Page 1478 - Politics
Constitutional institutions decimated under Modi regime: Sinha
Estranged BJP leader Yashwant Sinha Wednesday lamented at the decimation of Constitutional institutions like the Supreme Court, national investigative agency CBI, RBI, and Election Commission among others under the Modi regime. He was more critical of the way how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used the occasion of the National War Memorial dedication earlier this week to drive political mileage and sought to credit his party for the memorial. Given this background Sinha, who has filed a petition seeking a CBI probe into the controversial Rafale jet deal on which the main Opposition Congress has alleged massive corruption to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore and personally blamed Modi, also called upon the civil society to be more vigilant and responsive in taking on the current dispensation. On the unceremonious way the last CBI chief Alok Verma was shunted out by the Modi government, the former finance minister said, "it is with a degree of sorrow I say that in this whole .
India issues demarche to Pak, protests unprovoked act of aggression
India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan's Acting High Commissioner to India and lodged a strong protest at the unprovoked act of aggression in the morning when Pakistani fighter jets entered Indian air space and targeted military posts.
Budget aims at uninterrupted development of state: Fadnavis
The interim budget presented by the Maharashtra government Wednesday aims at ensuring that the "development journey" of the state remains uninterrupted, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said here. Speaking to reporters, he said the budget has excellent provisions for agriculture, irrigation, health, women and child development and other sectors. Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar Wednesday presented an interim budget (or vote-on-account) for the first four months of 2019-20 ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. It will also give a boost to farming and allied businesses, industry, employment generation, infrastructure, rural development, skill development and also help the state cope up with the drought, Fadanvis added. The interim budget has an estimated revenue deficit of Rs 19,784 crore and has provision of a special fund for farm loan waiver.
TDP to prepare action plan for LS polls
TDP's Telangana unit would prepare an action plan to improve its winning chances in the coming Lok Sabha polls, by rectifying its shortcomings in the recent Assembly polls in the state, the party said on Wednesday. TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana held a meeting with the party's office bearers and other leaders on the Lok Sabha elections, a party release said. He urged the party leaders to give suggestions on preparing the action plan, which would be discussed in the party's polit bureau and Central Committee, it said. The party would again meet to discuss its preparations parliamentary constituency-wise, it added. The TDP, which fought the Assembly polls in alliance with Congress, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS), managed to secure only two out of the total of 119 seats. TDP had won a Lok Sabha seat in Telangana in the 2014 General Elections.
TL home min not to celebrate b'day in view of Pulwama attack
Telangana Home Minister Mohd Mahmood Ali Wednesday decided not to celebrate his birthday on March 2 in view of the recent Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao did not celebrate his birthday on February 17 and had urged party workers and others to contribute for the welfare of the bereaved families of the martyrs in the attack. Taking a cue from it, Ali decided to stay away from his celebrations on March 2 and urged his well-wishers to avoid visiting him and also contribute to the families of the CRPF personnel as a humanitarian gesture,an official release said. Ali would be out of station on the day, it said.
India-Pakistan tension: Ex-PM Manmohan Singh advocates 'no war'
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday hoped that there would be no war between India and Pakistan amidst the growing cross-border tensions between the two countries.Stating that on a day when India is grappling against Pakistan, the veteran Congress leader and former Prime Minister of India expressed hope that the two countries will resolve their issues.The remarks come a day after India carried out air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp in Balakot in Pakistan. Subsequently, Pakistani jets violated the Indian air space by dropping some bombs in Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday."Our basic problem is to get rid of chronic poverty. I do hope that we will get back to the economic development that is a basic requirement of both India and Pakistan," Singh added. The former Prime Minister was speaking at the award ceremony of PV Narasimha Rao's National Leadership and Lifetime Achievement Award.India said it has foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force this .
Samjhauta Express to run as schedule: Rail Minister Piyush Goyal
Union Railway Minister on Wednesday said that the Samjhauta Express that runs between Delhi and Attari will run as per schedule, amidst reports that Pakistan had halted the service of the train."We have not yet received any instructions from authorities so far as running of Samjhauta Express. So it will run as planned as per the schedule," said Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.The Samjhauta Express, or the peace train, is a bi-weekly train Wednesday and Sunday runs between Delhi and Attari in India and Lahore in Pakistan. It comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach.The train departs from the Old Delhi Railway Station at 11.10 p.m. twice a week on Wednesday and Sunday. On its return journey from Lahore, the train arrives in India on Monday and Thursday.A day after India carried out air strikes on a JeM camp in Balakot in Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity today, with Pakistani jets violating the Indian air space and dropping some bombs in Rajouri ...
