secretary, (ED), Ministry of External Affairs Censor Board Chairperson Prasoon Joshi, Censor Board member Vani Tripathi Tikoo, filmmakers Shaji N. Karun, Jahnu Barua and Bharat Bala, as well as actress Parvathy.</p>

<p>Tikoo feels the domestic boundaries within Indian cinema need to go.&nbsp</p>

<p>"It`s either good or bad cinema. The thrust has to be on Indian cinema as good narratives are coming from every region," Tikoo told IANS, adding that it`s high time that as one of the largest film producing nations in the world, "we start respecting our cinema".</p>

<p>She rued how films from languages other than Hindi find relevance within India after gaining "olive branches", referring to the laurel wreaths that movies flaunt after touring international film festivals.</p>

<p>"It should be the reverse," averred Tikoo, who said the idea behind taking such titles to Cannes -- "the largest film market" -- is to ease the struggle a bit for films which have fantastic narratives, but find it hard to get the right exhibition platform.</p>

<p>Bala, known for patriotic videos like "Vande Mataram" and "Jana Gana Mana", pointed out that in the last several years, most Indian films which have got a positioning at foreign fests are regional titles.</p>

<p>"With the presence at Cannes Film Festival, the idea is to get them into the market, find a larger distribution stream and to work on existing co-production treaties," Bala was quoted as saying to a news agency</p>

<p>Actress Rasika Dugal, who will be in Cannes for "Manto", finds it a great initiative.</p>

<p>"There`s a lot of beautiful work happening in films in different parts of India which we don`t hear about... We either get to see it at a film festival or through a friend... So, I think it`s high time it gets a push," Rasika said.</p>

<p>The films apart, the delegation`s focus will be on leveraging co-productions with the countries with which India has co-production treaties, along with the other potential countries, promote ease of film shooting in India and position the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at festival circuits.</p>

<p>The India Pavilion will also see the launch of "T for Tajmahal", poster of "Bhonsle" by actor Manoj Bajpayee and producer Devashish Makhija, and actor Dhanush-starrer Indo-French co-production "The Extraordinary Journey Of Fakir".</p>

<p>At the main fest, two women filmmakers` projects from India have made it to competition sections. Das` Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer "Manto" is in the Un Certain Regard Section, while Gera`s "Sir" is in the Cannes Critics` Week sidebar.</p>

<p>On the red carpet too, there will be women power galore as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut, Huma Qureshi and Mallika Sherawat will be seen walking the red carpet for various brand endorsements, while actors like Rasika and Tillotama Shome will represent their movies.<br />
&nbsp</p>


An Indian delegation will showcase National award-winning regional films at the festival.

A delegation led by &nbspInformation and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani will promote regional cinema at Cannes Film Festival this year. National Award-winning films from Assam, Kerala, West Bengal and Lakshadweep will be showcased by the contingent as they will push for their distribution and exhibition in the global market. The prestigious film jamboree, where Nandita Das` "Manto" and Rohena Gera`s "Sir" are in separate competition sections, will get under way in the French Riviera on Tuesday. Assamese film "Village Rockstars", Malayalam film "Bhayanakam", Bengali movie "Nagarkirtan", and "Sinjar", a film from Lakshadweep made in the Jasari language, will be showcased at the festival`s India Pavilion, organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with Ficci. "With a strong Indian delegation at the festival, we are positive that the world will see the diversity of our cinema and the exceptional cinematic talent our country possesses," Leena Jaisani, Assistant Secretary General, Ficci, told a news agency. Irani, who has been persistent in drawing attention to the need to celebrate the country`s regional cinema, will inaugurate the India Pavilion on Wednesday. The other delegates will include Ashok Kumar Parmar, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Vinod K. Jacob, Joint Secretary, (ED), Ministry of External Affairs Censor Board Chairperson Prasoon Joshi, Censor Board member Vani Tripathi Tikoo, filmmakers Shaji N. Karun, Jahnu Barua and Bharat Bala, as well as actress Parvathy. Tikoo feels the domestic boundaries within Indian cinema need to go. "It`s either good or bad cinema. The thrust has to be on Indian cinema as good narratives are coming from every region," Tikoo told IANS, adding that it`s high time that as one of the largest film producing nations in the world, "we start respecting our cinema". She rued how films from languages other than Hindi find relevance within India after gaining "olive branches", referring to the laurel wreaths that movies flaunt after touring international film festivals. "It should be the reverse," averred Tikoo, who said the idea behind taking such titles to Cannes -- "the largest film market" -- is to ease the struggle a bit for films which have fantastic narratives, but find it hard to get the right exhibition platform. Bala, known for patriotic videos like "Vande Mataram" and "Jana Gana Mana", pointed out that in the last several years, most Indian films which have got a positioning at foreign fests are regional titles. "With the presence at Cannes Film Festival, the idea is to get them into the market, find a larger distribution stream and to work on existing co-production treaties," Bala was quoted as saying to a news agency Actress Rasika Dugal, who will be in Cannes for "Manto", finds it a great initiative. "There`s a lot of beautiful work happening in films in different parts of India which we don`t hear about... We either get to see it at a film festival or through a friend... So, I think it`s high time it gets a push," Rasika said. The films apart, the delegation`s focus will be on leveraging co-productions with the countries with which India has co-production treaties, along with the other potential countries, promote ease of film shooting in India and position the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at festival circuits. The India Pavilion will also see the launch of "T for Tajmahal", poster of "Bhonsle" by actor Manoj Bajpayee and producer Devashish Makhija, and actor Dhanush-starrer Indo-French co-production "The Extraordinary Journey Of Fakir". At the main fest, two women filmmakers` projects from India have made it to competition sections. Das` Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer "Manto" is in the Un Certain Regard Section, while Gera`s "Sir" is in the Cannes Critics` Week sidebar. On the red carpet too, there will be women power galore as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut, Huma Qureshi and Mallika Sherawat will be seen walking the red carpet for various brand endorsements, while actors like Rasika and Tillotama Shome will represent their movies.

Regional Indian films to get focus at Cannes Film Festival

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/many-killed-as-bus-catches-fire-in-bihars-motihari-134410">27 killed after bus overturns, catches fire in Bihar's Motihari</a></p>

<p>At least 27 people died afer a bus overturned and caught fire in Bihar's Motihari district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bus reportedly fell into a ditch, after which it caught fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each of the victims.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-national-film-awards-2018-68-winners-skip-ceremony-janhvi-kapoor-a-r-rahman-attend-134403">National Film Awards: 68 winners skip ceremony because President Kovind does not present all awards</a></p>

<p>Sixty-eight winners of the National Film Awards skipped the awards ceremony this afternoon in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The winners were miffed that President Ram Nath Kovind was handing out only 11 of the National Awards, and that the rest would be handed out by Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-kills-close-to-100-in-uttar-pradesh-rajasthan-134406">Dust storm kills close to 100 in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan</a></p>

<p>A severe dust storm followed by thunder showers hit parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan overnight, killing nearly 100 people and leaving a trail of destruction.</p>

<p>Houses collapsed and trees and poles were uprooted in the storm that also led to power outages.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-money-for-his-lawyer-cohen-not-from-the-campaign-134417">Porn star</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-money-for-his-lawyer-cohen-not-from-the-campaign-134417"> Stormy Daniels was not paid with campaign money: Trump</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his lawyer Michael Cohen did not use presidential campaign funds to pay Stormy Daniels as part of a contract he said was aimed at stopping the adult-film star from making "false and extortionist accusations" about an affair.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-45-youth-including-mba-phd-scholar-join-terrorist-ranks-in-2018-134419">Kashmir: 45 youths including MBA, PhD scholar join terrorist ranks in 2018</a></p>

<p>At least 45 youths from the Kashmir Valley, including an MBA graduate and a PhD scholar, have joined militancy this year till mid-April, according to officials. The unusual surge in numbers has taken the security establishment by surprise.</p>


27 killed after bus overturns, catches fire in Bihar's Motihari At least 27 people died afer a bus overturned and caught fire in Bihar's Motihari district. The bus reportedly fell into a ditch, after which it caught fire. The government has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each of the victims. National Film Awards: 68 winners skip ceremony because President Kovind does not present all awards Sixty-eight winners of the National Film Awards skipped the awards ceremony this afternoon in Delhi. The winners were miffed that President Ram Nath Kovind was handing out only 11 of the National Awards, and that the rest would be handed out by Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani. Dust storm kills close to 100 in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan A severe dust storm followed by thunder showers hit parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan overnight, killing nearly 100 people and leaving a trail of destruction. Houses collapsed and trees and poles were uprooted in the storm that also led to power outages. Porn star Stormy Daniels was not paid with campaign money: Trump US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his lawyer Michael Cohen did not use presidential campaign funds to pay Stormy Daniels as part of a contract he said was aimed at stopping the adult-film star from making "false and extortionist accusations" about an affair. Kashmir: 45 youths including MBA, PhD scholar join terrorist ranks in 2018 At least 45 youths from the Kashmir Valley, including an MBA graduate and a PhD scholar, have joined militancy this year till mid-April, according to officials. The unusual surge in numbers has taken the security establishment by surprise.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Excitement is building up as Kareena Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor fans gear up to watch the first trailer of the much anticipated 'Veere Di Wedding' which releases on 25th April. And while we wait for the trailer, the film's cast teased fans with a brand new poster of the film featuring the four leads.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Featuring Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania, the new poster looks like a regular pyjama party for the girls except for one thing that caught our eye which is a poster of Ekta Kapoor cult show <em>Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You think you know my Veeres & me well enough? It’s never what it looks like! ? Veere Di Wedding Trailer on 25th April. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/imnotaCHICKflick?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#imnotaCHICKflick</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KareenaKapoorKhan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KareenaKapoorKhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ReallySwara?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReallySwara</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ShikhaTalsania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShikhaTalsania</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/vyas_sumeet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vyas_sumeet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RheaKapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RheaKapoor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ektaravikapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ektaravikapoor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/balajimotionpic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@balajimotionpic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/saffronbrdmedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@saffronbrdmedia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/vdwthefilm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vdwthefilm</a> <a href="https://t.co/OyPabbDCs1">pic.twitter.com/OyPabbDCs1</a></p>
— Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamakapoor/status/988381990348054529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>Veere Di Wedding,</em>&nbsp;incidentally, has been co-produced by Ekta Kapoor but whats the connection between the show and this film? Guess time will tell.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film marks Kareena Kapoor's comeback to films post the birth of her son Taimur. In fact the film was announced before Kareena announced her pregnancy. The film's shooting was postponed at Rhea Kapoor, the co-producer of the film announced that they would wait for Kareena and not replace her.<br />
<br />
<em>Veere Di </em><em>Wedding</em><em> </em>, directed by Shashanka Ghosh is being picthed as ' not a chick flick'. The film will release in theaters on 1st June.&nbsp;</p>


Do we see a poster of 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' behind the girls in the new poster?

Excitement is building up as Kareena Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor fans gear up to watch the first trailer of the much anticipated 'Veere Di Wedding' which releases on 25th April. And while we wait for the trailer, the film's cast teased fans with a brand new poster of the film featuring the four leads. Featuring Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania, the new poster looks like a regular pyjama party for the girls except for one thing that caught our eye which is a poster of Ekta Kapoor cult show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. You think you know my Veeres & me well enough? It’s never what it looks like! ? Veere Di Wedding Trailer on 25th April. #imnotaCHICKflick #KareenaKapoorKhan @ReallySwara @ShikhaTalsania @vyas_sumeet @RheaKapoor @ektaravikapoor @balajimotionpic @saffronbrdmedia @vdwthefilm pic.twitter.com/OyPabbDCs1 — Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) April 23, 2018 × Veere Di Wedding, incidentally, has been co-produced by Ekta Kapoor but whats the connection between the show and this film? Guess time will tell. The film marks Kareena Kapoor's comeback to films post the birth of her son Taimur. In fact the film was announced before Kareena announced her pregnancy. The film's shooting was postponed at Rhea Kapoor, the co-producer of the film announced that they would wait for Kareena and not replace her. Veere Di Wedding , directed by Shashanka Ghosh is being picthed as ' not a chick flick'. The film will release in theaters on 1st June.

What is Tulsi Virani doing in Kareena, Sonam starrer 'Veere Di Wedding'?

