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Supreme Court Seeks Center’s Response On 10% EWS Quota February 08, 2019 16:00

The Supreme Court today sought response from Center on petitions against the 10 per cent Economic Weaker Sections (EWS) among Upper castes in government jobs and educational institutions. The bench headed by Chief Justice Of India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna. The latest petition filed by congress leader Tehseen Poonawalla and also filed by parties including ‘Janhit Abhiyan' and NGO 'Youth For Equality', challenging the Centre's decision.  The following petition claims that the amendment allows the Centre to breach the Supreme Court mandated 50 per cent cap on reservations and also violates the basic feature of constitution by expanding quota benefits on grounds of economic backward These petitions have sought SC to quashing of the bill. Even Earlier, Supreme court gave notice to the center regarding this matter However, SC refused to give a stay on implementation of EWS quota. Many political thinkers say that it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s last effort to draw the voters from Upper Castes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. -Sowmya Sangam

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Rahul Gandhi lashes Out at PM Narendra Modi on Latest Report February 08, 2019 13:15

Congress President Rahul Gandhi held press conference today on Rafale Deal after report in The Hindu Newspaper surfaced. In the report it claimed that Defence Ministry expressed strong reservations to the parallel negotiation conducted by the Prime Minister’s Office in Rafale Jets Deal. In the following note prepared by Defence Ministry said that “It is desirable that such discussions be avoided by the PMO as it undermines our negotiating position seriously.” The Hindu tweeted: Exclusive: The Defence Ministry had protested against PMO undermining #Rafale negotiations, reports @nramind #RafaleDeal https://t.co/xtLyJejr6p pic.twitter.com/aMpzMbICLs — The Hindu (@the_hindu) February 7, 2019 The report says “It is, therefore, clear that such parallel discussions by the PMO has weakened the negotiating position of MoD and Indian Negotiating Team. We may advise PMO that any Officers who are not part of Indian Negotiating Team may refrain from having parallel parlays with the officers of French Government. In case the PMO is not confident about the outcome of negotiations being carried out by the MoD, arevised modality of negotiations to be led by PMO at appropriate level may be adopted in the case.” In the press conference Rahul Gandhi said “Today in the Hindu newspaper, it is absolutely black and white, that the prime minister himself was carrying out a parallel negotiation with the French.” “I want to speak to all youngsters and all armed forces personnel. You fight for us, you die for us... you must know this, that it is clear that PM Modi gave 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani.” “The defence ministry itself has said that the PMO is interfering in negotiations. “Francois Hollande too had told me that PM Modi himself told him to choose Anil Ambani's company.Hence proved that Chowkidaar is the Chor. It cannot be any clearer.” Quoting the note Rahul Gandhi says, “It is desirable that such discussion is avoidable by the PMO, as such discussion affects our negotiations”... these are the quotes of the defence ministry. When an officer puts this in writing, it makes it very clear as to what is happening.” He also said that he didn’t talked about Rafale deal when he met Manohar Parrikar recently “No, I did not speak about Rafale with Manohar Parrikar when we met recently. It would be inappropriate for me to discuss this at such a time.” He added, “PM Modi should explain to the armed forces, especially the air force, why he is interfering with the negotiations?. Look at the PM, look at me. who do you think look rattled?” “You do whatever enquiry and investigation whatever you want... investigate P Chidambaram and (Robert) Vadra, but also investigate Rafale,” he asserted. Rahul says, “The entire Supreme Court judgment on Rafale becomes questionable now. Because information was withheld by the government.” -Sai Kumar

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Congress : If Voted To Power Will Scrap Triple Talaq Law February 07, 2019 18:49

Congress leader and President of All India Mahila Congress Sushmita Dev said that the If we come to power in upcoming elections we will strike down Triple Talaq Law. She made these comments while speaking at the National Convention of AICC Minority Department in New Delhi. The revised law makes instant Triple Talaq- it is the practise in Muslim community where men instantly divorce their wives by uttering ‘Talaq’ Thrice- is a punishable offence and was passed in Lok Sabha in the last year. Sushmita Dev said, “I promise you that Congress will form government in 2019 and we will repeal this triple talaq law. This is a promise," “Many people told us that this law is for the empowerment of Muslim women but we opposed it because it is a weapon used by BJP against Muslim men so that he could be harassed by the police,” Ms Dev said However, Congress has not allowed to pass the bill in its present form in Rajya Sabha where government does not have majority. In the proposed law there is a provision of three year jail term for husband. Opposition parties demanded the formation of select committee to scrutinise the bill. Bharatiya Janata Party reacted to the comments made by congress leader, calling it as “height of appeasement” BJP leader Sambit Patra said, “The Congress says it will repeal the triple talaq law. What a regressive thought! They have no regard for the Supreme Court.” -Sai KUmar

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Rahul Gandhi Hits Out at PM Modi, Calls Him ‘Coward’ February 07, 2019 17:06

