As part of its programme to mobilise support for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a toll-free number for people to give missed calls to register their endorsement of the law ahead of the party's 10-day mass contact drive from January 5.

BJP general secretary Anil Jain told PTI that the toll-free number will allow people to register their support for the amended citizenship law, which seeks to grant citizenship to minorities from three neighbouring countries who arrived in India by December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution.

BJP president Amit Shah is expected to visit a household on Sunday, most likely in the national capital, to lead the party's 10-day campaign during which its leaders and workers will contact, the party has said, three crore families to rally support for the CAA.

All leading faces of the party, ranging from Union ministers to organisational leaders, will be travelling to various parts of the country during January 5-15 for the drive, Jain said.

People will be urged to take to social media to voice their support for the law during the campaign, he said. 

Party leaders have already been holding public meetings and press conferences over the issue as they work to counter the opposition's campaign against the amended citizenship law. 

Accusing the Congress and other opposition parties of carrying out a "misinformation" drive to mislead people about the Act, Jain said the CAA is all about giving citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. It has nothing to do with any Indian citizen, he added. -- PTI  

United States aviation regulator, Federal Aviation Administration, on Thursday warned America's airlines and their pilots that there is risk involved in operating flights in Pakistan airspace due to "extremist or militant activity", according to an official document.

 

"Exercise caution during flight operations. There is a risk to US civil aviation operating in the territory and airspace of Pakistan due to extremist/militant activity," said the US Federal Aviation Administration in a notice to airmen (NOTAM) dated December 30, 2019.

 

The NOTAM is applicable to all US-based airlines and US-based pilots.

 

The US regulator said in its NOTAM that there continues to be a risk to US civil aviation sector from attacks against airports and aircraft in Pakistan, particularly for aircraft on the ground and aircraft operating at low altitudes, including during the arrival and departure phases of flights.

 

"The ongoing presence of extremist/militant elements operating in Pakistan poses a continued risk to US civil aviation from small-arms fire, complex attacks against airports, indirect weapons fire, and anti-aircraft fire, any of which could occur with little or no warning," it said.

 

The FAA said that while, to date, there have been no reports of man-portable air defense systems or Manpads being used against the civil aviation sector in Pakistan, some extremist or militant groups operating there are suspected of having access to these Manpads.

 

"As a result, there is potential risk for extremists/militants to target civil aviation in Pakistan with Manpads," it said.

 

The regulator added that pilots or airlines must report safety or security incidents -- which may happen in Pakistan -- to the FAA.

 

Pakistan on July 16 last year opened its airspace for India after about five months of restrictions imposed in the wake of a standoff with New Delhi. -- PTI

The Congress government in Puducherry is planning to adopt a resolution in the next assembly session seeking scrapping of the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act as the one adopted by Kerala, chief minister V Narayanasamy said on Thursday.

 

"Soon I will hold discussions with the representatives of all political parties and take further action on my plans to adopt an anti-CAA resolution as the Assembly is scheduled to meet by this month end," Narayanasamy told PTI over phone.

On a BJP MP's letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman seeking action against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his anti-CAA statements, Narayanasamy said "even in the Kerala Assembly, a breach of privilege motion against the BJP MP concerned can be moved for disrespecting the House and its sovereignty". 

He said the Kerala Assembly had jurisdiction to adopt the resolution on the new legislation. 

The 140-member Kerala Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution seeking scrapping of the CAA as it was "illegal and unconstitutional". 

However, the lone BJP MLA in the House opposed it by saying that the Act was being "misinterpreted" and lies were being spread by the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front for "narrow political gains".

"Like Parliament's decisions are not questionable, what is happening inside the Assembly also can't be challenged. Who can question their privileges?" Narayanasamy said. 

In the Puducherry Assembly, the Congress has strength of 15 members and is supported by three DMK members and an independent. 

The All India N R Congress has seven members, AIADMK four and BJP three. There are three nominated members in the 30-member House but they do not have voting rights. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced a social media backlash as he arrived in Karnataka on Thursday for a two-day visit, with the twitter hashtag "#GobackModi" trending on the microblogging platform for several hours.

     

While some twitteratitargeted Modi for not speaking on issues pertaining to the state during his speeches, others questioned him for not visiting the state when it was hit by worst ever floods last year and alleged delay and inadequacy in central aid.

     

Twitter users also attacked Modi on alleged attempts by the Centre to impose Hindi and "delay" in releasing the state's share ofGST and MNREGA funds.      

While the Prime Minister drew flak for enacting the Citizenship Amendment ACT, he also attracted criticism for making political onslaught against the Congress during his speech at Siddaganaga Matha, a religious seminary, in the presence of children.

     

Lambasting the Congress and its allies for opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act, Modi in his address at the Math said the ongoing protests were against the Parliament and called on the agitators to raise their voice against Pakistan's atrocities on its minorities for the last 70 years.

     

"What we want him to talk about - his govt's help to Karnataka - flood relief - inter-state water disputes - correcting flaws in centralised recruitment exams. What he talks about - Pakistan - Pakistan this - Pakistan that - Pakistan, Pakistan, Pakistan #GobackModi," a twitter user said.

     

Twitter users also used a clipping of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa's speech about not getting additional flood relief from the Centre despite repeated requests, at a programme attended by the Prime Minister, to attack Modi. 

     

During his speech, Yediyurappa while pointing at the damage caused due to floods in Karnataka, said "I have brought it to the notice of the Prime Minister that the loss was to the tune of over Rs 30,000 crore, I have requested three to four times (for central relief) to set things right, but till now additional funds have not been released.

     

I request the Prime Minister with folded hands to release additional funds."

     

"CM Yediyurappa: Karnataka suffered one of the worst flood conditions ever, Estimated Loss is more than 30,000 Crores.