J-K: Pak violates ceasefire, India retaliates
Pakistan on Wednesday violated the ceasefire in two sectors of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.At about 1900 hours, Pakistan indulged in unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling with mortars and firing of small arms along Mendhar and Krishan Ghati sectors, officials said.Indian Army is retaliating strongly and effectively.This is the second ceasefire violation in the day as earlier in the day, Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector.Uri in Baramulla district is close to the Line of Control and people there have reported shelling from across the border.
Govt must take nation into confidence on steps to protect India's sovereignty, integrity: Opposition
Leaders of opposition parties have urged the central government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity.As many as 21 parties sealed their stand in a joint statement after a meeting of the Opposition here on Wednesday.On behalf of the political parties, Congress president Rahul Gandhi told media person, "Leaders condemned Pakistani misadventure and expressed deep concern for the safety of our missing pilot. Leaders urged the government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity.""The parties lauded the action taken by AIF on Feb 26 and praised the armed forces for valour and bravery. All 21 parties expressed deep anguish over the blatant politicisation of the sacrifices made by our armed forces by leaders of the ruling party. National security must transcend narrow political consideration," he further added.Congress president also stated that the leaders have ...
NTR's grandson Hitesh Chenchuram joins YSR Congress
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister late NT Rama Rao's grandson Daggubati Hitesh Chenchuram joined the YSR Congress on Wednesday.Chenchuram was inducted into the YSR Congress in the presence of party president Jaganmohan Reddy. He is the son of Bharatiya Janata Party leader Daggubati Purandeswari.Meanwhile, Amanchi Krishnamohan, sitting MLA from Chirala assembly constituency, also joined the YSR Congress.Krishnamohan had resigned to ruling TDP a few weeks back. Later, he met with Jaganmohan in Hyderabad.Both Hitesh and Krishnamohan joined the party on the occasion of house warming of Jaganmohan in Amravati.
Amid tensions between India and Pakistan, Delhi Metro put on red alert
The Delhi Metro Rail network has issued a red alert in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan."As advised by security agencies, the red alert has been imposed in the entire Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) network from 6 PM onwards today," according to an official statement.Under red alert, all station controllers are required to inspect entire station premises for any suspicious items or activity including parking lots and report to the control centre every two hours.The Delhi Metro network spans around 327 km with 236 stations, situated in the Delhi and its adjoining cities.The alert was sounded after tensions escalated between India and Pakistan after the Indian Air Force on Tuesday carried out aerial strikes at a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror training camp in Balakot, in which a large number of terrorists were killed.Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity on Wednesday with Pakistani jets violating the Indian air space and dropping some bombs in ..
Bollywood celebrities pray for safe release of Wing Commander Abhinandan from Pakistan
Celebrities from the film world on Wednesday took to social media to pray for the Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan who according to Pakistan is in their custody.The Indian government recently confirmed that an Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander piloting a MiG-21 fighter jet has not returned, after Pakistan claimed that it had arrested IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan.A lot of celebrities are wishing for the pilot's safety and praying that he returns home safe. Several Bollywood stars took to their Twitter handles to share their thoughts.Karan Johar took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "Thoughts and strength to #WingCommandarAbhinandan amd his familly....India stands tall and proud with you."Arjun Kapoor wrote, "My prayers with #wingcommanderabhinandan hope he is safe & we see him back on home soil very soon."Anupam Kher wrote a message in Hindi, praying for Abhinandan's safe return and also saluted the courage of the pilot. The veteran actor also shared ...
IT raids 7 locations of organisation head linked with anti-national activities
Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted searches at seven premises of the head of a prominent organisation allegedly indulging in anti-national activities along with his associates.The sensitive search operations were conducted in Jammu-Kashmir and Delhi.According to a statement issued by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) spokesperson Surabhi Ahluwalia, "The search action has yielded credible evidence of large scale undisclosed financial transactions carried out in the business of quarrying, hotels etc."During the search, clinching evidence was also unearthed of huge unaccounted expenditure having been incurred in cash on the reconstruction and remodelling of the residential premises presently being used by the tax evader's family."Despite carrying out large scale financial transactions, neither the main protagonist nor any member of his family has ever filed any income tax return. The evidence found in search action is robust enough to show a deliberate and willful attempt to
UK deeply concerned about India-Pak tensions, urges restraint: Theresa May
British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan and urged the two countries to exercise restraint to avoid further provocations, said British Prime Minister Theresa May."We are in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability. We are working closely with international partners including through the UN Security Council to de-escalate tensions, " May said at the House of Commons.She noted that the UK is monitoring the developments closely and is considering implications for British nationals.Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan as the Indian Air Force on Tuesday carried out aerial strikes at a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror training camp in Balakot, in which a large number of terrorists were killed.Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity on Wednesday with Pakistani jets violating the Indian air space and dropping some bombs in ...