<p>Union Minister Smriti Irani said on Thursday she was willing to pay the price for standing up for her beliefs, asserting that the "true mettle" of politicians is determined on whether they are able to stick to their stand in the face of criticism.&nbsp</p>

<p>The comments by the Information and Broadcasting Minister came in the backdrop of her ministry withdrawing its contentious press release on fake news following a directive from the Prime Minister's Office after wide-spread criticism by media and opposition parties.</p>

<p>"I felt that if belief systems change as per political convenience then what kind of a leader or what kind of a Parliamentarian will that make you? So for me, what is tough possibly is to believe in something, and at times there is cacophony which goes against your very belief," the minister said at a panel discussion.</p>

<p>"Your true mettle as a politician or a leader is then determined as to whether you are swayed by that cacophony or whether you still stand your ground. And I am willing to pay the price for it and I am," Irani said, without elaborating.</p>

<p>Irani was responding to a query by Hero Enterprise Chairman Sunil Kant Munjal who asked how difficult it was for her to get her daily work done when she holds on to her guns despite opposition to her beliefs or action.</p>

<p>She said "I think, in our everyday life, all of us irrespective of our professions or vocations, obviously believe in something. We have the confidence to go that extra mile to implement it.</p>

<p>"Success is not guaranteed, but at least for myself, I always said that there will not be any moment where I will be caught not having fulfilled my destiny because of want of that desire to make it or that desire to achieve that goal," she said.</p>

<p>Irani had come under attack earlier this month after I and B Ministry amended guidelines on accreditation of journalists for, what it said, to check fake news.</p>

<p>The amended guidelines had stated that if the publication or telecast of fake news was confirmed, accreditation of the journalist would be suspended for six months in the first violation, for one year in case of a second violation and permanent cancellation in case of a third violation.</p>

<p>The guidelines were withdrawn following a directive to do so by the PMO.</p>


The comments by the Information and Broadcasting Minister came in the backdrop of her ministry withdrawing its contentious press release on fake news following a directive from the Prime Minister's Office after wide-spread criticism by media and opposition parties

Union Minister Smriti Irani said on Thursday she was willing to pay the price for standing up for her beliefs, asserting that the "true mettle" of politicians is determined on whether they are able to stick to their stand in the face of criticism. The comments by the Information and Broadcasting Minister came in the backdrop of her ministry withdrawing its contentious press release on fake news following a directive from the Prime Minister's Office after wide-spread criticism by media and opposition parties. "I felt that if belief systems change as per political convenience then what kind of a leader or what kind of a Parliamentarian will that make you? So for me, what is tough possibly is to believe in something, and at times there is cacophony which goes against your very belief," the minister said at a panel discussion. "Your true mettle as a politician or a leader is then determined as to whether you are swayed by that cacophony or whether you still stand your ground. And I am willing to pay the price for it and I am," Irani said, without elaborating. Irani was responding to a query by Hero Enterprise Chairman Sunil Kant Munjal who asked how difficult it was for her to get her daily work done when she holds on to her guns despite opposition to her beliefs or action. She said "I think, in our everyday life, all of us irrespective of our professions or vocations, obviously believe in something. We have the confidence to go that extra mile to implement it. "Success is not guaranteed, but at least for myself, I always said that there will not be any moment where I will be caught not having fulfilled my destiny because of want of that desire to make it or that desire to achieve that goal," she said. Irani had come under attack earlier this month after I and B Ministry amended guidelines on accreditation of journalists for, what it said, to check fake news. The amended guidelines had stated that if the publication or telecast of fake news was confirmed, accreditation of the journalist would be suspended for six months in the first violation, for one year in case of a second violation and permanent cancellation in case of a third violation. The guidelines were withdrawn following a directive to do so by the PMO.

Willing to pay price for standing up for my belief: Smriti Irani

<p>The Delhi police on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against four people for allegedly misbehaving and stalking Union Minister Smriti Irani last year. The accused have been booked under various sections of IPC for stalking Smriti Irani in a state of inebriation.</p>

<p>The incident happened in April 2017 when she was returning home to Chanakyapuri from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport when four men from Delhi University followed Irani's car in Lutyens Delhi in an "inebriated" state.</p>

<p>They were later arrested for stalking, criminal intimidation and intention to insult modesty of a woman. An FIR under section 354 D (stalking) and section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code was filed against them in April 2017. The students had consumed alcohol at a friend’s birthday party.</p>

<p>The Union Minister had first made a PCR call and then lodged a formal complaint with Chanakyapuri Police Station following which the students were detained and later arrested. &nbsp;The call was received from the minister’s staff that the youths were trying to overtake her vehicle near Moti Bagh flyover and their actions were unwanted.</p>

<p>According to the medical report, the four tested positive for alcohol, confirming that they were intoxicated while trying to overtake the Union Minister's car.</p>

<p>The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) said that these students tried to overtake Irani' vehicle, when she was crossing the Moti Bagh flyover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They had also apologised for their action and said that they didn’t know that they had overtaken Irani’s car and that they didn’t indulge in any “misbehaviour”. “…whatever happened was in ignorance. We apologise for whatever happened,” one of them had said.</p>


The incident happened in April 2017 when she was returning home to Chanakyapuri from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport when four men from Delhi University followed Irani's car in Lutyens Delhi in an 'inebriated' state

The Delhi police on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against four people for allegedly misbehaving and stalking Union Minister Smriti Irani last year. The accused have been booked under various sections of IPC for stalking Smriti Irani in a state of inebriation. The incident happened in April 2017 when she was returning home to Chanakyapuri from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport when four men from Delhi University followed Irani's car in Lutyens Delhi in an "inebriated" state. They were later arrested for stalking, criminal intimidation and intention to insult modesty of a woman. An FIR under section 354 D (stalking) and section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code was filed against them in April 2017. The students had consumed alcohol at a friend’s birthday party. The Union Minister had first made a PCR call and then lodged a formal complaint with Chanakyapuri Police Station following which the students were detained and later arrested. The call was received from the minister’s staff that the youths were trying to overtake her vehicle near Moti Bagh flyover and their actions were unwanted. According to the medical report, the four tested positive for alcohol, confirming that they were intoxicated while trying to overtake the Union Minister's car. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) said that these students tried to overtake Irani' vehicle, when she was crossing the Moti Bagh flyover. They had also apologised for their action and said that they didn’t know that they had overtaken Irani’s car and that they didn’t indulge in any “misbehaviour”. “…whatever happened was in ignorance. We apologise for whatever happened,” one of them had said.

Delhi police files chargesheet against 4 students for allegedly misbehaving, stalking Smriti Irani

<p>The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has proposed installation of a chip in new television set-top boxes which will provide data about channels watched and their duration. A senior official of the ministry said the move is aimed to get “more authentic” viewership figures for every channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This would help advertisers and the DAVP to spend their advertising expenditure wisely. Only those channels which are widely watched will get promoted,” the official added. The Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) is the nodal agency of the government for advertising by various ministries and its organisations. In the proposal, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has told the TRAI, “It is also proposed to ask DTH operators to install a chip in the new set-top boxes which can give data about channels watched and their duration.”</p>

<p>The proposal was part of the ministry’s response to a number of recommendations made by the TRAI on issues related to new direct-to-home licenses. The official said the ministry also “feels that Doordarshan viewership is under-reported” and if the chip is installed, it would give the real viewership figures of the channel. The move is seen to end the monopoly of the Broadcast Audience Research Council India (BARC), which measures the television audience preferences in the country. The ministry official alleged that the BARC is “almost like a monopoly and there is no alternative” and it “does not reveal how they arrive at the viewership figures, the methodology they apply and the area of the survey”. The official said the ministry discussed the possibility of procuring about 300 people meter and randomly installing them to verify the veracity of BARC data, but 300 meters were a too small number to meaningfully compare and verify data. He said the BARC measures viewership by installing 30,000 people meter, which are soldered to the TV’s mother board. The official said nobody would allow such thing to be done on their television sets and thus there were concerned about the genuineness of the assessment done by volunteers. The BARC, however, refuted the accusations.</p>

<p>“We are a joint industry body that was set up in close consultation with all stakeholders, including government representatives and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Our data collection and reporting methodology were arrived at post these consultations and consensus. TRAI is telecom and broadcasting sector watchdog. “Guided by the goals of transparency, the detailed methodology has always been available on our website,” BARC India spokesperson said. He said the BARC operates within the regulatory framework as mandated by the ministry’s guidelines. “We also meet regularly with officials of ministry and TRAI to brief them and provide status report on our operations.</p>

<p>The same has been done through periodic presentations,” the spokesperson said. He said that the BARC always had government nominee on its Board and also on its technical committee. “We will be happy to again meet and address all their queries for which we have been seeking a meeting with them since some time,” the spokesperson added. The TRAI, in its response to the ministry’s suggestions, recently said, “Regarding asking DTH operators to install a chip in new set-top boxes, it is stated that this is a new issue and cannot be part of the reference. “If the MIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) desires TRAI’s recommendation on this issue, it may send a separate reference to TRAI as per the provisions of the TRAI Act 1997,” it said.</p>


The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has proposed installation of a chip in new television set-top boxes which will provide data about channels watched and their duration.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has proposed installation of a chip in new television set-top boxes which will provide data about channels watched and their duration. A senior official of the ministry said the move is aimed to get “more authentic” viewership figures for every channel. “This would help advertisers and the DAVP to spend their advertising expenditure wisely. Only those channels which are widely watched will get promoted,” the official added. The Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) is the nodal agency of the government for advertising by various ministries and its organisations. In the proposal, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has told the TRAI, “It is also proposed to ask DTH operators to install a chip in the new set-top boxes which can give data about channels watched and their duration.” The proposal was part of the ministry’s response to a number of recommendations made by the TRAI on issues related to new direct-to-home licenses. The official said the ministry also “feels that Doordarshan viewership is under-reported” and if the chip is installed, it would give the real viewership figures of the channel. The move is seen to end the monopoly of the Broadcast Audience Research Council India (BARC), which measures the television audience preferences in the country. The ministry official alleged that the BARC is “almost like a monopoly and there is no alternative” and it “does not reveal how they arrive at the viewership figures, the methodology they apply and the area of the survey”. The official said the ministry discussed the possibility of procuring about 300 people meter and randomly installing them to verify the veracity of BARC data, but 300 meters were a too small number to meaningfully compare and verify data. He said the BARC measures viewership by installing 30,000 people meter, which are soldered to the TV’s mother board. The official said nobody would allow such thing to be done on their television sets and thus there were concerned about the genuineness of the assessment done by volunteers. The BARC, however, refuted the accusations. “We are a joint industry body that was set up in close consultation with all stakeholders, including government representatives and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Our data collection and reporting methodology were arrived at post these consultations and consensus. TRAI is telecom and broadcasting sector watchdog. “Guided by the goals of transparency, the detailed methodology has always been available on our website,” BARC India spokesperson said. He said the BARC operates within the regulatory framework as mandated by the ministry’s guidelines. “We also meet regularly with officials of ministry and TRAI to brief them and provide status report on our operations. The same has been done through periodic presentations,” the spokesperson said. He said that the BARC always had government nominee on its Board and also on its technical committee. “We will be happy to again meet and address all their queries for which we have been seeking a meeting with them since some time,” the spokesperson added. The TRAI, in its response to the ministry’s suggestions, recently said, “Regarding asking DTH operators to install a chip in new set-top boxes, it is stated that this is a new issue and cannot be part of the reference. “If the MIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) desires TRAI’s recommendation on this issue, it may send a separate reference to TRAI as per the provisions of the TRAI Act 1997,” it said.