     

I met the PM 3-4 times for the aid, but the aid hasn't come yet.Even the BJP CM is not happy with the treatment what Karnataka recieved from Modi. #GobackModi," a tweet with the video read. -- PTI

Top poets and writers including Javed Akhtar, Rahat Indori and Vishal Bhardwaj on Thursday described attempts to paint Faiz Ahmed Faiz's revolutionary Hum Dekhenge as anti-Hindu and pro-Islam, a  "ridiculous" and "narrow-minded" attempt.

 

They were responding to IIT-Kanpur forming a committee to inquire into a complaint against the recitation of Hum Dekhenge on campus by students to express solidarity with their peers at Jamia Millia Islamia in their protest against the amended Citizenship Act.

Faculty members and some students filed a complaint against a student for reciting the poem, which they claimed provoked "anti-Hindu" sentiments.

"This poem was written against a fundamentalist called Zia-ul-Haq, a dictator. It is interesting that fundamentalists, all kinds of, don't like this poem," Akhtar told India Today TV.

Explaining the context of the poem, which was written in 1979 to criticise the dictatorship and fundamentalism of former Pakistani general-turned president Zia-ul-Haq, the veteran poet-screenwriter said if Faiz's poem is anti-Hindu, then one would have to believe that Zia was secular, which does not make sense.

"It seems we are negotiating with people who have no sense of history, have no idea who this great poet was, who have no idea what poetry is, who don't know the language in which it was written, they don't know anything. This is written against a fundamentalist, regressive, almost Talibani mentality holding dictator. This poem was banned under his regime," Akhtar said.  

Filmmaker-composer Vishal Bhardwaj, who had used Faiz's Gulon Mein Rang Bhare...' in his critically-acclaimed, Kashmir-set 2014 film Haider, said those interpreting it as pro-Muslim and anti-Hindu lack "emotional intelligence".

"It sounds totally ridiculous. To understand poetry, you need to feel it first. You need a certain standard of emotional intelligence, which seems to be completely lacking in those who are interpreting it as pro-Muslim and anti-Hindu," Bhardwaj said.  

Faiz's daughter Saleema Hashmi said she found the whole controversy "funny" and hoped that ultimately her father's words will win over the hate.

"Let's look at in another way, they may end up getting interested in Urdu poetry and its metaphors. Never underestimate the power of Faiz," Hashmi said. -- PTI

It is not "sad" but "funny" to call Faiz Ahmed Faiz's "Hum Dekhenge" anti-Hindu, says the daughter of the famous Urdu poet, asserting her father's words will always speak to those who need to express themselves.

Asked about IIT-Kanpur forming a committee to inquire into a complaint against the recitation of 'Hum Dekhenge' on campus by students to protest against the amended Citizenship Act, Saleema Hashmi on Thursday said she is not worried about the controversy as it may ultimately lead to Faiz's words seducing those who are critical of the poem.

In an interview with PTI, Hashmi said, "A group of people investigating the poem's message is nothing to be sad about, it is very funny. Let's look at in another way, they may end up getting interested in Urdu poetry and it's metaphors. Never underestimate the power of Faiz."

Hashmi said poems are not restricted by borders or even language and claimed by those who need new words.  

"It is not surprising that Faiz continues to be relevant this side of the border or that side - I was told some years ago that this poem was sung in Nepal during their days of democratic struggle against the monarchy. I suppose poets and their words are claimed wherever and by whoever they are needed. They provide the words that people cannot find for themselves," she said.

Written in 1979 to protest against the dictatorship of former Pakistani general-premier Zia-ul-Haq, the poem cleverly uses Islamic metaphors to attack fundamentalism and has come to be seen as a revolutionary chant for those fighting any kind of oppression.

Hashmi said she was happy that her father was speaking to people from beyond his grave.

On a question whether poetry can be used as an instrument in fighting fundamentalism, Hashmi said, "In itself, poetry cannot fight fundamentalism but it can create circumstances for change by helping in mobilising people, giving them a sense of shared aspirations and dreams of a better future. 

"All of which is anathema to fundamentalist thinking which thrives on exclusion of the 'other' and a strange kind of self-hatred which spews hate for others."

Hashmi said her father, who died in November 1984, was always a controversial figure but his poetry appealed to even those who hated him.

"Faiz was always controversial in his lifetime and beyond - yet those who hated his ideas, confessed to loving his poetry and were seduced by its sheer love of life and human kind. So controversy always makes the curious turn to the source of the controversy and hopefully they will end up succumbing to the power of Faiz's words."

Faiz will always stay relevant to lovers of poetry everywhere, not just in Pakistani, Hashmi said, adding that creative people are "natural enemies of dictators". 

"Poem is an instrument of focussing the fervour and passion of young people - leading them towards an understanding of how they must move forward - very upsetting for the powerful who can sense the fragility of their position, once people's energies are unleashed. Thus poets, writers, singers and indeed all creative people have been the natural enemies of dictators." -- PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 crore to the family of firefighter Amit Kumar Balyan who died in Peeragarhi fire incident on Thursday.

 

"Amit Baliyan laid down his life while serving the people of Delhi. Nothing can bring back a loved one lost, but Delhi govt will provide his family with ?1 crore as financial assistance. It's the least we can do as a society..." Kejriwal said in a tweet.

 

Balyan died after he was trapped in the debris of a portion of a factory building which collapsed in the fire. -- PTI  

A section of protesters at Shaheen Bagh, who have been demonstrating against the Citizenship Amendment Act for the last 20 days, called off the road blockade on Thursday alleging "politicisation" of their "peaceful protest", though locals refused to leave the spot and continued with their agitation.

"We have called off the Shaheen Bagh road blockade today to avoid the impending violence from party goons and to avoid politicisation of the stage by parties, Sharjeel Imam from Shaheen Bagh Coordination Committee said in a statement.

