England vs Australia 4th Test Day 2 Highlights, Ashes 2019: Advantage Australia After Steve Smith's Double Century On Day 2

Steve Smith, returning after missing the third Test from concussion, scored his 3rd double hundred in Test cricket to help Australia post a mammoth first innings total of 497/8 decl which put them in the driver's seat as they finished Day 2 leading by 474 runs.

England got off to a poor start as they lost Joe Denly, who was promoted to open the innings in place of Jason Roy. Rory Burns was unbeaten on 15 while the nigh watchman Craig Overton was batting on 3.

Earlier, apart from Smith, Tim Paine and Mitchell Starc, playing his first game in the series, also scored a half-century.  (SCORECARD)

Ashes 2019 4th Test Day 2 Match, Highlights England vs Australia, Straight from Old Trafford, Manchester.


Article Source: -https://sports.ndtv.com/ashes-2019/ashes-2019-eng-vs-aus-4th-test-day-2-live-cricket-score-match-updates-2096087

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Airports Authority of India declares 20 more airports single-use plastic free

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has declared 20 more airports single-use plastic free. As many as 55 Indian airports are single-use plastic free now.

Prime Minister Narendra Mood, during his Independence Day speech, had urged citizens to avoid using plastic bags and rid themselves of the habit of using single-use plastic bags by October 2, 2019.

Acting upon the PM Modi's clarion call and as per the directions issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to beat plastic pollution, 35 AAI airports namely Agartala, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Goa, Guwahati, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Patna, Port Blair, Pune, Raipur, Ranchi, Srinagar, Tiruchirappalli, Tirupati, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Varanasi, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam had been declared 'Single-Use Plastic Free Airport Terminals' in Phase I.

As part of the initiatives towards environment protection, a commitment was made by the AAI for making 20 additional AAI Airports as 'Single Use Plastic Free Airport Terminals' within 100 days after formation of the new government.

Visit More:- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/airports-authority-india-aai-20-airports-single-use-plastic-free-1595162-2019-09-04

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5 killed in major fire at ONGC plant in Navi Mumbai, gas diverted to Gujarat plant

"A fire broke out in storm water drainage early morning in Uran oil and gas processing plant. ONGC fire services and crisis management team immediately pressed into action. Fire is being contained. No impact on oil processing. Gas diverted to Hazira Plant. The situation is being assessed," ONGC said in a tweet.

While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the flames.


Visit More:- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ongc-plant-fire-navi-mumbai-update-injured-1594750-2019-09-03

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Nirmala Sitharaman refuses to answer questions on economic slowdown, Manmohan remark

Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday refused to comment on the economic slowdown

India's GDP growth fell to a six-year low of 5%

Former PM Manmohan Singh attacked the Modi govt saying the slowdown was because of man-made disasters

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed a press conference to talk about the growing concerns over the economic health. Asked if the Centre acknowledges the fall of GDP figures, job losses as an economic slowdown, Sitharaman skirted the question and engaged in an argument with reporters.

On Sunday, asked about the slowdown, Nirmala Sitharaman replied saying, "The government has been in consultation with a lot of sectors. In some sectors the inventory is piling up. We have heard them and announcements were made on August 23. Last Friday also we made some announcements."

On Friday, Sitharaman announced the biggest merger of nationalised banks and reduced the number of state-owned banks from 27 to 12.

Asked about former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement on Sunday morning that the ongoing slowdown in the Indian economy is a result of man-made disasters caused by the Modi government, Sitharaman once again refused to react to his statement.

"Is Dr Manmohan Singh saying that instead of indulging in political vendetta they should consult sane voices? Has he said that? All right, thank you, I will take his statement on it. That is my answer," said Sitharaman.

Visit More:-https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nirmala-sitharaman-comment-on-economic-slowdown-manmohan-singh-1594144-2019-09-01

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Assam BJP minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cries foul over final NRC list, demands reverification

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said he is unhappy with the final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief architect of BJP's recent growth in the Northeast and a proponent of NRC, said a number of people were included in the final NRC list because of "manipulation" of legacy data.

On one hand Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that a number of people made it to the final NRC list due to manipulation of data, while on the other hand he claimed that many Indians were excluded because authorities refused to accept refugee certificates as documents for the NRC exercise.