I&B ministry wants to know what you watch on TV, plans this

<p>If there was one thing that had remained constant — so far — in the 46-month-old Modi government, it was the steadfastness with which the government stuck to many of its controversial decisions, refusing to buckle under criticism or adverse public opinion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>April 3, 2018 changed that.</p>

<p>The government's decision to roll back a proposed crackdown on “fake news” in less than 24 hours could arguably be the first and most significant retreat of the Modi government as it nears completing four years in office and plans to get into election mode with just over a year remaining for the next Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>The crackdown — which mandated penalties ranging from the suspension to the cancellation of the accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news” — was proposed by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry piloted by Smriti Irani. It was disposed of by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.</p>

<p>Could it be the case that the government had not factored in the furore that erupted following the I&B ministry's diktat? Unlikely. Was it an attempt at testing the waters then? One thing is clear: the speed at which the course-correction took place was unprecedented.</p>

<p>On the face of it, many would think that the I&B ministry erred and was set right by the Prime Minister's Office. But those who cover the government know only too well the overarching control the PMO exercises on all the ministries. Simply put, to think that Irani's ministry could have come up with the diktat without keeping the PMO in the loop is being naive at best. And the Prime Minister directing that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and that the matter should only be addressed by the Press Council of India is nothing more than damage control.</p>

<p>Now coming to the diktat itself. Was it really about fake news? That's the big question. Those who would have been impacted by the amended guidelines were journalists accredited with the Government of India — mostly working for the national media and covering the Central government. Does the government have enough reason to believe that these “accredited journalists” are peddling “fake news”? Or was it just an attempt to create a mechanism to muzzle some inconvenient voices — accredited ones, of course.</p>

<p>What made the I&B directive more curious was that it proposed nothing to deal with social media — the most fertile breeding ground for fake news in today's India. Instead, it proposed something bordering on the draconian — immediate suspension of a journalist's accreditation the moment a complaint is registered and sent for inquiry to the Press Council of India or the News Broadcasters Association.</p>

<p>As a barrage of criticism broke loose, the I&B ministry made a feeble attempt at arguing that the “fake news” cases will be determined by PCI and NBA which are not “regulated” or “operated” by the Central government. That is akin to saying the I&B ministry maintains an arm's length distance from Prasar Bharati.</p>

<p>Off the record, in private conversations, central bureaucrats and political insiders have often underlined how the incumbent government was not a “rollback sarkar”. Let's a take a few examples from the I&B ministry itself. Pune's FTII was on the boil for months following Gajendra Chauhan's appointment to its helm, but the government did not budge. As CBFC chief, Pahlaj Nihalani not only kept raising the hackles of the Hindi film industry but was also an embarrassment to the government. But he was persisted with. Because this was not a rollback government, the government machinery argued.&nbsp;</p>

<p>April 3, 2018 changed that.</p>


And to think that Smriti Irani's I&B ministry could have come up with the diktat, proposing the cancellation of the accreditation of journalists found guilty of publishing 'fake news', without keeping the PMO in the loop is being naive at best

If there was one thing that had remained constant — so far — in the 46-month-old Modi government, it was the steadfastness with which the government stuck to many of its controversial decisions, refusing to buckle under criticism or adverse public opinion. April 3, 2018 changed that. The government's decision to roll back a proposed crackdown on “fake news” in less than 24 hours could arguably be the first and most significant retreat of the Modi government as it nears completing four years in office and plans to get into election mode with just over a year remaining for the next Lok Sabha polls. The crackdown — which mandated penalties ranging from the suspension to the cancellation of the accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news” — was proposed by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry piloted by Smriti Irani. It was disposed of by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Could it be the case that the government had not factored in the furore that erupted following the I&B ministry's diktat? Unlikely. Was it an attempt at testing the waters then? One thing is clear: the speed at which the course-correction took place was unprecedented. On the face of it, many would think that the I&B ministry erred and was set right by the Prime Minister's Office. But those who cover the government know only too well the overarching control the PMO exercises on all the ministries. Simply put, to think that Irani's ministry could have come up with the diktat without keeping the PMO in the loop is being naive at best. And the Prime Minister directing that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and that the matter should only be addressed by the Press Council of India is nothing more than damage control. Now coming to the diktat itself. Was it really about fake news? That's the big question. Those who would have been impacted by the amended guidelines were journalists accredited with the Government of India — mostly working for the national media and covering the Central government. Does the government have enough reason to believe that these “accredited journalists” are peddling “fake news”? Or was it just an attempt to create a mechanism to muzzle some inconvenient voices — accredited ones, of course. What made the I&B directive more curious was that it proposed nothing to deal with social media — the most fertile breeding ground for fake news in today's India. Instead, it proposed something bordering on the draconian — immediate suspension of a journalist's accreditation the moment a complaint is registered and sent for inquiry to the Press Council of India or the News Broadcasters Association. As a barrage of criticism broke loose, the I&B ministry made a feeble attempt at arguing that the “fake news” cases will be determined by PCI and NBA which are not “regulated” or “operated” by the Central government. That is akin to saying the I&B ministry maintains an arm's length distance from Prasar Bharati. Off the record, in private conversations, central bureaucrats and political insiders have often underlined how the incumbent government was not a “rollback sarkar”. Let's a take a few examples from the I&B ministry itself. Pune's FTII was on the boil for months following Gajendra Chauhan's appointment to its helm, but the government did not budge. As CBFC chief, Pahlaj Nihalani not only kept raising the hackles of the Hindi film industry but was also an embarrassment to the government. But he was persisted with. Because this was not a rollback government, the government machinery argued. April 3, 2018 changed that.

Opinion: Rollback of fake news crackdown is Modi government's first, most significant retreat

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the press release regarding 'fake news'&nbsp;to be withdrawn. As per PM Modi's order, the matter should now be addressed in Press Council of India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FLASH</a>: Prime Minister has directed that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and the matter should only be addressed in Press Council of India. <a href="https://t.co/KVUBeAoDhC">pic.twitter.com/KVUBeAoDhC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/981063988913016832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian government yesterday amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists in a bid to deal with the rise of "fake news".</p>

<p>The move came in the wake of the Malaysian Parliament pushing for a law that made 'fake news' punishable with a maximum six-year jail term.</p>

<p>Smriti Irani-led Information & Broadcasting ministry proposed penalties ranging from suspension to cancellation of accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news”.</p>

<p>The guidelines were set to apply to journalists accredited by the Government of India, thereby indicating government's plan to deal with non-accredited journalists engaging in 'fake news' through the I&B ministry.</p>

<p>“While examining the requests seeking accreditation, the regulatory agencies will examine whether the `Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ and `Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards’ prescribed by the PCI and NBA respectively are adhered to by the journalists as part of their functioning. It would be obligatory for journalists to abide by these guidelines,” the Information & Broadcasting ministry said in its release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/government-proposes-penalties-for-journalists-reporting-fake-news-127949">Government proposes penalties for journalists reporting 'fake news'</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting&nbsp;took to Twitter saying that the accreditation guidelines have generated a debate.</p>

<p>"Several journalists & organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same," her tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PIB Accreditation Guidelines asking Press Council of India & News Broadcasters Association to define & act against ‘fake news’ have generated debate. Several journalists & organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same. 1/2</p>
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/981060726042300421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Irani welcomed journalists to engage with her over questions and doubts related to the guidelines.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a> is more than happy to engage with journalist body or organisation/s wanting to give suggestions so that together we can fight the menace of ‘fake news’ & uphold ethical journalism. Interested journalists and/or organisations may feel free to meet me at <a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a>. 2/2</p>
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/981061044914278401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Indian government yesterday amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists in a bid to deal with the rise of 'fake news'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the press release regarding 'fake news' to be withdrawn. As per PM Modi's order, the matter should now be addressed in Press Council of India. #FLASH: Prime Minister has directed that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and the matter should only be addressed in Press Council of India. pic.twitter.com/KVUBeAoDhC — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 × The Indian government yesterday amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists in a bid to deal with the rise of "fake news". The move came in the wake of the Malaysian Parliament pushing for a law that made 'fake news' punishable with a maximum six-year jail term. Smriti Irani-led Information & Broadcasting ministry proposed penalties ranging from suspension to cancellation of accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news”. The guidelines were set to apply to journalists accredited by the Government of India, thereby indicating government's plan to deal with non-accredited journalists engaging in 'fake news' through the I&B ministry. “While examining the requests seeking accreditation, the regulatory agencies will examine whether the `Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ and `Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards’ prescribed by the PCI and NBA respectively are adhered to by the journalists as part of their functioning. It would be obligatory for journalists to abide by these guidelines,” the Information & Broadcasting ministry said in its release. Also read: Government proposes penalties for journalists reporting 'fake news' Meanwhile, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting took to Twitter saying that the accreditation guidelines have generated a debate. "Several journalists & organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same," her tweet read. PIB Accreditation Guidelines asking Press Council of India & News Broadcasters Association to define & act against ‘fake news’ have generated debate. Several journalists & organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same. 1/2 — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) April 3, 2018 × Irani welcomed journalists to engage with her over questions and doubts related to the guidelines. .@MIB_India is more than happy to engage with journalist body or organisation/s wanting to give suggestions so that together we can fight the menace of ‘fake news’ & uphold ethical journalism. Interested journalists and/or organisations may feel free to meet me at @MIB_India. 2/2 — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) April 3, 2018 ×

'Fake news' issue: PM Modi steps in, orders withdrawal of press guidelines

<p>BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday called out senior Congress leader and former union minister Kapil Sibal questioning a land deal he was allegedly involved in.&nbsp</p>

<p>Irani accused Sibal of being involved in a land scam during his time as law minister in 2013.&nbsp</p>

<p>She said that in November 2013, Sibal and his wife had secured the ownership of a company named Grand Castello from a person who was being probed by the CBI for bribery allegations at the time and against whom South African journalists had levelled charges of money laundering.</p>

<p>"The person who was being probed by CBI for bribery during UPA govt & against whom South African journalists leveled charges of money laundering, from him Kapil Sibal & his wife got ownership of a company named Grand Castello," Irani said.&nbsp</p>

<p>She further went on to explain how Grand Castello, which was out of business in FY 2013-14, purchases a piece of land which eventually costs Rs 45.21 crore.</p>

<p>Given that he was the law minister at the time, how could he associate with such an individual, Irani asked. "Sibal must answer this question," she said.</p>

<p>Kapil Sibal, however, has since addressed the accusations and said "A person who does not know the meaning of money laundering is making allegations? Yes I bought the company, does anyone mind? I paid & did so from my earnings, tax for which was paid by me, but no one saw it: Kapil Sibal on Smriti Irani's allegations against him"</p>

<p>He further criticised Irani for not addressig the current critical issue and added "We thought she'll talk about the #CBSEPaperLeak but it seems she isn't worried about the students who'll have to re-appear for their exams: Kapil Sibal, Congress on Smriti Irani's allegations against him."</p>


She said that in November 2013, Sibal and his wife had secured the ownership of a company named Grand Castello from a person who was being probed by the CBI for bribery allegations at the time and against whom South African journalists had levelled charges of money laundering

BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday called out senior Congress leader and former union minister Kapil Sibal questioning a land deal he was allegedly involved in. Irani accused Sibal of being involved in a land scam during his time as law minister in 2013. She said that in November 2013, Sibal and his wife had secured the ownership of a company named Grand Castello from a person who was being probed by the CBI for bribery allegations at the time and against whom South African journalists had levelled charges of money laundering. "The person who was being probed by CBI for bribery during UPA govt & against whom South African journalists leveled charges of money laundering, from him Kapil Sibal & his wife got ownership of a company named Grand Castello," Irani said. She further went on to explain how Grand Castello, which was out of business in FY 2013-14, purchases a piece of land which eventually costs Rs 45.21 crore. Given that he was the law minister at the time, how could he associate with such an individual, Irani asked. "Sibal must answer this question," she said. Kapil Sibal, however, has since addressed the accusations and said "A person who does not know the meaning of money laundering is making allegations? Yes I bought the company, does anyone mind? I paid & did so from my earnings, tax for which was paid by me, but no one saw it: Kapil Sibal on Smriti Irani's allegations against him" He further criticised Irani for not addressig the current critical issue and added "We thought she'll talk about the #CBSEPaperLeak but it seems she isn't worried about the students who'll have to re-appear for their exams: Kapil Sibal, Congress on Smriti Irani's allegations against him."

Smriti Irani accuses Kapil Sibal for involvement in land scam

<p>Union Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani on Sunday lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for terming Goods and Services Tax (GST) the second highest in the world and one of the most complex taxes.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/name-modi-means-collusion-between-indias-biggest-crony-capitalists-and-prime-minister-of-india-rahul-gandhi-36245">Congress</a> is holding a three-day plenary session in New Delhi, wherein All India Congress Committee members and workers have gathered to ratify Gandhi&#39;s appointment as their chief and select members for party&#39;s working committee.</p>

<p>Irani took to Twitter saying: &quot;Aadarniya @RahulGandhi ji, if you are free from the world&rsquo;s longest coronation exercise, I request you to read this article and enlighten yourself,&quot; while also attaching a link to an article by World Bank.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aadarniya <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> ji, if you are free from the world&rsquo;s longest coronation exercise, I request you to read this article and enlighten yourself. <a href="https://t.co/amMxPIDSV9">https://t.co/amMxPIDSV9</a></p>
&mdash; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/975301127104319488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi had previously posted a tweet criticising Modi and also attached a Mint article, saying: &quot;Modi ji, the terror of Gabbar Singh Tax is now globally acclaimed. The World Bank says it&rsquo;s the 2nd HIGHEST in the WORLD and one of the MOST complex.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modi ji, the terror of Gabbar Singh Tax is now globally acclaimed.<br />
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The World Bank says it&rsquo;s the 2nd HIGHEST in the WORLD and one of the MOST complex. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiTalksNoCanDo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiTalksNoCanDo</a><a href="https://t.co/mUBv3EdEBK">https://t.co/mUBv3EdEBK</a></p>
&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/975287342306119680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the article citing a World Bank report, the GST implemented from July 1 last year is one of the most complex with the second highest tax rate in the world among a sample of 115 countries which have a similar indirect tax system.</p>

