Karnataka Minister's of State for Agriculture Krishna Byre Gowda spoke exclusively to WION. He said the southern states were discriminated against by the 15th Finance Commission. He added that states like Karnataka are being penalised for controlling their populations.

He also said his state did not receive, despite consecutive droughts, as much financial assistance as BJP-ruled states like Maharashtra.

And he added that for the first time, the ruling party is in a position to break the jinx of no government being given a repeat term in Karnataka. Read his full interview here:&nbsp

&nbsp 
Q: What makes you so confident that you will come back to power?

A: We are the first government in the last several decades which is not facing anti-incumbency. We gave a stable government for 5 years which was missing in Karnataka for a decade and a half. BJP’s tenure saw three CMs whereas we gave a scandal-free government. In the previous regime&nbspmany ministers including the CM had to go to jail. &nbspOn the other hand we gave a solid government.

Q: Are you saying you will buck the trend? No government in the past 30 years has been able to achieve this feat? 
A: We have seen the surveys and CM has travelled through the state. We are getting positive vibes. This is the first time in the last 30 years that a government in Karnataka is not facing incumbency.

Q: Your government’s relationship with the Centre has been pretty acrimonious? The 15th Finance Commission was the point of friction...

A: Our CM took up issues related to the rights of Karnataka. Whether it was the Cauvery water issue, or the state flag issue, or even the allocation of funds. The terms of reference limit the freedom of the Finance Commission to carry out a judicious allocation of resources. For example we are being penalised for controlling population. For this reason, allocation of funds to us is going to shrink.

&nbspQ: Are you saying that the Centre is unfair?

A: Centre will be unfair if they refuse to sit down and talk to the affected states. We are willing to negotiate, that includes the progressive southern states. We are giving them the choice to sort out the issue but if they refuse, then I have no choice but to say that they are being deliberately unfair.

Q: Many would say that this election has boiled down to nationalism vs sub-nationalism?

A: I reject this and object to pundits sitting in Delhi who pass judgement on states which are culturally and linguistically different. People sitting in Delhi have no right to question the attachment we have for the Indian union. Kannadigas are more nationalistic than many others. If we want to be Kannadigas along with being Indians and if it cannot be digested, then it’s a problem with them who think otherwise. The Indian union makes space for all types of identities. The union gives this space. Kannadigas are nationalistic and if some people cannot understand our love for our culture and identity, then it is their problem.

Q: But critics say that issues like language and a separate state flag cropped up right before the election?

A: I will answer this at several levels. The issue of flag is not new to us. It was the previous government which issued a circular that gram panchayats hoist the state flag with the national flag. The courts struck it down on the ground that the flag has no legal sanctity, hence this issue became relevant to us and we are trying to legally solve the issue.

In fact, people in southern states picked up Hindi. Even in Tamil Nadu and Kerala people speak Hindi but when you try to impose it, then there will be a pushback, which happened in the last couple of years.

Q: Are you saying that the pushback is taking place because of a new cultural nationalism?

A: A single identity and uniformity are being thrust upon the country. Perhaps it comes from one region but the fact is that we are diverse. &nbspI’m a Hindu but my celebration of Hindu culture is very different from people in other parts of the country. I come from the Shudra tradition of Hindu society and my forms of worship are different. Not today but in the past, sacrifices were part of Shudra culture in southern India. There is an attempt to impose one identity and one definition of being Indian and for this reason, there is a pushback happening. Allow people to be what they are as long it is legal. Some of&nbspthe efforts are against the spirit of the constitution and this is what is leading to a pushback.

Q: The BJP swept the elections in 2014. Will the Modi effect persist in this election?

A: The Modi effect is on the wane. There is a palpable disenchantment with the leadership of the Prime Minister as he has not been able to keep the promises he made. Youth are beginning to realise that PM has not been able to deliver on employment and price rise. Growth and investment are in question. Smart cities have not come and there is no talk of 15 lakhs. People are seeing the truth behind the jumlas.

Q: You are in charge of agriculture. Congress says that allocation in this sector by the Centre is not enough. Why? 
A: I will give you numbers. We were hit with drought for two consecutive years and we were given 3,000 crores opposed to Maharashtra which got 8,000 crores. Is it fair? It was the worst-ever drought. We were struggling to cope with the drought and the Centre was playing politics. Electorate is observing this keenly.

Q: Why was the decision on Lingayats taken before the elections? 
A: It was an issue which was being raised for past several years. We did not create it. It is an old issue which the community had been raising for many years. Lingayat community invited the CM two years ago and asked for separate religious status. CM only responded to the call. The issue came up two years ago. We could not take a view overnight. It was taken to a logical end after due consultations and the report submitted to the government. We did not raise this issue nor took any decision immediately

Q: Can Deve Gowda’s party be a spoiler? 
A: Karnataka has experimented with coalitions with disastrous results and I don’t think the electorate will go for it again.

Q: Is there a Vokaligga consolidation happening? 
A: Vokaliggas are there but there are other communities as well. No one community can decide the fate of the elections and Kannadigas know that a coalition government can take the state several years behind. I’m confident that we will get a simple majority.&nbsp

Karnataka Minister's of State for Agriculture Krishna Byre Gowda said the Modi effect was on the wane and that a pushback was happening because a single Indian identity was being thrust on people

Karnataka Minister's of State for Agriculture Krishna Byre Gowda spoke exclusively to WION. He said the southern states were discriminated against by the 15th Finance Commission. He added that states like Karnataka are being penalised for controlling their populations. He also said his state did not receive, despite consecutive droughts, as much financial assistance as BJP-ruled states like Maharashtra. And he added that for the first time, the ruling party is in a position to break the jinx of no government being given a repeat term in Karnataka. Read his full interview here: Q: What makes you so confident that you will come back to power? A: We are the first government in the last several decades which is not facing anti-incumbency. We gave a stable government for 5 years which was missing in Karnataka for a decade and a half. BJP’s tenure saw three CMs whereas we gave a scandal-free government. In the previous regime&nbspmany ministers including the CM had to go to jail. &nbspOn the other hand we gave a solid government. Q: Are you saying you will buck the trend? No government in the past 30 years has been able to achieve this feat? A: We have seen the surveys and CM has travelled through the state. We are getting positive vibes. This is the first time in the last 30 years that a government in Karnataka is not facing incumbency. Q: Your government’s relationship with the Centre has been pretty acrimonious? The 15th Finance Commission was the point of friction... A: Our CM took up issues related to the rights of Karnataka. Whether it was the Cauvery water issue, or the state flag issue, or even the allocation of funds. The terms of reference limit the freedom of the Finance Commission to carry out a judicious allocation of resources. For example we are being penalised for controlling population. For this reason, allocation of funds to us is going to shrink. &nbspQ: Are you saying that the Centre is unfair? A: Centre will be unfair if they refuse to sit down and talk to the affected states. We are willing to negotiate, that includes the progressive southern states. We are giving them the choice to sort out the issue but if they refuse, then I have no choice but to say that they are being deliberately unfair. Q: Many would say that this election has boiled down to nationalism vs sub-nationalism? A: I reject this and object to pundits sitting in Delhi who pass judgement on states which are culturally and linguistically different. People sitting in Delhi have no right to question the attachment we have for the Indian union. Kannadigas are more nationalistic than many others. If we want to be Kannadigas along with being Indians and if it cannot be digested, then it’s a problem with them who think otherwise. The Indian union makes space for all types of identities. The union gives this space. Kannadigas are nationalistic and if some people cannot understand our love for our culture and identity, then it is their problem. Q: But critics say that issues like language and a separate state flag cropped up right before the election? A: I will answer this at several levels. The issue of flag is not new to us. It was the previous government which issued a circular that gram panchayats hoist the state flag with the national flag. The courts struck it down on the ground that the flag has no legal sanctity, hence this issue became relevant to us and we are trying to legally solve the issue. In fact, people in southern states picked up Hindi. Even in Tamil Nadu and Kerala people speak Hindi but when you try to impose it, then there will be a pushback, which happened in the last couple of years. Q: Are you saying that the pushback is taking place because of a new cultural nationalism? A: A single identity and uniformity are being thrust upon the country. Perhaps it comes from one region but the fact is that we are diverse. &nbspI’m a Hindu but my celebration of Hindu culture is very different from people in other parts of the country. I come from the Shudra tradition of Hindu society and my forms of worship are different. Not today but in the past, sacrifices were part of Shudra culture in southern India. There is an attempt to impose one identity and one definition of being Indian and for this reason, there is a pushback happening. Allow people to be what they are as long it is legal. Some of&nbspthe efforts are against the spirit of the constitution and this is what is leading to a pushback. Q: The BJP swept the elections in 2014. Will the Modi effect persist in this election? A: The Modi effect is on the wane. There is a palpable disenchantment with the leadership of the Prime Minister as he has not been able to keep the promises he made. Youth are beginning to realise that PM has not been able to deliver on employment and price rise. Growth and investment are in question. Smart cities have not come and there is no talk of 15 lakhs. People are seeing the truth behind the jumlas. Q: You are in charge of agriculture. Congress says that allocation in this sector by the Centre is not enough. Why? A: I will give you numbers. We were hit with drought for two consecutive years and we were given 3,000 crores opposed to Maharashtra which got 8,000 crores. Is it fair? It was the worst-ever drought. We were struggling to cope with the drought and the Centre was playing politics. Electorate is observing this keenly. Q: Why was the decision on Lingayats taken before the elections? A: It was an issue which was being raised for past several years. We did not create it. It is an old issue which the community had been raising for many years. Lingayat community invited the CM two years ago and asked for separate religious status. CM only responded to the call. The issue came up two years ago. We could not take a view overnight. It was taken to a logical end after due consultations and the report submitted to the government. We did not raise this issue nor took any decision immediately Q: Can Deve Gowda’s party be a spoiler? A: Karnataka has experimented with coalitions with disastrous results and I don’t think the electorate will go for it again. Q: Is there a Vokaligga consolidation happening? A: Vokaliggas are there but there are other communities as well. No one community can decide the fate of the elections and Kannadigas know that a coalition government can take the state several years behind. I’m confident that we will get a simple majority.

Karnataka MoS to WION: Ruling party not facing anti-incumbency for first time in 30 years

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-were-highly-successful-says-britain-130384">Strikes on Syria are an 'act of aggression', says Russia's Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the strikes launched by the US, Britain and France on Syria an "act of aggression".&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg-2018-manika-batra-becomes-first-indian-woman-to-win-gold-in-womens-singles-in-tt-130393">Commonwealth Games: Manika Batra becomes first Indian woman to win TT single's gold</a>

Manika Batra continued her prolific run at Commonwealth Games as she clinched her their gold medal after she battled her way to claim her maiden singles title in Gold Coast.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unnao-gang-rape-i-have-faith-in-judiciary-says-accused-bjp-mlakuldeep-singh-sengar-130395">Unnao gang rape: 'I have faith in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unnao-gang-rape-i-have-faith-in-judiciary-says-accused-bjp-mlakuldeep-singh-sengar-130395">judiciary</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unnao-gang-rape-i-have-faith-in-judiciary-says-accused-bjp-mlakuldeep-singh-sengar-130395">,' says accused MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar</a>

BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, main accused in the Unnao gang rape, was produced before a Lucknow court earlier today. Outside court, Sengar said he has faith in the Indian judicial system.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-pak-army-chief-kayani-accused-of-corruption-130412">Ex-Pak Army chief Kayani accused of corruption</a>

A petition has been filed at the Pakistan Supreme Court against former chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani alleging him of absolving a legally established armed forces Medical store depot and manufacturing, supplying and procuring degraded medicines.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-backs-air-strikes-on-syria-as-necessary-and-appropriate-130386">Germany's Merkel backs air strikes on Syria as 'necessary and appropriate'</a>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons.

Strikes on Syria are an 'act of aggression', says Russia's Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the strikes launched by the US, Britain and France on Syria an "act of aggression". Commonwealth Games: Manika Batra becomes first Indian woman to win TT single's gold Manika Batra continued her prolific run at Commonwealth Games as she clinched her their gold medal after she battled her way to claim her maiden singles title in Gold Coast. Unnao gang rape: 'I have faith in judiciary,' says accused MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, main accused in the Unnao gang rape, was produced before a Lucknow court earlier today. Outside court, Sengar said he has faith in the Indian judicial system. Ex-Pak Army chief Kayani accused of corruption A petition has been filed at the Pakistan Supreme Court against former chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani alleging him of absolving a legally established armed forces Medical store depot and manufacturing, supplying and procuring degraded medicines. Germany's Merkel backs air strikes on Syria as 'necessary and appropriate' German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inflation-falls-for-third-straight-month-is-at-428-in-march-130104">Inflation falls for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inflation-falls-for-third-straight-month-is-at-428-in-march-130104">third</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inflation-falls-for-third-straight-month-is-at-428-in-march-130104"> straight month, is at 4.28% in March</a>

Retail inflation slowed to 4.28 per cent in March, the third consecutive month of decline, mainly on account of easing food prices including vegetables, government data showed today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-star-shuttler-kidambi-srikanth-is-new-world-no-1-130094">Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is new World No. 1</a>

Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089">'Laziness, incompetence' of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089">previous</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089"> govt hurt India's defence: Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the previous UPA government for "policy paralysis" in the defence sector and told foreign companies that it will not take a decade to take a decision on procurement of a batch of 110 fighter jets.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-could-face-us-aid-cuts-over-human-trafficking-sources-130086">Pakistan could face US aid cuts over human trafficking: Sources</a>

The Trump administration is warning Pakistan it could lose US civilian aid worth tens of millions of dollars this year if Washington finds that the South Asian nation has not done enough to combat human trafficking, US officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-has-proof-assad-regime-behind-syria-chemical-attack-130110">Macron says has 'proof' Assad regime behind Syria chemical attack</a>

Speaking to a television interview France President Emmanuel Macron has admitted to having proof about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its civilians.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Inflation falls for third straight month, is at 4.28% in March Retail inflation slowed to 4.28 per cent in March, the third consecutive month of decline, mainly on account of easing food prices including vegetables, government data showed today. Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is new World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented. 'Laziness, incompetence' of previous govt hurt India's defence: Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the previous UPA government for "policy paralysis" in the defence sector and told foreign companies that it will not take a decade to take a decision on procurement of a batch of 110 fighter jets. Pakistan could face US aid cuts over human trafficking: Sources The Trump administration is warning Pakistan it could lose US civilian aid worth tens of millions of dollars this year if Washington finds that the South Asian nation has not done enough to combat human trafficking, US officials said. Macron says has 'proof' Assad regime behind Syria chemical attack Speaking to a television interview France President Emmanuel Macron has admitted to having proof about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its civilians.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-protest-ipl-matches-shifted-out-of-chennai-sources--129847">After Cauvery protests, all IPL matches shifted out of Chennai: Sources</a>

After days of uncertainty, Indian Premier League matches to be held in Chennai has now been shifted to another venue due to the ongoing Cauvery protest. People are protesting against the Centre's negligence for the formation of Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/over-hundred-killed-in-a-military-plane-crash-in-algeria-129830">257 dead in Algeria military plane crash, says official</a>

An Algerian military plane crashed on Wednesday with around &nbsp;257 people, mostly military personnel, on board. A military source told media that there were no survivors.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-senator-has-zuckerberg-have-a-taste-of-his-own-medicine-asks-for-personal-details--129860">US senator asks for personal details, Facebook's Zuckerberg won't give them</a>

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's five-hour-long testimony before US lawmakers had him grilled to his core, but one question that had the Facebook chief foxed out of his wits was when Senator Richard J. Durbin asked him to share the details of his hotel stay from the previous night.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-to-contest-rajasthan-assembly-polls-removes-kumar-vishwas-as-state-unit-incharge-129837">AAP removes Kumar Vishwas as Rajasthan in-charge, says will contest assembly polls</a>

Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party has removed Kumar Vishwas as party's Rajasthan unit in-charge. Deepak Bajpai will now take over Vishwas's office. Kumar Vishwas was appointed as Rajasthan unit's in-charge last year in May.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-south-indian-film-casting-couch-telugu-actress-sri-reddy-says-producers-son-forced-her-to-have-sex-129867">Telugu actress Sri Reddy </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-south-indian-film-casting-couch-telugu-actress-sri-reddy-says-producers-son-forced-her-to-have-sex-129867">strips,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-south-indian-film-casting-couch-telugu-actress-sri-reddy-says-producers-son-forced-her-to-have-sex-129867"> alleges Rana Daggubati's brother forced her to have sex with him</a>

Telugu actress Sri Reddy revealed last night, what could be the biggest casting couch scandal of South Indian cinema. Leaking intimate pictures of herself engaged with top South Indian film producer Abhiram Daggubati -- she claims that the latter forced her to perform sex with him in lieu of casting her in films.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

After Cauvery protests, all IPL matches shifted out of Chennai: Sources After days of uncertainty, Indian Premier League matches to be held in Chennai has now been shifted to another venue due to the ongoing Cauvery protest. People are protesting against the Centre's negligence for the formation of Cauvery Management Board (CMB). 257 dead in Algeria military plane crash, says official An Algerian military plane crashed on Wednesday with around 257 people, mostly military personnel, on board. A military source told media that there were no survivors. US senator asks for personal details, Facebook's Zuckerberg won't give them Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's five-hour-long testimony before US lawmakers had him grilled to his core, but one question that had the Facebook chief foxed out of his wits was when Senator Richard J. Durbin asked him to share the details of his hotel stay from the previous night. AAP removes Kumar Vishwas as Rajasthan in-charge, says will contest assembly polls Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party has removed Kumar Vishwas as party's Rajasthan unit in-charge. Deepak Bajpai will now take over Vishwas's office. Kumar Vishwas was appointed as Rajasthan unit's in-charge last year in May. Telugu actress Sri Reddy strips, alleges Rana Daggubati's brother forced her to have sex with him Telugu actress Sri Reddy revealed last night, what could be the biggest casting couch scandal of South Indian cinema. Leaking intimate pictures of herself engaged with top South Indian film producer Abhiram Daggubati -- she claims that the latter forced her to perform sex with him in lieu of casting her in films.