Congress President Rahul Gandhi increased his attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today he challenged Modi for a debate on Rafale Deal, Economy and National Security. Rahul Gandhi was speaking at the National Convention of AICC minority department in New Delhi. He said, “Modi ji, you said ayou have a 56-inch chest. I challenge you to come a have a face to face debate with me. I challenge you.” “I challenge the BJP, let Narendra Modi ji debate with me on stage. He is scared. He is a darpok (coward) person. I have recognised him.” Even last year, in November Rahul Gandhi challenged PM Modi to debate on Rafale Deal. He said “ I know his character referring to (Modi) after fighting with him for five years. He is coward, when someone stands up to him, he rans away.” “He now knows you can’t rule India by dividing people.” The Congress President said, “They they are above the nation, but in three months they will understand that nation is above them.” “We have promised a minimum income guarantee. It means that every poor person, in any corner of India, will get direct benefit transfer from the Congress,” he said in his speech today. -Sai Kumar

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PM Modi to Flag Off India’s Fastest Train on February 15 February 07, 2019 14:16

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to flag off India’s fastest train, Train 18 recently named as Vande Bharat Express on february 15. The Train will run between New Delhi and Varanasi. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal recently named it as Vande Bharat express from Train 18. It has been manufactured by integral coach factory, Chennai, it became India's fastest train by hitting speeds of over 180 kmph during a trial run recently on a section of the Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani route. This 16 coach train will replace the 30 year old Shatabdi Express. "The PM will flag off the train at 10 am on February 15 and there will be a function in which he will give a speech as well. It's a matter of great pride for us as this is the Railways' first indigenous train," the official told to PTI. -Sai Kumar

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Robert Vadra to Appear Before Enforcement Directorate Again February 07, 2019 10:21

It will be the second day of interrogation for Robert Vadra as he appears before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at 10:30 am today. He is being questioned by the ED in connection with an alleged money laundering case. Yesterday, he was questioned by the agency for six long hour interrogation session. According to reports he was asked questions on purchase, transaction and ownership of certain assets in London. Vadra’s statement was recorded under prevention of Money Laundering Act-[PMLA] Reports says that ED was not satisfied with the Vadra’s answers. During questioning Robert Vadra said to have denied all the charges owning properties that worth lakhs each. Yesterday, we have seen that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accompanied his husband Robert Vadra to the Enforcement Directorate Office. Later in the day she took charge as party general secretary for eastern UP and held meetings with party members. Robert Vadra, also the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, was first time appearing before any investigative agency in connection with alleged charges of financial dealings. However, he had denied these allegations in the past too and termed them a political vendetta against him. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came out of support of Robert Vadra on Wednesday saying that the Modi government using the probe agency to stop the opposition parties from uniting. -Sai Kumar

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Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Petitions Seeking Review of Sabarimala Verdict February 06, 2019 18:52

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved verdict on petitions seeking review of its 28 September, 2018 judgement. Earlier SC judgement allowed women of all age groups to enter the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi reserved its verdict on 65 petitions came seeking review of the earlier verdict. It said that it will pronounce its order whether to review its judgment or not. Court heard submissions on behalf of parties including the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), Kerala government, Nair Service Society and also some others. In today’s hearing Travancore Devaswom Board which runs the Sabarimala Temple made an U-turn from its earlier stand and supported the Supreme Court’s Verdict that allowed women of all age groups can enter the temple. -Sai Kumar

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Priyanka Gandhi Takes Charge as Congress Party General Secretary February 06, 2019 18:41

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra recently appointed as congress party general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh takes charge at the Congress Headquarters today. Before taking charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accompanied husband Robert Vadra to the Enforcement Department Office for latter’s questioning. Political Observers saying that this is a big signal sending out to the ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party. Robert Vadra appeared before Enforcement Department (ED) in the Money laundering investigation case. The money-laundering case relates to allegations in the purchase of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra. Earlier, Robert Vadra has denied all these allegations in the past and termed them a political vendetta against him. Last week Delhi court granted had granted him interim bail till feb 16 and asked him to join the probe by appearing before on February 6. -Sai Kumar

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ISRO Launches Latest Communication Satellite, GSAT-31 February 06, 2019 12:22

Indian Space Research Organisation -ISRO launced India’s Latest Communication satellite, GSAT-31 from the Spaceport in French Guiana GSAT- 31 satellite said to have the mission life of 15 years. This is 40th communication satellite According to statement from ISRO, GSAT-31, the communication satellite of India configured on ISRO’s enhanced I-2K Bus ,utilising the maximum bus capabilities of this type.This satellite will augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in geostationary orbit. It is launched by Ariane-5(VA 347),will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites. The satellite derives its heritage from ISRO’s earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series. The satellite provides Indian mainland and Island coverage. Applications: GSAT-31 will be be used for supporting VSAT networks, Television uplinks, Digital Satellite News Gathering, DTH-television services, cellular backhaul connectivity and many such applications. The satellite also provides wide beam coverage using a wide band transponder. Two Ku-band beacon downlink sidnals are transmitted by the satellite for ground tracking purpose. #ISROMissionsHere's a lift-off video from @Arianespace.#GSAT31#Ariane5 (#VA247) pic.twitter.com/mHvltAXC1Y — ISRO (@isro) February 6, 2019 #ISROMissions#GSAT31 mission at a glance. #Ariane5 (#VA247)@Arianespace pic.twitter.com/KxanOol1jS — ISRO (@isro) February 6, 2019 -Sai Kumar