<p>Rubbishing the reports Irani said Gandhi&#39;s hatred for India was astonishing as he rubbished the World Bank report that hailed India&#39;s rise in Ease of Doing Business ranking. &quot;Now selectively quotes WB report to berate India&#39;s progress,&quot; she said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s hatred for India is astonishing. When World Bank hailed India&rsquo;s rise in Ease of Doing Business rankings, he rubbished the report. Now selectively quotes WB report to berate India&rsquo;s progress! <a href="https://t.co/cU7wzaoiTC">https://t.co/cU7wzaoiTC</a></p>
&mdash; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/975300922338349056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Congress is holding a three-day plenary session in New Delhi, wherein All India Congress Committee members and workers have gathered to ratify Gandhi's appointment as their chief and select members for party's working committee

Union Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani on Sunday lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for terming Goods and Services Tax (GST) the second highest in the world and one of the most complex taxes. Congress is holding a three-day plenary session in New Delhi, wherein All India Congress Committee members and workers have gathered to ratify Gandhi's appointment as their chief and select members for party's working committee. Irani took to Twitter saying: "Aadarniya @RahulGandhi ji, if you are free from the world’s longest coronation exercise, I request you to read this article and enlighten yourself," while also attaching a link to an article by World Bank." Aadarniya @RahulGandhi ji, if you are free from the world’s longest coronation exercise, I request you to read this article and enlighten yourself. https://t.co/amMxPIDSV9 — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 18, 2018 × Gandhi had previously posted a tweet criticising Modi and also attached a Mint article, saying: "Modi ji, the terror of Gabbar Singh Tax is now globally acclaimed. The World Bank says it’s the 2nd HIGHEST in the WORLD and one of the MOST complex." Modi ji, the terror of Gabbar Singh Tax is now globally acclaimed. The World Bank says it’s the 2nd HIGHEST in the WORLD and one of the MOST complex. #ModiTalksNoCanDohttps://t.co/mUBv3EdEBK — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 18, 2018 × According to the article citing a World Bank report, the GST implemented from July 1 last year is one of the most complex with the second highest tax rate in the world among a sample of 115 countries which have a similar indirect tax system. Rubbishing the reports Irani said Gandhi's hatred for India was astonishing as he rubbished the World Bank report that hailed India's rise in Ease of Doing Business ranking. "Now selectively quotes WB report to berate India's progress," she said. Rahul Gandhi’s hatred for India is astonishing. When World Bank hailed India’s rise in Ease of Doing Business rankings, he rubbished the report. Now selectively quotes WB report to berate India’s progress! https://t.co/cU7wzaoiTC — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 18, 2018 ×

Smriti Irani slams Rahul Gandhi over remarks on GST

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/name-modi-means-collusion-between-indias-biggest-crony-capitalists-and-prime-minister-of-india-rahul-gandhi-36245">BJP like Kauravas, Congress like Pandavas: Rahul Gandhi</a></p>

<p>Recalling the two warring sides of the epic Mahabharat, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said the BJP, like the Kauravas, fought for power, while his party, on the lines of the Pandavas, battled for truth.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-eyes-fourth-term-in-polls-as-opposition-cries-foul-36243">Putin eyes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-eyes-fourth-term-in-polls-as-opposition-cries-foul-36243">fourth</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-eyes-fourth-term-in-polls-as-opposition-cries-foul-36243"> term in polls as opposition cries foul</a></p>

<p>Russians were voting Sunday in an election set to hand President Vladimir Putin a fourth Kremlin term but slammed by the opposition as a sham as tensions with Britain escalated over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-remarks-on-gst-36248">Smriti Irani slams Rahul Gandhi over remarks on GST</a></p>

<p>Union Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani on Sunday lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for terming Goods and Services Tax (GST) the second highest in the world and one of the most complex taxes.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gudi-padwa-2018-mumbais-saree-clad-biker-women-take-to-streets-36244">Mumbai: Saree-clad biker women take to streets to celebrate Gudi Padwa</a></p>

<p>As the country celebrates the spring festival of Gudi Padwa, Mumbai witnessed a colourful parade of women bikers clad in traditional Marathi attire to commemorate the new year for Marathi Hindus.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-5-stars-who-fought-with-serious-illnesses-like-irrfan-khan-and-are-now-perfectly-fine-36247">5 stars who fought with serious illnesses like Irrfan Khan and are now perfectly fine</a></p>

<p>Ever since news of Irrfan Khan suffering from a rare disease has come to fore, the Indian entertainment industry has been in a state of shock. Announcing to the world with a Twitter post, Irrfan who is suffering from NeuroEndocrine Tumour has started the dialogue about health and fitness yet again. This sad news follows the sudden death of Bollywood actress Sridevi who was not only a versatile heroine but a glamour icon.</p>


BJP like Kauravas, Congress like Pandavas: Rahul Gandhi Recalling the two warring sides of the epic Mahabharat, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said the BJP, like the Kauravas, fought for power, while his party, on the lines of the Pandavas, battled for truth. Putin eyes fourth term in polls as opposition cries foul Russians were voting Sunday in an election set to hand President Vladimir Putin a fourth Kremlin term but slammed by the opposition as a sham as tensions with Britain escalated over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent. Smriti Irani slams Rahul Gandhi over remarks on GST Union Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani on Sunday lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for terming Goods and Services Tax (GST) the second highest in the world and one of the most complex taxes. Mumbai: Saree-clad biker women take to streets to celebrate Gudi Padwa As the country celebrates the spring festival of Gudi Padwa, Mumbai witnessed a colourful parade of women bikers clad in traditional Marathi attire to commemorate the new year for Marathi Hindus. 5 stars who fought with serious illnesses like Irrfan Khan and are now perfectly fine Ever since news of Irrfan Khan suffering from a rare disease has come to fore, the Indian entertainment industry has been in a state of shock. Announcing to the world with a Twitter post, Irrfan who is suffering from NeuroEndocrine Tumour has started the dialogue about health and fitness yet again. This sad news follows the sudden death of Bollywood actress Sridevi who was not only a versatile heroine but a glamour icon.

WION Evening News Brief, March 18, 2018

<p>Public broadcaster Doordarshan should create quality content and improve its revenue generation through advertisement, Union Minister Smriti Irani said Monday.</p>

<p>The information and broadcasting minister said that India was set to have 530 million smartphone users by end of this year, second only to China and more than 40 per cent of content consumption was happening online.</p>

<p>She said that the amount spent on advertising was expected to grow this year as compared to the last year.</p>

<p>&quot;Doordarshan should leverage the reach created by DD Free Dish to create quality content and improve the revenue generation through advertisement and ease the burden on the taxpayers,&quot; the minister was quoted as saying in an official release.</p>

<p>The minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 24th International Conference &amp; Exhibition on Terrestrial and Satellite Broadcasting with the theme Non Linear Broadcasting Technologies &amp; Business Models-- Broadcast Engineers Society (BES EXPO 2018).</p>

<p>She said that strength of broadcasting sector in India should be seen not by the number of channels available but by the quality of content provided by it.</p>

<p>She also requested Broadcast Engineering Society to train all of the Broadcast Engineering staff of Prasar Bharati.</p>

<p>Irani, along with the other dignitaries, also felicitated the winners of the awards constituted by Broadcast Engineering Society in various categories such as broadcasting, engineering, training and innovation.</p>

<p>Exhibiting companies at BES Expo included those from Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the UK and the US.&nbsp;</p>


'Doordarshan should leverage the reach created by DD Free Dish to create quality content and improve the revenue generation through advertisement and ease the burden on the taxpayers,' the minister was quoted as saying in an official release.

Public broadcaster Doordarshan should create quality content and improve its revenue generation through advertisement, Union Minister Smriti Irani said Monday. The information and broadcasting minister said that India was set to have 530 million smartphone users by end of this year, second only to China and more than 40 per cent of content consumption was happening online. She said that the amount spent on advertising was expected to grow this year as compared to the last year. "Doordarshan should leverage the reach created by DD Free Dish to create quality content and improve the revenue generation through advertisement and ease the burden on the taxpayers," the minister was quoted as saying in an official release. The minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 24th International Conference & Exhibition on Terrestrial and Satellite Broadcasting with the theme Non Linear Broadcasting Technologies & Business Models-- Broadcast Engineers Society (BES EXPO 2018). She said that strength of broadcasting sector in India should be seen not by the number of channels available but by the quality of content provided by it. She also requested Broadcast Engineering Society to train all of the Broadcast Engineering staff of Prasar Bharati. Irani, along with the other dignitaries, also felicitated the winners of the awards constituted by Broadcast Engineering Society in various categories such as broadcasting, engineering, training and innovation. Exhibiting companies at BES Expo included those from Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the UK and the US.

Doordarshan should create quality content, improve revenue generation: Irani

<p>The government today said there is no proposal at present to ban advertisements of junk food on television, while nine major food business operators have decided not to advertise products with high fat on children&#39;s channels.</p>

<p>Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore told the Lok Sabha during Question Hour that bodies like the Food and Beverage Alliance of India (FBIA) have already decided to voluntarily restrict food and beverage advertisements concerning children.</p>

<p>On whether the government proposes to impose a ban on telecast of junk food and cold/soft drinks advertisements on television, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani said in a written reply that &quot;presently there is no such proposal&quot;.</p>

<p>Nine major food business operators have decided not to advertise products with high fat, salt or sugar on children&#39;s channels, she said.</p>

<p>While asking supplementaries, some MPs raised concerns about junk food affecting the health of children.</p>

<p>The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had constituted an expert group to address the issue of high fat, sugar and salt foods.</p>

<p>&quot;The expert group in its report made a recommendation regarding ban on food with high fat, sugar and salt advertising on children&#39;s channels or during children shows.</p>

<p>&quot;On this recommendation, the remarks of the FSSAI were that the food businesses could be asked to voluntarily desist from advertising high fat, sugar and salt foods on children&#39;s channels,&quot; Irani said.&nbsp;</p>


'Presently there is no such proposal,' said Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani

The government today said there is no proposal at present to ban advertisements of junk food on television, while nine major food business operators have decided not to advertise products with high fat on children's channels. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore told the Lok Sabha during Question Hour that bodies like the Food and Beverage Alliance of India (FBIA) have already decided to voluntarily restrict food and beverage advertisements concerning children. On whether the government proposes to impose a ban on telecast of junk food and cold/soft drinks advertisements on television, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani said in a written reply that "presently there is no such proposal". Nine major food business operators have decided not to advertise products with high fat, salt or sugar on children's channels, she said. While asking supplementaries, some MPs raised concerns about junk food affecting the health of children. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had constituted an expert group to address the issue of high fat, sugar and salt foods. "The expert group in its report made a recommendation regarding ban on food with high fat, sugar and salt advertising on children's channels or during children shows. "On this recommendation, the remarks of the FSSAI were that the food businesses could be asked to voluntarily desist from advertising high fat, sugar and salt foods on children's channels," Irani said.

No proposal to ban junk food advertisements on television: Government

<p>The Upper House of the Parliament <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-tabled-in-rajya-sabha-28436" target="_blank">was disrupted</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-tabled-in-rajya-sabha-28436" target="_blank"> again</a> on the second day due to the continued uproar over the triple talaq bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition&#39;s demand to present the bill to the Select Committee led to a heated debate between TMC MP Derek O Brien and BJP leader Smriti Irani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to Derek O Brien, Smriti Irani reversed asking them to have a discussion, if they really supported women empowerment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India&#39;s textile minister&nbsp;later questioned the Congress and the Opposition for &quot;obstructing the path of justice for Muslim women&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irani&nbsp;blamed them for running away from the discussion in Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;She further said that the double standards of the&nbsp;Congress-led&nbsp;Opposition were exposed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irani said &quot;It was a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian&nbsp;women. &quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Opposition stands exposed in RS, for past 2 days repeatedly it has been said that if there are any issues need to be spoken on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a>, those issues need to be put out on the floor of the House. Why is congress -led opposition running away from discussion?: Smirit Irani <a href="https://t.co/3RNuyAG7vc">pic.twitter.com/3RNuyAG7vc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948902367121965057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Double standards of congress led opposition are exposed today and I think it is a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian muslim women: Union Minister Smriti Irani <a href="https://t.co/RHJEXZGG76">pic.twitter.com/RHJEXZGG76</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948903690362019841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Derek O Brien blamed the Centre for hindering women empowerment. He added that the latest move had exposed them.</p>

