Keen to make a dent in the Left Front’s citadel in the north eastern state of Tripura, the BJP plans to embark on a statewide mass mobilisation campaign against the Manik Sarkar-led Left front government there with the help of its three frontal organisations, OBC Morcha, Youth Morcha and Mahila Morcha, in preparation for the 2018 assembly elections in the state.

BJP president Amit Shah will camp in the state for two days from 7 May to work out details of the party’s plans and programmes for the ensuing polls besides organisational fine-tuning to take on the LF government. The OBC Morcha, Youth Morcha and Mahila Morcha will play a key role in Shah’s electoral strategy for Tripura.

Ahead of Shah’s visit, the BJP Tripura in-charge Sunil Deodhar is expected to arrive in the national capital to hold consultations. BJP state president Bipal Deb has said the party plans to take on the chief minister and press for his resignation over the termination of 10,223 teachers in the wake of a Supreme Court order.

The Supreme Court on March 29 had upheld a Tripura High Court order for dismissal of 10,323 teachers and asked the state government to initiate a fresh recruitment process by May 31 and complete it by December 31.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday denied any "overzealous" crackdown by authorities on abattoirs in the state and stated there would be no compromise on illegal slaughterhouses.

Announcing the state cabinet's decisions, Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh said: "There will be no compromise on illegal slaughterhouses. The ones that have applied for renewal of licenses would be considered and their licences would be renewed."

He said that so far 26 illegal abattoirs have been sealed by the authorities across the state and added that there has been no "overzealous" crackdown by the authorities.

Apart from undertaking various expeditions beyond Earth, scientsts at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida have joined a partnership created to develop self-driving cars using radar, lasers, the Global Positioning System and computer vision.

In response to the US Department of Transportation's (DOT) request last year for proposals for a pilot programme to perfect the technology behind self-driving cars, the Central Florida Automated Vehicle Partnership was formed. 

DOT selected the Central Florida partnership as one of 10 proving ground pilot sites around the country to encourage testing and communicating information about automated vehicle technologies. 

NASA playing a role in developing automated vehicles is another example of applying the agency's technology to everyday life, Amy Houts Gilfriche, NASA Partnership Development manager in Center Planning and Development, said in a statement on Tuesday. 

The space center also has a unique transportation testing capability, professional staff, instrumentation, processes and technical expertise to test existing autonomous vehicles and develop new sensors.

In addition, the Kennedy Centre may provide a controlled testing facility, which offers a contained environment with a vast road network and secure access. 

While the extent of Kennedy's role has not yet been determined, the centre already has electric vehicle charging stations and could provide many different test sites for driving tests.

"The safety implications of this technology are tremendous. Some of the most significant factors to traffic crashes today are distracted and fatigued drivers. This is a unique opportunity to take that out of the equation and make our streets and highways safer," Gilfriche said.

Even as China fumed over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, India today refused to budge from its stand that the Tibetan spiritual leader was free to go anywhere in India, underlining that no ‘artificial controversy’ should be created around his trip to the North-eastern state.

"The government has clearly stated on several occasions that HHDL (His Holiness the Dalai Lama) is a revered religious leader, who is deeply respected as such by the Indian people," the MEA said as the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal threatened to snowball into a major issue in Sino-Indian relations in the backdrop of a host of unhealthy developments in their ties in recent months.

Emphasising that ‘’no additional colour’’ should be ascribed to the Dalai Lama’s religious and spiritual activities and visits to various states of India, New Delhi pointed out that the Tibetan leader had visited the state six times in the past between 1983 and 2009.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, said there was nothing political about the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal. “There is no political angle behind His Holiness’s visit.It is completely religious. Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of India…China should not object to his visit and interfere in India’s internal affairs,” he was quoted as saying.

China has made protestations over the activities of the Dalai Lama in India in the past as well but this time around it has at least trice objected to his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, baffling the mandarins at the foreign office. A Chinese spokesperson last week said India knew the sensitivity of the border issue between both countries and allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh would damage its ties with China.

