LIVE! No essential service can be denied for want of Aadhaar: UIDAI

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Sat, 10 February 2018

No essential service can be denied for want of Aadhaar: UIDAI

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21:45 No essential service can be denied for want of Aadhaar: UIDAI

Aadhaar-issuing authority Unique Identification Authority of India has said no essential service or benefit like medical facility, school admission or ration through PDS can be denied for want of the biometric national ID.

In a statement, the UIDAI asked government departments and state administration "to ensure that no essential service or benefit shall be denied to a genuine beneficiary for the want of Aadhaar whether it is medical help, hospitalisation, school admission or ration through PDS".

"There are exception handling regulations issued by the UIDAI vide its circular dated 24th October 2017, which must be followed to make sure that no beneficiary is denied of benefits for the want of Aadhaar," it said.

The UIDAI said it has taken a serious note of some of the reported cases where want of Aadhaar had resulted in the denial of essential services like hospitalisation or medical help.

"While real facts behind such claims of denial are being investigated by the concerned agencies and strict action will be taken in case denial has occurred," it said.

The UIDAI said Aadhaar is meant to bring transparency and accountability in public service deliveries through effective use of technology and it should not be misused and made an excuse to any denial in the services.

The Cabinet Secretariat had on December 19 last year issue instructions that bonafide beneficiaries are not deprived of their due benefits as alternative provisions have been made in the Aadhaar Act, 2016.

The statement said UIDAI is again writing to Chief Secretaries of all the states/UTs to ensure that Section 7 of Aadhaar Act, 2016 is implemented in its true letter and spirit for all the schemes so that no denial happens due to want of Aadhaar. -- PTI

UPDATE: One more terrorist has been gunned down.

As a part of the ongoing operation in Sunjwan, the army has killed two heavily armed terrorists, defence PRO said.

"The terrorists were wearing combat uniforms carrying AK 56 assault rifle, large amount of ammunition and hand grenades. Search of their belongings confirms the terrorists to be from Jaish-e-Mohammed," he added.

The spokesman also said that two security personnel have been martyred in the attack while nine other have injured.

"The operation will continue till all terrorists are apprehended or killed," he said.

Photograph: PTI Photo

20:26

Ceremonial reception of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Abu Dhabi.

20:25 Pakistan not to support emergency, Maldives envoy told

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday conveyed to the Maldives foreign minister that Pakistan "firmly adheres to the policy of non-interference in the affairs of other countries and will continue to adhere to the principles of the UN charter in this regard".

The significant development came as Maldives reaches out to countries in the Asian region, Pakistan in particular, to garner support after the recent proclamation of emergency by Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister late J Jayalalithaa's portrait will be unveiled in the state assembly on February 12 by Speaker P Dhanapal.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami will preside over the function in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, Secretary, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, K Boopathy said in an official release.

Palaniswami had in May last year called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submitted a letter, urging him to unveil the late leader's portrait in the Assembly.

The Chief Minister had said the late leader made significant contributions for the State, its growth and for Tamil language and culture.

He had said that Amma had dedicated her life for Tamils and left an indelible mark on the Indian political landscape.

The main opposition DMK last year sought the removal of portraits of Jayalalithaa from government offices, saying she was convicted in the disproportionate assets case.

Palaniswami had, however, defended his governments decision to unveil the portrait, saying it would be a great honour for the assembly. -- PTI

One terrorist has been killed in the ongoing gun battle with security forces at Sunjwan army camp.

A jawan was also injured during the encounter.

Sources said the army was going from room to room to pin down the other terrorist holed up inside the residential building.

Officials further said that all the families have been evacuated and there is no hostage situation.

Schools within 500 metres of the camp have been asked to stay closed.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com

18:41 Indian journalist ordered to leave Maldives

Two foreign journalists, including an Indian national, working for French news agency AFP who were arrested by the Maldivian police for violating immigration rules, have been ordered to leave the island nation facing

political turmoil.

The two journalists, Indian national Money Sharma and British national of Indian-origin Atish Ravi Patel, were handed over to immigration authorities by the police after it was found that they were working in violation of the country's immigration rules, the police said in a statement.

"These individuals were found to be working and reporting as journalists while on a tourist visa, in contravention to the Immigration Act and Regulations," the statement said.

The Maldives police, however, clarified that no legal action will be taken against the two journalists.

"We would like to note that although they have been asked to leave the Maldives, no other legal steps shall be taken against them," the police said.