<p>He said &quot;It&#39;s clear that this side (opposition) wants to empower women, and you (Government) stand exposed.</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 11 am on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today BJP has been exposed, they don&#39;t have the guts to empower women: TMC MP Derek O Brien on debate over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> in Rajya Sabha <a href="https://t.co/MiEcRmsI56">pic.twitter.com/MiEcRmsI56</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948897490283069443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Responding to media over triple talaq, Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that the government was isolated on the issue while the Opposition was united. He added that the bill should be sent to Select Committee.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The government is isolated, the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee: Kapil Sibal, Congress on debate over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> in Rajya Sabha <a href="https://t.co/IhuiHE7Grk">pic.twitter.com/IhuiHE7Grk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948899383075995648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi hit out at Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The duplicity of Congress is quite clear, it has become typical characteristic of Congress: Sudhanshu Trivedi, BJP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> <a href="https://t.co/1eisyu6XbR">pic.twitter.com/1eisyu6XbR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948907521237950464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also&nbsp;read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-agrees-to-send-triple-talaq-bill-to-select-committee-reports-28497" target="_blank">Government agrees to send triple talaq bill to select committee: Reports</a></p>

<p>The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha last Thursday.</p>

<p>It was tabled yesterday in the Rajya Sabha but did not go through after a united opposition insisted that it be sent to the&nbsp;Select Committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress, while maintaining that it supports the abolition of triple talaq, has been insisting that the bill be sent to a select committee so that&nbsp;any lacunae in it can be better understood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


She blamed the Congress and the Opposition from running away from the discussion in Rajya Sabha.?She further said that the double standards of the?Congress-led?Opposition were exposed

The Upper House of the Parliament was disrupted again on the second day due to the continued uproar over the triple talaq bill. The opposition's demand to present the bill to the Select Committee led to a heated debate between TMC MP Derek O Brien and BJP leader Smriti Irani. Responding to Derek O Brien, Smriti Irani reversed asking them to have a discussion, if they really supported women empowerment. India's textile minister later questioned the Congress and the Opposition for "obstructing the path of justice for Muslim women". Irani blamed them for running away from the discussion in Rajya Sabha. She further said that the double standards of the Congress-led Opposition were exposed. Irani said "It was a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian women. " Opposition stands exposed in RS, for past 2 days repeatedly it has been said that if there are any issues need to be spoken on #TripleTalaqBill, those issues need to be put out on the floor of the House. Why is congress -led opposition running away from discussion?: Smirit Irani pic.twitter.com/3RNuyAG7vc — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × Double standards of congress led opposition are exposed today and I think it is a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian muslim women: Union Minister Smriti Irani pic.twitter.com/RHJEXZGG76 — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × Derek O Brien blamed the Centre for hindering women empowerment. He added that the latest move had exposed them. He said "It's clear that this side (opposition) wants to empower women, and you (Government) stand exposed. The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 11 am on Friday. Today BJP has been exposed, they don't have the guts to empower women: TMC MP Derek O Brien on debate over #TripleTalaqBill in Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/MiEcRmsI56 — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × Responding to media over triple talaq, Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that the government was isolated on the issue while the Opposition was united. He added that the bill should be sent to Select Committee. The government is isolated, the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee: Kapil Sibal, Congress on debate over #TripleTalaqBill in Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/IhuiHE7Grk — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi hit out at Congress. The duplicity of Congress is quite clear, it has become typical characteristic of Congress: Sudhanshu Trivedi, BJP #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/1eisyu6XbR — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × Also read: Government agrees to send triple talaq bill to select committee: Reports The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha last Thursday. It was tabled yesterday in the Rajya Sabha but did not go through after a united opposition insisted that it be sent to the Select Committee. The Congress, while maintaining that it supports the abolition of triple talaq, has been insisting that the bill be sent to a select committee so that any lacunae in it can be better understood.

Shame on Congress for obstructing path of justice for Muslim women: Smriti Irani

<p>The BJP, which managed to retain Gujarat for a record sixth time after a keenly contested assembly elections, is reportedly mulling a course correction as it also lost several seats to its arch-rival Congress.</p>

<p>According to media reports, the central leadership of the party is reportedly considering to replace the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, despite his victory from the Rajkot West seat, with Union Textiles and Information &amp; Broadcasting (I&amp;B) Minister Smriti Irani.</p>

<p>The BJP insiders have given an indication that after the loss of 16 seats in Gujarat, the BJP top brass is now keen on appointing someone who has a strong public appeal and can deliver promises made to the electorate as the next chief minister.</p>

<p>Irani, who has herself denied being a contender for the CM&#39;s post, is being considered due to her strong leadership qualities, good command over Gujarati and English and the proximity to the BJP central leadership. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I am definitely not a contender,&quot; Irani had told a TV news channel when asked to comment that her name was being considered for the coveted job.</p>

<p>&quot;If there is a &#39;gali&#39; ka election, you will hear my name. I am one of those fortunate ones who just make a name without making an attempt, whatsoever. I think that is just wishful thinking on someone&rsquo;s behalf. I think the party president has spoken on it, the parliamentary board decides it. I am definitely not in contention,&rdquo; she said.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Gujarat has been a stronghold for BJP - a party which has not lost power here in 22 years. Congress did manage to fare better than what many expected,&#39;&#39; Irani had said adding that not much should be looked at Congress&#39; performance.</p>

<p>&quot;Jo jeeta wohi sikandar. Congress can look for wins in their defeat - it is a democratic right. We fought these elections on issues of development while Congress tried to divide people. It is triumph of development and I would like to congratulate every single party worker and the leadership, &quot; Irani had told Zee News.</p>

<p>Besides Irani, Union Minister of State for Road Transport &amp; Highways and Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya is the second favourite candidate for the CM&#39;s chair.</p>

<p>A Patidar from Saurashtra, Mandaviya is counted among leaders who are close to farmers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>Vajubhai Vala, the incumbent governor of Karnataka and former Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, is also among the frontrunners for the top job, according to sources.</p>

<p>A former BJP member, Vala held various portfolios like finance, labour and employment in the Gujarat Cabinet.</p>

<p>However, the BJP top brass is tight-lipped over the issue, triggering intense speculations that the party is considering a change of guard in the western state.</p>

<p>After the election results were out on Monday, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had hinted there won&rsquo;t be any change in leadership.</p>

<p>When asked who the next Chief Minister of Gujarat will be or whether the party high command was thinking of replacing Rupani, Jaitley said, &rdquo;I think a person who gets you 49% votes is a popular CM of a popular government and a leader.&rdquo;</p>

<p>He also categorically said that the BJP defied anti-incumbency, and in three of the four rural areas of Gujarat, the party did reasonably well.</p>

<p>The BJP did manage to win Gujarat for the record sixth time but the victory hasn&#39;t been easy after a bruising battle with a resurgent Congress under Rahul Gandhi&#39;s new avatar.</p>

<p>The issue of development, which was Rahul&#39;s main ammo in attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the hustings, is now staring at the BJP despite its win.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>16 less than its 2012 tally of 115 seats, BJP could win just 99 seats this time, while Congress won 77.</p>

<p><a href="http://zeenews.india.com/gujarati/gujarat/now-discussion-on-who-will-be-the-next-cm-of-gujarat-996"><strong>Read this story in Gujarati</strong></a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The BJP insiders have given an indication that after the loss of 16 seats in Gujarat, the BJP top brass is now keen on appointing someone who has a strong public appeal and can deliver promises made to the electorate as the next chief minister.

The BJP, which managed to retain Gujarat for a record sixth time after a keenly contested assembly elections, is reportedly mulling a course correction as it also lost several seats to its arch-rival Congress. According to media reports, the central leadership of the party is reportedly considering to replace the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, despite his victory from the Rajkot West seat, with Union Textiles and Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Smriti Irani. The BJP insiders have given an indication that after the loss of 16 seats in Gujarat, the BJP top brass is now keen on appointing someone who has a strong public appeal and can deliver promises made to the electorate as the next chief minister. Irani, who has herself denied being a contender for the CM's post, is being considered due to her strong leadership qualities, good command over Gujarati and English and the proximity to the BJP central leadership. "I am definitely not a contender," Irani had told a TV news channel when asked to comment that her name was being considered for the coveted job. "If there is a 'gali' ka election, you will hear my name. I am one of those fortunate ones who just make a name without making an attempt, whatsoever. I think that is just wishful thinking on someone’s behalf. I think the party president has spoken on it, the parliamentary board decides it. I am definitely not in contention,” she said. ''Gujarat has been a stronghold for BJP - a party which has not lost power here in 22 years. Congress did manage to fare better than what many expected,'' Irani had said adding that not much should be looked at Congress' performance. "Jo jeeta wohi sikandar. Congress can look for wins in their defeat - it is a democratic right. We fought these elections on issues of development while Congress tried to divide people. It is triumph of development and I would like to congratulate every single party worker and the leadership, " Irani had told Zee News. Besides Irani, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya is the second favourite candidate for the CM's chair. A Patidar from Saurashtra, Mandaviya is counted among leaders who are close to farmers. Vajubhai Vala, the incumbent governor of Karnataka and former Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, is also among the frontrunners for the top job, according to sources. A former BJP member, Vala held various portfolios like finance, labour and employment in the Gujarat Cabinet. However, the BJP top brass is tight-lipped over the issue, triggering intense speculations that the party is considering a change of guard in the western state. After the election results were out on Monday, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had hinted there won’t be any change in leadership. When asked who the next Chief Minister of Gujarat will be or whether the party high command was thinking of replacing Rupani, Jaitley said, ”I think a person who gets you 49% votes is a popular CM of a popular government and a leader.” He also categorically said that the BJP defied anti-incumbency, and in three of the four rural areas of Gujarat, the party did reasonably well. The BJP did manage to win Gujarat for the record sixth time but the victory hasn't been easy after a bruising battle with a resurgent Congress under Rahul Gandhi's new avatar. The issue of development, which was Rahul's main ammo in attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the hustings, is now staring at the BJP despite its win. 16 less than its 2012 tally of 115 seats, BJP could win just 99 seats this time, while Congress won 77. Read this story in Gujarati

Who will be the next Gujarat Chief Minister? Here are the top contenders

<p>As the BJP prepares to form the government in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-2017-live-results-27014">Gujarat</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2017himachal-pradesh-elections-himachal-poll-live-results-27015">Himachal Pradesh</a> -- as suggested by the ongoing counting trends -- Union Minister Smriti Irani, among many other party leaders, expressed delight over BJP&#39;s performance in both states.</p>

<p>Smriti Irani praised Congress&#39; performance and noted that in the end what matters is who won. &quot;<em>jo </em><em>jeeta</em><em> </em><em>wohi</em><em>&nbsp;</em><em>sikandar</em>. It is the victory of every booth worker&#39;s hard work &amp; the people who trusted development,&quot; she told ANI.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;It is a matter of happiness for us, this is the victory of development,&quot; says Union Minister Smriti Irani, on a question about Congress giving a tough fight she said, &quot;jo jeeta wohi sikandar. It is victory of every booth worker&#39;s hard work &amp; the people who trusted development&quot; <a href="https://t.co/oJMQKK45NV">pic.twitter.com/oJMQKK45NV</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942652473495379968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>BJP headquarters in New Delhi and party offices all across Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat is in a festive mode with party workers, supporters and royalists celebrating the much-anticipated win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi was seen flashing the victory sign as he reached Parliament earlier today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Home Minister Rajnath Singh looked exhilarated and noted, &quot;Will form <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-poll-results-bjp-on-victory-march-in-gujarat-himachal-pradesh-27047">Government in both</a> Himachal and Gujarat with a clear majority&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;Will form Government in both Himachal and Gujarat with clear majority&quot; says Home Minister Rajnath Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HimachalPradeshElections2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HimachalPradeshElections2017</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratVerdict</a> <a href="https://t.co/TZymBvklV7">pic.twitter.com/TZymBvklV7</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942623391869124609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Surprisingly, Congress put an impressive fight even overturning the leads for a bit earlier today

As the BJP prepares to form the government in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh -- as suggested by the ongoing counting trends -- Union Minister Smriti Irani, among many other party leaders, expressed delight over BJP's performance in both states. Smriti Irani praised Congress' performance and noted that in the end what matters is who won. "jo jeeta wohi sikandar. It is the victory of every booth worker's hard work & the people who trusted development," she told ANI. "It is a matter of happiness for us, this is the victory of development," says Union Minister Smriti Irani, on a question about Congress giving a tough fight she said, "jo jeeta wohi sikandar. It is victory of every booth worker's hard work & the people who trusted development" pic.twitter.com/oJMQKK45NV — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017 × BJP headquarters in New Delhi and party offices all across Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat is in a festive mode with party workers, supporters and royalists celebrating the much-anticipated win. PM Modi was seen flashing the victory sign as he reached Parliament earlier today. Home Minister Rajnath Singh looked exhilarated and noted, "Will form Government in both Himachal and Gujarat with a clear majority". "Will form Government in both Himachal and Gujarat with clear majority" says Home Minister Rajnath Singh #HimachalPradeshElections2017 #GujaratVerdict pic.twitter.com/TZymBvklV7 — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017 ×

'Jo jeeta wohi sikandar', says Smriti Irani after BJP's win

<p>Union minister Smriti Irani said on Monday that the BJP government at the Centre is tolerant and it understands that a joke should be taken as a joke.<br />
<br />
The information and broadcasting minister was speaking at the inauguration of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here. Her remarks came in response to a banter actor Rajkumar Rao threw at her at the event.</p>

<p>Rao, who was co-hosting the event with actor Radhika Apte, said it was a coincidence that film director Majid Majidi was an &quot;Irani&quot;, just like the Union minister was. Hearing the remarks, the Union minister smiled.<br />
<br />
Later, in her address at the event, Smriti Irani said: &quot;Rajkumar Rao, this (incident) should be known to the rest of the country, that you poked fun only at a minister. And it showed as a government how tolerant we are.&quot;<br />
Majidi&#39;s film <em>Beyond the Clouds</em>&nbsp;inaugurated the film festival. Starring Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan in lead roles, the film is based on life in Mumbai.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The information and broadcasting minister was speaking at the inauguration of the International Film Festival of India

Union minister Smriti Irani said on Monday that the BJP government at the Centre is tolerant and it understands that a joke should be taken as a joke. The information and broadcasting minister was speaking at the inauguration of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here. Her remarks came in response to a banter actor Rajkumar Rao threw at her at the event. Rao, who was co-hosting the event with actor Radhika Apte, said it was a coincidence that film director Majid Majidi was an "Irani", just like the Union minister was. Hearing the remarks, the Union minister smiled. Later, in her address at the event, Smriti Irani said: "Rajkumar Rao, this (incident) should be known to the rest of the country, that you poked fun only at a minister. And it showed as a government how tolerant we are." Majidi's film Beyond the Clouds inaugurated the film festival. Starring Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan in lead roles, the film is based on life in Mumbai.

