A massive fire broke out in an ordinance factory here on Saturday evening after a series of explosions of bombs made there, an official said. No casualties have been reported in the incident.

"The fire broke out in the F-3 section of the factory at Khamaria after a series of explosions caused by bombs manufactured there. The fire has been brought under control. No one was injured," District Magistrate M.C. Chaudhary told IANS.

The officer said a probe has been initiated. Defence Ministry officials said the fire has been controlled to a large extent.

A massive fire broke out in an ordinance factory here on Saturday evening after a series of explosions of bombs made there, an official said. No casualties have been reported in the incident.

"The fire broke out in the F-3 section of the factory at Khamaria after a series of explosions caused by bombs manufactured there. The fire has been brought under control. No one was injured," District Magistrate M.C. Chaudhary told IANS.

The officer said a probe has been initiated. Defence Ministry officials said the fire has been controlled to a large extent.

Four startups from T-Hub, one of the largest start-up ecosystem builders in India, have bagged global awards, a statement said on Saturday.

Hug Innovations, Loop Reality, AuthBase and Kheyti have received prestigious awards and recognitions in competitions held exclusively to identify emerging start-ups in the country, the T-Hub said in a statement.

T-Hub, which has over 2,000 start-ups in its database, claims to be emerging as the first choice of top Indian startups.

Hug Innovations, the maker of the gesture-control Hug Smartwatch capable of flying drones, navigating smart television, and controlling virtual reality-based applications through hand gestures, was among 1,500 start-ups from all over the world to participate in the Global Mobile Challenge. It was awarded the best in India, top 3 in the Asia Pacific and one of the top 10 finalists in the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Hug Innovations was also declared the winner of The India Region Round of the 1st China (Shenzhen) Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Competition held at Bengaluru. While they received a cash prize of RMB 100,000, another emerging startup player, Loop Reality, was declared 2nd Runner-up and received a cash prize of RMB 30,000. Both these companies qualified for the global finals of the competition, which will be held at Shenzhen, China between April 11 -18.

Loop Reality is a disruptive technology firm, whose first product LoopFit is an immersive multiplayer VR fitness solution, which allows its users to experience outdoor environments, indoors.

AuthBase, a deep tech cyber security company working out of T-Hub has been recognised with the Hot 100-Race To Grace 2017 Award, which champions innovation and enterprise. The company provides frameworks for developers to secure their applications and use Deep Learning to detect and mitigate hack and bot attacks real-time.

The fourth start-up nurtured by T-Hub and garnering international attention after being conferred with the "Acumen Global Award 2017" in Kenya is Kheyti, an AgriTech company that creates dependable incomes to small farmers using technology.

Kheyti designs, adapts and implements low-cost farming solutions that help small farmers increase yield and predictability of produce.

"The unique model of T-Hub enables investors and corporates to plan programs and capacity building initiatives in a targeted and organised manner. T-Hub is also the only model where the government is working intensely with the investor and the partner to fuel innovation and facilitate enterprise," said its CEO Jay Krishnan.

Four startups from T-Hub, one of the largest start-up ecosystem builders in India, have bagged global awards, a statement said on Saturday.

Hug Innovations, Loop Reality, AuthBase and Kheyti have received prestigious awards and recognitions in competitions held exclusively to identify emerging start-ups in the country, the T-Hub said in a statement.

T-Hub, which has over 2,000 start-ups in its database, claims to be emerging as the first choice of top Indian startups.

Hug Innovations, the maker of the gesture-control Hug Smartwatch capable of flying drones, navigating smart television, and controlling virtual reality-based applications through hand gestures, was among 1,500 start-ups from all over the world to participate in the Global Mobile Challenge. It was awarded the best in India, top 3 in the Asia Pacific and one of the top 10 finalists in the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Hug Innovations was also declared the winner of The India Region Round of the 1st China (Shenzhen) Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Competition held at Bengaluru. While they received a cash prize of RMB 100,000, another emerging startup player, Loop Reality, was declared 2nd Runner-up and received a cash prize of RMB 30,000. Both these companies qualified for the global finals of the competition, which will be held at Shenzhen, China between April 11 -18.