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MHA Asked WB Government to Take Disciplinary Action Against Rajeev Kumar February 05, 2019 19:10

Ministry of Home Affairs asked West Bengal government to take disciplinary action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev kumar for violating All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) rules. West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi sent a report to Union Home Minister on current situation in Bengal. The Home Ministry in a letter to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, said that “Rajeev Kumar violated All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, by sitting on a dharna along with some police officers and the Chief Minister at the Metro Channel in Kolkata.” “Rajeev Kumar flouted provisions of the Rules 3(1), 5(1) and 7 of the AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968,” letter said. MHA directive comes after Supreme Court earlier in the day said that Central Bureau Investigation should not take any coercive action against kolkata Police Commissioner, Rajeev Kumar. However, the top court directed Police chief to appear before the CBI for questioning. -Sai Kumar

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SC Orders Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to Appear Before CBI February 05, 2019 16:13

In a stand Off between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CBI, Supreme court today directed Rajeev Kumar, Kolkata Police Commissioner to appear before Central Bureau Of Investigation in chit fund scam Case. The CBI on Tuesday had filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court alleging that several incriminating materials were collected by Investigative agency during the probe against the senior police Officials and Politicians. In hearing today, the bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna directed Rajeev Kumar to appear before CBI for questioning related to alleged Chit Fund Scam. It also said no extreme steps like arrests would be taken. Rajeev Kumar, will appear before the CBI in a neutral place as Shillong, Meghalaya. Next hearing date has been fixed on February 20. Congress Leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued on behalf of West Bengal’s government said that “It’s an attempt to humiliate and score a point. What’s the great urgency? For five years there was no FIR. There is not a single FIR against Rajeev Kumar under 201 i.e Destruction of Evindence of the IPC.” West Bengal Chief Minister termed the Supreme Court’s order as moral victory. She said, “We have great respect for judiciary and all institutions. We are so grateful. We are so obliged.” -Sai Kumar

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Arun Jaitley Slams Opposition Parties, Calls “Kleptocrat’s Club” February 05, 2019 13:20

Union Minister Arun Jaitley slammed opposition parties who are supporting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s ongoing dharna protest against the Center. Jaitley in a Facebook post called them as “Kloptocrat’s Club” which “ aspires to capture the reigns of India.” “Mamata Banerjee's disproportionate over-reaction to the CBI wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse. The most important being that a Kleptocrat's Club now aspires to capture the reigns of India,” he said. “If a police officer is required to be interrogated, how does it become a 'super emergency', 'assault on Federalism', or 'destruction of Institutions?" he asked. BJP leader said it is the strategy of Mamata Banerjee to defocus the opposition leaders who are also aspirants for prime minister’s post by inviting them to join the protest. “Her speeches attack Prime Minister Modi but her strategy is aimed to defocus some of her other colleagues in the opposition and hogging the centre stage,” he said. “There are Central agencies and organisations which conduct legitimate investigation in states. Today the CBI is being brutally prevented by physical force and detention of its officer from investigating a crime legally within its jurisdiction, in the state of West Bengal.” "It is a textbook illustration of a state government assaulting federalism. Can a state government prevent the Income Tax Department from collecting taxes? Can another state government prevent the NIA from proceeding to arrest a terrorist located in the state? Can the Enforcement Directorate be prevented from investigating or arresting a smuggler or money-launderer physically located in a state?" he queried. Jaitley said that it is the case of the state assaulting federalism. "The prevention of a central investigating agency discharging a function given to it by the Supreme Court is a direct assault on federalism," he said. “Can ‘new India’ be ever run by this Kleptocrat's Club?. “Most of them, or their affiliates are today being investigated, prosecuted and in some cases have also been convicted for crimes of corruption. Her ally from Bihar represents the party of the convicted. The friend from Andhra Pradesh runs a party of contractors, 'thekedaars' and money-launderers.” He said referring to opposition leaders “Her two friends from Uttar Pradesh represent the scandalous legacy of corruption. Her anarchic brother from the Delhi government is at his wits end because the penny stock companies of his ministerial colleagues have been found out,” Arun jaitley also hits out at Rahul Gandhi said, “This somersaulter belongs to the first family of the Congress where most members of the family are on bail.” “It has also been argued that the choice in the next Election will be either Modi Vs. Chaos or Modi Vs. Anarchy.” “Mamata Banerjee's latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance India's opposition can provide,” he said. The face-off between the Centre and the West Bengal chief minister Mamata banerjee entered its third day on Tuesday Mamata Banerjee continuing her protest and accusing Modi government of misusing the investigative agencies. -Sai Kumar

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