"Police was probably asked not to intervene, because BJP intends to intervene themselves. If that happens, our peaceful protest will be tarnished, and it will break the morale of the people," he said. 

Imam said the protesters will work on a "flash mob strategy" used during the Hong Kong protests and spread the agitation across cities.

"We request all of you to stop sending any assistance to this stage which has been now hijacked by political parties, and cash hungry gangs who don't care about riots and its implications for the community," the statement said.

 

The protesters, including women, who have been camping in the area refused to leave the spot and continued their agitation. 

 

Shaheen Bagh, near Jamia Millia Islamia, has been a protest venue for a section of people opposed to the CAA and the NRC since December 15. 

 

Social activist Swami Agnivesh also visited the protest site and appealed to the locals to not end their protest.

"This fight for justice should continue. You should keep unity and not end the protest. I will come and sit with you too," he told protesters. 

India and Japan are in touch through diplomatic channels and "very soon" the dates of the annual bilateral summit, postponed last month in the wake of violent protests over the amended citizenship law, will be finalised.

 

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to this country for the annual summit with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Guwahati on December 13 was postponed in the wake of the violent protests in the northeastern states.

"We are in touch with the Japanese side through diplomatic channels. We do hope that very soon we will come to the finalisation of the date," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing.

Asked whether two summits will be held this year, he said, "It is an annual mechanism, the summit which was supposed to be held in December that is the one which is getting postponed. But all these matters which will be under discussion with the Japanese side."

Kumar had said last month that both sides decided to "defer" Abe's visit for the December 15-17 summit to a mutually convenient date.

The cancellation of the Japanese prime minister's trip came a day after Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan called off their visits to India in view of the situation arising out of the enactment of the amended Citizenship Act.

Guwahati had seen violent protests over the newly amended law, which provides for granting citizenship to non-Muslim persecuted minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Diplomatic sources had said the Japanese government clearly conveyed to New Delhi that it would not be possible for Abe to travel to Guwahati in view of large-scale protests in the northeastern region.

Asked about Indo-China boundary negotiations last month and talk of early harvest to the boundary question, Kumar said there was this feeling that the boundary issue should be addressed from a strategic perspective of Indo-China relations.

"It was also decided that while the discussions go on under the Special Representative talks framework, there should be peace and tranquillity along the border which is very important for the overall development of the bilateral relationship," Kumar said. -- PTI

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Thursday targeted the Congress over infant deaths at a Rajasthan hospital, saying party leader Priyanka Gandhi should have gone there to console the children's mothers instead of "playing politics" in UP.

 

Both appeared to refer to Gandhi's visit to the state after violent protests over the amended citizenship law.

 

Other Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have also attacked the Congress-led government in Rajasthan over 100 deaths in December at JK Lon hospital in Kota.

 

In a tweet on Thursday, chief minister Ashok Gehlot said the deaths should not be politicised. 

The Centre too has decided to send a high-level team comprising experts from AIIMS, Jodhpur, and health economists to Kota.  

 

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan said the Centre was ready to provide any technical help or assistance.  

 

"Let us ensure no child succumbs to preventable causes or due to lack of health system capacity," Vardhan wrote to Gehlot.  

 

Earlier attacking Priyanka and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the UP chief minister said it was extremely sad that despite being women both could not feel the pain of the mothers.

 

In a series of tweets in Hindi, Adityanath said, "The death of 100 innocent children is extremely saddening and heart-wrenching. The death of children is a blot on a civilised society, human values and feelings."

 

"It is extremely sad that Congress president Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, despite being women, are not able to understand the sorrow of the mothers," he added.

 

He said it would have been better "had Priyanka met and consoled the aggrieved mothers instead of indulging in politics in UP".

 

Slamming Gehlot, the UP CM said, "The indifference, insensitivity and irresponsible behaviour of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his silence makes the mind all the more sad."

 

BSP supremo Mayawati too questioned the Congress general secretary over her "silence" on the death of at least 100 children in the past month.

 

She said if Priyanka Gandhi does not meet the children's mothers, then her meeting with the kin of the victims of violence during the anti-CAA protests in UP will be "construed as pure theatrics".

 

In another tweet, the BSP leader said, "The death of 100 children in Rajasthan's Kota district is very sad and painful. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his government are still insensitive, disinterested and irresponsible, which is highly condemnable."

 

"But, what is more saddening is the fact that the top leadership of the Congress, especially its general secretary, are maintaining silence over this issue. It would have been better that like she did in UP, she had met the aggrieved mothers, who lost their children due to the laxity of the party's government," she said. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on scientists and innovators of the country to widen their horizons, as he assured them that thegovernment was completely with them.

     

"Your capability is vast, you can do many things, widen your horizons,change the parameters of your performance...fly spreading wings...there are opportunities, I'm with you," he said.

     

Addressing a DRDO event in Bengaluru, he said he was assuring them, as the prime minister, that the government was completely with the scientists of the country and innovators.

     

"You all are aware that along with air and sea, cyber and space will define the world's strategic dynamics. Along with this, intelligent machines will play a key role in the defence sector in the days to come. In such a situation, India cannot lag behind," he said, adding that to protect the citizens, borders and interests, it was importantto invest in future techniques and innovation.

     

The PM was speaking after dedicating to the country the Young Scientists laboratories formed by Defence Research and Development Organisation to start focused research in advanced technologies.

     

DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories, in short DYSLs, are located at Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai Kolkata and Hyderabad.      

Each lab works on a key advanced technology of importance to the development of futuristic defence systems, DRDO said, adding that selected young scientists of the organisation, under the age of 35 years, have been given this opportunity to work in identified research areas. -- PTI  

In one of his first decisions, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat has issued directions to prepare a roadmap by June 30 to create an air defence command to enhance security of India's skies.

 

Some of the areas identified for bringing in tri-services jointness and synergy include setting up of common "logistics support pools" in stations where two or more services have their presence, officials said.