Loop Reality is a disruptive technology firm, whose first product LoopFit is an immersive multiplayer VR fitness solution, which allows its users to experience outdoor environments, indoors.

AuthBase, a deep tech cyber security company working out of T-Hub has been recognised with the Hot 100-Race To Grace 2017 Award, which champions innovation and enterprise. The company provides frameworks for developers to secure their applications and use Deep Learning to detect and mitigate hack and bot attacks real-time.

The fourth start-up nurtured by T-Hub and garnering international attention after being conferred with the "Acumen Global Award 2017" in Kenya is Kheyti, an AgriTech company that creates dependable incomes to small farmers using technology.

Kheyti designs, adapts and implements low-cost farming solutions that help small farmers increase yield and predictability of produce.

"The unique model of T-Hub enables investors and corporates to plan programs and capacity building initiatives in a targeted and organised manner. T-Hub is also the only model where the government is working intensely with the investor and the partner to fuel innovation and facilitate enterprise," said its CEO Jay Krishnan.

While the former minister, his son and other political aides remain to be at large the Uttarakhand police managed to arrest Chandpur Nagarpalika Chairman`s husband Sherbaj Pathan on Friday evening in connection of a case of kidnapping reported in January 2013.

Followed by the raids of the Uttarakhand police which started on Thursday the team got a breakthrough on Friday evening in the form of the arresting of Sherbaj Pathan from his residence in Chandpur of district Bijnor.

Pathan , who is the husband of Nagarpalika chairman from Chandpur had fought on the SP ticket from Chandpur in the 2012 assembly election  which he lost. This election he fought on the Congress ticket loosing again.

Followed by his arresting, the police  teams are carrying out further raids to get hold of  former minister in Samajwadi party government Moolchand Chauhan, his son Amit Pratap Chauhan, aide Kapil Kumar , the than district president of SP Rashid Hussain, the than district panchayat president`s husband Rafi Saifi, MLA from Nageena and former minister Manoj Paras and a few other aides.

Since one of the accussed Paras is a MLA so the police will have to take permission of Vidhan Sabha Adhyaksh before his arresting, told Omkar Singh, DIG of Moradabad range.

The court of Uttarakhand has issued non bailable warrant against accused because of which the police action has been initiated, he said.

The case of abduction was lodged in the Lakshman Jhula police station of Rishikesh l  January 16-17 , 2013   in which the minister , his son and political aides including Pathan , Paras etc were  named. In 2012 after formation of SP government in the state Nasreen Saifi of BSP was president of Jila panchayat  and no confidence motion was moved against her in SP government to depose her from the post. Nasreen than joined Samajwadi party and her rivals fielded Vijayveeri  against her. Vijayveeri`s husband Chatra Singh managed stay of a few supporter Jila Panchayat members in a hotel of Rishikesh to ensure the victory of his wife against Nasreen.

Meanwhile leaders of ruling Samajwadi party came to know about their stay in hotel and allegedly kidnapped them from there . This turned the table in favour of Nasreen. Later, family members of a kidnapped Jila Panchayat member lodged complaint of kidnapping in Laxmanjhula police station of Rishikesh and  police submitted it's  final in the court in favour of accused to which the complainant opposed . The court than directed police to reopen the case and summoned the accused for hearing which all of them evaded forcing the court to issue non bailable warrant against them. 

While the former minister, his son and other political aides remain to be at large the Uttarakhand police managed to arrest Chandpur Nagarpalika Chairman`s husband Sherbaj Pathan on Friday evening in connection of a case of kidnapping reported in January 2013.

Followed by the raids of the Uttarakhand police which started on Thursday the team got a breakthrough on Friday evening in the form of the arresting of Sherbaj Pathan from his residence in Chandpur of district Bijnor.

Pathan , who is the husband of Nagarpalika chairman from Chandpur had fought on the SP ticket from Chandpur in the 2012 assembly election  which he lost. This election he fought on the Congress ticket loosing again.