To this, a source here said that instead of accusing India of ignoring its sensitivity, China should do some self- introspection on how it had been paying little heed to India’s concerns even on the issue of terrorism. In this regard, the source pointed out how China had continued to stonewall India’s attempt to get JeM chief Masood Azhar listed as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council. Another major issue that had upset India in recent months was China’s continued blocking of India’s bid to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG). China was also ignoring India’s territorial concerns with regard to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which would pass through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as its own, calling it South Tibet. Besides, it accuses the Dalai Lama of separatist activities in Tibet ever since he and his supporters escaped from China in 1959.

New Delhi on Tuesday made it clear to the new administration in the US that there was no room for third party mediation in the resolution of issues between India and Pakistan.

‘’The government’s position for bilateral redressal of all India-Pakistan issues in an environment free of terror and violence hasn’t changed,’’ MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in response to US Permanent Representative to the UN Nikki Haley’s statement that President Donald Trump himself might get involved in a peace process between the two South Asian neighbours.

The spokesperson said India expected the global community and organisations to enforce international mechanisms and mandates concerning terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which continued to be the single biggest threat to peace and stability in the region and beyond.

In a bid to check the performance of small on-grid and off-grid solar power plants, the Central government has announced that it would not give any incentive to solar power plants which would perform at less than 40 per cent of its sanctioned strength during the sanctioned period. 

The Centre has asked all departments, public sector units and state governments which are planning to install solar roof top systems to make sure their system performs above 40 per cent if they intend to avail Central assistance. 

The government has for the first time linked solar rooftop incentives with the performance of the solar system. Earlier the incentive was on the basis of the rooftop installation capacity. The step has been taken following reports that some institutes including government organisations install the solar plant and forget after taking central assistance. "As a result the efficiency of the projects reduce drastically… Some organisations do not even do the normal cleaning after installing it," said a senior officer of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. 

Normally one KW of solar panel in India generates more than 1500 units of electricity a year which means  incentives would be given to a solar system that generates more than 600 units a year, said a senior officer of the MNRE. 

As per the new notification, which came into effect from yesterday, all the government organisations or undertakings which are installing solar off grid or on grid solar plants cannot get subsidy if the plant efficiency is less than 40 %. Similarly it would give maximum subsidy to the plants which are generating more than 80 % of their sanctioned strength. 

MNRE would give an incentive of Rs 16, 250 per KW for general category states, and Rs 39,000 for special category states if the performance of their rooftop power plant was more than 80%. But if it could achieve between 80 % to 50 %, the incentives would come down to Rs 9,650 and Rs 23,400 per kilowatt for general category and special category states respectively. And for those who could only achieve between 40 % to 50 %, incentive would be Rs 6,500 and Rs 15,600 per KW. 

In a bid to check the performance of small on-grid and off-grid solar power plants, the Central government has announced that it would not give any incentive to solar power plants which would perform at less than 40 per cent of its sanctioned strength during the sanctioned period. 

The Centre has asked all departments, public sector units and state governments which are planning to install solar roof top systems to make sure their system performs above 40 per cent if they intend to avail Central assistance. 

The government has for the first time linked solar rooftop incentives with the performance of the solar system. Earlier the incentive was on the basis of the rooftop installation capacity. The step has been taken following reports that some institutes including government organisations install the solar plant and forget after taking central assistance. "As a result the efficiency of the projects reduce drastically… Some organisations do not even do the normal cleaning after installing it," said a senior officer of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. 

Normally one KW of solar panel in India generates more than 1500 units of electricity a year which means  incentives would be given to a solar system that generates more than 600 units a year, said a senior officer of the MNRE. 

As per the new notification, which came into effect from yesterday, all the government organisations or undertakings which are installing solar off grid or on grid solar plants cannot get subsidy if the plant efficiency is less than 40 %. Similarly it would give maximum subsidy to the plants which are generating more than 80 % of their sanctioned strength. 

MNRE would give an incentive of Rs 16, 250 per KW for general category states, and Rs 39,000 for special category states if the performance of their rooftop power plant was more than 80%. But if it could achieve between 80 % to 50 %, the incentives would come down to Rs 9,650 and Rs 23,400 per kilowatt for general category and special category states respectively. And for those who could only achieve between 40 % to 50 %, incentive would be Rs 6,500 and Rs 15,600 per KW. 

Manchester City travel to Chelsea, seeking to blow the English Premier League title-race open when they lock horns at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
 
Chelsea are still seven points clear at the top of the table, but should they drop points against City, the pressure will well and truly be upon them.
 