"The CDS directed that a proposal to create Air Defence Command be prepared by June 30," said an official.

He also set out priorities for execution of various initiatives by December 31 to achieve synergy among the three forces. -- PTI 

The Mumbai Regional Passport Office has sought the external affairs ministry's nod to prosecute Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar for not disclosing criminal cases against her in her passport application.

 

Sources in the passport office said the department had written a letter to the MEA, seeking it go-ahead to file a criminal case against Patkar for concealing the details about many pending cases against her at the time of filing the passport application in 2017.

The officials said her passport has automatically been impounded after she surrendered it on December 9, in response to a notice issued to her seeking explanation. 

However, by surrendering the passport she cannot absolve herself from prosecution, they added.

After receiving the permission, the RPO will file a criminal case against her as per the Passport Act. 

The maximum punishment under the Act is two-year rigorous imprisonment or Rs 5000 fine or both.

A complaint was filed against the activist in June 2019 by a journalist, alleging that Patkar had obtained her passport by concealing and suppressing material facts from the RPO Mumbai.

The complainant had provided the details of nine criminal cases with documentary evidence, pending against her in various districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Patkar in her passport application of March 30, 2017 claimed that no criminal cases are pending against her and in the column on pending criminal cases, if any, she declared "none".

The RPO Mumbai also sought details of pending cases from the Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh, who confirmed that chargesheet has been filed against her in five cases.

In the show cause notice to Patkar issued on October 18 last year, the RPO Mumbai had asked as to why her passport should not be impounded for failing to disclose information regarding pendency of criminal cases against her.

Out of the nine criminal cases registered against her, three are in Barwani, one in Alirajpur and five in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh.

The notice had said: "While obtaining passport bearing no...dated March 30, 2017 you have not disclosed the fact regarding pendency of above cases and obtained passport by suppression of material information".

"In view of the same, it is proposed to impound your passport bearing no...and any other passport if issued subsequently under section 10(3)(e) of the Passports Act 1967. You are requested to state why action should not be taken under section 12(1) of the Passports Act 1967," the notice issued by the passport office on October 18 said.

The passport officials had sought her explanation within 10 days. 

The National Council for Civil Liberties President V K Saxena, who is  currently Chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Commission, also wrote to the RPO, alleging that the NBA activist "deliberately didn't disclose" two other criminal cases lodged by him against her.

In the November 22 letter, he said the two criminal cases against her were lodged by him in 2001 and 2006 and are pending in New Delhi's Saket Court. 

 

But she not only did not mention the nine cases from Madhya Pradesh, but these two cases as well, he wrote in the letter to the passport officer. "In case she has not disclosed about these two criminal cases pending against her you may initiate action as per law," he said.

Saxena in a statement said that Patkar, who was in 2011 severely censured by a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court for filing a false affidavit and pleading in the court in a case related to people affected by the Narmada project in Madhya Pradesh, has been found guilty of suppressing vital information in her passport application.

"Now she conceals her cases of criminality in her passport application. This shows her true character", he said.

Patkar had unsuccessfully contested from the Mumbai North-East Parliament seat in 2014 on an Aam Aadmi Party ticket. -- PTI

After Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur constituted a panel to decide whether legendary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poem 'Hum Dekhenge' is offensive to Hindu sentiments, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar on Thursday termed the incident as 'absurd and funny'.

"Calling Faiz Ahmed Faiz 'anti-Hindu' is so absurd and funny that it's difficult to seriously talk about it," Akhtar told ANI.

The writer further said that Faiz wrote the poem 'Hum Dekhenge' against the then Pakistan government run by the former President of the country Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq.

"He lived half his life outside Pakistan, he was called anti-Pakistan there. 'Hum Dekhenge' he wrote against Zia ul Haq's government which was a communal regressive and fundamentalist government," Akhtar said.

Further rejecting the claim of the poem being 'anti-Hindu', Akhtar explained a phrase from the poem and said, "He has mentioned a phrase - 'Goonjega an-al-haq ka naara' which means 'aham brahma', which means that the creator and creation is one, it is not an Islamic thought."

Earlier on Thursday, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has set up a committee to look into the issue.

An IIT-Kanpur student against which a complaint was filed by Dr Vashimant Sharma, a temporary faculty member, and 16 others, including faculty members and students.

The move came after some faculty member complaint that the students who took out a peaceful march in the campus on December 17 against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and in solidarity with Jamia Millia Islamia students, sung it as a mark of protest, which hurt the sentiments of other communities. 

The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday sought to know from the Bharatiya Janata Party who would lead it in the upcoming Delhi assembly election as it took a swipe at the saffron party by wishing 'happy new year' to all its "seven chief ministerial candidates".

 

The AAP tweeted an image of a poster carrying the message, "A very Happy New Year to all seven chief minister candidates of Delhi BJP Gautam Gambhir, Manoj Tiwari, Vijay Goel, Hardeep Singh Puri, Harsh Vardhan, Vijender Gupta and Parvesh Singh".

Along with it, the party tweeted, "But the question is who will contest against Arvind Kejriwal?"

The location where the poster has been put up has not been specified in the tweet.

With the Assembly election drawing near, the AAP has been hitting out at the BJP, claiming that the saffron party has no chief ministerial face. 

Union minister Prakash Javadekar, who is also the Delhi BJP in-charge for the assembly polls, said on Wednesday that his party takes the right decision at the right time and nothing has been decided regarding the party's chief ministerial candidate yet.

However, according to sources, the party may announce its chief ministerial face in the first week of January. -- PTI

Iltija Mufti, daughter of People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, on Thursday said she was detained by police at her residence in Srinagar after she tried to visit the grave of her grandfather and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in south Kashmir.

 

 Iltija, a Special Security Group protectee, said she had sought permission to visit her grandfather's grave in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district.

 

"I have been detained at home and not allowed to move anywhere," Iltija told PTI.