The Rohingya crisis has put Bangladesh in the most difficult of positions. The international community has extended solidarity to Bangladesh but beyond that, there has been little financial assistance with when it comes rehabilitating the very large population - 1,000,000 - of Rohingya currently taking refuge in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Nor has Myanmar been held accountable for its actions.&nbsp;

Until the apartheid in Myanmar is dismantled and the country's government held accountable for the atrocities that have been committed, repatriation of the Rohingya will not be sustainable. WION's Bangladesh bureau chief Saad Hammadi speaks to Dr Gowher Rizvi, international affairs advisor to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

WION: Dr Rizvi, thank you for speaking to WION. I would first like to ask you how you feel about the response from the international community?

Gowher Rizvi: At one level the response of the international community has been most heartening. In a sense there is hardly a country in the world which has not condemned Myanmar and has not supported and appreciated the gesture of Bangladesh in taking in about a million Myanmar refugees into the country. To that extent we are really pleased. However, just verbal support is not enough. We know that Myanmar is stubborn. It has no intention of moving away from its position. The only way to be moved is when pressure is brought on. Myanmar is playing a very skilful game. Whenever there is some discussion in the United Nations, whenever there is a possibility that this will be raised in some international forum, some movement takes place but the real test is the repatriation of the refugees back to Myanmar. No progress has been made there. Unfortunately, the international community has not taken sterner measures without which nothing seems to happen.

WION: With regard to the geopolitics in this area, Bangladesh's closest allies are India and China. How do you feel about their responses?

Gowher Rizvi: We have been in conversation both with China and India. We are really satisfied and happy with their responses. One thing which is very important to realise is that every country has multiple interests, multiple priorities. For India or China, Rohingya issue or Bangladesh or Myanmar cannot be the only issue. They have to balance many of their other interests. Secondly, we know we have excellent relationship with India and with China. We do not want to put India or China in a position where we say you are with us or against us. That is not how diplomacy is played out. They have offered their help, they are using their influence, they are bringing subtle pressures and we are working hand in hand. I believe both of them are working in the right direction, although as I said, we are now reaching a point where we have to perhaps move beyond closed room diplomacy to some real hard international actions.

WION: You have referred to more pressure being exerted on Myanmar to create the conditions for the repatriation to take place. What do you feel should be the immediate actions?

Gowher Rizvi: For first, Myanmar must accept international observers, must accept international humanitarian organisations, the UN agency, International Committee for Red Cross, International Organisation for Migration, who will be there on the ground to monitor the situation, to make sure that the environment is safe and free for the Rohingyas to return. Unless that happens, no refugee will willingly go back to face the same brutality, massacre, genocide that they escaped from in August and September.

WION: Very recently, you have also mentioned sanctions. Will you tell us more about what you meant?

Gowher Rizvi: It is very obvious. We know that there was a sanction against Myanmar to bring its hardline military rulers to behave and those sanctions were lifted as a response to the state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the hope that there would be democracy, there would be opening of the Myanmar society and Myanmar would behave as a responsible member of the international community. Sadly, Myanmar took all the concessions but has not moved. The military still controls, the elected leaders wield very little power. In these circumstances our expectation that the removal of sanctions will enable democracy to flourish has not happened and as a matter of fact it has encouraged the military to launch this campaign of genocide, ethnic cleansing, the worst of its kind that we can remember. It is now time for countries to reconsider posing economic sanctions, military sanctions, travel restrictions, stopping foreign investment, denying access of market to Myanmar products. When these things happen, the military in Myanmar will come to senses. Until then I fear these will be all empty talks. Myanmar knows that after a while the global attention will shift somewhere else. Please remember, this is a very well designed, carefully planned genocide to push an entire ethnic group out of the country and we need to be very careful and remember that. I also believe we need to document all the egregious human rights violations that are taking place, the genocide that has taken place. At some point, I hope these human rights organisations, Human Rights Watch and so forth, will take these to the International Criminal Court of Justice.&nbsp;

WION: Clearly that would be the real test of humanity for the international community. While the Rohingya community have moved here to Bangladesh, in the southern Cox's Bazar, the monsoon is also approaching. A landslide could take place, how challenging will it be to avoid a catastrophe?

Gowher Rizvi: As you can see, Bangladesh is a very small country, extremely congested, by far the most densely populated country in the world. Despite that we have taken in a million people and opened up whatever we have, whatever little land that was available. We have housed them, we are feeding them, we are providing healthcare and we are providing security. Bangladesh is doing and will continue to do everything within its power. There is indeed the danger of mudslide because the terrain is such that there is going to be a mudslide. That is why we are also trying to make an alternative arrangement in a neighbouring island so that those who are most vulnerable can be safely evacuated there and in conditions which are habitable, which are up to the standards, meets the necessities of the refugees. We are doing everything we can. I think the international community, rather than focusing on Bangladesh and what more can Bangladesh do, should be looking into Myanmar. Bangladesh did not create this problem. The problem was created by Myanmar. The solution lies in Myanmar. Therefore, we should be looking there. As far as our prime minister is concerned, she has really done a very humane thing, a courageous thing to take them in. She has promised that she wants them to voluntarily go back. We are not pushing them. We have upheld the highest level of international and humanitarian law. And we will continue to do. I do believe the focus needs to be on Myanmar where the problem is.

I think we have to also be aware of the larger issues. What we are seeing today is a dictatorial, tyrannical regime ousting an entire ethnic community from the soils of Myanmar and if the global community accepts this, then I fear there will be upheaval in many corners. There are minorities in every country. Minorities in every country will come under threat. We need to be very mindful of that and we should not allow any country to get away with it. There is another thing that we need to be thinking about. This camp of a million people is a potential for recruitment of extremists. We are protecting it, we are making sure no such thing happens. But over years, as we have seen in other camps, this becomes a breeding ground for terrorists. If that happens, our entire region, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, none of us will be safe. The stakes are really high and we must move as fast as possible to make sure the root cause is eliminated.&nbsp;

Watch the full interview below:&nbsp;

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Gowher Rizvi, international affairs adviser to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, spoke to WION's Bangladesh bureau chief Saad Hammadi

The Rohingya crisis has put Bangladesh in the most difficult of positions. The international community has extended solidarity to Bangladesh but beyond that, there has been little financial assistance with when it comes rehabilitating the very large population - 1,000,000 - of Rohingya currently taking refuge in Bangladesh. Nor has Myanmar been held accountable for its actions. Until the apartheid in Myanmar is dismantled and the country's government held accountable for the atrocities that have been committed, repatriation of the Rohingya will not be sustainable. WION's Bangladesh bureau chief Saad Hammadi speaks to Dr Gowher Rizvi, international affairs advisor to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. WION: Dr Rizvi, thank you for speaking to WION. I would first like to ask you how you feel about the response from the international community? Gowher Rizvi: At one level the response of the international community has been most heartening. In a sense there is hardly a country in the world which has not condemned Myanmar and has not supported and appreciated the gesture of Bangladesh in taking in about a million Myanmar refugees into the country. To that extent we are really pleased. However, just verbal support is not enough. We know that Myanmar is stubborn. It has no intention of moving away from its position. The only way to be moved is when pressure is brought on. Myanmar is playing a very skilful game. Whenever there is some discussion in the United Nations, whenever there is a possibility that this will be raised in some international forum, some movement takes place but the real test is the repatriation of the refugees back to Myanmar. No progress has been made there. Unfortunately, the international community has not taken sterner measures without which nothing seems to happen. WION: With regard to the geopolitics in this area, Bangladesh's closest allies are India and China. How do you feel about their responses? Gowher Rizvi: We have been in conversation both with China and India. We are really satisfied and happy with their responses. One thing which is very important to realise is that every country has multiple interests, multiple priorities. For India or China, Rohingya issue or Bangladesh or Myanmar cannot be the only issue. They have to balance many of their other interests. Secondly, we know we have excellent relationship with India and with China. We do not want to put India or China in a position where we say you are with us or against us. That is not how diplomacy is played out. They have offered their help, they are using their influence, they are bringing subtle pressures and we are working hand in hand. I believe both of them are working in the right direction, although as I said, we are now reaching a point where we have to perhaps move beyond closed room diplomacy to some real hard international actions. WION: You have referred to more pressure being exerted on Myanmar to create the conditions for the repatriation to take place. What do you feel should be the immediate actions? Gowher Rizvi: For first, Myanmar must accept international observers, must accept international humanitarian organisations, the UN agency, International Committee for Red Cross, International Organisation for Migration, who will be there on the ground to monitor the situation, to make sure that the environment is safe and free for the Rohingyas to return. Unless that happens, no refugee will willingly go back to face the same brutality, massacre, genocide that they escaped from in August and September. WION: Very recently, you have also mentioned sanctions. Will you tell us more about what you meant? Gowher Rizvi: It is very obvious. We know that there was a sanction against Myanmar to bring its hardline military rulers to behave and those sanctions were lifted as a response to the state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the hope that there would be democracy, there would be opening of the Myanmar society and Myanmar would behave as a responsible member of the international community. Sadly, Myanmar took all the concessions but has not moved. The military still controls, the elected leaders wield very little power. In these circumstances our expectation that the removal of sanctions will enable democracy to flourish has not happened and as a matter of fact it has encouraged the military to launch this campaign of genocide, ethnic cleansing, the worst of its kind that we can remember. It is now time for countries to reconsider posing economic sanctions, military sanctions, travel restrictions, stopping foreign investment, denying access of market to Myanmar products. When these things happen, the military in Myanmar will come to senses. Until then I fear these will be all empty talks. Myanmar knows that after a while the global attention will shift somewhere else. Please remember, this is a very well designed, carefully planned genocide to push an entire ethnic group out of the country and we need to be very careful and remember that. I also believe we need to document all the egregious human rights violations that are taking place, the genocide that has taken place. At some point, I hope these human rights organisations, Human Rights Watch and so forth, will take these to the International Criminal Court of Justice. WION: Clearly that would be the real test of humanity for the international community. While the Rohingya community have moved here to Bangladesh, in the southern Cox's Bazar, the monsoon is also approaching. A landslide could take place, how challenging will it be to avoid a catastrophe? Gowher Rizvi: As you can see, Bangladesh is a very small country, extremely congested, by far the most densely populated country in the world. Despite that we have taken in a million people and opened up whatever we have, whatever little land that was available. We have housed them, we are feeding them, we are providing healthcare and we are providing security. Bangladesh is doing and will continue to do everything within its power. There is indeed the danger of mudslide because the terrain is such that there is going to be a mudslide. That is why we are also trying to make an alternative arrangement in a neighbouring island so that those who are most vulnerable can be safely evacuated there and in conditions which are habitable, which are up to the standards, meets the necessities of the refugees. We are doing everything we can. I think the international community, rather than focusing on Bangladesh and what more can Bangladesh do, should be looking into Myanmar. Bangladesh did not create this problem. The problem was created by Myanmar. The solution lies in Myanmar. Therefore, we should be looking there. As far as our prime minister is concerned, she has really done a very humane thing, a courageous thing to take them in. She has promised that she wants them to voluntarily go back. We are not pushing them. We have upheld the highest level of international and humanitarian law. And we will continue to do. I do believe the focus needs to be on Myanmar where the problem is. I think we have to also be aware of the larger issues. What we are seeing today is a dictatorial, tyrannical regime ousting an entire ethnic community from the soils of Myanmar and if the global community accepts this, then I fear there will be upheaval in many corners. There are minorities in every country. Minorities in every country will come under threat. We need to be very mindful of that and we should not allow any country to get away with it. There is another thing that we need to be thinking about. This camp of a million people is a potential for recruitment of extremists. We are protecting it, we are making sure no such thing happens. But over years, as we have seen in other camps, this becomes a breeding ground for terrorists. If that happens, our entire region, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, none of us will be safe. The stakes are really high and we must move as fast as possible to make sure the root cause is eliminated. Watch the full interview below:

Rohingya crisis: Impose sanctions, cut off investment, then Myanmar Army will come to its senses, says adviser to Bangladesh PM 

For decades, Tibetans living in exile across the globe fought what they thought was a “freedom struggle”. Sixty years down the line, it is a “karmic design” which they seem to be banking upon to get back to their homeland.

With China asserting itself like never before, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking about Tibetans “not seeking separation” from China but only “<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tibetans-only-seeking-certain-rights-mentioned-in-chinese-constitution-dalai-lama-to-wion-127543">certain rights</a>” to enable Tibetans to preserve their culture, language and rich Buddhist tradition, Tibetans who have grown up on ideas of a "free Tibet" now find themselves in a quandary.

The Tibetans' belief that since two of the three dreams seen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama came true, the third one will true too, is what appears to be lending more hope to the exiled community than the idea of a “freedom struggle”.

In the first dream, the Dalai Lama saw bloodshed. The Tibetans believe that this dream became a reality after 81,000 Tibetans were killed between March and September 1959 and a million Tibetans died during the Chinese invasion and occupation.

In the second dream, His Holiness saw that he was meeting with people wearing white clothing. After arriving in India, the Dalai Lama met with the likes of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and first President Rajendra Prasad — both of whom used to wear white kurtas. So the Tibetans believe that the second dream came true as well.

But it is the third dream which gives the Tibetans the most hope. In that, the Dalai Lama saw himself in a room “filled with light” in the Potala Palace in Lhasa and being reunited with Tibetans inside Tibet.

“Because the first two dreams came true, by karmic design, the third dream will also come true,” Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, told a massive gathering of Tibetans in the picturesque hill township of McLeodganj last week.

“Let us reunite Dalai Lama with Tibetans inside Tibet,” Sangay, the Dalai Lama's political successor, said, asking the Tibetans to rededicate themselves and their efforts to making the dream of the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace a reality.

The fact that the Tibetan cause has got watered down from a freedom struggle to autonomy over the years has not gone unnoticed.

Tibetans living in exile across the globe are observing 2018 as “Thank You India” year. This, they say, is an expression of their gratitude towards a country which not only gave them shelter but also helped keep their “freedom struggle”, their “movement” alive for six decades.

McLeodganj — the seat of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile — in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is not called “Little Lhasa” for nothing. This town has been not only a home away from home for the Tibetans-in-exile. It has also been a launchpad to hopefully return the exiled Tibetans to their homeland some day.