So while Chelsea remain favourites despite their stunning loss to Crystal Palace, a high-scoring draw seems to be on the cards at the Bridge.
 
Chelsea
What went wrong against Palace? Are Chelsea already celebrating their Premier League title with nine games to spare?
 
Simply put, the Eagles' sterling all-round performance proves them the better team on the day.
 
The Blues cannot afford to dwell on their defeat and must look to make amends with a result against Pep Guardiola’s men. Eden Hazard was in fine form on Saturday, but Diego Costa was not and the Spanish striker needs to get his act together pronto. Scoreless in the last two league games, Costa has been cautioned twice and when he isn't scoring, seems to be more of a liability than anything.
 
Another source of concern will be the inability to keep a clean sheet (seven league games in a row) and their defence will have to shore up if they are to silence the likes of Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne.
 
With Victor Moses the only doubt with a calf complaint, Chelsea continue to remain blessed,
 
Manchester City
City were impressive in patches against Arsenal in their 2-2 draw at the Emirates on Sunday and probably would have won had it not been for a glaring referring mistake.

However, they cannot place the blame solely on the match official, as they themselves were to blame for conceding both goals. Their defence has been poor all season. Pitted against league leaders who are looking to bounce back from a shock loss, they may be humiliated over the course of 90 minutes.
 
City’s offensive unit are in good shape now, and Sergio Aguero’s sharp finish against Arsenal hints that the Argentine hitman is nearing top form and the visitors will need him fit if they are to come away from London with a result.
 
Kevin De Bruyne has a point to prove as he returns to a club which didn't ‘believe’ in him and the Premier League’s highest-assist maker will be crucial to City’s fortunes on Wednesday.
 
Good news comes in the form that Pablo Zabaleta is fit to start at right back, which should see Fernandinho move back into central midfield. 
 
Super Stat: When the sides met in December at the Etihad, sparks flew as Chelsea ran out 3-1 winners on the night. Sergio Aguero saw red for a horror tackle on David Luis and Fernandinho was sent off for his part in the ensuing melee.

Pakistan has suspended issuance of visas on arrival to foreigners in a bid to streamline the visa regime and avoid any irregularities in the database.

Interior Minister Chaudry Nisar Ali Khan, during a high-level meeting yesterday, asked officials to revise and update visa rules besides introduction of online visa regime to bring in transparency and minimise discretion in the whole process, the Express Tribune reported.

Indifference to this responsibility in addressing the problems of the people will invite serious notice and action, he added.

Noting that a lot of good work has been done in the issuance of visas and areas of immigration, he said a lot more still needs to be done to streamline the system and remove various lacunas in it.

With the launching of the online visa application and online visa regime, the interior minister said that any anomaly in issuance of visas would be effectively eliminated.

He said a central visa database is essential as it would enable Pakistani state institutions to keep a tab on all those travelling to Pakistan on any visa category.

To ensure strict surveillance of Pakistan s land, sea and air route entry and exit points on borders, Nisar ordered speedy completion of concept paper for modern Immigration and Border Control Department (IBCD).

The minister said that as a first step, a separate body of IBCD should be set up under the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

He said modern immigration department would strengthen border control management of the country which is currently managed by the FIA.

The Finance Bill 2017 has got the nod of Parliament and President Pranab Mukherjee. Now, cash transactions above Rs.2 lakh attract penalty.

After the tough decision of demonetisation on November 8, the Union government had made it clear that it would not allow high-value cash transactions which encourage hoarding of black money. The Finance Bill 2017 is now in place, but still many people are not aware of its rules. Here is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) on cash transactions:

1. From which date is the ban applicable?

Ans: This Section of the bill applies from April 1, 2017 (FY2017-18 onwards).

2. What are the provisions of Section 269ST?

Ans: Finance Bill 2017 proposed to insert Section 269ST in the Income Tax Act to provide that no person shall receive an amount of Rs2 lakh or more,—

a) In aggregate from a person in a day (If a person receives Rs.2.25 lakh in cash for two different bills of Rs.1 lakh and 1.25 lakh, then penalty is levied)

b) in respect of a single transaction (if there is single bill of Rs.3.10 Lakh and cash is received on different days of Rs.1.6 lakh and Rs.1.5 lakh, then also penalty is levied); or

c) in respect of transactions relating to one event or occasion from a person (if marriage is one occasion and a person receives amount of Rs.3,00,000/-. Thus penalty is levied of 100% of amount received),

Otherwise, than by an account payee cheque or account payee bank draft or use of electronic clearing system through a bank account.