Followed by his arresting, the police  teams are carrying out further raids to get hold of  former minister in Samajwadi party government Moolchand Chauhan, his son Amit Pratap Chauhan, aide Kapil Kumar , the than district president of SP Rashid Hussain, the than district panchayat president`s husband Rafi Saifi, MLA from Nageena and former minister Manoj Paras and a few other aides.

Since one of the accussed Paras is a MLA so the police will have to take permission of Vidhan Sabha Adhyaksh before his arresting, told Omkar Singh, DIG of Moradabad range.

The court of Uttarakhand has issued non bailable warrant against accused because of which the police action has been initiated, he said.

The case of abduction was lodged in the Lakshman Jhula police station of Rishikesh l  January 16-17 , 2013   in which the minister , his son and political aides including Pathan , Paras etc were  named. In 2012 after formation of SP government in the state Nasreen Saifi of BSP was president of Jila panchayat  and no confidence motion was moved against her in SP government to depose her from the post. Nasreen than joined Samajwadi party and her rivals fielded Vijayveeri  against her. Vijayveeri`s husband Chatra Singh managed stay of a few supporter Jila Panchayat members in a hotel of Rishikesh to ensure the victory of his wife against Nasreen.

Meanwhile leaders of ruling Samajwadi party came to know about their stay in hotel and allegedly kidnapped them from there . This turned the table in favour of Nasreen. Later, family members of a kidnapped Jila Panchayat member lodged complaint of kidnapping in Laxmanjhula police station of Rishikesh and  police submitted it's  final in the court in favour of accused to which the complainant opposed . The court than directed police to reopen the case and summoned the accused for hearing which all of them evaded forcing the court to issue non bailable warrant against them. 

Pro-Pakistan separatist Syed Alishah Geelani on Saturday urged religious clerics to exercise their influence to make people boycott the bye-election for the Srinagar and Anantnag Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir in April.

In a statement, Geelani stressed that now is the duty for our religious clerics and intellectual class to apprise people about the negative aspect of these elections and make them understand that any kind of vote or support tantamount to betrayal with those who lost lives and eyesight during unrest in Kashmir last year.

Reiterating boycott call for upcoming bye-election, Geelani said that people in Kashmir are striving for right to 
self-determination. 

Participation of a few people in these elections never means any political decision regarding Kashmir issue, however if the contesting parties are desirous to ascertain people’s verdict about the political destiny of state, then not a single person will cast his vote in their favour, nor they will find a single poling agent for their parties, said Geelani.

Referring to those contesting these elections, Geelani in a sweeping statement alleged they are involved in scandals like corruption, sex rackets, embezzlements and soon as they get into power corridors, promote liquor trade, immodesty and impertinence. 

Ridiculing the state administration, Geelani said, soon as bye elections were announced, the separatist leaders were detained and were prevented from meeting people.

Pro-Pakistan separatist Syed Alishah Geelani on Saturday urged religious clerics to exercise their influence to make people boycott the bye-election for the Srinagar and Anantnag Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir in April.

In a statement, Geelani stressed that now is the duty for our religious clerics and intellectual class to apprise people about the negative aspect of these elections and make them understand that any kind of vote or support tantamount to betrayal with those who lost lives and eyesight during unrest in Kashmir last year.

Reiterating boycott call for upcoming bye-election, Geelani said that people in Kashmir are striving for right to 
self-determination. 

Participation of a few people in these elections never means any political decision regarding Kashmir issue, however if the contesting parties are desirous to ascertain people’s verdict about the political destiny of state, then not a single person will cast his vote in their favour, nor they will find a single poling agent for their parties, said Geelani.

Referring to those contesting these elections, Geelani in a sweeping statement alleged they are involved in scandals like corruption, sex rackets, embezzlements and soon as they get into power corridors, promote liquor trade, immodesty and impertinence. 

Ridiculing the state administration, Geelani said, soon as bye elections were announced, the separatist leaders were detained and were prevented from meeting people.