So when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama says that at a “practical level”, the Tibetans are “not seeking separation” from China and that their “elected political leadership” is committed to this stance, don't the Tibetans have reason to feel let down? Even if they do, the Tibetans do well to hide it. Given the stature His Holiness enjoys, it is difficult to find a Tibetan voice dissenting with the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama says that while remaining within the People's Republic of China, Tibetans should have certain rights enshrined in the Chinese Constitution so that Tibetans can preserve their language, culture, and traditions. It's anybody's guess how generations of Tibetans who were brought up on dreams of a Free Tibet would feel about this.

In “practical” terms, the spiritual leader probably realises that this is the best bargain he can secure from an increasingly-assertive China.

But the tone and tenor adopted by the political leadership of the Tibetan movement could make one believe that the idea of complete freedom has not been given up. Yet.

At the main event to commence the year-long “Thank You India” celebrations, Dr Lobsang Sangay minced no words in detailing “60 years of China's illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet”, “60 years of destruction of Tibetan civilisation, culture and identity”, “60 years of killing, arbitrary arrests and tortures”, “60 years of China's mass exploitation of our precious natural resources... our forests, our water and our glaciers”, and “60 years of tragedy, 60 years of suffering, 60 years of sadness and 60 years of pain”.

Sangay also lent a completely new dimension to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Make In India” programme by saying that the “original Make In India is the Tibetan movement”.

“Tibetans were born and brought up in India. They were educated in India. Our democracy replicates Indian democracy. Our philosophy of ahimsa comes from Indian philosophy. And the Tibetan cause is being rebuilt in India for the last 60 years,” Sangay said. “The original Made in India will also succeed. Your success will be our success, our success will be your success,” the Tibetan leader said addressing India's Culture Minister Mahesh Sharrma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav.

No separation from China? &nbsp;And the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace, even as it continues to be under Chinese occupation? Will the 1.28 lakh Tibetans-in-exile ever amenably settle for that? That is the question that needs immediate answering.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Dalai Lama says Tibet no longer seeks freedom from China, only autonomy. His people disagree with him

For decades, Tibetans living in exile across the globe fought what they thought was a “freedom struggle”. Sixty years down the line, it is a “karmic design” which they seem to be banking upon to get back to their homeland. With China asserting itself like never before, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking about Tibetans “not seeking separation” from China but only “certain rights” to enable Tibetans to preserve their culture, language and rich Buddhist tradition, Tibetans who have grown up on ideas of a "free Tibet" now find themselves in a quandary. The Tibetans' belief that since two of the three dreams seen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama came true, the third one will true too, is what appears to be lending more hope to the exiled community than the idea of a “freedom struggle”. In the first dream, the Dalai Lama saw bloodshed. The Tibetans believe that this dream became a reality after 81,000 Tibetans were killed between March and September 1959 and a million Tibetans died during the Chinese invasion and occupation. In the second dream, His Holiness saw that he was meeting with people wearing white clothing. After arriving in India, the Dalai Lama met with the likes of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and first President Rajendra Prasad — both of whom used to wear white kurtas. So the Tibetans believe that the second dream came true as well. But it is the third dream which gives the Tibetans the most hope. In that, the Dalai Lama saw himself in a room “filled with light” in the Potala Palace in Lhasa and being reunited with Tibetans inside Tibet. “Because the first two dreams came true, by karmic design, the third dream will also come true,” Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, told a massive gathering of Tibetans in the picturesque hill township of McLeodganj last week. “Let us reunite Dalai Lama with Tibetans inside Tibet,” Sangay, the Dalai Lama's political successor, said, asking the Tibetans to rededicate themselves and their efforts to making the dream of the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace a reality. The fact that the Tibetan cause has got watered down from a freedom struggle to autonomy over the years has not gone unnoticed. Tibetans living in exile across the globe are observing 2018 as “Thank You India” year. This, they say, is an expression of their gratitude towards a country which not only gave them shelter but also helped keep their “freedom struggle”, their “movement” alive for six decades. McLeodganj — the seat of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile — in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is not called “Little Lhasa” for nothing. This town has been not only a home away from home for the Tibetans-in-exile. It has also been a launchpad to hopefully return the exiled Tibetans to their homeland some day. So when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama says that at a “practical level”, the Tibetans are “not seeking separation” from China and that their “elected political leadership” is committed to this stance, don't the Tibetans have reason to feel let down? Even if they do, the Tibetans do well to hide it. Given the stature His Holiness enjoys, it is difficult to find a Tibetan voice dissenting with the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama says that while remaining within the People's Republic of China, Tibetans should have certain rights enshrined in the Chinese Constitution so that Tibetans can preserve their language, culture, and traditions. It's anybody's guess how generations of Tibetans who were brought up on dreams of a Free Tibet would feel about this. In “practical” terms, the spiritual leader probably realises that this is the best bargain he can secure from an increasingly-assertive China. But the tone and tenor adopted by the political leadership of the Tibetan movement could make one believe that the idea of complete freedom has not been given up. Yet. At the main event to commence the year-long “Thank You India” celebrations, Dr Lobsang Sangay minced no words in detailing “60 years of China's illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet”, “60 years of destruction of Tibetan civilisation, culture and identity”, “60 years of killing, arbitrary arrests and tortures”, “60 years of China's mass exploitation of our precious natural resources... our forests, our water and our glaciers”, and “60 years of tragedy, 60 years of suffering, 60 years of sadness and 60 years of pain”. Sangay also lent a completely new dimension to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Make In India” programme by saying that the “original Make In India is the Tibetan movement”. “Tibetans were born and brought up in India. They were educated in India. Our democracy replicates Indian democracy. Our philosophy of ahimsa comes from Indian philosophy. And the Tibetan cause is being rebuilt in India for the last 60 years,” Sangay said. “The original Made in India will also succeed. Your success will be our success, our success will be your success,” the Tibetan leader said addressing India's Culture Minister Mahesh Sharrma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav. No separation from China? And the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace, even as it continues to be under Chinese occupation? Will the 1.28 lakh Tibetans-in-exile ever amenably settle for that? That is the question that needs immediate answering. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Is the Dalai Lama letting down the Tibetan people? 

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/youtube-headquarters-shooting-woman-attacker-wounds-3-then-kills-self-128180">YouTube headquarters shooting: Woman attacker wounds 3, then kills self</a>

A woman opened fire at YouTube's headquarters near San Francisco on Tuesday. Three people were reported wounded after which the woman shot herself.&nbsp

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/ready-to-retaliate-against-us-tariff-plan-china-128188">Ready to retaliate against US tariff plan: China</a>

In a move which could trigger an all-out trade war, China today said it will retaliate against US move to impose tariffs while condemning President Trump's measure to impose tariffs on worth $50 billion on Chinese goods.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/cbse-papers-leak-school-principal-questioned-again-may-get-a-clean-chit-128185">CBSE papers leak: School principal questioned again, may get a clean chit</a>

The Delhi Police's Crime Branch questioned the principal of a school, whose two teachers were arrested for their alleged role in the leak of Class 12 economics paper, again today, after which officials said they had not found anything yet to indicate his involvement in the leak.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/no-plans-to-extend-european-privacy-law-globally-mark-zuckerberg-128202">No plans to extend European privacy law globally: Mark Zuckerberg</a>

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Tuesday the social network had no immediate plans to apply a strict new European Union law on data privacy in its entirety to the rest of the world, as the company reels from a scandal over its handling of personal information of millions of its users.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-ronaldo-stuns-buffon-as-real-madrid-outplay-juventus-128178">Champions League: Ronaldo stuns Buffon as Real Madrid outplay Juventus</a>

Defending champions Real Madrid thrashed Juventus by 3-0 in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8 at Juventus Stadium, Italy. Gianluigi Buffon was astounded by the visitors as Juve does not have the tendency to let in many goals but suffered a tragic defeat it the first leg.&nbsp

YouTube headquarters shooting: Woman attacker wounds 3, then kills self A woman opened fire at YouTube's headquarters near San Francisco on Tuesday. Three people were reported wounded after which the woman shot herself. Ready to retaliate against US tariff plan: China In a move which could trigger an all-out trade war, China today said it will retaliate against US move to impose tariffs while condemning President Trump's measure to impose tariffs on worth $50 billion on Chinese goods. CBSE papers leak: School principal questioned again, may get a clean chit The Delhi Police's Crime Branch questioned the principal of a school, whose two teachers were arrested for their alleged role in the leak of Class 12 economics paper, again today, after which officials said they had not found anything yet to indicate his involvement in the leak. No plans to extend European privacy law globally: Mark Zuckerberg Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Tuesday the social network had no immediate plans to apply a strict new European Union law on data privacy in its entirety to the rest of the world, as the company reels from a scandal over its handling of personal information of millions of its users. Champions League: Ronaldo stuns Buffon as Real Madrid outplay Juventus Defending champions Real Madrid thrashed Juventus by 3-0 in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8 at Juventus Stadium, Italy. Gianluigi Buffon was astounded by the visitors as Juve does not have the tendency to let in many goals but suffered a tragic defeat it the first leg.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/us-designates-hafiz-saeeds-milli-muslim-league-as-terrorist-outfit-127961">US</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/us-designates-hafiz-saeeds-milli-muslim-league-as-terrorist-outfit-127961"> designates Hafiz Saeed's Milli Muslim League as </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/us-designates-hafiz-saeeds-milli-muslim-league-as-terrorist-outfit-127961">terrorist</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/us-designates-hafiz-saeeds-milli-muslim-league-as-terrorist-outfit-127961"> outfit</a>

In a major move ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, the US today designated Milli Muslim League (MML), the political front of Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud Dawa, as a foreign terrorist organization.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-bandh-violence-special-forces-to-be-deployed-in-madhya-pradesh-127962">Bharat Bandh violence: Special forces to be deployed in Madhya Pradesh</a>

The Bharat Bandh called by Dalit outfits turned violent in many states on Monday including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/india-under-scanner-over-doping-fears-at-commonwealth-games-127968">India under scanner over doping fears at Commonwealth Games</a>

The organizers of Commonwealth Games said they have summoned "undisclosed competing nation" after discarded needles were found at the Games village in Australia's Gold Coast.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/14-civilians-killed-in-clash-between-nigerian-army-boko-haram-militants-127951">14 civilians killed in </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/14-civilians-killed-in-clash-between-nigerian-army-boko-haram-militants-127951">clash</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/14-civilians-killed-in-clash-between-nigerian-army-boko-haram-militants-127951"> between Nigerian Army, Boko Haram militants</a>

Reportedly around 18 militants including suicide bombers, mortars and gunmen targeted two villages namely Bale Shuwa and Alkaranti and a military base near the city of Maiduguri, in Borno State.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/spacexs-dragon-launched-in-resupply-mission-to-iss-127966">SpaceX's 'Dragon' launched in </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/spacexs-dragon-launched-in-resupply-mission-to-iss-127966">resupply</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/spacexs-dragon-launched-in-resupply-mission-to-iss-127966"> mission to ISS</a>

The spacecraft was launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Monday. Within 10 minutes of its launch, the spacecraft was confirmed of having reached a "good orbit".

US designates Hafiz Saeed's Milli Muslim League as terrorist outfit In a major move ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, the US today designated Milli Muslim League (MML), the political front of Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud Dawa, as a foreign terrorist organization. Bharat Bandh violence: Special forces to be deployed in Madhya Pradesh The Bharat Bandh called by Dalit outfits turned violent in many states on Monday including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. India under scanner over doping fears at Commonwealth Games The organizers of Commonwealth Games said they have summoned "undisclosed competing nation" after discarded needles were found at the Games village in Australia's Gold Coast. 14 civilians killed in clash between Nigerian Army, Boko Haram militants Reportedly around 18 militants including suicide bombers, mortars and gunmen targeted two villages namely Bale Shuwa and Alkaranti and a military base near the city of Maiduguri, in Borno State. SpaceX's 'Dragon' launched in resupply mission to ISS The spacecraft was launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Monday. Within 10 minutes of its launch, the spacecraft was confirmed of having reached a "good orbit".

News brief: Five big stories of the day

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-file-scst-review-petition-today-127736">Government to file SC/ST review petition today</a>

Union Minister of Law Ravi Shankar Prasad took to his Twitter account on Sunday to inform that the Union Government on Monday will file a review petition against the Supreme Court judgment regarding the legal clause of immediate arrest and registration of alleged cases under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/tiangong-1-space-lab-broke-up-over-south-pacific-china-127731">Tiangong-1 space lab broke up over South Pacific: China</a>

China said today its space lab named Tiangong-1 broke up into pieces as it headed towards Earth in the South Pacific. The eight-tonne Tiangong-1 "mostly" burnt up above the vast ocean's central region at 8:15 am (0015 GMT), China's Manned Space Engineering Office said.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/india-replaces-vietnam-to-become-second-largest-mobile-phone-producer-after-china--127743">India replaces Vietnam to become second largest mobile phone producer after China</a>

India's mobile phone users have been increasing by the day, various reports suggest the same and now, another study points at the fact that Indian mobile manufacturing industry is leaving no stone unturned to meet the ever-expanding demand.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/bodies-of-38-indians-killed-in-iraq-to-be-brought-back-to-india-today-127739">Bodies of 38 Indians killed in Iraq to be brought back to India today</a>

The mortal remains of 38 out of 39 Indians, who were killed by the Islamic State in Iraq, are due to reach India late today. Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh, who is overseeing the entire process of bringing back the bodies, left for Mosul on Sunday. He said that one man's remains would not be brought as his case was still pending.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/cameron-diaz-calls-it-quits-confirms-retirement-127727">Cameron Diaz calls it quits, confirms retirement</a>

Prominent Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz has made an announcement lately that she has retired from acting, thus putting an end to her cinematic career. Diaz last appeared in the 2014 remake of musical 'Annie,' in which she starred alongside Jamie Foxx

Government to file SC/ST review petition today Union Minister of Law Ravi Shankar Prasad took to his Twitter account on Sunday to inform that the Union Government on Monday will file a review petition against the Supreme Court judgment regarding the legal clause of immediate arrest and registration of alleged cases under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. Tiangong-1 space lab broke up over South Pacific: China China said today its space lab named Tiangong-1 broke up into pieces as it headed towards Earth in the South Pacific. The eight-tonne Tiangong-1 "mostly" burnt up above the vast ocean's central region at 8:15 am (0015 GMT), China's Manned Space Engineering Office said. India replaces Vietnam to become second largest mobile phone producer after China India's mobile phone users have been increasing by the day, various reports suggest the same and now, another study points at the fact that Indian mobile manufacturing industry is leaving no stone unturned to meet the ever-expanding demand. Bodies of 38 Indians killed in Iraq to be brought back to India today The mortal remains of 38 out of 39 Indians, who were killed by the Islamic State in Iraq, are due to reach India late today. Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh, who is overseeing the entire process of bringing back the bodies, left for Mosul on Sunday. He said that one man's remains would not be brought as his case was still pending. Cameron Diaz calls it quits, confirms retirement Prominent Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz has made an announcement lately that she has retired from acting, thus putting an end to her cinematic career. Diaz last appeared in the 2014 remake of musical 'Annie,' in which she starred alongside Jamie Foxx

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/indore-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-10-127558">Indore building collapse: Death toll rises to 10</a>

At least 10 were killed in a building collapse in Madhya Pradesh's Indore last night. According to reports, a four storeyed-building in Sarwate area collapsed around 9:20 pm last night.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/gaza-sees-bloodiest-day-in-years-127556">Gaza sees </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/gaza-sees-bloodiest-day-in-years-127556">bloodiest</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/gaza-sees-bloodiest-day-in-years-127556"> day in years</a>

Gazans buried their dead on Saturday with calls for "revenge" a day after a mass protest led to clashes that saw Israeli forces kill 16 Palestinians in the bloodiest day since a 2014 war.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/two-encounters-in-kashmir-1-terrorist-killed-one-held-127564">Two encounters in Kashmir 1 terrorist killed, one held</a> 
 
An encounter between security forces and terrorists in Dialgam area of Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir got one terrorist killed while another has been held. The operation has finally come to an end.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/epl-manchester-city-one-win-away-from-title-127565">EPL: Manchester City one win away from </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/epl-manchester-city-one-win-away-from-title-127565">title</a> 
 
Pep Guardiola's side, who will be champions if they win next Saturday's Manchester derby, grabbed the lead in the fourth minute through Leroy Sane's sizzling volley from a tight angle at the back post after a pinpoint cross from David Silva.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/the-indian-beauty-queen-that-no-one-has-heard-of-127568">The Indian beauty queen that no one has heard of</a> 
 
Varsha Rajkhowa, 26, won the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant in Malaysia in November 2016. Miss Scuba International is a beauty pageant with a slight twist – the contestants all have to be scuba divers.&nbsp;

Indore building collapse: Death toll rises to 10 At least 10 were killed in a building collapse in Madhya Pradesh's Indore last night. According to reports, a four storeyed-building in Sarwate area collapsed around 9:20 pm last night. Gaza sees bloodiest day in years Gazans buried their dead on Saturday with calls for "revenge" a day after a mass protest led to clashes that saw Israeli forces kill 16 Palestinians in the bloodiest day since a 2014 war. Two encounters in Kashmir 1 terrorist killed, one held An encounter between security forces and terrorists in Dialgam area of Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir got one terrorist killed while another has been held. The operation has finally come to an end. EPL: Manchester City one win away from title Pep Guardiola's side, who will be champions if they win next Saturday's Manchester derby, grabbed the lead in the fourth minute through Leroy Sane's sizzling volley from a tight angle at the back post after a pinpoint cross from David Silva. The Indian beauty queen that no one has heard of Varsha Rajkhowa, 26, won the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant in Malaysia in November 2016. Miss Scuba International is a beauty pageant with a slight twist – the contestants all have to be scuba divers.