3. To whom does the Section 269 ST applies?

Ans: To any person receiving cash above Rs.2 lakh.

4. For which transactions is Section 269ST not applicable?

Restriction on cash receipt of Rs.2 Lakh or more with effect from April 1, 2017 shall not apply to Government, any banking company, post office savings bank or co-operative banks.

Transactions of the nature referred to in section 269SS;

Such other persons or class of persons or receipts, as may be specified by Union Government by notification in the Official Gazette.

5. Whether penalty is applicable for regular receipts only?

Ans: Any type of amount of Rs.2 Lakh or above received in cash whether capital or revenue in nature.

6. Whether exempt income is covered under the Section 269ST?

Ans: Both taxable and exempt incomes are covered in Section 269ST.

7. If the amount is received for personal purpose, whether 269ST is applicable?

Ans: Irrespective of purpose of accepting amount i.e., whether business purpose or personal purpose or as a trustee, custodian etc. section 269ST is applicable.

8. What is the Penalty for Contravention of Section 269ST?

Ans: 100% penalty on receiver of amount.

As anti-alcohol protesters take different ways to take on the liquor traders from burning and looting shops, protesting on roads, going on rampage, etc in different cities of Uttar Pradesh, people here have taken an entirely different way of protest. In Madhavpuram locality of the city, the residents of the area are chanting mantras and singing bhajans outside the liquor shop uninterrupted throughout the day and night.

The protest started in Madhavpuram locality of the city on March 31 when a liquor contractor shifted his shops from the main road to two rental shops near the police post of the area where there was already a country liquor shop . The contractor had to shift the shops in view of the Supreme Court orders. But it became unacceptable to the  residents of the colony, specially the women who were opposing opening of another liquor shop when one was already there. Showing their protest, the enraged residents came out on streets and demanded that both the shops be moved from there.

The police, however, tried to pacify the protesters and asked them to call their protest off. But the residents refused to go unless their demand be accepted. They sat on a dharna outside the shops raising their demand.

Meanwhile, in large number, the women of the locality started joining the sit-in protest. A tent was put up there and these women started chanting mantras and sang bhajan one after another.

The protesters also managed some pictures of the deities which were put there. Gradually, the local shopkeepers also started extending their support to the residents on this issue.

"They should shift the liquor shops if people do not want them to be here," Sapna, a local resident, said, adding that people drink openly and also create scene at times. This creates an indecent environment. She is hopeful that such a different attempt of residents to protest will definitely force them to shift the liquor shops.

It may be noted that there have been protests against the liquor shops across the state in recent past. In Lucknow and Agra, the liquor shops were burnt while in Moradabad people jammed the road. In Balia, they looted the liquor shop. In Gorakhpur, people went to the police with their complaint, whereas in Varanasi, they took to the streets. But in Madhavpuram in Meerut, the residents took refuge in god.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday chaired the first cabinet meeting of the state after taking charge as chief minister.

After becoming the state chief minister, Adityanath had made a series of announcements, including closure of illegal slaughterhouses, formation of anti-Romeo squads, ban on chewing of tobacco in office and loan waiver for farmers.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto promised to waive loans of small and marginal farmers. The state has 1.8 crore marginal farmers and about 30 lakh small farmers.

Other key promises such as electricity in rural areas and an ordinance on slaughterhouses are expected to be taken up at the cabinet meeting.

"Uttar Pradesh has been deprived till now, but the state will not be neglected anymore," the chief minister had said after his arrival in his home constituency Gorakhpur on March 25.

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'sabka haath, sabhka vikaas' slogan, Adityanath had said he will implement Modi’s vision.

Sony entertainment television’s popular show Beyhadh has taken the most unexpected turn and this time it is a not a girl but a guy who has brought in all the changes!

Interestingly, there is a third person between Arjun and Maya’s life and no it is not Saanjh but Saanjh’s prospective fiancé, Samay.