The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (Desam) and two Muslim organisations have called a general strike from Saturday midnight till 6 p.m. on Sunday to protest against the "reward" given to an independent legislator who has extended support to the ruling BJP-led coalition.

The Alliance turned down the invitation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for talks and decided to go ahead with the general strike. 

The general strike is called in a protest against the appointment of Ashab Uddin as Parliamentary Secretary by the Chief Minister. This lone independent from the Jiribam constituency had extended support to the BJP-led coalition ministry for which he was appointed the Parliamentary Secretary. 

DESAM and the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) objected to the support for Ashab Uddin. 

JCILPS Convener B.K. Moirangcha said, "What Ashab Uddin has done is against the wishes of the people. We will examine his documents."

DESAM leaders said: "Precious lives had been lost during the agitation for the protection of the indigenous peoples. It is against the wishes of the people to take support from a non-indigenous MLA." 

President of the All Manipur Muslim Welfare Association Abdul said: "The BJP national leaders had announced in Imphal that the framework agreement signed by the Central government and the NSCN(IM) is not against Manipur. Now the NSCN(IM) says that it envisages Naga integration. It amounts to cheating the people and the BJP leaders should clarify it. A white paper should be issued."

Another Muslim organisation, AMMCOC said that the state's territory is not safe. The three Inner Line Permit bills should be enacted soon so as to protect the indigenous people. 

The general strike comes as a setback to the BJP-led coalition government. BJP national leaders and Biren Singh have been saying that the government will ensure a strike and blockade-free Manipur.

The Chief Minister also suffered a setback when his letter to the tribal activists did not yield results. Eight dead bodies have been in the morgue for the last 562 days demanding the withdrawal of the three Inner Line permit bills. Nine youths were killed during violence. One body had been claimed by the family.

The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (Desam) and two Muslim organisations have called a general strike from Saturday midnight till 6 p.m. on Sunday to protest against the "reward" given to an independent legislator who has extended support to the ruling BJP-led coalition.

The Alliance turned down the invitation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for talks and decided to go ahead with the general strike. 

The general strike is called in a protest against the appointment of Ashab Uddin as Parliamentary Secretary by the Chief Minister. This lone independent from the Jiribam constituency had extended support to the BJP-led coalition ministry for which he was appointed the Parliamentary Secretary. 

DESAM and the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) objected to the support for Ashab Uddin. 

JCILPS Convener B.K. Moirangcha said, "What Ashab Uddin has done is against the wishes of the people. We will examine his documents."

DESAM leaders said: "Precious lives had been lost during the agitation for the protection of the indigenous peoples. It is against the wishes of the people to take support from a non-indigenous MLA." 

President of the All Manipur Muslim Welfare Association Abdul said: "The BJP national leaders had announced in Imphal that the framework agreement signed by the Central government and the NSCN(IM) is not against Manipur. Now the NSCN(IM) says that it envisages Naga integration. It amounts to cheating the people and the BJP leaders should clarify it. A white paper should be issued."

Another Muslim organisation, AMMCOC said that the state's territory is not safe. The three Inner Line Permit bills should be enacted soon so as to protect the indigenous people. 

The general strike comes as a setback to the BJP-led coalition government. BJP national leaders and Biren Singh have been saying that the government will ensure a strike and blockade-free Manipur.

The Chief Minister also suffered a setback when his letter to the tribal activists did not yield results. Eight dead bodies have been in the morgue for the last 562 days demanding the withdrawal of the three Inner Line permit bills. Nine youths were killed during violence. One body had been claimed by the family.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi on Saturday assured that the anti-Romeo squads will not trouble couples who move around together with consent.

"I have received many complaints from the mothers, daughters and sisters in the state of harassment towards them. We have assured them that we were are committed to their safety and security," said Aditya Nath at a rally here.

"I have given instructions the to the administration that strict action should be taken in such situations," he added.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also said: "We have made the anti-romeo squads in Uttar Pradesh active. But the girls and boys who are walking on the roads together with consent should not be troubled."