Fire kills 37 at Siberian shopping mall, scores still missing At least 37 people were killed when a fire ripped through a busy shopping centre in an industrial city in western Siberia, with scores more reported missing, including children. Porn actress talks of Trump affair in interview, says was threatened to keep quiet about it Porn actress Stormy Daniels said she was threatened in a bid to keep her silent about her alleged fling with Donald Trump, which she detailed in a highly-anticipated primetime TV interview today. Shatrughan Sinha meets Lalu Yadav, family calls court verdict against him 'heartbreaking and non-expected' Senior BJP MP from Patna Sahib, Bihar, Shatrughan Sinha who frequently draws controversies over his repeated attacks on his own political party has yet again invited attention after his meet with BJP arch-rival RJD chief Lalu Yadav and his family. PM's flight records cannot be disclosed under RTI due to security reasons: Air India Records pertaining to the Prime Minister's chartered flights for visits abroad cannot be disclosed under the RTI Act due to security concerns as per instructions from the PMO, the national carrier has said in response to an application filed by an activist under the transparency law. Clashes in Catalonia after Puigdemont arrested in Germany Thousands of Catalan separatists faced off with police in Catalonia on Sunday following the arrest in Germany of the region`s former president Carles Puigdemont five months after he fled Spain.

Fire kills 37 at Siberian shopping mall, scores still missing At least 37 people were killed when a fire ripped through a busy shopping centre in an industrial city in western Siberia, with scores more reported missing, including children. Porn actress talks of Trump affair in interview, says was threatened to keep quiet about it Porn actress Stormy Daniels said she was threatened in a bid to keep her silent about her alleged fling with Donald Trump, which she detailed in a highly-anticipated primetime TV interview today. Shatrughan Sinha meets Lalu Yadav, family calls court verdict against him 'heartbreaking and non-expected' Senior BJP MP from Patna Sahib, Bihar, Shatrughan Sinha who frequently draws controversies over his repeated attacks on his own political party has yet again invited attention after his meet with BJP arch-rival RJD chief Lalu Yadav and his family. PM's flight records cannot be disclosed under RTI due to security reasons: Air India Records pertaining to the Prime Minister's chartered flights for visits abroad cannot be disclosed under the RTI Act due to security concerns as per instructions from the PMO, the national carrier has said in response to an application filed by an activist under the transparency law. Clashes in Catalonia after Puigdemont arrested in Germany Thousands of Catalan separatists faced off with police in Catalonia on Sunday following the arrest in Germany of the region`s former president Carles Puigdemont five months after he fled Spain.

WION Morning News Brief, March 26, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gun-violence-in-united-states-student-led-protests-draw-huge-crowds-36966" target="_blank">Over 1 million Americans pour out onto streets, demand tighter gun control</a>

More than a million Americans flooded the streets of cities nationwide for emotional protests demanding tighter gun control on Saturday, protests spearheaded by teenagers from a Florida high school where 17 people were shot dead last month.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/90-rajya-sabha-mps-are-crorepatis-adr-report-36972" target="_blank">90% Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis: Report</a>

Nearly 90 per cent of the Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis while the average of total assets Upper House parliamentarians is Rs 55 crore, says a report.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/granddaughter-of-martin-luther-king-jr-energizes-march-for-our-lives-crowd-36969" target="_blank">US protests: Martin Luther King&#39;s granddaughter leads crowd calling for gun reform</a>

The granddaughter of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. energised the crowd in Washington on Saturday (March 24) during the March For Our Lives Rally demanding tighter gun laws, led by survivors of last month&#39;s Florida school massacre which reignited public anger over mass shootings.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-takes-full-control-of-syrias-afrin-military-source-36971" target="_blank">Turkey takes full control of Syria&#39;s Afrin: Military source</a>

Turkey&rsquo;s military and its Syrian rebel allies have taken full control of northwest Syria&rsquo;s Afrin region, a Turkish army source said on Saturday, as aid workers distributed food to people in the area.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank">Australia captain Steve Smith fights for job</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank"> as CA announce </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank">ball-tampering</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank"> probe</a>

Australia captain Steve Smith was fighting to save his job and reputation on Sunday after admitting he was the chief plotter in the ball-tampering scandal which has plunged the game into crisis and sparked a Cricket Australia probe.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Over 1 million Americans pour out onto streets, demand tighter gun control More than a million Americans flooded the streets of cities nationwide for emotional protests demanding tighter gun control on Saturday, protests spearheaded by teenagers from a Florida high school where 17 people were shot dead last month. 90% Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis: Report Nearly 90 per cent of the Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis while the average of total assets Upper House parliamentarians is Rs 55 crore, says a report. US protests: Martin Luther King's granddaughter leads crowd calling for gun reform The granddaughter of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. energised the crowd in Washington on Saturday (March 24) during the March For Our Lives Rally demanding tighter gun laws, led by survivors of last month's Florida school massacre which reignited public anger over mass shootings. Turkey takes full control of Syria's Afrin: Military source Turkey’s military and its Syrian rebel allies have taken full control of northwest Syria’s Afrin region, a Turkish army source said on Saturday, as aid workers distributed food to people in the area. Australia captain Steve Smith fights for job as CA announce ball-tampering probe Australia captain Steve Smith was fighting to save his job and reputation on Sunday after admitting he was the chief plotter in the ball-tampering scandal which has plunged the game into crisis and sparked a Cricket Australia probe.

WION Morning News Brief, March 25, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cambridge-analytica-ceo-claims-influence-on-us-election-facebook-questioned-36557" target="_blank">Suspended Cambridge Analytica CEO claims influence on US election, Facebook questioned</a>

The suspended chief executive of Cambridge Analytica said in a secretly recorded video broadcast on Tuesday that his UK-based political consultancy&rsquo;s online campaign played a decisive role in US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s 2016 election victory.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/team-rahul-gandhi-set-to-take-charge-of-congress-top-leaders-resign-36565" target="_blank">Top leaders resign as Team Rahul gets set to take charge of Congress</a>

Resignations in the Congress have begun ahead of party President Rahul Gandhi&#39;s announcement of his new team.&nbsp;

Actor-politician Raj Babbar has quit as chief of the party&#39;s UP unit.&nbsp;

News reports added that Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki is also believed to have tendered his resignation to the party&#39;s central leadership. The reports added that a number of further resignations are expected.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-playboy-model-karen-mcdougal-sues-to-break-silence-on-alleged-trump-affair-36563" target="_blank">Now, ex-Playboy model wants to talk about </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-playboy-model-karen-mcdougal-sues-to-break-silence-on-alleged-trump-affair-36563" target="_blank">affair</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-playboy-model-karen-mcdougal-sues-to-break-silence-on-alleged-trump-affair-36563" target="_blank"> with Trump</a>

A former Playboy model who said she had an affair with President Donald Trump filed suit in California on Tuesday to release her from a legal agreement requiring her to stay silent, becoming the second woman this month to contest an arrangement to keep quiet about an alleged extramarital relationship with Trump.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-renews-pervez-musharrafs-passport-fearing-he-may-not-return-36558" target="_blank">Pakistan renews Pervez Musharraf&#39;s passport fearing he may not return</a>

Pakistan&#39;s former dictator General (retd) Pervez Musharraf&#39;s diplomatic passport was renewed two months before its expiry as the government feared that he might not return to face the high treason case, the country&#39;s Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nobody-is-better-than-me-on-pitch-cristiano-ronaldo-36564" target="_blank">Nobody better than me on the pitch: Cristiano Ronaldo</a>

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the secret of his success ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

In a recent media interaction, he said, &quot;We should always believe we are the best.&quot;

&quot;You need to think big. I always believe that nobody is better than me, out on the pitch at least,&quot; he said.

Suspended Cambridge Analytica CEO claims influence on US election, Facebook questioned The suspended chief executive of Cambridge Analytica said in a secretly recorded video broadcast on Tuesday that his UK-based political consultancy’s online campaign played a decisive role in US President Donald Trump’s 2016 election victory. Top leaders resign as Team Rahul gets set to take charge of Congress Resignations in the Congress have begun ahead of party President Rahul Gandhi's announcement of his new team. Actor-politician Raj Babbar has quit as chief of the party's UP unit. News reports added that Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki is also believed to have tendered his resignation to the party's central leadership. The reports added that a number of further resignations are expected. Now, ex-Playboy model wants to talk about affair with Trump A former Playboy model who said she had an affair with President Donald Trump filed suit in California on Tuesday to release her from a legal agreement requiring her to stay silent, becoming the second woman this month to contest an arrangement to keep quiet about an alleged extramarital relationship with Trump. Pakistan renews Pervez Musharraf's passport fearing he may not return Pakistan's former dictator General (retd) Pervez Musharraf's diplomatic passport was renewed two months before its expiry as the government feared that he might not return to face the high treason case, the country's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said. Nobody better than me on the pitch: Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the secret of his success ahead of the FIFA World Cup. In a recent media interaction, he said, "We should always believe we are the best." "You need to think big. I always believe that nobody is better than me, out on the pitch at least," he said.

WION Morning News Brief, March 21, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-2018-voting-underway-as-vladimir-putin-set-to-win-fourth-term-36193" target="_blank">Russian presidential election 2018: Voting underway as Vladimir Putin set to win </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-2018-voting-underway-as-vladimir-putin-set-to-win-fourth-term-36193" target="_blank">fourth</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-2018-voting-underway-as-vladimir-putin-set-to-win-fourth-term-36193" target="_blank"> term</a>

Russians began voting Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to cement President Vladimir Putin&#39;s power for another six years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-vice-president-mike-pence-urges-pakistan-to-do-more-against-taliban-36190" target="_blank">US Vice President Mike Pence urges Pakistan to &#39;do more&#39; against Taliban</a>

US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country &quot;must do more&quot; against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday.

<a href="http://India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff" target="_blank">India makes written </a><a href="http://India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff" target="_blank">complaint</a><a href="http://India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff" target="_blank"> to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff</a>

Officials of the Indian high commission in Pakistan, who had gone for shopping in Islamabad&#39;s Blue Area, were on Saturday harassed with two persons aggressively following them and hurling abuses.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/drone-strike-kills-6-is-terrorists-in-afghanistan-36200" target="_blank">Drone strike kills 6 IS terrorists in Afghanistan</a>

At least six terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group have been killed in the latest drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mauritius-president-resigns-over-credit-card-scandal-36173" target="_blank">Mauritius president resigns over credit card scandal</a>

Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigned on Saturday after being embroiled in a scandal over her use of a credit card to buy luxury personal items, in an abrupt change of heart after vowing she would not stand down.

Russian presidential election 2018: Voting underway as Vladimir Putin set to win fourth term Russians began voting Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to cement President Vladimir Putin's power for another six years. US Vice President Mike Pence urges Pakistan to 'do more' against Taliban US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday. India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff Officials of the Indian high commission in Pakistan, who had gone for shopping in Islamabad's Blue Area, were on Saturday harassed with two persons aggressively following them and hurling abuses. Drone strike kills 6 IS terrorists in Afghanistan At least six terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group have been killed in the latest drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. Mauritius president resigns over credit card scandal Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigned on Saturday after being embroiled in a scandal over her use of a credit card to buy luxury personal items, in an abrupt change of heart after vowing she would not stand down.

WION Morning News brief, March 18, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-security-forces-open-fire-on-terrorists-in-pulwama-after-weapon-snatching-incident-35978" target="_blank">J&amp;K: Security forces open fire on terrorists in Pulwama after weapon snatching incident, 2 killed</a>

At least two terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s&nbsp;Pulwama district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pedestrian-bridge-collapses-in-florida-4-dead-35967" target="_blank">Pedestrian bridge collapses in Florida, 4 dead</a>

Four people were killed and at least 10 injured after a bridge collapsed in Miami. The newly erected 950-ton bridge pedestrian bridge spanned several lanes of traffic&nbsp;at Florida International University.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/there-were-disappearingsindhisin-pakistan-35968" target="_blank">Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC</a>

In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are &quot;disappearing&quot;&nbsp;in Pakistan.&nbsp;He added that attempts were being made to create&nbsp;fear among Sindhis.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/2-killed-7-injured-in-house-explosion-in-pakistans-balochistan-province-35982" target="_blank">2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan&#39;s Balochistan province</a>

At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province, police said Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/queen-gives-formal-consent-for-grandson-harry-to-marry-meghan-markle-35963" target="_blank">Queen gives formal consent for grandson Harry to marry Meghan Markle</a>

Britain&#39;s Queen Elizabeth has formally given her permission for her &quot;dearly beloved&quot; grandson Prince Harry to marry his US fiancee&nbsp;Meghan&nbsp;Markle.

J&K: Security forces open fire on terrorists in Pulwama after weapon snatching incident, 2 killed At least two terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Pedestrian bridge collapses in Florida, 4 dead Four people were killed and at least 10 injured after a bridge collapsed in Miami. The newly erected 950-ton bridge pedestrian bridge spanned several lanes of traffic at Florida International University. Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are "disappearing" in Pakistan. He added that attempts were being made to create fear among Sindhis. 2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, police said Friday. Queen gives formal consent for grandson Harry to marry Meghan Markle Britain's Queen Elizabeth has formally given her permission for her "dearly beloved" grandson Prince Harry to marry his US fiancee Meghan Markle.

WION Morning News brief, March 16, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-bygones-be-bygones-says-akhilesh-on-past-rivalry-with-bsp-speculation-grows-if-they-will-join-hands-for-2019-35928">Let bygones be bygones, says SP&#39;s Akhilesh on past rivalry with BSP. Speculation grows if they will join forces for 2019</a>

Enthused by his party&#39;s strong showing in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypolls, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav indicated today that his party was keen on burying its bitter rivalry with Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party saying sometimes &quot;past incidents have to be forgotten&quot;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbse-says-paper-not-leaked-have-approached-police-about-fake-news-35918">CBSE says paper not leaked, has approached police about &#39;fake&#39; news</a>

The CBSE today denied allegations of paper leak of its Class 12 Accountancy examination, asserting that all seals were found intact in the examination centres.The board also said that it has approached the police against those spreading &quot;false&quot; news.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/routine-not-recall-mea-on-pak-high-commissioner-to-india-being-called-back-35936">Routine, not recall: MEA on Pak High Commissioner to India being called back</a>

It is pretty normal for any High Commissioner to go back for consultation and &#39;&#39;We have no comments to offer on why he has gone back,&#39;&#39; said Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs on Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hillary-clinton-a-series-of-unfortunate-events-in-india-35938">Hillary Clinton: A series of unfortunate events in India</a>

Hillary&#39;s India tour is becoming a series of unfortunate events for her due to one after another injury.In Madhya Pradesh, she had fallen on the steps of a mosque on Monday and after that, She fractured her wrist after she slipped in the bathtub of Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/araria-will-become-hub-for-terrorism-due-to-rjd-win-giriraj-singh-35947">Araria will become </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/araria-will-become-hub-for-terrorism-due-to-rjd-win-giriraj-singh-35947">hub</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/araria-will-become-hub-for-terrorism-due-to-rjd-win-giriraj-singh-35947"> of terrorism: Giriraj Singh&nbsp;</a>

Union minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday claimed that the victory of RJD&#39;s Sarfaraz Alam from Araria Lok Sabha seat would make the place a hub of terrorism, which would be a danger to not only Bihar but also the country.