 

However, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Munir Khan denied that Iltija was detained and said "the Ananantnag district administration did not give clearance for her visit".

 

"We also have to keep in mind that she is an SSG protectee who has to take police clearance before visiting anywhere," Khan added.

Barricades have been erected at Gupkar road which leads to the 'Fairview' residence belonging to Iltija's mother and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who is under preventive detention since August 5 when the Centre announced the decision to abrogate Article 370 provisions and bifurcate the erstwhile state into Union territories.

 

Mediapersons were not allowed by police to reach the residence and the road was open only for security personnel and residents of the high-security area of the city.

 

Sayeed, the two-time chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, had passed away after a brief illness on January 7, 2016.

 

"I wanted to go to visit my grandfather's grave. It is my right. Is it a crime for a granddaughter to visit her grandfather's grave or do they think I am going to organise stone pelting or a protest there," Iltija said.

 

She accused the civil and the police administrations of being "arrogant", alleging "they do not want peace in the Valley". -- PTI 

The apex court also ordered handing over of a 5-acre plot to Uttar Pradeah Sunni Waqf Board and setting up of a trust for construction of the Ram temple.

Now, this new wing of the home ministry, headed by Kumar, will look after all matters related to the Ayodhya issue. There have been reports that the Uttar Pradesh government has sent a proposal to the home ministry suggesting three plots in Ayodhya, one of which can be given to UP Sunni Waqf Board.

"All such matters will be now handled by the new desk in the home ministry," an official said. Interestingly, Kumar also heads the Department of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh affairs in the home ministry. He was the key officer in the central government's move to abrogate the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories. There was a dedicated Ayodha cell in the home ministry in the 1990s and early 2000s but it was closed down after the submission of the Liberhan Commission of Inquiry on Ayodha.

In the same order, the home ministry also said the Internal Security-II division has been merged with the Internal Security-I division and henceforth it will be known as Internal Security-I division. Joint Secretary (Women Safety) Punya Salila Srivastava has been given the charge of the merged Internal Security-I division along with her present responsibility in the home ministry. -- PTI

Sentiment remained bullish for the second straight day after PMI data showed that the country's manufacturing sector activity improved in December, driven by new orders that rose at the fastest pace since July, traders said. 

GST collections remaining above the Rs 1 lakh crore-mark in December also indicates that consumption recovery has taken hold, they added. Additionally, global markets were buoyed by the Chinese central bank's fresh stimulus for the country's slowing economy. 

Ultratech Cement was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, surging 4.37 per cent, followed by Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, L&T, Reliance Industries, SBI, HDFC, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ONGC and ITC. On the other hand, Bajaj Auto, TCS, Infosys, NTPC, Nestle India, Kotak Bank and Hero MotoCorp fell up to 0.89 per cent. "Government's more than double capex plan for the next 5 years and uptick in steel prices with the announcement of US-China deal signing date pushed the market higher led by sectors such as infra, commercial vehicles, cement and metals. "Strong expectation in union budget, positive data like GST revenue and India factory production at 7-month high brought a broad based rally," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services. Sectorally, BSE basic materials, metal, capital goods, industrials, energy, realty and finance indices ended up to 2.94 per cent higher, while IT and teck closed with losses. Broader BSE midcap and smallcap indices rallied up to 1.44 per cent. World equities soared after China eased monetary policy to spur growth. Bourses in Shanghai and Hong Kong spurted up to 1.25 per cent, while Seoul ended in the red. -- PTI

Image: Ultratech Cement was the top gainer in the Sensex pack

"We did reach out to countries across the globe on Citizenship Amendment Act and the NRC," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing. "We emphasised that the Act (CAA) just expedites acquiring of citizenship to persecuted minorities. It does not change basic structure of Constitution," he said. 

On when the India-Japan summit, which was postponed following protests in Guwahati last month, will be held, Kumar said the dates for it will be finalised soon. -- PTI

In a series of tweets in Hindi, he said, "The death of 100 innocent children is extremely saddening and heart-wrenching. The death of children is a blot on a civilised society, human values and feelings. It is extremely sad that Congress president Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, despite being women, are not able to understand the sorrow of the mothers," he added. 

In another tweet, he said it would have been better had Priyanka met and consoled the aggrieved mothers instead of indulging in politics in UP. At least 100 infants have died at government-run JK Lon Hospital hospital in Kota in the past month. -- PTI

The deceased firefighter has been identified as Amit Balyan (20), who was admitted to Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute. 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled his death and tweeted, "It is with deep sadness I inform you that one of our firemen was martyred while saving people from fire. Our firemen save other people's lives by putting their lives under extremely risk in difficult circumstances. May his soul rest in peace." Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal also condoled the death of the firefighter. "Deeply anguished over news of death of fire operator Amit Balyan Amit along with his team members fought bravely to save lives of many people. I salute his bravery My sincere condolences to his family members. All possible assistance to be extended to the injured & bereaved family," he tweeted. 

A large portion of the two-storey building collapsed following an explosion when firefighters were dousing the blaze, an official said, adding that fire department had received a call at 4.23 am. According to fire department officials, the fire has been brought under control but the cooling process is still underway.

All the firemen, who were trapped under the debris, have been rescued. Plumes of smoke billowed out from the building as the fire brigade personnel battled to contain the blaze. An eyewitness said several explosions were heard as the blaze gutted down the building. Santosh Kumar, who works in a plastic factory nearby, said around 9 am, the back side of the building collapsed. 

"Two to four persons were trapped still trapped inside the building and were heard screaming for help. The fire personnel rescued them with the help of a ladder. They were alive," he said.

"In past two days, a total of three kids have died. With this, the death toll has reached 103," a hospital official said.

All three children died during treatment.

While one was admitted here due to drastic weight loss, the other two were transferred from another hospital. The three-member state government committee of doctors was sent to investigate the matter on December 23 and 24.