"Names of many Indian citizens who migrated from Bangladesh as refugees prior to 1971 have not been included in the NRC because authorities refused to accept refugee certificates. Many names got included because of manipulation of legacy data as alleged by many," Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Visit More:- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/assam-final-nrc-list-bjp-himanta-biswa-sarma-cries-foul-demands-reverification-1593829-2019-08-31

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TMC leaders on political tourism

West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday took a dig at the Trinamool Congress (TMC), saying their leaders were visiting the office of the saffron in New Delhi as part of "political tourism".

"Mamata Banerjee used to say that the BJP has built its party headquarters in New Delhi by spending Rs 700 crore. Now, TMC leaders are visiting BJP office regularly and joining the party. The TMC leaders have started political tourism," Ghosh said.

His comments came in the backdrop of several TMC MLAs and leaders joining the saffron camp.

Seven TMC MLAs have joined the BJP since results of Lok Sabha polls were announced.

Meanwhile, Ghosh met West Bengal Speaker Biman Banerjee and state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee, requesting to ensure that all BJP MLAs were allowed to sit together in the assembly.


Read More:-  https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tmc-leaders-on-political-tourism-west-bengal-bjp-chief-1592374-2019-08-28

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INX Media case: CBI confronts P Chidambaram with ex-Niti Aayog CEO Sindhushree Khullar

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday confronted the former finance minister P Chidambaram with former Niti Aayog CEO Sindhushree Khullar during their interrogation in connection with the INX Media money laundering case, sources said. The CBI, which got an extension of P Chidambaram’s custody till August 30, is expected to confront P Chidambaram with other two accused in connection with the case before his remands get over.

CBI summons Sindhushree Khullar on Tuesday

Sources have told India Today that Sindhushree Khullar, who was the additional secretary DEA during the 2004-08 period, was allegedly involved in the approvals of INX media case files. The confrontation is expected to continue on Tuesday, sources said.

CBI’s plan for the next 4 days

Till now, the CBI investigation has been focused on the FIPB approvals. The sources say that, in the coming four days, they will grill P Chidambaram over Karti Chidambaram’s shell companies, the alleged meeting with Indrani Mukerjea and his alleged role while granting FIPB approvals to INX Media Pvt Ltd.

Article Source:- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/inx-media-case-cbi-confronts-p-chidambaram-with-ex-niti-aayog-ceo-sindhushree-khullar-1591893-2019-08-26

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Former minister Arun Jaitley cremated with full state honours as family, politicians bid adieu

Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was cremated at the Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi with full state honours on Sunday. His cremation was attended by scores of leaders from across the political spectrum and his admirers.

The 66-year-old BJP leader passed away at the AIIMS in New Delhi on Saturday. Arun Jaitley was admitted to the AIIMS on August 9 and was treated by a multi-disciplinary team of senior doctors. His condition deteriorated on Friday night.

His last rites were performed by his son Rohan Jaitley.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, BJP veteran LK Advani, party president and Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, party's working president J P Nadda, Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani and Anurag Thakur; BJP MPs Vijay Goel and Vinay Sahasrabuddhe; Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kapil Sibal were among those present at the cremation ground.

Article Source:  https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/former-minister-arun-jaitley-cremated-with-full-state-honours-as-family-politicians-bid-adieu-1591424-2019-08-25

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NIA Bill passes in Lok Sabha, Amit Shah says Modi govt will never misuse law

The NIA (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday.

Congress opposed to the Bill saying it may be misused by the govt for political vendetta
Amit Shah said Modi govt will never misuse the NIA law.

Lok Sabha passed the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Monday after a heated debate between Home Minister Amit Shah and the Opposition.

The Bill amends the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008 that provides for a national-level agency to investigate and prosecute offences listed in the scheduled offences. Further, the Act allows for creation of Special Courts for the trial of scheduled offences.

The Bill seeks to allow the NIA to investigate the following offences in addition to human trafficking, offences related to counterfeit currency or bank notes, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.

Refuting Opposition claims over "misuse" of the NIA law, Amit Shah on Monday asserted that the Modi government will never misuse it on the basis of religion but ensure that terrorism is finished off irrespective of the religion of the accused.

In an intervention during a discussion in Lok Sabha on the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Shah also targeted the Congress-led UPA government for repealing the anti-terror act POTA, saying it was not done because of its alleged misuse but to "save its vote bank".