The action against the two journalists came as a privately-owned television station in the Maldives went off the air, citing threats during the country's current state of emergency.

Rajje TV, which highlights the views of the political opposition, said in a statement that it stopped broadcasting because the country's environment does not allow journalists to report freely and independently, the AFP had reported.

Male, which has seen several political crises since the ouster of its first democratically-elected president Mohamed Nasheed in 2012, plunged into fresh chaos last Thursday when the Supreme Court ordered the release of nine imprisoned Opposition politicians, maintaining that their trials were "politically motivated and flawed". -- PTI

Akshay Kumar's Padman, which deals the issue of menstrual hygiene, has been banned in Pakistan.

The country's Federal Censor Board has refused to give its nod for the release of the R Balki-directed film, which also stars Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor in pivotal roles.

"We can't allow our film distributors to import films which are against our traditions and culture," FCB member Ishaq Ahmed said.

The members of Punjab Film Censor Board also refused to watch the film saying it is based on a "taboo subject" and outrightly rejected any clearance certificate to it.

"We can't allow the screening of films on taboo subjects in our cinemas as it is not in our culture, society or even religion," a member said.

Well-known Pakistani filmmaker Syed Noor said that there was a need to speak to the local film distributors and exhibitors about the films they import from other countries.

"Not only this film Padman but I think even Padmaavat should not have been released in Pakistan as it portrays Muslims in a very negative light," Noor said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today intensified his attack on the NDA government on the Rafale fighter jet deal, alleging it was the "biggest issue" of corruption in the country now.

Launching his party campaign at Hosapete in poll-bound Karnataka's Ballari district, Gandhi alleged that Modi had "personally" changed the contract during his visit to France to give it to a "friend", and said the prime minister had not answered the three questions posed by him on the deal.

"Today Rafale aircraft is the biggest issue of corruption in the country. I want to tell a few things about this to you," he said launching "Janashirvad Yatra" of the ruling Congress in the state.

Gandhi said, "Modiji had gone to Paris in France. In France Modiji personally changed the contract."

He said earlier the Rafale contract was given to defence public sector undertaking Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which has been making aircraft for the Indian Air Force for 70 years.

"If Bangalore is on its feet today, one of the reasons for it is HAL. Modiji took away Rafale contract from Bangalore and HAL and gave it to his friend," he said.

"We have asked three questions to Modi -- Modiji on what basis did you give the contract to your friend after taking it away from HAL, for what reason? Why did you take away the future of its youth from Bangalore? Why did you do this to profit your friend?

"Second question, did the price of the aircraft increase or decrease in your new contract?

"Third question is when you took this decision in Paris and when India's defence minister was buying fish in Goa, did you take permission from the Cabinet Committee on Security? Yes or no."

Gandhi said Modi spoke for an hour in Parliament on the motion of thanks to the President for his address but did not utter a word about Rafale.

In his speech, the Congress chief accused the BJP-led central government of failing to deliver on its polls promise of generating jobs.

"Modiji speaks about corruption. The world record in corruption was broken by his party's government in Karnataka," he alleged referring to the B S Yeddyurappa rule in the state. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas address a joint press conference in Ramallah.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to make an official visit to Palestine.

Here are some of the highlights:-

PM Modi

- We hope for peace and stability in Palestine. We believe a permanent solution is possible with dialogue. Only diplomacy and farsightedness can set free from violence and baggage of the past.

- I have assured President Abbas that India is bound by a promise to take care of Palestinian people's interests. India hopes to see independent Palestinian state soon, is committed to well-being of its people

- I am happy to announce that we will double the exchange of students from this year taking it from 50 to 100

- India is aiding construction of an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine. I am happy that we are moving forward with our developmental corporation forward during this visit

- People of Palestine have continuously shown exemplary courage in extremely tough times, in spite of the fact that there was an unstable environment. The way you moved forward in such a situation is praiseworthy, we appreciate it

- India and Palestine's relations have stood the test of time. Palestine has always taken a top spot in our foreign policy

- This (the Grand Collar of the state of Palestine) is an honour for India and a symbol of Palestine's friendship. I thank you on behalf of all Indians for

President Mahmoud Abbas

- Here I would like to assert our commitment to political action and negotiations as means of achieving our national goals to freedom and independence in accordance with the two states' relation along the lines of 1967

- We have said and will say we are ready to engage in negotiations. We rely on India's role as an international force and its role in the non-alignment movement and in the international fora, in a way that is conducive to desired peace in our region

- It is my honour to welcome you as a great guest, on your first historic visit to Palestine which holds, to you personally and to the people of India. Indian leadership has always stood by peace in Palestine

16:13 House of Cards star Reg E Cathey dies

Actor Reg E Cathey, known for popular TV series The Wire and House of Cards, has died. He was 59.

The details of his death are not yet known, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

For his role of Freddy Hayes, the owner of a BBQ joint who ends up with a job in the White House, on Netflix's House of Cards, Cathey won an Emmy in 2015. He was nominated for the award for three straight years.

On HBO's acclaimed TV series The Wire, Cathey was lauded for his performance as Baltimore political operative Norman Wilson.

Most recently, Cathey was seen in the role of Chief Byron Giles on Cinemax series Outcast and also played a part in HBO's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Over the years, Cathey also starred in films such as Se7en, American Psycho, The Machinist, S.W.A.T and Hands of Stone.

He also starred in the Josh Trank-directed reboot of Fantastic Four. He portrayed the role of Dr. Franklin Storm, the father of Sue and Johnny Storm.

Cathey's S.W.A.T co-star Samuel L Jackson paid tributes to the actor on Instagram.

"A Beautiful Talent left us for a more peaceful plane. Reg E. Cathey, true thespian, sage, musician and friend! That band up there is gonna be LIT and the convos just got waaaay heavier!!!" Jackson posted.

Streaming giant Netflix, in a statement, also condoled Cathey's death.

"We are heartbroken by the passing of our friend and House of Cards colleague... Reg was the kindest man, the most giving actor, a true gentleman," it stated. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today conferred the 'Grand Collar of the State of Palestine' by President Mahmoud Abbas, recognising his key contribution to promote relations between India and Palestine.

President Abbas conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine on Modi after the conclusion of the bilateral meeting between the two leaders.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to make an official visit to Palestine.

The Grand Collar is Highest order given to foreign dignitaries -- Kings, Heads of State/Government and persons of similar rank.

It has in the past been awarded to King Salman of Saudi Arabia, King Hamad of Bahrain, President Xi Jinping of China, amongst others.

The commendation reads "In recognition of his wise leadership and his lofty national and international stature, and in appreciation of his efforts to promote the historic relations between the State of Palestine and the Republic of India; in acknowledgment of his support to our people's right to independence and freedom so that peace prevails in the region."

Nepal's last King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev has said It may not be possible for his country to supply musk (Kasturi) to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri due to legal hurdles.

The last King, who was attending the silver jubilee of Pattabhisheka of Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati in Puri yesterday, said Kasturi was procured from the gland of the endangered musk deer and law had prohibited killing of the animal.

For this legal bar, Nepal may not be in a position to supply Kasturi to the temple, he told reporters.

As per temple rituals, musk is applied on the idols of the deities at the 12th century shrine, at least on three occasions every year, to protect them from insects and stop their decay.

The erstwhile Royal family of Nepal, which enjoys special service and rituals in the Shree Jagannath Temple, was providing musk.

The temple, which was getting the precious Kasturi from Nepal during the monarchy, has been facing its scarcity after its fall in 2008.

Earlier in April 2017, the temple administration had apprised Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari of the acute shortage of musk during her visit to the shrine. The state government had also earlier urged the external affairs

ministry to take up the matter with Nepal, official sources said.

Bir Bikram Shah Dev is scheduled to visit Shree Jagannath Temple on February 11. He will have the special privilege of performing the 'aarati' of the deity atop the Ratna Singhasan of the Srimandir.

He will also be allowed to touch the idols of the daities before his departure from Odisha on February 12, officials said. -- PTI

A senior lawmaker of the National Conference today raised Pro-Pakistan slogans in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly after Bharatiya Janata Party members condemned the neighbouring country over the terror attack on an army camp in Jammu.

The NC distanced itself from the sloganeering by party MLA Mohammad Akbar Lone which came even as the operation to flush out terrorists from the Sunjwan camp was underway.

As soon as the House assembled, the legislators, cutting across the party lines, condemned the terror attack and demanded a statement from the government.

Speaker Kavinder Gupta made some remarks which led to high-pitched sloganeering against Pakistan by the BJP members.

NC legislators Javed Rana, Ali Mohd Sagar, Akbar Lone, Abdul Majid Larmi and others trooped into the Well of the House seeking an apology from the speaker.

Meanwhile, the BJP intensified anti-Pakistan sloganeering and in response, an angry Lone stood up on his seat and shouted pro-Pakistan slogans.

The situation in the House then became more chaotic and Speaker Kavinder Gupta adjourned the House at 10:15 am.

Talking to reporters, Lone said he had shouted pro-Pakistan slogans only in reaction to the BJP which, he claimed, had shown that they hate Muslims.

"The statement of Speaker Kavinder Gupta shows what they have in their mind," he claimed.

Later, the speaker expunged his remarks.

The NC condemned the slogans, terming them unacceptable.

Party spokesman Junaid Azim Mattu tweeted, "Just spoke to chief NC Farooq Abdullah sahib. Dr Sahib and entire party is of the unequivocal stand that NC MLA from Sonwari Akbar Lone had spoken out of turn and his slogans in assembly were completely unacceptable to the party."

Mattu said the NC chief stated that Lone should not forget that he belonged to the party which had rejected the two-nation theory.

"The party disowns and condemns his remarks," he said.

Party's working president Omar Abdullah, in a separate tweet, said he endorsed the party president's view and the party would not say anything more on the issue.

"We need to focus on the unfortunate developments in #SunjwanArmyCamp and not get distracted by misplaced slogans," Omar said in another tweet. -- PTI

14:16

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays a wreath at Mausoleum of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in Ramallah.

14:14 PM Modi arrives in Palestine for historic visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Ramallah on a historic visit to Palestine.

After the arrival, Modi laid a wreath at Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat in Ramallah.

The Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat was unveiled on November 10, 2007, and is located adjacent to the compound of presidential headquarters, also known as Al-Muqata'a.

Later, Modi will be received by Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas before the ceremonial welcome.

A number of agreements are likely to be inked between the two sides during PM Modi's three-hour visit to Palestine under which India will provide funding for a number of projects in the fields of health, education, culture and women's empowerment.

Congress leader P Chidambaram today took a swipe at the National Democratic Alliance government for claiming that the growth rate was better in its rule, saying it was lower than United Progressive Alliance's 10 years average and was going downward.

In multiple tweets, Chidambaram said the World Bank's former chief economist Kaushik Basu had stated that India's growth rate was lower than the 30-year average but Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the growth rate was better.

"What is the average of 4 years of NDA? It is 7.3 under new methodology and lower than UPA's 10 year average. What is the direction of NDA's growth rate? Investments? Savings? Credit growth? All downward," he claimed.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget 2018-19 speech said that Indian economy had performed very well since the NDA government took over in May, 2014.

"India achieved an average growth of 7.5 per cent in first three years of our government. Indian economy is now 2.5 trillion dollar economy seventh largest in the world," he had said.

Jaitley said the government had undertaken several structural reforms--from GST and the Insolvency Code to linking subsidies with Aadhaar, something that he accused the previous UPA-led government of abandoning.

"The difference between UPA and NDA is that we know how to bite the bullet when decisions have to be taken," he had said. -- PTI

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti aid she was "deeply disturbed' by the terrorist attack in Jammu's Sunjuwan Army camp in which two jawans lost their lives.

"Deeply disturbed by the terrorist attack in Sunjwan today. My heart goes out to the injured & their families,' the J&K CM wrote on Twitter.

In another major blow for the United States President Donald Trump administration, a second White House official has resigned after being accused of domestic abuse.

White House speechwriter David Sorensen resigned on Friday after his former wife, Jessica Corbett, claimed that he was "violent and emotionally abusive" during their two and half years of marriage, The Washington Post reported.

However, Sorensen denied the allegations, saying that he was the "abuse victim in the relationship."

"Before we were contacted by the media, we learned last night that there were allegations. We immediately confronted the staffer, he denied the allegations and he resigned today," White House deputy press secretary Raj Shah said in a statement.

Sorensen alleged that Corbett punched him on multiple occasions. In one such incident, he said that he attempted to leave in his car and she ran after him as he was pulling away, injuring herself in the process.

In another incident, Corbett allegedly grabbed the steering wheel as Sorensen drove on a highway and punched him in the face during an argument.

After resigning, Sorensen added that he did not want the White House to deal with such "distractions" and had consulted with an attorney and was "considering legal options to address her defamation."

The couple formally divorced in September last year.

Sorensen, a former adviser to Maine Governor Paul LePage, joined the Trump administration last year.

On Wednesday, White House staff secretary Rob Porter had resigned following allegations of abuse from his two former wives, Colbie Holderness and Jennifer Willoughby.

Porter denied the allegations in a statement. -- ANI

The death toll in Sunjwan camp terror attack rose to two after another JCO (junior commissioned officer) succumbed to his injuries.

"Two JCOs have been killed and six others have injured in Jammu terror attack," Abdul Rehman Veer, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Revenue, Parliamentary Affairs and Haj and Auqaf, informed the assembly.

A group of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists entered from the rear side of Sunjwan Army camp where family quarters are located, Director General of Police S P Vaid said.

The terrorists, who are believed to be around three, have been isolated, officials said.

Image: Security personnel takes positions during a terror attack on Sunjuwan Army camp in Jammu on Saturday. Photograph: PTI Photo

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is a worried man these days as girls have started consuming alcohol.

"I have begun to fear now, because even the girls have started drinking beer. The tolerance limit is being crossed,"said Parrikar.

"I am not talking about everyone. I am not talking about these people who are sitting here," he said addressing the State Youth Parliament, an event organised by the state Legislature Department.

Earlier, talking about the narcotics trade in Goa, he said a crackdown on the drug network in the state has been going on and this will continue till drugs are out of sight.

"I have no belief that it will come down to zero. I personally do not believe that there is much proliferation (of drugs) in colleges," he said.

After he directed the police to take strict action against the drug trade, he said, 170 people were arrested for drug peddling.

-- PTI

10:51

UPDATE: One army personnel martyred in Sunjwan Army Camp terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

10:43

The Iconic Burj Khalifa draped in the Tricolour ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to UAE.

10:29 Rajnath speaks to J-K Police chief on Jammu army camp attack

Home Minister Rajnath Singh today spoke to the chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and took stock of the situation arising out of the terror attack on an army camp in Jammu.

During the telephonic conversation, the home minister sought details from Director General of Police S P Vaid on the terrorist attack on the army camp in Jammu, according to a tweet by the Home Minister's Office.

"The DGP has apprised him of the situation.The MHA is closely monitoring the situation," the tweet said.

A group of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists attacked the Sunjwan Army camp in Jammu city in the early hours today, leaving three armymen and daughter of an army personnel injured, officials said.

Just like the Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV bring proceedings of the parliament to your living room, Supreme Court proceedings may also be livestreamed soon.

The Chief Justice Dipak Misra-led bench of the SC sought the assistance of the Attorney General K K Venugopal to take a decision on a petition filed by former Additional Solicitor General and senior advocate Indira Jaising seeking live streaming and video recording of cases of national importance.

"I do not want that all cases be live streamed. Only those of national importance like constitutional bench matters", she submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra.

She wants the bench to lay down guidelines as to what can be recorded and what not and if it can be delayed or live telecast etc. It will add more transparency to the functioning of the Supreme Court, she said.

"Most Indians have no idea how some of the biggest decisions that impact them are taken. I go to argue my cases and see other cases being argued.

"I can understand how and why decisions were taken. But the vast majority of Indians do not have this opportunity," she said. Jaising asserts that live telecast of such cases will increase access to courts, and will "negate the chances of any misreporting, errors or second-hand information".

An online petition by Jaising in this regard is also getting support from various quarters.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in today met with senior North Korean officials including leader Kim Jong Un's sister over lunch at Seoul's presidential palace in the most significant diplomatic encounter between the rivals in years.

The luncheon at the Blue House came after Kim Yo Jong and other North Korean delegates attended the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, which has brought a temporary lull in tensions over the North's nuclear program.

At the Olympic Stadium's VIP box, Kim Yo Jong and North Korea's nominal head of state, Kim Yong Nam, took their place among dignitaries from around the world, including US Vice President Mike Pence who sat just a few feet (less than a metre) away and seemed to make an effort not to acknowledge them.

Moon is desperate to use the games as an opportunity to restore regular communication with North Korea and eventually pull it into talks over resolving the international standoff over its nuclear program.

It's still unclear whether today's event could be used to set up bigger meetings between the Koreas. Lawmakers from Moon's liberal ruling party have talked about the possibility of South Korea sending a special envoy to Pyongyang to meet with Kim Jong Un. There's even speculation of a summit between Kim and Moon.

09:30 Schools closed around Sunjawan camp in Jammu

Authorities today ordered closure of schools in Sunjawan belt of Jammu city in the wake of the terror attack on an army camp.

Three to four terrorists stormed the army camp at Sunjawan, leaving three persons injured

"We have ordered closure of schools in Sunjawan area as a precautionary measure in the wake of the terror attack," a senior official said.

-- PTI

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board today said the land dedicated for Masjid cannot be sold, gifted or in any way alienated, reiterating its earlier stand on the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute.

In a statement issued later, the board "once again emphasises the basic level of Shariah that the land dedicated for Masjid cannot be sold, gifted or in any way alienated."

The statement was released by Maulana Umrain Mehfooz Rehmani, secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

He was accompanied by AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, who read out the statement in English. The two didn't take questions.

Rehmani, however, said the Board will abide by the Supreme Court's decision in the matter.

"The All India Muslim Personal Law Board reiterates its resolution dated December, 1990 and January, 1993 and once again emphasises the basic level of Shariah that the land dedicated for Masjid cannot be sold, gifted or in any way alienated.

"If once dedicated, it vests in Allah. All the attempts to negotiate the settlements in past have been infructuous and there is no proposal offering settlement without sacrificing the basic tenet has ever been put before the Board," the statement said.

BJP MP Maheish Girri dubbed Mughal ruler Aurangzeb a "terrorist" and hailed his brother Dara Shikoh as a scholar, who espoused "syncretic values", and pitched for building greater awareness about his life.

The MP from East Delhi was interacting with reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of twin events- a conference 'Aurangzeb & Dara Shukoh: A Tale of Two Brothers' and an exhibition, titled, 'Dara Shukoh, the Forgotten Prince of Islam' at the IGNCA. Dara Shikoh was also known as Dara Shukoh.

"Aurangzeb was a terrorist, in today's parlance... the punishment that he should have got he did not get, but at least, the road named after him, has been changed," he told reporters.

Aurangzeb Road in Lutyens' Delhi was rechristened Dr APJ Kalam Road in 2015. Girri had sent a proposal to the Centre for renaming the street after the former president.

Muslim groups had objected to the New Delhi Municipal Council's decision to rename Aurangzeb Road, terming it a "deliberate" move that is "likely to set the trend of rechristening other cities/streets distorting history".

-- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement after arriving in Ramallah on Saturday morning will be to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat.

Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah.

The Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat was unveiled on November 10, 2007 and is located adjacent to the compound of Presidential Headquarters (Al-Muqata'a).

After paying homage to Yasser Arafat at the mausoleum, the PM will take a short tour, accompanied by Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, of the Yasser Arafat Museum located adjacent to the mausoleum.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on his maiden trip to Palestine, will be received by President Mahmoud Abbas before the ceremonial welcome in the compound of the Presidential Headquarters, also known as Muqata'a.

The presidential headquarters in Ramallah is the compound that encompasses the Office of the President, offices of Advisors to President, in addition to the headquarters of the Presidential Guard.

The PM on his first day of the three-nation tour will hold meetings and exchange agreements with ministers in Ramallah in the West Bank.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ramallah in Palestine was the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister there.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Palestine comes a month after India hosted Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The PM will leave for the UAE tomorrow and then on the final leg, to Muscat on February 11, before returning to Delhi the following day.

Terrorists stormed the family quarters at Sunjawan army camp in Jammu and Kashmir early this morning and fired indiscriminately injuring a hawaldar and his daughter, police sources. The firing has stopped and the area has been cordoned off.

It is believed to be a fidayeen attack, the first such attack in Jammu this year, police sources said. The military station, spread over many acres, lies in the heart of Jammu. It has residential quarters as well as schools inside.

"Around 4.55 am, suspicious movement was noticed, and the sentri bunker was fired upon and they retaliated. The terrorists have been cornered in one of the family quarters. The operation is on," Jammu Inspector General of Police SD Singh Jamwal was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The station was attacked about 10 years ago and many jawans were killed then.

"It's not clear how many terrorists entered the camp and how did they manage to do that," a senior police officer said.

US President Donald Trump has praised a former aide who resigned this week amid allegations of domestic abuse.

"We wish him well," he said in his first public remarks about the claims against ex-White House staff secretary Rob Porter. "He worked very hard."

Questions are being asked about who knew what and when about the claims against Porter. One ex-wife says he gave her a black eye. Another filed a restraining order, she says. Porter denies the claims.

Trump said he hopes Porter "has a wonderful career. Hopefully he will have a great career ahead of him." The US president added that the White House was "very sad" to learn of the allegations.

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