IFFI 2017: Rajkummar Rao pokes fun at Smriti Irani, Minister says government knows how to take a joke

<p>Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje has written to Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani requesting her that the film &quot;Padmavati&quot; should not be released until some changes are made to it so that it &quot;does not hurt the sentiments of any community&quot;.</p>

<p>In her letter, the Rajasthan chief minister has suggested that a committee should be formed to discuss the film and its plot and should suggest amendments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Central Board of Film Certification or the censor board must think of consequences before certifying &quot;Padmavati&quot;, the chief minister writes in her letter.</p>

<p>The Rajasthan government had earlier this month suggested that&nbsp;a committee should be set up to examine the facts related to the film.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fringe groups like the Rajput Karni Sena have opposed the film on the grounds that it distorts historical reality.</p>

<p>The objection is to an alleged dream sequence between Ranveer Singh&#39;s Alauddin Khilji and Deepika Padukone&#39;s Padmavati, an accusation that director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly denied.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajput-karni-sena-president-wont-let-padmavati-release-calls-for-bharat-bandh-on-dec-1-24505">Rajput Karni Sena president Lokendra Singh Kalvi on Saturday said that he had given a call for &#39;&#39;Bharat Bandh&#39;&#39; on December 1</a> and won&#39;t allow the release of Padmavati. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Mahipal Singh Makrana of Rajput Karni Sena made a video in which he stated that Rajputs do not raise their hand on women but if need be, they will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha.</p>

<p>The security for the actress and the filmmaker has been stepped up after the threats.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-makers-putting-pressure-to-clear-film-censor-board-chairman-24513">Censor Board chairperson Prasoon Joshi on Saturday criticised the makers of &quot;Padmavati&quot; </a>for pressurising the censor board to clear the film without completing the paperwork.</p>

<p>He said that the disclaimer whether the film was a work of fiction or historical had been left blank.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court has refused to stay the film and said that the Central Board of Film Certification or the censor board follows guidelines and considers all aspects before granting a certificate to any film.</p>


In her letter, the Rajasthan chief minister has suggested that a committee should be formed to discuss the film and its plot and should suggest amendments to avoid 'hurting sentiments'

Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje has written to Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani requesting her that the film "Padmavati" should not be released until some changes are made to it so that it "does not hurt the sentiments of any community". In her letter, the Rajasthan chief minister has suggested that a committee should be formed to discuss the film and its plot and should suggest amendments. The Central Board of Film Certification or the censor board must think of consequences before certifying "Padmavati", the chief minister writes in her letter. The Rajasthan government had earlier this month suggested that a committee should be set up to examine the facts related to the film. Fringe groups like the Rajput Karni Sena have opposed the film on the grounds that it distorts historical reality. The objection is to an alleged dream sequence between Ranveer Singh's Alauddin Khilji and Deepika Padukone's Padmavati, an accusation that director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly denied. Rajput Karni Sena president Lokendra Singh Kalvi on Saturday said that he had given a call for ''Bharat Bandh'' on December 1 and won't allow the release of Padmavati. Mahipal Singh Makrana of Rajput Karni Sena made a video in which he stated that Rajputs do not raise their hand on women but if need be, they will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha. The security for the actress and the filmmaker has been stepped up after the threats. Censor Board chairperson Prasoon Joshi on Saturday criticised the makers of "Padmavati" for pressurising the censor board to clear the film without completing the paperwork. He said that the disclaimer whether the film was a work of fiction or historical had been left blank. The Supreme Court has refused to stay the film and said that the Central Board of Film Certification or the censor board follows guidelines and considers all aspects before granting a certificate to any film.

'Padmavati' row: Raje seeks changes, writes to Smriti Irani

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-officials-conduct-search-at-late-cm-jayalalithaas-residence-24487">IT officials conduct search at late CM Jayalalithaa&#39;s residence</a></p>

<p>Income-Tax officials conducted a search at Veda Nilayam, the residence of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, at Poes Garden late on Friday. A report says electronic gadgets, including a laptop, desktop and other storage devices were seized.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-witnesses-overnight-drizzle-may-clear-up-pollution-24486">Overnight drizzle in Delhi may help ease up pollution</a></p>

<p>Pollution levels decreased further on Friday as Delhi received rainfall in some parts of the city, and is expected to witness more such drizzles on Saturday as well, an official from the MET department told the media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mugabe-defiant-amid-mounting-pressure-to-step-down-from-his-party-24484">Robert Mugabe defiant amid mounting pressure to step down from his party</a></p>

<p>Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe appeared publicly Friday for the first time since the military takeover in a defiant gesture but faces pressure to step down from his party ahead of weekend protests.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strong-earthquake-rattles-tibet-but-no-damage-reported-24485">6.9-magnitude earthquake rattles Tibet</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;A strong intensity earthquake measuring 6.9 on Richter Scale hit Tibet&#39;s Nyingchi prefecture, located close to Arunachal Pradesh border, in the early hours of today.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-hits-out-at-tharoor-over-maharaja-comments-24490">Smriti Irani hits out at Tharoor over &#39;maharaja&#39; comments</a></p>

<p>Union minister Smriti Irani on Friday took a jibe at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his reported &#39;maharaja&#39; comments amidst a row over period drama &#39;Padmavati&#39;.</p>


As many as 15 officials led by an Additional Commissioner, swoop down on to Veda Nilayam armed with a search warrant but they were initially prevented from entering the building by police deployed on the road leading to the bungalow.

IT officials conduct search at late CM Jayalalithaa's residence Income-Tax officials conducted a search at Veda Nilayam, the residence of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, at Poes Garden late on Friday. A report says electronic gadgets, including a laptop, desktop and other storage devices were seized. Overnight drizzle in Delhi may help ease up pollution Pollution levels decreased further on Friday as Delhi received rainfall in some parts of the city, and is expected to witness more such drizzles on Saturday as well, an official from the MET department told the media. Robert Mugabe defiant amid mounting pressure to step down from his party Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe appeared publicly Friday for the first time since the military takeover in a defiant gesture but faces pressure to step down from his party ahead of weekend protests. 6.9-magnitude earthquake rattles Tibet A strong intensity earthquake measuring 6.9 on Richter Scale hit Tibet's Nyingchi prefecture, located close to Arunachal Pradesh border, in the early hours of today. Smriti Irani hits out at Tharoor over 'maharaja' comments Union minister Smriti Irani on Friday took a jibe at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his reported 'maharaja' comments amidst a row over period drama 'Padmavati'.

WION Morning News Brief, November 18, 2017

<p>Union minister Smriti Irani on Friday took a jibe at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his reported &#39;maharaja&#39; comments amidst a row over period drama &#39;Padmavati&#39;.</p>

<p>Tharoor had yesterday reportedly said the &quot;so called valourous maharajas&quot; had scurried to accommodate themselves when the British &quot;trampled&quot; over their honour and were now after a filmmaker, claiming that prestige was at stake.</p>

<p>Reacting to Tharoor&#39;s remarks, Irani tweeted, &quot;Did all the Maharajs (kings) kneel in front of the British? What will Jyotiraditya Scindia, Diggi Raja (Digvijaya Singh) and Amarinder Singh say on Shashi Tharoor&#39;s comments?&quot;<br />
Congress leaders --Scindia, Digvijay Singh and Amarinder Singh--hail from royal families.</p>

<p>However, yesterday Tharoor had taken to Twitter to say, &quot;I&#39;m dismayed that some BJP supporters are claiming I attacked Rajput honour...I spoke about the Maharajahs who made their accommodations w/the (with the) British. I have never made a communal comment in my life.&quot;</p>

<p>As for specific concerns of the Rajput community, he said people&#39;s sentiments must be respected in the interest of India&#39;s diversity and harmony.</p>

<p>&quot;Rajput valour is part of our history and is not in question. BJP and its censors should take these concerns into account,&quot; Tharoor said.</p>

<p>Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s movie &#39;Padmavati&#39; is witnessing protests with some groups alleging that it allegedly tampered with historical facts.&nbsp;</p>


Sanjay Leela Bhansali's movie 'Padmavati' is witnessing protests with some groups alleging that it allegedly tampered with historical facts.

Union minister Smriti Irani on Friday took a jibe at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his reported 'maharaja' comments amidst a row over period drama 'Padmavati'. Tharoor had yesterday reportedly said the "so called valourous maharajas" had scurried to accommodate themselves when the British "trampled" over their honour and were now after a filmmaker, claiming that prestige was at stake. Reacting to Tharoor's remarks, Irani tweeted, "Did all the Maharajs (kings) kneel in front of the British? What will Jyotiraditya Scindia, Diggi Raja (Digvijaya Singh) and Amarinder Singh say on Shashi Tharoor's comments?" Congress leaders --Scindia, Digvijay Singh and Amarinder Singh--hail from royal families. However, yesterday Tharoor had taken to Twitter to say, "I'm dismayed that some BJP supporters are claiming I attacked Rajput honour...I spoke about the Maharajahs who made their accommodations w/the (with the) British. I have never made a communal comment in my life." As for specific concerns of the Rajput community, he said people's sentiments must be respected in the interest of India's diversity and harmony. "Rajput valour is part of our history and is not in question. BJP and its censors should take these concerns into account," Tharoor said. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's movie 'Padmavati' is witnessing protests with some groups alleging that it allegedly tampered with historical facts.