"We have to make the streets safe for the women so that they can walk even at midnight. We have to ensure that they feel safe on the streets," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi on Saturday assured that the anti-Romeo squads will not trouble couples who move around together with consent.

"I have received many complaints from the mothers, daughters and sisters in the state of harassment towards them. We have assured them that we were are committed to their safety and security," said Aditya Nath at a rally here.

"I have given instructions the to the administration that strict action should be taken in such situations," he added.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also said: "We have made the anti-romeo squads in Uttar Pradesh active. But the girls and boys who are walking on the roads together with consent should not be troubled."

"We have to make the streets safe for the women so that they can walk even at midnight. We have to ensure that they feel safe on the streets," he added.

India and Bangladesh will continue their joint efforts to realise aspirations of people of both countries, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Saturday.

"It is a matter of satisfaction that the close relations between India and Bangladesh have substantially expanded in recent years. We have succeeded in enhancing and intensifying our cooperation in areas of our shared interest.

"I am confident that our joint efforts will contribute to the realisation of the aspirations of our respective peoples," Mukherjee said in a message to his Bangladesh counterpart Md Abdul Hamid on the eve of the country's national day.

He also extended greetings and felicitations to the government and people of Bangladesh.

India and Bangladesh will continue their joint efforts to realise aspirations of people of both countries, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Saturday.

"It is a matter of satisfaction that the close relations between India and Bangladesh have substantially expanded in recent years. We have succeeded in enhancing and intensifying our cooperation in areas of our shared interest.

"I am confident that our joint efforts will contribute to the realisation of the aspirations of our respective peoples," Mukherjee said in a message to his Bangladesh counterpart Md Abdul Hamid on the eve of the country's national day.

He also extended greetings and felicitations to the government and people of Bangladesh.

Ten Central Trade Unions, including INTUC, AITUC, CITU and Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) on Saturday expressed concern over life sentence to 13 workers and five years’ jail to four others in the 2012 Maruti agitation violence case and asked all trade unions in the country irrespective of affiliations to organise demonstrations on 5 April as a mark of solidarity with the Maruti workers.

The unions have demanded “unconditional release of the Maruti workers and reinstatement of victimised workers,” a joint statement issued by them said.

Ten Central Trade Unions, including INTUC, AITUC, CITU and Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) on Saturday expressed concern over life sentence to 13 workers and five years’ jail to four others in the 2012 Maruti agitation violence case and asked all trade unions in the country irrespective of affiliations to organise demonstrations on 5 April as a mark of solidarity with the Maruti workers.

The unions have demanded “unconditional release of the Maruti workers and reinstatement of victimised workers,” a joint statement issued by them said.

Indian Railways aims to save Rs 41,000 crore (over $6 billion) on electricity expenses by switching over to solar energy over the next 10 years, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced on Saturday.

He said the Ministry of Railways had prepared 'Mission 41K' to save electricity consumption charges by betting big on solar energy.

He was speaking after formally inaugurating various railway infrastructure projects at the Hi-Tech City railway station here.

The minister said efforts were also on to mop-up Rs 17,000 crore through non-fare revenue modes. "We will not only cut the costs but will generate additional revenue," he said.

He recalled that after taking over as railway minister, he had laid out a plan that energy should come down by 15 per cent.

Claiming that about Rs 4,000 crore was saved on electricity consumption charges so far, he said the target of saving Rs 41,000 crore would be met by generating 1,000 Megawatt of solar power in the next five years

"In addition, we have already started production of 26 MW in wind energy. We are also working on converting waste to energy and commissioned two such projects," Prabhu said.

The minister said 500 MW will be produced by installing solar panels on rooftops of railway buildings and another 500 MW through land based. "Traction power and non-traction power both will benefit from solar power and as well as reducing cost of energy," he added.

The Ministry is drawing up plans for investment to the tune of Rs 8.5 lakh crore. He claimed there was no financial problem for railways and that it had completely bankable projects.

He said the Ministry was focussing on completion of existing projects. He called up on state government to have joint ventures with Railways to implement more projects.