Apparently, Samay is Maya’s ex-boyfriend who has come back to her life after 8 years.

Saanjh and Samay met in London and they wanted to settle down together. But Samay saw his old love, Maya, and couldn’t hold back his emotions.

On finding Maya, Samay sends her a lot of presents. But Maya is shocked to see him and is unmoved even when Samay tells her that he missed her terribly. In the recent promos, we can see that Maya is trying to kill Samay by kidnapping him.

Wonder how Arjun would react to this new entrant in their lives!

In yet another incident, another Army jawan on Tuesday was detained at the Srinagar airport for carrying live bullets in his luggage, a day after an Army jawan was held for carrying live grenades at the same airport.

The jawan was on a sanctioned leave and was supposed to board a flight to Delhi.

Meanwhile,the Army jawan who was arrested on Monday for carrying two grenades in his luggage at Srinagar airport got released on bail on Tuesday. Soldier Bhopal Mukhia of 17 J-K Rifles alleged that a senior officer had asked him to carry the grenades and hand them to a person in Delhi.

Durdhara, Chandra’s first wife in Star Plus’ soap opera Chandra Nandni is soon going to breathe her last. Rumour is Saanvi Talwar, who plays Durdhara, is planning to bid goodbye to her on-screen husband Rajat Tokas and the whole team.

According to the current story plot, Durdhara has not been keeping well and soon, she will succumb to her illness and Nandini (Shweta Basu Prasad) will be blamed for her death. 

As per reports, Saanvi, who has been with the show for a long time said she is already feeling the pain of separation and thanked Ekta Kapoor for giving her the cameo role.

Chandra Nandni is loosely based on the life of Chandragupta Maurya, one of the major Indian Emperors of ancient India. Shweta Basu Prasad, who has also played many roles as a child artist plays a negative role in the show.

The flooded river, shadowed by the mountains around, now looks dark and still under the cloud laden sky. Soon it will rain. It always rains in summer. It's early this year.

It's not Waka-Waka. This is Wokha, the Land of Plenty. about 57 km away from Dimapur in Nagaland. Green and rich in biodiversity and natural resources, it is the land of the Lotha Naga tribe.

Trekking and hiking around here is a wonderful experience. The mountain range here is awe-inspiring. Up the highest peak, the Wokha mountain, lies the Wokha town, the headquarter of the district. It's the third largest town in Nagaland. It's fast developing, and has a tourist lodge. Travellers can have a good stay here. Interestingly, the town is popular for hosting the oldest cricket tournament in the Northeast – The Winter Cricket Challenge.

Mount Tiyi and Totsu Cliff are the other peaks in the range. Locals believe that supernatural spirits dwell in Mount Tiyi which is popular for rhododendrons. And, there are many folklore and stories around it. The Lothas believe that the mountain has a garden of fruits which only the lucky souls could chance upon it.

As you trek up the mountains, the terraced fields and orchards spread across and the exotics blooms that you find up the lush hills and the misty mountains are a sight to behold. The wonderful view of it takes away all your weariness as you journey around the place.

Endowed with nature's beauty, crystal clear streams and rivers dot the region. But the Doyang river down in the valley, the largest in the district, is a must visit. Several streams flowing into the river makes a beautiful sight. Well terraced paddy fields can be seen along the river.

Life is here is warm and peaceful. Stay a while and mingle with the locals to experience the beautiful and colourful hill culture and life here. You can take a chopper fllght from Dimapur airport to Wokha town, or take the road to reach the place. There are buses and taxis plying between it and Dimapur. Or, being a border town, you can catch a train till Golaghat in Assam and travel onward by bus or taxi.

Police on Tuesday released CCTV footage showing two women fighting off armed men that averted a bank robbery in Gurugram.

Vimla Devi (45) and Poonam (28), employees of State Bank of India's money transfer branch in Badshahpur, overpowered Deepak (25) and Mohit (25) when they tried to loot the bank.

Police Commissioner Sandeep Khirwar said the two women would be rewarded and honoured.

The footage showed the thieves entering the bank on Monday afternoon and pulling out pistols from a bag. They tried to take on Vimla and Poonam at gun point. 

At the time of the incident, the women were alone in the branch. Instead of surrendering, they snatched the pistols and raised an alarm.