Smriti Irani hits out at Tharoor over 'maharaja' comments

<p>Union minister Smriti Irani took another potshot at Rahul Gandhi after a media report saying bots may be the reason for his increased following on Twitter.</p>

<p>Smriti Irani tweeted &quot;Perhaps @OfiiceofRG planning to sweep polls in Russia, Indonesia &amp; Kazakhstan?? #RahulWaveInKazakh.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Perhaps <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfRG</a> planning to sweep polls in Russia, Indonesia &amp; Kazakhstan ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulWaveInKazakh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulWaveInKazakh</a> <a href="https://t.co/xVanl2mKGh">https://t.co/xVanl2mKGh</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yhl1oAGqOg">https://t.co/Yhl1oAGqOg</a></p>
&mdash; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/921653143796056064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The media report had said the alleged &#39;bots&#39; had Russian, Kazakh, or Indonesian characteristics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News reports say Gandhi has gained some one million Twitter followers over the past two months.&nbsp;Information and Broadcasting minister Rajyavardhan Rathore was quick to follow Irani&#39;s cue.</p>

<p>&quot;In sports, this would come under &#39;Doping&#39;...hey wait! does &lsquo;dope&rsquo; remind you of someone,&quot; he tweeted</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In sports, this would come under &lsquo;Doping&rsquo;.... hey wait!??does &lsquo;dope&rsquo; remind you of someone ?? <a href="https://t.co/xulfk1ENtI">https://t.co/xulfk1ENtI</a></p>
&mdash; Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe/status/921672962389950464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Information and Broadcasting minister Rajyavardhan Rathore was quick to follow Irani's cue

Union minister Smriti Irani took another potshot at Rahul Gandhi after a media report saying bots may be the reason for his increased following on Twitter. Smriti Irani tweeted "Perhaps @OfiiceofRG planning to sweep polls in Russia, Indonesia & Kazakhstan?? #RahulWaveInKazakh." Perhaps @OfficeOfRG planning to sweep polls in Russia, Indonesia & Kazakhstan ?? #RahulWaveInKazakh https://t.co/xVanl2mKGh https://t.co/Yhl1oAGqOg — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) October 21, 2017 × The media report had said the alleged 'bots' had Russian, Kazakh, or Indonesian characteristics. News reports say Gandhi has gained some one million Twitter followers over the past two months. Information and Broadcasting minister Rajyavardhan Rathore was quick to follow Irani's cue. "In sports, this would come under 'Doping'...hey wait! does ‘dope’ remind you of someone," he tweeted In sports, this would come under ‘Doping’.... hey wait!??does ‘dope’ remind you of someone ?? https://t.co/xulfk1ENtI — Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) October 21, 2017 ×

After Twitter bots story, Smriti Irani takes another potshot at Rahul

<p>After Rahul Gandhi&#39;s no-holds-barred attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union minister Smriti Irani launched a counter-broadside against the Congress vice president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing the media in Delhi, Irani said Rahul Gandhi was a &quot;failed dynast&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;A failed dynast today chose to speak about his failed political journeys in USA,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>Gandi had attacked the prime minister in a speech -- India at 70: Reflections on the Path Forward -- &nbsp;he gave at the University of California, Berkeley earlier on Tuesday morning. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A failed dynast today chose to speak about his failed political journeys in USA: Smriti Irani on Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/1hCoXHyMeY">pic.twitter.com/1hCoXHyMeY</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907498163610689537">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Irani said Gandhi&#39;s charges against Prime Minister Narendra Modi were not surprising. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The fact that Mr. Gandhi chose to belittle the PM is not surprising infact expected: Smriti Irani on Rahul Gandhi&#39;s statement</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907498650963546112">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>She said he had failed to connect with the people of India and that he was now criticising his political opponents from a foreign platform.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After failing to connect with ppl of India Mr Gandhi chooses platform of convenience for berating his political opponents-Smriti Irani on RG <a href="https://t.co/6yzRvbuxnL">pic.twitter.com/6yzRvbuxnL</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907499271460601857">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nor did she agree with Gandhi&#39;s statement that dynasts and dynasties are fundamental to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-in-us-makes-no-holds-barred-attack-on-pm-modi-20102" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-in-us-makes-no-holds-barred-attack-on-pm-modi-20102" target="_blank">read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-in-us-makes-no-holds-barred-attack-on-pm-modi-20102" target="_blank">&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-in-us-makes-no-holds-barred-attack-on-pm-modi-20102" target="_blank">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-in-us-makes-no-holds-barred-attack-on-pm-modi-20102" target="_blank">, makes no-holds-barred attack on PM Modi</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fact that he (Rahul Gandhi) says that dynasts &amp; dynasties is the very fulcrum of India in itself is an anomaly: Smriti Irani</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907499889038209024">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To say that Congress became arrogant under Smt. Gandhi and hence lost election is a big political confession in itself: Smriti Irani on RG <a href="https://t.co/kKEJTgv0IK">pic.twitter.com/kKEJTgv0IK</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907497281095589888">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>And she added that Rahul Gandhi saying the Congress became arrogant under Sonia Gandhi, and lost an election, was a big political confession.&nbsp;</p>


'A failed dynast today chose to speak about his failed political journeys,' she said

After Rahul Gandhi's no-holds-barred attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union minister Smriti Irani launched a counter-broadside against the Congress vice president. Addressing the media in Delhi, Irani said Rahul Gandhi was a "failed dynast". "A failed dynast today chose to speak about his failed political journeys in USA," she said. Gandi had attacked the prime minister in a speech -- India at 70: Reflections on the Path Forward -- he gave at the University of California, Berkeley earlier on Tuesday morning. A failed dynast today chose to speak about his failed political journeys in USA: Smriti Irani on Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/1hCoXHyMeY — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × Irani said Gandhi's charges against Prime Minister Narendra Modi were not surprising. The fact that Mr. Gandhi chose to belittle the PM is not surprising infact expected: Smriti Irani on Rahul Gandhi's statement — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × She said he had failed to connect with the people of India and that he was now criticising his political opponents from a foreign platform. After failing to connect with ppl of India Mr Gandhi chooses platform of convenience for berating his political opponents-Smriti Irani on RG pic.twitter.com/6yzRvbuxnL — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × Nor did she agree with Gandhi's statement that dynasts and dynasties are fundamental to India. Also read: Rahul Gandhi, in US, makes no-holds-barred attack on PM Modi Fact that he (Rahul Gandhi) says that dynasts & dynasties is the very fulcrum of India in itself is an anomaly: Smriti Irani — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × To say that Congress became arrogant under Smt. Gandhi and hence lost election is a big political confession in itself: Smriti Irani on RG pic.twitter.com/kKEJTgv0IK — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × And she added that Rahul Gandhi saying the Congress became arrogant under Sonia Gandhi, and lost an election, was a big political confession.

Smriti Irani responds to Rahul Gandhi, calls him 'failed dynast'

<p>BJP president Amit Shah today took oath as the member of the Rajya Sabha, making his debut in Parliament.<br />
His party colleague, Union minister Smriti Iran, also took oath as the member of the Upper House.<br />
While Shah took his pledge in Hindi, Irani took hers in Sanskrit.<br />
Both the leaders, accompanied by their spouses, were administered the oath in Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu&#39;s chamber.<br />
The two leaders, who were elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat earlier this month, were accompanied by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad among others.<br />
Shah sat for a few minutes with his party colleagues in the BJP office in Parliament.<br />
After the oath, he and his wife called on BJP veteran leader L K Advani at his residence to seek his blessings, party leaders said.</p>


Both the leaders, accompanied by their spouses, were administered the oath in Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu's chamber

BJP president Amit Shah today took oath as the member of the Rajya Sabha, making his debut in Parliament. His party colleague, Union minister Smriti Iran, also took oath as the member of the Upper House. While Shah took his pledge in Hindi, Irani took hers in Sanskrit. Both the leaders, accompanied by their spouses, were administered the oath in Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu's chamber. The two leaders, who were elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat earlier this month, were accompanied by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad among others. Shah sat for a few minutes with his party colleagues in the BJP office in Parliament. After the oath, he and his wife called on BJP veteran leader L K Advani at his residence to seek his blessings, party leaders said.

Amit Shah and Smriti Irani took oath as the member of Rajya Sabha

<p>Four-term senior Congress legislator Ahmed Patel was&nbsp;re-elected to the Rajya Sabha for the fifth time after a fight to&nbsp;the finish that included the&nbsp;Election Commission nullifying&nbsp;two votes of Congress MLAs who were captured on camera showing their vote to a BJP poll agent.</p>

<p>BJP&nbsp;candidates, party president Amit Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani won the other two seats.</p>

<p>Ahmed Patel wrote on Twitter that his victory was a defeat of the &quot;most blatant use of money power, muscle power and abuse of state machinery&quot;. He was referring to the resignation of six Congress MLAs ahead of the election following a rebellion by key leader&nbsp;Shankersinh Vaghela.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is not just my victory. It is a defeat of the most blatant use of money power,muscle power and abuse of state machinery</p>
&mdash; Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahmedpatel/status/895017577797238784">August 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I want to thank each &amp; every MLA who voted for me despite unprecedented intimidation &amp; pressure from BJP.They voted for an inclusive India</p>
&mdash; Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahmedpatel/status/895018486556000256">August 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Counting&nbsp;was delayed by hours after the Congress complained to the poll body demanding&nbsp;the two MLAs&#39; disqualification. The&nbsp;BJP leaders followed suit, countering the Congress claim. Counting, which resumed at midnight, was again stalled&nbsp;after the BJP raised its own objections.</p>

<p>Legislators to Parliament&#39;s Upper House are elected by&nbsp;preferential voting which involves ranking candidates in order of preference.</p>

<p>In the 182-member Assembly, 176 MLAs were eligible to vote after the resignation of six Congress MLAs.The Election Commission order reduced the strength to 174.</p>

<p>Each of the four candidates contesting the elections in Gujarat had&nbsp;to win 44&nbsp;first preference votes after the nullification of two votes by the Election Commission.</p>

<p>The Congress, which has&nbsp;51 MLAs, now needed&nbsp;the support of 44 legislators for Ahmed Patel to win as against 45 earlier. Atleast six legislators of the party - Vaghela loyalists - voted for the BJP, reports said.</p>

<p>Ahmed Patel was counting on the support of 43 of its own&nbsp;lawmakers and one each of the Janata Dal&nbsp;(United)&nbsp;and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Congress says he received 44 votes.</p>

<p>Congress lawmaker Karamsinh Makwana reportedly did not show his ballot paper to the polling agent, fuelling speculation that he cross-voted.</p>

<p>The Congress had complained to the poll body that the two MLAs,&nbsp;Bhola Bhai Gohil and&nbsp;Raghav Bhai Patel, showed their votes to an agent of the BJP.The Election Commission, which had examined the video of the voting, said the elector was supposed to show his ballot paper only to the authorised representative of his party no one else.</p>

<p>The BJP has 122 seats including that of dissident Nalin Kotadiya.The chances for Ahmed Patel earlier seemed uncertain&nbsp;as it emerged that the lawmakers that the party was banking upon, had voted for the BJP.</p>

<p>Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Arjun Modhwadia said earlier that 43 of the 44 legislators of his party had voted for Ahmed Patel, who is pitted against the BJP&#39;s Balwantsinh Rajput.</p>

<p><strong>NCP legislator goes against party advice, votes for BJP</strong></p>

<p>One of two MLAs of the NCP, who had been told by his party to vote for Mr Patel, said he would vote for the BJP candidate.</p>

<p><strong>Voted for Ahmed Patel, says JD(U)&#39;s lone MLA</strong></p>

<p>Chotubhai Vasava, the lone Janata Dal (United) legislator in the Gujarat assembly said earlier he voted for good friend Ahmed Patel.</p>

<p>A senior leader of the JD(U), KC Tyagi, claimed that Vasava had voted for the BJP on the directive of Bihar Chief minister and party chief Nitish Kumar.</p>

<p>Ambalal Jadhav, General Secretary, JD(U) in Gujarat, however, reaffirmed Vasava had voted for Ahmed Patel.</p>

<p>&quot;Who is KC Tyagi to say anything? Chotubhai has voted, he will tell. Our support is with Ahmed Patel,&quot; the JD(U) leader said earlier.</p>

<p>Former Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela did not vote for Mr Patel. He said there was no point voting for the Congress since their chances of winning were bleak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Congress says 44 legislators voted for Ahmed Patel

Four-term senior Congress legislator Ahmed Patel was re-elected to the Rajya Sabha for the fifth time after a fight to the finish that included the Election Commission nullifying two votes of Congress MLAs who were captured on camera showing their vote to a BJP poll agent. BJP candidates, party president Amit Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani won the other two seats. Ahmed Patel wrote on Twitter that his victory was a defeat of the "most blatant use of money power, muscle power and abuse of state machinery". He was referring to the resignation of six Congress MLAs ahead of the election following a rebellion by key leader Shankersinh Vaghela. This is not just my victory. It is a defeat of the most blatant use of money power,muscle power and abuse of state machinery — Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) August 8, 2017 × I want to thank each & every MLA who voted for me despite unprecedented intimidation & pressure from BJP.They voted for an inclusive India — Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) August 8, 2017 × Counting was delayed by hours after the Congress complained to the poll body demanding the two MLAs' disqualification. The BJP leaders followed suit, countering the Congress claim. Counting, which resumed at midnight, was again stalled after the BJP raised its own objections. Legislators to Parliament's Upper House are elected by preferential voting which involves ranking candidates in order of preference. In the 182-member Assembly, 176 MLAs were eligible to vote after the resignation of six Congress MLAs.The Election Commission order reduced the strength to 174. Each of the four candidates contesting the elections in Gujarat had to win 44 first preference votes after the nullification of two votes by the Election Commission. The Congress, which has 51 MLAs, now needed the support of 44 legislators for Ahmed Patel to win as against 45 earlier. Atleast six legislators of the party - Vaghela loyalists - voted for the BJP, reports said. Ahmed Patel was counting on the support of 43 of its own lawmakers and one each of the Janata Dal (United) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Congress says he received 44 votes. Congress lawmaker Karamsinh Makwana reportedly did not show his ballot paper to the polling agent, fuelling speculation that he cross-voted. The Congress had complained to the poll body that the two MLAs, Bhola Bhai Gohil and Raghav Bhai Patel, showed their votes to an agent of the BJP.The Election Commission, which had examined the video of the voting, said the elector was supposed to show his ballot paper only to the authorised representative of his party no one else. The BJP has 122 seats including that of dissident Nalin Kotadiya.The chances for Ahmed Patel earlier seemed uncertain as it emerged that the lawmakers that the party was banking upon, had voted for the BJP. Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Arjun Modhwadia said earlier that 43 of the 44 legislators of his party had voted for Ahmed Patel, who is pitted against the BJP's Balwantsinh Rajput. NCP legislator goes against party advice, votes for BJP One of two MLAs of the NCP, who had been told by his party to vote for Mr Patel, said he would vote for the BJP candidate. Voted for Ahmed Patel, says JD(U)'s lone MLA Chotubhai Vasava, the lone Janata Dal (United) legislator in the Gujarat assembly said earlier he voted for good friend Ahmed Patel. A senior leader of the JD(U), KC Tyagi, claimed that Vasava had voted for the BJP on the directive of Bihar Chief minister and party chief Nitish Kumar. Ambalal Jadhav, General Secretary, JD(U) in Gujarat, however, reaffirmed Vasava had voted for Ahmed Patel. "Who is KC Tyagi to say anything? Chotubhai has voted, he will tell. Our support is with Ahmed Patel," the JD(U) leader said earlier. Former Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela did not vote for Mr Patel. He said there was no point voting for the Congress since their chances of winning were bleak.