After examining the situation at the hospital, the Rajasthan government committee found that Kota's JK Lone Hospital is short of beds and it requires improvement.

However, the committee gave a clean chit to the doctors for any lapses over the recent death of infants admitted there.

As per the government report, at least 91 infants lost their lives at the government hospital in December.

"Internet facilities has been restored in health institutions [in] J-K. Rest are also being restored on war footing," Jammu and Kashmir's Department of Information and Public Relations stated in a tweet.

Earlier today, Kashmir Zone Police stated that broadband high-speed internet connectivity has been restored at 80 government hospitals, including the health centers and offices linked to the Department of Health, across the Kashmir valley.

This came after SMS services were restored in the Kashmir Valley from midnight on December 31. 

Earlier on October 14, postpaid mobile services were also restored. All mobile networks and landline connections were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, in view of security concerns in the region following the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370 that granted special status to the erstwhile State.

"I am fortunate that I am beginning the year 2020 from this pious land. I wish this sacred energy of Sree Siddaganga Mutt enriches the lives of the people of our country. India has entered the third decade of the 21st century with new energy and renewed vigor. You will remember what kind of atmosphere was there in country when last decade started. But this third decade has started with a strong foundation of expectations and  aspirations.  

"Pakistan was formed on the basis of religion, religious minorities were being persecuted there. The persecuted were forced to come to India as refugees. But Congress and its allies don't speak against Pakistan, instead they are taking out rallies against these refugees. 

"Those who are agitating against the Parliament of India today, I want to say that today need is to expose activities of Pakistan at the international level. If you have to agitate, raise your voice against Pakistan's actions of last 70 years," the PM said and added that the Congress, its allies and  the ecosystem created by them are standing against India's Parliament. 

Prime Minister Modi will take part in various programmes in the state, including a visit to Sree Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru. During the Siddaganga Mutt visit, Modi is slated to unveil a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone for a memorial museum of Shri Shri Shivakumar Swami. 

Earlier, a PMO release said that the Prime Minister will offer prayers and also plant a sapling at the Mutt.

Chief Minister Yediyurappa and other dignitaries including Siddalingeshwara Swamy will be present on the occasion. The Prime Minister will also address a gathering at the occasion. - ANI

File pic. 

A senior Personnel Ministry official said the Lokpal is likely to move out of its five star hotel temporary office at The Ashok Hotel in Chanakyapuri by this month. 

"Total monthly rent is around Rs 50 lakh and Rs 3,85,09,354 has been paid from March 22, 2019 to October 31, 2019 for rent," the Lokpal of India said in response to an RTI application filed by this PTI journalist. Space at the former ICDAR (International Centre For Alternative Dispute Resolution) building has been allotted for the office of Lokpal, the reply stated when asked details of the steps being taken for providing permanent office for the ombudsman. However, the reply did not give details of the location of the new office. 

"The office of Lokpal will move out to its own permanent space in the national capital," an official said. The Lokpal is an apex body to deal with cases of corruption at the national level. It has to enquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries of the central government in a time-bound manner.

President Ram Nath Kovind on March 23 administered the oath of office to Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose as chairperson of the Lokpal. The Lokpal's eight members were administered the oath by Justice Ghose on March 27. Former chief justices of different high courts -- Justices Dilip B Bhosale, Pradip Kumar Mohanty, Abhilasha Kumari and Ajay Kumar Tripathi -- took oath as judicial members of the Lokpal. -- PTI

Image: President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office to the Lokpal. 

"Bhagavad Gita should be taught in schools, we send our children to missionary schools, they get through IIT, become engineers, go abroad and most of them start eating beef. Why? Because we did not teach them about our culture and traditional values. Later, the parents complain that their children are not taking care of them." said Singh while speaking at the 'Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Gyapan' event in Begusarai on Wednesday.

The Union Minister further endorsed the need for implementing the teaching of Gita in schools.

"Therefore, schools should teach lessons of the verse (Shlok) of the Gita. In a survey of as many as 100 houses, we have found that Hanuman Chalisa was found in only 15 households and the books of Gita and Ramayana were found only in three houses. So we cannot blame the children," he added.Speaking to the reporters after the event, Singh added that India will only survive if its culture is saved. -- ANI

Image: Taboo food: Beef stroganoff 

"I had said yesterday also that things are clear as far as portfolio distribution to ministers is concerned. By the end of today, allocation of portfolios will be done," Pawar said. 

Pawar also clarified his stand over reports of him not taking Mantralaya room number 602 and said that he doesn't believe in superstitions.

"I am taking another cabin for some other reason. I don't want to make any unnecessary renovation work in room number 602," he said.

Pawar visited the Indu Mill compound in Dadar area to see the construction progress of Babasaheb Ambedkar memorial.

After his visit, Pawar said that the work will be completed by April 2022.

"I want to assure that whatever budget is required for this memorial, the government will spend on it. We are trying to make this memorial open for public by April 2022," he said. -- PTI

Image: A view of the Sangam at the early hours on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (Prayagraj) on February 4. Photograph: PTI

"A nation of 80 per cent Hindus refused to become a Hindu rashtra not because it was the fashionable thing to do or that Jawaharlal Nehru wanted it that way. In deciding to remain a nation for all religions, India simply chose to be tethered to its civilisational moorings."' says Saisuresh Sivaswamy.  Do read 

He was speaking at Maharashtra Police's Raising Day parade at the Marol Police Training Centre in Andheri. "The world is moving forward, challenges before the police force are big and the enemy, which is in front of us, has weapons and training. To tackle such challenges, whatever is best in the world, that will be provided to the Maharashtra Police force," Thackeray said. "Our police force should be a step ahead of the enemy," he said. 

The chief minister lauded the contribution of the police force in making people feel safe and secure. "While on duty, a policeman forgets whatever pressures and work stress he has, and he remains committed towards maintaining law and order for the safety of all," he said.