Let bygones be bygones, says SP's Akhilesh on past rivalry with BSP. Speculation grows if they will join forces for 2019 Enthused by his party's strong showing in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypolls, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav indicated today that his party was keen on burying its bitter rivalry with Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party saying sometimes "past incidents have to be forgotten". CBSE says paper not leaked, has approached police about 'fake' news The CBSE today denied allegations of paper leak of its Class 12 Accountancy examination, asserting that all seals were found intact in the examination centres.The board also said that it has approached the police against those spreading "false" news. Routine, not recall: MEA on Pak High Commissioner to India being called back It is pretty normal for any High Commissioner to go back for consultation and ''We have no comments to offer on why he has gone back,'' said Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs on Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood. Hillary Clinton: A series of unfortunate events in India Hillary's India tour is becoming a series of unfortunate events for her due to one after another injury.In Madhya Pradesh, she had fallen on the steps of a mosque on Monday and after that, She fractured her wrist after she slipped in the bathtub of Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan on Tuesday. Araria will become hub of terrorism: Giriraj Singh Union minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday claimed that the victory of RJD's Sarfaraz Alam from Araria Lok Sabha seat would make the place a hub of terrorism, which would be a danger to not only Bihar but also the country.

WION Evening News Brief, March 15, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-bypolls-up-shocker-sp-wins-both-yogi-bastion-of-gorakhpur-and-phulpur-seat-35824" target="_blank">Uttar Pradesh </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-bypolls-up-shocker-sp-wins-both-yogi-bastion-of-gorakhpur-and-phulpur-seat-35824" target="_blank">bypolls</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-bypolls-up-shocker-sp-wins-both-yogi-bastion-of-gorakhpur-and-phulpur-seat-35824" target="_blank">: UP shocker; SP wins both Yogi bastion of Gorakhpur and Phulpur seat</a>

The Samajwadi Party&#39;s Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel won the Phulpur Lok Sabha bypoll by 59,613 votes Wednesday evening. The BJP came in second.&nbsp;

In the Gorakhpur bypoll meanwhile, the SP&#39;s Praveen Kumar Nishad won by 21,881 votes

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-accept-the-verdict-of-the-people-yogi-after-deafeat-in-bypolls-35825" target="_blank">Watch: We accept people&#39;s verdict, says Yogi Adityanath after BJP&#39;s defeat in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-accept-the-verdict-of-the-people-yogi-after-deafeat-in-bypolls-35825" target="_blank">bypolls</a>

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has reacted after the shocking defeat of BJP on his home-turf Gorakhpur, and Phulpur &ndash; both seats previously represented by him and his deputy in Uttar Pradesh government Keshav Prasad Maurya respective

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-bypolls-rjd-wins-araria-lok-sabha-seat-jehanabad-assembly-seat-and-bjp-retains-bhabua-35816" target="_blank">Bihar </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-bypolls-rjd-wins-araria-lok-sabha-seat-jehanabad-assembly-seat-and-bjp-retains-bhabua-35816" target="_blank">bypolls</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-bypolls-rjd-wins-araria-lok-sabha-seat-jehanabad-assembly-seat-and-bjp-retains-bhabua-35816" target="_blank">: RJD wins Araria Lok Sabha seat and Jehanabad assembly seat while BJP retains Bhabua</a>

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on &nbsp;Wednesday won the Jehanabad assembly seat bypoll.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, BJP&#39;s Rinky Rani Pandey has won the Bhabhua Assembly seat in Bihar.&nbsp;

The result of the Araria Lok Sabha constituency is also out, RJD&#39;s Sarfaraz Alam has won the Araria Lok Sabha seat.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-all-interim-pleas-to-intervene-in-ayodhya-dispute-35810" target="_blank">Supreme Court rejects all interim pleas to intervene in Ayodhya dispute</a>

The Supreme Court today rejected all interim pleas seeking to intervene as parties in the sensitive Babri masjid- Ram temple land dispute case.

The court, however, ordered revival of Swamy&#39;s disposed of writ petition in which he had sought enforcement of his fundamental right to worship at Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-former-wonder-woman-lynda-carter-says-she-was-sexually-harassed-35823" target="_blank">I was sexually harassed too, says Wonder Woman</a>

Former &quot;Wonder Woman&quot; superhero Lynda Carter who played the iconic character in the 1970s TV series revealed that she was sexually harassed during her career.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh bypolls: UP shocker; SP wins both Yogi bastion of Gorakhpur and Phulpur seat The Samajwadi Party's Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel won the Phulpur Lok Sabha bypoll by 59,613 votes Wednesday evening. The BJP came in second. In the Gorakhpur bypoll meanwhile, the SP's Praveen Kumar Nishad won by 21,881 votes Watch: We accept people's verdict, says Yogi Adityanath after BJP's defeat in bypolls Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has reacted after the shocking defeat of BJP on his home-turf Gorakhpur, and Phulpur – both seats previously represented by him and his deputy in Uttar Pradesh government Keshav Prasad Maurya respective Bihar bypolls: RJD wins Araria Lok Sabha seat and Jehanabad assembly seat while BJP retains Bhabua The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday won the Jehanabad assembly seat bypoll. Meanwhile, BJP's Rinky Rani Pandey has won the Bhabhua Assembly seat in Bihar. The result of the Araria Lok Sabha constituency is also out, RJD's Sarfaraz Alam has won the Araria Lok Sabha seat. Supreme Court rejects all interim pleas to intervene in Ayodhya dispute The Supreme Court today rejected all interim pleas seeking to intervene as parties in the sensitive Babri masjid- Ram temple land dispute case. The court, however, ordered revival of Swamy's disposed of writ petition in which he had sought enforcement of his fundamental right to worship at Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya. I was sexually harassed too, says Wonder Woman Former "Wonder Woman" superhero Lynda Carter who played the iconic character in the 1970s TV series revealed that she was sexually harassed during her career.

WION Evening News Brief, March 14, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taha-siddiqui-kidnapping-bid-a-chronology-of-abductions-in-pakistan-29135" target="_blank">Taha Siddiqui, Islamabad-based WION&rsquo;s Pakistan bureau chief</a> has said that he has been receiving threats from Pakistan military.

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He added that his friends and family had received message&nbsp;warning saying that he should stop criticising Pakistan military.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/post-on-wion-pakistan-bureau-chiefs-fb-wall-says-he-is-okay-lawyers-handling-it-after-fia-summons-16080" target="_blank">Post on WION Pakistan bureau chief&#39;s FB wall says he is okay, &#39;lawyers handling it&#39;, after FIA summons</a>

Around 10-12 men tried abducting Siddiqui when he was on his way to Islamabad airport on January 10.

His cab was overtaken and blocked by another vehicle.&nbsp;

The men came out of the car armed with Kalashnikov guns and hit Taha. They threatened to kill him and threw him back into the cab.&nbsp;

Taha, however,&nbsp;managed to get out of the car from the other side of the cab.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-high-court-asks-pakistans-federal-investigation-agency-to-stop-harassing-wion-bureau-chief-15985" target="_blank">Islamabad High Court asks Pakistan&#39;s Federal Investigation Agency to stop harassing WION bureau chief</a>

Siddiqui had been facing harassment&nbsp;in Pakistan for a long time.&nbsp;

The journalist is in exile, at present,&nbsp;and is staying in Europe.&nbsp;

Taha said that his friends and family had received message warning saying that he should stop criticising Pakistan military

Taha Siddiqui, Islamabad-based WION’s Pakistan bureau chief has said that he has been receiving threats from Pakistan military. × He added that his friends and family had received message warning saying that he should stop criticising Pakistan military. Also read: Post on WION Pakistan bureau chief's FB wall says he is okay, 'lawyers handling it', after FIA summons Around 10-12 men tried abducting Siddiqui when he was on his way to Islamabad airport on January 10. His cab was overtaken and blocked by another vehicle. The men came out of the car armed with Kalashnikov guns and hit Taha. They threatened to kill him and threw him back into the cab. Taha, however, managed to get out of the car from the other side of the cab. Also read: Islamabad High Court asks Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency to stop harassing WION bureau chief Siddiqui had been facing harassment in Pakistan for a long time. The journalist is in exile, at present, and is staying in Europe.

Receiving threats from Pak military: WION's Pakistan bureau chief Taha Siddiqui

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-at-kathmandu-airport-several-feared-dead-35505" target="_blank">At least 50 dead, says Nepal Police official after plane crashes at Kathmandu Airport</a>

At least 50 people are dead and 23 injured after a plane crashed Monday afternoon at Kathmandu&#39;s Tribhuvan International Airport, reports said.&nbsp;There were a total of 71 people on board the US-Bangla Airlines plane.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-has-accepted-most-demands-of-farmers-cm-devendra-fadnavis-35538" target="_blank">Government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-has-accepted-most-demands-of-farmers-cm-devendra-fadnavis-35538" target="_blank">&nbsp;has accepted most demands of farmers: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis</a>

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has said on Monday that their government has accepted most of the demands of the farmers protesting in Mumbai. He also added that they have given a written letter to the farmers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-judicial-custody-for-karti-chidambaram-to-be-lodged-in-tihar-jail-35507" target="_blank">INX Media case: Judicial custody </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-judicial-custody-for-karti-chidambaram-to-be-lodged-in-tihar-jail-35507" target="_blank">for</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-judicial-custody-for-karti-chidambaram-to-be-lodged-in-tihar-jail-35507" target="_blank"> Karti Chidambaram, to be lodged in Tihar Jail</a>

A Delhi Court on Monday sent Karti Chidambaram to judicial custody till March 24th for questioning in the INX Media alleged bribery case. The court dismissed his plea for early hearing of his bail application.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lashkar-terror-multiplies-co-founder-forms-new-group-35529" target="_blank">Lashkar terror multiplies, co-founder forms </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lashkar-terror-multiplies-co-founder-forms-new-group-35529" target="_blank">new</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lashkar-terror-multiplies-co-founder-forms-new-group-35529" target="_blank"> group</a>

Pakistan&#39;s own protege terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba has split. rattled by infighting. US-designated terrorist and co-founder of Lashkar, Maulana Amir Hamza has formed the Jaish-e-Manqafa.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-war-has-killed-more-than-500000-people-in-7-years-monitor-35515" target="_blank">Syria war has killed more than 500,000 people in 7 years: Monitor</a>

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, said on Monday about 511,000 people had been killed in the Syrian war since it began seven years ago.

At least 50 dead, says Nepal Police official after plane crashes at Kathmandu Airport At least 50 people are dead and 23 injured after a plane crashed Monday afternoon at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, reports said. There were a total of 71 people on board the US-Bangla Airlines plane. Government has accepted most demands of farmers: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has said on Monday that their government has accepted most of the demands of the farmers protesting in Mumbai. He also added that they have given a written letter to the farmers. INX Media case: Judicial custody for Karti Chidambaram, to be lodged in Tihar Jail A Delhi Court on Monday sent Karti Chidambaram to judicial custody till March 24th for questioning in the INX Media alleged bribery case. The court dismissed his plea for early hearing of his bail application. Lashkar terror multiplies, co-founder forms new group Pakistan's own protege terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba has split. rattled by infighting. US-designated terrorist and co-founder of Lashkar, Maulana Amir Hamza has formed the Jaish-e-Manqafa. Syria war has killed more than 500,000 people in 7 years: Monitor The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, said on Monday about 511,000 people had been killed in the Syrian war since it began seven years ago.

WION Evening News Brief, March 12, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/macron-takes-dig-at-trump-hails-indias-efforts-35402" target="_blank">French President Macron takes dig at Trump, hails India&#39;s efforts at making International Solar Alliance a reality</a>

Taking a swipe at US President Donald Trump for backing out of Paris climate agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the efforts of India, along with other nations, for making International Solar Alliance (ISA) a reality.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/35000-farmers-reach-mumbai-to-stage-protest-against-maharashtra-govt-35389" target="_blank">35,000 farmers reach Mumbai demanding loan waiver</a>

Over&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-30000-farmers-marching-from-nashik-demanding-farm-loan-waiver-to-reach-mumbai-today-35356" target="_blank">35,000 farmers have reached Mumbai on Sunday&nbsp;</a>to stage protest against the Maharashtra government demanding a complete loan waiver.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/vandals-attack-muslim-owned-restaurant-in-sri-lanka-35395" target="_blank">Vandals attack Muslim-owned restaurant in Sri Lanka</a>

In an alleged case of &quot;hate crime&quot;, police said vandals attacked a Muslim-owned restaurant in Sri Lanka on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-bypolls-gorakhpur-voter-turnout-reaches-43-phulpur-38-by-5-pm-35404" target="_blank">Uttar Pradesh Bypolls: Gorakhpur voter turnout reaches 43%, Phulpur 38% by 5 pm</a>

Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a polling percentage of around 43 per cent while Phulpur saw a turnout of around 38 per cent till 5 pm today, Election Commission sources said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-parliament-abolishes-presidential-term-limits-35382" target="_blank">China&#39;s parliament abolishes presidential term limit, Xi Jinping could stay in power for life</a>

China&#39;s Xi Jinping on Sunday secured a path to rule indefinitely as parliament abolished presidential term limits, handing him almost total authority to pursue a vision of transforming the nation into an economic and military superpower.

&nbsp;

French President Macron takes dig at Trump, hails India's efforts at making International Solar Alliance a reality Taking a swipe at US President Donald Trump for backing out of Paris climate agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the efforts of India, along with other nations, for making International Solar Alliance (ISA) a reality. 35,000 farmers reach Mumbai demanding loan waiver Over 35,000 farmers have reached Mumbai on Sunday to stage protest against the Maharashtra government demanding a complete loan waiver. Vandals attack Muslim-owned restaurant in Sri Lanka In an alleged case of "hate crime", police said vandals attacked a Muslim-owned restaurant in Sri Lanka on Sunday. Uttar Pradesh Bypolls: Gorakhpur voter turnout reaches 43%, Phulpur 38% by 5 pm Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a polling percentage of around 43 per cent while Phulpur saw a turnout of around 38 per cent till 5 pm today, Election Commission sources said. China's parliament abolishes presidential term limit, Xi Jinping could stay in power for life China's Xi Jinping on Sunday secured a path to rule indefinitely as parliament abolished presidential term limits, handing him almost total authority to pursue a vision of transforming the nation into an economic and military superpower.

WION Evening News brief, March 11, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-quote-from-hindi-film-song-supreme-court-allows-passive-euthanasia-35235" target="_blank">With </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-quote-from-hindi-film-song-supreme-court-allows-passive-euthanasia-35235" target="_blank">quote</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-quote-from-hindi-film-song-supreme-court-allows-passive-euthanasia-35235" target="_blank"> from Hindi film song, Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia</a>

The Indian Supreme Court on Friday&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-approves-passive-euthanasia-35189" target="_blank">recognised the right to passive euthanasia</a>for the terminally ill.&nbsp; The decision was taken by a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-passes-bill-giving-death-penalty-to-rapists-of-girls-below-12-years-35231" target="_blank">Rajasthan passes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-passes-bill-giving-death-penalty-to-rapists-of-girls-below-12-years-35231" target="_blank">bill</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-passes-bill-giving-death-penalty-to-rapists-of-girls-below-12-years-35231" target="_blank"> providing for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-passes-bill-giving-death-penalty-to-rapists-of-girls-below-12-years-35231" target="_blank">death</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-passes-bill-giving-death-penalty-to-rapists-of-girls-below-12-years-35231" target="_blank"> penalty to rapists of girls under 12</a>

Rajasthan home minister GC Kataria said the government had made two amendments in the case -- adding life sentence and life imprisonment for convicts in offences against girls below 12 years of age and making a provision that a convict can&#39;t leave prison for life even after completing 14 years in jail.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parag-agrawal-iit-alumnus-is-twitters-new-cto-35224" target="_blank">Parag Agrawal, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parag-agrawal-iit-alumnus-is-twitters-new-cto-35224" target="_blank">IIT</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parag-agrawal-iit-alumnus-is-twitters-new-cto-35224" target="_blank"> alumnus, is Twitter&#39;s new CTO</a>

Microblogging platform Twitter has appointed &nbsp;IIT-Bombay alumnus Parag Agrawal as its chief technology officer (CTO), an update on the company&#39;s website said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-surprised-at-north-koreas-offer-of-talks-rex-tillerson-35238" target="_blank">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-surprised-at-north-koreas-offer-of-talks-rex-tillerson-35238" target="_blank">&nbsp;surprised at North Korea&#39;s offer of talks: Rex Tillerson</a>

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday said Washington had been surprised by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un&#39;s willingness to hold direct talks with the US on the nuclear standoff in the Korean peninsula.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-govt-making-efforts-to-mainstream-hafiz-saeed-and-his-system-mea-raveesh-kumar-35239" target="_blank">Pak govt making efforts to mainstream Hafiz Saeed and his system: India&#39;s MEA</a>

The Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar has said that Pakistan is trying to make efforts to mainstream Hafiz Saeed and his system as a political party.