Visit More:-  https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nia-bill-passes-in-lok-sabha-amit-shah-1569438-2019-07-15

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Tietanic: England win World Cup 2019 after match and Super Over end in ties

ICC World Cup 2019: England triumphed in the end, not because New Zealand were less talented — both teams ended up equals, not once, but twice. First, in the regular game, then in the Super Over. But England had more boundaries than New Zealand — 26 to 17 — and they won.

Here is the simple match summary: New Zealand made 241, England equalled it. England then made 15 in the Super Over. New Zealand equalled it. England hit 26 boundaries. New Zealand couldn’t equal it. Game over.

Article Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket-world-cup/vs-new-zealand-england-win-maiden-world-cup-2019-after-match-and-super-over-end-in-ties-5829377/

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Fight world crushes Paulie Malignaggi after stunning loss to Artem Lobov at Bare Knuckle FC 6

Artem Lobov, a former UFC fighter, and Paulie Malignaggi, hyped up their Bare Knuckle FC 6 fight with a number of fiery press conferences and threats of severe bodily harm, which led to Saturday night’s event to being highly anticipated by lots of different fight fans.

In the end, the fight was a dud that ended with a big upset, as Lobov beat Malignaggi via unanimous decision.

Even more incredibly, there was no post-fight brawl between the two camps, which became heated rivals thanks to Conor McGregor, who famously trashed Malignaggi after sparring with him while training for his fight with Floyd Mayweather. Lobov and McGregor are good friends and somehow this fight became a real thing that happened.

Saturday night’s event in Florida might not have ended the way many tuning in would have hoped, but fans, media and other fighters were still in impressed with what Lobov pulled off:

Article Source:  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/06/bare-knuckle-boxing-paulie-malignaggi-loses-to-artem-lobos-fans-react

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India vs Pakistan Highlights, World Cup 2019: India Crush Pakistan To Make It 7 In A Row

Rohit Sharma's century and fifties from KL Rahul and Virat Kohli helped India beat Pakistan by 89 runs (DLS method) in Manchester on Sunday. Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav and Vijay Shankar picked up two wickets apiece to ensure India finish on the right side of the results. 

With this, India add one more win to their unbeaten track record against their arch-rivals in World Cup. Pakistan's chase got off to a sluggish start as they were reduced to 38 for one in 10 overs in reply to India's 336 for five -- a total that featured Rohit Sharma's 140 and captain Virat Kohli's 77. 

Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman added over 100 runs for the second wicket and kept Pakistan in the hunt. But they fell in quick succession and after that no Pakistani batsmen create impact in the game which resulted in their side losing the match by huge margin.

 Earlier, India paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar limped off four balls into the fifth over with a hamstring injury that a team spokesman said had ruled him out of the rest of the match. But World Cup debutant Vijay Shankar, brought on to complete the over, struck first ball when he had Imam-ul-Haq lbw for seven to leave Pakistan 13 for one. In the first innings, Kohli became the quickest player to 11,000 one-day international runs, getting there in 222nd innings as compared to compatriot Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 276 innings. Pakistan left-arm quick Mohammad Amir was his side's only threat with three for 47 despite two early warnings for running on the pitch.

Article Source:  https://sports.ndtv.com/world-cup-2019/india-vs-pakistan-live-cricket-score-match-updates-2054069

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More Than 3 Lakh People Evacuated As Cyclone Vayu Set To Hit Gujarat

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that authorities have evacuated about 3.1 lakh people living in the low-lying areas and the NDRF has positioned 52 teams for rescue and relief operations. The latest weather report said that Cyclone Vayu, which turned into a "very severe cyclonic storm", has changed its course slightly and would now hit Gujarat coast anywhere between Veraval in the south and Dwarka in the west.

"Gujarat has evacuated about 3 lakh people and Diu has evacuated over 10,000 people from low-lying areas to safer places...(the) MHA is in continuous touch with state govts/UT and central agencies. The NDRF has pre-positioned 52 teams equipped with boats, tree-cutters, telecom equipments etc," Amit Shah tweeted. The home minister said cyclone Vayu is expected to cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Union Territory Diu and he "prays for the safety of the people".

A total of "36 NDRF team have been deployed, 11 more teams are ready," Additional Chief Secretary of Gujarat Revenue Department Pankaj Kumar told news agency ANI. He said nine SDRF teams, 14 companies of SRP and 300 marine commandos have also been deployed.