Rajya Sabha elections: Ahmed Patel re-elected after close fight

<p>The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday announced it will support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajya Sabha Polls in Gujarat.</p>

<p>This has come as a major blow to Congress, which had announced having support of the NCP.</p>

<p>NCP leader Kandhal Jadeja told ANI that his party has decided to support the saffron outfit.</p>

<p>&quot;Our party has asked us to support BJP in tomorrow`s RS elections,&quot; Jadeja said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However Congress` candidate Ahmed Patel earlier in the day said that the NCP is extending its support to him.</p>

<p>&quot;The NCP has said that it will support Congress in the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat,&quot; Patel told ANI.</p>

<p>The Gujarat Rajya Sabha election is slated to be held tomorrow for three seats.</p>

<p>The BJP has fielded party president Amit Shah, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Balwantsinh Rajput.</p>

<p>The state has been witnessing political upheaval in the recent past.</p>

<p>The political temperature in state had risen when six Congress MLAs joined BJP.</p>

<p>The Congress accused BJP of horse-trading and sent its 44 MLAs from Gujarat to Bengaluru since on July 29 to prevent their possible poaching by the ruling BJP ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections.</p>

<p>The Income Tax department raided Bengaluru`s Eagleton Resort, which belonged to Karnataka`s Energy Minister DK Shivakumar. The Congress alleged resort was raided because its 44 MLAs were staying there.All the Gujarat Congress MLAs returned back to the state earlier in the day. &nbsp;</p>


That will further dent the Congress's Ahmed Patel's chances

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday announced it will support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajya Sabha Polls in Gujarat. This has come as a major blow to Congress, which had announced having support of the NCP. NCP leader Kandhal Jadeja told ANI that his party has decided to support the saffron outfit. "Our party has asked us to support BJP in tomorrow`s RS elections," Jadeja said. However Congress` candidate Ahmed Patel earlier in the day said that the NCP is extending its support to him. "The NCP has said that it will support Congress in the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat," Patel told ANI. The Gujarat Rajya Sabha election is slated to be held tomorrow for three seats. The BJP has fielded party president Amit Shah, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Balwantsinh Rajput. The state has been witnessing political upheaval in the recent past. The political temperature in state had risen when six Congress MLAs joined BJP. The Congress accused BJP of horse-trading and sent its 44 MLAs from Gujarat to Bengaluru since on July 29 to prevent their possible poaching by the ruling BJP ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. The Income Tax department raided Bengaluru`s Eagleton Resort, which belonged to Karnataka`s Energy Minister DK Shivakumar. The Congress alleged resort was raided because its 44 MLAs were staying there.All the Gujarat Congress MLAs returned back to the state earlier in the day.

Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls: In blow to Congress, NCP to back BJP

<p>The BJP parliamentary board today decided to allow BJP president Amit Shah and textiles &amp; information and broadcasting(I&amp;B) minister Smriti Irani to contest the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat.</p>

<p>Amit Shah, former MLA from Gujarat led Prime Minister Modi&#39;s 2014 election campaign and was the mastermind behind BJP&#39;s sweep in the state elections recently in Uttar Pradesh. He was also the chief strategist of the party during the &nbsp;Maharashtra, Haryana, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Jharkhand and Assam assembly elections last year which was won by the BJP.</p>

<p>BJP minister Smriti Irani has been a long time fire fighter for the party. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/smriti-irani-back-with-a-bang-and-a-tweet-18179">Irani a key member </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/smriti-irani-back-with-a-bang-and-a-tweet-18179">in</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/smriti-irani-back-with-a-bang-and-a-tweet-18179"> PM Modi&#39;s cabinet </a>shot to fame after the BJP pitched her against Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;in Amethi during the 2014 general elections which she lost narrowly.</p>

<p>Smriti Irani&#39;s&nbsp;firebrand politics&nbsp;did not go unnoticed as Modi appointed her as the HRD minister in 2014 but moved her to textile ministry later after she got embroiled in controversies in her ministry. She was given additional charge of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/smriti-irani-takes-additional-charge-of-ib-ministry-after-venkaiah-naidus-resignation-18035">information and broadcasting ministry after&nbsp;Venkaiah Naidu</a> quit the ministry to fight the vice-presidential elections due in August.</p>


The BJP parliamentary board has decided to allow BJP president Amit Shah and Textiles & I&B minister Smriti Irani to contest the Rajya Sabha polls

The BJP parliamentary board today decided to allow BJP president Amit Shah and textiles & information and broadcasting(I&B) minister Smriti Irani to contest the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat. Amit Shah, former MLA from Gujarat led Prime Minister Modi's 2014 election campaign and was the mastermind behind BJP's sweep in the state elections recently in Uttar Pradesh. He was also the chief strategist of the party during the Maharashtra, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand and Assam assembly elections last year which was won by the BJP. BJP minister Smriti Irani has been a long time fire fighter for the party. Irani a key member in PM Modi's cabinet shot to fame after the BJP pitched her against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi during the 2014 general elections which she lost narrowly. Smriti Irani's firebrand politics did not go unnoticed as Modi appointed her as the HRD minister in 2014 but moved her to textile ministry later after she got embroiled in controversies in her ministry. She was given additional charge of information and broadcasting ministry after Venkaiah Naidu quit the ministry to fight the vice-presidential elections due in August.

Smriti Irani, Amit Shah to contest Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat

<p>Union textile minister and now the Information and Broadcasting minister, Smriti Irani, is back, taking jibes at opposition leaders.</p>

<p>A day after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi targeted the Centre by raking&nbsp;up issues like the Rohith Vemula suicide case, the Dadri lynching and demonetisation, Irani mocked him for &ldquo;all that he does&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irani tweeted, &quot;However, thank you @officeofRG for all that you do. Sincerely from the BJP!????&quot;, showing off her sarcasm&nbsp;after a long time.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi said yesterday that Vemula didn&rsquo;t commit suicide but was murdered for being a Dalit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I don&#39;t call it suicide; I call it murder. Rohith (Vemula) was crushed and murdered by the indignities he suffered,&quot; said Gandhi while speaking at a conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress vice-president also slammed the Centre by raising the Dadri lynching case.</p>

<p>&quot;Mohammad Akhlaq was butchered because they say he stole a calf. It was a lie. Instead of questioning his (Akhlaq) brutal killing they asked whether the meat in the fridge was mutton or beef,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before being shunted from the post of minister for Human Resource Development, Irani had made headlines for her verbal spats with opposition leaders. The most famous being the one with Mayawati just after Vemula&rsquo;s suicide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She had left members of the Rajya Sabha stunned with her response to Mayawati after the Dalit leader accused the BJP-led government of not taking action against those who &ldquo;pushed&rdquo; Vemula to commit suicide.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&ldquo;Who uses a child to play their political strategy, sir? Not just in this House but across the nation&rdquo;, Irani had said.<br />
<br />
&quot;There was a Dalit in the committee formed, why are you ignoring that Mayawati ji?&quot;</p>

<p>And then came the final dramatic jibe that shocked the floor.</p>

<p>&quot;Agar mere uttar se aap santusht na ho to main apna sar kalam karke aapke charnoon main chhod doongi.&quot; (if you are not satisfied with my response, I will cut of my head and place it at your feet).</p>

<p>Irani was given the additional charge of the I&amp;B ministry after Venkaiah Naidu stepped down to run for the vice-presidential election.&nbsp;</p>


Smriti Irani took to Twitter to respond to Rahul Gandhi's attack on the Centre over the Rohit Vemula suicide, the Dadri lynching, and demonetisation

Union textile minister and now the Information and Broadcasting minister, Smriti Irani, is back, taking jibes at opposition leaders. A day after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi targeted the Centre by raking up issues like the Rohith Vemula suicide case, the Dadri lynching and demonetisation, Irani mocked him for “all that he does”. Irani tweeted, "However, thank you @officeofRG for all that you do. Sincerely from the BJP!????", showing off her sarcasm after a long time. Rahul Gandhi said yesterday that Vemula didn’t commit suicide but was murdered for being a Dalit. "I don't call it suicide; I call it murder. Rohith (Vemula) was crushed and murdered by the indignities he suffered," said Gandhi while speaking at a conference. The Congress vice-president also slammed the Centre by raising the Dadri lynching case. "Mohammad Akhlaq was butchered because they say he stole a calf. It was a lie. Instead of questioning his (Akhlaq) brutal killing they asked whether the meat in the fridge was mutton or beef," he said. Before being shunted from the post of minister for Human Resource Development, Irani had made headlines for her verbal spats with opposition leaders. The most famous being the one with Mayawati just after Vemula’s suicide. She had left members of the Rajya Sabha stunned with her response to Mayawati after the Dalit leader accused the BJP-led government of not taking action against those who “pushed” Vemula to commit suicide. “Who uses a child to play their political strategy, sir? Not just in this House but across the nation”, Irani had said. "There was a Dalit in the committee formed, why are you ignoring that Mayawati ji?" And then came the final dramatic jibe that shocked the floor. "Agar mere uttar se aap santusht na ho to main apna sar kalam karke aapke charnoon main chhod doongi." (if you are not satisfied with my response, I will cut of my head and place it at your feet). Irani was given the additional charge of the I&B ministry after Venkaiah Naidu stepped down to run for the vice-presidential election.

Smriti Irani returns, with a bang and a tweet

<p>Indian minister for textiles&nbsp;Smriti Irani&nbsp;will hold the additional charges of the ministry of information and broadcasting, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre announced on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The government also announced that union minister for rural development&nbsp;Narendra Singh Tomar<a href="http://aninews.in/keysearch/keyword-search/narendra-singh-tomar.html">&nbsp;</a>will serve as the new urban development minister.</p>

<p>Both the ministries were earlier held by vice-presidential candidate M Venkaiah Naidu, who resigned from his posts earlier in the day.</p>

<p>As prominent leader of the BJP, Naidu has also served as its national president from 2002 to 2004.</p>

<p>Both as a student leader and political figure, Naidu gained prominence as a brilliant orator, who vigorously championed the cause of the farmers and the development of backward areas.</p>

<p>His oratory skills and political activism propelled his political career and he was elected as an MLA to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly twice from Udayagiri constituency in Nellore district in 1978 and 1983. He rose to become one of the most popular leaders of the BJP in Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>After having served in various organisational posts of the BJP at the state and national level, he was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka in 1998.</p>

<p>He has since been re-elected twice in 2004 and 2010 from Karnataka.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;vice-presidential election will be held on August 5.&nbsp;</p>


Narendra Singh Tomar?will be the new urban development minister

Indian minister for textiles Smriti Irani will hold the additional charges of the ministry of information and broadcasting, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre announced on Tuesday. The government also announced that union minister for rural development Narendra Singh Tomar will serve as the new urban development minister. Both the ministries were earlier held by vice-presidential candidate M Venkaiah Naidu, who resigned from his posts earlier in the day. As prominent leader of the BJP, Naidu has also served as its national president from 2002 to 2004. Both as a student leader and political figure, Naidu gained prominence as a brilliant orator, who vigorously championed the cause of the farmers and the development of backward areas. His oratory skills and political activism propelled his political career and he was elected as an MLA to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly twice from Udayagiri constituency in Nellore district in 1978 and 1983. He rose to become one of the most popular leaders of the BJP in Andhra Pradesh. After having served in various organisational posts of the BJP at the state and national level, he was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka in 1998. He has since been re-elected twice in 2004 and 2010 from Karnataka. The vice-presidential election will be held on August 5.

Smriti Irani takes additional charge of I&B ministry after Venkaiah Naidu's resignation

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