With quote from Hindi film song, Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia The Indian Supreme Court on Friday recognised the right to passive euthanasiafor the terminally ill. The decision was taken by a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. Rajasthan passes bill providing for death penalty to rapists of girls under 12 Rajasthan home minister GC Kataria said the government had made two amendments in the case -- adding life sentence and life imprisonment for convicts in offences against girls below 12 years of age and making a provision that a convict can't leave prison for life even after completing 14 years in jail. Parag Agrawal, IIT alumnus, is Twitter's new CTO Microblogging platform Twitter has appointed IIT-Bombay alumnus Parag Agrawal as its chief technology officer (CTO), an update on the company's website said. US surprised at North Korea's offer of talks: Rex Tillerson Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday said Washington had been surprised by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's willingness to hold direct talks with the US on the nuclear standoff in the Korean peninsula. Pak govt making efforts to mainstream Hafiz Saeed and his system: India's MEA The Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar has said that Pakistan is trying to make efforts to mainstream Hafiz Saeed and his system as a political party.

WION Evening News brief, March 9, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-speaks-to-andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-after-he-orders-two-tdp-ministers-to-quit-modis-cabinet-35109" target="_blank">Modi speaks to Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu, 2 TDP ministers quit Union Cabinet</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Thursday evening.&nbsp;The two TDP ministers in Modi&#39;s cabinet &mdash; Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary &mdash; later met with the prime minister and tendered their resignations to him.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-government-approves-state-flag-to-seek-approval-from-centre-35106" target="_blank">Karnataka unveils state flag, to seek approval from Centre</a>

The Karnataka&#39;s Siddaramaiah government unveiled an official state flag on Thursday.&nbsp;The flag or Naada Dwaja with red, white and yellow colours have state emblem &ldquo;Ganda Bherunda&rdquo;, a two-headed mythical bird in the middle.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank">Kerala &#39;love jihad&#39; case: Supreme Court restores Hadiya&#39;s marriage, strikes down </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank">high</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank"> court order</a>

In a relief to Kerala-based Hadiya, an alleged victim of love jihad, the Supreme Court today set aside the high court order annulling her marriage to a Muslim man. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, however, said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may continue its investigation in the matter.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">Mehul Choksi refuses to appear in front of CBI on health grounds, asks how he is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">security</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank"> threat to India</a>

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds. In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/curfew-in-sri-lankan-tourist-town-of-kandy-to-be-temporarily-lifted-35060" target="_blank">Curfew in Sri Lankan tourist town of Kandy to be temporarily lifted</a>

A curfew in the Sri Lankan town of Kandy will be temporarily lifted on Thursday, authorities said, following days of violence against members of the minority Muslim community by Buddhists.

&nbsp;

Modi speaks to Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu, 2 TDP ministers quit Union Cabinet Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Thursday evening. The two TDP ministers in Modi's cabinet — Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary — later met with the prime minister and tendered their resignations to him. Karnataka unveils state flag, to seek approval from Centre The Karnataka's Siddaramaiah government unveiled an official state flag on Thursday. The flag or Naada Dwaja with red, white and yellow colours have state emblem “Ganda Bherunda”, a two-headed mythical bird in the middle. Kerala 'love jihad' case: Supreme Court restores Hadiya's marriage, strikes down high court order In a relief to Kerala-based Hadiya, an alleged victim of love jihad, the Supreme Court today set aside the high court order annulling her marriage to a Muslim man. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, however, said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may continue its investigation in the matter. Mehul Choksi refuses to appear in front of CBI on health grounds, asks how he is security threat to India Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds. In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem. Curfew in Sri Lankan tourist town of Kandy to be temporarily lifted A curfew in the Sri Lankan town of Kandy will be temporarily lifted on Thursday, authorities said, following days of violence against members of the minority Muslim community by Buddhists.

WION Evening News Brief, March 8, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-karti-chidambarams-cbi-custody-extended-by-3-days-34895" target="_blank">INX Media case: CBI custody of Karti Chidambaram extended by 3 days</a>

A special CBI Court on Tuesday extended the agency&#39;s custody of Karti Chidambaram by three more days in the infamous INX Media case, after his previous five-day custody expired today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-need-for-nuclear-weapons-if-we-have-security-guarantee-north-korea-34896" target="_blank">No need for nuclear weapons if we have security guarantee: North Korea</a>

North Korea is open to denuclearisation if the safety of Kim Jong Un&rsquo;s regime is guaranteed, a South Korean official said Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868" target="_blank">Sri Lanka declares </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868" target="_blank">emergency</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868" target="_blank"> to quell Buddhist-Muslim riots, curfew imposed in Kandy</a>

Sri Lanka declared a nationwide state of emergency for 10 days on Tuesday to stop the spread of communal violence, a government spokesman said, after clashes erupted between majority Buddhists and members of the minority Muslim community.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neiphiu-rio-appointed-nagaland-chief-minister-by-governor-pb-acharya-34900" target="_blank">Neiphiu Rio appointed </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neiphiu-rio-appointed-nagaland-chief-minister-by-governor-pb-acharya-34900" target="_blank">c</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neiphiu-rio-appointed-nagaland-chief-minister-by-governor-pb-acharya-34900" target="_blank">hief</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neiphiu-rio-appointed-nagaland-chief-minister-by-governor-pb-acharya-34900" target="_blank"> minister of Nagaland</a>

Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has appointed Neiphiu Rio as chief minister under clause (1) of Article 164 of the Constitution.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-icicis-chanda-kochhar-axis-banks-shikha-sharma-summoned-by-sfio-34893" target="_blank">PNB scam: ICICI&#39;s Chanda Kochhar, Axis Bank&#39;s Shikha Sharma summoned by Serious Fraud Investigation Office</a>

ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar and Axis Bank chief Shikha Sharma have been summoned by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) in connection with the over Rs 13,000-crore PNB scam.&nbsp;

INX Media case: CBI custody of Karti Chidambaram extended by 3 days A special CBI Court on Tuesday extended the agency's custody of Karti Chidambaram by three more days in the infamous INX Media case, after his previous five-day custody expired today. No need for nuclear weapons if we have security guarantee: North Korea North Korea is open to denuclearisation if the safety of Kim Jong Un’s regime is guaranteed, a South Korean official said Tuesday. Sri Lanka declares emergency to quell Buddhist-Muslim riots, curfew imposed in Kandy Sri Lanka declared a nationwide state of emergency for 10 days on Tuesday to stop the spread of communal violence, a government spokesman said, after clashes erupted between majority Buddhists and members of the minority Muslim community. Neiphiu Rio appointed chief minister of Nagaland Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has appointed Neiphiu Rio as chief minister under clause (1) of Article 164 of the Constitution. PNB scam: ICICI's Chanda Kochhar, Axis Bank's Shikha Sharma summoned by Serious Fraud Investigation Office ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar and Axis Bank chief Shikha Sharma have been summoned by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) in connection with the over Rs 13,000-crore PNB scam.

WION Evening News Brief, March 6, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-money-laundering-case-kartichidambaram-sent-to-5-day-police-custody-34436" target="_blank">INX media money laundering case: Karti Chidambaram sent to 5-</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-money-laundering-case-kartichidambaram-sent-to-5-day-police-custody-34436" target="_blank">day</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-money-laundering-case-kartichidambaram-sent-to-5-day-police-custody-34436" target="_blank"> police custody</a>

Delhi Patiala Court today sent<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-cbi-seeks-karti-chidambarams-judicial-custody-for-14-days-34428">&nbsp;Karti&nbsp;Chidambaram to 5-</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-cbi-seeks-karti-chidambarams-judicial-custody-for-14-days-34428">day</a>&nbsp;police custody&nbsp;in connection with the INX Media money laundering case.&nbsp; The CBI had&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-money-laundering-case-how-abhishek-manu-singhvi-defended-karti-chidambaram-in-court-34369">requested the court for 14-day</a>&nbsp;custody for&nbsp;Karti. He will now be produced in court on March 6th.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-watch-arjun-kapoor-talks-about-sharing-cordial-relationship-with-stepmom-sridevi-in-this-old-interview-34438" target="_blank">Watch: Arjun Kapoor talks about sharing &#39;cordial relationship&#39; with stepmom Sridevi in this old interview</a>

India&#39;s veteran actress and Bollywood&#39;s first female superstar, Sridevi died of &#39;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-forensic-results-out-sridevi-died-of-accidental-drowning-report-34121" target="_blank">accidental drowning</a>&#39;&nbsp;in Dubai hotel&#39;s bathtub on February 24 leaving a void in the entertainment industry. She was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-sridevis-funeral-live-updates-final-journey-34329" target="_blank">laid to rest</a>&nbsp;on February 28 at Vile Parle Crematorium amid thousands of fans who thronged the crematorium to catch a glimpse of the star

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dissatisfied-and-firmly-oppose-us-senate-bill-on-promoting-relations-with-taiwan-china-34417" target="_blank">Dissatisfied and firmly oppose US Senate bill on promoting relations with Taiwan: China</a>

China lodged an official protest with the United States on Thursday, saying it was &quot;strongly dissatisfied&quot; after the US Senate passed a bill promoting relations with self-governing Taiwan.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-to-be-placed-on-fatf-terror-financing-watchlist-confirms-foreign-ministry-34416" target="_blank">Pakistan to be placed on FATF terror financing </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-to-be-placed-on-fatf-terror-financing-watchlist-confirms-foreign-ministry-34416" target="_blank">watchlist,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-to-be-placed-on-fatf-terror-financing-watchlist-confirms-foreign-ministry-34416" target="_blank"> confirms foreign ministry</a>

After weeks of speculation,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-move-to-embarrass-us-on-fatf-says-paks-paris-negotiator-34120">the Pakistan foreign office spokesman&nbsp;</a>said today the country will be placed in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June. The Dawn newspaper quoted&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/some-countries-proposed-to-put-pakistan-in-fatf-grey-list-india-33126">foreign ministry official&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/some-countries-proposed-to-put-pakistan-in-fatf-grey-list-india-33126">Dr</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/some-countries-proposed-to-put-pakistan-in-fatf-grey-list-india-33126">&nbsp;Muhammad</a>&nbsp;Faisal saying: &quot;Pakistan will be assigned to the &quot;grey list&quot; in June, once an action plan has been mutually negotiated.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-files-disproportionate-assets-case-against-ex-cmd-of-united-bank-of-india-archana-bhargava-34434" target="_blank">CBI files disproportionate assets case against ex-CMD of United Bank of India Archana Bhargava</a>

The Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) today registered disproportionate assets case against former CMD of United Bank of India (UBI) Archana Bhargava

INX media money laundering case: Karti Chidambaram sent to 5-day police custody Delhi Patiala Court today sent Karti Chidambaram to 5-day police custody in connection with the INX Media money laundering case. The CBI had requested the court for 14-day custody for Karti. He will now be produced in court on March 6th. Watch: Arjun Kapoor talks about sharing 'cordial relationship' with stepmom Sridevi in this old interview India's veteran actress and Bollywood's first female superstar, Sridevi died of 'accidental drowning' in Dubai hotel's bathtub on February 24 leaving a void in the entertainment industry. She was laid to rest on February 28 at Vile Parle Crematorium amid thousands of fans who thronged the crematorium to catch a glimpse of the star Dissatisfied and firmly oppose US Senate bill on promoting relations with Taiwan: China China lodged an official protest with the United States on Thursday, saying it was "strongly dissatisfied" after the US Senate passed a bill promoting relations with self-governing Taiwan. Pakistan to be placed on FATF terror financing watchlist, confirms foreign ministry After weeks of speculation, the Pakistan foreign office spokesman said today the country will be placed in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June. The Dawn newspaper quoted foreign ministry official Dr Muhammad Faisal saying: "Pakistan will be assigned to the "grey list" in June, once an action plan has been mutually negotiated." CBI files disproportionate assets case against ex-CMD of United Bank of India Archana Bhargava The Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) today registered disproportionate assets case against former CMD of United Bank of India (UBI) Archana Bhargava

WION Evening News brief, March 1, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/canadian-mp-randeep-sarai-takes-responsibility-for-inviting-khalistani-terrorist-jaspal-atwal-33716" target="_blank">Canadian MP Randeep Sarai takes responsibility for inviting Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal to India</a>

As the controversy over invitation to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistani-terrorist-should-never-have-been-invited-to-our-event-canada-33696">Punjab&nbsp;pro-Khalistani terrorist&nbsp;Jaspal&nbsp;</a>Atwal continued, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) said it was seeking information on how a visa was granted to Atwal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-never-said-give-guns-to-teachers-says-trump-33729" target="_blank">&#39;I never said give guns to teachers,&#39; says Trump</a>

President Trump today denied that he said teachers should be given guns to protect students from shooters. &quot;I never said give teachers guns,&quot; the president tweeted.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-saudi-arabia-turkey-blocked-us-move-to-place-pak-on-terror-financing-watch-list-report-33707" target="_blank">China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey blocked </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-saudi-arabia-turkey-blocked-us-move-to-place-pak-on-terror-financing-watch-list-report-33707" target="_blank">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-saudi-arabia-turkey-blocked-us-move-to-place-pak-on-terror-financing-watch-list-report-33707" target="_blank"> move to place Pak on terror-financing watch list: Report</a>

A report in the Wall Street Journal(WSJ) said three countries -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-moves-motion-to-place-pakistan-on-a-global-terrorist-financing-watchlist-at-fatf-32787">China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey</a>&nbsp;blocked the US efforts to place Pakistan on the &nbsp;Financial Action Task Force(FATF) watchlist.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-on-modernisation-path-under-general-bajwa-33721" target="_blank">Pak army on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-on-modernisation-path-under-general-bajwa-33721" target="_blank">modernisation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-on-modernisation-path-under-general-bajwa-33721" target="_blank"> path under General Bajwa</a>

Pakistan Army has formulated a training policy for next three years starting from July 1st, 2017. The latest move is being seen as Pakistan&#39;s attempt to create a territorial army.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-secretary-assault-case-aap-mlas-sent-to-judicial-custody-for-14-days-33728" target="_blank">Delhi Chief Secretary assault </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-secretary-assault-case-aap-mlas-sent-to-judicial-custody-for-14-days-33728" target="_blank">case :</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-secretary-assault-case-aap-mlas-sent-to-judicial-custody-for-14-days-33728" target="_blank"> AAP MLAs sent to judicial custody for 14 days</a>

Canadian MP Randeep Sarai takes responsibility for inviting Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal to India As the controversy over invitation to Punjab pro-Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal continued, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) said it was seeking information on how a visa was granted to Atwal. 'I never said give guns to teachers,' says Trump President Trump today denied that he said teachers should be given guns to protect students from shooters. "I never said give teachers guns," the president tweeted. China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey blocked US move to place Pak on terror-financing watch list: Report A report in the Wall Street Journal(WSJ) said three countries - China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey blocked the US efforts to place Pakistan on the Financial Action Task Force(FATF) watchlist. Pak army on modernisation path under General Bajwa Pakistan Army has formulated a training policy for next three years starting from July 1st, 2017. The latest move is being seen as Pakistan's attempt to create a territorial army. Delhi Chief Secretary assault case : AAP MLAs sent to judicial custody for 14 days

WION Evening news brief, February 22, 2018

WION interviewed Kiren Rijiju in Nagaland on the eve of elections in the Northeast. He spoke on the issues ranging from Naga Accord to separate time zone for the Northeast. Kiren Rijiju, in an exclusive interview, said that talks with the Naga leaders are in the last stage and could be announced soon. However, he did not give a timeline.