"Nine helicopters have been placed at strategic points, and 10,000 tourists have also been shifted," he added.


Article Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/more-than-1-lakh-evacuated-as-cyclone-vayu-set-to-hit-gujarat-2052227

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Yuvraj Singh – A timeline of one of India’s finest players

NEW DELHI: A remarkable cricketing career came to an end when Yuvraj Singh brought the curtain down on his international career on Monday.

There were many ups and downs during his international career which spanned 17 years. Yuvraj took 148 international wickets and scored 11,778 runs in 404 matches in which he represented India.

Here is a look at the timeline of Yuvraj’s career right from the very beginning to the point where he called it a day.

1997 - Makes his first class debut in for Punjab against Orissa during the 1997/98 season, was dismissed for a duck in his first innings.

2000- Yuvraj does well for India at the 2000 U-19 World Cup, which India went on to win in Sri Lanka. Yuvraj was named the player of the tournament for his all-round performance.

2000- The Chandigarh born left-hander is selected for India and makes his debut against Kenya. In his first knock, goes on to score 84 against Australia in Nairobi.

2002 -Helps India beat England in the final of the Natwest series. Chasing 326 in the final at Lord’s, Yuvraj came to crease with India struggling and went on make 69 as India won by two wickets.

2003 - Was crucial part of the India team that went on to reach the final of the 2003 cricket World Cup. He made his Test debut later that year against New Zealand in Mohali.

2003 - Becomes only the second Indian after great Sachin Tendulkar to play for Yorkshire in English County circuit.

2004 - Yuvraj scores his first Test century (129) against Pakistan in Lahore in a losing cause. India went on to win the next Test and the series 2-1.

2007 - Yuvraj is made the vice-captain of the India team for the inaugural World T20 in South Africa. He clobbered Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over at Kingsmead, Durban, making fastest ever fifty in any format of the game (12 balls). Plays a superb innings against Australia (70) in the semis.

2008 – Named captain of the Kings XI Punjab as the IPL begins for the very first time. Yuvraj went on to play for six different franchises

2011 - Player of the tournament as India go on to lift the 2011 cricket World Cup held in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Yuvraj scored more than 300 runs and took 15 wickets in the quadrennial event. Won four man-of-the-match awards during the course of the tournament.

2011/12 - Diagnosed with cancer and receives treatment in USA. In March 2012 he is discharged after completing treatment. Picked for India after for 2012 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

2017 - Plays his last game for India against West Indies in Antigua.

2019 - Plays his last first class game for Punjab scoring an aggregate of 13 runs in the match.


Article Source: https://www.livemint.com/sports/cricket-news/yuvraj-singh-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-1560154843201.html

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ICC World Cup 2019: India Beat Australia in ICC Crick World cup

LONDON: India opener Shikhar Dhawan could not field after sustaining a thumb injury while batting during India's World Cup game against Australia on Sunday.

Dhawan was hit on his left thumb by a delivery from Nathan Coulter-Nile and needed medical attention. hysiotherapist Patrick Farhart would check on him during breaks as he continued manfully, getting to 117
off 109 balls.

With his finger taped, as a precautionary measure, he didn't take field during the Australian innings.


It was Ravindra Jadeja who took field instead.


Dhawan's good run in ICC tournaments continued as his stylish hundred formed the cornerstone of a
fantastic batting display that powered India to a commanding 352 for five.



Visit More:- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-cricket-world-cup-2019

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Tradition Meets tech: PM Modi goes Digital to offer Pooja at Guruvayur Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Thrissur, Kerala and offered prayers at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur. Many are terming PM Modi's visit to the temple as a blend of technology and tradition as he made a digital transaction to pay for the rituals.

According to sources, PM Modi paid an amount of Rs 39,421 for Saturday's ceremonies in advance.

PM Modi has been urging the entire nation to use digital payments solutions and ditch cash transactions as it is hassle-free and leaves no scope for black money transactions.

Since demonetisation, there has been a gradual increase in the number of digital transactions in the country and almost all business and non-profits use digital payments. Now, even temples and other religious places accept pooja donations and charity via digital payments.

This is a positive development for millions of temple-goers who are required to stand in serpentine queues, often missing their chance to offer pooja. Introducing digital payment solutions to book pooja slots has made the entire process significantly convenient.