Mirage Singh Rathore: Parents name baby born on day of IAF strike
A newborn baby in Rajasthan's Nagaur region has been named after the Mirage 2000 fighter jets used by the Indian Air Force in Tuesday's air strikes against Pakistan-based terror camps.The baby boy has been christened Mirage Singh Rathore and his father said he hoped that he will join the security forces when he grows up.Speaking to ANI Sharavan Singh Rathore, the father said: "In order to commemorate and keep the success of the Mirage air strikes alive, we have named our baby name as Mirage Singh Rathore. We hope he will join the security forces when he grows up."After nearly 48 years, the Indian Air Force has sent a retorting response to the country that whichever country uses the language of war will get a similar response from New India."Mirage's uncle, the elder brother of Sharavan Singh and an Air Force officer, said: "Yesterday I received news of two good developments. One was India's attack on Pakistani territory and the other was the birth of my younger brother's son. We have
Pakistani among 2 JeM terrorists killed in Shopian encounter: Kashmir IGP
Two terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed, including one from Pakistan, were killed in an encounter in Shopian on Wednesday, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Police."Shopian encounter has completed. On specific information, this operation was launched. Two terrorists were killed. These terrorists belonged to proscribed terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad," confirmed Kashmir's Inspector General of Police SP Pani.He added, "Arms and ammunition have been recovered. From the material we have recovered, it is ascertained that one terrorist belonged to Pakistan, and the other is from a local area." The investigation is underway.Early morning on Wednesday, the encounter between the security forces and terrorists broke out in Memander area of Shopian district in the Kashmir valley.The encounter comes a day after India carried out air strikes at a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
India summons Pak's Acting High Commissioner
The External Affairs Ministry on Wednesday summoned Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan here to lodge a strong protest over the violation of Indian air space and handed over a dossier with specific details of the complicity of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit in Pulwama attack.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also conveyed its strong objection to Pakistan's "vulgar display" of an injured pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention and wanted his "immediate and safe return."The Pakistan diplomat was summoned over the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today, including the violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts, according to a statement by the external affairs ministry."This is in contrast to India's non-military anti-terror pre-emptive strike at a JeM terrorist camp in Balakot on .
Rajasthan: Mirage Singh Rathore: Parents name baby born on day of IAF strike
A newborn baby in Rajasthan's Ajmer region has been named after the Mirage 2000 fighter jets used by the Indian Air Force in Tuesday's air strikes against Pakistan-based terror camps.The baby boy has been christened Mirage Singh Rathore and his father said he hoped that he will join the security forces when he grows up.Speaking to ANI Sharavan Singh Rathore, the father said: "In order to commemorate and keep the success of the Mirage air strikes alive, we have named our baby name as Mirage Singh Rathore. We hope he will join the security forces when he grows up."After nearly 48 years, the Indian Air Force has sent a retorting response to the country that whichever country uses the language of war will get a similar response from New India."Mirage's uncle, the elder brother of Sharavan Singh and an Air Force officer, said: "Yesterday I received news of two good developments. One was India's attack on Pakistani territory and the other was the birth of my younger brother's son. We have .
Diljit Dosanjh postpones launch of his wax statue at Madame Tussauds due to Indo-Pak tension
In the wake of the rising tension between India and Pakistan, actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has postponed unveiling of his wax statue at Madame Tussauds in the national capital.The actor who was supposed to unveil his figurine on Thursday took to his Twitter handle to make the announcement.The 'Udta Punjab' actor said that amidst rising tensions between the two neighbouring countries, he wants to stand with the Indian Army and thus will be rescheduling the unveiling of his statue.Diljit wrote, "Our soldiers are fighting hard to protect the Nation. We stand by our Soldiers . Amidst the tensions rising across the Nation, have decided to re-schedule the launch of #MadameTussauds WAX Statue Will Post New Date Soon @MadameTussauds @tussaudsdelhi #BringBackAbhinandan."Madame Tassauds's Twitter handle also released an official statement which read, "Considering recent events in the country, we wish to inform you that we have decided to re-schedule the launch of Diljit Dosanjh's figure at .
Pak retracts statements, says only one Indian pilot in its custody
"There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army's custody. Wing Comd Abhi Nandan is being treated as per norms of military ethics," tweeted Inter services Public Relations chief Major General Asif Ghafoor.Earlier, India said it foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force this morning to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane while losing its own MiG-21 jet after which a pilot was "missing in action".External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar, flanked by Air Vice Marshal R G K Kapoor, said at a media briefing in New Delhi that Pakistan has resorted to use of air force to target military installations on the Indian side in response to India's counter terror operation against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp in Balakot in Pakistan yesterday."Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan's attempts were foiled successfully," the spokesman said.The Pakistani Air Force plane was detected and the alert Indian Air Force responded instantly, he ...