Q: How important is the Northeast for BJP?

A: Any election is important but NE is important because PM has set the agenda of Act East policy which can only be implemented by an honest government. Many governments in this region in past indulged in corruption. This time BJP has gone full steam to rest the power from the Congress. We are not giving a token fight. We have made an arrangement with the newly formed NDDP. We have a seat-sharing arrangement with them. I&rsquo;m overseeing the entire election and response has been tremendous.

Q: Earlier there was an impression that BJP was primarily focused on Tripura?

A: Tripura came into focus by the national media because it has been ruled by the Left party for decades and BJP unexpectedly took CPM head on. When BJP picked up, it became a big news. In Nagaland, the talks are also going on and it is a 70-year-old political problem. We need to tell the people that we are committed to solving the Naga problem. As a minister from NE, I&rsquo;m right now concentrating on Nagaland.

Q: In NE BJP did not show a leap of faith which it showed in Maharashtra and Haryana

A: In the context of Nagaland, we could have gone alone but we took sensitivities into account. We wanted a regional party to be part of &lsquo;us&rsquo; to implement the Naga Accord as and when it is signed which we are expecting soon. If we had gone alone, it would have given the impression that we are only interested in wresting away power. In Meghalaya, we are going alone. We only have an understanding.

Q: When do you intend to announce the Naga Accord? The term of the government would expire next year?

A: It is not a question of tenure. It is a question of commitment. PM from the day one has said that he wants to solve the issue. The talks are progressing smoothly and nearing the agreement which we are looking forward too. I feel that it should not take too much time. Some critical issues remain and they need to be settled and once they get resolved, we can implement it.

Q: There is lot anxiety about the details of the draft agreement or what would the accord look like

A: It was not an agreement. It was a framework agreement on which the talk would progress. It was a confidence-building measure. It is on that basis the talks have progressed. Some political parties like Congress tried to give a spin but did not work.

Q: Are you saying that by this year it could be announced?

A: If you give a timeline, the problem starts. It is not the question of how soon. It is a question of commitment and we are committed to it?

Q: NBCC wrote a letter to various political parties referring to BJP and Hindutva. Your response on it?

A: Nagaland would be governed by the Nagas. It is a Christian state. The CM, elected representatives and ministers are all Christians, so where is the question of imposition? The Constitution would guide us. No one can be discriminated on the basis of identity. Everyone is an Indian. Bringing religion into politics is not at all appreciated. If you target BJP, then someone benefits. I have said that we are a&nbsp;secular party functioning under a constitution which is secular in nature and there is no question of imposing faith on other people. Nagaland would be ruled by Naga people and there would not be any bearing on adverse impact on faith.

Q: Are you saying that church has become a political player in Nagaland?

A: We do not blame the church as not all the churches are of the same opinion. Maybe one or two people have raked up the issue to benefit a political party but we have effectively communicated to people that politics is about governance and has nothing to do with faith which is about an individual choice. No one should interfere with people&rsquo;s faith.

Q: Lot of people would say that BJP becomes another person when in the Northeast unlike what it is in the mainland

A: Obviously, India is a large country and every community has its own say in its domain area. If someone from J&amp;K goes to Tamil Nadu to say that their customs should be followed, the people will not listen. People in Nagaland have different food habits and lifestyle and they are entitled to it.

Q: Is Congress still a force in the Northeast?

A; Congress is paying a price for its misrule. They have been in Meghalaya for a long time. In Nagaland, Congress was strong but today they are not at all in the fight.

Q: Is your Mission the Northeast in line?

A: Yes, it is. One day we will be there in all the states.

Q: Elections in the Northeast are about everything but development why? It takes 3 hours to reach Kohima from Dimapur which is only 70 km away

A: Yes, I know. It is pathetic. Development has never been the agenda in an election and it was always about identity, regionalism and emotions. We are bringing back the agenda of good governance.

Q: Should Northeast have a separate time zone? What are you doing on this front?

A: This is an issue which has been raised many times. There is a concern that 1.5-hour difference leads to daytime loss. I handle a ministry which looks into this issue, so I would not like to comment on it but as a member from NE, I would say that if all the CMs from NE come forward with a coherent plan then we can think about it. But it needs to be discussed. It will have to be managed. Bhutan is half&nbsp;an hour ahead of the Indian time and Arunachal Pradesh is on the east of Bhutan still goes with the Lucknow time.

Q: Has PNB bank scam affected BJP&rsquo;s election campaign?

A: These are the scams which have genesis in Congress&#39;&nbsp;regime. If something stumbles out from our tenure then we would be responsible. It is having a positive impact on us as it did not happen during our tenure.

 
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oz-7mNzYuMI" width="560"></iframe> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Kiren Rijiju spoke to WION on issues ranging from the Naga Accord to separate time zone for Northeast

WION interviewed Kiren Rijiju in Nagaland on the eve of elections in the Northeast. He spoke on the issues ranging from Naga Accord to separate time zone for the Northeast. Kiren Rijiju, in an exclusive interview, said that talks with the Naga leaders are in the last stage and could be announced soon. However, he did not give a timeline. Q: How important is the Northeast for BJP? A: Any election is important but NE is important because PM has set the agenda of Act East policy which can only be implemented by an honest government. Many governments in this region in past indulged in corruption. This time BJP has gone full steam to rest the power from the Congress. We are not giving a token fight. We have made an arrangement with the newly formed NDDP. We have a seat-sharing arrangement with them. I’m overseeing the entire election and response has been tremendous. Q: Earlier there was an impression that BJP was primarily focused on Tripura? A: Tripura came into focus by the national media because it has been ruled by the Left party for decades and BJP unexpectedly took CPM head on. When BJP picked up, it became a big news. In Nagaland, the talks are also going on and it is a 70-year-old political problem. We need to tell the people that we are committed to solving the Naga problem. As a minister from NE, I’m right now concentrating on Nagaland. Q: In NE BJP did not show a leap of faith which it showed in Maharashtra and Haryana A: In the context of Nagaland, we could have gone alone but we took sensitivities into account. We wanted a regional party to be part of ‘us’ to implement the Naga Accord as and when it is signed which we are expecting soon. If we had gone alone, it would have given the impression that we are only interested in wresting away power. In Meghalaya, we are going alone. We only have an understanding. Q: When do you intend to announce the Naga Accord? The term of the government would expire next year? A: It is not a question of tenure. It is a question of commitment. PM from the day one has said that he wants to solve the issue. The talks are progressing smoothly and nearing the agreement which we are looking forward too. I feel that it should not take too much time. Some critical issues remain and they need to be settled and once they get resolved, we can implement it. Q: There is lot anxiety about the details of the draft agreement or what would the accord look like A: It was not an agreement. It was a framework agreement on which the talk would progress. It was a confidence-building measure. It is on that basis the talks have progressed. Some political parties like Congress tried to give a spin but did not work. Q: Are you saying that by this year it could be announced? A: If you give a timeline, the problem starts. It is not the question of how soon. It is a question of commitment and we are committed to it? Q: NBCC wrote a letter to various political parties referring to BJP and Hindutva. Your response on it? A: Nagaland would be governed by the Nagas. It is a Christian state. The CM, elected representatives and ministers are all Christians, so where is the question of imposition? The Constitution would guide us. No one can be discriminated on the basis of identity. Everyone is an Indian. Bringing religion into politics is not at all appreciated. If you target BJP, then someone benefits. I have said that we are a secular party functioning under a constitution which is secular in nature and there is no question of imposing faith on other people. Nagaland would be ruled by Naga people and there would not be any bearing on adverse impact on faith. Q: Are you saying that church has become a political player in Nagaland? A: We do not blame the church as not all the churches are of the same opinion. Maybe one or two people have raked up the issue to benefit a political party but we have effectively communicated to people that politics is about governance and has nothing to do with faith which is about an individual choice. No one should interfere with people’s faith. Q: Lot of people would say that BJP becomes another person when in the Northeast unlike what it is in the mainland A: Obviously, India is a large country and every community has its own say in its domain area. If someone from J&K goes to Tamil Nadu to say that their customs should be followed, the people will not listen. People in Nagaland have different food habits and lifestyle and they are entitled to it. Q: Is Congress still a force in the Northeast? A; Congress is paying a price for its misrule. They have been in Meghalaya for a long time. In Nagaland, Congress was strong but today they are not at all in the fight. Q: Is your Mission the Northeast in line? A: Yes, it is. One day we will be there in all the states. Q: Elections in the Northeast are about everything but development why? It takes 3 hours to reach Kohima from Dimapur which is only 70 km away A: Yes, I know. It is pathetic. Development has never been the agenda in an election and it was always about identity, regionalism and emotions. We are bringing back the agenda of good governance. Q: Should Northeast have a separate time zone? What are you doing on this front? A: This is an issue which has been raised many times. There is a concern that 1.5-hour difference leads to daytime loss. I handle a ministry which looks into this issue, so I would not like to comment on it but as a member from NE, I would say that if all the CMs from NE come forward with a coherent plan then we can think about it. But it needs to be discussed. It will have to be managed. Bhutan is half an hour ahead of the Indian time and Arunachal Pradesh is on the east of Bhutan still goes with the Lucknow time. Q: Has PNB bank scam affected BJP’s election campaign? A: These are the scams which have genesis in Congress' regime. If something stumbles out from our tenure then we would be responsible. It is having a positive impact on us as it did not happen during our tenure.

Regional support crucial to implement Naga Accord: BJP leader Kiren Rijiju to WION

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-this-is-how-nirav-modi-planned-his-safe-exit-from-india-33071" target="_blank">This is how Nirav Modi planned his safe exit from India</a>

A lookout notice was issued by the CBI against jeweller Nirav Modi and his associates last month in the&nbsp; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-how-punjab-national-bank-fell-victim-to-countrys-biggest-bank-fraud-33009" target="_blank">PNB banking fraud&nbsp;</a>case but by then they had escaped from India.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-allahabad-bank-director-says-he-resigned-as-he-was-pressurised-to-give-loan-to-gitanjali-gems-33085" target="_blank">Resigned as I was </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-allahabad-bank-director-says-he-resigned-as-he-was-pressurised-to-give-loan-to-gitanjali-gems-33085" target="_blank">pressurised</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-allahabad-bank-director-says-he-resigned-as-he-was-pressurised-to-give-loan-to-gitanjali-gems-33085" target="_blank"> to give loan to Gitanjali Gems: Former Allahabad Bank director</a>

Even as the skeletons tumble out of closet in the Rs 11300 crore PNB scam, former Allahabad Bank director revealed that he resigned from his post after he was pressurised to give a loan to Gitanjali Gems.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/passports-of-nirav-modi-mehul-choksi-suspended-mea-gives-one-week-to-respond-33087" target="_blank">Passports of Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi suspended, MEA gives one week to respond</a>

The external affairs ministry on Friday suspended with immediate effect the passports of diamantaire Nirav Modi and his business partner Mehul Choksi for four weeks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia-33091" target="_blank">Pakistan to deploy troops in Saudi Arabia</a>

In a major policy shift, Pakistan has decided to deploy troops in&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saudi-Arabia" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Saudi Arabia-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saudi-Arabia">Saudi Arabia</a>under bilateral security cooperation with the kingdom which is involved in the ongoing civil war in neighbouring Yemen. 
The&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Pakistan-Army" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Pakistan Army-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Pakistan-Army">Pakistan Army</a>&nbsp;announced the decision after a meeting between Army Chief General&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Qamar-Javed-Bajwa" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Qamar Javed Bajwa-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Qamar-Javed-Bajwa">Qamar Javed Bajwa</a>&nbsp;and Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saeed-Al-Maliki" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Saeed Al-Maliki-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saeed-Al-Maliki">Saeed Al-Maliki</a>, at army headquarters in Rawalpindi yesterday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-heads-to-berlin-to-face-tough-german-line-on-brexit-33083" target="_blank">UK PM Theresa May heads to Berlin to face tough German line on Brexit</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May travels to Berlin on Friday to meet German leader Angela Merkel, hoping to overcome near-deadlock in her attempts to negotiate a Brexit deal with the European Union.

This is how Nirav Modi planned his safe exit from India A lookout notice was issued by the CBI against jeweller Nirav Modi and his associates last month in the PNB banking fraud case but by then they had escaped from India. Resigned as I was pressurised to give loan to Gitanjali Gems: Former Allahabad Bank director Even as the skeletons tumble out of closet in the Rs 11300 crore PNB scam, former Allahabad Bank director revealed that he resigned from his post after he was pressurised to give a loan to Gitanjali Gems. Passports of Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi suspended, MEA gives one week to respond The external affairs ministry on Friday suspended with immediate effect the passports of diamantaire Nirav Modi and his business partner Mehul Choksi for four weeks. Pakistan to deploy troops in Saudi Arabia In a major policy shift, Pakistan has decided to deploy troops in Saudi Arabiaunder bilateral security cooperation with the kingdom which is involved in the ongoing civil war in neighbouring Yemen. The Pakistan Army announced the decision after a meeting between Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki, at army headquarters in Rawalpindi yesterday. UK PM Theresa May heads to Berlin to face tough German line on Brexit British Prime Minister Theresa May travels to Berlin on Friday to meet German leader Angela Merkel, hoping to overcome near-deadlock in her attempts to negotiate a Brexit deal with the European Union.

WION Evening News brief, February 16, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-no-one-shall-be-spared-says-govt-32982">PNB scam: &#39;No one shall be spared,&#39; says govt</a>

The government Thursday promised &quot;swift action soon&quot; in the PNB scam. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad added that &quot;no one shall be spared&quot;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scam-began-in-2011-bank-discovered-it-in-january-2018-pnb-md-32969">Scam began in 2011, bank discovered it in January 2018: PNB MD</a>

Punjab National Bank MD Sunil Mehta said Thursday that the massive Rs 11,400 crore scam his bank finds itself in began in 2011 but that the bank &quot;detected it in the third week of January (2018).&quot;&nbsp;

Mehta added that &quot;we promptly investigated it for 3-4 days, we went to CBI on 29 Jan and FIR was booked on (Jan) 30.&quot;&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-nirav-modi-left-india-on-january-1-say-officials-32966" target="_blank">PNB scam: Nirav Modi left India on January 1, say officials</a>

Billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi had left the country on January 1 much before the CBI received a complaint from Punjab National Bank on January 29 about a Rs 280-crore fraud, officials said.

His brother Nishal, a Belgian citizen, also left the country on January 1, while wife Ami, a US citizen, and business partner Mehul Choksi, the Indian promoter of Gitanjali jewellery chain, departed on January 6, the officials said.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/15-feared-trapped-after-building-collapses-in-bengaluru-32988" target="_blank">One killed as under construction building collapses in Bengaluru</a>

One labourer was killed and many injured when a four-storey under construction building collapsed on Jail Road at Kasavanahalli in Bengaluru on Thursday afternoon, news reports said.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-air-force-pilots-killed-in-aircraft-crash-in-assam-32979" target="_blank">2 AIF pilots killed in aircraft crash in Assam</a>

An Indian Air Force (IAF) microlight aircraft on Thursday crashed near Majuli river island district of Assam, killing two pilots.

PNB scam: 'No one shall be spared,' says govt The government Thursday promised "swift action soon" in the PNB scam. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad added that "no one shall be spared". Scam began in 2011, bank discovered it in January 2018: PNB MD Punjab National Bank MD Sunil Mehta said Thursday that the massive Rs 11,400 crore scam his bank finds itself in began in 2011 but that the bank "detected it in the third week of January (2018)." Mehta added that "we promptly investigated it for 3-4 days, we went to CBI on 29 Jan and FIR was booked on (Jan) 30." PNB scam: Nirav Modi left India on January 1, say officials Billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi had left the country on January 1 much before the CBI received a complaint from Punjab National Bank on January 29 about a Rs 280-crore fraud, officials said. His brother Nishal, a Belgian citizen, also left the country on January 1, while wife Ami, a US citizen, and business partner Mehul Choksi, the Indian promoter of Gitanjali jewellery chain, departed on January 6, the officials said. One killed as under construction building collapses in Bengaluru One labourer was killed and many injured when a four-storey under construction building collapsed on Jail Road at Kasavanahalli in Bengaluru on Thursday afternoon, news reports said. 2 AIF pilots killed in aircraft crash in Assam An Indian Air Force (IAF) microlight aircraft on Thursday crashed near Majuli river island district of Assam, killing two pilots.

WION Evening News Brief, February 15, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/as-india-unveils-budget-all-eyes-on-fiscal-deficit-target-31386">As India unveils budget today, all eyes on fiscal deficit target</a>

Facing discontent over falling farm incomes and a backlash following policy initiatives that have dented growth, Prime Minister Modi will be aiming to woo rural voters and small business owners.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-officer-detained-for-leaking-info-allegedly-to-pakistan-spy-31388">IAF officer detained for leaking information allegedly to Pakistani woman spy</a>

A team of the IAF&#39;s central security and investigation took the officer into custody, and currently, he is being interrogated.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-abolishes-grid-girls-31391">Formula One ends use of &#39;grid girls&#39;</a>

F1 said the practice of having the women milling about in the grid area before races was &#39;clearly at odds with modern-day societal norms&#39;.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-budget-less-transparent-bangladeshs-is-better-notes-anti-corruption-watchdog-31385">Indian budget &#39;incomprehensible&#39; to citizens: Transparency International</a>

The anti-corruption watchdog noted on Wednesday the fact that less transparency would trigger severe economic problems.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/letter-from-trump-prompts-african-leaders-to-refrain-from-criticising-him-31392">&#39;Shithole&#39; countries: Trump writes letter saying he respects Africa</a>

African leaders say they have decided, after the letter, to refrain from issuing a resolution criticising Trump.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As India unveils budget today, all eyes on fiscal deficit target Facing discontent over falling farm incomes and a backlash following policy initiatives that have dented growth, Prime Minister Modi will be aiming to woo rural voters and small business owners. IAF officer detained for leaking information allegedly to Pakistani woman spy A team of the IAF's central security and investigation took the officer into custody, and currently, he is being interrogated. Formula One ends use of 'grid girls' F1 said the practice of having the women milling about in the grid area before races was 'clearly at odds with modern-day societal norms'. Indian budget 'incomprehensible' to citizens: Transparency International The anti-corruption watchdog noted on Wednesday the fact that less transparency would trigger severe economic problems. 'Shithole' countries: Trump writes letter saying he respects Africa African leaders say they have decided, after the letter, to refrain from issuing a resolution criticising Trump.

WION Morning News Brief, January 31, 2018

India&#39;s Aanchal Thakur created history on January 9 by winning a medal at the Alpine Ejder 3200 Cup in Turkey organised by the Federation Internationale de Ski.

Aanchal who belongs to a small village in Himachal Pradesh&#39;s Manali won a bronze medal in the prestigious event.

The event was organised at Palandoken Ski Centre in Erzurum in Turkey, from January 6 to January 9.

Learning skiing from her father and later getting expert guidance and training from Olympian Heera Lala, the 21-year-old Aanchal finally had her day in the sun winning the medal in the slalom category.

Slalom race category involves skiing between poles and gates spaced more closely than giants slalom or super giant slalom.

In an interview with WION digital, Aanchal spoke about her success and added responsibilities. Here is the transcript of the interview:&nbsp;

WION: Congratulations on your phenomenal success. How do you feel about your achievement? What was your immediate reaction after you won the medal?

Aanchal Thakur: My immediate reaction was shocking and then it was surprising (laughs). I wasn&#39;t able to believe that this has happened. It was an incredible feeling.&nbsp;

WION: PM Modi congratulated you on Twitter, how do you feel about it?

Aanchal Thakur: When I woke up that morning I saw the first tweet from PM Modi, it was unbelievable. I was not able to believe that what I was seeing and there were tears in my eyes.

WION: Your father taught paragliding to PM Narendra Modi. Tell us something about that. What did your father tell you about his experience with Mr Modi?

Aanchal Thakur: A few years ago, they did paragliding together. My father got so many wishes from him and now I am getting those. So, it&#39;s a great feeling.

WION: How tough is it to succeed in skiing in a country like India where you have little or no infrastructure available?

Aanchal Thakur: It is very challenging because we don&#39;t have enough financial support from the government. But now I think we will get some support from the government. If we talk about cricket, then cricket also suffered for so many years. We had to struggle too but now we are getting success and recognition. I am happy now.

WION: How does it feel to be a star sportsperson?

Aanchal Thakur: Actually, I wasn&#39;t able to believe (that I made it so big). But now that I am giving so many interviews, I&#39;ll have to believe that I and giving happiness to my nation.

WION: With stardom comes a lot of responsibilities. What do you have to say about that?

Aanchal Thakur: Yes, of course, it brings a lot more responsibilities. Now I will have to do my best in 2022 Olympics.

In an interview with WION digital, Aanchal spoke about her success and added responsibilities

India's Aanchal Thakur created history on January 9 by winning a medal at the Alpine Ejder 3200 Cup in Turkey organised by the Federation Internationale de Ski. Aanchal who belongs to a small village in Himachal Pradesh's Manali won a bronze medal in the prestigious event. The event was organised at Palandoken Ski Centre in Erzurum in Turkey, from January 6 to January 9. Learning skiing from her father and later getting expert guidance and training from Olympian Heera Lala, the 21-year-old Aanchal finally had her day in the sun winning the medal in the slalom category. Slalom race category involves skiing between poles and gates spaced more closely than giants slalom or super giant slalom. In an interview with WION digital, Aanchal spoke about her success and added responsibilities. Here is the transcript of the interview: WION: Congratulations on your phenomenal success. How do you feel about your achievement? What was your immediate reaction after you won the medal? Aanchal Thakur: My immediate reaction was shocking and then it was surprising (laughs). I wasn't able to believe that this has happened. It was an incredible feeling. WION: PM Modi congratulated you on Twitter, how do you feel about it? Aanchal Thakur: When I woke up that morning I saw the first tweet from PM Modi, it was unbelievable. I was not able to believe that what I was seeing and there were tears in my eyes. WION: Your father taught paragliding to PM Narendra Modi. Tell us something about that. What did your father tell you about his experience with Mr Modi? Aanchal Thakur: A few years ago, they did paragliding together. My father got so many wishes from him and now I am getting those. So, it's a great feeling. WION: How tough is it to succeed in skiing in a country like India where you have little or no infrastructure available? Aanchal Thakur: It is very challenging because we don't have enough financial support from the government. But now I think we will get some support from the government. If we talk about cricket, then cricket also suffered for so many years. We had to struggle too but now we are getting success and recognition. I am happy now. WION: How does it feel to be a star sportsperson? Aanchal Thakur: Actually, I wasn't able to believe (that I made it so big). But now that I am giving so many interviews, I'll have to believe that I and giving happiness to my nation. WION: With stardom comes a lot of responsibilities. What do you have to say about that? Aanchal Thakur: Yes, of course, it brings a lot more responsibilities. Now I will have to do my best in 2022 Olympics.

Still can't believe I'm a star: Ski sensation Aanchal Thakur to WION

&nbsp;I have been watching the news on WION, that their journalist Taha Siddiqui was attacked while travelling to the airport, by a group of 10-12 armed men, speaking in clipped English. Is there something newsy in this?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Being an avid Pak watcher, to my mind, none at all.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Let us see how &amp; why the Pakistan establishment is so malevolent to the media and more so to Indians.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Pakistan was born in a hail of gunfire and extreme hatred. This set the trend for its animus relations with India, which have only deteriorated with each passing year. Four watersheds in the tumultuous Indo-Pak relationships have been the 1947 invasion of Kashmir, the 1965 conflict, the 1971 war and the Kargil fiasco. In each encounter with India, Pak has come out the worst, increasing its bitterness towards India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As far as the Pakistan media is concerned, it perhaps is the only organisation that is revealing the true state of affairs in the country, and putting their military on the mat.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;I vividly recall an incident at Bogra (East Pakistan) on 17 December 1971, where I witnessed the surrender of Pak troops; the Pakistani Colonel was in tears at the humiliation suffered by his military. Rather than introspect and see that this defeat was of their own making, they blamed India for splitting their country. &ldquo;Be prepared&rdquo;, the Colonel warned, &ldquo;we will avenge this humiliation. India will pay the penalty for this treachery in the years ahead&rdquo;. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Another incident which is etched in my memory happened in 1993 during my tenure as Defence Attache with our Embassy in Riyadh.&nbsp; At a social function where many Pakistani military officers were present, I casually remarked, &ldquo;there is no difference between our cultures &ndash; we have the same dresses, the same eating habits, and acquired the same training prior to independence&rdquo;. The vitriolic and vehement rejoinder by a Brigadier was, &ldquo;there is nothing common &ndash; we come from a different and militarily superior race, we profess an entirely different religious group, and culturally we are as different as tea &amp; milk.&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Who attacked Taha? It could be any of the numerous agencies that work for the Pak establishment, but most likely the FSB (Filed Security Bureau) &ndash; this latter agency is notorious for intimidating foreigners, and certainly the Indians. Even visitors with a valid visa are regularly tailed and sometimes picked up, and jailed. Journalists, both local &amp; foreign, are fair game, and one may recall at least four instances in 2017 alone, where Human Right activists and journalists have vanished.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Then there was the case of the senior GEO TV journalist who was waylaid, and narrowly escaped being killed. Actually, the Pak State and the Military-ISI combine have given some sort of unspoken license to any agency be it the FSB, FIU (Field Intelligence Unit), the Police, and even average citizens to taunt and humiliate Indians, since the state is powerless to confront the Indian state. This is the coward&rsquo;s way of taking revenge. These &lsquo;deep state&rsquo; elements are now all powerful.

&nbsp;

First, there was the famous case of the American-Israeli journalist, Daniel Pearl, who was abducted in Karachi and later beheaded. Then in Lahore in January 2011, Raymond Allen Davis, a former United States Army soldier, and contractor with the Central Intelligence Agency was confronted by unidentified armed men in a busy market area. Davis fired, killing his assailants but was caught and jailed despite his professed diplomatic immunity. Davis was charged by Pakistani authorities with double murder and the illegal possession of a firearm. Because of American influence, Davis, managed to escape punishment for killing the two certainly Pak Government agents. Judges acquitted him on all charges and Davis immediately departed Pakistan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Several years earlier an Indian diplomat, Rajesh Mittal, was roughed up by unidentified people, leading to a deadlock in Indo-Pak relationships. Then there was a case of an Indian diplomat and his wife being subjected to a high-speed car chase by Pakistani &lsquo;deep state&rsquo; goons &ndash; a chase during which the diplomat&#39;s car was struck, repeatedly, from by behind. This blatant disregard of international provisions and norms of decent behavior, by euphemistically called &lsquo;unidentified men&rdquo;, is nothing but action by Pak government agents, supported and abetted by the ISI&rsquo;s &lsquo;deep state&rsquo; system.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;All this is happening despite the threat of &lsquo;quid pro quo&rsquo; retaliation that the Indian state could resort to. The only persons with whom these &lsquo;deep state&rsquo; actors do not mess with are the Defence officers posted in the Indian Embassy in Islamabad &ndash; even the ISI realises that this &lsquo;red line&rsquo; must never be crossed, lest their officials in the Pak High Commission New Delhi, are paid back in the same coin.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

We have to wait and see how sternly the Indian government views Taha Siddiqui&rsquo;s case &ndash; yet another protest lodged with the Pak Foreign Office will be meaningless, as have been hundreds of others. The Indian government too needs to step in &ndash; coming as it does on the heels of the humiliating treatment meted out to Kulbushan Yadav&rsquo;s family.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Taha Siddiqui episode clearly demonstrates the impunity with which these agencies are operating. Our soft approach will only embolden them further. An attack on India&rsquo;s Fifth Estate is a virtual attack on the state itself.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Filed Security Bureau and Field Intelligence Unit of Pakistan could possibly be responsible for the assault on Taha Siddiqui.

I have been watching the news on WION, that their journalist Taha Siddiqui was attacked while travelling to the airport, by a group of 10-12 armed men, speaking in clipped English. Is there something newsy in this? Being an avid Pak watcher, to my mind, none at all. Let us see how & why the Pakistan establishment is so malevolent to the media and more so to Indians. Pakistan was born in a hail of gunfire and extreme hatred. This set the trend for its animus relations with India, which have only deteriorated with each passing year. Four watersheds in the tumultuous Indo-Pak relationships have been the 1947 invasion of Kashmir, the 1965 conflict, the 1971 war and the Kargil fiasco. In each encounter with India, Pak has come out the worst, increasing its bitterness towards India. As far as the Pakistan media is concerned, it perhaps is the only organisation that is revealing the true state of affairs in the country, and putting their military on the mat. I vividly recall an incident at Bogra (East Pakistan) on 17 December 1971, where I witnessed the surrender of Pak troops; the Pakistani Colonel was in tears at the humiliation suffered by his military. Rather than introspect and see that this defeat was of their own making, they blamed India for splitting their country. “Be prepared”, the Colonel warned, “we will avenge this humiliation. India will pay the penalty for this treachery in the years ahead”. Another incident which is etched in my memory happened in 1993 during my tenure as Defence Attache with our Embassy in Riyadh. At a social function where many Pakistani military officers were present, I casually remarked, “there is no difference between our cultures – we have the same dresses, the same eating habits, and acquired the same training prior to independence”. The vitriolic and vehement rejoinder by a Brigadier was, “there is nothing common – we come from a different and militarily superior race, we profess an entirely different religious group, and culturally we are as different as tea & milk." Who attacked Taha? It could be any of the numerous agencies that work for the Pak establishment, but most likely the FSB (Filed Security Bureau) – this latter agency is notorious for intimidating foreigners, and certainly the Indians. Even visitors with a valid visa are regularly tailed and sometimes picked up, and jailed. Journalists, both local & foreign, are fair game, and one may recall at least four instances in 2017 alone, where Human Right activists and journalists have vanished. Then there was the case of the senior GEO TV journalist who was waylaid, and narrowly escaped being killed. Actually, the Pak State and the Military-ISI combine have given some sort of unspoken license to any agency be it the FSB, FIU (Field Intelligence Unit), the Police, and even average citizens to taunt and humiliate Indians, since the state is powerless to confront the Indian state. This is the coward’s way of taking revenge. These ‘deep state’ elements are now all powerful. First, there was the famous case of the American-Israeli journalist, Daniel Pearl, who was abducted in Karachi and later beheaded. Then in Lahore in January 2011, Raymond Allen Davis, a former United States Army soldier, and contractor with the Central Intelligence Agency was confronted by unidentified armed men in a busy market area. Davis fired, killing his assailants but was caught and jailed despite his professed diplomatic immunity. Davis was charged by Pakistani authorities with double murder and the illegal possession of a firearm. Because of American influence, Davis, managed to escape punishment for killing the two certainly Pak Government agents. Judges acquitted him on all charges and Davis immediately departed Pakistan. Several years earlier an Indian diplomat, Rajesh Mittal, was roughed up by unidentified people, leading to a deadlock in Indo-Pak relationships. Then there was a case of an Indian diplomat and his wife being subjected to a high-speed car chase by Pakistani ‘deep state’ goons – a chase during which the diplomat's car was struck, repeatedly, from by behind. This blatant disregard of international provisions and norms of decent behavior, by euphemistically called ‘unidentified men”, is nothing but action by Pak government agents, supported and abetted by the ISI’s ‘deep state’ system. All this is happening despite the threat of ‘quid pro quo’ retaliation that the Indian state could resort to. The only persons with whom these ‘deep state’ actors do not mess with are the Defence officers posted in the Indian Embassy in Islamabad – even the ISI realises that this ‘red line’ must never be crossed, lest their officials in the Pak High Commission New Delhi, are paid back in the same coin. We have to wait and see how sternly the Indian government views Taha Siddiqui’s case – yet another protest lodged with the Pak Foreign Office will be meaningless, as have been hundreds of others. The Indian government too needs to step in – coming as it does on the heels of the humiliating treatment meted out to Kulbushan Yadav’s family. Taha Siddiqui episode clearly demonstrates the impunity with which these agencies are operating. Our soft approach will only embolden them further. An attack on India’s Fifth Estate is a virtual attack on the state itself. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Attack on Taha Siddiqui is proof of Pak hatred for India

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