Netizens were quick to highlight the fact that the PM had paid the amount for the pooja using digital payments at the 5000-year-old Guruvayur temple.

PM Modi offered prayers at the famed Sri Krishna Temple after landing near Guruvayur at around 9:50 am. He reached Guruvayur in a special helicopter from Kochi Naval Airport.

After an hour-long 'darshan' at the temple, the prime minister addressed a party meeting Abhinandan Sabha being organised by the BJP Kerala State committee.

This will be his first public meeting after assuming the PM's post for a second term.

Later in the day, PM Modi is expected to leave for visits Maldives today where he will be will jointly inaugurating two defence-related projects - a coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF).

Article Source:  https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tradition-meets-tech-pm-modi-goes-digital-to-offer-pooja-at-guruvayur-temple-1544818-2019-06-08

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First Meeting of New Union Cabinet likely Friday Evening

The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet is likely to be held Friday evening, official sources said.

They said as of now there is no fixed agenda. The possible date of convening the Parliament session could be decided, they added.

The newly-elected Lok Sabha members have to be administered oath.

In the coming days, the prime minister would also decide on the various cabinet committees such as Cabinet Committee on Security, Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs and Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs.


Visit More:- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/first-meeting-of-new-union-cabinet-likely-friday-evening-1539056-2019-05-31

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Virat Kohli Among Early Voters On Polling Day In Delhi, Gurgaon

Over 22 lakh voters will decide the fate of 24 candidates as Gurgaon, along with nine other Lok Sabha constituencies in Haryana, vote today in the sixth phase of the national election

GURGAON: Cricketer Virat Kohli was among the early voters who turned up at a polling booth in Gurgaon this morning. In a t-shirt, the cricketer was seen standing in a long queue waiting for his turn to vote.

He did not speak to anyone as he walked out after casting his vote, though he signed some autographs after some fans requested him for it.

Before he left, a polling booth volunteer asked him if he could stand behind a cutout installed at the booth for a voter awareness programme for a photo, which he agreed. The cricketer then showed his inked finger as fans took his photos and selfies with him.

Over 22 lakh voters will decide the fate of 24 candidates as Gurgaon, along with nine other Lok Sabha constituencies in Haryana, vote today in the sixth phase of the national election.

Visti More:-  https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2019-virat-kohli-takes-his-place-in-long-queue-to-vote-early-in-gurgaon-2036367

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Mamata Banerjee's Latest Jab At BJP Involves Z Plus Security And Cash Boxes

KOLKATA: Reopening the debate over the box unloaded at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's helipad at Chitragupta, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday claimed BJP leaders with Z Plus security were evading scrutiny and entering the state with boxes of cash.
"Yesterday, a BJP candidate was caught with crores of rupees," Ms Banerjee said, referring to the midnight drama in which Rs. 1,13,895 was seized from Bharati Ghosh's car, the BJP candidate from Ghatal.

"Today, too, I have heard many BJP leaders with Z plus, Y plus, BJP plus security, are using their security status to go about with boxes full of cash in police cars," Ms. Banerjee said at a public rally at Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas district.

"Just before the elections, they are giving anti-socials cash to capture booths and give the poor food and drink for a day or two. Is this an election?" she said.

Referring to the Model Code of Conduct which authorizes election officers or media to take photos, she said, "Why is no press or EC photographer allowed in where the PM is? One day, one picture of one a box came out. Who knows how many such boxes are being brought to Bengal by BJP leaders?"

After the furor over the box whisked out of the prime minister's helicopter on 9 April in Karnataka, clarifications were reported about how security equipment was being transported in the box.

"You can't do elections with boxes in Bengal. We will catch the leader who has gone even today to different places to distribute money. I say, stay awake at night and catch people distributing cash. The moment campaigning ends, they start handing out cash through the night. Today campaigning ends. But since yesterday, cars full of cash are going around," she said.

Dilip Ghosh, the state BJP chief said the "law will take its own course" in this matter. BJP's National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya supported Bharati Ghosh, a former police officer in the matter. "We stand by Bharati Ghosh. She is being framed by the Trinamool. The allegations are false," he said.

Another BJP leader, who requested anonymity, said Ms. Banerjee has offered no evidence to shore up her claims.

Blog Source:  https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2019-mamata-banerjees-latest-jab-at-bjp-involves-z-plus-security-and-cash-boxes-2036004

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Robert Mueller delivers final report to the attorney general, marking the end of the Trump-Russia investigation

Robert Mueller is officially done.

The special counsel submitted his long-awaited final report to Attorney General William Barr on Friday afternoon, marking the end of his historic investigation into Russian election interference and possible collusion with President Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Almost two years and dozens of indictments later, Mueller’s confidential report sets the stage for one of the most momentous occasions in U.S. political history, as lawmakers await Barr to summarize the special counsel’s findings and turn them over to Congress.

In a letter to top members of the House and Senate judiciary committees, the Trump-picked attorney general said he will consult with Mueller and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein before giving an initial briefing to lawmakers.

Barr also reiterated his pledge to provide “as much transparency as possible," including making Mueller’s findings publicly available while still adhering to classification and national security protocols.

[More Politics] Gov. Cuomo condemns ‘cancer’ of hate crimes amid wave of anti-Semitic attacks in New York »

“I am reviewing the report and anticipate that I may be in a position to advise you of the Special Counsel’s principal conclusions as soon as this weekend,” Barr said in the letter, which was addressed to House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), House Judiciary Ranking Member Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).

But a Democratic judiciary aide didn’t buy Barr’s pledge of transparency.

“It’ll likely be some worthless, handpicked summary,” the aide told the Daily News of Barr’s upcoming briefing. “We’ll have to force them to do the right thing.”

[More Politics] Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says God may have put Trump on Earth to save Jews — just like the Bible’s Queen Esther »

The exact manner in which Barr’s summary will be handed over to Congress remains unknown, and the attorney general has near absolute purview of what parts of Mueller’s findings will — and won’t — be released. Barr can choose to not release certain details out of national security concerns.

As mandated by Justice Department regulations, Barr affirmed in his letter that neither he nor any other Justice Department officials overruled any charging decisions made by Mueller, meaning the public has seen all the indictments that came out of the investigation.

Jack Sharman, a former prosecutor who served as a special counsel for the congressional investigation that resulted in President Bill Clinton’s impeachment, said the only instance he could envision in which Barr or anyone else would have overruled a charging decision would be if it involved the President.

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“I think it would have to have been some type of extraordinary circumstance like that for the attorney general to intervene,” Sharman said, noting that sitting presidents can’t be indicted under longstanding Justice Department policy.

Democratic leadership demanded complete transparency in light of the conclusion of Mueller’s probe.

“It is imperative for Mr. Barr to make the full report public and provide its underlying documentation and findings to Congress,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (C-Calif.) said in a statement. “Barr must not give President Trump, his lawyers or his staff any ‘sneak preview’ of Special Counsel Mueller’s findings or evidence.”

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Rudy Giuliani and Jay Sekulow, the personal lawyers to Trump in Mueller’s investigation, issued a muted statement saying they’re “pleased” the inquiry is over and trust Barr will “determine the appropriate next steps.”

Earlier in the day, Giuliani told The News that waiting on the Mueller report had been like “waiting for a baby to be born.”

With Mueller’s report tightly under wraps, it’s anyone’s guess whether it answers the most explosive questions of his mandate: Did the President or his campaign coordinate with Russian government operatives to disparage Hillary Clinton’s campaign and sway the 2016 election in his favor? Additionally, did Trump at any point obstruct the various investigations into his campaign, including by firing FBI Director James Comey in May 2017 while he was overseeing the bureau’s early inquiry into the President?

It also remains unclear what federal prosecutors would be able to do if there is evidence of criminal conduct on Trump’s part, considering the policy of not charging presidents.

However, Congress could launch impeachment proceedings if lawmakers consider Mueller’s findings troubling enough. Additionally, it has been widely speculated that federal prosecutors in New York may indict Trump once he leaves office over his involvement in an illegal pre-2016 election scheme to pay off women who say they had sex with the President over a decade ago.

Several congressional committees, including Nadler’s judiciary panel, continue to investigate Trump’s Russia ties and possible abuses of power.

Mueller’s probe, which began shortly after Comey’s axing, resulted in guilty pleas from and indictments against 37 people and entities, including Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, his longtime confidant, Roger Stone, and his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn.

Article source:- https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-expect-mueller-indictments-trump-20190322-p2knqajphfdsnaievsaufc23pm-story.html

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