Apart from training, weapons and various other facilities, the most important thing required by the police force is "courage", he said. "And I can proudly say that Maharashtra Police force fully has it," the chief minister said. The state government will take all steps to provide good quality houses and other required facilities to the police personnel, he said. After the parade, Thackeray also attended the 'bhoomi pujan' of a building in Marol area for providing houses to police personnel. -- PTI

Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath is under pressure from the All India Congress Committee to accommodate Shobha Oza, who is close to Rahul Gandhi. 

Priyanka Gandhi does not want to extend Digvijaya Singh's candidature, but if Sonia Gandhi has her way, Divijaya will be back in Parliament. Sonia feels he must be accommodated as a facesaver for having lost to Pragya Thakur of the BJP from the Bhopal seat. 

But Priyanka and Rahul are pushing for the Congress young guns, and Jyotiraditya may soon find himself in the Upper House of Parliament. The former Union minister is said to have been sulking ever since the party leadership put Kamal Nath in the chief minister's chair last December after the Assembly polls.

Scindia had even openly backed the BJP-led Union government's move to abrogate provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Several people, including firefighters, are trapped under the debris of a factory that collapsed after a fire broke out in Delhi's Peera Garhi on Thursday morning, officials said. A rescue operation is underway and the police, fire brigade personnel, NDRF team and civil authorities are at the spot, an official said. 

The building at Udoh Nagar area collapsed following an explosion when firefighters were dousing the blaze, an official said, adding that the fire department had received a call at 4.23 am. People, including fire personnel, are trapped inside, the official added. 

"Those injured, including fire brigade personnel, have been taken to the Sanjay Gandhi hospital and the Balaji Action hospital," he said, adding that 35 fire tenders were at the spot. 

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he was monitoring the situation. "V sad to hear this. Am closely monitoring the situation. Fire personnel trying their best. Praying for the safety of those trapped," Kejriwal tweeted. -- PTI 

The state BJP was quick to hit back and accused the TMC government of not properly following rules and procedure which it said caused the rejection.

The Defence Ministry had on Wednesday rejected West Bengal's tableau proposal. The West Bengal government's proposal was rejected after an Expert Committee examined it in two rounds of meeting, a statement by the ministry said.

"The tableau proposal of the West Bengal government was not taken forward for further consideration by the Expert Committee after deliberations in the second meeting. 

"It is pertinent to mention here that the tableau of the Government of West Bengal was short-listed for participation in the Republic Day Parade 2019 as an outcome of the same process," it said. The Ministry had received 32 tableau proposals from states and union territories and 24 from central ministries and departments of which 22 proposals, comprising 16 states/UTs and 6 ministries/departments, have finally been short-listed, the statement said. West Bengal Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Tapas Roy accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of having a "vindictive attitude" against the state.

"Just because West Bengal has been opposing anti- people policies of the BJP government, a step-motherly treatment is being meted out to the state. As we have opposed anti-people laws like CAA, the Centre has rejected our tableau proposal," Roy told PTI.

This is not the first time that West Bengal's tableau proposal has been rejected. There have been previous instances also, he said. "Such cheap politics won't deter us from opposing anti-people policies. The BJP has insulted the people of West Bengal and they would get a befitting reply for it in the near future," Roy said.

Responding to the allegations, West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said the tableau was rejected as the state government didn't properly follow the rules and procedure in submitting the proposal. "The state government has not followed the rules. Other states have followed them, so their tableau proposals were accepted. The TMC should stop doing politics on each and every issue," Ghosh said. PTI

Image: A West Bengal government tableau during Republic Day in 2013. 

The action was taken by the minister after an elderly person allegedly informed him that the officials were not giving him an Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card.During his visit, Kadu further asked other officials to follow the Right to Services Act, otherwise, he said, strict action would be taken. -- ANI

The Congress used to call Shiv Sena's protests as 'rada culture' (hooliganism), but what Thopte's alleged supporters did was exactly the same, it said. This does not suit the "Congress culture", an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray expanded his month-old ministry on Monday by inducting 36 ministers.

"The Cabinet expansion was, indeed, delayed but it finally happened. There were some sparks of disappointment from those who could not make the cut, but the list of probables was huge," the Shiv Sena said. 

It said the opposition (BJP) may be "bubbling" over such developments, but even the previous Devendra Fadnavis government was no exception to such discontent during its Cabinet expansions. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also said it kept its word by inducting three Independents, who extended support to the Shiv Sena, unlike the Congress and NCP. 

"A strong and experienced Cabinet is in power, it should be allowed to function," the Sena said. On Shiv Sena MLA Bhaskar Jadhav expressing "shock" over his exclusion from the ministry, the Marathi daily said Cabinet berth was "not promised" to anyone, including Jadhav, who joined the Thackeray-led party after quitting the NCP. "Jadhav claimed Thackeray promised to make him Cabinet minister.

As per our information, no such promise was made to him. Thackeray must have asked him to join the Sena ahead of the Assembly polls and be part of the government," it said. The Shiv Sena joined hands with the Congress and NCP, its traditional adversaries, after its alliance with the BJP collapsed over the issue of sharing the chief ministerial post following the state Assembly polls held in October last year. -- PTI

Image: Aaditya Thackeray had personally invited Sonia Gandhi for Uddhav Thackeray's swearing-in ceremony last month as CM of alliance of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP, which is ruling Maharashtra 

The couple was picked up by the police during a protest organised by Left groups in the city on December 19.  Ayra, their 14-month-old daughter, was being taken care of by her relatives at their home.

Image: Ekta with her baby daughter, fondly called, Champak, said she was worried as the girl is being breast-fed. "It was very tough for me," Ekta said. 

Forex traders said the rupee is trading in a narrow range amid lack of directional cues from the global market. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 71.27 then fell to 71.33 against the dollar, showing a decline of 11 paise over its previous closing. 

Thirty-five fire engines are at the site. The firefighters were working to rescue people stuck in the burning building when the explosion happened and brought down the structure.

The building collapsed after a blast in a factory. The fire department said they received a call around 4.23 am about a fire in the factory at Udoh Nagar area after which seven fire tenders were rushed to the spot, the official said. 

"The building collapsed and people are trapped inside, including fire personnel," a senior fire official said. A total of 35 fire tenders are working and the rescue operations are underway, he said. PTI

An official said the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani was delayed for five hours while the Malda-Delhi Farakka Express was delayed for four hours. An official of the MeT department said the Safdarjung observatory recorded visibility at 300 metres at 8.30 am. 

"The skies will remain partly cloudy and the maximum temperature is expected to settle at 20 degrees Celsius," the official said. Delhi's air quality recorded at 9.38 am was 423 in the "severe" category. -- PTI

An estimated 392,078 babies were born around the world on New Year's Day, according to UNICEF. Of this, an estimated 67,385 babies were born in India, the most globally. China comes in second with 46,299 births.

"The beginning of a new year and a new decade is an opportunity to reflect on our hopes and aspirations not only for our future, but the future of those who will come after us,' UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. 

"As the calendar flips each January, we are reminded of all the possibility and potential of each child embarking on her or his life's journey'"if they are just given that chance.' Fiji in the Pacific most likely delivered 2020's first baby, while the US, the last of the New Year's Day. 

Globally, over half of these births were estimated to have taken place in eight countries - India (67,385), China (46,299), Nigeria (26,039), Pakistan (16,787), Indonesia (13,020), United States of America (10,452), Democratic Republic of Congo (10,247) and Ethiopia (8,493).

Each January, UNICEF celebrates babies born on New Year's Day, an auspicious day for child birth around the world, it said. However, for millions of newborns around the world, the day of their birth is far less auspicious. 

In 2018, 2.5 million newborns died in just their first month of life; about a third of them on the first day of life. Among those children, most died from preventable causes such as premature birth, complications during delivery, and infections like sepsis. In addition, more than 2.5 million babies are born dead each year. -- PTI

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said that Hindus facing religious persecution in Pakistan and Bangladesh will naturally "come to India" and not go to "Italy".

"Why are you protesting? Against whom you are protesting? If Hindus from Pakistan and Bangladesh will not come to India then where else they will go, Italy?" said Reddy.

"Sikhs will not go to Italy," he said.

"It's our responsibility to give shelter to them and to give them citizenship," he added.

Since the enactment of CAA on December 12 last year, protests have erupted in various parts of the country including the national capital.

The CAA grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Krishna Ghati sector of the Poonch district on Wednesday night.

The violation occurred around 9 pm on Wednesday when Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing of small arms and shelling with Mortars along LoC in Krishna Ghati sector. 

The Indian Army retaliated befittingly and the firing stopped at 11 pm.

Tamil writer Nellai Kannan was arrested, days after an FIR was registered against him for his speech during an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest.

The Tirunelveli Police had registered the FIR against the writer for the speech delivered at a meeting, which was called by the Social Democratic Party of India on December 29 last year. 

Kannan had reportedly used harsh language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during the speech.

The police have booked him on the basis of multiple complaints filed by BJP leaders.

Kannan has been booked under Sections 504, 505(1) and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code. 

IIT-Kanpur has formed a committee to inquire into a complaint against the recitation of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's noted poem 'Hum Dekhenge' on campus by students to express solidarity with their peers at Jamia Milia Islamia, the institute's Deputy Director Manindra Agarwal said.    

  

He said a "very peaceful protest" was held on December 17 by about 300 students of the premier institute at its premises as they were not allowed to go out due to enforcement of prohibitory orders under Section 144, CrPC in the city.

An IIT-K student sang the poem 'Hum Dekhenge' by Faiz, an eminent poet, against which a complaint was filed by Dr Vashimant Sharma, a temporary faculty member, and about 16 others including faculty members and students. 

The written complaint filed by them with the IIT Director states that the poem had some wordings that could hurt the sentiments of Hindus, Agarwal said.

"A committee of six members was established, headed by me, to investigate the matter. Some students have been questioned, while the others will be questioned after they return to the institution after the holidays," the Deputy Director said.

Agarwal also said there was a war of words on social media war between those supporting the recitation of the poem and those who opposed it. 

"It was contributing to escalation of the situation and hence we requested both sides to stop it and they obliged," he said.

In what could spark fresh tensions between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the BJP-led Centre, the Union ministry of defence on Wednesday rejected her state's tableau proposal for the Republic Day parade on January 26.

"The tableau proposal of West Bengal government was examined by the expert committee in two rounds of meetings. The tableau proposal of the West Bengal government was not taken forward for further consideration by the committee after deliberations in the second meeting," the ministry said in its statement.

Twenty two proposals comprising 16 states and union territories and six ministries and departments have been shortlisted for the parade. The shortlist was compiled from as many as 56 tableau proposals -- 32 from states and union territories and 24 from various ministries and departments - received by the central government.

"The expert committee examines the proposals on the basis of theme, concept, design and visual impact before making its recommendations. Due to time constraints arising out of the overall duration of the parade, only a limited number of tableaux can be shortlisted for participation in the parade," the statement read, adding that West Bengal was shortlisted for the 2019 Republic Day parade through a similar process.

Sources in the Bengal government said they are yet to receive official confirmation of their tableau's selection. "We gave many proposals on the theme of developmental works in Bengal, including a model on saving water. We hoped it will be approved," an official said. 

The Trinamool Congress-led Bengal government is at loggerheads with the central government over several issues, and the expanding presence of the BJP in the eastern state ahead of the 2021 assembly elections has further intensified their rivalry.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations.